04.03.2009, 11:05
EDIT - 5/17/2009:
The Carrier Catapult mod is now merged with the Carrier Takeoff mod. The latest version of the Carrier Takeoff mod is available here:
viewtopic.php?t=6120
=============================================================
I've posted a beta Carrier Catapult mod here: [EDIT]
Inside the rar file is a folder named 'CarrierCatapult_b4'. Copy or extract this folder to the MODS folder in your IL-2 game folder.
The way it works (for now anyway) is that you release your chocks and taxi up to the start of the catapult track. When you're close, within about 10 meters or so, stop and put your chocks back in. If you're close enough when you put your chocks in, you'll get automatically moved into position on the catapult. Then power up, full flaps, etc. When you're ready, release chocks and the catapult will fire you off the end of the deck. Don't do any control movements til you're clear of the deck. Then raise gear, flaps, etc.
NOTES:
UPDATE: In version b4 the catapult adjusts its power based on total loaded weight of the aircraft. Adds optional CatapultBoost parameter for dogfight and single-player missions. Fixes problem where catapult did not work on USS Princeton and USS Belleau Wood.
In dogfight and single-player missions the mission builder can set the parameter 'CatapultBoost 1' in the [Mods] section of mission file. This will increase the power of the catapult by approximately 30 knots. This gives you roughly the same results as you would have in a carrier moving at 30 knots in a co-op mission.
The catapult should work on the CVL's, CVE's, Essex/Intrepid (both catapults), Illustrious, and the Graf Zeppelin (both catapults). From what I could see, none of the Japanese carriers in the game have catapults.
The AI don't know about the catapults yet, so they still take off the old-fashioned way. I'll try to teach them to use the catapult in the next CarrierTakeoff mod release.
Also when I do the next BombbayDoors/Hotkeys version I may use some other key than the Chocks key to lock and launch the catapult. One problem with using the Chocks key is that once you've locked yourself into the catapult, there's no way out other than launching. You can't just power back, release your chocks and taxi away. Another issue is that you have to be careful where you park after landing. If you stop too near the catapult and put your chocks in, you'll get snapped over to the catapult track.
Many thanks to the guys at Air Group 51 for testing this out over the past several weeks!
Fireball
The Carrier Catapult mod is now merged with the Carrier Takeoff mod. The latest version of the Carrier Takeoff mod is available here:
viewtopic.php?t=6120
=============================================================
I've posted a beta Carrier Catapult mod here: [EDIT]
Inside the rar file is a folder named 'CarrierCatapult_b4'. Copy or extract this folder to the MODS folder in your IL-2 game folder.
The way it works (for now anyway) is that you release your chocks and taxi up to the start of the catapult track. When you're close, within about 10 meters or so, stop and put your chocks back in. If you're close enough when you put your chocks in, you'll get automatically moved into position on the catapult. Then power up, full flaps, etc. When you're ready, release chocks and the catapult will fire you off the end of the deck. Don't do any control movements til you're clear of the deck. Then raise gear, flaps, etc.
NOTES:
UPDATE: In version b4 the catapult adjusts its power based on total loaded weight of the aircraft. Adds optional CatapultBoost parameter for dogfight and single-player missions. Fixes problem where catapult did not work on USS Princeton and USS Belleau Wood.
In dogfight and single-player missions the mission builder can set the parameter 'CatapultBoost 1' in the [Mods] section of mission file. This will increase the power of the catapult by approximately 30 knots. This gives you roughly the same results as you would have in a carrier moving at 30 knots in a co-op mission.
The catapult should work on the CVL's, CVE's, Essex/Intrepid (both catapults), Illustrious, and the Graf Zeppelin (both catapults). From what I could see, none of the Japanese carriers in the game have catapults.
The AI don't know about the catapults yet, so they still take off the old-fashioned way. I'll try to teach them to use the catapult in the next CarrierTakeoff mod release.
Also when I do the next BombbayDoors/Hotkeys version I may use some other key than the Chocks key to lock and launch the catapult. One problem with using the Chocks key is that once you've locked yourself into the catapult, there's no way out other than launching. You can't just power back, release your chocks and taxi away. Another issue is that you have to be careful where you park after landing. If you stop too near the catapult and put your chocks in, you'll get snapped over to the catapult track.
Many thanks to the guys at Air Group 51 for testing this out over the past several weeks!
Fireball