Quick stop for a blatant plug fellas:
http://www.vrsimulations.com/tacpack.htm


Cody put together a really nice video of the TacPack on some incredibly short notice, so we hope you enjoy it.

That's incredible. It's what FSX has been crying out for. This could be so much fun even if it's just the eventual generic add-on to third party planes. FSX will never be the same again !!

That is just awesome!!

This looks amazing!
So what does one need to run this? (my apologies, I'm new around here and have never owned FSX)
Presumably I'll need a copy of the latest flight simulator X, and this is a downloaded ad-on?
Does FSX require several "mods" to run something like this?

Thanks in advance

I'm curious as well...

F A N T A S T I C !!!!

How accurate is the avionics weapons systems, radar mode, and launch weapons such as submode AGM65, Aim9, Aim120 etc. ...???

Saw that first plane explode and went 'Oh S**t!'

This is awesome. Might actually buy FSX now.

Just a normal copy of FSX patched to SP2 and (for now) their SuperHornet to which you add this pack on to make the weapons system live.

The weapons system and destruction is a separate program but integrated specific to the SuperHornet to look like it's a full combat sim etc. In the future they will make a generic add-on to arm any or most combat planes you have whether they made it or not. So your Typhoon for example would be able to do the same thing but the weapons system may not be exactly as it is on the real plane but enough fire at planes/ground just the same.

Does it come with missions or a campaign?

I am installing FSX Gold tonight to get ready for this.

Weapons:

Single and multi-player operation.
Initially released specifically for the VRS Superbug, with third-party aircraft support to follow in later releases.
Lethal (to both aircraft and simobjects) weapons simulation for all the current systems carried by the VRS Superbug, with all associated avionic displays:

M-61A1 20mm Gatling Gun
AIM-9X “Sidewinder”
AIM-9M “Sidewinder”
AIM-7 “Sparrow”
AIM-120 AMRAAM
AGM-65E “Laser Maverick”
AGM-84D “Harpoon”
AGM-84H SLAM-ER
AGM-154A JTOW
AGM-88C HARM
GBU-10 “Paveway II”
GBU-12 (singles or pairs)
GBU-31 JDAM

Realistic weapon ranges and maneuvering performance (dependent on engagement geometry).
As with the classic Superbug, any one of thousands of combinations of ordinance can be loaded, and the weight and drag of the weapon is simulated on the airframe and removed after launch.
Weapons are positioned on and fire from individual stations, not a generic aircraft centroid.
All systems work in FREE FLIGHT and do not require scripted missions.
Destructable objects include ships, aircraft, ground vehicles and sim-object structures. If it's a simobject, you can lock it up and kill it.

ACMI:

ACMI recorder for FSX, readable by Vyrtuoz's TacView
Can record flights in any aircraft, and records all aircraft present (AI and MP) in the simulation.
Minimal FPS impact.
Facilitates after-action debriefing/training.
Tanker:

Call aerial tankers through a simple menu interface (similar to AI Carriers).
Can use any aircraft loadable in FSX as a tanker.
Select tanker orbit type.
Dynamically adjustable tanker altitude and speed.
IFF:

MP compatible IFF system to facilitate division into "teams".

Coming in Phase II:

Third-party aircraft drop-ins to allow BASIC integration with other aircraft.
SDK to allow ADVANCED integration with other aircraft.
Basic, aggressor and target drone AI (via in-flight menu system).
"Wingmen" (Formation flying partners).
VRS LSO/Greenie Board.
Much more...

Looks nice. Would there be any chance of this evolving into a true combat flight sim with a dynamic campaign?

Oh my God.

If these guys can get this at least to the "basic simulation realism" level like a Thirdwire sim, but with the ability for third party aircraft integration, then this will simple be the most important release in the last ten years of flightsim history.

Because FSX is graphically current, can run any kind of aircraft and helo, can model any place on the world, this would finally be the "Modular Combat Flight Sim Built Kit" that has been needed.

I would be surprised if the systems are half as hardcore as for example DCS A-10C, but that doesn't have to be. With the ton of available military AC for FSX... this could potentially mean any airborne campaign of the last 100 years modelled WITHIN THE SAME SIM.

Now the big question is, as singleplayer guy, what kind of AI targets can you generate or may be there in the future... and can they teach the AI aircraft to use these weapons?

This is just amazing. The potential of this add-on (with the included SDK) is mind boggling.

Unbelievable. Finally. Been wanting this to happen since the Microsoft Flight Simulator series started. Big step, guys. Pretty excited about this. A must buy for me. I don't have the Superbug, but here is a definate reason to buy it.
I've been looking for a good jet fighter sim. May hold off, and wait for this. I've wished that FSX could be my , one stop flight sim, that did everything. This is great news, and maybe you'll be able to expand it into World War Two aircraft, also.
I could never understand why no one was doing this, it seemed like such a natural progression for the sim. Anyway, terrific. May be my most eagerly awaited flight sim product, now.

We won't be restricted by map sizes as with other sims. Any simobject in the world is destructable and with the lovely FSX flight models this could create the most realistic combat sim ever. Long range missions into the Middle east, intercepting hi-jacked airliners, ship attacks etc etc. Hopefully we wil start to see some military land objcets being made like tanks etc.

F-111 mission to Libya for example. Take off RAF Lakenheath refuel mid way roll in to target. MMMM the possibilities.

Silly question...but apart from in multiplayer...does anything shoot back at you?

Chuffing 'ell - V v impressive!


(Visions now of that Calvin and Hobbes strip where he lines up his school in the gunsight of an F-4 Phantom and ripple fires everything off the rails...)

FSX + Photographic Sceneries + VRS TacPack + Mission editor= We have the ultimate combat flight simulator

I think these kind of projects need more support and advertising, it could change everything on FSX. Simulators take years to make and FSX already has the scenery ( the entire world) adding this addon plus a decent quick mission editor could make a huge difference and most importantly it is multiplayer compatible.
We could see a new community of players just flying FSX as combat flight simulator like in Lockon or Falcon.

I'd buy it if the make it easy to create missions.

In the video it shows a SAM being fired at you but not sure what can be done with the AI of other a/c in FSX other mission scripting which wouldn't provide the experience you we are after.

This post made me buy the superbug add on.

wow..Nothing has made me tempted to buy FSX, Every screen shot I have seen, I have always thought WOW, but its just a shame there is no ACM.. If this means I can play on-line and fight with, and against other people..I will buy it..the day its released..and start buying other aircraft too!!

Even if I can fight against the AI I will be happy

I now will have a reason to buy FSX Cant wait

Get the gold version. It comes bundled with the Acceleration add on.

Oh snap, I need the F-14D now!!!

hey guys I no idea about the MS stuff? So, heres what I got from a friend for free with the cd key and full disc set in the dvd cover box's.
So not pirated the guy just said it was to much for him so he gave it to me.
Games for windows, Microsoft Flight Simulator X gold edition, Is this all I need minus the superbug tacpac?
He also gave me the X-Plane 9, not sure exactly what that does.

Ah man the box is missing disc #1!

oh nice video too, but wheres the CMS? no flares poping out when the F-18 was locked on? no ECM?

Does the plane actually fly like it came from a hi-fidelity air combat sim ?

Or is it still limited by the inherent MSFS flight modelling ?

How good a value is the FS2004 version of the Superbug? I understand this tacpack will not be released for it, but meanwhile it would be cheaper and easier to get it for FS9. Otherwise I have to buy FSX, my local scenery, and Superbug FSX, also an additional HD which comes out at over 150USD in total.

So is the FS9 Superbug doing the same as the current FSX Superbug? But then I suppose FS9 does not have moving carriers...

I bought FSX buts its on the shelf.
This looks VERY nice but I really doubt it will ever be a true simulation of aerial combat, with intelligent AI engaging in combat and an on-going battlefield.
Good for practice and a button-pushers delight, but no challenge...not comparable to Lock-On, Falcon, IL2 etc etc.
FSX isn't really suitable for this and doesn't have the sort of optimisation you need to handle lots of active elements and fast moving viewpoints.
Happy to be proved wrong though!
Cheers,
Keith

I'm just glad to have another title to justify my Warthog.

same here!

X2, mines downloading now

I always knew the 'bug was among the best FSX addons period, but never really got much out of flying 'neutered' combat planes in FSX. This of course, is just a whole new level of awesome.

if it has great gun models too, there's no reason we can't get WWI/II dog-fighting. Theres some great vintage add-ons out there, begging for combat!

Just had a thought. Does the 'Copilot' feature in FSX (going from what I've read) allow for aircraft like the F15E FA-18F to be simulated in MP as dual seat aircraft?

Read about updates and changes here. Sounds like they're setting up for the TacPack

http://forums.vrsimulations.com/forums/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=5608

From VRS webpage

Major Changes and Additions:
Dozens of avionics changes based on recently obtained data and first-hand actual simulator time.
Complete fuel system rewrite.
Dedicated multiplayer model options (available via ACM preferences) which offer higher performance through LODs and now accurately reflect other player's loadouts.
Improved master caution logic.
Improved Autothrottle response and accuracy.
Improved Autopilot function, particularly RALT and BALT.
Rewritten radar backend will now display all simulated aircraft, including those in FSHost/SquawkBox/IVAO sessions and those created by FS Recorder.
YCAS rewritten to deal with the uncorrected oscillatory nature of FSX wind gusts. The YCAS controller is more responsive and significantly stronger.
Frame rate improvements in the external model (should help in SP when in an external view, and help greatly in MP).
VC gauge resolution increased.
Enhanced HUD appearance and more closely matched geometry.
Refined DDI appearance and higher resolution symbology, particularly in radar displays.
Introducing RapidRaster (WIP). A new map rendering technique (ACM settable) which will eventually allow streaming sectionals and SRTM data.

Hmmmm interesting....

Will this get caught in some kind of rip in the space time continuum and perhaps go back about... say... 50 or 60 years or so... ?

This looks totally awesome! Can't wait to see where this goes

cant wait..cant wait

Nice!
But......

It does look good on website but there are no proper OPFOR planes or working SAM sites.

Holy crap. This is what I've been waiting for. Very nice.

Yet....

There are OPFOR aircraft in the Capt Sim weapons add-on, though

Sorry, I know I did this before, but I just can't help it....

3 cheers for the Captain!




Flash

Please define "OPFOR". If by that you mean AI dogfighting aircraft, then the CS product clearly does NOT have that. The Tacpack has AI aggressors which can engage in BVR, MULTIPLAYER, AI tankers, and AI carriers. Neither Captainsim or VRS provides ANY aircraft that are capable of close-in, sustained dogfighting.

Edit: It might be more prudent for you to make comparisons after we ship.

Well of course the CS product is also a WIP, which they are developing according to feedback from their current release, but they have provided AI aircraft to shoot down in several areas of the world and from different eras.

Unless they are promoting blue on blue or shooting at civilians, I think those AI count as OPFOR because they are the enemy.
That they are not going to shoot back is indeed a shame, but is still not going to detract in any way from the enjoyment of finding and intercepting the target aircraft. FSX is after all developed as a civvy sim.
I've yet to be totally convinced by the AI aircraft in any combat sim, in any case.

I am mostly looking forward to the development of multiplayer combat and that can't be far away now (if it isn't already possible, that is - not tried it yet).

I do know, though, that I can make comment on how much I like what I actually have not simply what I am promised!

Because we all know the difference between the two.

Flash

EDIT: I don't recollect making, or actually see any comparisons in my post.

Before anyone goes out and buys everything you need to fly this thing, Be sure you don't buy the boxed version in Best Buy or another local software shop. VRS will not give you full support unless you buy it from them online. You will also apparently not be able to buy the pre order sale of Tac pac from them on thier site if you bought Super bug elsewhere. They are very adament about this. I made the mistake of buying it when I saw it at store not knowing there was a difference. Went on the website and tried to order Tacpac and will not even let me join in thier forums. Feel like the dirty cousin now and very turned off. They also have no support for MFS extration or Helios. Maybe DCS will come out with thier own stand alone Superhornet?

You seem to have a couple of misconceptions here.

1) Anyone regardless of where they purchased the Superbug is eligible to buy the Tacpack. You simply need to log into the store with your licenseID and password, the system will see that you own the product, and the Tacpack will be available as a purchase option. If you were to create a NEW store login (which is what I suspect you did), then the cart would have no idea who you are and wouldn't be able to tie you in for eligibility.

2) Boxed products sold at BestBuy, Walmart, etc, are retailing for $29.95 (already a 33% discount). On top of that, we make literally about $5/copy when all is said and done. For $5/copy we cannot afford to give tech support (and yes, we ARE adamant about that). It's simply not economically feasible. For this reason we offer a support option which can be purchased separately for $9.95. So if you buy the product for $29.95 + a $9.95 support option, for a total of $39.90, which still ends up being a savings of 22% over the online price. So if you do the math, I think you'll see you've actually made out quite well.

Thats why you have stopped allowing me to ask moderators questions about buying tac pac? I am not a marketing graduate and know nothing about why you only make $5.00 a copy from stores you have asked to sell your product but I do know I did not even know about superbug till I was in Microcenter buying a Warthog setup after being absent from sim markets for a while. You see if I would pay what I did for a hotas controller setup you really think I was trying to cheap out and save ten bucks on superbug? I saw the box on the shelf and I bought it and when I went on your support site I was treated rudely and told to basically go pound sand because I didn't buy it online. I have also seen you berate a person on your site because he downloaded FSUIIP for free, which it is said on your sim that it can be downloaded for free but will not be a complete version. So you should not pretend to protect the writer of FSUIIP if you are in fact telling peoplethat they can get it for free. Thats is hypocritical.

OK, well clearly you have some agenda other than an understanding of the facts, since you've already made 2 incorrect assertions without and acknowledgment of your own misinterpretation, and now your shifting to a completely different issues. This will be my last response to you.

THE COMPONENTS OF FSUIPC THAT WE USE IN THE SUPERBUG ARE COMPLETELY AND ENTIRELY AVAILABLE IN THE FREE VERSION. We require NOTHING in the payware version. We do not SELL FSUIPC, we do not get kickbacks from Pete Dowson, and we make if VERY CLEAR that FSUIPC is needed both in our system requirements and in the publicly accessible areas of our forums.

I have now seem multiple posts by you here on these forums which clearly indicate to me that you're simply looking for trouble more than actual answers. If there really is something you don't understand, then feel free to email our support.

What if he hasn't paid the $10USD for a product that you produced?

Charging extra for support on your own product just reeks of greed. If you're only getting $5 per box version why bother doing it at all? That's right, again, any penny you can get. If you're unwilling to offer support then label it so on the box so people know what they're buying - ie, this boxed version may have bugs or not work correctly on your system. If you want tech support it's $10 extra.

Any idea if the VRS products will be compatible with the forthcoming "Flight" software?

I do not presently own FSX, but am interested in getting a flight simulation package to just do some leisurely flying in a photorealistic environment. I would prefer not to spend money on these VRS prodcuts if none of them would be compatible with the new "Flight" package. I presently fly the Third Wire sims and IL2.

Does FSX come with HD quality maps for the entire United States, or, do you have to buy the high quality maps somewhere else?

Thanks,

Bob

Bob

Some of your questions on TacPack answered here

http://www.simhq.com/_air13/air_461b.html

Most of the cool HD maps are payware for FSX.

patiently waiting for spring 2011-re the release of this addon.
Jaeger

Nuff said.

I have been playing with the Super Bug at least once a week for a couple of months now and I am IN LOVE! I never played and civilian flight sim until I bought FSX to play Super Bug and I am simply amazed at how well done the Bug is. Imagine getting DCS A-10C level simulation in Jane's F/A-18. From what I understand the only thing I will miss is AI that can dogfight, otherwise it is the best of both worlds and then some.

For work of this quality, I would GLADLY have paid twice as much for this title. I hate to sound like a fanboi but, I am literally THAT impressed.

Thank you VRS for making such an outstanding product and breathing new life into my passion for flight sims.

Are you sure about that? Is the sim representation of the Statue of Liberty destructable? The Sears Tower? Yankee Stadium? Arc de Triomphe? London Bridge? Parliament? I suspect none of these things, nor other iconic landmarks are destructable with the TacPack add-on. That would surprise me.

Are they simobjects or scenery?

I would think what is intended would be objects with tactical significance.

I have one question: Is Super Bug DX 10 certified? Does it work perfectly with DX10 checked. That's the only way I use FSX. DX9 is not acceptable because of the steep frame rate drop vs. DX10.

Please, someone who owns Super Bug, tell me.

Come on, there has to be someone on this board from VRS. I can't ask my question on the VRS website because you have to register; to register you have to insert the purchase or license ID; to get the ID you have to open the package; once I open the package (I bought it at Best Buy this afternoon) I can't take it back. Best Buy doesn't accept opened software for refund. All I want to know is does Super Bug work with DX10 Preview checked? If the answer is yes, I will open the package and install; if the answer is no, I can take it back and get a refund. Money doesn't grow on trees. Thanks in advance.

I can test for you but what are you concerned about with DX10 and the superbug?

I want to know if Super Bug works with DX10 preview checked. Or does it show up as a white skin like other add-on planes that are not DX10 compatible. If you check DX10 preview, don't forget to exit the game after checking the box, then go back in/restart the game. Otherwise DX10 won't be set. Thanks.

I'm seeing a lot of enthusiasm with the VRS products... I'm very happy to see this, cause this mean that a lot of things could change in the FSX world.
I'd admit that FSX is not my favourite sim, cause it make me feel without anything to do. OK OK you should fly from here to there, with real weather but then? Misions in FSX make more sense to things in my way and if you do this online much better!
Now we could have a sim where you can choose to be a civil pilot flying out there for airline or just for fun, or to be a military flying for patrol or to blow up something... amazing!
I hope the VRS guys could realy make a SDK Toold to get all the military models we have at their standard.
WoW!

Okay, SuperBug DOES work with DX10. I found out for myself. It looks terrific. But man oh man, why does it have to be quite so complex?

Hey... you guys are making me wish about this.
I must resist and learning the naval operations with the T45 and then with the accelleration hornet (modified with last optimizations).

Question! On the forum's home page, the pic for the "review" has the a/c "Ready for inspection" with ladder down etc. How is that done? Can't fine a"key" for that!!!

I'll have to check again. IIRC it's the ctrl-E + 1,2,3,4 etc.

You can fly it like any other 'Lite' aircraft. For example ctrl-E to start engines etc. If you want the full use of the aircraft..

I never had any desire to play a sim that modeled systems to such a level but, while I am waiting for TacPac, I am having a BLAST figuring all of it out. I actually LIKE the cold start routine for the SBug. I have been playing F4 since the first day it was available and I avoided the cold start in that sim like the plague.

CTL + E +1,23,4 does nothing for me!

ctrl e then press 1
ctrl e then press 2
etc
etc

Works for me

What does each (ctl e 1 or 2, etc) do?

Is there no release date yet? Sorry if it's the wrong place to post. But I read varmints response from April which is below from the vrs forum. My only issue is that working the "old fashioned way" shouldn't include taking payments before it's ready "If" you're not planning to share a timeline. Maybe cliffs over Dover left a bad impression seeing how they managed it the same (different dev team I know...). Is it just me who feels this way?

Re: Release Date
by VRS Varmint » Fri Apr 22, 2011 4:07 pm
When it's finished folks, when it's finished. We don't have schedules and managers peering over our shoulders carrying budget projections here. We work the old fashioned way - until we're done. The Tacpack should be released before the beginning of summer (Northern hemisphere) which unless I'm mistaken is still "spring". If we go over a little, we go over. The last thing you want is for us to rush it, so have a little patience and we'll send you an email the day it's released.

It's actually SHIFT+E to open the canopy, and SHIFT+E + 2 to lower the ladder.

Well to be honest yes, if you pre paid I would like to know where things are at and I don't think it's unreasonable to expect that. In this case, I haven't prepaid as i haven't got around to it but I have no doubts it will be released, and will be awesome.

VRS FA18E FS9

Do you guys know where i can fined a boxed copy of FS 2004 version, i just cant seem to find
thanks

There you go. ;D

http://www.amazon.ca/Microsoft-Flight-Si...2760&sr=8-1

thanks staggolee, i was actually looking for VRS F/A-18E SuperHornet, looked there didnt see it something tells me you cant get it boxed for FS9 anymore, i can download it but hate not having the box for it

Any news about the TacPack yet?

Damn, I totally misread your post.. thought you were looking for a boxed copy of FS 2004.
Sorry!

No probs thanks for trying to help though

Gunslinger, you do know that TACPAK is only for FSX, right? I'm just thinking that you might be looking for the FS9 version of the airplane because of TACPAK. Hate to see you spend your money and be disappointed. The VRS F-18 isn't cheap.

i have the fsx version but doesnt run that great for me so i was looking for fs9 just runs smoother for me,
but im not having any luck