The Viper was the next logical extension to the F/A-18C Hornet. They both have a similar multi-role mission and share many of the same underlying technologies and systems. As such, we can be much more efficient by leveraging core technologies and features for both aircraft. The Viper is also cool aircraft that has been produced in massive numbers, with an equal number of fans around the world. It was a no-brainer.
Every aircraft starts from the engine and flight model and follows by 3D modelling and development of all the systems. We started to develop the heart of the Viper in October 2018 creating the needed design documents and collecting as much information available to us. The main production phase started in April 2019 with many placeholder objects up to what you see now this will continue until the module is considered feature completed and can be moved from Early Access to release.
We have never developed a product so fast. Not only is this a testament to our amazing development team, but it also showed the value of creating core technologies that can be applied to multiple aircraft. The development of projects that are similar in tech will always help the speed of creating new tech. You can even see this in our WWII aircraft with similar engine types, and new tech for those.
As development starts, a plan is put into place on what the key features will be required to make an enjoyable product in an Early Access environment. Much thought is always put into what will allow the most gameplay with features still to come. Even development of the Hornet, and what was most popular as it developed, as an example, the targeting pod. Of course, this is all based on how the systems tie together in development, and sometimes that can push much-requested features further out, you can see this with IFF as an example.
F-110-GE-129 turbofan engine
AN/APG-68(V)5 multi-mode radar
AN/ALR-56M Radar Warning Receiver
CCIP (Common Configuration Implementation Program) update
ALE-47 countermeasure system
Color Multifunction Display (CMFD) symbology, Horizontal Situation Display (HSD) format, and Head-up Display (HUD) symbology
Digitally TACAN and Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator (EHSI)
RWS, SAM, and ACM A/A radar modes
RWS, SAM, and STT air-to-air radar modes
BDU-33, GBU-10, GBU-12, Mk-82LDGP, Mk-82AIR, Mk-82SE, Mk-84LDGP, CBU-87 CEM, and CBU-97 SFW unguided bombs
2.75” rockets
Helmet Mounted Cueing System (HMCS)
AIM-9L/M/P/X Sidewinder
AIM-120B/C AMRAAM
M61A1 20mm cannon
Litening targeting pod
TWS and other A/A radar modes
Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS)
Link 16 Data Link
Identify Friend or Foe (IFF)
A/G radar modes
AGM-65D/G/H/K Maverick
AGM-88C HARM
AN/ASQ-213 HARM Targeting System (HTS)
GBU-24A/B laser-guided bombs
BRU-57/A Smart Rack
CBU-103 CEM and CBU-105 SFW Inertially Aided Munitions (IAM)
GBU-31/A and GBU-38/B JDAM
AGM-154A and AGM-154B JSOW
Integration of the JHMCS with the HARM Targeting System (HTS), Link 16, and AIFF
Night Vision Goggles (NVG)
ALE-50 towed decoy
IFF
TWS
Programs for CMDS
Autopilot (HDG SEL and STRG SEL modes)
INS setup and DED page
FM/FLCS/engine tuning
AA and AG mode missing indication
