VRS Products | Superbug for FSX

FSX: Aircraft Configuration Manager

Note: some the following screens may represet prerelease and/or outdated versions of this software.

The Aircraft Configuration Manager (ACM), is the heart of the VRS F/A-18E simulation. It's used to arm and fuel the aircraft, provide an interface for arming random failures, Hostility Zones, Air-To-Air Refueling, and choosing a host of other preferences. The ACM is also your gateway to product updates and news, delivering the latest content automatically.


Any weapon, pod, or store on any [allowable] station. No limited, pre-defined loadouts using multiple models. Just one model, and thousands of combinations. See what the loadout will cost in terms of weight and drag before you fly.	Based on what's loaded, the fuel interface lets you choose exactly how much gas you need to get the job done. The preflight summery window (left of main screen) tells you how much you need to burn before a safe landing is possible.	In addition to optional battle damage from SAM and AAA fire, a more traditional random failure system can be used to arm an extensive variety of systems failures.

The VRS F/A-18E is not just an aircraft; It's an experience in quality through and through. Options for everything you can imagine, all add up to a remarkable experience.	The aircraft kneeboard checklist and reference documentation can be viewed right within the ACM. Not sure if you can catapult with 5 full tanks? Look it up before you fly.


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FSX: 2D Panels

Note: some the following screens may represet prerelease and/or outdated versions of this software.

The Superbug for FS2004 offers a full set of 2D panels in native resolutions up to 1920x1200. While the virtual cockpit is fully functional, we realize the need to cater to the "holdouts" as well! Home cockpit builders will also find the 2D panels useful, as they can be scaled and moved to secondary displays. The Aircraft Manager offers modes which disable or enable the entire 2D panel set at will. In addition, panels are available with full widescreen support simply by enabling the option in the ACM. This prevents "stretching" of the 2D panels on widescreen monitors, providing perfect aspect conformity.


The residents of Alcatraz Island take refuge as you make a low-level run.	Each display can be adjusted for both brightness and contrast and will retain settings.	A light test switch can be used to illuminate every caution, warning and advisory lamp.

The Panel Navigator (upper left) helps you quickly select sub-panels.	Additional sub-panels include backup "steam" gauges, console clusters and even more digital displays.

This series of images shows a small sample of the various HUD modes.	This series shows some of the DDI interactive screen displays available.


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FSX: Avionics

Note: some the following screens may represet prerelease and/or outdated versions of this software.

Many have argued the merits of fully simulating a combat aircraft in MSFS without really examining what it is they enjoy most about the the aircraft they do fly. "What's the point?" The point is, managing aircraft systems in a combat aircraft can be every bit as rewarding and enjoyable, if not more so, than playing with an FMC in a commercial airliner. The systems only need to be there! Whether you're carrying "faux" passengers or "faux" bombs really doesn't make any difference, as long as the simulation of the aircraft is robust and authentic. MSFS is the IDEAL platform for military aircraft simply because no other simulation is as flexible in terms of customization of systems modeling. Indeed, ANY aircraft can be simulated as long as it's in the right hands. Few standalone combat simulators have achieved the level of systems complexity and authenticity as the Superbug under MSFS. If you've been skeptical based on pervious attempts for MSFS, give the Superbug a try and see what you've been missing!


The UFCD scratchpad (shown here with the COM 1 frequency) is used to quickly enter via keyboard or mouse.	The Up Front Control Display (UFCD) is used primarily for COM, IFF, NAV, and autopilot controls. It can also provide DDI function.	The UFCD has page upon page of submodes (autopilot subpage shown). The F/A-18's FMC. Button pushers rejoice!

The radar is fully functional and tracks AI aircraft in a total of 8 A-A modes modeled after the real AN/APG-73.		FCS display shows the position and ststus of all 12 control surfaces as well as air data and flight control system status.

NAVCHECK display show velocities in 3-axes and any discrepencies between the various air data sources.	Waypoint Data sub-mode of the HSI showing detailed waypoint information. Waypoints can be added and removed in flight.	Aircraft position can be displayed in various formats including Military Grid Refernce System (MGRS).

The HSI display is the primary navigation interface.	Countermeasures programs can be edited and used to automatically fire the selected combination of flare and chaff.	The EW display shows hostile SAM and AAA in 360 degrees. SAM and AAA can damage the aircraft systems based on your preferences.

A redundant DDI HUD display can be used in case of a primary HUD failure.	The Flight Performance Advisory System (FPAS) uses complex algorithms to determine the optimal flight profile.	The EADI can be used in case of HUD failure in IFR conditions, and is just one of many realistic navigational displays.

The Stores Management System (SMS) display provides graphic weapon inventory and launch parameters.


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FSX: Virtual Cockpit
Note: some the following screens may represet prerelease and/or outdated versions of this software.

The Superbug's virtual cockpit (VC) is constructed with the same care and efficient methods used for the external model. With over 90% of the controls fully functional, the learning curve is not for the light-hearted, but the reward is an experience unmatched by any other military add-on. This is quite literally "the PMDG of military add-ons." Behind every knob and switch is a story and a study in realism. The extensive documentation guides you through each and every option.

For those of you with a TrackIR, the experience is even more amazing. Not just because the TrackIR offers unprecedented situational awareness, but because we actually take advantage of it with features like full HUD collimation. This features is designed to optically correct the HUD so that it can remain completely conformal with the outside world regardless of head position.

Cockpit lighting is accomplished on a level not seen before in military add-ons. Transilluminated backlighting and "NVG compatible" modes, as well as flood lighting, provide and immersive and functional night environment without being distracting.


Nothing in the VC was left to the imagination; virtually all controls function correctly and have corresponding functions.	Extreme detail and clarity even zoomed in far beyond normal flight angles.	4 separate interior lighting circuits in 3 modes. Shown here is the integral backlighting.

Avionics to die for. Here, the FSC display (left) shows the position and status of all 12 control surfaces.		The right console. Every switch has a function in this aircraft.

Almost every switch and knob in the cockpit has a true-to-life function that affects the aircraft in a realistic way.	The HUD in the VRS F/A-18E is optically collimated to stay conformal with the outside world no matter what viewing angle is used.	Lighting (show here is test mode), can cast faux reflections on other surfaces.

Canopy can be jettisoned via that yellow gizmo there.	No cigarette lighter? It's that one labeled "Pull to Eject." This seat DOES eject.	Through the Aircraft manager, detail can be adjusted to suit your preferences. At max, individual bolts are modeled.


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FSX: External Model
Note: some the following screens may represet prerelease and/or outdated versions of this software.

The Superbug's external model is a highly efficient and flexible design with a "smart" animation system capable of displaying and animating any combination of stores selected for loadout with the ACM. Unlike conventional (any) other military aircraft for MSFS, the Superbug receives commands from the fire control or jettison systems and effectively fires or removes the stores from the airframe. Weight is removed, drag is reduced, and the flight characteristics change. In addition, asymmetrical loading is accounted for and the aircraft may become laterally affected by the new configuration. There is only one model file which handles any stores configuration. Even additional geometry such as nose probes appear only on the test aircraft which were equipped with them.

There are a total of 40 liveries (with many additional repaints available online), ranging from every active US F/A-18E squadron, to fictional Blue Angel models. External model details include animated boarding ladder, avionic bays, canopy operation, radome (with slewing radar), flight line accessories, and even a fully animated ejection sequence!


Tophatters new 90th anniversary CAG aircraft.	A typical low-vis line aircraft.	An older version of the Tophatters CAG aircraft.

The Argonauts have a remarkable, orange and silver paint scheme for their Commander's aircraft.	Tophatters CAG from another angle. Note the beautifully implemented specuar mapping.	We love the Tophatters around here, but with 40 liveries, there are plenty more to fall in love with.

Guns blazing! The Superbug for FSX features realistic cannon firing effects.	Strobe lights are switchable between 7 different patterns and illuminate the ground.	Landing lights actually illuminate the ground rather than just washing it out. Objects and autogen will illuminate as well.
		More coming soon!
	Details, lots of details.


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FSX: Documentation

Note: all documention is supplied in electronic (Adobe PDF) format. Printed documentation may be available at additional charge in the future.

The Superbug is not a "jump-in and fly" aircraft. It is without a doubt the most sophisticated military aircraft simulation ever built for Flight Simulator. As such it REQUIRES a certain degree of preparation and study. To that end, we provide approximately 350 pages (and expanding) of documentation broken into 12 separate sections:

The tutorial flight is designed to touch on many systems during the course of a single flight, and is approximately 90 pages in length (FS9 version).

01 - Getting Started
02 - Tutorial Flight
03 - Aircraft Configuration Manager
04 - The Aircraft
05 - Cockpit Systems*
06 - NAV/COM*

07 - Air-To-Air*
08 - Air-To-Ground*
09 - Paint Kit
10 - Checklists
11 - Reference
12 - Glossary

In addition to the PDF documentation, an extensive interactive HTML "kneeboard" is available in flight. The kneeboard is designed to mimic the NATOPS "Pocket Checklist" used by actual F/A-18 pilots. Procedures ranging from carrier operations to normal startup, to emergency procedures are right at your fingertips at all times.

*At time of this writing, these sections were still works in progress and may or may not be complete at the time of purchase.


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FSX: Full Feature List

Due to certain incompatibilities and limitations of multiplayer sessions, not all animations and/or features may function during online play.
At the time of this writing, the FSX version was a WIP. We reserve the right to modify these features at any time prior to or subsequent to release.

New FSX exclusive features:

Completely reworked external and internal (VC) models with additional geometry and reduced draw-calls.
New advanced skinned-mesh animations.
Missile smoke trails and plume effects.
HUD NVG mode for VFR through-the-HUD night vision in any conditions.
Custom landing lights which illuminate not only the ground, but objects and auto-gen.
New highly dynamic g-induced and mach vapor effects.
A completely redone FSX-native material set including improved weathering and baking, specular, and bump mapping.
7 cockpit-selectable strobe patterns modeled on the exact same frequencies used in the real aircraft.
Model-based exterior lighting with fresnel flaring.
Acceleration compatible carrier operations.
Full-screen HUD replaces 2D panel (no 2D instrument panel is available in the FSX version).

Classic features:

Study-level simulation designed based on U.S. Navy NATOPS flight manuals.
Unmatched accuracy and depth of simulation.
The only true fly-by-wire control augmentation system (CAS) available for MSFS.
A single, dynamic (changes in real-time based on current loadout) base flight model.
Highly efficient and detailed external modeling recreating every nuance of the F/A-18E.
Every weapon and store individually modeled with weight, asymmetry and drag characteristics which are shed after release.
Dozens of custom keystroke commands which may all be mapped to gaming devices for "real as it gets" HOTAS setups.
State of the art virtual cockpit (VC) :
- High resolution textures with incredibly sharp panel text.
- Unshaded (emissive) avionics and HUD.
- HUD collimation for TrackIR.
- Dynamic shadowing effects.
- Transilluminated panel text with separate main and console circuitry.
- Flood lighting.
- NVG lighting.
- Adjustable levels of detail (via ACM).
AN/APG-73 A/A Radar simulation.
- True B-sweep design with adjustable scan volumes and doppler simulation.
- Multi-sensor integration (cheat) mode.
- Velocity Search (VS).
- Range While Search (RWS).
- Track While Scan (TWS).
- Boresight (ACM).
- Vertical Aquisition (VACQ).
- Wide Aquisition (WACQ).
- Auto Aquisition (AACQ).
- RAID.
Thousands of combinations of firing and droppable ordinance using a single procedurally animated “smart” model system. Any store on any allowable station. Stores include:
- AIM-9X “Sidewinder”.
- AIM-9M “Sidewinder”.
- AIM-7 “Sparrow”.
- AIM-120 AMRAAM.
- AGM-65E “Laser Maverick”.
- AGM-84D “Harpoon”.
- AGM-84H SLAM-ER.
- AGM-154A JTOW.
- AGM-88C HARM.
- GBU-10 “Paveway II”.
- GBU-12 (singles or pairs).
- GBU-31 JDAM.
- FPU-11 480 USG external tanks.
- ASQ-228 ATFLIR.
- AA42R-1 “Buddy Tank”.
- SUU-78A center pylon.
- LAU-1126A cheek pylons.
- SUU-79A main pylon.
- SUU-80A outboard pylon.
- LAU-127A tip launcher.
Built-in aerial refueling using any AI aircraft. Receive (IFR) or deliver (buddy tank) fuel.
Fully animated canopy and full NACES 0/0 ejection sequences.

Procedural animation system including:
- Missile launches (4 types).
- AGM launches and glide (4 types).
- Bomb release (5 types).
- Jettison (emergency or selective).
- Boarding ladder.
- Port and starboard avionics bays.
- ECS auxiliary duct doors.
- Radar bay.
- Full pilot articulation with autonomous movement and gesturing.
- FCS-driven flight control surfaces.
- Speedbrake function involving multiple surfaces.
- Rudder toe-in and flare.
- Asymmetrical trailing and leading edge flaps.
- Wing fold.
- Tailhook.
- Launch bar.
- Holdback bar.
- Catapult shoe.
- LEX and tip vapor effects.
- ALE-50 (towed decoy) extention/retraction and jettison.
- ALE-47 (chaff and flare) dispensing.
- A/A42R-1 refueling tank hose extention and retraction.
Over 70 22K 16-bit discrete cockpit sound samples.
3D landing lights licensed from A2A.
350+ pages of documentation including a 90 page tutorial.
- Getting Started guide.
- Tutorial flight.
- Aircraft Manager guide.
- Aircraft guide.
- Cockpit system guide.
- Navigation & Communications.
- Paint kit.
- Keyboard reference.
- Checklists.
- Glossary.
Simulated combat capability:
- "Hostility zone” modeling for Anti-Air-Warfare (SAM/AAA). Kill them or they kill you.
- Accurate AN/APG-73 A/A radar simulation with multi-mode capability.
- AI and multiplayer aircraft can be tracked and fired upon and will disappear from radar if hit.
- 3 CCIP bombing modes.
- 3 HARM release modes.
- Laser Maverick simulation.
- Discrete air-to-air missile modeling.
- FLIR LST and LTD simulation (no IR imagery).
40 official liveries including all active F/A-18E USN squadrons.
Comprehensive failure and battle damage system.
Sharp vector graphics and advanced lighting techniques (no more dark VC lights).
Highly accurate, custom designed vector-based avionic displays.
Custom auto throttle:
- Cruise ATC maintains airspeed at the time of engagement.
- Approach ATC continually adjusts speed to maintain approach AOA.
Custom 12-mode autopilot which mimics the actual F/A-18E AFCS:
- Barometric Altitude Hold (BALT).
- Radar Altitude Hold (RALT).
- Flight Path Angle Hold (FPAH)
- Heading Hold (HHLD).
- Heading Select (HSEL).
- Ground Track Hold (GTRK).
- Ground Track Select (GSEL).
- Roll Hold (ROLL).
- Coupled Waypoint (CPL WPT).
- Coupled TACAN (CPL TCN).
- Coupled Sequence (CPL SEQ).
Fully collimated (TrackIR savvy) vector HUD.
Aircraft Configuration Manager (ACM) application:
- Livery import/export and browsing functions.
- Custom weapons loading. Anything you want in any combination.
- Fuel Loading.
- Electrical, hydraulic and avionic failure arming.
- External model and VC preferences.
- Operational preferences.
- Reference Section.
- Automatic Updates.
Comprehensive, custom primary systems modeling:
- Hydraulics.
- Environmental Control (ECS).
- Fuel.
- Electrical.
Custom navigation system:
- Ground-based and air-to-air TACAN navigation.
- Custom in-flight waypoint insertion/deletion.
- GPS transfer function.
- Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) with ellipsoid selection (read-only).
World-class tech support via official support forums.


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FSX: System Requirements

The following system requirements should be met to at least the minimum requirement in order to run the VRS Superbug at acceptable frame rates. The Ultimate requirements are obviously not necessary, but will greatly enhance your flying experience. The following figures for Minimum, Average and Ultimate frame rates should only serve as a guide. There are far too many variables associated with Flight Simulator and the Superbug to make accurate predictions. Think of these figures as a general guide - nothing more.

	MINIMUM (upgrade, bro) FPS between 10-15. Avoid high-density areas.	AVERAGE (all good) FPS between 15-25. Enjoyable under the majority of conditions.	ULTIMATE (dude) FPS between 25-45. Excellent performance under most conditions.
MSFS:	Flight Simulator X (10) /W Service Pack 2. Acceleration expansion pack highly recommended.
OS:	Windows XP/Vista/7	Windows XP/Vista/7	Windows XP/Vista/7
RAM:	1GB	2GB	4GB
CPU:	Single core (P4) at 3.0GHz Dual core at 2.0 GHz	Dual/quad core at 2.5GHz	Dual/quad core at 3.0GHz+
GPU:	512MB DX9 (shader model 2.0) or DX10 compatible
Prerequisites:	● Microsoft .NET framework 3.0 or greater required for Windows XP (preinstalled on Vista/Win7) ● FSUIPC v4.60 or greater (registered or freeware for FSX)
Storage:	Approximately 250MB	Approximately 250MB	Approximately 250MB
Internet:	Required for initial product activation. Optional for automatic updates. Secure proxies must be disabled for activation.
Important Additional Notes: ● Joystick mandatory. Full HOTAS (Separate stick and throttle), and rudder pedals are highly recommended in order to enjoy this product to its fullest potential. ● Force feedback not supported. The FBW system does not currently support FSX force feedback due to a limitation of FSUIPC. If you have a force feedback stick, the FF function must be disabled in MSFS. There is a working (and better) alternative to FSX force feedback here. ● PFC (brand) throttle quadrants are not supported due to a proprietary interface. These units to not enumerate through MSFS and are therefore incompatible. ● Not all features available during online play. Due to certain incompatibilities and limitations of multiplayer sessions, not all animations and/or features may function. Some functions, including radar, may require additional third-party components and/or utilities in order to operate.

About Performance
The VRS Super Hornet is a high-end simulation of a high-end aircraft comprised of many tens of thousands of lines of code which drive the avionic and flight control subsystems. Obviously it's not a Cessna, a Spitfire, or even the almighty L-39. It's easy to achieve high levels of performance when the systems and gauges being simulated are rudimentary. These advanced systems don't come free; the price is CPU power, and unfortunately we can't have it both ways. FSX is an extremely inefficient game, which, 3 years after release, can easily tax the fastest systems available today. VRS has made every effort to build the most efficient and innovative systems possible under these conditions, but we're not magicians. Please don't expect to see the same frame rates you do with simpler aircraft.

MSFS is generally a CPU-bound application. Below a certain resolution (fill limited), the graphics processor (GPU) becomes less important than your system processor (CPU) in maintaining frame rates, and all the quad-SLI in the world won't help a bit. Most consider extremely high frame rates less important than consistent frame rates. Therefore maintaining an average 24 FPS would be more desirable than frame rates which spike into the 40s or 50s only to dip into the teens. While some "tweaks" may be a legitimate and effective means of increasing performance, not many will provide a boost on the scale of a processor upgrade. In MSFS, GHz is king.


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True Fly-by-wire Flight Control System
The Superbug remains the only FS2004 military aircraft featuring a fly-by-wire control augmentation system. Input signals from the stick, throttle and rudders are fed through I/O controllers where they're filtered, passed through control-law schedules, and finally sent to the control surfaces. The CAS is responsible for allowing the incredibly wide AOA range while maintaining excellent lateral and longitudinal handling. In addition, neutral speed stability in conjunction with automatic longitudinal trimming means there is no need to trim the aircraft for pitch. Similar CAS algorithms are used to drive everything from engine FADEC control ro dual-rate nosewheel steering and autopilot modes.

Avionics Designed from the Navy's NATOPS Flight Manual
Avionics are the heart of this "glass" combat aircraft, and no compromises in realism were made to bring you the first truly accurate simulation of this aircraft's combat and navigation systems. Four digital displays provide data for navigation, stores management, targeting, sensors, fuel systems, engine systems, and flight advisory. With over 40 individual interactive displays, nothing was left to the imagination.

Highly Realistic Sensor and Targeting Simulation
Short of actually shooting down AI aircraft, sensor and targeting systems are simulated just as their real-world counterparts. You can lock up AI aircraft and receive feedback to the HUD, radar and early warning systems, just as if you were in an electronic military exercise -- the only thing missing is the lethality. The radar simulation takes a number of factors into consideration, including signal strength (range), aspect angle, closing velocity (Doppler shift), and more. A total of 8 radar modes (4 primary and 4 ACM sub-modes) are simulated.

Unmatched Virtual Cockpit Quality & Speed
Although the simulation is heavily focused on avionic systems, we haven't ignored little indulgences like "eye candy". The VRS F/A-18E sports a stunningly beautiful and completely "flyable" Virtual Cockpit in which 100% of the controls are functional 3D components rather than "projected" 2D maps. The VC and external models feature a set of extremely high resolution textures for the ultimate in visual clarity. Gauge update rates in the VC are optimized for the fastest possible response. Four types of interior lighting including panel transillumination, flood, and night vision modes provide a completely immersive environment. Animated shadows for many of the controls further enhance the "suspension of disbelief".

Professionally Designed Aircraft Management Application
A very comprehensive Aircraft Manager application is included for loading out an extensive set of weapons and pods, as well as configuring fuel, failures and preferences. In total, the number of combinations of stores which can be carried is in the thousands. Schematics for all major systems including electrical, environmental, fuel, and hydraulic are interactive and show you exactly which systems will be affected by the failure(s) you've chosen. Failures can be immediate or randomly generated for any system.

Procedural Animation System
A single model file with procedurally animated components handles all firing, jettisoning and dropping. Each of the 11 loadout stations can be individually dropped/fired with a corresponding decrease in weight and drag. The external model features folding wings, tailhook, avionic bay doors, ECS auxilliary duct doors, complex flight control system-slaved primary control surfaces, opening nosecone with working (and tracking) radar dish, deployable boarding ladder, and much much more. We've also designed a procedurally animated air-to-air refueling system, or "Buddy Store", which can by carried on the aircraft so that it may act as a tanker. The entire refueling process is simulated in intricate detail right down to the cockpit-installed aerial refueling panel. This is quite simply the most advanced animation system you're going to find on a combat aircraft for MS Flight Simulator.


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