Added simulated sling load behaviour

CTLD.lua

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 
     See https://github.com/ciribob/DCS-CTLD for a user manual and the latest version
 
-    Version: 1.22 - 22/06/2015  - Made FOB crates work if sling load crates are disabled
+    Version: 1.22 - 26/06/2015  - New alternative to real sling loading with simulated sling loading. If you have issues with sling loads crashing the server use this
                                 - Crates in Zone now works for Spawned crates and Ones added by the mission editor
                                 - Enabled multi crate units
                                 - Added new parameter for the number of launchers to spawn a HAWK with
@@ -35,6 +35,9 @@ ctld = {} -- DONT REMOVE!
 ctld.disableAllSmoke = false -- if true, all smoke is diabled at pickup and drop off zones regardless of settings below. Leave false to respect settings below
 
 ctld.enableCrates = true -- if false, Helis will not be able to spawn or unpack crates so will be normal CTTS
+ctld.slingLoad = true -- if false, crates can be used WITHOUT slingloading, by hovering above the crate, simulating slingloading but not the weight...
+-- There are some bug with Sling-loading that can cause crashes, if these occur set slingLoad to false
+-- to use the other method.
 
 ctld.enableSmokeDrop = true -- if false, helis and c-130 will not be able to drop smoke
 
@@ -51,7 +54,7 @@ ctld.vehiclesForTransportBLUE = { "M1045 HMMWV TOW", "M1043 HMMWV Armament" } --
 ctld.hawkLaunchers = 3 -- controls how many launchers to add to the hawk when its spawned.
 
 ctld.spawnRPGWithCoalition = true --spawns a friendly RPG unit with Coalition forces
-ctld.spawnStinger = false -- spawns a stinger / igla soldier with a group of 6 or more soldiers
+ctld.spawnStinger = false -- spawns a stinger / igla soldier with a group of 6 or more soldiers!
 
 ctld.enabledFOBBuilding = true -- if true, you can load a crate INTO a C-130 than when unpacked creates a Forward Operating Base (FOB) which is a new place to spawn (crates) and carry crates from
 -- In future i'd like it to be a FARP but so far that seems impossible...
@@ -408,7 +411,7 @@ function ctld.cratesInZone(_zone, _flagNumber)
 
             --in air seems buggy with crates so if in air is true, get the height above ground and the speed magnitude
             if _crate ~= nil and _crate:getLife() > 0
-                    and (_crate:inAir() == false or (land.getHeight(_crate:getPoint()) < 200 and mist.vec.mag(_crate:getVelocity()) < 1.0)) then
+                    and (_crate:inAir() == false or (ctld.heightDiff(_crate) < 10.0 and mist.vec.mag(_crate:getVelocity()) < 1.0)) then
 
                 local _dist = ctld.getDistance(_crate:getPoint(), _zonePos)
 
@@ -428,9 +431,7 @@ function ctld.cratesInZone(_zone, _flagNumber)
     timer.scheduleFunction(function(_args)
 
         ctld.cratesInZone(_args[1], _args[2])
-
     end, { _zone, _flagNumber }, timer.getTime() + 5)
-
 end
 
 -- Creates an extraction zone
@@ -478,9 +479,7 @@ function ctld.createExtractZone(_zone, _flagNumber, _smoke)
 
         --run local function
         _smokeFunction(_details)
-
     end
-
 end
 
 -- Creates a radio beacon on a random UHF - VHF and HF/FM frequency for homing
@@ -505,7 +504,6 @@ function ctld.createRadioBeaconAtZone(_zone, _coalition,_batteryLife)
     else
         ctld.createRadioBeacon(_zonePos, 2, 2, false, _batteryLife) --1440
     end
-
 end
 
 -- ***************************************************************
@@ -531,7 +529,9 @@ end
 
 function ctld.spawnCrateStatic(_country, _unitId, _point, _name, _weight)
 
-    local _crate = {
+    local _crate
+    if ctld.slingLoad then
+        _crate = {
             ["category"] = "Cargo",
             ["shape_name"] = "ab-212_cargo",
             ["type"] = "Cargo1",
@@ -547,8 +547,24 @@ function ctld.spawnCrateStatic(_country, _unitId, _point, _name, _weight)
             --            ["cargoDisplayName"] = "cargo123",
             --            ["CargoDisplayName"] = "cargo123",
         }
+    else
+        _crate = {
+            ["shape_name"] = "GeneratorF",
+            ["type"] = "GeneratorF",
+            ["unitId"] = _unitId,
+            ["y"] = _point.z,
+            ["x"] = _point.x,
+            ["name"] = _name,
+            ["category"] = "Fortifications",
+            ["canCargo"] = false,
+            ["heading"] = 0,
+        }
+    end
 
-    local _spawnedCrate = coalition.addStaticObject(_country, _crate)
+    _crate["country"] = _country
+    mist.dynAddStatic(_crate)
+    local _spawnedCrate = StaticObject.getByName(_crate["name"])
+    --local _spawnedCrate = coalition.addStaticObject(_country, _crate)
 
     return _spawnedCrate
 end
@@ -567,7 +583,12 @@ function ctld.spawnFOBCrateStatic(_country, _unitId, _point, _name)
         ["heading"] = 0,
     }
 
-    local _spawnedCrate = coalition.addStaticObject(_country, _crate)
+    _crate["country"] = _country
+
+    mist.dynAddStatic(_crate)
+
+    local _spawnedCrate = StaticObject.getByName(_crate["name"])
+    --local _spawnedCrate = coalition.addStaticObject(_country, _crate)
 
     return _spawnedCrate
 end
@@ -586,7 +607,10 @@ function ctld.spawnFOB(_country, _unitId, _point, _name)
         ["heading"] = 0,
     }
 
-    local _spawnedCrate = coalition.addStaticObject(_country, _crate)
+    _crate["country"] = _country
+    mist.dynAddStatic(_crate)
+    local _spawnedCrate = StaticObject.getByName(_crate["name"])
+    --local _spawnedCrate = coalition.addStaticObject(_country, _crate)
 
     local _id = mist.getNextUnitId()
     local _tower = {
@@ -600,7 +624,10 @@ function ctld.spawnFOB(_country, _unitId, _point, _name)
         ["canCargo"] = false,
         ["heading"] = 0,
     }
-    coalition.addStaticObject(_country, _tower)
+    --coalition.addStaticObject(_country, _tower)
+    _tower["country"] = _country
+
+    mist.dynAddStatic(_tower)
 
     return _spawnedCrate
 end
@@ -707,8 +734,7 @@ end
 
 function ctld.spawnCrate(_arguments)
 
-    local _status,_err =  pcall(
+    local _status, _err = pcall(function(_args)
-        function(_args)
 
         -- use the cargo weight to guess the type of unit as no way to add description :(
 
@@ -751,16 +777,12 @@ function ctld.spawnCrate(_arguments)
 
             local _position = _heli:getPosition()
 
-                --try to spawn at 12 oclock to us
-                local _angle = math.atan2(_position.x.z, _position.x.x)
-                local _xOffset = math.cos(_angle) * 30
-                local _yOffset = math.sin(_angle) * 30
 
             --   trigger.action.outText("Spawn Crate".._args[1].." ".._args[2],10)
 
             local _heli = ctld.getTransportUnit(_args[1])
 
-                local _point = _heli:getPoint()
+            local _point = ctld.getPointAt12Oclock(_heli, 30)
 
             local _unitId = mist.getNextUnitId()
 
@@ -768,7 +790,7 @@ function ctld.spawnCrate(_arguments)
 
             local _name = string.format("%s #%i", _crateType.desc, _unitId)
 
-                local _spawnedCrate = ctld.spawnCrateStatic(_heli:getCountry(), _unitId, { x = _point.x + _xOffset, z = _point.z + _yOffset }, _name, _crateType.weight)
+            local _spawnedCrate = ctld.spawnCrateStatic(_heli:getCountry(), _unitId, _point, _name, _crateType.weight)
 
             if _side == 1 then
                 --   _spawnedCrate = coalition.addStaticObject(_side, _spawnedCrate)
@@ -783,15 +805,24 @@ function ctld.spawnCrate(_arguments)
         else
             env.info("Couldn't find crate item to spawn")
         end
-
+    end, _arguments)
-    end
-    , _arguments)
 
     if (not _status) then
         env.error(string.format("CTLD ERROR: %s", _err))
     end
 end
 
+function ctld.getPointAt12Oclock(_unit, _offset)
+
+    local _position = _unit:getPosition()
+    local _angle = math.atan2(_position.x.z, _position.x.x)
+    local _xOffset = math.cos(_angle) * _offset
+    local _yOffset = math.sin(_angle) * _offset
+
+    local _point = _unit:getPoint()
+    return { x = _point.x + _xOffset, z = _point.z + _yOffset, y = _point.y }
+end
+
 function ctld.troopsOnboard(_heli, _troops)
 
     if ctld.inTransitTroops[_heli:getName()] ~= nil then
@@ -842,7 +873,6 @@ function ctld.inExtractZone(_heli)
         if _dist <= _zoneDetails.radius then
             return _zoneDetails
         end
-
     end
 
     return false
@@ -885,9 +915,7 @@ function ctld.deployTroops(_heli, _troops)
 
                 ctld.inTransitTroops[_heli:getName()].troops = nil
                 trigger.action.outTextForCoalition(_heli:getCoalition(), ctld.getPlayerNameOrType(_heli) .. " dropped troops from " .. _heli:getTypeName() .. " into " .. _extractZone.name, 10)
-
             end
-
         end
 
     else
@@ -1325,10 +1353,91 @@ function ctld.checkTransportStatus()
             --env.info("CTLD Transport Unit Dead event")
             ctld.inTransitTroops[_name] = nil
             ctld.inTransitFOBCrates[_name] = nil
+            ctld.inTransitSlingLoadCrates[_name] = nil
         end
     end
 end
 
+function ctld.checkHoverStatus()
+    -- env.info("checkHoverStatus")
+    timer.scheduleFunction(ctld.checkHoverStatus, nil, timer.getTime() + 1.0)
+
+    local _status, _result = pcall(function()
+
+        for _, _name in ipairs(ctld.transportPilotNames) do
+
+            local _reset = true
+            local _transUnit = ctld.getTransportUnit(_name)
+
+            --only check transports that are hovering and not planes
+            if _transUnit ~= nil and ctld.inTransitSlingLoadCrates[_name] == nil and _transUnit:inAir() and ctld.unitCanCarryVehicles(_transUnit) == false then
+
+                local _crates = ctld.getCratesAndDistance(_transUnit)
+
+                for _, _crate in pairs(_crates) do
+                    --   env.info("CRATE: ".._crate.crateUnit:getName().. " ".._crate.dist)
+                    if _crate.dist < 5.0 and _crate.details.unit ~= "FOB" then
+
+                        --check height!
+                        local _height = _transUnit:getPoint().y - _crate.crateUnit:getPoint().y
+                        env.info("HEIGHT " .. _name .. " " .. _height .. " " .. _transUnit:getPoint().y .. " " .. _crate.crateUnit:getPoint().y)
+                        --  ctld.heightDiff(_transUnit)
+                        --env.info("HEIGHT ABOVE GROUD ".._name.." ".._height.." ".._transUnit:getPoint().y.." ".._crate.crateUnit:getPoint().y)
+
+                        if _height > 7.5 and _height <= 12.0 then
+
+                            local _time = ctld.hoverStatus[_transUnit:getName()]
+
+                            if _time == nil then
+                                ctld.hoverStatus[_transUnit:getName()] = 10
+                                _time = 10
+                            else
+                                _time = ctld.hoverStatus[_transUnit:getName()] - 1
+                                ctld.hoverStatus[_transUnit:getName()] = _time
+                            end
+
+                            if _time > 0 then
+                                ctld.displayMessageToGroup(_transUnit, "Hovering above " .. _crate.details.desc .. " crate. \n\nHold hover for " .. _time .. " seconds! \n\nIf the countdown stops you're too far away!", 10)
+                            else
+                                ctld.hoverStatus[_transUnit:getName()] = nil
+                                ctld.displayMessageToGroup(_transUnit, "Loaded  " .. _crate.details.desc .. " crate!", 10)
+
+                                if _transUnit:getCoalition() == 1 then
+                                    ctld.spawnedCratesRED[_crate.crateUnit:getName()] = nil
+                                else
+                                    ctld.spawnedCratesBLUE[_crate.crateUnit:getName()] = nil
+                                end
+
+                                _crate.crateUnit:destroy()
+
+                                ctld.inTransitSlingLoadCrates[_name] = _crate.details
+                            end
+
+                            _reset = false
+
+                            break
+                        elseif _height <= 7.5 then
+                            ctld.displayMessageToGroup(_transUnit, "Too low to hook " .. _crate.details.desc .. " crate.\n\nHold hover for 10 seconds", 5)
+                            break
+                        else
+                            ctld.displayMessageToGroup(_transUnit, "Too high to hook " .. _crate.details.desc .. " crate.\n\nHold hover for 10 seconds", 5)
+                            break
+                        end
+                    end
+                end
+            end
+
+            if _reset then
+                ctld.hoverStatus[_name] = nil
+            end
+        end
+    end)
+
+    if (not _status) then
+        env.error(string.format("CTLD ERROR: %s", _result))
+    end
+end
+
 --recreates beacons to make sure they work!
 function ctld.refreshRadioBeacons()
 
@@ -1348,7 +1457,6 @@ function ctld.refreshRadioBeacons()
                     table.insert(ctld.freeUHFFrequencies, _freq)
                     table.remove(ctld.usedUHFFrequencies, _i)
                 end
-
             end
 
             for _i, _freq in ipairs(ctld.usedVHFFrequencies) do
@@ -1357,7 +1465,6 @@ function ctld.refreshRadioBeacons()
                     table.insert(ctld.freeVHFFrequencies, _freq)
                     table.remove(ctld.usedVHFFrequencies, _i)
                 end
-
             end
 
             for _i, _freq in ipairs(ctld.usedFMFrequencies) do
@@ -1366,12 +1473,10 @@ function ctld.refreshRadioBeacons()
                     table.insert(ctld.freeFMFrequencies, _freq)
                     table.remove(ctld.usedFMFrequencies, _i)
                 end
-
             end
 
             --clean up beacon table
             table.remove(ctld.deployedRadioBeacons, _index)
-
         end
     end
 end
@@ -1534,6 +1639,16 @@ function ctld.displayMessageToGroup(_unit, _text, _time)
     trigger.action.outTextForGroup(_unit:getGroup():getID(), _text, _time)
 end
 
+function ctld.heightDiff(_unit)
+
+    local _point = _unit:getPoint()
+
+    env.info("heightunit " .. _point.y)
+    env.info("heightland " .. land.getHeight({ x = _point.x, y = _point.z }))
+
+    return _point.y - land.getHeight({ x = _point.x, y = _point.z })
+end
+
 --includes fob crates!
 function ctld.getCratesAndDistance(_heli)
 
@@ -1553,7 +1668,7 @@ function ctld.getCratesAndDistance(_heli)
 
         --in air seems buggy with crates so if in air is true, get the height above ground and the speed magnitude
         if _crate ~= nil and _crate:getLife() > 0
-                and (_crate:inAir() == false or (land.getHeight(_crate:getPoint()) < 200 and mist.vec.mag(_crate:getVelocity()) < 1.0)) then
+                and (_crate:inAir() == false or (ctld.heightDiff(_crate) < 20.0 and mist.vec.mag(_crate:getVelocity()) < 1.0)) then
 
             local _dist = ctld.getDistance(_crate:getPoint(), _heli:getPoint())
 
@@ -1646,8 +1761,7 @@ end
 
 function ctld.unpackCrates(_arguments)
 
-   local _status,_err =  pcall(
+    local _status, _err = pcall(function(_args)
-       function(_args)
 
         -- trigger.action.outText("Unpack Crates".._args[1],10)
 
@@ -1666,12 +1780,12 @@ function ctld.unpackCrates(_arguments)
 
             elseif _crate ~= nil and _crate.dist < 200 then
 
-                if ctld.inLogisticsZone(_heli) == true then
+                --                if ctld.inLogisticsZone(_heli) == true then
-
+                --
-                    ctld.displayMessageToGroup(_heli, "You can't unpack that here! Take it to where it's needed!", 20)
+                --                    ctld.displayMessageToGroup(_heli, "You can't unpack that here! Take it to where it's needed!", 20)
-
+                --
-                    return
+                --                    return
-                end
+                --                end
 
                 -- is multi crate?
                 if ctld.isMultiCrate(_crate.details) then
@@ -1687,7 +1801,9 @@ function ctld.unpackCrates(_arguments)
                     -- ctld.spawnCrateStatic( _heli:getCoalition(),mist.getNextUnitId(),{x=100,z=100},_crateName,100)
 
                     --remove crate
-                   -- _crate.crateUnit:destroy()
+                    if ctld.slingLoad == false then
+                        _crate.crateUnit:destroy()
+                    end
 
                     local _spawnedGroups = ctld.spawnCrateGroup(_heli, { _cratePoint }, { _crate.details.unit })
 
@@ -1804,6 +1920,76 @@ function ctld.unpackFOBCrates(_crates, _heli)
     end
 end
 
+--unloads the sling crate when the helicopter is on the ground or between 4.5 - 10 meters
+function ctld.dropSlingCrate(_args)
+    local _heli = ctld.getTransportUnit(_args[1])
+
+    if _heli == nil then
+        return -- no heli!
+    end
+
+    local _currentCrate = ctld.inTransitSlingLoadCrates[_heli:getName()]
+
+    if _currentCrate == nil then
+        ctld.displayMessageToGroup(_heli, "You are not currently transporting any crates. \n\nTo Pickup a crate, hover for 10 seconds above the crate", 10)
+    else
+
+        local _heli = ctld.getTransportUnit(_args[1])
+
+        local _point = _heli:getPoint()
+
+        local _unitId = mist.getNextUnitId()
+
+        local _side = _heli:getCoalition()
+
+        local _name = string.format("%s #%i", _currentCrate.desc, _unitId)
+
+
+        local _heightDiff = ctld.heightDiff(_heli)
+
+        if _heightDiff > 40.0 then
+            ctld.inTransitSlingLoadCrates[_heli:getName()] = nil
+            ctld.displayMessageToGroup(_heli, "You were too high! The crate has been destroyed", 10)
+            return
+        elseif _heightDiff > 7.5 and _heightDiff <= 40.0 then
+            ctld.displayMessageToGroup(_heli, _currentCrate.desc .. " crate has been safely dropped below you", 10)
+        else
+            ctld.displayMessageToGroup(_heli, _currentCrate.desc .. " crate has been safely unhooked and is at your 12 o'clock", 10)
+            _point = ctld.getPointAt12Oclock(_heli, 30)
+        end
+
+        --remove crate from cargo
+        ctld.inTransitSlingLoadCrates[_heli:getName()] = nil
+
+        local _spawnedCrate = ctld.spawnCrateStatic(_heli:getCountry(), _unitId, _point, _name, _currentCrate.weight)
+
+        if _side == 1 then
+            --   _spawnedCrate = coalition.addStaticObject(_side, _spawnedCrate)
+            ctld.spawnedCratesRED[_name] = _currentCrate
+        else
+            --   _spawnedCrate = coalition.addStaticObject(_side, _spawnedCrate)
+            ctld.spawnedCratesBLUE[_name] = _currentCrate
+        end
+    end
+end
+
+-- shows the status of the current simulated cargo status
+function ctld.slingCargoStatus(_args)
+    local _heli = ctld.getTransportUnit(_args[1])
+
+    if _heli == nil then
+        return -- no heli!
+    end
+
+    local _currentCrate = ctld.inTransitSlingLoadCrates[_heli:getName()]
+
+    if _currentCrate == nil then
+        ctld.displayMessageToGroup(_heli, "You are not currently transporting any crates. \n\nTo Pickup a crate, hover for 10 seconds above the crate", 10)
+    else
+        ctld.displayMessageToGroup(_heli, "Currently Transporting: " .. _currentCrate.desc .. " \n\nTo Pickup a crate, hover for 10 seconds above the crate", 10)
+    end
+end
+
 --spawns a radio beacon made up of two units,
 -- one for VHF and one for UHF
 -- The units are set to to NOT engage
@@ -1866,7 +2052,6 @@ function ctld.createRadioBeacon(_point, _coalition, _country,_isFOB,_batteryTime
     table.insert(ctld.deployedRadioBeacons, _beaconDetails)
 
     return _beaconDetails
-
 end
 
 function ctld.generateADFFrequencies()
@@ -1929,9 +2114,13 @@ function ctld.spawnRadioBeaconUnit(_point, _country, _type)
         --        ["x"] = _positions[1].x,
         ["name"] = _type .. " Radio Beacon Group #" .. _groupId,
         ["task"] = {},
+        --added two fields below for MIST
+        ["category"] = Group.Category.GROUND,
+        ["country"] = _country
     }
 
-    return coalition.addGroup(_country, Group.Category.GROUND, _radioGroup)
+    -- return coalition.addGroup(_country, Group.Category.GROUND, _radioGroup)
+    return Group.getByName(mist.dynAdd(_radioGroup).name)
 end
 
 function ctld.updateRadioBeacon(_beaconDetails)
@@ -2082,10 +2271,6 @@ function ctld.listRadioBeacons(_args)
             ctld.displayMessageToGroup(_heli, "No Active Radio Beacons", 20)
         end
     end
-
-
-
-
 end
 
 function ctld.dropRadioBeacon(_args)
@@ -2097,15 +2282,9 @@ function ctld.dropRadioBeacon(_args)
 
         --deploy 50 m infront
         --try to spawn at 12 oclock to us
-        local _position = _heli:getPosition()
+        local _point = ctld.getPointAt12Oclock(_heli, 50)
-        local _point = _heli:getPoint()
 
-        local _angle = math.atan2(_position.x.z, _position.x.x)
+        local _radioBeaconDetails = ctld.createRadioBeacon(_point, _heli:getCoalition(), _heli:getCountry(), false)
-
-        local _xOffset = math.cos(_angle) * 50
-        local _yOffset = math.sin(_angle) * 50
-
-        local _radioBeaconDetails = ctld.createRadioBeacon({ x = _point.x + _xOffset, z = _point.z + _yOffset }, _heli:getCoalition(),_heli:getCountry(),false)
 
         -- mark with flare?
 
@@ -2114,8 +2293,6 @@ function ctld.dropRadioBeacon(_args)
     else
         ctld.displayMessageToGroup(_heli, "You need to land before you can deploy a Radio Beacon!", 20)
     end
-
-
 end
 
 --remove closet radio beacon
@@ -2174,8 +2351,6 @@ function ctld.removeRadioBeacon(_args)
     else
         ctld.displayMessageToGroup(_heli, "You need to land before remove a Radio Beacon", 20)
     end
-
-
 end
 
 --function ctld.generateRadioFMRadioFrequency()
@@ -2381,7 +2556,6 @@ function ctld.unpackHawk(_heli, _nearestCrate, _nearbyCrates)
                 table.insert(_posArray, _hawkPart.crateUnit:getPoint())
                 table.insert(_typeArray, _name)
             end
-
         end
     end
 
@@ -2402,7 +2576,9 @@ function ctld.unpackHawk(_heli, _nearestCrate, _nearbyCrates)
             end
 
             --destroy
-           -- _hawkPart.crateUnit:destroy()
+            if ctld.slingLoad == false then
+                _hawkPart.crateUnit:destroy()
+            end
         end
 
         -- HAWK READY!
@@ -2515,7 +2691,13 @@ function ctld.spawnCrateGroup(_heli, _positions, _types)
         end
     end
 
-    local _spawnedGroup = coalition.addGroup(_heli:getCountry(), Group.Category.GROUND, _group)
+    --mist function
+    _group.category = Group.Category.GROUND;
+    _group.country = _heli:getCountry();
+
+    local _spawnedGroup = Group.getByName(mist.dynAdd(_group).name)
+
+    --local _spawnedGroup = coalition.addGroup(_heli:getCountry(), Group.Category.GROUND, _group)
 
     --activate by moving and so we can set ROE and Alarm state
 
@@ -2576,7 +2758,13 @@ function ctld.spawnDroppedGroup(_point, _details, _spawnBehind, _maxSearch)
         end
     end
 
-    local _spawnedGroup = coalition.addGroup(_details.country, Group.Category.GROUND, _group)
+    --switch to MIST
+    _group.category = Group.Category.GROUND;
+    _group.country = _details.country;
+
+    local _spawnedGroup = Group.getByName(mist.dynAdd(_group).name)
+
+    --local _spawnedGroup = coalition.addGroup(_details.country, Group.Category.GROUND, _group)
 
 
     -- find nearest enemy and head there
@@ -3016,8 +3204,7 @@ end
 function ctld.addF10MenuOptions()
     -- Loop through all Heli units
 
-    pcall(
+    pcall(function()
-        function()
         for _, _unitName in pairs(ctld.transportPilotNames) do
 
             local _unit = ctld.getTransportUnit(_unitName)
@@ -3031,6 +3218,7 @@ function ctld.addF10MenuOptions()
                     local _rootPath = missionCommands.addSubMenuForGroup(_groupId, "CTLD")
 
                     local _troopCommandsPath = missionCommands.addSubMenuForGroup(_groupId, "Troop Transport", _rootPath)
+
                     missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Load / Unload Troops", _troopCommandsPath, ctld.loadUnloadTroops, { _unitName, true })
 
                     if ctld.unitCanCarryVehicles(_unit) then
@@ -3055,7 +3243,8 @@ function ctld.addF10MenuOptions()
                                 local _cratePath = missionCommands.addSubMenuForGroup(_groupId, _subMenuName, _rootPath)
                                 for _, _crate in pairs(_crates) do
 
-                                        if ctld.isJTACUnitType(_crate.unit) == false or (ctld.isJTACUnitType(_crate.unit) == true and ctld.JTAC_dropEnabled) then
+                                    if ctld.isJTACUnitType(_crate.unit) == false
+                                            or (ctld.isJTACUnitType(_crate.unit) == true and ctld.JTAC_dropEnabled) then
                                         if _crate.side == nil or (_crate.side == _unit:getCoalition()) then
                                             missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, _crate.desc, _cratePath, ctld.spawnCrate, { _unitName, _crate.weight })
                                         end
@@ -3063,21 +3252,31 @@ function ctld.addF10MenuOptions()
                                 end
                             end
                         end
+                    end
 
+
+                    if ctld.enabledFOBBuilding or ctld.enableCrates then
                         local _crateCommands = missionCommands.addSubMenuForGroup(_groupId, "CTLD Commands", _rootPath)
                         missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "List Nearby Crates", _crateCommands, ctld.listNearbyCrates, { _unitName })
                         missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Unpack Any Crate", _crateCommands, ctld.unpackCrates, { _unitName })
 
+                        if ctld.slingLoad == false then
+                            missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Drop Crate", _crateCommands, ctld.dropSlingCrate, { _unitName })
+                            missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Current Cargo Status", _crateCommands, ctld.slingCargoStatus, { _unitName })
+                        end
+
                         if ctld.enabledFOBBuilding then
                             missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "List FOBs", _crateCommands, ctld.listFOBS, { _unitName })
                         end
+                    end
+
 
                     if ctld.enableSmokeDrop then
-                                local _smokeCommands = missionCommands.addSubMenuForGroup(_groupId, "Smoke Markers", _rootPath)
+                        missionCommands.addSubMenuForGroup(_groupId, "Smoke Markers")
-                                missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Drop Red Smoke", _smokeCommands, ctld.dropSmoke, { _unitName, trigger.smokeColor.Red })
+                        missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Drop Red Smoke", { "Smoke Markers" }, ctld.dropSmoke, { _unitName, trigger.smokeColor.Red })
-                                missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Drop Blue Smoke", _smokeCommands, ctld.dropSmoke, { _unitName, trigger.smokeColor.Blue })
+                        missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Drop Blue Smoke", { "Smoke Markers" }, ctld.dropSmoke, { _unitName, trigger.smokeColor.Blue })
-                                missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Drop Orange Smoke", _smokeCommands, ctld.dropSmoke, { _unitName, trigger.smokeColor.Orange })
+                        missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Drop Orange Smoke", { "Smoke Markers" }, ctld.dropSmoke, { _unitName, trigger.smokeColor.Orange })
-                                missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Drop Green Smoke", _smokeCommands, ctld.dropSmoke, { _unitName, trigger.smokeColor.Green })
+                        missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Drop Green Smoke", { "Smoke Markers" }, ctld.dropSmoke, { _unitName, trigger.smokeColor.Green })
                     end
 
                     if ctld.enabledRadioBeaconDrop then
@@ -3085,33 +3284,6 @@ function ctld.addF10MenuOptions()
                         missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "List Beacons", _radioCommands, ctld.listRadioBeacons, { _unitName })
                         missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Drop Beacon", _radioCommands, ctld.dropRadioBeacon, { _unitName })
                         missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Remove Closet Beacon", _radioCommands, ctld.removeRadioBeacon, { _unitName })
-
-                            end
-                        else
-                             if ctld.enableSmokeDrop then
-                                local _smokeCommands = missionCommands.addSubMenuForGroup(_groupId, "Smoke Markers", _rootPath)
-                                missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Drop Red Smoke", _smokeCommands, ctld.dropSmoke, { _unitName, trigger.smokeColor.Red })
-                                missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Drop Blue Smoke", _smokeCommands, ctld.dropSmoke, { _unitName, trigger.smokeColor.Blue })
-                                missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Drop Orange Smoke", _smokeCommands, ctld.dropSmoke, { _unitName, trigger.smokeColor.Orange })
-                                missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Drop Green Smoke", _smokeCommands, ctld.dropSmoke, { _unitName, trigger.smokeColor.Green })
-                            end
-
-                            if ctld.enabledRadioBeaconDrop then
-                                local _radioCommands = missionCommands.addSubMenuForGroup(_groupId, "Radio Beacons", _rootPath)
-                                missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "List Beacons", _radioCommands, ctld.listRadioBeacons, { _unitName })
-                                missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Drop Beacon", _radioCommands, ctld.dropRadioBeacon, { _unitName })
-                                missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Remove Closet Beacon", _radioCommands, ctld.removeRadioBeacon, { _unitName })
-
-                            end
-
-
-                            if ctld.enabledFOBBuilding then
-                         
-	                            local _crateCommands = missionCommands.addSubMenuForGroup(_groupId, "CTLD Commands", _rootPath)
-	                            missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "List Nearby Crates", _crateCommands, ctld.listNearbyCrates, { _unitName })
-	                            missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "Unpack Any Crate", _crateCommands, ctld.unpackCrates, { _unitName })
-	                            missionCommands.addCommandForGroup(_groupId, "List FOBs", _crateCommands, ctld.listFOBS, { _unitName })
-                            end
                     end
 
                     ctld.addedTo[tostring(_groupId)] = true
@@ -3138,8 +3310,7 @@ function ctld.addF10MenuOptions()
             -- get all RED players
             ctld.addJTACRadioCommand(1)
         end
-        end
+    end)
-    )
     timer.scheduleFunction(ctld.addF10MenuOptions, nil, timer.getTime() + 5)
 end
 
@@ -3160,7 +3331,6 @@ function ctld.addRadioListCommand(_side)
             end
         end
     end
-
 end
 
 function ctld.addJTACRadioCommand(_side)
@@ -3955,6 +4125,8 @@ ctld.inTransitTroops = {}
 
 ctld.inTransitFOBCrates = {}
 
+ctld.inTransitSlingLoadCrates = {} -- stores crates that are being transported by helicopters for alternative to real slingload
+
 ctld.droppedFOBCratesRED = {}
 ctld.droppedFOBCratesBLUE = {}
 
@@ -3980,6 +4152,7 @@ ctld.crateLookupTable = {}
 ctld.extractZones = {} -- stored extract zones
 
 ctld.missionEditorCargoCrates = {} --crates added by mission editor for triggering cratesinzone
+ctld.hoverStatus = {} -- tracks status of a helis hover above a crate
 
 -- Remove intransit troops when heli / cargo plane dies
 --ctld.eventHandler = {}
@@ -4057,6 +4230,10 @@ timer.scheduleFunction(ctld.checkAIStatus, nil, timer.getTime() + 5)
 timer.scheduleFunction(ctld.checkTransportStatus, nil, timer.getTime() + 5)
 timer.scheduleFunction(ctld.refreshRadioBeacons, nil, timer.getTime() + 5)
 
+if ctld.enableCrates == true and ctld.slingLoad == false then
+    timer.scheduleFunction(ctld.checkHoverStatus, nil, timer.getTime() + 1)
+end
+
 
 --event handler for deaths
 --world.addEventHandler(ctld.eventHandler)
@@ -4124,6 +4301,7 @@ env.info("END search for crates")
 
 env.info("CTLD READY")
 
+
 --DEBUG FUNCTION
 --        for key, value in pairs(getmetatable(_spawnedCrate)) do
 --            env.info(tostring(key))

README.md

@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ You can also edit the CTLD.lua file to change some configuration options. Make s
 ##Setup in Mission Editor
 
 ###Script Setup
-**This script requires MIST version 3.6 or above: https://github.com/mrSkortch/MissionScriptingTools**
+**This script requires MIST version 3.7 or above: https://github.com/mrSkortch/MissionScriptingTools**
 
 First make sure MIST is loaded, either as an Initialization Script  for the mission or the first DO SCRIPT with a "TIME MORE" of 1. "TIME MORE" means run the actions after X seconds into the mission.
 
@@ -59,6 +59,15 @@ An example is shown below:
 
 ###Script Configuration
 The script has lots of configuration options that can be used to further customise the behaviour.
+
+**If you experience crashes with Sling-loading, such as a game crash when shotdown, you can use the simulated sling-load behaviour instead to work around the DCS Bugs.**
+To use the simulated behaviour, set the ```ctld.slingLoad``` option to ```false```.
+The simulated Sling Loading will use a generator static instead of a crate and you just hover above it for 10 seconds to load it. No Need to use the F6 menu to first select the crate.
+
+The crate can then be dropped using the CTLD Commands section of the Radio menu. Make sure you're not too high when the crate is dropped or it will be destroyed!
+
+Unfortunately there is no way to simulate the added weight of the Simulated Sling Load.
+
 ```lua
 
 -- ************************************************************************
@@ -67,6 +76,9 @@ The script has lots of configuration options that can be used to further customi
 ctld.disableAllSmoke = false -- if true, all smoke is diabled at pickup and drop off zones regardless of settings below. Leave false to respect settings below
 
 ctld.enableCrates = true -- if false, Helis will not be able to spawn or unpack crates so will be normal CTTS
+ctld.slingLoad = true -- if false, crates can be used WITHOUT slingloading, by hovering above the crate, simulating slingloading but not the weight...
+-- There are some bug with Sling-loading that can cause crashes, if these occur set slingLoad to false
+-- to use the other method.
 
 ctld.enableSmokeDrop = true -- if false, helis and c-130 will not be able to drop smoke
 
@@ -83,7 +95,7 @@ ctld.vehiclesForTransportBLUE = { "M1045 HMMWV TOW", "M1043 HMMWV Armament" } --
 ctld.hawkLaunchers = 3 -- controls how many launchers to add to the hawk when its spawned.
 
 ctld.spawnRPGWithCoalition = true --spawns a friendly RPG unit with Coalition forces
-ctld.spawnStinger = false -- spawns a stinger / igla soldier with every group of 5 or more men.
+ctld.spawnStinger = false -- spawns a stinger / igla soldier with a group of 6 or more soldiers!
 
 ctld.enabledFOBBuilding = true -- if true, you can load a crate INTO a C-130 than when unpacked creates a Forward Operating Base (FOB) which is a new place to spawn (crates) and carry crates from
 -- In future i'd like it to be a FARP but so far that seems impossible...
@@ -446,7 +458,7 @@ The C-130 / IL-76 can also load and unload FOB crates from a Logistics area, see
 
 ##Cargo Spawning and Sling Loading
 
-Cargo can be spawned by transport helicopters if they are close enough to a friendly logistics unit using the F10 menu. Everything except the HAWK AA Missile system requires only one crate to build. Crates are always spawned off the nose of the unit that requested them. Sling cargo weight differs drastically depending on what you are sling loading. The Huey will need to have 20% fuel and no armaments in order to be able to lift a HMMWV TOW crate! The Mi-8 has a higher max lifting weight than a Huey.
+Cargo can be spawned by transport helicopters if they are close enough to a friendly logistics unit using the F10 menu. Crates are always spawned off the nose of the unit that requested them. Sling cargo weight differs drastically depending on what you are sling loading. The Huey will need to have 20% fuel and no armaments in order to be able to lift a HMMWV TOW crate! The Mi-8 has a higher max lifting weight than a Huey.
 
 Once spawning the crate, to slingload the F6 menu needs to be used to select a cargo of the correct weight. If you've selected the right cargo RED smoke will appear and you can now sling load by hovering over the crate at a height of 15-30 feet or so.
 
@@ -463,6 +475,14 @@ You can also list nearby crates that have yet to be unpacked using the F10 CTLD
 
 *Crate damage in the script is currently not implemented so as long as the crate isn't destroyed, you should always be able to unpack.*
 
+**If you experience crashes with Sling-loading, such as a game crash when shotdown, you can use the simulated sling-load behaviour instead to work around the DCS Bugs.**
+To use the simulated behaviour, set the ```ctld.slingLoad``` option to ```false```.
+The simulated Sling Loading will use a Generator static object instead of a crate and you just hover above it for 10 seconds to load it. No Need to use the F6 menu to first select the crate.
+
+The crate can then be dropped using the CTLD Commands section of the Radio menu. Make sure you're not too high when the crate is dropped or it will be destroyed!
+
+Unfortunately there is no way to simulate the added weight of the Simulated Sling Load.
+
 ##Crate Unpacking
 Once you have sling loaded and successfully dropped your crate, you can land and list nearby crates that have yet to be unpacked using the F10 Crate Commands Menu, as well as unpack nearby crates using the same menu. Crates cannot be unpacked near a logistics unit.