Ultralight Aircraft

[kimmoproudfoot@gmail.com 79]

I am pretty new to this forum, so hello everyone! I am also a big DayZ fanatic and I have been playing since the mod’s early days.

 

Some people have argued convincingly that aircraft have no place in a zombie apocalypse survival game. In some ways I agree. It always seemed a little unrealistic to have serviceable Hueys, Mi-17s, Little Birds and An-2s in the mod. Successfully flying, maintaining and fueling these complex machines requires specialist knowledge and it seemed a little far fetched that most players could manage to do it.

 

I for one would like to see a new approach when it comes to aircraft in the stand-alone game. Instead of complex aircraft, why not focus on simpler machines that most people could learn to fly and maintain quickly?

 

This prompted me to think about the ultralight aircraft category. These simple machines are hugely popular worldwide due to their forgiving flight characteristics, low cost of ownership and short field takeoff and landing performance. They mostly use two-stroke piston engines and are inexpensive to maintain.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultralight_aviation

 

In an apocalypse scenario where resources are depleted, I feel that anyone who needed to take to the skies would naturally be attracted towards ultralight aircraft. I can imagine they would used for things like aerial reconnaissance, transporting supplies and search / rescue. Taking off and landing would be much easier as compared to the An-2; any open field, road or beach on the map could be used. Most ultralights use either AVGAS or regular unleaded petrol, so using the wrong fuel could open up some interesting new dynamics for the game if two models and fuel types were introduced.

 

 

I think that they should be a rare find in the game; perhaps two per server in remote locations. It would be cool to have one “weight-shift” type (see above) with a simple two-stroke petrol engine and one “three-axis” fixed wing type (see below) with a slightly more complex four-stroke AVGAS engine and two seats. AVGAS should only be available at airfields, ensuring that refueling is a dangerous activity. Of course, you could always use gerry cans instead, if you have enough inventory space. Maintenance should be more manageable too; I'm thinking that things like rope, rags and car parts could be used to keep the aircraft in a serviceable condition.

 

 

I know that not everyone will agree with my thinking, but I can’t help but feel that this would be a really cool addition to the game. I feel the same way about having civilian helicopters in the game, but that probably deserves it’s own thread.

 

P.S. I’d be very interested to hear more opinions on this.

 

Cheers,

 

Kimmo.

Edited January 13, 2014 by Kimmo

[jSharp 14]

I dont know how I feel rubbing nut to butt up on that aircraft.

[Alll420 14]

I dont know how I feel rubbing nut to butt up on that aircraft.

Lol, I like the ultralight idea though, they would be awesome

[kimmoproudfoot@gmail.com 79]

I dont know how I feel rubbing nut to butt up on that aircraft.

 

A valid concern jSharp!  :D

[jaginun 87]

Eh, I would argue that normal aircraft have more of a place in Chenarus rather than the ULA. Sure, aeroplanes probably have more complex mechanics, but there would be a lot more prop craft like the AN-2 rather than these propelled gliders, as with real life.

 

However, disregarding realism I do like the idea as they are an actual useable alternative to larger planes. These ones, as you say, could land in a field and take off again without worrying about runway space, and it wouldn't just be owned by the largest group on the server like with previous aircraft.

 

While it's unrealistic, and as jSharp says, might not be the most manly of vehicles, I think the gameplay niche it fills beats the downsides.

 

+1

[Frytek 130]

I know that not everyone will agree with my thinking, but I can’t help but feel that this would be a really cool addition to the game. I feel the same way about having civilian helicopters in the game, but that probably deserves it’s own thread. 

 

 

 

Newsflash: Choppers and other vehicles will be added later on.

 

 

Also pretty sure it was suggested already.

 

 

 

Oh, and hello. Welcome to the forums.

Edited December 29, 2013 by Frytek

[Bakercompany86 347]

I'm not voting because I'm not sure how I feel about it yet.  What are the chances of pieces to one of these aircraft really being in this area or Russia?  I'll think about it, but I do like your line of thinking at least.

 

 

Other aircraft should not be in the game at all.  I know players want Helicopters.  But given the state of decay, would it really be realistic to find a Helicopter in any decent enough state to be repaired?  Let alone find the parts (okay, maybe at the airfields you could).

 

However, what are the chances that any of these survivors running around are trained A&P mechanics?  That's really tough to say.  Your average person in no way could repair an aircraft let alone fly it.

 

Having said that, a majority of Pilots I know also go get their A&P license so they can work on their own aircraft.  So I guess it's not *totally* unrealistic.

[kimmoproudfoot@gmail.com 79]

Newsflash: Choppers and other vehicles will be added later on.

 

 

Also pretty sure it was suggested already.

 

 

 

Oh, and hello. Welcome to the forums.

 

I know Frytek - this was just an idea though. I did a few searches, but couldn't find anything relevant. Can you link the post? Thanks for the welcome.  :)

[kimmoproudfoot@gmail.com 79]

I'm not voting because I'm not sure how I feel about it yet.  What are the chances of pieces to one of these aircraft really being in this area or Russia?  I'll think about it, but I do like your line of thinking at least.

 

 

Other aircraft should not be in the game at all.  I know players want Helicopters.  But given the state of decay, would it really be realistic to find a Helicopter in any decent enough state to be repaired?  Let alone find the parts (okay, maybe at the airfields you could).

 

However, what are the chances that any of these survivors running around are trained A&P mechanics?  That's really tough to say.  Your average person in no way could repair an aircraft let alone fly it.

 

Having said that, a majority of Pilots I know also go get their A&P license so they can work on their own aircraft.  So I guess it's not *totally* unrealistic.

 

Ultralight aviation represents a significant proportion of all civil aviation (around 20% in most countries) and is very popular worldwide due to it's low cost and moderate licencing requirements. Most ultralight aircraft are relatively simple in their manufacture and maintenance requirements. For me it stands to reason that, in the event of an apocalypse, if any aircraft were to remain operational then surely it would be the least complex models. I can't help but think of the rickety old gyrocopter in the movie Mad Max 2 as an example (which didn't end well).  :P

 

Edited December 29, 2013 by Kimmo

[victusmortuus 1074]

Reminds me of the Gyro from the mod.

[kimmoproudfoot@gmail.com 79]

Reminds me of the Gyro from the mod.

 

Me too. Although it wasn't very realistic in the mod. If it was done correctly, a gyrocopter might also be a cool addition.  :thumbsup:

Edited December 29, 2013 by Kimmo

[kingrex 85]

I think this would be a really cool addition to the game and I would want to see these flying around rather then helicopters.

[SalamanderAnder (DayZ) 1747]

Yeah, this is actually a good idea.

[CGNoodlePot (DayZ) 149]

How about a HOT AIR BALLOON?!?!?!?!?

[kingrex 85]

How about a HOT AIR BALLOON?!?!?!?!?

Lol I think it would be too easy to shoot a hot air balloon down, but other then that cool idea.

[Publik 404]

Please

[PastorPounder 73]

How about a HOT AIR BALLOON?!?!?!?!?

 

Love it. My first mental image though was cresting a hill in Chernarus and seeing this exact smiley face lmao. I wouldn't hesitate for one second and just start taking crack shots no matter how far. To balance for vulnerability they should make it so propane or w.e it is hot air balloons use to propel themselves pretty acquirable. Downside is. Your a massive smiling target :)

 

+1 to this.

[kimmoproudfoot@gmail.com 79]

How about a HOT AIR BALLOON?!?!?!?!?

Only if it has a zombie face on the side! :-D

[larrylongbottom 106]

How about a HOT AIR BALLOON?!?!?!?!?

 

think bigger

 

[kimmoproudfoot@gmail.com 79]

How about a HOT AIR BALLOON?!?!?!?!?

Hot air balloons can only drift in the wind, so with the constant easterly in Chernarus they would have to spawn on the western side of the map to be of any use. Maybe you could take off at Sosnovka and land at Solnichny (dropping beans for survivors as you travel).

Edit: Kamenka to Skalisty would probably be more fun and "eventful"!

Edited January 5, 2014 by Kimmo

[Arty (DayZ) 47]

With the amount of assholes who would shoot that thing, i'd be surprised if it would last for over 15 min

[kingrex 85]

Also think powered paragliding would be cool, but it will likely not happen. Some guy did however put a mod for them up on armaholic

[kimmoproudfoot@gmail.com 79]

With the amount of assholes who would shoot that thing, i'd be surprised if it would last for over 15 min

I reckon five minutes would be a generous guess. However, it would depend on the size of the bullet holes and their placement.

Edited January 5, 2014 by Kimmo

[kimmoproudfoot@gmail.com 79]

Also think powered paragliding would be cool, but it will likely not happen. Some guy did however put a mod for them up on armaholic

Paragliding would be cool; especially being able to wear a propeller instead of a backpack! :-)

[kingrex 85]

Yeah could not carry much, but would be good for scouting areas from over head.