Daily News
by Gail Helmer
[ Send Us News | Archives ]
Updated IL-2 Sturmovik Patch 1.0.4b
Ubi Soft has announced they are replacing the IL-2 Sturmovk patch v1.0.4b released over the weekend. Carl Norman, Executive Producer, made these comments:
New Screens: IGI 2: Covert Strike
We have more screens for you from the upcoming sequel IGI 2: Covert Strike. Covert Strike is set soon after the events in Project IGI. The Cold War has ended and the Soviet countries are attempting to rebuild their shattered nations. The game takes place over three linked campaigns, each packed with individual missions. The plot takes the action through Russia, across Libya and into China utilising locations including military airbases, harbours and secret government installations.
New updates in Covert Strike include, the "Save" system has been redesigned and improved over the original IGI and the map computer has the functionality to download and upload – to save and load – the current mission status and position. Doing this in the field will take time and drains battery energy from the map computer, so players will have to save tactically. Meanwhile, development work on IGI 2: Covert Strike’s all-new multiplayer mode continues. IGI2: Covert Strike will deliver a full team-oriented multiplayer mode, with squads of eight players per side. With objective-based gameplay, it pits IGI operatives against terrorists from around the globe. Release Date: June 2002
New Screens: K.I.C. A.S.S.
iEntertainment Network (IENT) sent us more screenshots from its new World War II tank game, K.I.C. A.S.S. This online simulation, originally called Knights in Combat, Armored Simulation Series, takes advantage of the new graphics technology developed for the WarBirds III flight simulation. K.I.C. A.S.S. is expected to ship in September.
GameSpot Launches Fee-Service
GameSpot has launched GameSpot Complete, a fee-service. The pay version of the site will feature access to all GameSpot content, unlimited downloads and streaming video. The site will be also be free of ads of all kinds. Subscribers to GameSpot Complete will also have access to community features such as message boards and advanced searching capabilities. It will cost $4.95 a month or $19.95 a year, with a free trial until June 1.
Military News
F-22 Raptor Flies with Latest Avionics
The Lockheed Martin -led F-22 Raptor industry team marked a milestone last week, as the newest version of the program's advanced integrated avionics software package -- Block 3.1 -- was successfully flown for the first time at the Air Force's Combined Test Facility at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Block 3.1's 2.7-hour first flight, which occurred on April 25, was flown on Raptor 06, the sixth test aircraft built.
"The Block 3.1 software supplies more than 90 percent of the total functionality planned for the F-22's integrated avionics, including increased radar, electronic warfare and communication, navigation and identification capabilities, as well as an additional global positioning system capability," said Bob Rearden, Lockheed Martin F-22 vice president and general manager. "With this software, we are now ready to finish accomplishing all of the flight-test program's remaining objectives."
The F-22's advanced integrated avionics suite allows the pilot to operate in battle conditions without the burden of managing individual sensors, which dramatically improves the pilot's situational awareness and enhances the performance of both aviator and aircraft. The aircraft's integrated avionics is comprised of hardware and software produced by F-22 team members Lockheed Martin, Boeing and other key suppliers. Northrop Grumman and Raytheon build the aircraft's multimode APG-77 radar as a joint venture.
Rumsfeld Supports Army Secretary Over Crusader Flap
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld today supported Army Secretary Thomas White amid controversy surrounding the fate of the Crusader artillery system. Rumsfeld and Georgian Minister of Defense David Tevzadze were briefing Pentagon reporters when the secretary was asked if White would leave the Pentagon over rumors that Army staffers had gone over Rumsfeld's head to appeal to Congress to save the embattled Crusader.
"I certainly have confidence in Secretary White," Rumsfeld told reporters. Responding to a reporter's question if he would seek White's resignation, Rumsfeld answered: "No, my goodness, no."
Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz recently directed White to provide alternative uses of money earmarked for the $9 billion Crusader program. News reports have alleged that after White met with Wolfowitz, an Army official then faxed information supporting the Crusader to congressional officials, allegedly with White's blessing.
Rumsfeld emphasized White didn't go over his head. "I talked to the secretary, and he had no knowledge or awareness of the talking points," Rumsfeld said.
The defense secretary is awaiting an Army inspector general report on the incident, but emphasized to reporters, "I've spoken on the first piece," regarding White's involvement.
Tevzadze was in Washington to meet with Rumsfeld to discuss the Georgia Train and Equip program, in which military trainers and logisticians from the U.S. and other countries will provide instruction and equipment to the Georgian military to enhance stability in that nation.
Terrorists operating in Pankisi Gorge near Chechnya have concerned Georgian government officials.
Tevzadze provided a firm "No," as he responded to a reporter who asked if al Qaeda terrorists were operating in Pankisi Gorge.
In fact, Tevzadze noted, it has become easier for the country's law enforcement agencies to work inside the gorge, he said. "The situation in Pankisi Gorge has dramatically improved since the (Georgia) Train and Equip program was announced," he said.
Rumsfeld said 26 U.S. service members recently arrived in Georgia to train military staff in the first phase of GTEP. Up to 150 U.S. trainers, he added, will be involved in the second phase in providing tactical training to four battalions. The duration of the program hasn't been announced.
GTEP will involve classroom staff training and tactical instruction, according to U.S. European Command. Military equipment to be transferred to Georgia includes uniform items, small arms and ammunition, communications gear, training gear, medical equipment, fuel, and construction equipment, according to EUCOM officials.
The training program demonstrates the solid relationship between the United States and Georgia, and American support of Georgia's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, command officials said.
Addressing a reporter's question about the fate of the Marine Corps' Osprey aircraft, Rumsfeld noted, "That is a subject, like all weapon systems, that gets addressed in an orderly way.
"The Defense Planning Guidance has some reference to it, but that is a classified document, and I don't know if I want to get into what it says," he added.
U.S. Army Golden Knights Jump Team Flies C-27J Spartan
Three pilots from the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, recently participated in a flight evaluation of the C-27J Spartan at Alenia Aeronautica's flight-test facilities in Caselle, Italy. Representatives from venture partners Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. and Alenia Aeronautica hosted the pilots.
Leading the Golden Knights' delegation was Aviation Detachment Commander, Maj. Thomas C. Kelley, along with pilot and maintenance officer, CW4 Kenneth Breeden, and instructor pilot, Allen Aber.
"This airplane (C-27J) was made for the Golden Knights' mission," Kelley said. "The avionics were unbelievable. They were laid out well, big, easy to read and extremely user friendly. And the aircraft had a lot of power; the time-to-climb was very impressive, and for our mission that's a huge plus."
The Golden Knights are evaluating several aircraft as part of a program to replace the team's Fokker F-27s. Other aircraft evaluated have been the De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, the Pilatus PC-6 and the CASA C-295.
The pilots received a full technical, logistic and programming briefing from Alenia engineers, followed by the flight evaluation consisting of three flights over two days. Some of the flight activities included basic familiarization, radar performance, maneuverability, single-engine takeoff, and in-flight engine shutdown and startup.
"The aircraft performed perfectly," said Bill Sarno, business development director for Lockheed Martin. "The C-27J fully meets the requirements for the Golden Knights and will provide a level of performance and versatility that no other aircraft in its class can match."
U.S. Withdraws from International Criminal Court Treaty
Bush administration officials notified U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan May 6 that the United States is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court Treaty. The ICC treaty, which goes into force on July 1, puts U.S. service members and officials at risk of prosecution by a court that is "unaccountable to the American people, and "has no obligation to respect the constitutional rights of our citizens," according to Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld.
In a written statement, Rumsfeld said the United States rejects the jurisdictional claims of the ICC. "The United States will regard as illegitimate any attempt by the court or state parties to the treaty to assert the ICC's jurisdiction over American citizens," he said.
The United States has a number of serious objections to the treaty, Rumsfeld said. There is a lack of adequate checks and balances on the powers of ICC prosecutors and judges. The treaty dilutes the U.N. Security Council's authority over international criminal prosecutions.
As written, U.S. service members and officials could be charged with war crimes as a political move by other nations. Putting U.S. service members at risk of politicized prosecution, Rumsfeld said, would discourage U.S. military engagement in the world and be a "recipe for isolationism."
"We have an obligation to protect our men and women in uniform from this court and to preserve America's ability to remain engaged in the world," he said. "And we intend to do so."
The treaty would have caused problems at any time, Rumsfeld said, but they are "particularly troubling in the midst of a difficult, dangerous war on terrorism. There is a risk that the ICC could attempt to assert jurisdiction over U.S. service members, as well as civilians, involved in counterterrorist and other military operations -- something we cannot allow."
Rumsfeld said the United States respects other nations' decisions to join the ICC. They in turn need to respect the U.S. decision to stay out of the ICC.
"Unfortunately, the ICC will not respect the U.S. decision to stay out of the treaty," Rumsfeld wrote. "To the contrary, the ICC provisions claim the authority to detain and try American citizens -- U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, as well as current and future officials -- even though the United States has not given its consent to be bound by the treaty."
Secretary of State Colin Powell said May 5 on ABC's This Week that the United States "found that this is not a situation that we believe was appropriate for our men and women in the armed forces or our diplomats and political leaders."
Powell said the United States has been in the forefront of bringing war criminals to justice. "We have supported a tribunal for Yugoslavia, the tribunal for Rwanda, we're trying to get the tribunal for Sierra Leone set up," Powell said.
Nor is it a matter of allowing Americans to not pay for any crimes they commit. "We have the highest standards of accountability of any nation on the face of the Earth," he said.
Test Pilots Deliver Ripple Of Power
Lt. Col. Troy Fontaine, a test pilot, and Maj. Kevin Steffenson, a weapons system officer, dropped five MK-84 Joint Direct Attack Munitions from their F-15 Eagle over the Navy's China Lake test range near here April 30. The mission, which proved successful, was to put the five 2,000-pound weapons on five separate, preplanned targets using global positioning system coordinates. (Photo by Bobbi Garcia)
[ Send Us News | Archives ]
by Gail Helmer
Wednesday May 08, 2002
- Updated IL-2 Sturmovik Patch 1.0.4b
- New Screens: IGI 2: Covert Strike
- New Screens: K.I.C. A.S.S.
- GameSpot Launches Fee-Service
- F-22 Raptor Flies with Latest Avionics
- Rumsfeld Supports Army Secretary Over Crusader Flap
- U.S. Army Golden Knights Jump Team Flies C-27J Spartan
- U.S. Withdraws from International Criminal Court Treaty
- Test Pilots Deliver Ripple Of Power
Updated IL-2 Sturmovik Patch 1.0.4b
Ubi Soft has announced they are replacing the IL-2 Sturmovk patch v1.0.4b released over the weekend. Carl Norman, Executive Producer, made these comments:
We're replacing the patch file, il2patch_104b.exe, with a revised version of the patch file named il2patch_104b2.exe.Download 1.0.4b2
You need to download this new file and install it to the proper IL-2 directory. It is identical to the previous patch file with the exception of the new SFS file that was replaced. The version number, V1.04b will NOT change on the intro splash screen when you first start IL-2 Sturmovik.
The only change between this new file and the previous one is a new files.sfs file that fixes the coop mission bug.
We have done a limited testing review of this new version and it appears to have solved the coop problems.
New Screens: IGI 2: Covert Strike
We have more screens for you from the upcoming sequel IGI 2: Covert Strike. Covert Strike is set soon after the events in Project IGI. The Cold War has ended and the Soviet countries are attempting to rebuild their shattered nations. The game takes place over three linked campaigns, each packed with individual missions. The plot takes the action through Russia, across Libya and into China utilising locations including military airbases, harbours and secret government installations.
New updates in Covert Strike include, the "Save" system has been redesigned and improved over the original IGI and the map computer has the functionality to download and upload – to save and load – the current mission status and position. Doing this in the field will take time and drains battery energy from the map computer, so players will have to save tactically. Meanwhile, development work on IGI 2: Covert Strike’s all-new multiplayer mode continues. IGI2: Covert Strike will deliver a full team-oriented multiplayer mode, with squads of eight players per side. With objective-based gameplay, it pits IGI operatives against terrorists from around the globe. Release Date: June 2002
New Screens: K.I.C. A.S.S.
iEntertainment Network (IENT) sent us more screenshots from its new World War II tank game, K.I.C. A.S.S. This online simulation, originally called Knights in Combat, Armored Simulation Series, takes advantage of the new graphics technology developed for the WarBirds III flight simulation. K.I.C. A.S.S. is expected to ship in September.
GameSpot Launches Fee-Service
GameSpot has launched GameSpot Complete, a fee-service. The pay version of the site will feature access to all GameSpot content, unlimited downloads and streaming video. The site will be also be free of ads of all kinds. Subscribers to GameSpot Complete will also have access to community features such as message boards and advanced searching capabilities. It will cost $4.95 a month or $19.95 a year, with a free trial until June 1.
Military News
F-22 Raptor Flies with Latest Avionics
The Lockheed Martin -led F-22 Raptor industry team marked a milestone last week, as the newest version of the program's advanced integrated avionics software package -- Block 3.1 -- was successfully flown for the first time at the Air Force's Combined Test Facility at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Block 3.1's 2.7-hour first flight, which occurred on April 25, was flown on Raptor 06, the sixth test aircraft built.
"The Block 3.1 software supplies more than 90 percent of the total functionality planned for the F-22's integrated avionics, including increased radar, electronic warfare and communication, navigation and identification capabilities, as well as an additional global positioning system capability," said Bob Rearden, Lockheed Martin F-22 vice president and general manager. "With this software, we are now ready to finish accomplishing all of the flight-test program's remaining objectives."
The F-22's advanced integrated avionics suite allows the pilot to operate in battle conditions without the burden of managing individual sensors, which dramatically improves the pilot's situational awareness and enhances the performance of both aviator and aircraft. The aircraft's integrated avionics is comprised of hardware and software produced by F-22 team members Lockheed Martin, Boeing and other key suppliers. Northrop Grumman and Raytheon build the aircraft's multimode APG-77 radar as a joint venture.
Rumsfeld Supports Army Secretary Over Crusader Flap
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld today supported Army Secretary Thomas White amid controversy surrounding the fate of the Crusader artillery system. Rumsfeld and Georgian Minister of Defense David Tevzadze were briefing Pentagon reporters when the secretary was asked if White would leave the Pentagon over rumors that Army staffers had gone over Rumsfeld's head to appeal to Congress to save the embattled Crusader.
"I certainly have confidence in Secretary White," Rumsfeld told reporters. Responding to a reporter's question if he would seek White's resignation, Rumsfeld answered: "No, my goodness, no."
Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz recently directed White to provide alternative uses of money earmarked for the $9 billion Crusader program. News reports have alleged that after White met with Wolfowitz, an Army official then faxed information supporting the Crusader to congressional officials, allegedly with White's blessing.
Rumsfeld emphasized White didn't go over his head. "I talked to the secretary, and he had no knowledge or awareness of the talking points," Rumsfeld said.
The defense secretary is awaiting an Army inspector general report on the incident, but emphasized to reporters, "I've spoken on the first piece," regarding White's involvement.
Tevzadze was in Washington to meet with Rumsfeld to discuss the Georgia Train and Equip program, in which military trainers and logisticians from the U.S. and other countries will provide instruction and equipment to the Georgian military to enhance stability in that nation.
Terrorists operating in Pankisi Gorge near Chechnya have concerned Georgian government officials.
Tevzadze provided a firm "No," as he responded to a reporter who asked if al Qaeda terrorists were operating in Pankisi Gorge.
In fact, Tevzadze noted, it has become easier for the country's law enforcement agencies to work inside the gorge, he said. "The situation in Pankisi Gorge has dramatically improved since the (Georgia) Train and Equip program was announced," he said.
Rumsfeld said 26 U.S. service members recently arrived in Georgia to train military staff in the first phase of GTEP. Up to 150 U.S. trainers, he added, will be involved in the second phase in providing tactical training to four battalions. The duration of the program hasn't been announced.
GTEP will involve classroom staff training and tactical instruction, according to U.S. European Command. Military equipment to be transferred to Georgia includes uniform items, small arms and ammunition, communications gear, training gear, medical equipment, fuel, and construction equipment, according to EUCOM officials.
The training program demonstrates the solid relationship between the United States and Georgia, and American support of Georgia's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, command officials said.
Addressing a reporter's question about the fate of the Marine Corps' Osprey aircraft, Rumsfeld noted, "That is a subject, like all weapon systems, that gets addressed in an orderly way.
"The Defense Planning Guidance has some reference to it, but that is a classified document, and I don't know if I want to get into what it says," he added.
U.S. Army Golden Knights Jump Team Flies C-27J Spartan
Three pilots from the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, recently participated in a flight evaluation of the C-27J Spartan at Alenia Aeronautica's flight-test facilities in Caselle, Italy. Representatives from venture partners Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. and Alenia Aeronautica hosted the pilots.
Leading the Golden Knights' delegation was Aviation Detachment Commander, Maj. Thomas C. Kelley, along with pilot and maintenance officer, CW4 Kenneth Breeden, and instructor pilot, Allen Aber.
"This airplane (C-27J) was made for the Golden Knights' mission," Kelley said. "The avionics were unbelievable. They were laid out well, big, easy to read and extremely user friendly. And the aircraft had a lot of power; the time-to-climb was very impressive, and for our mission that's a huge plus."
The Golden Knights are evaluating several aircraft as part of a program to replace the team's Fokker F-27s. Other aircraft evaluated have been the De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, the Pilatus PC-6 and the CASA C-295.
The pilots received a full technical, logistic and programming briefing from Alenia engineers, followed by the flight evaluation consisting of three flights over two days. Some of the flight activities included basic familiarization, radar performance, maneuverability, single-engine takeoff, and in-flight engine shutdown and startup.
"The aircraft performed perfectly," said Bill Sarno, business development director for Lockheed Martin. "The C-27J fully meets the requirements for the Golden Knights and will provide a level of performance and versatility that no other aircraft in its class can match."
U.S. Withdraws from International Criminal Court Treaty
Bush administration officials notified U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan May 6 that the United States is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court Treaty. The ICC treaty, which goes into force on July 1, puts U.S. service members and officials at risk of prosecution by a court that is "unaccountable to the American people, and "has no obligation to respect the constitutional rights of our citizens," according to Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld.
In a written statement, Rumsfeld said the United States rejects the jurisdictional claims of the ICC. "The United States will regard as illegitimate any attempt by the court or state parties to the treaty to assert the ICC's jurisdiction over American citizens," he said.
The United States has a number of serious objections to the treaty, Rumsfeld said. There is a lack of adequate checks and balances on the powers of ICC prosecutors and judges. The treaty dilutes the U.N. Security Council's authority over international criminal prosecutions.
As written, U.S. service members and officials could be charged with war crimes as a political move by other nations. Putting U.S. service members at risk of politicized prosecution, Rumsfeld said, would discourage U.S. military engagement in the world and be a "recipe for isolationism."
"We have an obligation to protect our men and women in uniform from this court and to preserve America's ability to remain engaged in the world," he said. "And we intend to do so."
The treaty would have caused problems at any time, Rumsfeld said, but they are "particularly troubling in the midst of a difficult, dangerous war on terrorism. There is a risk that the ICC could attempt to assert jurisdiction over U.S. service members, as well as civilians, involved in counterterrorist and other military operations -- something we cannot allow."
Rumsfeld said the United States respects other nations' decisions to join the ICC. They in turn need to respect the U.S. decision to stay out of the ICC.
"Unfortunately, the ICC will not respect the U.S. decision to stay out of the treaty," Rumsfeld wrote. "To the contrary, the ICC provisions claim the authority to detain and try American citizens -- U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, as well as current and future officials -- even though the United States has not given its consent to be bound by the treaty."
Secretary of State Colin Powell said May 5 on ABC's This Week that the United States "found that this is not a situation that we believe was appropriate for our men and women in the armed forces or our diplomats and political leaders."
Powell said the United States has been in the forefront of bringing war criminals to justice. "We have supported a tribunal for Yugoslavia, the tribunal for Rwanda, we're trying to get the tribunal for Sierra Leone set up," Powell said.
Nor is it a matter of allowing Americans to not pay for any crimes they commit. "We have the highest standards of accountability of any nation on the face of the Earth," he said.
Test Pilots Deliver Ripple Of Power
Lt. Col. Troy Fontaine, a test pilot, and Maj. Kevin Steffenson, a weapons system officer, dropped five MK-84 Joint Direct Attack Munitions from their F-15 Eagle over the Navy's China Lake test range near here April 30. The mission, which proved successful, was to put the five 2,000-pound weapons on five separate, preplanned targets using global positioning system coordinates. (Photo by Bobbi Garcia)