JetStrike & Flight Kit Now Available!
October 8th, 2013

Ignition! JetStrike & Flight Kit are now available!
Visit Product Page!

We have also created a few new bundles to help you save even more!
Visit Bundles Page

NOTE: JetStrike requires the free Element 3D 1.6.2 update. Be sure to download it before using new pack!

Andrew Kramer
POSTED:
12 years ago
86 Comments
Gunther
11 years ago
Hi Andrew, love the plugin! Was playing around with the rig control and I was wondering if that is possible to use for custom 3D models I import? Is that possible? Because with the normal grouping, I'm only allowed up to 5 different groups to animate.

Thank you!!
- G
Sherif
12 years ago
Hi Andrew,

Does Element 3D V1.6.2 comes with option Aircraft Rig?!!
or this option will be add to Element 3D when install the jetstrik pack?

tq.
TK
12 years ago
And for some GREAT reference material, be sure to watch:
IMAX | Fighter Pilot - Operation RED FLAG

And be sure to NOT steal the footage ...
12 years ago
Sure I bought the pack immediately - thanx for this another excellent work VC!

One question: why are the sky-pics mirrored? Placing as an environment map in Element 3D it looks a little strange. Thank you.
bluesky
12 years ago
done in 2 hours... ! I LIKE JetStrike VC ! THANKS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ_rNNSxvFw&feature=youtu.be
JP
12 years ago
Andrew,
I recently purchased the Sky Pack Bundle and can't seem to find the Design Sheets for swapping out the premade Decals as presented on the Jet Strike product page. Could you steer me in the right direction?

Meanwhile - having loads of fun with this awesome product and Element 3D. Very impressed with the quality and all the work that went into it.

-JP
12 years ago
Right on! The decals are inside the resources download along with some backplates.
JP
12 years ago
Thanks!

I missed that file in the downloads. Gear up, flaps up, after burners on ... Good to go.

Sky/ground back plates are nice touch.



Omizu
12 years ago
Andrew Kramer,

hoping you are preparing severals tutorials for this pack, I think that one is really important: how to create pieces of an object in 3D software so we can animate them in AE using the rig.
12 years ago
The rigs are only functional with JetStrike models. This is a bonus feature for the Model Pack not really a feature of Element 3D.
Joe
12 years ago
I think that would be a really useful feature to consider for the future of element!
Omizu
12 years ago
Thanks for the reply and explanation.
I understand it doesn't seems to be appropriate, E3D is set to make us win time, not to lose some. Still, one day maybe, that would be great (and hard for the team to develop such thing).

For the records, in my idea, the setting should be done in 3D program not in AE.
12 years ago
You Got it! I always try to be honest about the challenges of Development. They are challenges. You have to plan accordingly and try to make software that is easy to use and powerful. We are exciting about V2 and once that rolls out, I think people will be impressed.
Joe
12 years ago
Great explanation. Thanks Andrew. Looking forward to finding out what's in store for V2. It'll be amazing, I bet.
Ninok
12 years ago
Wow, that was exactly what I was thinking. But then Andrew chimed in with a dose or reality, hehe. Still, for a brief second I though they added a rigging feature within element and my first inclination was that it was reading some kind of a baked animation file, maybe point cache to generate the animations.

A theoretical workflow if I may, is to develop all the animation on a single timeline in a 3d application (so door opens on frames 1 -10, trunk opens frames 11-20, hood 21-30, etc etc) and bake that out to a point cache or MDD file. That file could be read in along with 3d model. Inside of element, sliders could be assigned to replay certain frame ranges of given animation.

Well, here's hoping that one day this is a feature.
Ron Capes
12 years ago
This Pack is amazing!!! But I have run into one issue. I use Norton 360 and for some reason every time I try to install Heat distortion, Norton deletes, claiming its a security risk. Is this a problem with the program or is it something I can fix on my end?
12 years ago
We use our own customer installer so it is probably not well known enough. The installer is safe and only places the plug-in into the plug-in folder and creates a log file. Generally when installing software you should disable AntiVirus to avoid corrupting install by file filtering.
Ron Capes
12 years ago
Never mind I fixed it
Arthur_Curtis
12 years ago
Is it legally safe to use your models in a commercial?
We've run into image copyrights problems with Boeing for displaying a F-22 raptor.
12 years ago
Aerial Explosions preview please!
enxzaya
12 years ago
hey VC ... sorry my writen skill very bad ... mmm ... maybe i'm poke ... because sometimes i need ... fire flame, explosive fx, water-water drops ... 3d elements r very very needed ... 3d element plug in is very good chance ... ur maybe next product rain, waterdrop, flame, smoke, cloud, explosive objects in 3d elements ... and included animated that objects ... new collection introduce us ... there r very useful fx 3d element objects ... like action movie footage produt, but 3d ... well thats my request ... kkk ... and sorry again my writing skill ... good luck ...
bobomet
12 years ago
Hey VC ... is there any way to use the wingtip lights on the aircraft?
I just want to simulate flashing ID lights.
I hooked up a Position Null, but that requires quite a bit of position adjustment when doing banking maneuvers, etc.
I did post this in the Forum as well ...
12 years ago
There are illumination maps for the lights. Find out what illumination map you want to use. Then import the Image texture into AE. Pre-compose it and then animate the light flickering in the map, you can use a black solid that is turned on and off. Then use this layer as a custom texture map in Element 3D and swap it for the map that is currently in the illumination slot.
bobomet
12 years ago
Thanks Andrew ... I tried a method that Dustin suggested, but I'm gonna try this one too! Many thanks ...
bobomet
12 years ago
OK .... I like your solution Andrew. It works. Maybe VC will consider making them pop a bit more in the future. But it's good for now.
Shadow :P
12 years ago
Hey Andrew u did a great job! But i've one question: I know you are very busy, but are there any news on Element 3D 2.0? in your last post on that, you said "we will get to this later this year.." Any plans?

Thanks,

Shadow

PS: sry for my bad English, I'm a 13 years old German
MrAurora
12 years ago
I'll be getting this pack tonight BUT i can't express how bummed I am that there is no A10 thunderbolt/warthog. Most people shooting combat scenes have ground troops involved so I thought there would have been an A10 for sure. I had the scene already playing in my head - running for dear life from an A10 attack. Please have your modeler create one with the rigging and either include it or sell it as an addon - i have no doubt people would pay extra if they had to....
12 years ago
This pack is way to awesome! I'm just playing around with the rig control, haha! I just can't believe how you guys do it!!! If you guys can do this then what can you do in the future???
I've got one small question tho.....when I download the printable cover art it only contains the dvd case cover? I really would like to have the disc label as well if it's possible. I ask this because I own a CANON Pixma MG5250 with this printer I can print dvd Would be awesome if I could collect Videocopilot dvd's like they come from the shop. So is it possible (if you can find the time) to update the element downloads with the dvd disc labels???
Shawn
12 years ago
VC team, hat's off to you! You really strive for excellence in what you do and it really shows! Great Bundle at a phenomenal price. I'm saving my pennies and hope to purchase soon! Really nice job on the models and the rigging and the plugin! Thanks for all your hard work and for pricing things so that even us little guys can fly with the big guys!
Bill Gudmundson
12 years ago
I've installed Jet Strike and the heat distortion plug ins. Heat distortion works fine, but every time I try to open one of the models in Jet Strike, AE crashes. Other models, such as the buildings from Metropolitan, load just fine.

I'm using AE CS5 with OS 10.8.5.

Thanks,

Bill
12 years ago
Be sure to install the updated Element 3D V1.6.2 and of course email support so they can help you and help us!
12 years ago
So if I build my own model with a rig, will element see the rig when I import it? Or is it just the jet pack that has been setup already? Great job on the new products. I don't really need a jet pack but I sure want one!
Rob
12 years ago
Hey Andrew,
Do you plan on having a tutorial on how we would be able to rig our own models that we may already have? So we can have the same functions that you have on yours inside E3D.
meet
12 years ago
hey andrew plz upload a tutorial on jetstrike..
Jes
12 years ago
Would you please make a tutorial of the last clip from the product demo? Looks amazing.... However I do not know how to do something like that. I need some tutorialt to start with this package. Absolutely incredible piece of work, love it already.
Kenny
12 years ago
Congratulations to Video Copilot on creating a superior product at a bargain price. The models and new Element 3D controls are of course outstanding, but the skies and 'splosions and sound effects really take it over the top.
Guilherme
12 years ago
My first little thingy using Flight Kit and Jet Strike http://f.cl.ly/items/2k131P073z252A1l0M3t/Flight%201%20(0.00.00.13).jpg
kleitos
12 years ago
Hi Andrew
I bought the hit distortion plug in. I license it. But when I drop it to footage it crashes my application. I test in cs6 and in cs5.5 with the same result .
What I make wrong?
I'm on Mac iOS 10.7.5

(sorry For my English. I m from Greece)
andries
12 years ago
The best product I bought in years! The flight kit is also extremely good! Thnx guys!
Fabiano Peres
12 years ago
Guys, take a look at my video with Element 3D and tell me what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pq6qZku45k
Christian Nitz
12 years ago
Hi Andrew,

yesterday I celebrate my birthday. And tonight I will buy the "Sky Pack"
(a gift from me to me... )
12 years ago
I hope for some exciting tutorials on this pack & plugin

Some things I'd be stoked to learn:

Proper camera techniques and scene set up on how to really create some great speed & dynamic looks.
How to properly animate landing gear bounce/suspension on landing and take off.
How to animate blinking navigation lights and engine burn.
How you created the shot with the Jet shooting straight up through the twisting clouds.
Emre Karabacak
12 years ago
"Shut up and take my Money" No really its awesome ... Thank you Andrew Kramer <3
12 years ago
any chance for aerial explosion preview before buy ?
Pethor
12 years ago
Where are all the previews of the included sound fx and the previews of the explosions?
12 years ago
Andrew I woud like to buy it because of the 12 element explosion sets but can we see what we get before buy? because the product page doesnt show any previews and informations about it so far..and Im really interested in it
Meet
12 years ago
Hey Andrew u wer going to upload a TUTORIAL on jetstrike on launche day dat is today...
So are u goin to upload a tutorial today????
Element 4D
12 years ago
There is a spelling mistake in the word "FREE" up there in the last sentence about Element 3D update! Anyway, great product from VC as always...^_^
Meet
12 years ago
Hey Andrew are u going to upload a TUTORIAL on jetstrike today??
Cause u said u wil be uploading a TUTORIAL on jetstrike pack on the launch day..
So just wanted to know that wil u upload it today?????
12 years ago
The pilot model should look like Sam Loya. It doesn't. I am disappointed.
Fabiano Peres
12 years ago
FREE HELICOPTER MODEL

I know Andrew and his team will do a Helicoper pack soon.
But while it won't happen, there is a FREE Helicopter model.
The link in the description of my video. It is the one I used to make the video. Take a look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5wancJAb70
12 years ago
i bought it, but i cant download it, please fix this Kramer
Serge
12 years ago
Is anyone having problems with the heatdistortion plugin ? Im running win7 and my virus scanner keeps deleting the .exe file, saying that its a trojan.
John Ford
12 years ago
Amazing work Andrew & Co. So transformers pack next?
donnell
12 years ago
first attempt at playing around with this amazing pack its very short but you can see the potential you can get with this in under 30mins http://youtu.be/8Q8UyNFeE-k
12 years ago
This is fantastic. Wishing you all the best, Andrew and Team! Thanks for these great resources! The heat distortion plugin alone looks extremely useful.
bobomet
12 years ago
It's beautiful Andrew! This is a superior product, that has exceeded all my expectations for this point in time.
Many thanks for your devotion to the common folks!
Altamiradora
12 years ago
OMG !!

I just peeked inside Air Force One !! I can see the landing gears but there are no seats, no presitential suite, nothing !!

This is a conspiracy !
JMS
12 years ago
Is there any sign of the president? Get me someone on the phone...
Altamiradors
12 years ago
There is only one pilot, no copilot ( very strange ) and the whole fuselage is empty !

It's probably a decoy AF1 !
ENA
12 years ago
Everything looks/sounds amazing. Great work. My ONE complaint would be that I wish there was an alternate pilot that was much lower poly since most of the time you are at quite a distance from the plane where you can barely see inside, and the pilots have removable glasses and detailed beard stubble!. Turning the pilot off speeds everything up by a whole lot, even more so than turning off the interior.
12 years ago
Turning him off is a good option and you can also turn off the interior cockpit and other details that are not needed for certain shots in order to speed up rendering. It didn't seem right to make him super-low poly when everything else has such nice detail. He is more of a bonus guy anyways.

I guess it is a good 'complain' that the model of the man is TOO detailed... I think he is around 8K polys and we optimized him down to 3 but it looked pretty bad so we left it at 8K-ish.
ENA
12 years ago
Right. Not at all complaining about the inclusion of the good looking flyboys, just saying having a low poly alternate for shots where essentially a silhouette would do the job...but its really just a case of turning him on for the final render, so yeah, no biggie...
ENA
12 years ago
And I really shouldn't be nitpicking here because its obvious the amount of work that went into this project was mindblowing. Im sure you're saying to yourself "if they only knew..."
Joseph
12 years ago
Is there any information on the other 3d models included? Are they static OBJ? Do they have the landing gear up or down? I recently bought a 3d model of a jetliner, and it was a static prop with the landing gear down, so I had to do a lot of editing to make it usable for air shots. Also, are the cockpits still detailed? Any info appreciated.
12 years ago
Hey Joseph, I should update this info. So every object comes in 2 states (unrigged), one with landing gear and parts ready for flight And another where the landing gear is opened. This goes for every format, OBJ, FBX, MAX, C4D etc. It was a ton of work!!!

Although the rigs are not tied to sliders the anchor points are intact so things like canopies and doors open on the correct hinge. And with a little bit of work the rigs could be built inside your 3D program.
Daniel
12 years ago
So we can build our own rigs now? You sir are awesome! But is this option only available to those, that have the "jet-strike-updated" version of Element3D?
I'm asking as we really don't need any jets here at our company (even though they look great) - but the ability to build simple rigs for our objects would definitely come in handy.
bobomet
12 years ago
Andrew ....
I read in one of the threads there would be a needed update to ELEMENT 3D in order to facilitate the aircraft rigging.
Did the installer for Jetstrike update E3D accordingly?
12 years ago
It's not automatic but when you download JetStrike it directs you to download the update for E3D.
bobomet
12 years ago
Sorry .... just found it ....
zman3
12 years ago
Impaczus kind of a work around but you could open the texture in photoshop and make the reflections
Impaczus
12 years ago
I actually tried this and works pretty well at some cases but when the camera rotates around, It would look more like a painted texture :/.. I tried separating parts too and baking the into the environment but a bit problematic at most cases.. But Im sure Andrew and the VCP team could get this one in the future
Impaczus
12 years ago
I got mixed feelings after you showing us the 747s in the video.. sure it looks awesome and realistic but the reflections of the wings to the main body is missing and Element ends there :/.. Its those few details that sells the effect.. But still very well amazed with the pack and Videocopilot is still the best in my opinion .. Long Live VCP!
Impaczus
12 years ago
I found this btw.. reflections in real time http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm85W-f7xuk
Fabiano Peres
12 years ago
At last. Who is going to be the first to make a video with it?

If I had them before, these projects would be a lot better.
I think I'll remake them. Take a look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5wancJAb70
Jack Cat
12 years ago
Hey, nice video man.

Very nice of you put the link to the FREE Helicopter model.

Very usefull, I was looking for it.
ENA
12 years ago
For anyone still running OSX 10.6.8, the Heat Distortion Plug-in is not compatible.
Jeremy Abbott
12 years ago
Thanks for the heads up.
12 years ago
It should work. We'll have to check to see if we need to make a specific build for earlier versions. Should be an easy fix.
ENA
12 years ago
That was the response I got from tech support about the errors I was getting. 10.7.5 minimum...
ENA
12 years ago
Matt said they were looking into it...
Evren
12 years ago
Guys, I think we should focus on this jets pack righ now. Lets learn new things, fallow the tutorials, buy the pack and make happy VC team. And they will make more interesting packs to the future. I'll that when I pay my other debts. Looks pretty, waiting for beauty tutorials. I see the After FX is to come of age with VC stuffs. Very good vision Andrew.
Icemak
12 years ago
Where are my new tutorials... I need my AK joke fix for the year
rogerdeodat
12 years ago
Andrew are you going to show us how to do that slow motion scenes in the promo video ?...i think you should its a cool scene
pepe
12 years ago
Is there any way we can see pictures of all the models that the jet strike contains?
12 years ago
Check out the overview video, I go through all of them. But I'll try to make this more clear on the product page!
12 years ago
this is not good pack
is super super super pack
12 years ago
Next should be a space pack! I'm actually kinda surprised you don't have one already.
Altamiradora
12 years ago
Hi Andrew !

Juste purchased the pack ! Thanks for the good work !

It's always a pleasure to purchase from you knowing that you and your team deploy massive efforts to bring quality product to market.

I just wish people would "purchase" instead of trying to hack-and-steal what you guys have developped !

Cheers !
jordan
12 years ago
Exactly what I was thinking xD
Jamminfoo
12 years ago
This pack will make maverick jealous. When is the next model pack? And what will the next pack be (helicopter, car, landscapes, ect)?
12 years ago
Not sure what is next but hopefully you can see why these big packs take so much time and effort!
roger
12 years ago
hey Andrew when you guys will do a next short film ?
Jamminfoo
12 years ago
Definitely. I prefer quality over quantity any day. And it seems we get more than we pay for with every pack that comes out. These packs are the greatest value around and they are great for any level of production. I could totally see Sam Loya in one of these jets.
Regan
12 years ago
Just finished installing JetStrike and the Flight Kit goodies. Can't wait to fail miserably at creating something cool. But it's not from a lack of trying! Thanks for another great release. Put me down for whatever is next.
12 years ago
I am so gonna buy this pack ! Awesome job!
Omizu
12 years ago
Hey!!!
Ironman is not in this pack but it's a jet!
Daluz
12 years ago
I thought there would be some tutorial for this today ...Lets wait a little more.
12 years ago
This is great and the price is great...but...for those that have Element Studio Bundle + Metropolitan pack there will be a coupon code or something like that?
Nice work as always!
Morgan P
12 years ago
Thanks for all of the hard work and dedication, Andrew (and the VC team); this is one fantastic piece of kit.
John
12 years ago
Do the sky maps feature any ground elements or are they excluded to above the horizon only?
parsec3d
12 years ago
quote: "Alternate 3D files require third party 3D software"
Does that mean, we can rig our own models for use in Element?

@Andrew Kramer: Could you specify these requirements please? Will blender (OpenSource) be sufficient?
parsec3d
12 years ago
...maybe we build a Element-community ?
L A Webley
12 years ago
He means that, included in the pack, are files for use with Cinema 4D and 3DS Max and progams of that nature.

And yes, you can rig and build your own models that can be imported into Element 3D.
NicChap
12 years ago
أحمد راشد
12 years ago
I can't wait for Action Essentials 3 ! ;D ! I hop it will be !
Joseph
12 years ago
How they'd top Action Essentials 2 I don't know, because that is just amazing, but yeah a follow-on from that memorable product would be great!
12 years ago
Can't wait to start using this. Excellent work! Is there a main hashtag we should use to connect our projects?
Daluz
12 years ago
Great work! I'm start saving some money!
12 years ago
i know what i'm doing tonight!
أحمد راشد
12 years ago
200$ ? are you fine with this ?????
Christian Michael
12 years ago
Yes...we are and its $200, not 200$ :0)
JMS
12 years ago
Man oh man how cheap can people be!! I found a SINGLE f-35 model on turbosquid, not rigged, for $1400...that would make this pack worth over ten grand. Suck it up..
12 years ago
Wow! This is soooo awesome!!!! Great job as always!
cheekylilbasterd
12 years ago
I'll say it again, everytime I'm working on something, VCP comes along with just the right tool I need. I'm working on an Airline Ad, and I've had to resort to FSX, This is goin to make it real easy and fast to finish. Hopefully on your next Released you can add airports , taxiways and taxiway cars and stuff. LOL
Ken
12 years ago
Good job, guys! Thank you for everything you do!
12 years ago
Very Very Very Very Very Very Very Very Gooooooood
Your Are The Best Andrew & All Of The Video Copilot Employees.
Thank you for your efforts <3 <3 <3
Joseph
12 years ago
Thank you guys so much!! To all the coders and model designers and everyone who worked on this evidently amazing product!!!
12 years ago
The amount of work you all put into this is immediately evident. Thanks for your hard work!
Mark
12 years ago
Hoooooray!!!!!!!!!!!
12 years ago
YEAH! Great job and right on time! Congratulations
alaindeloc
12 years ago
C'mon guys! Start burning the servers
Kevin
12 years ago
Nice! Paying now. Can't wait to put it into use.
Element Fanatic
12 years ago
Yes Yes Yes. Sorry I just made a mess
Christian Michael
12 years ago
Yay! you go guys great work as always :0)
sthilanka
12 years ago
cool dude !!!thnx Andrew sir .. you are the best