Master AI Pilots in Arma 3: Takeoff and Landing Tutorial

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Setting up the Aircraft
3. Adding Waypoints
4. Configuring Movement
5. Handling Larger Aircraft
6. testing the Flight
7. Adjusting Speed and Approach
8. Using Smaller Aircraft
9. Working with Fighter Jets
10. Troubleshooting Tips

How to Make an AI Aircraft Take Off and Land in Arma 3 Editor Tutorial

Are you looking to add some realism to your Arma 3 missions by having AI crews take off and land in aircraft? While it may seem a bit challenging, it is actually quite simple to do. In this Tutorial, we will walk you through the process step by step, so you can successfully set up AI-controlled aircraft that can take off, fly waypoints, and safely land. So, let's get started on this exciting journey!

1. Introduction

Arma 3 offers a powerful editor that allows players to create their own missions and scenarios. One of the key elements of creating immersive missions is incorporating AI-controlled aircraft. In this tutorial, we will focus on how to make an AI crew take off and land in an aircraft, adding an extra layer of realism to your gameplay.

2. Setting up the Aircraft

Before we dive into the details, let's start by setting up the aircraft and its attributes. In the editor, select the aircraft you want to use and open its attributes. Within the attributes, locate the "Fly-in Height" parameter and set it to an appropriate value. This will control the altitude at which the aircraft will fly.

3. Adding Waypoints

To guide the AI-controlled aircraft, we will need to add waypoints. Open the 2D editor or map view and select the aircraft. Begin by placing a "Move" waypoint somewhere to the North, indicating the starting point. Then, add additional waypoints to define the desired flight path. For example, you can instruct the aircraft to fly out to sea or perform a power drop at specific locations.

4. Configuring Movement

With the waypoints in place, it's time to configure the movement of the aircraft. Select the first move waypoint and set the desired altitude, speed, and direction. Repeat this process for each waypoint, ensuring that the aircraft follows the intended path. Take note that larger aircraft may have difficulty following taxiways accurately, requiring some adjustments to the placement and pathing.

5. Handling Larger Aircraft

When working with larger aircraft, such as the C-130, you may encounter challenges in getting them to follow taxiways correctly. To overcome this issue, you can experiment with different placements on the Runway and tweaking the pathing. Keep in mind that larger aircraft tend to hug the terrain and might not follow taxiways precisely.

6. Testing the Flight

Now it's time to see your AI crew in action. Place yourself as a passenger in the aircraft and observe how it performs. You can adjust the speed of time to get a better perspective. Watch as the aircraft takes off, flies along the designated waypoints, and prepares for landing. Pay attention to any unexpected maneuvers or issues that may arise.

7. Adjusting Speed and Approach

To enhance the realism of the aircraft's landing, you can add a "Land" waypoint with a limited speed attribute. This will slow down the aircraft during its approach and landing. Experiment with different speed settings to achieve the desired effect. Keep in mind that the AI crew might overfly the runway on the first attempt and circle back for another approach.

8. Using Smaller Aircraft

The process of making AI-controlled smaller aircraft, like fighter jets, take off and land follows the same principles as larger aircraft. Simply swap out the aircraft type without changing any of the waypoints. This allows you to add variety and create a more immersive environment by incorporating different aircraft into your missions.

9. Working with Fighter Jets

If you would like to add some additional ambience to your mission, you can use fighter jets in the same manner as other aircraft. By changing the last waypoint to a "Cycle" waypoint, the fighter jet will continue flying along the taxiway, taking off, and landing repeatedly. This adds a dynamic element to your mission and makes it feel more realistic.

10. Troubleshooting Tips

While setting up AI-controlled aircraft can be an exciting process, it may not always go smoothly. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you overcome common issues:

• Experiment with different placements of the aircraft on the airfield to find the optimal starting position.
• Make adjustments to the pathing and waypoints if the aircraft is not following taxiways accurately.
• Be aware of the specific challenges posed by different airfields, such as Altus, and adapt your approach accordingly.
• Take note of any unexpected behaviors or errors and consult the community for additional support and guidance.

Now that you have the knowledge and tools to create AI-controlled aircraft that can take off and land, it's time to unleash your creativity and elevate your Arma 3 missions to new heights! Have fun experimenting with different aircraft types, waypoints, and maneuvering techniques to create immersive and realistic gameplay experiences.

Pros:

• Adds realism to Arma 3 missions
• Enhances immersion and gameplay
• Allows for a variety of aircraft types to be used
• Can be customized to fit specific mission requirements

Cons:

• May require adjustments and fine-tuning for larger aircraft
• AI-controlled aircraft may not always follow taxiways accurately
• Certain airfields may Present more challenges than others

Highlights

• Learn how to make AI-controlled aircraft take off and land in Arma 3 Editor
• Set up aircraft attributes and configure movement
• Add waypoints to guide the AI crew during the flight
• Troubleshoot common issues and find solutions
• Enhance realism and immersion in your missions

Resources:

• Arma 3 Official Website: www.arma3.com
• Arma 3 Community Forums: community.bistudio.com/wiki/Main_Page

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use this tutorial for creating AI-controlled helicopters? A: While this tutorial focuses on aircraft, the same principles can be applied to helicopters as well. Simply swap out the aircraft type and adjust the waypoints and movements accordingly.

Q: Is it possible to make the AI crew perform specific maneuvers during the flight? A: Yes, you can add additional waypoints to instruct the AI crew to perform specific maneuvers, such as power drops or flybys. Experiment with different waypoints and movements to create dynamic and engaging missions.

Q: Are there any limitations on the number of AI-controlled aircraft that can be used in a single mission? A: The number of AI-controlled aircraft that can be used in a mission can vary depending on the performance of your system. It is recommended to test the mission and adjust the settings accordingly to ensure smooth gameplay.

Q: Can players control the AI-controlled aircraft during the mission? A: No, the AI-controlled aircraft are solely operated by the AI crew. Players can only observe and interact as passengers or from a third-person perspective.

Q: Is it possible to make AI-controlled aircraft perform air-to-air combat? A: While this tutorial focuses on takeoff and landing, you can certainly create missions that involve air-to-air combat by incorporating additional waypoints and objectives. Experiment with different scenarios and enjoy the flexibility offered by the Arma 3 Editor.

Q: Will this tutorial work with Mods and custom aircraft? A: Yes, the basic principles covered in this tutorial can be applied to mods and custom aircraft as well. Adjustments may be required based on the specific features and attributes of the mod or custom aircraft being used.

Q: How can I share my missions with others? A: You can share your missions with others by exporting them as PBO files and uploading them to platforms such as Steam Workshop or other Arma 3 community websites. This allows other players to easily download and experience your missions.