bbosen - 2022-06-12

Recently Linux Air Combat has been upgraded to version 8.66, 8.67, and 8.69 (all with identical features but different install techniques). Players are now given the option to enable more advanced, more realistic flight characteristics accompanied by better sound effects and more lethal, more realistic cannons and machine guns. Furthermore, "BLAKE'S MISSION" has been completed and promoted from "beta test" to "production" status, focusing on pure air-to-air dogfighting and eliminating distractions associated with anti-aircraft guns or airfield status.

Here are two recent YouTube video clips showing the results. You'll be able to see and hear the improvements as the illustrated players hurl their aircraft all over the skies in glorious, deadly pursuit of one another. Attentive observers will notice improvements in sound effects, throttle response, maneuverability, climbs, stalls, and blackouts.

Link 1 of 2: Hurricane vs. P38 https://youtu.be/IWmL_evmABQ
Link 2 of 2: A6M2 "Zero" versus P38 https://youtu.be/Q5WOKCmnF98

Compare these video clips with those from a couple of years back. Opposing aircraft now fly much smoother. Aircraft slow down with greater realism at the crest of vertical loops, and as they slow down, their maneuverability diminishes realistically, to the point where they sometimes struggle to maintain control, shuddering at the edge of a stall and barely able to respond to controls. It's the other way around at the bottom of vertical loops: speeds and wind noises increase, turns widen, and controls get "heavier" as inertia overcomes maneuverability.

 

Last edit: bbosen 2022-06-15