Mar 31, 2018
Update v0.0.8
VTOL VR - Paolo
Hello! It's time for another update.

This update includes a bunch of improvements and fixes to the editor, units, wingmen, and equipment.

You can now make a whole custom campaign with a series of missions, budget, unlocking weapons, etc. Just like the original 'The Island' campaign. There are a couple new enemy air units which can be placed in custom missions - a stealthy high speed fighter, and a VTOL/STOVL attack plane.

Triggers in the editor now work, which lets you fire events based on whether the player or a unit enters or exits a certain area.

Ships can now be commanded to move through event actions in the editor!
Landing on a moving carrier can be quite a challenge.

The player spawn can now be assigned to an air group, which is how you designate which planes are the player's wingman.
When you have wingmen, they communicate threats and their attacks with you, and can be ordered to attack your specific target through the communications MFD page.

There's also now a settings option to display the spectator cam (when you've turned it on through the MFD) on an external monitor.

There's alot more changes so be sure to check the full change log below!

Now that the editor has most of the features I needed, I'll move towards converting the original Island campaign to use it, and create more missions for it.

If you have created custom scenarios, please share them on the Steam forum under the proper sub-forum, or post them on the discord! Happy flying!

Here's an album of screenshots from the update:
https://imgur.com/a/iNH18

AV-42C - Set new lit shader to the rest of the cockpit labels F/A-26B - Fixed tooltips for light switches - Fixed hand pose bounds for light switches - Added softlock track icons to HUD Editor - Added Campaign Editor - Added "Protect Unit" objective - Added Trigger events - Added aicraft group option to Player Spawn to allow receiving radio messages from wingmen in custom scenarios - Added message in objective editor showing if certain required fields have not been configured - Added ability to target/reference sub-units for certain actions - Added TWR info when editing aircraft unit equipment - Added sea unit groups - Allow selecting a unit as a waypoint for triggers and certain mission objectives - Missions set as training mission now appear in training tab in-game - Added aicraft group option to Player Spawn to allow receiving radio messages from wingmen in custom scenarios - Added message in objective editor showing if certain required fields have not been configured - Fixed issues caused by deleting a unit that was in a unit group - Fixed issue caused by deleting a unit attached to a carrier - Fixed issue caused by deleting a carrier that was referenced by a landing event - Fixed issue when attempting to Save As with scenario that uses Editor Resources - Fixed broken Refuel objective type Units - Added ASF-58 fighter to enemy team - Added GAV-25 attack vtol to enemy team - Added AWACS to allied team - Added ability for ships to move - Added countermeasures to fuel tanker and AWACS - Added Anti-Ship missile to allied AI planes - Added anti-ship missiles to allied and enemy cruiser ships - Removed annoying sound when F/A-26 wingman is turning on/off afterburners - Updated Allied Carrier model - Improved AI VTOL handling - Fixed: Enemy infantry soldier unit jumping around map - Fixed AV-42C taxi collision avoidance and steering Equipment - Improved AGM-89 maneuverability - Adjusted anti-ship guidance to eliminate crashing when turning sharp corners and sea-skimming - Anti-ship guidance in evasive mode can now detect incoming missiles with radar and react - Fixed issue where AGM would auto-lock even when set to manual uncage on first shot AI - Improved landing procedures to be able to land on moving carriers (both arrested and VTOL) - Fixed: AI sometimes attempt to take off before taxiing to a runway General - Added scrollable list view for campaign selector - Added button to reset progress on a campaign in campaign selector - Added variations for wingman radio comms - Added more wingman radio messages - Added "Attack Target" command in MFD comms page - Added experimental wind option in game settings - Added radio comms volume knob to both vehicles - Added second-monitor option for spectator camera - Fixed issues with HUD brightness control on elements that show and hide - Fixed: Autopilot would sometimes disable unintentionally - Fixed planes sometimes getting stuck at the end of a catapult launch - Updated some of the custom missions to use the new features

Mar 31, 2018
Update v0.0.8
VTOL VR - Paolo
Hello! It's time for another update.

This update includes a bunch of improvements and fixes to the editor, units, wingmen, and equipment.

You can now make a whole custom campaign with a series of missions, budget, unlocking weapons, etc. Just like the original 'The Island' campaign. There are a couple new enemy air units which can be placed in custom missions - a stealthy high speed fighter, and a VTOL/STOVL attack plane.

Triggers in the editor now work, which lets you fire events based on whether the player or a unit enters or exits a certain area.

Ships can now be commanded to move through event actions in the editor!
Landing on a moving carrier can be quite a challenge.

The player spawn can now be assigned to an air group, which is how you designate which planes are the player's wingman.
When you have wingmen, they communicate threats and their attacks with you, and can be ordered to attack your specific target through the communications MFD page.

There's also now a settings option to display the spectator cam (when you've turned it on through the MFD) on an external monitor.

There's alot more changes so be sure to check the full change log below!

Now that the editor has most of the features I needed, I'll move towards converting the original Island campaign to use it, and create more missions for it.

If you have created custom scenarios, please share them on the Steam forum under the proper sub-forum, or post them on the discord! Happy flying!

Here's an album of screenshots from the update:
https://imgur.com/a/iNH18

AV-42C - Set new lit shader to the rest of the cockpit labels F/A-26B - Fixed tooltips for light switches - Fixed hand pose bounds for light switches - Added softlock track icons to HUD Editor - Added Campaign Editor - Added "Protect Unit" objective - Added Trigger events - Added aicraft group option to Player Spawn to allow receiving radio messages from wingmen in custom scenarios - Added message in objective editor showing if certain required fields have not been configured - Added ability to target/reference sub-units for certain actions - Added TWR info when editing aircraft unit equipment - Added sea unit groups - Allow selecting a unit as a waypoint for triggers and certain mission objectives - Missions set as training mission now appear in training tab in-game - Added aicraft group option to Player Spawn to allow receiving radio messages from wingmen in custom scenarios - Added message in objective editor showing if certain required fields have not been configured - Fixed issues caused by deleting a unit that was in a unit group - Fixed issue caused by deleting a unit attached to a carrier - Fixed issue caused by deleting a carrier that was referenced by a landing event - Fixed issue when attempting to Save As with scenario that uses Editor Resources - Fixed broken Refuel objective type Units - Added ASF-58 fighter to enemy team - Added GAV-25 attack vtol to enemy team - Added AWACS to allied team - Added ability for ships to move - Added countermeasures to fuel tanker and AWACS - Added Anti-Ship missile to allied AI planes - Added anti-ship missiles to allied and enemy cruiser ships - Removed annoying sound when F/A-26 wingman is turning on/off afterburners - Updated Allied Carrier model - Improved AI VTOL handling - Fixed: Enemy infantry soldier unit jumping around map - Fixed AV-42C taxi collision avoidance and steering Equipment - Improved AGM-89 maneuverability - Adjusted anti-ship guidance to eliminate crashing when turning sharp corners and sea-skimming - Anti-ship guidance in evasive mode can now detect incoming missiles with radar and react - Fixed issue where AGM would auto-lock even when set to manual uncage on first shot AI - Improved landing procedures to be able to land on moving carriers (both arrested and VTOL) - Fixed: AI sometimes attempt to take off before taxiing to a runway General - Added scrollable list view for campaign selector - Added button to reset progress on a campaign in campaign selector - Added variations for wingman radio comms - Added more wingman radio messages - Added "Attack Target" command in MFD comms page - Added experimental wind option in game settings - Added radio comms volume knob to both vehicles - Added second-monitor option for spectator camera - Fixed issues with HUD brightness control on elements that show and hide - Fixed: Autopilot would sometimes disable unintentionally - Fixed planes sometimes getting stuck at the end of a catapult launch - Updated some of the custom missions to use the new features

Feb 20, 2018
Hotfix v0.0.7.3
VTOL VR - Paolo
Here's another small batch of fixes to the editor and new fighter.

A lot of people had problems with the game shutting down when HMDs turn off from inactivity. I changed the editor scene so that VR will not be required, and it is safe to let the VR set shutoff or even quit SteamVR while in the editor. The VR system should automatically come back on when exiting the editor or launching the mission.

The flight model of the F/A-26B is something I'll continue to experiment with, but since it was very easy to fall into an unrecoverable spin, I made it a bit more stable and adjusted the flight assist to help prevent you from spinning out when rolling at high angle of attack. Please let me know what you think!

- Adjusted F/A-26B aero to increase roll rate and control under high AoA - Fixed: Game crashes when in editor and SteamVR shuts down (now safe to close SteamVR when in editor) - Fixed error causing black screen when save file has invalid data - Fixed missing equipment sometimes when re-arming in custom missions - Fixed issues when launching mission from editor with brand new save file - Fixed weapon configuration not saving when testing mission from editor - Running mission from editor without equip configuration now launches loading scene
Feb 20, 2018
Hotfix v0.0.7.3
VTOL VR - Paolo
Here's another small batch of fixes to the editor and new fighter.

A lot of people had problems with the game shutting down when HMDs turn off from inactivity. I changed the editor scene so that VR will not be required, and it is safe to let the VR set shutoff or even quit SteamVR while in the editor. The VR system should automatically come back on when exiting the editor or launching the mission.

The flight model of the F/A-26B is something I'll continue to experiment with, but since it was very easy to fall into an unrecoverable spin, I made it a bit more stable and adjusted the flight assist to help prevent you from spinning out when rolling at high angle of attack. Please let me know what you think!

- Adjusted F/A-26B aero to increase roll rate and control under high AoA - Fixed: Game crashes when in editor and SteamVR shuts down (now safe to close SteamVR when in editor) - Fixed error causing black screen when save file has invalid data - Fixed missing equipment sometimes when re-arming in custom missions - Fixed issues when launching mission from editor with brand new save file - Fixed weapon configuration not saving when testing mission from editor - Running mission from editor without equip configuration now launches loading scene
Feb 2, 2018
Hotfix v0.0.7.1 & 2
VTOL VR - Paolo
Hi everyone.
This patch is just a bunch of fixes for bugs reported since the Tuesday update. There is a new switch on the Flight Assist panel of the F/A-26B, labeled CATO TRIM. This can be enabled prior to a catapult takeoff to allow for a safe hands-off catapult launch with any payload weight.

Aside from various fixes, I've also begun applying some brightness adjustment for the cockpit instruments to help with night missions. I've only started on the AV-42C and have not finished, but I wanted to get these fixes out as soon as possible.

EDIT: Also Hotfix v0.0.7.2 which fixes the missing shaders for the new labels in the AV-42C.

A full list of changes are below:

v0.0.7.2 Fixes - Fixed missing cockpit labels shader for AV-42C

v0.0.7.1 Improvements - Added HUD brightness knob to vehicles - Added label backlight controls to A/V-42C - Improved F/A-26B flaps aerodynamics - Added catapult take-off autotrim switch for F/A-26B Changes - Adjusted F/A-26B engine specs Fixes - Fixed master arm label in F/A-26B equip MFD page - Fixed error in radar missile launcher when tracking a target that is destroyed - Fixed colliders on F/A-26B elevons that possible caused collisions on catapult launch - Fixed control surface twitching - Fixed parked AI planes being spawned in the wrong location in custom missions - Fixed fuel display issue when re-equipping drop tanks - Fixed AMRAAM dynamic launch zones - Fixed throttle thumbstick control on F/A-26B - Fixed screen fader issues (black screen) on scene changes - Fixed mid-air spawning in F/A-26B carrier landing practice - Fixed F/A-26B wing audio - Fixed probable cause for inability to rotate camera in editor after removing HMD - Fixed player sometimes falling a few feet when spawning on ground or carrier in custom scenarios - Fixed low poly model LODs showing when spectator cam is near distant unit - Fixed issue when launching a custom mission from editor after changing the player vehicle, but not saving - Fixed missing F/A-26B collision warnings
Feb 2, 2018
Hotfix v0.0.7.1 & 2
VTOL VR - Paolo
Hi everyone.
This patch is just a bunch of fixes for bugs reported since the Tuesday update. There is a new switch on the Flight Assist panel of the F/A-26B, labeled CATO TRIM. This can be enabled prior to a catapult takeoff to allow for a safe hands-off catapult launch with any payload weight.

Aside from various fixes, I've also begun applying some brightness adjustment for the cockpit instruments to help with night missions. I've only started on the AV-42C and have not finished, but I wanted to get these fixes out as soon as possible.

EDIT: Also Hotfix v0.0.7.2 which fixes the missing shaders for the new labels in the AV-42C.

A full list of changes are below:

v0.0.7.2 Fixes - Fixed missing cockpit labels shader for AV-42C

v0.0.7.1 Improvements - Added HUD brightness knob to vehicles - Added label backlight controls to A/V-42C - Improved F/A-26B flaps aerodynamics - Added catapult take-off autotrim switch for F/A-26B Changes - Adjusted F/A-26B engine specs Fixes - Fixed master arm label in F/A-26B equip MFD page - Fixed error in radar missile launcher when tracking a target that is destroyed - Fixed colliders on F/A-26B elevons that possible caused collisions on catapult launch - Fixed control surface twitching - Fixed parked AI planes being spawned in the wrong location in custom missions - Fixed fuel display issue when re-equipping drop tanks - Fixed AMRAAM dynamic launch zones - Fixed throttle thumbstick control on F/A-26B - Fixed screen fader issues (black screen) on scene changes - Fixed mid-air spawning in F/A-26B carrier landing practice - Fixed F/A-26B wing audio - Fixed probable cause for inability to rotate camera in editor after removing HMD - Fixed player sometimes falling a few feet when spawning on ground or carrier in custom scenarios - Fixed low poly model LODs showing when spectator cam is near distant unit - Fixed issue when launching a custom mission from editor after changing the player vehicle, but not saving - Fixed missing F/A-26B collision warnings
Jan 30, 2018
Update v0.0.7
VTOL VR - Paolo
This is a big update that includes access to the mission editor and a new vehicle, the F/A-26B. There are also a bunch of optimizations so the game runs smoother than ever before.

The mission editor is a work in progress, so it's missing some features, but you'll be able to create and share scenarios like those found in the Island campaign. You can place allied and enemy units in the air, sea or on the ground, set up paths and waypoints, configure objectives and events, and more. I will post more information in the discussion board. Over time, the editor will be improved and expanded. Please note that missions created in the current version of the editor may or may not be compatible with future updates. I've included a few example missions for the AV-42C and F/A-26B which you can play, edit, or use as a reference for creating your own.



The F/A-26B is a twin-engine carrier-capable fighter aircraft that can be equipped for air-superiority or attack roles. It has an internal 20mm rotary cannon and 10 external weapon hardpoints. It can also carry up to 3 external fuel tanks and a targeting pod. It features a new radar system used for detecting targets and locking on for firing medium range radar guided missiles. There isn't a campaign for it yet, but I've included a couple combat missions created in the mission editor.

Check out the release video.




Thank you to everyone playing VTOL VR, joining the discussion on Steam and Discord, and leaving reviews! Early access has been going great and I hope to continue to see all of you until full release day and beyond.
If you find any issues with the new features, please leave a message in the Steam discussion board or discord channel.

For the next update, I will continue to work on the editor, and improve the two flyable vehicles. I'll also be working on converting the current campaign missions to the new system -- they are still using old versions of the units that are less optimized -- and will return to working on new missions for the Island campaign.

Down the road, I'll be looking at ways to improve the map, and plan how to implement a map editor.

A full list of changes for this update are below:

Alpha v0.0.7 Improvements = Added VT Edit (custom mission editor) = Added F/A-26B Fighter/attack jet - Added CBU-97 cluster bomb - Improved optimization of missile and rocket launchers - Added target-look mode for spectator camera - Added external audio mode toggle for spectator camera - Improved autopilot nav and heading modes - Added shot lead cue for air-to-air missiles - Added new stationary SAM and radar units for enemy team - Added more realistic behavior and symbology to RWR - Added sound effects to bullet hits - Setup LODs for AV-42C AI unit - Updated enemy fighter model and weapons (ASF-33) Changes - Set fuel density, capacity, and drain rates to more realistic values - Engine tilt inputs are scaled - Increased altitude limit - Adjusted AV-42C rudder aero and flight assist PIDs - Changed RWR ping sound - Updated intro scene Fixes - Fixed engine audio suddenly getting louder instead of fading when opening doors - Fixed missing fog in TGP camera view - Fixed incorrect thumb control behavior on throttle for Vive controllers - Fixed issue when AI pilot is chasing a target that gets destroyed - Fixed weapon switching getting stuck on AGM in manual uncage mode - Fixed: Free locomotion wouldn't move in the correct direction sometimes - Fixed issues when attempting to fire multiple AGMs in manual uncage mode
Jan 30, 2018
Update v0.0.7
VTOL VR - Paolo
This is a big update that includes access to the mission editor and a new vehicle, the F/A-26B. There are also a bunch of optimizations so the game runs smoother than ever before.

The mission editor is a work in progress, so it's missing some features, but you'll be able to create and share scenarios like those found in the Island campaign. You can place allied and enemy units in the air, sea or on the ground, set up paths and waypoints, configure objectives and events, and more. I will post more information in the discussion board. Over time, the editor will be improved and expanded. Please note that missions created in the current version of the editor may or may not be compatible with future updates. I've included a few example missions for the AV-42C and F/A-26B which you can play, edit, or use as a reference for creating your own.



The F/A-26B is a twin-engine carrier-capable fighter aircraft that can be equipped for air-superiority or attack roles. It has an internal 20mm rotary cannon and 10 external weapon hardpoints. It can also carry up to 3 external fuel tanks and a targeting pod. It features a new radar system used for detecting targets and locking on for firing medium range radar guided missiles. There isn't a campaign for it yet, but I've included a couple combat missions created in the mission editor.

Check out the release video.




Thank you to everyone playing VTOL VR, joining the discussion on Steam and Discord, and leaving reviews! Early access has been going great and I hope to continue to see all of you until full release day and beyond.
If you find any issues with the new features, please leave a message in the Steam discussion board or discord channel.

For the next update, I will continue to work on the editor, and improve the two flyable vehicles. I'll also be working on converting the current campaign missions to the new system -- they are still using old versions of the units that are less optimized -- and will return to working on new missions for the Island campaign.

Down the road, I'll be looking at ways to improve the map, and plan how to implement a map editor.

A full list of changes for this update are below:

Alpha v0.0.7 Improvements = Added VT Edit (custom mission editor) = Added F/A-26B Fighter/attack jet - Added CBU-97 cluster bomb - Improved optimization of missile and rocket launchers - Added target-look mode for spectator camera - Added external audio mode toggle for spectator camera - Improved autopilot nav and heading modes - Added shot lead cue for air-to-air missiles - Added new stationary SAM and radar units for enemy team - Added more realistic behavior and symbology to RWR - Added sound effects to bullet hits - Setup LODs for AV-42C AI unit - Updated enemy fighter model and weapons (ASF-33) Changes - Set fuel density, capacity, and drain rates to more realistic values - Engine tilt inputs are scaled - Increased altitude limit - Adjusted AV-42C rudder aero and flight assist PIDs - Changed RWR ping sound - Updated intro scene Fixes - Fixed engine audio suddenly getting louder instead of fading when opening doors - Fixed missing fog in TGP camera view - Fixed incorrect thumb control behavior on throttle for Vive controllers - Fixed issue when AI pilot is chasing a target that gets destroyed - Fixed weapon switching getting stuck on AGM in manual uncage mode - Fixed: Free locomotion wouldn't move in the correct direction sometimes - Fixed issues when attempting to fire multiple AGMs in manual uncage mode
Dec 19, 2017
Update v0.0.6
VTOL VR - Paolo
Here's another mini update. This time you get a new toy: the M230 chain gun, which can be slaved to the targeter (and by extension, your head). The slaving mode must be enabled in the weapon's CONFIG menu, and is only available for use under a certain airspeed. The turret will be locked forward during high-speed forward flight.

There's a new feature for air-to-ground missiles. You can set them to "manual uncage" mode, which allows you to fire on targets without having to point your nose directly towards them. To use it, set the option in the weapon's CONFIG menu. To uncage the seeker and slave it to the TGP, hold down the trigger. It should automatically slew to the target point as long as it's within the missile's seeker range. Then to fire, press the weapon-switch button on the joystick while still holding the trigger.

The settings you select for weapons will now be saved between flights, so you won't have to keep configuring the weapon settings such as seeker modes and ripple rates.

As usual, there are a few key fixes and changes. The full list is below.

As for progress on the mission editor and new vehicle--I'm at the point where I can fly both the AV-42C and the F/A-26B in custom missions created in the editor. The editor just needs to have a few more features put in before its ready for you all to try. The fighter is all done externally, and about 80% done internally. The internals have a few new features that will likely also make it into the VTOL, such as two additional smaller MFDs to replace the RWR and fuel info hardware, which will allow for some more customization and more detailed information. I'll have some teaser videos up soon for that!

Until the major new features are ready, I'll continue to push smaller updates such as this if there are any major bugs to fix or small features.

Thanks everyone for your patience! Happy flying!

Alpha v0.0.6
Improvements
- Added M230 Chain Gun (with gimbal)
- Added manual uncage option for AGM-114, AGM-65, CAGM-6
- Equipment settings are now persistent between flights
- Added clear binding button
- Added binding axis test
- Improved AI pilot use of missiles, especially heat-seeking
- Improved AI pilot target prioritization and other combat behaviors
Changes
- Adjusted interior/exterior audio mixing
- Amplified audio sources that are exterior but attached to the vehicle
- Further reduced fog density
- Increased max locking range for targeter
- Added a far-distance LOD for city chunks
- Increased range of positions for spectator fly-by camera
- Removed Mach as global speed units option
- Mach number displayed in a separate HUD element
Fixes
- Fixed rebinding of rudder between multiple controllers
- Fixed certain missiles causing scraping damage to aircraft when being launched
- Fixed enemy soldiers were able to be loaded into passenger bay
- Fixed soldiers pausing when running
- Fixed pitch ladder sometimes becoming unaligned
- Fixed errors thrown by AI planes when map is being set up
Dec 19, 2017
Update v0.0.6
VTOL VR - Paolo
Here's another mini update. This time you get a new toy: the M230 chain gun, which can be slaved to the targeter (and by extension, your head). The slaving mode must be enabled in the weapon's CONFIG menu, and is only available for use under a certain airspeed. The turret will be locked forward during high-speed forward flight.

There's a new feature for air-to-ground missiles. You can set them to "manual uncage" mode, which allows you to fire on targets without having to point your nose directly towards them. To use it, set the option in the weapon's CONFIG menu. To uncage the seeker and slave it to the TGP, hold down the trigger. It should automatically slew to the target point as long as it's within the missile's seeker range. Then to fire, press the weapon-switch button on the joystick while still holding the trigger.

The settings you select for weapons will now be saved between flights, so you won't have to keep configuring the weapon settings such as seeker modes and ripple rates.

As usual, there are a few key fixes and changes. The full list is below.

As for progress on the mission editor and new vehicle--I'm at the point where I can fly both the AV-42C and the F/A-26B in custom missions created in the editor. The editor just needs to have a few more features put in before its ready for you all to try. The fighter is all done externally, and about 80% done internally. The internals have a few new features that will likely also make it into the VTOL, such as two additional smaller MFDs to replace the RWR and fuel info hardware, which will allow for some more customization and more detailed information. I'll have some teaser videos up soon for that!

Until the major new features are ready, I'll continue to push smaller updates such as this if there are any major bugs to fix or small features.

Thanks everyone for your patience! Happy flying!

Alpha v0.0.6
Improvements
- Added M230 Chain Gun (with gimbal)
- Added manual uncage option for AGM-114, AGM-65, CAGM-6
- Equipment settings are now persistent between flights
- Added clear binding button
- Added binding axis test
- Improved AI pilot use of missiles, especially heat-seeking
- Improved AI pilot target prioritization and other combat behaviors
Changes
- Adjusted interior/exterior audio mixing
- Amplified audio sources that are exterior but attached to the vehicle
- Further reduced fog density
- Increased max locking range for targeter
- Added a far-distance LOD for city chunks
- Increased range of positions for spectator fly-by camera
- Removed Mach as global speed units option
- Mach number displayed in a separate HUD element
Fixes
- Fixed rebinding of rudder between multiple controllers
- Fixed certain missiles causing scraping damage to aircraft when being launched
- Fixed enemy soldiers were able to be loaded into passenger bay
- Fixed soldiers pausing when running
- Fixed pitch ladder sometimes becoming unaligned
- Fixed errors thrown by AI planes when map is being set up
...