Hello everybody. 

It's been a hot minute thanks to some truly horrendous work life balance over the past two weeks, plus exams and then a COVID finisher to wrap things up.

This is quite a major update that adds a whole lot of mechanics into ASE. I took the time to implement some features which were broken or not presentable for v0.01a, and also ended up coding a whole bunch of new stuff as well. Off the top of my head, I've added:

• A arrow indicator for the next target - it's a bit wonky though
• Various ground targets
• AA guns and SAM systems - SAMS have been reimplemented based on a modified version of lunetis's code.
  • AA guns can and will shoot down your missiles! However, because they track your aircraft, you can fool them by quickly changing direction after launching a missile.
• Added a top-attack air to ground missile
  • This missile is equippable on Stations 5 and 6 of the MD-15C. 
  • Also rewrote the missile code to separate lock types for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and multipurpose missiles

• Added taxi, take-off and landing mechanics
• Added a new mission that combines all of the above mechanics - take off from the airfield and destroy the enemy base.
  • Also added in a new mission select screen in the main menu to select either the air-to-air or the air-to-ground mission.
  • Take off by turning right past the oil tanks. There is a hidden runway zone that will unlock the throttle for takeoff.
• Various bug fixes maybe??

I did very little testing before putting this out so I'm sure a lot of things aren't working very well - I'm particularly interested in nailing down if there's anything wrong with landing.  

Please also note once again, I'm not a 3D modeller, nor do I have any 3D skills, so the airfield and terrain looks particularly crusty for this mission. Please do accept my apologies for this.

What's Next?

I originally wanted AI formations to be a part of this update as well, but something broke horrifically so I had to take them out. I also forgot to fix the weapon saving bugThat's what I'll focus on next patch, but I also want to tackle some of the following:

• Better mission structure system
• Dialogue
• Weapon system overhaul to support bombs and rockets, etc.

I will once temper expectations and note that I need to practice for an upcoming performance that I am completely underprepared for, so I'll leave this update on that note.  Thanks!