AH Dev Kit??

[Spatula]

<spat dons aspesdos suit and applies liberal dose of dweeb repellant>

Ok, what if HTC was to provide to some people (maybe openly) some sort of development kit, like they do for MS CFS (yuk) and the like. In such a kit people could develop new planes that could be tested and verified (by HTC) and maybe added to the current plane-set if appropriate.

Advantages:
 - we could get a lot more planes into the plane-set alot quicker as HTC wouldnt need to develop each plane, just test provided ones.
 - HTC would still control what was added to the base download through throrough testing.
 - Could get an RPS faster.
 - designer of winning (accepted by HTC) planes/vehicles could get X months free or Y perks or something as an incentive.

It seems to me that HTC are pretty damned busy, and this would be a way to give them a helpin hand - so to speak.

I really aint too sure just how much work would go into designing a 3D wire model and skins, and flight performance parametes - so this maybe just *too* much for someone to do voluntary.

Comments, good or bad - try keep em constructive  

[AKSeaWulfe]

HTC would still need to create the flight model parameters for each plane.

The only problem I foresee is that each person that creates the model needs to keep the model within a certain number of faces otherwise the end user created models could absolutely ruin everyone's framerate.
-SW

[RAS]

Good points SW, but must admit this is an interesting idea given the number of smart airplane people we have in Aces High.  

Spatula, r u talking about a stand alone development type program ?  Or maybe something similiar to the Terrain Editor, but for aircraft ??  

Guess the biggest concern for me would be to ensure folks don't attempt to "alter" the current FM's to an unfair advantage (didn't want to say "cheat" but I think you understand what I mean   )

Hope to see a post from HTC folks regarding this idea Spatula....hmmmmm.

RAS

[Spatula]

Um, not really sure how HTC would implement the modelling program, it doesnt really matter *how* its done.

Yes, the fear that someone would be able to 'hack' planes easier is valid. But if HTC gave such a device to the more respected/trusted and knowledgeable players and implemented a CRC type file check on logon to check if any of the dlls or exes had been altered then it shouldnt be much of an issue.

I know this in itself is extra work for them to do, but it may pay itself off in terms of time a few times over  

HTC???