0.3.6 beta: Introducing the Glacier!

It's time for Lakehopper's first major content update! I'm incredibly excited to introduce everyone to Lakehopper's second plane, the Glacier!

Steam post imageThis single-engine floatplane is a blast to fly. It's available for everyone to try now on the beta branch. As of now it requires starting a new game to try it out, though I'll be adding the ability to obtain this plane in existing saves soon, before the main branch release. Steam post imageMore information about the Glacier is below, and I already know it'll be a great addition to the fleet. It joins the original multi-engine flying boat already in the game, which will now be known as the eponymous Lakehopper! (I'll use the abbreviation LH1 in places where that can be confusing.)

Introducing the Glacier

This plane is based on a classic real-world bushplane on floats, much beloved for many, many years. It flies like an absolute dream, even better than I expected. The Glacier is intended to serve as an amazing beginner plane and capable bush seaplane. It's a great plane for players new to flight sims in general, and also for experienced flight simmers learning the nuances of operating a seaplane, or who don't often fly multi-engine planes.Steam post imageTo give it a try, select "Start Game" from the main menu, and pick "Glacier Start (Beta)" which will drop you on Test Island with all the parts you need to get a shiny new Glacier up and running. I'll add the ability to obtain both planes in the same save in the near future.

New Parts

A new plane mandates new parts! Using a mix of familiar parts and new parts designed to fit the smaller Glacier, you'll be able to assemble new configurations of the familiar hydrogen tanks and power plant, as well as the Magnoprop engine. I've also added a new cosmetic spinner part to change the look of the Magnoprop engine for both the Glacier and the Lakehopper.

Steam post imageSteam post imageReplacements for all these new parts have been added to the parts shack in Manypeaks. I'll be updating the binder's documentation to have information about these new configurations soon. Until then, experienced Lakehoppers will find things fairly familiar.

Flight Characteristics

Steam post imageThe Glacier is overall smaller than the Lakehopper, at just over half the weight, and half the horsepower. It flies slower than the Lakehopper, making takeoffs and landings easy and forgiving. Being a floatplane, rather than a flying boat, the hull design is very different, and leads to a much lower tendency to porpoise.

The underlying water physics are identical between the Glacier and the sometimes tricky Lakehopper. I think there's something about the design of the the Lakehopper's hull (which is modeled on a real flying boat's hull) that causes a tendency to oscillate in the water. This doesn't happen nearly as readily with the Glacier. I need to do some more research, but it's really fascinating to see how different the hulls behave. I think this is due not to any bug, but nuances of the real world physics.

Feedback and Issues

If you have any feedback or notice any issues, I've created this discussion thread to collect all of them in once place. I've love to hear any feedback you have, as well as any detailed bug reports you can provide!

Getting this plane in the game has been a ton of work, but I'm thrilled to be able to finally share it with you! Thank you all for your patience, waiting for Lakehopper's first major content update! This update is very focused on this one new big addition, but the full (sparse) changelog is below. Thanks for giving this new plane a try!

Changelog

Major Changes

• Added the Glacier, a single engine floatplane!

Improvements

• Added a locking ring to the Magnoprop Cores

  • In the Glacier, the short magnoprop core is right behind the instrument panel and was getting in the way at all times. It became necessary to add some way to secure it so it's not highlighted all the time. The same wrench tool is used to secure the locking ring.

  • This locking ring was also added to the original magnoprop core for consistency, and to solve the same issue which was present, but less impactful as your viewpoint overlaps with the right side core only when looking at the overhead panel in the Lakehopper.

Known Issues and Missing Features

• The Binder is missing information for new subsystem configs

• The propeller appearance is distracting in the Glacier now that you are always looking straight through it. This needs to be tweaked.

• It's not possible to swap to the Lakehopper if you start with the Glacier, and vice versa

• The Glacier currently can't be recolored

• On existing saves, the magnoprop core will be unsecured and will wear much faster until the player detaches, reattaches, and secures the locking ring that appears.

• The water rudder need to be visually modeled and animated.

• The Glacier has animated flaps, but the Lakehopper still does not.

• Reverse thrust works, but the light does not blink on the instrument panel.

• It's not possible to lock the doors and their outlines can be distracting during flight.

• The locking rings on the main menu plane are unsecured and are visible.

Happy skies!