May 6, 2018

Heatblur's F-14 May Development Update -- Campaigns & Content!

DCS World Steam Edition - NineLine

Dear All,

Since our last development update, the team has been working hard towards the completion of the final items that we listed in our March update. We're making strong progress on all of these, and we're doing our utmost to try and complete as many high quality features for the F-14 as we possibly can. Later today, the team will be meeting to plan the last major push in features and development tasks required for Early Access release. There may be some quiet in the next month or two as we hunker down and crunch hard - but we won't rest until we are satisfied, so take it as busy silence in preparation for the coming rise of the phoenix.

All in all, we're incredibly excited to begin to reach the end of the beginning. Now that the aircraft becomes more and more feature complete, it's time for us to start going in depth on content. We're always been committed to ensuring that we launch of products with as much free, high quality content as we can. This includes e.g. campaigns and AI aircraft, ships and other assets. The F-14 will be no different - it will ship with two campaigns; one for the F-14A and one for the F-14B (A+). Work has begun on these, but they will not be part of the Early Access release. Early Access will however have Single Missions, Multiplayer Missions, Training Missions and Instant Action available from day one.

The objective of creating the F-14 campaigns was to create two separate opportunities for realistic gameplay that broadly exposed the player to the aircraft’s strengths and weaknesses, while taking inspiration from real scenarios.

DCS currently offers two combat theaters that are suited to the suited to the F-14: the Black Sea map and the Persian Gulf map.

We felt it was important to offer an included campaign that could be played by any DCS user who purchased the DCS: F-14A/B.

For these reasons, we chose the place the F-14B (as the F-14A+ operating in late-1990) in the Black Sea Map for its campaign. The F-14A will have a historically-based campaign that takes place in the Persian Gulf Map – taking direct inspiration from real deployments and combat events in the theater from 1987-88. This closely matches the timeframe of the module itself and the aircraft as equipped.

Below are overviews of the campaign storylines with the background leading up to the start operations. Effort will be made to include historically accurate airwing compositions and squadrons as part of the campaign.

Besides Campaigns, we're working hard on both announced (Forrestal Class) an unannounced extra content (aircraft & other units) for the F-14. On full release, we believe it will be one of the most comprehensive packages available for standard DCS pricing.

Enjoy the read!

Click the images to read!

May 4, 2018

Weekend News 2018.05.04

DCS World Steam Edition - NineLine

DCS World 2.5.1 Update
We are currently preparing and testing an update to the 2.5.1 Open Beta. This update should address a number of issues like the metashader error, VR audio device selection, A-10C and Ka-50 datalink errors, FLIR image quality, and others.

We would also like to thank those that took part in the DCS World 2.5 Open Beta. We can’t overstate our appreciation enough to those that have helped DCS World become even better. This amazing community is a large part of what makes DCS World such a unique and great product. Thank you!

As always, a full changelog will be available when the update is published.

ADM-141B TALD Coming to DCS World
One of the new munitions that will be coming with our DCS: F/A-18C Hornet is the ADM-141 Tactical Air Launched Decoy (TALD). The TALD mimics the radar cross section of a fighter-sized aircraft by use of Luneberg lenses, and it is capable of releasing chaff bundles. With a maximum glide range of 120 km, the TALD can be used to “bait” hostile radars to reveal their locations for follow-on Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) attack. The F/A-18C can carry up to six TALDs.

More WIP screenshots

Check out these TALD screenshots, and read more about this system on the http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-141.html

Updated AI Su-34 3D Model Coming to DCS World
As DCS World continues to evolve and expand, we are also updating our older vehicle models. Our latest effort is the Su-34 “Fullback”. First entering service in 1994 with the Russian Air Force, the Su-34 is a supersonic, twin-engine, tactical bomber that features side-by-side seating of the pilot and weapon/navigation officer. The “Fullback” is a true multi-role aircraft that is capable of engaging air, land and sea targets.

More WIP screenshots

This will be a free update to DCS World that we believe will add an engaging and interesting facet to missions.

Persian Gulf Map for DCS World – Night Lighting
As we draw closer to the early access release of the Persian Gulf Map for DCS World, a key focus has been on improving the night lighting. Elements that we have improved or added include:

Dramatically increased the visibility range of lights
Added moon-projected shadows
Improved lighting of urban districts such that they appear more natural
Variable light colors (warm and cold)
Added better scaling of lights depending on view distance
Improved lighting of tall buildings
Variable illumination based on moon cycle
Completed airfield lighting, including approach and VASI lights

More DCS Persian Gulf screenshots

Combined, we think you’ll be pretty impressed with the progress. Once this effort is complete, we will move these changes to our other maps.

Pre-purchase the Persian Gulf Map for DCS World now and save $10!

Sincerely,
The Eagle Dynamics Team

Apr 27, 2018

Weekend News 2018.04.27

DCS World Steam Edition - NineLine

DCS World 2.5.1 Open Beta Release
This week brings you the release of 2.5.1 Open Beta, and includes many fixes. Some of the key features are memory management and the New Offline mode.

The first version of the video memory manager is implemented. This function will purge the video memory when the budget allocated by Windows is reached. Resources that were not used in the last 10 seconds are the first to be purged.
The new OFFLINE mode is now implemented. Users can turn on the OFFLINE mode which permits the game to be used without internet identification and without a time limit. Note: users must turn off the OFFLINE mode on the same PC. OFFLINE mode cannot be turned off from another PC even with the same user login.

In addition to many important bug fixes, 2.5.1. also offers updated night lighting.

As always, we look forward to your feedback and suggestions.

You can find the full changelog in the special topic

Chinese Asset Pack for DCS World
China Asset Pack (CAP) is a free add-on for DCS World developed by Deka Ironwork Simulations. It contains several AI aircrafts, ground and navy units, as well as weapons that have served or are currently serving in China. Deka Ironwork will keep on expanding the asset pack and add more AI units in the future.

One of the most exciting features is the Shenyang J-11A (歼-11A) known to NATO as the Flanker B+ whose airframe is based on the Sukhoi Su-27. With 2.5.1, access to this flyable aircraft is available to those who own Flaming Cliffs 3 for DCS World and later on to those that own the Su-27 Standalone.

Key features that make the J-11A unique are:

3D Model changes (New LODs, Pilot and other features)
Lighting (Nose gear, Landing Lights and more)
Windshield
Air-to-Air Weapons and Pods (RKL-609 ECM Pod & the R-77 Medium range missile)
Dual Rack for Rockets & Bombs

You can read more on these changes in our Forums.

F-15C Aggressors BFM Campaign
The F-15C Aggressors BFM campaign puts you in the cockpit of an F-15C Eagle, as a new Aggressor pilot with the 65th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPwBbFLbPw0&feature=youtu.be&bx_sender_conversion_id=2858163

Based on real world procedures you will fly as Red Air against Blue Air Forces. Upon arrival you will fly a familiarization flight around the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR). Then you will face a series of challenging Basic Fighter Maneuver (BFM) missions against similar and dissimilar aircraft.

Your opponents include the F-4E, F-14A, F-15C, F-15E, F-16C, F/A-18C, M-2000C, MiG-29G, CF-188 and MiG-21.
Additionally there are 10 single player practice missions with in-air starts so you can perfect your BFM tactics, techniques and procedures.

There are over 1000 voiceovers and over 45 pages of briefing material including the F-15C Amplified Checklist, RED FLAG Spins, Red Forces In Flight Guide, Maps, Diagrams, Custom Kneeboards and Mission Data cards.

Purchase in the DCS e-shop

DCS: F/A-18C Hornet Update
Matt and Nick are currently in Minsk and Moscow where work on the Hornet and ancillary units is progressing well.

Work has started on the management of aircraft on the CVN-74 carrier deck. Departing aircraft will appear in certain parking and elevators positions and will taxi on to the catapults. Recovering aircraft will taxi to free parking spaces. Subsequent aircraft will go to the elevator and de-spawn. On the deck it will be possible to place static objects (aircraft, equipment, loads). For this purpose we'll provide some new possibilities in the mission editor. A little later, we will show you pictures and videos of this in action.

Persian Gulf Map for DCS World
If you haven’t yet decided to go for this amazing new terrain module, there is still time to Pre-Purchase the Persian Gulf Map now for $39.99 and save 20%! The price will increase to $49.99 at the end of May 2018.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5WrT3kau0o&feature=youtu.be&bx_sender_conversion_id=2858163

The Persian Gulf Map for DCS World focuses on the Strait of Hormuz, which is the strategic choke point between the oil-rich Persian Gulf and the rest of the world. Flanked by Iran to the North and western-supported UAE and Oman to the south, this has been one of the world’s most dangerous flash points for decades. It was the location of Operation Praying Mantis in 1988 in which the US Navy sank several Iranian naval vessels.

The region also includes the vast Arabian Sea that is well-suited for combat aircraft carrier operations, and it will be an exciting area of operations for the upcoming Hornet and Tomcat. Be it from land bases in Iran, UAE and Oman, or from the deck of an aircraft carrier, the Persian Gulf Map offers a wide array of combat mission scenarios to prove your mettle.

See more screenshots here:

Nick Grey answers your questions

Many of you submitted questions to Nick, and he was happy to answer them for us, from his favorite aircraft, to his thoughts on what is and what he would like to see in DCS World. You can see the answers and discuss them in the dedicated DCS forum topic.

Apr 26, 2018

Questions from the Community for Nick Grey - Answers!

DCS World Steam Edition - NineLine

Q. NineLine, could you give some background regarding Nick himself and his position at ED/TFC? – Yurgon

A. I met Igor in 1989 in Moscow. We became friends pretty quickly and started ED in 1991 with a variety of software ventures beyond simulation, including Computational Flow Dynamics & CAD CAM. He was my 20% partner in all those ventures and one of the nicest people I have ever known. He ran the show and we spoke nearly every day about stuff. Great dancer, great partner, great sense of humour, what a gem…

Q. I'm guessing he has his heart in the warbirds and Spits, but apart from those, I'd like to hear a wish list from Mr. Grey on what plane that we don't have in DCSW that he'd like to fly and where would it be. – Pikey

A. Types flown: Interesting ones  Gladiator, Hawker Hurricane IV & XII, Nimrod, Sea Fury, Hunter, Supermarine Spitfire Mk I, V, IX, XIV, XIX, Republic P47D, North American T6 Harvard II, Mustang P51C, P51D, B25 Mitchel, Grumman FM2 Wildcat, F5F-3 Hellcat, F8F-2P Bearcat, Boeing PT17, B17, FG1D Corsair, Curtis P36, Hawk 75, P40B, P40C P40M, P40F, Bell P39 Airacobra, P63 Kingcobra, Yak 11, Bucker Jungmann, Jungmeister, Fiesler Storch, Nieuport 17, Beech 17 Staggerwing, Pilatus P2, Mig29 2, Su 27…
I would like to see them all in DCS and more…

Q. We'll see a bomber on DCS World with multcrew someday? Which one would you like to fly in the simulator? – Overvolt

A. Yes, we are considering the Mosquito very actively and have gathered a very substantial amount of data. Dima (Yo-Yo) will travel to UK in July prior to Flying Legends and finish all his research and then we can get cracking.

Q. Do you ever fly Multiplayer on public servers? And what is the most exciting non aircraft feature you can't wait to tell us about, in the not so near future of this SIM. - winchesterdelta1

A. No public server activity really. Much better ground warfare, game engine and campaign engine…

Q. Will we see some 4gen Russian fighters? Is there a way to get the ok from the Russian government? And why do they actually care? – TomCatMucDe

A. Too delicate…

Q. Will we see survey modules again like FC3 for the casual simmer and especially 'The Century Series' Surely classic air frames are a market seller ;-) – Mizzy

A. FC4 with four more aircraft
Flying Legends pack with 8 -12 aircraft …. ?
Century fighters are a big deal and a period I absolutely love, but not priority no.1 at the moment.

Q. I have a few questions.. you can pick and choose which you might want to use, if any:
1. Has anyone tried / would it be beneficial to use 3D scanning tech to get 1:1 scale models of the Fighter Collection's air-frames that could form the basis for importing into DCS (either as flyables, or even AI models)?
2. Have you considered bundling, in some way, memberships of/ subs to the "Friends of the Fighter Collection" (or merchandise from the online shop) with specific DCS warbird modules? – Philstyle

A. Good idea…

Q. Maybe this page on the TFC website needs a bit of a gloss-up too: https://foftfc.com/product/dcs-world...-sim-products/
3. As far as I can see, TFC doesn't have a flyable twin-engine warbird right now (I see a Beau in restoration...) does this impact on the likelihood that we will ever see a twinnie flyble in DCS? (maybe Avspecs in New Zealand can throw a Mossie our way .. ) – Philstyle

A. Must have a Mossie (Mosquito) in the future… we sold ours to Seattle and it’s flying in the most capable hands of Steven Hinton. Wow, what a great aircraft.

Q. 4. Battle of Britain... any thoughts?
(Ok, this one was silly, but I'd pay 150EUR (now + annual inlfation) for a fully complete BoB DCS, even if it only had 2 flyables for each side, so long as the rest was there in A.I. form and the map extended from Colchester to Dorset, Cherbourg to Bruges) – Philstyle

A. Battle of Britain is a personal dream of mine too….

Q. The Good old Question, what he thinks in Pro and Contra about the old reviles 109 and Spit, was these adversary over Time equal? What did he enjoy on flying each of the Warbirds what not? – MAD-MM

A. Spit would eat the Me109 of same era for breakfast in a turning fight but not in zoom energy fight. Know your tactics, keep out of the wrong game and you can’t lose in a spit. Spit XIV was total king of the hill….

Q. Is good info and documentation on P-47 Available? If not, why? Thank You – Phantom88

A. We are hunting hard to find stuff… we know a lot but real polars, etc. are helpful and save us time and £/$

Q. 1. How important is it to have access to real aircraft when working together with ED on developing new WWII modules?¬ – xvii-Dietrich

A. Very. Sadly if you haven’t flown them, guess what….

Q. 2. As an owner of real WWII aircraft, does this ever give Nick Grey the privilege to interact/inspect the aircraft of other WWII collections? ¬ – xvii-Dietrich

A. All the time. Very small world, we are mostly all friends

Q. It sounds like aircraft is his interests. I’m wondering what he thinks of the AI system and the lack of ability to create real training missions that follow the four basic phases of training explanation, demonstration, famialiarization, and evaluation. Does he expect that the AI will be able to use it to train new pilots. – BlacleyCole

A. Our AI in general is poor and we will improve it. We haven’t placed enough energy in this area. 100%
With regards to training AI we have much to learn.

Q. Will there ever be a save game option midflight? This will be a game changer for me.. I have 2 kids and i really need to get away from pc during long flights. – Hreich

A. Technically tricky but let’s see.

Q. This is a great idea 9_, I'm interested in sounds. Sometimes our DCS warbirds give me the feel of a new car. Not a lot of rattles, or squeaks. – Paganus

A. Indeed. You are right. We are working to improve these somewhat. NB with power up you hear no detail at all. It’s absolutely deafening so forget squeaks etc. It’s just roar….

Q. In the real thing, do you hear much external noise or are the engines so load you cant? - Paganus

A. Zero. Occasionally if you are in tight formation you can hear the rumble of the other engine (s)

Q. Like when you approach the edge of the flight envelope and you pickup vibrations, do you hear rattles pings, pops? - Paganus

A. Nope except if power low or off

Q. What is the scariest sound he's heard while operating a warbird? - Paganus

A. The sound of silence….

Q. 1)rudder forces and effects of the 109.
are you really of the opinion that the 109 pilots in dcs should be restricted in rudder deflection already during the takeoff run? the way it is now in dcs, full deflection is only possible at really really slow speeds, and already during the later parts of the take off run, the pilot will not be able to give full rudder deflection due to the forces. – Birdstrike

A. Yes it’s correct. Too much power or too little and you are done. Either too much torque or too little wind over the tail. Fine balance.
At high speeds it’s impossible to put full deflection on any fighter. Too much pressure on pedal

Q. The same is true for the stick forces acting upon our 109 pilot. at speeds way below 300kph IAS he will not be able to pull the stick completely back... – Birdstrike

A. Correct

Q. And what makes me personally really sceptical that the stickforces are implemented correctly, is the fact, that once you lose 1 elevator, you all of a sudden can turn much tighter at higher speeds, which for me at least doesnt make any sense. – Birdstrike

A. If you lose an elevator then less resistance, 50% to be exact means full deflection becomes possible.

Q. What’s your opinion about the matter? – Birdstrike

A. It’s Correct!

Q. 2) Ground physics outside of airfields and runways.
Please try some take offs and landings with unlocked tailwheel in the 109 somewhere in the grass fields on either of the maps in DCS, away from airfields and runways. I would be interested whether you think this is implemented correctly... – Birdstrike

A. OK, improving things like this are always being looked at, but remember the Bf-109 has approximately 50% of all losses during takeoff and landing accidents on the eastern front. This was partially due to inexperienced pilots but also to poor grass strips.

Q. I always wondered about the Origins of the relationship between TFC and ED. How did it come about, and what exactly is the relationship? – Nate--IRL--

A. Friendship, Ownership, Publishing. Knowhow and persistence is our story

Q. What is the highest boost and rpm settings he has ever flown a Spitfire and what type? – 56RAF_Talisman

A. +14 MK XIV

Q. P.S. What was it like to fly at high settings and fast speed in terms of feedback from the engine and airframe and maneuvering. – 56RAF_Talisman

A. It’s the mutts nuts… just keep your eye on stuff

Q. Given the access that Nick has, I am curious about what aircraft he chooses, whether it be a warbird or not, when he just wants to enjoy flying. – Cichlidfan

A. Good question, depends on the mood…

Apr 25, 2018

DCS 2.5.1 Open Beta Update

DCS World Steam Edition - NineLine

Today in the Open Beta.

Introduced two new features:

The first version of the video memory manager is presented, which will purge the video memory when the video memory budget allocated by Windows is reached. The resources that were not used in the last 10 seconds are first to be purged.

New OFFLINE mode is now implemented. User can turn on OFFLINE mode that allows the game to be used without internet identification and without a time limit. Note: user must turn off OFFLINE mode on the same PC. OFFLINE mode cannot be turned off from another PC even with the same user's login.

DCS World
Kh-25 and Kh-29 will follow the laser beam target point of the Su-25/25T optical station when player to shift the target point after launch.
Aircraft AI will be changing altitude between waypoints less aggressively.
Removing scenery objects via trigger will not be stay in the invisible mode, they will be removed completely.
MP. Added additional list of checkboxes for advanced IC server options: require pure textures, require pure models and require pure clients.
If an airbase has multiple runways in parallel the ATC will indicate which runway the player should take.
GUI. Input window. Device names in Input table can be customized.
Added China Asset Pack.
AI helo crew will not sink into FARP surface.
StaticObject.destroy() on cargo object will removes the cargo instead of killing it.
MP. Client will not gets wrong briefing from last played single player mission instead of the right briefing from current MP mission.
Fixed crash with Transport.dll
F10 map. labels in high resolution (1440p, 2160p etc) with turned on Scale GUI option will be in correct position on the map.
Fixed crash when briefing is set by trigger.
LAU-61 and LAU-3 rocket launcher will not looks empty when rockets in the tubes.
Multi Display. Fixed some freezes in 140 degrees FOV.
Deferred Shading render locked in the game and can not be turned off. DCS ceased support of old graphic render without Deferred Shading.
The SF key linked to user's account can't be activated with another account.

DCS Flaming Cliffs
MiG-29. R-27R aligned on launcher.
MiG-29A fuel tanks position corrected.
MiG-29. External light adjustments, headlight color tuned.

DCS Hawk T1 by VEAO
First round of changes to the FM behaviour.
Improvements to departure from flight logic.
Improvements to electrical system logic.
Fix for the taxi bug.
Improvements to AoA calculations.
System damage improvements.
PBR improvements to the external model and skins.

DCS AV-8B N/A by RAZBAM
EHSD Moving Map Enabled
EHSD Data pages
DMT axis control enabled
ECS System operational (oxygen and cabin pressure logic)
Hypoxia modeling enabled
Auto-start functional (deployed with EHSD updates)
Auto-stop functional (deployed with EHSD updates)
SAS Pitch, Roll, Yaw WCA indications functional
DEP RES WCA indication functional
Radios functional in non-easy comm (only controllable from UFC/ODU currently)

DCS M-2000C by RAZBAM
Added 9 Training Missions for NTTR from Baltic Dragon
Corrected overall hydraulic logic and fix loss of control when engine going off and using emergency hydraulics
Corrected control surface hard-over when on ground for high AOA (tail wind on aircraft when sitting on deck)
Corrected fuel pump switch being able to move when engine start cover it
Corrected Gun ARM, else SAFE joystick abstraction not working when going back into SAFE
Corrected transfer light not coming on during refuel

DCS SA342 by Polychop Simulations
Added SA342Minigun module
Added SA342Minigun addendum.txt file in module Doc folder
Corrected PBR textures, no more "roughmet" textures are used, according to particular light conditions some issues may still show
Multicrew mode, Nadir use has been moved to copilot, pilot is no more able to use the Nadir if a copilot is aboard.
Corrected Rockets range and effect
Corrected Mistral missile, now it's all aspects and 7km range
Corrected HOT3 effect regarding unarmoured vehicles (infantry, trucks ...)
Added Copilot Intercom functionality
Corrected Cockpit glasses
Reworked Gyro and AP logic
In order to prevent conflicts between the main joystick and a possible second joystick when targeting with the camera, a new option has been added in Options/Special/SA342 named "SECOND JOYSTICK FOR CAMERA", it has to be unchecked if you don't use a second joystick for the Camera (Viviane or else) and it has to be checked if you use a second joystick.
Due to latency issues, ability for the copilot to pilot the helicopter in multicrew mode has been removed.
Added missing keyboard or joystick assignments in controls, Warning, Due to new input additions, it could be needed to re-assign some inputs.
Restored behavior at ground, the helicopter will begin to roll or pitch around 45% torque
Corrected controls position for FFB or non-FFB sticks, including diamond, 3d stick in cockpit view, 3d stick in external view
Corrected ADF guage CAP flag
Cockpit lights have been fixed including writings flickering, issues may persist under specific light conditions
Replaced "Improve your skill" mission 2.5.0 version
Corrected sun glasses
A new document has been added to the module doc folder, named "Gazelle Multicrew 24-04-2018.txt" talking about multicrew limitations.
Damages due to negative g has been added
FM has been refined in some areas
Corrected camera control when in slaved mode
NADIR, Auxiliaries will display continuously i.e "AUX 1-6". Pressing AUX key again or using the EFF long key press will revert to previous display.
Weapons training missions changed for Caucasus and Nevada.
Minigun gunner animation is still WIP and will be corrected
The Gazelle module goes out of beta state, potential still existing issues will be corrected in time.

DCS A-10C
Adjusted default VR View.

DCS Combined Arms
UNCONTROLLED checkbox will disabled control of ground forces from F10 map for all roles except Game Master.

DCS Ka-50
Fixed crash in the Beslan airport when user asked taxiing.

DCS F-5E
Taxi/Landing lights corrected.

DCS F-86F
Corrected missions: training F-86F Bomb and 4 singleplayer Street Sweeper, Flight Suit Attitude, Sabre Strike, First Jet Strike Fighter.

DCS NS430
fixed backwards scrolling breaks autofill/info for App/Dep
fixed NRST USR WPT screen not working.
fixed Night time kills pop out window.

Campaigns
A-10C BFT Campaign
BFT01 - Some minor vehicle updates.
BFT02 - Corrected voice over.
BFT04, BFT09 - Corrected bug after missed approach.
F-15C The Georgian War - missions 2, 11, 12 updated.
Mi-8MTV2 The Border - missions 6, 11, 13 updated.
A-10C Sturmovik - mission 10 fixed.

New Skins:
F-86F IIAF Imperial Iranian by carss.
KC-135 Turkish Air Force by c@sper.
F-5E IRIAF 43rd Tactical Fighter Squadron by jponti.
F-5E IRIAF by drPhibes.
MiG-29A IRIAF Sand-Blue skin by bounj.
Mi-8MTV2 NAJA Special Police by OfficerAMR.
Mi-8MTV2 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Blue by OfficerAMR.
Mi-8MTV2 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Sand by OfficerAMR.

Known Issues
The some radio points in the radio menu is broken: Ка-50 do not works request to night goggles and helmet sight, Bf 109 do not work request for inertial starter.
Maverick picture on A-10A MFD is corrupted.
The names of cities on F10 map broken when map moved or zoomed.
SA342 TV sight is inoperative.

Known issues will be fixed ASAP.