The airport apron is a busy, dynamic environment, teeming with ground crew, vehicles, and machinery. Amid this orchestra of activity, a select few vehicles stand out, not just for their functions but for their sheer excellence. One such vehicle is the Goldhofer BISON. Loved by ground handlers and now making its appearance in the our AirportSim game.
What is the Bison's function?
On the airport apron, the Goldhofer BISON operates as a dedicated tow tractor. Its primary roles encompass pushback operations from terminal gates, aircraft repositioning within the tarmac—including transfers between hangars and gate assignments—and ensuring efficient taxiing procedures. This is particularly crucial in sectors where utilizing aircraft reverse thrust or powerback maneuvers would be operationally challenging or pose safety risks.
Ergonomics
Ground crew members spend hours operating vehicles, and ergonomics is paramount. The BISON is a pleasure to operate. The cockpit is sophisticated yet intuitive, ensuring the driver's comfort is at the forefront. This, coupled with a spring-suspended cabin, provides an unparalleled view, making it easier for the operator to navigate the busy airport terrain. Additionally, the well-maintained cabin air conditioning ensures the driver remains at ease during extended shifts. And for those longer shifts? The BISON is ahead of the game with its large diesel tank and advanced "IONMASTER" technology and design of the cab gives the driver 360 degrees of vision, which contributes to safety.
Reliability
When we discuss reliability, the BISON stands tall. Crafted with robust and durable components from quality manufacturers, it's designed for the long haul. A defining feature is its carry-over part strategy, allowing seamless operations across the entire BISON family. Furthermore, its adaptability shines through, thanks to a flexible ballasting concept which ensures the vehicle is ready for changing conditions.It is worth mentioning that Bison can work in very extreme temperatures of -30°C or the blistering heat of +52°C, the BISON operates seamlessly, evident by its usage on every continent.
Safety
Safety, a paramount concern on any apron, is deeply ingrained in the BISON's design. Its ergonomic handling ensures reduced damage, leading to fewer repairs and cost savings. A clear view of the couplings directly from the cabin and a safe single-man operation are testaments to its meticulous design. With flexible driving modes, including all-wheel, front-wheel, and crab steering, the BISON truly offers a driving experience like no other.
Maintenance
In terms of diagnostics and maintenance, the BISON is again in a league of its own. Error messages and information are displayed in plain text in its multifunction display, simplifying troubleshooting. The time-saving operations, combined with 1,000-hour maintenance intervals, optimized hydraulic systems, and a lubrication-free drive shaft, all underscore BISON's commitment to long-term use with minimal hassle.
The "BISON" D 1000 is particularly notable. This unstoppable powerhouse can tow hefty aircrafts like the Boeing 747-400 or Airbus A340-600, weighing up to 400 t (880,000 lbs) MTOW.
Experience the BISON D1000 in AirportSim
AirportSim offers players a chance to operate the legendary Goldhofer BISON D1000. This vehicle effortlessly tows aircraft like the Airbus A320neo or 737 MAX. So, if you're ready to jump into the world of airport operations, grab the BISON's steering wheel and get pushing because those planes won't move themselves!
Do you want to read more about vehicles in AirportSim?
Join our team and spend time with us on a special Community Stream. We will tell you about our game, airplanes, airports, and also showcase some funny moments. If you want to learn more about AirportSim, you're in the perfect place.
AirportSim | Development Update #2 | Airports
Welcome to our Development Update #2. In this edition, we will focus on the airports where you can take on the role of a ground handler in AirportSim. Primarily, we will be discussing the visual enhancements rather than the gameplay mechanics. Let’s take a closer look at the modifications made since the February demo and explore the new features.
Refinements and enhancements to terminal buildings across all airports.
Significant upgrades have been made to the airport buildings to align them more closely with their real-world counterparts, coupled with substantial visual enhancements.
Presenting Key West Airport!
Following the release of the demo version, we nearly completed three airports: Vagar, Keflavik, and Warsaw. As per the AirportSim plan, upon launch, you will be able to engage in gameplay at four airports. It's time to unveil the missing fourth one - Key West Airport! It might have already appeared in some articles and screenshots, but for those who haven't encountered it yet - welcome!
We began, of course, by gathering materials in the form of videos, photos, and building plans. Next, we transitioned to modeling all the buildings and surroundings. After extensive work on accurately reflecting the airport, we shifted our focus to the gameplay. We incorporated aircraft paths, vehicles, and distinctive minor elements of the airport, which help to capture the "essence" of the location.
The airport is now complete, as you can frequently observe during our weekly community streams. We hope that you will appreciate the American airport and dispatch many planes from sunny Florida.
For more information about the airport itself, please refer to the article we prepared for you some time ago LINK.
New Terminal Interior at Vagar & Key West
Our goal, as always with simulators, is to achieve the most realistic effect possible. Therefore, we have redesigned the interior of the Vagar & Key West terminal to make it as comparable as possible to the original. We have also made minor modifications to the gameplay at Vagar, details of which can be found in the next section.
Repair of Luggage Collection and Drop-off Points at Vagar
The luggage collection and drop-off points in our game were previously placed in reverse order compared to reality. We have corrected this mistake, so you will be able to play the correct way at the premiere. It's a small change, but a satisfying one!
New Jetway Model at the Warsaw Chopin Airport
Warsaw Airport is a place that demanded a significant amount of our effort and attention. As you may be aware from our previous updates, we regularly visit this place, so accurately recreating it is a point of pride for us. While you have already seen the jetways at Keflavik in our materials, and can now examine them in the new demo, they differ from those in Warsaw.
We decided that each airport should have jetways that mirror their real-life counterparts. This necessitated a meticulous examination of every detail. During one of our visits, the staff demonstrated the precise functioning of the jetways, and based on the photos and videos we captured, we were able to adapt our existing models to fully replicate the appearance of the ones in Warsaw.
New Support Vehicles: Firetrucks and Ambulances for Every Airport
Airports are, in many ways, like organisms where every component has a vital role to play in the overall function. You will take on the role of apron staff, but it's important to remember that there are also people dedicated to ensuring health and safety. We are committed to accurately replicating real airports in the game, which is why it is essential to include crucial vehicles like ambulances and firetrucks. Although you won't be able to assume the roles of a paramedic or firefighter, their presence will undoubtedly enhance the game's immersion. You will have the opportunity to observe this vehicles closely during gameplay.
Luggage Sorting Area at Warsaw Airport
What we, as non-ground handlers, see at the airport is only part of the picture. There are restricted areas inaccessible to those without proper authorization, one of which is the luggage sorting area.
Thanks to our collaboration with Warsaw Chopin Airport (Yes, we mentioned it today a lot of times, but we are just really thankful for them.), we were granted access to this area, enabling us to accurately replicate it, both visually and functionally.
Airports facilitate the travel of hundreds of thousands of people, and along with them, their luggage, which must be sorted and dispatched on the correct flights. Playing AirportSim allows you to see what this space truly looks like, as it has been recreated based on photos, recordings, and our own visits. Additionally, the sounds you hear during gameplay were recorded by us, adding to the realism and immersion of the experience.
Added General Aviation Aircraft at Key West Airport - Light Aircraft
We are committed to enhancing the immersion of our game in various ways. Although Key West is a smaller airport compared to Warsaw or Keflavik, it has its own unique characteristics. The airport is predominantly used by small aircraft, a detail we have chosen to emphasize in our game.
While navigating the airport apron or during your work, you will notice the light aircraft that we have incorporated, located in a specially designated area behind the fence. We believe this addition enriches the charm of this beautiful airport, and for those of you who are aviation enthusiasts, it will provide an opportunity to closely observe these aircraft and, of course, heighten the sense of realism and authenticity of being at an actual airport.
And... that concludes today's development update. We sincerely hope you appreciate the changes and the effort we are investing in the development of AirportSim for its full game release. For those who missed the initial series of Development Updates, you can find them here: Link. Now, we encourage you to try our new demo and stay tuned for more exciting updates!
Additionally, we invite you to join our Discord channel, where you can engage in discussions about the game, aviation, and provide us with your valuable feedback on the new demo.
Demo Hot Fix for update no. 2
Demo Hot Fix for update no. 2
Fixed invisible barriers on luggage trailer
Fixed self rotating GPUs
Fixed stairs connection to the airplane - the player will not able to change stairs position while getting in when they are connected
Possible fix to passengers not entering the aircraft correctly
Demo Changelog #2: Patch no.2
Hello, ground handlers!
We heard that you played our new AirportSim demo and we have some updates for you! We have reviewed your feedback, issues, and suggestions, and have done our best to make improvements. Below, you will find a list of changes:
Added:
Trailer front axle interaction: Drag/Rotate Players now have the ability to drag the trailers and GPUs. To drag the trailer, hold the left mouse button and move the mouse around. To steer it, press Q and E respectively to turn left and right while holding the left mouse button (LMB).
Added synchronization of flight codes and gameplay hours on monitors in the luggage room.
Added streaming Mipmaps Priority to textures.
Added a second skin, 'AirportSim,' to A320Neo, and fixed issues on the B737 Max.
Added: Sidechain for footsteps.
Redesigned mouse movement on the 2D map.
Added cursor variants for specific actions.
Fixed:
Fixed: Driving with the engine off while the 'Luggage Trailer' is connected.
Fixed: Turning on the light when entering the car and the engine is on.
Fixed: Wipers not working in some vehicles.
Fixed: Luggage trailer front axles being incorrectly rotated at start.
Fixed: Bollards missing in some tasks if there were only stacked cones available.
Fixed: Interactions through colliders.
Fixed: Trailer connector rotation.
Fixed: Third camera locked in vehicle.
Fixed: Incorrectly placed colliders on the main landing gear of A320 Neo.
Fixed: Possibility of driving away while GPU is connected to the aircraft.
Fixed: Main menu briefing frame.
Fixed: Invisible parts of the text inside the briefing window.
Fixed: Loading screen objects being affected by the weather.
Fixed: FOV setting available through the pause menu.
Fixed: Blizzard and snow particles not following the player's position.
Fixed: Sky pattern visible on full overcast.
Fixed: Objects being lit from the bottom whenever the cloud density is set to high values.
Improved: Sky color and lighting depending on cloud density.
Shortened: The time digits in the briefing popup window.
Turned off: Chromatic aberration in default graphics settings.
Fixed: Textures on A320 Neo.
Fixed: Ability to interact through objects.
Fixed: Luggage bags being easily destroyable after the first opening.
Fixed: Shaders' weather variants causing materials to look bluish.
Fixed: Anti-aliasing (AA) issues resulting in hard edges and deformed textures.
Fixed: Chunky camera movement; now it is smooth.
Fixed: Teleporting while inside the sorting area results in graphics loss.
Fixed: Bags moving endlessly if they were opened while in interaction with the conveyor belt.
Fixed: Possibility of two aircraft being on the same runway.
Fixed: Mouse drag outside of the tablet can still move the map.
Fixed: Jetway lights are invisible from a larger distance.
Fixed: Sunlight at early or late hours can leave a hard edge transition on the volumetric clouds.
Improved:
Improved: Scene loading times.
Improved: Reduced CPU overload on scene loading.
Improved: Quality of rain effects.
Improved: Luggage room performance and reduced stuttering upon entering.
Adjusted: Keflavik scene lighting.
Adjusted: Steam and Discord links in the main menu.
Adjusted: Screen space effects edge distance, minor optimization.
That’s a pretty long list, and we hope that you will like all of the changes. If you have any further suggestions or feedback, please remember that we are always here for you and eager to hear from you on our Discord channel!
Community Stream
We've had a bunch of exciting days behind us🥳. We released a new demo🕹, attended Gamescom🎉, and the Air Show✈, so we truly have a lot to talk about. Join us today and every Wednesday at 8:00 PM CET, on our Twitch channel📺.
Yesterday, you received a new demo of AirportSim, but that's not the end of the surprises!
We have prepared a special stream dedicated to this newly delivered version of our game. We will show you the gameplay and discuss our ideas from its creation.
🗓️ We're starting today at 5:00 PM CET. Join us here: https://www.twitch.tv/msgamespl 👋🏻✈️
AirportSim New Demo Available Now!
Greetings Ground Crew!
We arrived at Gamescom 2023! Since unfortunately, not everyone can join us at our stand in the business hall, we've prepared a surprise for you!
🥳 A NEW DEMO is now available! 🥳
So what changed between the February Demo vs the new Gamescom 2023 Demo:
New aircraft: A320 Neo
Introducing the new airport: Keflavik Airport
New Main Menu hangar with the ability to preview aircraft skins
New task: Delivering passengers to and from the aircraft
New tutorials that explain mechanics in a new way!
New partnerships: Atlantic Airlines, WizzAir
New fictitious airlines
The front axis from the trailers and GPUs now behave realistically, whereas previously it was fixed in place
The luggage mechanic has been completely changed. Previously, luggage was automatically kicked out of the aircraft, and players didn't have the possibility to enter the cargo hold. Now, luggage is spawned inside the aircraft, and players have to manually extract or place it inside the cargo hold.
Buttons and levers are now functional for luggage loaders. Players can operate the luggage belt via external buttons.
The system for displaying the interior of vehicles has been changed.
The possibility to fly around with the camera inside the tablet has been added.
A "quick travel" system has been added - if a player clicks on a vehicle in the map view, they can "jump" to its position.
Roaming aircraft have been introduced - these aircraft, as the name suggests, will roam around, acting as background fillers.
Many other fixes and improvements have been made.
Take a moment to explore what we've prepared for you. Share your thoughts with us through the comments or by joining our DISCORD CHANNEL HERE, where we eagerly await your feedback. Remember that bugs can happen since we are continuously working on the final version of the AirportSim Game!
Additionally, we are proud to announce that the new trailer will be released in a few weeks. And yes, you're absolutely right - with the arrival of a new trailer, significant news is just around the corner as well!
P.S. For those who received a wildcard for the Business Hall, our stand number is [Hall 04.1 | Booth A024]. We are more than happy to talk with you!
Enjoy!
Community Stream: With Sledziu and Chrisss
We invite you to a stream with the creators of the game AirportSim. You will see various airports, vehicles, and tasks that await us in the game. The developers will not only talk to you about the game itself but also about the people behind its creation and where we draw the knowledge needed to build our simulator.
AirportSim | Development Update #1 | Graphics
Greetings, ground crew! We are excited to extend an invitation to our inaugural development update. It has been a while since we embarked on the AirportSim game development journey, and much has evolved, especially when compared to the demo you have the chance to experience.
Crafting high-quality, fully optimized, and meticulously detailed real-life vehicles and interiors is no small feat. Today, our spotlight is on graphic enhancements, animations, and visual transformations that have been in progress since the March release of the latest demo. Let's discover the changes together!
We kindly suggest grabbing your favorite drink and some snacks, as this is going to be an extensive update brimming with details. 🍿🥤
Updates and visual corrections to B737 aircraft
Airplane models are among one of the most crucial elements in the game, thus we dedicate considerable attention to their creation. In recent weeks, we have been meticulously reviewing our B737 model to make the final adjustments.
This aircraft draws inspiration from a real airplane, and during the game's production, we identified certain inconsistencies. It became evident that it incorporated elements from various airplanes, necessitating a thorough reevaluation of photos and drawings to address these discrepancies. At present, following the implemented changes, it embodies a highly realistic model.
Introducing the Airbus A320 NEO and further improvements
In the AirportSim demo 2.0 version, you were introduced to one of our aircraft. However, our ambitions extended beyond just that initial offering. Following the demo's launch, we embarked on a journey to introduce an entirely new and officially licensed model: the Airbus A320 NEO. This particular aircraft model is widely recognized and immensely popular. Understanding the fervent anticipation surrounding its inclusion, we approached this endeavor with unwavering professionalism right from the outset.
Our first step involved an in-depth study of the documents and technical specifications graciously provided by Airbus Company. This rigorous preparation allowed us to immerse ourselves in the technical intricacies, ensuring that no surprises awaited us during the production process. In addition to relying on photographs and videos, we were fortunate to witness the aircraft in person, affording us the chance to meticulously scrutinize vital details that might have otherwise evaded us.
With this thorough understanding, we transitioned into the digital realm. Methodically crafting the aircraft model, we entrusted the next phase to a skilled 3D animation specialist. Each aircraft possesses its own distinctive attributes, including its operational mechanisms. Navigating tasks like connecting GPUs and manipulating cargo doors demanded a complete reimagining, but the ultimate outcome promises a remarkably authentic portrayal of piloting this machine.
Improving Aircraft Taxiing Movement, landing and take off animation
Our work mainly involves observing airport operations, ground handling processes, and aircraft – not only when they're up in the sky but also when they're on the ground. Sometimes it feels like we're airport detectives, investigating what's happening both in the skies and on the ground.
Once planes touch down, they each have their own unique way of behaving. Additionally, every airport has its own set of taxiing routes, which play a crucial role in maintaining safety and order during various activities.
We've taken steps to improve the way aircraft move around on the airport apron, making their behavior more realistic. Currently, they follow designated paths, and the animations run seamlessly without any glitches or frame loss.
Stair Animation Correction for TLD ABS 580
When developing a game, especially a simulator as intricate as our AirportSim, which is meticulously crafted based on real equipment, it's virtually inevitable to completely eliminate errors. Following the demo's release, we identified an issue with the TLD ABS 580 – its hydraulic actuator was positioned inaccurately. A disappointing discovery, perhaps? But here's the silver lining: our dedication shines through!
Although we were confident in the precision of the vehicle's design, it was thanks to a message from one of our players that we caught onto this subtlety. We genuinely value all the feedback we receive and, as a result, swiftly recognized the inaccuracies within the vehicle's construction.
Without hesitation, we resolved to set things right. Through meticulous rectifications and texture refinements, the vehicle now impeccably mirrors its real-life counterpart, epitomizing our commitment to delivering an exceptional experience.
Aircraft Texture Overhaul and Further Enhancements
This one's going to be a short one. We've revamped textures to enhance their user-friendliness for crafting liveries, and we've also made minor adjustments to rectify a handful of visual issues that emerged under specific lighting conditions.
Jet engine exhaust visualization has been rectified
After unveiling the demo, we meticulously reviewed every aspect, seeking ways to not only enhance its functionality but also elevate its visual appeal. During a visit to an airport, our team members noticed a distinct feature – the engines appeared more conical in shape compared to those in AirportSim.
With this observation in mind, we decided to refine their appearance, giving them a sleeker, conical design that adds to their overall allure. Players who experienced the demo will certainly spot the difference between these engines and the ones showcased in the final version.
Rectification of Passenger Front and Rear Door Animation for B737
Airplane doors are often something passengers have the chance to closely observe. They are technologically intricate, requiring comfort and safety. Balancing these two aspects isn't simple for designers, as we discovered during our in-depth study of their operation. We've introduced modifications that will readily catch the attention of keen observers. In tandem with the seamless engine performance, we've made subtle refinements that enable players to genuinely witness the realistic operation of airplane doors.
Button Animation on Conveyor Belt Cars
Our Belt Loaders have undergone a remarkable transformation, and we're brimming with pride about the changes we've made. In the world of airport operations, efficiency reigns supreme, which is precisely why equipment needs to be incredibly versatile.
These vehicles, equipped with conveyor belts, are typically operated by skilled drivers. But here's the ingenious twist – we've integrated meticulously designed external control panels. These panels eliminate the need for drivers to constantly return to the vehicle for belt adjustments or changes in orientation.
Now, let's talk about the game itself. We've meticulously reimagined these vehicles to offer external control, complete with dynamic animations that illustrate the seamless use of buttons. This enhancement goes a long way in creating a truly immersive experience for players when they're in charge of these machines.
Corrections to Global Lighting and Weather Systems
As gamers, we often overlook one of the most crucial elements in a game: the weather and time of day. Starting the same scenario under different weather conditions offers us a remarkably different gameplay experience.
These conditions play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative. We've implemented numerous changes, particularly focused on refining these factors, with an emphasis on enhancing the weather dynamics.
Rain, for example, now exhibits a remarkably realistic appearance. Moreover, you'll notice how light interacts with puddles, adding a new level of immersion. We've also meticulously adjusted the sun's position in relation to the airports, ensuring it faithfully mirrors the real-world sun's placement based on the in-game time of day.
Summary
In summary, this development update has been a thrilling ride. From perfecting aircraft models to elevating animations and textures, every detail has been meticulously refined. Our dedication to realism shines through, whether it's in the intricacies of engine exhaust or the controls of conveyor belt cars. We've also fine-tuned weather systems and lighting to deepen the immersion. As we unveil these enhancements, we're excited to have you experience the enhanced AirportSim. Feel free to ask any questions – let's continue the journey together! And of course... Remember to wishlist us! 😉
Now we are preparing ourselves for Gamescom 2023, as you may have noticed – we will be there!
