Jet Thunder

[Guest Chaz]

A combat flight sim based on the Falklands War. Check out the website for video and pictures: http://www.thunder-works.com/

6 flyable aircraft:

# McDonnel Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (Argentine A-4B, A-4C and carrier-based A-4Q)
# AMD Mirage IIIEA (and israeli-built Mirage export model IAI Nesher/Dagger)
# FMA IA-58 Pucará
# BAe Sea Harrier FRS.1
# BAe Harrier Gr.3
# AMD Super Etendard

Some info from the FAQ: http://www.thunder-works.com/faq.htm

Will this simulation be based on "super lift flaps" or other cheats to fake V/STOL operations?

No 'cheats'. The featured Harriers will have correct modelling of the RR-Pegasus engine, with the vectoring limits (0 to 98 degrees vectoring in the 4 nozzles, with correct rotation speed of the nozzles and thrust-weight ratio) and the reaction system that kicks in at the slow speeds where the normal control surfaces are useless.

What are the multiplayer aspects?

It will be server based, with (hopefully) support to Hyperlobby , and at least 16 players at once. Dogfight, COOP and Online Campaigns together against AI-based foes are available.

With the dynamic Campaign, will there be a career mode for the player including ranks and medals?
There'll be a career mode starting as a rookie pilot, advancing the career up to a squadron commander. Medals and Promotions will be featured and these will be saved to the personal pilot's log together with statistics, kill ratio and other data.

There will be carrier operations?
Yes, with the McDonnel Douglas A-4Q Skyhawk onboard the argentine carrier ARA 25 de Mayo. And for the british side, onboard the HMS Invincible and HMS Hermes, with short take-off runs through deck ramps to maximize fuel and weapons load, and vertical landings on the deck.

There will be air-to-air refuelling?
Yes, indeed air-to-air refuelling should be present because it was needed for the long range flights from the continent to the islands. The Lockheed KC-130 Hercules of the Fuerza Aerea Argentina was used as refueller in these missions. We're aware that the long-range "Black Buck" operations flew by the british were also heavily based in air-to-air refuelling.

[Guest Chaz]

From Aerosoft (the publisher): http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?showtopic=39766

Because Jet Thunder: Falklands/Malvinas Conflict is a large and complex project it will be release in three 'stages' where each stage builds upon the feedback from customers and adds more features. The first two products will be digital download only, while the last (and final) version will be available in download and worldwide in boxed form. Splitting the project in stages also will enable us to gradually increase the complexity of systems and introduce this generation of jets to customers who have never flown combat flight simulators.

The first release (Jet Thunder: Royal Air Force Harrier) will include the full Falklands/Malvinas islands as a backdrop for the missions flown with the Royal Air Force 1(F) Squadron's Harrier. Starting from the HMS Hermes the user will have battle the Argentinean fighters in support of the Fleet Air Arm Sea Harriers, defend the British ships from attack, prepare the landing operations and provide close air support for the Royal Marines and Paratroopers. The Harrier is expertly modeled and fully operational. From a 'cold and dark' start, all the way to shut down the systems are as they are in the real aircraft. As far as we know this will be the first time full VTOL procedures will be realistically possible in a simulator. Release is scheduled for late 2010, download only, at a of price ?20 (plus VAT when applicable).

In 2011 there will be additions that will add many more flyable aircraft, the Argentinean side, and finally the boxed/download version that combines it all.

[=VG= BLuDKLoT]

I'm still waiting on FighterOps!

http://www.fighterops.com/index.php?page=screenshots

[Guest Chaz]

double post

[Guest Chaz]

BLuDKLoT LAN_WROTE ...

I'm still waiting on FighterOps!

http://www.fighterops.com/index.php?page=screenshots

Lost cause. I've followed FO since 2005 with high hopes. Minimal updates... I think the last update was last year? And even their updates are just screenshots.... of the Nevada desert, buildings, and some basic 3d models. Not a single video has been released!

Finally Jet Thunder is on the Horizon, has a confirmed publisher, and looks like a December 2010 release!

[Guest Chaz]

Jet Thunder Update! http://www.forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?s=ec53463b6db71079792142353defc9c1&showtopic=41424&st=0&p=275285&#entry275285

(See link for full details and pics)

After some careful consideration we decided to change the release plan for Jet Thunder: Falklands/Malvinas a little bit. Though this means a bit of delay, the first release will be bigger then first planned.

Jet Thunder: Ground Attack
includes: BAe Harrier GR.3 and FMA IA-58 Pucara
Release January 2011, download only
price ?22.63 (?27.95)


Jet Thunder: Air Combat (add-on)
includes: BAe Sea Harrier and Mirage
Release June 2011, download only
Add-on, needs Jet Thunder: Ground Attack
price ?14.53 (?17.95)


Jet Thunder: Falklands/ Malvinas
Includes the A4B Skyhawk and Super Etendar + all the additional features of this simulation.
Full game, download and boxed
Release September 2011
Full price ?32.35 (?39.95) same for box and download
Update price ?14.53 (?17.95), update assumes both previous releases installed


The big change is of course that we added the Pucara to the initial release so you can fly a UK and an Argentinian aircraft. The Pucara is also special as it is turboprop aircraft with some rather nifty specifications. Although not ideal in a high threat environment, it's agile and easy to handle. A hoot to fly between the hills and mountains on the Falklands/Malvinas. We believe the new structure also provides a more balanced release.

[G.Kirkland]

Wow looks nice, dont think i would buy it tho, might :D

[Guest Chaz]

A few hi-res pics of the Harrier Gr.3 cockpit released a couple of weeks ago.

(Clickable 3D cockpit will be available too!)

[=VG= BLuDKLoT]

Wow that's pretty sick. Although the Stick looks like it's sitting on an Ant Hill. No good vids out yet eh? Might be worth a Search to see if there is anything....poof.

[Guest Chaz]

I haven't spotted any new videos. Was scheduled for a January release but that doesn't look to be happening.

Compare those screenshots with these real life Gr.3 photos. These guys ain't messin' around.