v 2.66 6 February 1997
v1.5 Press release
Corrected description of radar bug
Various tidying up of HTML
v 2.65 31 January 1997
New altitude record
Good book guide
v2.64b 23 January 1997
Latest patch Hermonat Random Mission Generator tool (now v1.4)
Beta stutter patch disappears
Some of SSI move to Microsoft
Link to Rafale's WWW page
New DOS-only floppy version v1.1
Various (lots of) minor alterations.
Yeah, the GIF's gone.
v2.63 2 December 1996
v2.62a 26 November 1996
How to link up over the Internet with Kahn (updated 14Dec96)
Minor revisions
v2.61b 18 November 1996
1. Why is the FAQ so disorganised?
2. The manual mentions "x" but I can't get it to work.
3. Which version are we up to?
4. What is the upgrade policy for owners of v1.0?
5. Is ECM broken?
6. I cannot get the lock key (TAB) to work.
7. Missiles don't fire.
8. There is no six o'clock view.
9. How do I get the HUD to show knots and feet?
10. It is jerky even on a P133.
11. I can't get Kh-29 air-to-ground missiles to lock on no matter what I do.
12. I get disorientated in padlock mode.
13. The Kh-31 antiradar missiles don't lock on.
14. How do I get computer controlled planes to launch more than one bomb or missile at a surface target?
15. Missile performance (range) doesn't match the specs in the manual.
16. I always miss with the R77.
17. I can't sink the ships with the antiship missiles.
18. I can't find the enemy planes with my radar.
19. How do I padlock a runway?
20. The keyboard card is wrong.
21. How do I dump fuel / refuel?
22. How do I get the airshow SU27 into one of my missions?
23. How do I do the Cobra? The K key doesn't work.
24. I have created my own mission, but I can't start it.
25. Where can I get more missions to fly?
26. What are all the new views?
27. How do I get my Thrustmaster kit to work? And MS Sidewinder 3D?
28. My wingman doesn't follow me on take-off.
29. How do I set my throttle to idle?
30. Can I fly GAI missions?
31. How do I find out more about fighter tactics?
32. How do I go H2H?
33. What are the remaining bugs in v1.1?
34. The TRK files I download don't work!
35. What are the Su27 sim performance records?
36. What exactly do the wingman commands do?
37. How do I beat the AI?
38. What Flanker accessories do I need?
39. The tilde key doesn't work
40. How should I adjusr alt/az of the radar in BVR mode?
41. How do I set a different mission start time?
42. How do I change sides?
43. How do I become a beta tester for v2.0?
44. How do I get it to run full screen under Win95?
45. How do I avoid the SAMs and other missiles?
46. How do I declassify missions?
47. How can I get the game to run without the CD?
48. Why don't I get a launch cue for my freefall bombs?
49. Are there any tools to help me make new missions?
50. The R27te only locks on at visual ranges.
51. Why can't I edit any missions?
Why is the FAQ so disorganised?
Tempus fugit. Ars longa, vita brevis. Why, do you want do it?
2. The manual mentions "x" but I can't get it to work.
It seems certain features were planned but didn't make it into v1.0. They are mostly present in v1.1 (and some extras too). There are still some omissions - e.g. full range of weather, resource control.
3. Which version are we up to?
The latest version is v1.1.
If you bought v1.0 Win95 and want v1.1 DOS you will have to trade in your CD to get it: see below.
Although some members of Eagle/SSI have moved to Microsoft to work on their new combat sim, do not fear for the future of Flanker as the Eagle Dynamics team is now three times its previous size. Developments continue apace.
OEM Special version su27 Flanker
There will shortly be an OEM version of Su27 ( I suppose a cut-down freebie giveaway). This will only allow you to fly the supplied missions. You will not be able to use the mission editor, or to fly missions found on Websites or generated by utility software. Go out and buy the full product!
4. What is the upgrade policy for owners of v1.0?
Patch files are available on BBS / Compuserve etc. You can the v1.1 patch for the Win95 version from:
ftp://ftp.selfware.com/PUBLIC/website/su27/Patches/su27v11.exe
(American version)
http://ccue.wlv.ac.uk:8080/~in1053/patch11.zip
(European version)
The only differences between the American and European versions are the picture shown in transition between flight planner and mission, and the support numbers.
Patch files also appear in SSI's Forum on Compuserve (GO SSIFORUM), and on their WWW site www.ssionline.com.
Don't forget to delete your old SU27.INI file before running v1.1 for the first time - copies in both your Su27 and WINDOWS directories.
However these will only upgrade the Win95 version, not give you the DOS version as well. For this you will need a new CD.
From the USA send $15 and your old CD to:
Su27 Upgrade
675 Almanor Ave Suite 201
Sunnyvale
Ca 94086-2901
In the UK phone 01444 246333 for information - the current deal seems to be to send your old CD and a cheque for GBP5 to:
MINDSCAPE (TECHNICAL SUPPORT)
PRIORITY HOUSE
CHARLES AVENUE
MALTINGS PARK
BURGESS HILL
WEST SUSSEX
RH15 9TO
In the rest of Europe phone +44 444 246333 (which is of course the UK number).
v2.0 will be a new product, not an upgrade or patch. You will have to buy it.
No. The ECM light was broken in v1.0, now fixed.
Sorbitsya ECM pods are automatic and switch themselves on and off. This means you have 4 levels of ECM:
Not even the last combination is going to save you 15km away from an S300 site. The above was determined by careful testing in controlled conditions against 3 SAM types.
Some example ranges of engagement:
TARGET: inbound Su-27 at 2000m altitude, 1120km/h.
A) S-300PMU SAM system.
Range of engagement (SAM launch) No ECM / No Sorbtsiya: 69.0km Sorbtsiya but no ECM: 54.1km ECM / No Sorbtsiya: 62.1km ECM and Sorbtsiya: 45.5km
B) KUB SAM system
Range of engagement (SAM launch) No ECM / No Sorbtsiya: 24.4km Sorbtsiya but no ECM: 17.9km ECM / No Sorbtsiya: 20.0km ECM and Sorbtsiya: 14.7km
6. I cannot get the lock key (TAB) to work.
You have to hold it down, sometimes for up to a second. This is deliberate, realistic modelling of the performance of the WCS, not a bug.
They seem to "stick to the rails" sometimes, don't they? This is because they take a couple of seconds to arm when selected - that realism thing again. Wait, or hold down the fire button a bit longer.
8. There is no six o'clock view.
We are told that this is because the real Su27 has no 6 o'clock view. Fair enough, although this is disputed! v1.04 onwards extended the view angles 30 degrees further aft, but only if you are pulling less than 6g.
9. How do I get the HUD to show knots and feet?
You can't. That realism thing again. The preferences option only affects measurements in map mode. The HUD and instruments always show meters and km/h. Note that the HUD shows true airspeed (TAS), the dial shows indicated airspeed (IAS).
10. It is jerky even on a P133.
This is now officially called "the stutter". For a long time SSI were unclear what users were complaining about - at first Win95 took the flak and then the myth arose that it was unique to Pentiums. Neither of these is true. It took a visit to my house by Jim Mackonochie and Steve Whittle to realise what was going on - once identified, they realised the problem had been present on their machines all along. The stutter is subtle on 486s, and as the game was developed and optimised for such machines by the Moscow programmers, it was overlooked. It is due to an interaction between the graphics and flight maths routines. It is more noticeable/intrusive the faster the machine, and some players seem psychologically unbothered by it. It was identified too late to be fixed for v1.1 but SSI are hard at work on a further patch.
The first beta of the stutter patch (Win95 only) was released in the last week of October. Sadly it is no longer available - it was a BETA, SSI have received their feedback and now you need to wait until the official free v1.2 patch.
My initial impressions of reports on the beta patch are:
1. It does not eliminate the stutter, merely improves / minimises
it.
2. Users of P133 and below have in general been very pleased with
the results.
3. Some P166 users and above report only a modest improvement.
4. Unfortunately some users report that it has introduced long
pauses into H2H play.
Let's hope SSI can go even one better.
The Flanker stutter needs to be clearly distinguished from a Win95 "freeze" that occurs on a far more intermittent basis - a pause lasting 0.25-0.5 seconds but occuring just once in a while. This freeze is also seen in other Win95 games such as Warbirds, Indycar 2 etc. The problem seems to stem from the Transport Handlers built into the W95 networking API.
The freeze only affects the Win95 version and only if you have a Network Interface Card plugged in.
To try to get rid of this AT YOUR OWN RISK if you have no more than a stand-alone PC with a modem, or a PC+modem on a Windows Network, do the following:
Go Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Network
Delete all protocols (recognised by the icon like a plug hanging
from a piece of wire) EXCEPT
IPX/SPX compatible Protocol -> [your network card]
TCP/IP -> Dial-up Adapter
Don't do this on your work PC or you may end yourself up in a whole load of trouble. If you're not sure you know what you are doing, ask a guru to help.
A different solution is to set up alternative Win95 boot-up configurations, one with a Network card and one without.
11. I can't get Kh-29 air-to-ground missiles to lock on no matter what I do.
Kh29s do NOT lock onto a radar image. They are optical. Use the radar mode 4 (zemlya) to find the target, then turn the radar OFF and move the round circle with the dot on it, which represents your missile seeker's line- of-sight, to the target either by maneuvering the aircraft or with the direction keys. The MFD shows you what the missile is looking at. When you see the target in the centre of the MFD, lock on with Tab, and away you go.
12. I get disorientated in padlock mode.
That little mini-HUD that you see in padlock mode is always orientated so that it is at the side of the screen closest to the nose of your plane. Basically, you need to roll so that it is at the bottom of the screen and then pull up on your joystick.
13. The Kh-31 antiradar missiles don't lock on.
We are told that contrary to what is says on the manual, the Kh31 can only lock onto a fire-control radar, i.e. they DO lock on but only to a radar that has already locked you up (and therefore expect a SAM already on the way). From a sufficient distance they are therefore useful. Close to, you will probably die. Suitable strategy is to fly into range of SAM. Have your radar off. As soon as you are locked up, lock onto the SAM and fire. Then immediately go fully defensive - chuck chaff / flares, break turn, get low, split-S, get lower still, and repeat as necessary (actually the real trick is to get the SAM behind your 3-9 line and throw countermeasures)
You cannot lock onto EWR or search radars. This is said to be realistic, but has been disputed.
Put more than one target waypoint onto the target in the flight plan. This still is insufficient to get a simultaneous multiple launch e.g. at a ship, where it is most needed to break through anti-air defences. The plane will fire, pause, reorientate, fire again etc.
15. Missile performance (range) doesn't match the specs in the manual.
The specs in the manual are the manufacturers' maximum performance figures. A sales pitch. No missile ever performs up to these levels in actual combat. The maximum ranges in the sim are probably reasonably realistic, perhaps a bit pessimistic. The ranges were upped slightly in the v1.1 patch.
16. I always miss with the R77.
This missile's own radar only goes active 15km from the target. Until it is that close (you have to guesstimate this yourself) it requires guidance from your radar i.e. you have to keep the target locked up until then.
Assuming the target doesn't maneuver, you can guesstimate using the following formula:
TTL = Time to missile lock-on (count seconds until this period has expired before switching to a second target)
TOF = Total missile time of flight (you must memorize the time of flight number shown at launch time on the HUD)
DT = Total distance the missile will travel. This is tricky to estimate since the target is moving. If it's coming toward you, a very conservative estimate is the range to target at launch time.
TTL = TOF * (DT - 15)/DT
Pretty tough to calculate on the fly, eh? :^) When launching at maximum range at a target that is not running from you (if it was, you probably wouldn't be in a hurry to get two missiles in the air anyway), the rule of thumb I use is to count down half the time of flight I see when I launch (remember this number is no longer valid after you launch). It works for me.
17. I can't sink the ships with the antiship missiles.
Have you watched the ships in action as your missiles approach? They undertake active defence with SAM and AAA. You have to swamp or surprise the defences.
18. I can't find the enemy planes with my radar.
Radar is modeled moderately well in this sim. Low flying incoming small bogies are especially hard to lock up. But don't bother trying to make sure that your radar is pointing in the right direction - there is a bug concerning scan zone movement. Friendly AWACS and EWR obviously help as their information is uploaded to your Su27 by datalink.
Bogies suffer an unfair advantage over you. They detect you by extra-sensory perception, not by using their radars or EOS. However they do not seem to be able to detect your radar lockon, either.
19. How do I padlock a runway?
You have to be in NAV mode NOC or BO3B. Then look at the runway and push * as usual.
20. The keyboard card is wrong.
Yup - fixed in v1.1. E is active jamming. A is autopilot. Ctrl-E is eject. S cancels accelerated time. And Ctrl-H does something weird to the palette.
21. How do I dump fuel / refuel?
The L key dumps fuel whilst you are in the air, and refuels you whilst you are on the ground. But it is realistic - it does so in real-time, i.e. slowly. It takes about five minutes to refuel to 90% from empty. Ctrl-A will accelerate this process, but meanwhile ......
22. How do I get the airshow SU27 into one of my missions?
Classify the mission as type "Training" using Flankers with Sortie type "Nothing".
23. How do I do the Cobra? The K key doesn't work.
You are going too fast. Try flying level at 450km/h, then push K. See? A prize for anyone successfully using this in combat, as in "I'll pop the brakes and he'll fly right by". (Hint: you are in the wrong sim. Probably the wrong universe. Please close the door as you leave.)
24. I have created my own mission, but I can't start it.
(i) You have to save it first before you can start it.
(ii) To fly yourself in the mission make sure that you have one Flanker designated as "Me". You can only do this on a flight leader of "your" side.
(iii) If you have assigned a start time after the default to "Me" you will have to watch the "prequel" unfold before you automatically jump into your plane at the designated time. See also Q41.
25. Where can I get more missions to fly?
Check out the unofficial Su27 home page on WWW: http://ccue.wlv.ac.uk:8080/~in1053/Flanker/su27.html or its mirror http://nwlink.com/~mikej/su27.html
Also try Eric Joiner's http://www.gttweb.com/SU27/index.html, Kenn Wightwick's http://www.OntheNet.com.au/~kennw/62home.htm and Rafale's http://www.mygale.org/10/cbonnet
Michael Barnes and Scott Morgan have created rules for waging a campaign by e-mail at http://www.OntheNet.com.au/~kennw/62ladder.htm
SSI have also come out with an updated mission suite, SU27_MIS.ZIP in the Modern Combat section of FSCOMBAT on Compuserve, and on the above WWW sites.
It is strongly recommended that you join the
flanker e-mail list. There are about 20-30 posts a day dealing
with tactics, flight experiences, new patches, and interaction
with the programmers themselves. To join, simply send an e-mail
containing the text-line
subscribe flanker to majordomo@wlv.ac.uk
Majordomo is an automated mailing list server, not a human. You will receive full instructions as to how to post to and unsubscribe from the list. Save them somewhere safe! Please note that once you have subscribed you will immediately start to receive e-mails which at first glance seem to be written to you personally from complete strangers. These are of course the postings to the list, and they can be distinguished by the Header "To: flanker@wlv.ac.uk".
If you want to help make third-party support utilities for Flanker,
you can join the su27tech mailing list: send an e-mail containing
the text-line
subscribe su27tech to majordomo@wlv.ac.uk
For live chat there is irc: #flanker-o-club on DalNet - point your favourite irc program any DalNet server, e.g. cin.dal.net. Find out more about irc and DalNet at http://www.dal.net.
Finally, there is HMASP (Higher Military Aviation School for Pilots), the Russian equivalent of Top Gun. You will find further details at http://nwlink.com/~mikej/HMASP/hmasp.html. A new mission to fly against the clock every weekend, submit your TRK file and have your performance scored against everyone else. Are you the world's best virtual Flanker pilot? Or the worst?. (24AUG96: after a long pause, it looks as if HMASP is up and running again)
26. What are all the new views?
Left shift plus a view key will cycle only through enemy aircraft / objects. Right shift plus a view key cycles only through friendlies. Ctrl-shift-Fkey is an allowed combination, to cycle backwards.
Right Ctrl key accelerates object panning / rotating with keyboard arrow keys twofold.
Select a plane with F2 or F5, then the F9 key will switch to dogfighting view - cycles through a view from the original plane towards other planes within visual range (6km?). You can use Rshift and Lshift F9 as described above to choose friends and foes.
Tilde ~ key now allows you to switch visual padlock between multiple planes in your current field of view, so long as you have not locked them up and you are in a close air combat mode.
* key allows you to visually padlock ground target. Whilst in ground attack mode, put the circular target designator in the HUD onto the target and lock using *. This is the CCIP marker with appropriate munitions, otherwise it is the centre circle. The effect lasts about 2 minutes.
Keypad 0 allows you to quickly glance at instruments no matter where you are looking. Works only as long as key depressed. Absolutely invaluable for dogfighting.
The backspace key now duplicates the Caps Lock key - weapon selection.
27. How do I get my Thrustmaster kit to work?
Don't ask me! I use Suncom.
However, try the following. If you know better, tell me.
(i) Calibrate the joystick from Win95 control panel. DON'T choose Thrustmaster, select 3-axis, 2 or 4-button stick instead. (4-axis if you also have pedals.) Then select Thrustmaster from Su27 Preferences.
(ii) If you have ACM gamecard and Soundblaster there may be a conflict in game ports. Uninstall both, then reinstall first ACM then the Soundblaster.
(iii) Pick up your .M50 and .B50 files from Mike's WWW site http://nwlink.com/~mikej/tm.html
27b What about MS Sidewinder 3D?
Set it to emulate CH Pro mode. Calibrate first using Control Panel joystick - choose CH Flightstick Pro, then from Flanker. You should get all the bits working. If you tick rudders you will be able to use the stick twist for rudder control.
28. My wingman doesn't follow me on take-off.
If he sees you making anything less than a picture perfect take-off he aborts. It's too dangerous up there to follow a flight leader who doesn't know his stuff! Also, he doesn't want to slam into your tail. Pull back steadily on the stick, don't hesitate, don't let the nose drop. Don't pull too high an AoA before take-off velocity. Finally, if you are heavy with 100% fuel on board, you will need to light those burners.
29. How do I set my throttle to full idle?
Go to the joystick calibration screen in Su27. Close your throttle to minimum. Now notch it forward a bit, so that the blue ribbon is visible below the min RPM line. Now push the min RPM button. Repeat as necessary. You should now be able to throttle down to true ground idle. Note that by 'idle' I mean a setting of approximately 64%, not zero! Zero is 'off' not 'idle'. Once your engines are off (e.g. you run out of fuel) you will not be able to restart them even if you land and refuel.
Yes. Put yourself on a runway, first waypoint as take-off, mission type GAI. The mission will start without you. As soon as EWR picks up bogies or they approach within 10km of your airfield (visual pick-up) you leap into your plane on the runway.
31. How do I find out more about fighter tactics?
Join the flanker e-mail list (Q25)
Fighter Combat
Robert L. Shaw
Naval Institute Press
ISBN 0-87021-059-9, from http://www.books.com.
A serious book for a serious sim.
Other relevant books, list mostly thanks to phil@cs.weber.edu:
Sukhoi Su-27: Design and Development of Russia's Super Interceptor
Hans Halberstadt
ISBN: 0-87938-655-X
This book does not appear in the latest Zenith catalog, so I don't
know if you can get it anymore. This book is the only book I know
which covers the operation of the Su-27 to any degree. All other
books in this list mostly talk about the design and construction
of the aircraft.
Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker: Sukhoi Superfighter
Jon Lake
ISBN: 1 85532 152 1
This book also does not appear in the latest Zenith catalog.
Su-27 Flanker
Sergey Skrynnikov
ISBN: 962-361-710-0
OKB Sukhoi: A history of the Design Bureau and its aircraft
Vladimir Antonov, Yefim Gordon, Nikolai Gordyukov, Vladimir
Yakovlev, and Vyacheslav Zenkin with Lenox Carruth and Jay Miller
ISBN: 1 85780 0125
Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker
Jenkins & Miller
Sorry no ISBN for this book. This book is a mere 40pgs and contains
134 b/w and 8 color illustrations.
Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker: The most complete guide to Russia's Superfighter
Jon Lake
ISBN (Aerospace): 1 874023 53 0
ISBN (AIRtime): 1-880588-12-9
Since V2.0 is rumored to have a Mig-29 simulation as well as Su-27, here are the books I have which cover Mig. The next two books were available from Zenith, but I can't find them in the latest catalog.
Mig: Fifty years of secret aircraft design
R. A. Belyokov and J. Mamain
ISBN: 1-55750-566-7
This book has the best coverage of nearly all Mig-29s and its
variants including the Mig-29M.
OKB Mig: A history of the design Bureau and its aircraft
Piotr Butowski with Jay Miller
ISBN: 0 904597 80 6
This book is kind of weak when discussing either Mig-23/27 or
Mig-29. Lots and lots of coverage of Mig-21. There's practically
no info on the Mig-31.
Fulcrum: A Top Gun Pilot's Escape from the Soviet Empire
Alexander Zuyev with Malcolm McConnell
ISBN: 0-446-36498-3
Account of how Zuyev defected with a Mig-29. Fascinating account
of Soviet pilots life with sections describing flying of Mig-29.
If you are trying to connect a Win 95 and DOS machine H2H the Win 95 machine must always be master.
The following is taken directly from the O-Club page at the Unofficial Flanker WWW Site:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Configuring Dial-up Connections
Setting Up as the Host Machine
In order to install the Dial-up Server software, you must have the Plus Pack. If you do not install the Dial-Up Server software, you will still be able to play via dialup IPX but you must be the caller and your oponent must have the dial up server software running.
Dial Up Server from the Plus Pack
Configuring the Server
Setting Up IPX/SPX Compatible Protocol
Setting Up as the Client Machine
If you do not have the Windows 95 CD Rom of the Plus Pack, you will not be able to install the Dial Up Server software. To play Flanker via direct modem, you must setup a new dial up connection and use it to call someone who is running the Dial Up Server. You must also install the IPX/SPX protocol. The following steps will guide you through the entire process.
Creating a New Dial Up Connection
Install the IPX/SPX Compatible Protocol
You are now ready to dial up to your opponents computer. Simply double click on the new connection you made. (NOTE: Instead of making multiple connections for each person you end up calling, you can simply change the phone number at this stage when the Dial Up Networking window pops up) Once connected, run Flanker and select either Master or Slave and the correct channel number (whichever you and your oponent decided on in advance)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(iii) Trying to get TCP/IP working between 2 machines over dial-up connections to the Internet is a pretty hopeless task - anything but the fastest ping times lead to dropped connections.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(iv) Use Kahn95 or Kali95 to fly H2H over the Internet with opponents from all over the world!
You can fly Flanker head-to-head over the Internet with the help of neat little utilities called Kahn and Kali. They allow the IPX protocol to run over a dial-up Internet link. I will give details for the Win95 versions of Kahn and Su27. Although Kali is used more widely for gaming than Kahn, the creator of Kahn95 spent time optimising his utility for Flanker before Kali95, and Kahn is therefore currently more popular with Flanker pilots.
Synopsis
Detailed Instructions
33. What are the remaining bugs in v1.1?
Well here are a few - not a comprehensive list.
34. The TRK files I download don't work!
Ok - so you've downloaded some TRK files from a WWW site, written by master pilots, purporting to show how to win 1v6 dogfights, and yet all you see when you play them back is the Su27 ploughing into the ground. No, it's not a joke, or a bad download, it's progress! Files recorded with v1.0x are incompatible with v1.1.
SSI disclaim thus:
Old TRK files (those created in versions 1.0 through 1.05) are not supposed to perform identically on v1.1, since there were substantial changes in the AI, weapons systems and flight modelling (spin). However, some old TRKs MAY behave the same way on all versions of the Su-27 Flanker, if they do not touch the areas where the changes has been made.
35. What are the Su27 sim performance records?
To have any hope of getting near these, for the speed record set both air pressure and temperature to their respective allowed minimums in the Met section. For altitude, set pressure to minimum and temperature to maximum. Empty the cannon's magazine, dump all chaff and flares.
Altitude: phil@cs.weber.edu, 32820m
Speed: John Kawamura and Al Bergen, Mach 2.68
36. What exactly do the wingman commands do?
Mostly thanks to Al Bergen:
Some more notes:
The position of the wingmen responses on the top of the screen indicate which wingman is responding. if the response is in the left side of the screen it is coming from your #2 man, center from #3 man, left from #4 man (assuming you've got a flight of 4). When they break from formation this still applies.
When you give a command to the wingies it goes first to the farthest wingman (#4, if he has already been given a task or is unable to comply the command is received by the next wingie in line the #3 man, then #2 etc. (The human player is the #1 man or lead)
If your wingman or any aircraft reach their last waypoint and if that waypoint is not a landing waypoint, the aircraft will disappear.
Sankar writes:
Okay, here are a few things that might help someone to master the art of guns kill in Flanker: (You may already be aware of a few things listed below, but I'm just gonna state them anyway)
38. What Flanker accessories do I need?
39. The tilde key doesn't work
International keyboards vary. They key you need is at the top left, next to the 1 key.
40. How should I adjust alt/az of the radar in BVR mode?
Its broken. Although the alt and az of the radar can be changed, the radar will never detect a target which is more than 6000m vertical separation from your Su27. To find bogies at higher or lower altitudes you have to fly the plane to a new altitude.
41. How do I set a different mission start time?
You will have noticed that just changing your flight's take off time to e.g. 1800 doesn't quite work. The sim starts at 1200 and you have to wait 6 hours before your flight is ready to go. The correct solution is to go through the menus Flight -> Briefing -> Start Time.
You need to go through the menus Flight -> Briefing- > Change Sides
43. How do I become a beta tester for v2.0?
Too late! The annointed ones have been chosen.
44. How do I get it to run full screen under Win95?
The sim only runs at 640x480x256 mode. If you are running at higher
resolutions make sure that you have ticked
File -> Program Setup -> Preferences -> Other -> Autoswitch
For some display cards this will only work if you are running in 256 colours, for others it works from any colour depths. If it doesn't work for you, you will have to switch resolution yourself before starting Flanker. This can be made pretty painless by downloading the QuickRes add-in, to be found in the Win95 Powertoys on www.microsoft.com
If you have managed to get Su27 running full screen but it doesn't seem centred, you need to adjust the vertical and horizontal controls on your monitor. Your video card may have software that can do this for you.
Thanks to yoss@aracnet.com for this one:
Okay, here's a crash course on some of the SAM/AAA batteries in the sim, and the effective way to neutralize the threat. Whatever I explain below applies to a 1:1 type engagement (You against one S2A threat.) You figure out the rest :-)
Long-Range:
S-300. Absolutely lethal. Best tactic is to avoid being detected. Flying <10M will achieve this. This is one of the few SAMs that has a minimum effective range. Once you get inside this range, you can even dance and yet won't be harmed.
Requires at least two Kh-31p ARMs fired back-to-back to neutralize the radar site. You should be prepared well in advance for the shot, since you have a very small window to fire and run away. Align yourself for the kill, while being masked from the radar, hold _down_ on both the lock key (TAB) and the trigger, pop up, wait for the radar lock, and watch the ARMs scream towards the site. Most probably, there's already a missile on its way to greet you, so turn around, dive to the deck, and run like hell, while pumping C&F generously.
Medium-Range:
Kub/Buk/Tor. Lethal, if you don't know what you are doing. But, a lot easier to evade, than the S-300. Has no minimum range that I know of. But, has a ceiling limit of 6000m. Fly higher, and you won't be harmed.
Requires one Kh-31p to take the radar. Use the same tactics as in S-300 for the kill. But, the missile can be evaded just by beaming the radar site, and diving to the deck.
Short-Range:
Shilka/Tunguska. Shilka is a deadly AAA battery. If you find yourself being shot at, reach for the ejection handle, 'cuz you can't do much. Best way to avoid is to fly above 2000m.
Cannot be killed using Kh-31p. Best way to achieve a kill is by using the Kh-29 TV-guided missile. You could also use rockets.
NOTES:
General missile avoidance technique
Put the missile into your rear hemisphere and pump some chaff. This rarely fails. The missile seeker logic locks on the the closest target - so chaff and flares work for missiles coming from behind but not from in front.
46. How do I declassify missions?
I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.
However declassified versions of the original missions on the CD are to be found here
47. How can I get the game to run without the CD?
Can't be done. (well ....)
However, when networking using Win95, you don't need a copy of the CD in both computers. Just share the CDROM drive that contains the game across the network, and connect that drive to the other machine on which you wish to run Su27.
48. Why don't I get a launch cue for my freefall bombs?
The launch cue will only appear if you are within weapons parameters. If you look in the manual you will see that there are both altitude and velocity limits for each bomb. Particularly if you are too fast you will not get a launch cue.
49. Are there any tools to help me make new missions?
Michael Barnes and Scott Goad have produced a superb mission merging utility that will combine 2 missions together to produce a third. The main purpose of this is to make e-mail campaigns easier, but it also clearly has considerable potential e.g. in adding set defenses to a designed mission. You can find it at http://www.OntheNet.com.au/~kennw/62merging.html. Sadly it only runs under Windows.
Mark Hermonat has produced a DOS utility that generates random air-to-air missions, with 10-99 flights containing 1-4 aircraft each. This is utter mayhem - great fun! Latest version improves A2G tasking and escorts. A copy is at http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/redshift/rmgv140.zip
50. The R27te only locks on at visual ranges.
The infra-red guided R27te is supposed to be a medium-to-long range fire and forget missile (and thus extremely useful). However you may have noticed the following: you lock up an inbound bogie with a R27te, you keep him locked up as he flies within the max range marker (at around 40km) on the HUD, and yet you get no NP shoot cue. Only when he flies to within 10km does NP appear. The R27te thus seems no better than the R73. But wait! If instead once the bogie is within range you break the lock and reacquire - now the NP cue appears, you can launch and then bug out. Curiously, the shorter-legged R27t behaves itself properly and does not need this kludge. This must be a program bug and not a "feature" of the real Flanker.
51. Why can't I edit any missions?
You may well have obtained the OEM Special version of Su27 Flanker.
Disclaimer
The FAQ is compiled in good faith. I take no responsibility for any injuries sustained or regional conflicts ignited by following any of the suggestions therein.
Redshift
Please send all comments, corrections, additions to: 100255.262@compuserve.com