                            Su27 Unofficial FAQ

                           v2.66 6 February 1997

                           Contents  What's New

           I am not employed by SSI, Mindscape or Eagle Dynamics

 Well - OK - so far they have tried to bribe me with a mug, tee-shirt, free
  CD upgrade, flying jacket, gold enclosure ticket at Airshow etc etc. But
                                 trust me!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

 This FAQ is aimed at answering typical questions asked by someone starting
                          out with Su27 Flanker.
                 For more in-depth analysis, just ask here.

The FAQ has moved - the latest version can always be found via the INFOZONE
          at http://ccue.wlv.ac.uk:8080/~in1053/flanker/su27.html

        New URL: http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/redshift/su27faq.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

What's New

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

Flanker Special Edition

v2.62a 26 November 1996

How to link up over the Internet with Kahn (updated 14Dec96)
Minor revisions

v2.61b 18 November 1996

How to use the R-27te
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contents.

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.

   * v1.1 was formally rereleased and includes both DOS and Win95 versions
     on the same CD. The sim part of the DOS program is identical to the
     Win95 version, the mission planner is very similar but limited to
     640x480 resolution. The videos are not accessible from DOS. The
     framerate under DOS is a little better - this makes the stutter worse
     on many fast machines. v1.1 fixes the ECM light bug, improves
     framerate for ground attack, introduces mirrors, gives much better
     views including dogfight, selective friend/enemy views, instrument
     glance and ground padlock, increases rear visibility, increases RWR
     functionality, enables the Mig-31, enables screen size autoswitch,
     etc. etc. and fixes various bugs introduced during the patching
     process! WARNING: There is now also a floppy-only DOS-only version 1.1
     available. Check the box carefully before you buy!
   * v1.2 is due Feb 1997 and will be a free patch, fixing the stutter,
     improving the AI and who knows what else.
   * v1.5 has been announced with a target shipping date of April 1997, and
     will be a pay-for add-on product. The full press release describing
     features is here.
   * v2.0 is planned for autumn 1997, DOS and Win95. A few hints as to
     contents so far: 8-player networking, Mig29, texture-mapping via
     Direct3d, better sounds.

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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Is ECM broken?

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:

   * None
   * Sorbitsya only
   * Onboard ECM only
   * ECM and Sorbitsya

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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

7. Missiles don't fire.

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 "freeze"

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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

14. How do I get computer controlled planes to launch more than one bomb or
missile at a surface target?

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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

30. Can I fly GAI missions?

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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

32. How do I go H2H?

  1. Play on a LAN using the built-in IPX networking.
  2. Over a modem. For this you need the Win95 version and the Win95 Plus
     Pack's dial-up server. Use this to network together your 2 computers
     using IPX protocols, and then effectively you have a
     LAN-over-a-phone-line. This works very well.
  3. Don't bother trying Internet link-ups with TCP/IP
  4. If you want to fly over the Internet, use IPX and Kahn or Kali.

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

  1. Install the Plus Pack
  2. Make sure you checked the dial up adapter option on the plus pack when
     you installed it

Configuring the Server

  1. After installation, goto My Computer
  2. Click on Dial Up Networking
  3. Click on "Connections" on the menu bar
  4. You should now see the following list of items on the Connections pull
     down menu
        o connections
        o make new connections
        o settings
        o dial up server
  5. Click Dial up server
  6. Click the "allow caller access" button
  7. You can leave the "server type" to default and leave all buttons as is
  8. You can change password or leave it blank
  9. To add a first time password..just enter the new password and
     re-confirm it..DONT enter an OLD password..leave that line blank.
     Seems like most everyone is using "flanker' for a password :-)
 10. If you decide to not use a password...just let everyone know who wants
     to connect to you that they wont need a password

Setting Up IPX/SPX Compatible Protocol

  1. Now you must bind IPX to your dial up adapter
  2. From control panel click "network"
  3. Click Add
  4. Click Protocol
  5. Click Add
  6. Click Microsoft on the left list
  7. Select IPX/SPX Compatible protocol
  8. Click OK and Reboot
  9. Thats that!
 10. To receive the incoming phone call, leave the Dial Up Server window
     open. When the phone rings, the "monitoring" field will show the
     status
 11. After the connection is made, run Flanker. Select a H2H mission and
     click Network play. One must select Master and the other Slave. Select
     the agreed upon IPX channel number and then click RUN

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

  1. Click My Computer
  2. Click "Dial Up Networking"
  3. Click "Make New Connection"
  4. Enter a name for the new connection (i.e. Flanker Dial Up)
  5. Click "Next"
  6. Enter the phone number of the person you are going to call
  7. Click "Next"
  8. Click "Finish"
  9. Drag a shortcut to your new connection onto your desktop

Install the IPX/SPX Compatible Protocol

  1. From control panel click "network"
  2. Click Add
  3. Click Protocol
  4. Click Add
  5. Click Microsoft on the left list
  6. Select IPX/SPX Compatible protocol
  7. Click OK and Reboot

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

  1. Install Kahn95.
  2. Find an opponent - can be done from the Kahn servers but it is not
     necessary to use them at all - you just need to know each others' IP
     numbers and when to connect. Try the Kahn Netertainment or Netgraphics
     servers, /join #su27 or even the #flanker-o-club on Dalnet IRC.
  3. Use Kahn to link up with your opponent directly and away you go.

Detailed Instructions

  1. Requirements
        o Su27 for Win95
        o Kahn95 v0.90 or later
        o An ISP account
  2. You MUST be using Microsoft's own Winsock with your ISP. Custom
     Winsocks probably won't work with Kahn, e.g. Trumpet certainly
     doesn't.
  3. Don't use the "beta stutter patch". This may introduce some pauses
     into net play.
  4. Go get Kahn95 latest version (0.92 at the moment)
     http://www.teleport.com/~nbright/home.html
  5. Install Kahn 95, it has a setup wizard, couldn't be easier. Kahn95
     allows an unlimited 3 week trial period. You then need to register - a
     bargain at only $15 during the beta test phase.
  6. You need to make sure that the IPX protocol is bound to your Dial-up
     Adapter. Go Control Panel -> Network and you should see
     "IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol -> Dial-Up Adapter" in the list. If you
     don't see it then do the following: Add -> Protocol -> Add ->
     Microsoft -> IPX/SPX-compatible Protocol -> OK; you will probably need
     your Win95 installation disks or CD. Once you have finished and
     rebooted your PC, you should be ready.
  7. Once Kahn95 is set-up, connect up to your ISP as you normally do in
     Win 95. NB you MUST be using Microsoft's own Winsock, Kahn95 is very
     fussy about this.
  8. When connected to your ISP click on the Kahn Control Center icon
  9. Disable (uncheck) Buffered Sends in the Settings/Advanced settings of
     the Kahn Control Center.
        o I am not sure whether this matters or not - opinions please?
 10. Change your nickname to whatever you fancy
 11. Choose the Netertainment server and click on Connect. You'll find
     yourself in chat (probably a good idea to go to or create an su27
     channel, just type /join #su27)
 12. Meet or find the person you want to fly with. Decide who is master and
     who is slave, which ipx to use and away you go!
        o You do not need to leave the Netertainment server and go into
          local mode.
 13. You can opt to leave the chat application running as a means of
     communication in flight, but this does mean extra packets flying about
     and may contribute to dropped Network connections.
 14. Now just fire up Flanker, select Flight, Network, make sure IPX is
     selected not TCP/IP. Make sure that the correct channel number is set.
     Set communication mode as either Master or Slave as appropriate. Click
     Run, and after a few short seconds you'll be in the cockpit!
 15. If you like Kahn95 register it! Norm has put a lot of work into
     getting this thing to work.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

33. What are the remaining bugs in v1.1?

Well here are a few - not a comprehensive list.

  1. The stutter
  2. AI responds very poorly to incoming missiles Beyond Visual Range -
     planes just fly straight and level and dump chaff and flares.
  3. Your wingmen can catch up to you and pull into formation even with
     identical loadouts and fuel levels while you're in AB. This shouldn't
     be possible.
  4. Computer aircraft have advantages in power thus are harder to fight in
     the vertical.
  5. Computer aircraft apparently burn less fuel than the player's
     aircraft. If any.
  6. AI pilots never lead turn or try to create lateral separation before
     the merge, ie they are not aggressive in guns only fights
  7. AI doesn't use radar to detect you
  8. AI has unlimited ammo
  9. AI doesn't detect your radar lock-on
 10. AI planes cannot crash into each other and fly through buildings

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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:

   * Ins (toggle loose/tight formation) works anytime wingie is joined up
     on you. Wingie responds either roger or negative.
   * Home (join up) requests wingie to re-join on your aircraft. They will
     only roger this if they are not engaged in another task. If you tell
     your wingie to attack a target, he will reply negative to your calls
     to have him re-join on you until he kills the target, or until his
     task is complete. Wingie responds either roger or negative.
   * End (dispatch wingman on mission) wingman will follow all waypoints in
     sequence. This can be a turning point or a bombing waypoint etc. If
     the next waypoint is a weapons release waypoint ie bombing, then the
     wingie will proceed to drop/launch weapons at that waypoint, he will
     then continue following the waypoints until he reaches the last
     waypoint and/or lands. Wingie responds either Bugout or negative.
     **NOTE Wingman will incorrectly respond "Bugout" for some strange
     reason... (Bugout actually means that he is disengaging and heading
     for home) however he is really not bugging out.
   * Del (dispatch wingman on mission then join up) This is almost
     identical to the above "dispatch wingman on mission" command, except
     that the wingie will rejoin formation rather than proceed home after
     launching weapons. The wingman will follow all waypoints in sequence.
     This can be a turning point or a bombing waypoint etc. Upon reaching a
     weapons release waypoint the wingie will proceed to drop/launch
     weapons, and then will announce "rejoining" and will re-join your
     formation. Wingie responds either roger or negative.
   * [ (attack my target) works on air targets only.
        o At long range, you must locate airborne targets on your radar, go
          to BVR mode, then select the target you want your wingie to
          attack by placing the target designator box around the desired
          target (with the tilde ~ key). **IMPORTANT DO NOT lock onto the
          desired target.
        o At short range (<10km) just lock up the target in any radar mode
          and issue the command. Wingie responds either roger or negative.
   * ] (cover my six) works on air targets only. **DOES NOT mean clear my
     six, which would imply that the wingie is actively scanning your six
     to ensure you are clear of bad guys. It actually means that if your
     wingmen visually detect a threat aircraft closing to within 15 km of
     your six o'clock, then the wingie will attempt to eliminate the
     threat. The wingies are apparently visually picking up any threat
     aircraft which close to within 15 km of your tail.
        o This command will not work if the threat aircraft is ahead of
          your 3/9 line, unless you have your radar or EOS turned on and
          have selected BVR mode. If your radar is on and you have selected
          BVR mode then your wingmen will roger your command as soon as the
          target gets to within radar range.
        o For example; if you are making a head-on pass on a bandit, with
          your radar/EOS off, your wingies will respond negative to your
          "cover my six" command until the bandit passes your 3/9 line,
          once he passes your 3/9 line they will be more than happy to help
          you out. If you make a head-on pass on a bandit, with your
          radar/EOS turned on, and BVR mode selected, your wingies will
          roger your "cover my six" command and they will be more than
          happy to help you out. Wingie responds either roger or negative.

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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

37. How do I beat the AI?

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)

  1. Know thy aircraft.
        o It is vital to know the performance envelope of the Flanker. Some
          of the things to watch out for include the corner speed, which is
          around 750 kph IAS, the A0A limit, which is pegged at 28 degrees
          soft-limit, the usage of flaps at speeds less than 500kph to
          reduce the stall speed, the usage of rudders at speeds less then
          400kph (you will be surprised that you may have to fly even
          slower than this airspeed, sometimes.)
  2. Know thy enemy.
        o This is order of difficulty that most of us have come to agree
          upon: 1. Su-27 2. MiG-29 3. F-16 4. F-15
        o If you make a mistake when flying against an Su-27, you have very
          little chance of survival. It is easier to shake the American a/c
          than it is to shake the Russian a/c. Better not let them on your
          six if possible.
        o The AI is primarily an energy fighter. I've yet to catch one
          doing a turn/burn manoeuver. This also makes it a tad bit easier
          to shake the AI, provided you execute a drasitic out-of-plane
          maneuver just as you hear the lock tone. The AI tends to use the
          radar even for a guns kill, so it makes ones life a li'l bit
          easier.
        o The AI seems to have an advantage in the vertical. You'll see an
          F-16 maintain its speed while climbing at a steep angle and
          you'll have a tough time trying to play catch-up. Well, don't try
          to catch up. What goes up should come down. Keep tracking the AI
          while maintaining your energy to match its energy level, and
          catch him up when he gets down to meet you. If he doesn't have
          good angles on you when he gets down, he'll try to climb back up
          and repeat the routine. If you dictate the terms of engagement,
          you'll soon get the upper hand.
        o The AI at the merge is dumb. You will not find the AI performing
          a lead-turn at the first merge. Some folks take this to their
          advantage and lead-turn at the merge to get behind the AI. You
          can use this initially, to hone your guns kill, and then
          eventually proceed to conform to the ROE of not lead-turning at
          the merge.
  3. Padlock view is your saviour
        o You can forget barking with the big dogs (real humans in h2h) if
          you don't want to master the padlock view. Tho it is a bit
          disorientating at the beginning, "Flanker" has an absolutely
          awesome padlock view. The time spent in mastering this is a very
          good investment. Even when you choose to use the funnel, the
          padlock view will help you get a better aim.
  4. Use EOS to lock the target
        o EOS is by far the most effective tracking system for locking a
          target to score a guns kill. This is preferred over the radar
          because it doesn't alert the enemy of your lock, and is preferred
          over the funnel because it helps you get an accurate aim. If you
          remember to stick to a lead pursuit before firing the guns, you
          will soon forget the advantage of the funnel, which offers you
          the information on your shell trajectory.
  5. BFM comes to the rescue.
        o Get Shaw's Fighter Combat book, or Pete Bonanni's AOTK book, or
          if possible both of them. Just about everything they state about
          BFM is true in Flanker.
  6. .trks help one learn from others
        o I wish there were a lot of .trks on BFM. But, I do have a couple
          of them, one going against a lone F-15 on just mil. power, and
          one going against three Su-27 Flankers set at excellent skill
          level, with no lead-turn maneuver at the merge. I'm sure there
          are others out there with better BFM and ACM techniques.
  7. There is more than what is stated in this message
        o heh..of course, just that I don't know much more than what I've
          stated :-)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

38. What Flanker accessories do I need?

   * Fuzzy dice on the rear-view mirrors
   * 8-track playing "Frampton comes alive"
   * Carpet-covered avionics dash
   * Chequered flag knobs on the throttles
   * Bell radar detector (for when your radar and EOS are shot-up: just
     clip it to the HUD)
   * "If you can read this you are too close" rear sticker
   * Bright red airbrake / Cobra warning lights (for use with sticker)
   * Stick-on wide-angle extensions for rear-view mirrors
   * Roof rack for extra two R73s
   * Mindscape mug, teeshirt and fur-collared cold-weather flying jacket

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

42. How do I change sides?

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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

45. How do I avoid the SAMs?

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:

  1. Kh-31p requires a radar lock from the SAM site, before it can be
     fired. So, there's probably a missile headed your way. Act fast, do
     your job, and get out.
  2. Kh-31p only destroys the track-radar. If there are multiple
     track-radars at a given site, you will have to kill every one of them.
  3. The max. range of Kh-31p is shorter than the max. range of S-300. Make
     sure you are within the Kh-31p's effective range before you go
     challenging the S-300.
  4. Make use of the TWS. Find out what type of radar is painting you, and
     act accordingly.
  5. There are equivalent Ship-borne SAM batteries, but the tactics
     described above can be used on them as well, with some tweaks.
  6. This is order in which you will be notified of a SAM presence:
        o Detection warning tone. You are within the detection area of the
          SAM search radar.
        o Lock warning tone. Quite distinct from the detection warning
          tone. You are pretty much locked up by the SAM track-radar.
          Expect a missile on its way. This is the stage when you can
          actually fire your Kh-31p missile.
        o Missile Launch tone. A missile has been launched and its headed
          your way. This is when you do a 180 and run like hell.

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
