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Surf the clouds

As a prelude to the anticipated release of the new TerraSport III parachute, today I release the new Terra SkySurf III skyboard. Apart from a nifty new name (the previous one was unimaginatively named “Skyboard”), the SkySurf includes every single texture previously available only as separate skyboards.

That’s right, it’s scripted to change textures. You can browse any of the premade designs or use the new Skyboard Painter tool to apply your own texture. Any texture at all.

The new Terra SkySurf III will be available before the end of the day today at Abbotts Aerodrome and anywhere Cubey Terra products are sold.

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But wait! There’s more!

I’ve had a busy week. Add these to the growing list of new features in the TerraSport III:

  • Press C to flare the canopy and reduce vertical speed for landing.
  • Press C to open the canopy while in freefall. (No more typing “pull”!)
  • Wind! The parachute is now affected by SL’s virtual wind.
  • Apply a single texture across the surface of the canopy. 007-style union jack parachute, anyone?
  • Canopy and container (the backpack) can be coloured and textured separately.
  • Altimeter now shows heading, wind speed, and wind direction.
  • Altimeter has a show/hide button.
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Freefall in style… TerraSport Pro III

So you haven’t seen me around much? I’ve been hiding in my secret lab, building the next-generation sport parachute.

The TerraSport Pro III is a complete rework of my sport parachute design that improves performance and adds realism to the skydiving experience.

New stuff…

  • Redesigned pack and canopy.
  • Improved freefall detection.
  • New 2-colour schemes and the ability to add your own schemes.
  • Texture changer.
  • New altimeter HUD attachment — an analog altimeter dial with digital auto-deploy readout and controls.
  • New freefall animations, including stunts.
  • Ability to add your own stunt animations.
  • Audible altitude warnings.
  • Landing marker matches parachute colour.
  • Improved deploy sequence that includes animation and pilot chute.
  • A top-secret feature that I won’t reveal until it’s finished (which means I don’t know if it’s actually possible).

If all goes well, the TerraSport Pro III should be ready sometime in March.