New cockpit Ka-50. New 3D model, textures, lighting.
DCS World
Added new User Manuals 2020 of DCS (EN, RU)
Crash on to many messages on screen - fixed
Russian Static Object "outpost" does not render in the open beta - fixed
LOD Issues on Units and Static objects - fixed
Mission start trigger not working for some functions - fixed
DCS Hangs after playing user track - fixed
Runway Spotlights vs Cockpit gauges - fixed
Sea Flicker ( sometimes ) - Fixed
Mission generator doesn't work - fixed
KC-130. LODs corrected
MP. DS. Sound errors spamming log - fixed
DCS AV-8B by RAZBAM
Fixed issue with invisible KC-130 Tanker
DCS Mirage 2000c by RAZBAM
Adjusted VTB for new eye point view when added VR pilot
DCS JF-17 by Deka Ironwork Simulations
fixed APR FAF logic and HSD FAF draw
fixed AG Gun and C701 pipper
fixed pilot texture conflict
fixed hud bg brightness adjustable
fixed hud tdc movement by axis control
fixed fuel system failure warning flags
fixed time on target calc
fixed hud/mfcd/ufcp brt based on sun zenith
added separated codes for wmd7 laser/lss
DCS F-14B by Heatblur Simulations
Use INS for radar stabilization instead of real-time DCS values
Fixed regression in angle limits of radar stabilization that caused contact/track loss in RWS/TWS at large pitch angles
Fixed the transponder panel code ranges: M1 00-73 (5 bit octal), M3 0000-7777 (12bit octal)
Fixed regressions caused by SDK mismatch:
Fixed debriefing window not appearing
Fixed trim not working
Fixed debriefing window not appearing
Fixed AIM-9 SEAM/Lock
Mission starting in F10 view
DCS AJS37 by Heatblur Simulations
Radar elevation axis mapping added (was left out of the last change log)
Magnetic declination knob (KURSKORR) animation corrected
DCS L-39 by ED
L-39 hangs and then crashes after all power - fixed
DCS Mi-8MTV2 by ED
Spring Tension Campaign. No progress in mission 12 - fixed
DCS Black Shark 2 by ED
Introducing the new cockpit
Ka-50 can't spawn at Kuznetsov - fixed
DCS Combined Arms by ED
Crash in campaign CA Frontlines Georgia - fixed
DCS: C-101 Aviojet by AvioDev
It is not possible to command ground crew after starting one or both engines. They respond that the throttles must be moved to IDLE for them to do stuff even though engines are at idle. Fixed
Unable to connect or disconnect GPU with engines on - fixed
DCS Spitfire IX by ED
Fixed extra wind sound when the pilot rotates the camera to the rear view
Campaigns
L-39 Kursant Campaign by ED. Corrected voice over and subtitles of first massage
Spitfire Operation Epsom Campaign by Banyap. Corrected parkings
P-51D Operation Charnwood Campaign by Banyap. Corrected parkings
In the next Open Beta we plan to release some great dogfight improvements for the F/A-18C and F-16C. The Hornet will have a much-improved air-to-air gun reticle stabilization and accuracy. The Viper will get the EEGS Level-5 radar-directed air-to-air gun sight and the ability to toggle between the SLAVE and BORE modes of the AIM-9 using the HOTAS.
Notes: We will be adding the MANUAL page of the DED soon to allow wingspan entry and the maximum gun range cue. The energy state element of the T-Symbol is currently missing in the F-16C, but is coming.
F/A-18C Commands: HOTAS Category Select Gun = Left Shift + X Gun Trigger = Space
F-16C Commands: HOTAS Category DOGFIGHT/Missile Override Switch = 3 ACM Modes = TMS switch up for boresight and TMS aft for vertical
Today we introduce the initial release of 2.5.6 to Open Beta. This update will be quite large as it updates most of the terrains, this is also why it has taking some extra time to get it out to everyone. As always, we appreciate your patience and understanding. The release will include, but is not limited to;
Improved Water The transparency of the water has been improved; the depth of the water now feels more accurate and water becomes more blurred the deeper you go. The upcoming torpedos for WWII Asset Pack will be easier to track underwater. The shorelines also benefit greatly from this improvement, in particular the cliffs of Dover in the new theatre DCS: The Channel.
Improved Environment Lighting We have worked hard to increase the range and visibility of lights to enhance the night flying experience. We know that it is far from perfect and will continue to improve the look and feel at night.
The DCS Naval Warfare pack has everything you need for serious action at sea. Ending this weekend, this is your chance to save on some of our most sought after modules.
The VIRPIL Controls Constellation ALPHA VIRPIL Controls is proud to show off our latest addition to our Constellation series lineup; the much anticipated ALPHA Grip!
Building on the Constellation lineup that was introduced with our popular DELTA grip, the VIRPIL Controls team has carefully listened to the comments, criticisms and suggestions which have led us to develop something incredibly exciting! The Constellation ALPHA Grip ushers in a new era of complete and total control equipped with an extensive feature set making it suitable for any kind of virtual pilot!
1 x Dual-stage Trigger
1 x Dual-Position Flip Trigger (tactile switch trigger + button input for “UP” position)
Combination Trigger Stages - flip trigger and dual-stage trigger and be pressed simultaneously as a combined trigger for additional trigger stages
ALPHA Grip pre-orders are expected to start dispatching later in February after pre-orders are fulfilled stock will be available to purchase from the VIRPIL Controls official webstore.
See you in the skies! VIRPIL Controls Team
We make sure you receive the most accurate and up-to-date news regarding our work in progress. As always.
Everyone at Eagle Dynamics is working hard to make the start of this decade one to remember. While 2019 was a monumental year for DCS. We have more exciting things in store for 2020. This includes new aircraft such as the P-47 Thunderbolt, Mosquito, Mi-24P Hind, as well as the continued development of the F/A-18C Hornet and F-16C Viper including air-to-ground radar, Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensors and enhanced missile dynamics and behaviour. We will also see detailed aircraft carrier operations with DCS: Supercarrier, and new maps like the free Marianas Islands map and The Channel map. We will also be releasing updates to the A-10C Warthog and Ka-50 Black Shark (including a free cockpit update coming very soon).
Most of the Eagle Dynamics team will be focused on DCS World core to improve performance, lighting, and weather. We will also launch our new damage modelling engine which initially will be for the WWII aircraft. The team is also working hard to improve airfield air traffic control, more life-like AI, new AI units, and a dynamic campaign system.
Our 3rd party partners will also be hard at work in 2020 with the F-15E Strike Eagle, MiG-23 Flogger, OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, Syria and Falkland Islands maps, and more.
Later this year, we are looking forward to announcing an eagerly awaited aircraft for DCS World. This will be a highly detailed and complex aircraft representing a huge milestone
WWII enthusiast, we welcome you to join us for a truly incredible and unforgettable experience. Members of the Eagle Dynamics team would love to meet you.
Flying Legends tickets are only available in advance and must be purchased before arrival at the aerodrome. Tickets are now on sale for the Flying Legends Airshow, IWM Duxford on the 11 - 12th July 2020. Under 16's go free.
Over the last few weeks, we have been hard at work preparing the next big update to DCS World: version 2.5.6. This update will bring a number of highly anticipated things one of which we can share with you now;
The DCS: Black Shark 2, Ka-50 free cockpit update. This is a completely rebuilt Ka-50 cockpit with new, high-resolution geometry and textures. It will also take advantage of new lighting and materials.
The Paint the Anton competition continues; please make sure to submit your entries before February 16th.
We will choose the top 10 (or so) best submissions. If your submission is chosen, you will have your name added to the DCS: Fw 190 A-8 Anton credits, and your work will be included with the Fw 190 A-8. You will also receive one free copy of the upcoming DCS: Channel Map (no substitutions).
Here are some of the requirements and details: The skin must be created using this template. The skin can be historically accurate or fictional. However, the skin must be associated with one of the countries currently present in DCS World. Please do not use nazi swastika.
Here are instructions for saving textures with MIP levels using NVIDIA Texture Tools for Adobe Photoshop. Please upload completed skins to the dedicated topic in the forum.
The contest will run until February 16th, 2020.
Best of luck to all contestants!
DCS: Supercarrier Pre-Order continues!
It’s not too late to take advantage of the DCS: Supercarrier pre-order with savings between 30 and 50 percent:
Save 30% while in pre-order
Save an additional 20% if you purchased DCS: F/A-18C Hornet
The module is also available as part of a bundle that includes DCS: F/A-18C Hornet. We are working with Valve to also make this module available as a pre-order on Steam, and provide the ability to transfer your DCS: F/A-18C Hornet from Steam to the standalone in order to take advantage of the discount.
The DCS: Supercarrier pre-Order will be available until the Early Access release, which is planned for the end of the 2020 first quarter.
Development Report #12
P-47D-30 - Polishing of this module continues with work being done on the animations, textures, flight model, and combiner glass sight. A series of interactive training missions are also being created. We are pleased to share some new images of the Jug taken over the Channel Map. She is getting close!
The Channel Map - Work continues on this map with the detailing or more areas, adding landmarks, adjusting aircraft AI taxi and landing behavior, and tuning some of the colors. We have been listening to your feedback, and we will be adding a couple ALG’s in England that based USAAF units. We have also been busy researching the placement of the Chain Home radar stations.
Hornet Update - Here is a list of the tasks the Hornet team is currently working on for the next Open Beta release. Please note though that not all of these items may make the new Open Beta (a lot will depend on internal testing results):
The radar directed gun sight has been updated to make it much more stable and accurate. It feels like a new weapon! We plan to create a video on this soon.
AIM-9X and JHMCS tones have been corrected.
A lot of work is being put on the targeting pod pointing modes. This includes slave to CCIP and AUTO points and the slave to the velocity vector. This should greatly improve targeting with the pod.
Missile Rmax between the HUD and DDI have been adjusted.
We are adding the ability to mount the targeting pod on the station 4 cheek station. In order to do this correctly, we must first recreate the 3D model of the pod because the current model does not support this (cooling intake is on the wrong side of the pod).
Corrected the B-sweep line.
Added fly-out symbols for TWS mode.
Corrected menu freeze that could potentially happen with GPS weapons.
There will be more items and they will all be included in the changelog.
Once this release is complete, we’ll talk about the next series of additions and changes.
Viper Update - Here is a list of the tasks the Viper team is currently working on. Although the following are being worked on, we cannot promise that all will be ready for the next Open Beta:
The radar directed gun sight is working great internally based on EEGS Level 5 sighting. It is very stable and practically a sniper weapon. We are also working on updating the Dogfight HUD.
The afterburner effect has been greatly improved. Quite a blow torch now!
Fuel flows have been tuned to be more accurate based on the available data.
Turn performance further adjusted regarding over Mach 1 below 8,000 ft MSL.
Wind is better accounted for in the flight model and displayed airspeeds.
Several updates to the INS and alignment system.
Corrected PPLI display in network play.
Updates to the AIM-120 that include launch delay and HUD cue centering in the TD box.
Added ILS declutter function.
Adjusted the command steering cue localizer to be less sensitive.
Corrected AA TCN error.
Added further functions to the Link 16 system.
Added cursor switch depress to switch between AIM-9 BORE and SLAVE modes.
There are many more, and these will be listed in the changelog for the next Open Beta. Once we have the new dogfight HUD working, we will create a new video that explains it, and displays the accuracy and ease of use of EEGS Level 5.
After the next update is completed, we’ll discuss the next set of new features and changes planned for the Viper.
2.5.6 Progress - There has been a lot of buzz about the move to DCS World version 2.5.6, and while many new features and fixes are in the pipeline, not everything will be available when the update first launches. We will give you more of an idea of what to expect as we draw closer. Our goal is still to have the first Open Beta version of 2.5.6 available in early February.
DCS: Bo-105 by RAZBAM & Miltech-5
The following message is from RAZBAM:
We are pleased to announce Razbam and Miltech-5 are teaming together to bring the awesome BO-105 to DCS. Miltech has created one of the best Helicopters in the world, the Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo-105. Being a lightweight multipurpose helicopter used not only as a combat aircraft but also as an aerobatic one, she will certainly bring joy to many fans who have been following Miltech’s stunning work.
So how will this work? Miltech has created a great piece of art with the bulk of the model and textures almost at a complete stage, work still continues to improve the textures to make this one of the best modules in DCS. Razbam will work on the coding and flight model to make her come alive.
We are pleased to help Miltech with the Bo-105 and can't wait to see her come to life.
As Always, thanks for all your support! The ED Team
With the holidays behind us, the team is back at work on the Viper. Here is a list of the tasks the team is currently working on. Although the following are being worked on, we cannot promise that all will be ready for the next Open Beta:
The radar directed gun sight is working great internally based on EEGS Level 5 sighting. It is very stable and practically a sniper weapon. Starting tomorrow, the team will be creating the dogfight HUD (Attitude Awareness in DGFT).
The afterburner effect has been greatly improved. Quite a blow torch now!
Fuel flows have been tuned to be more accurate based on available data.
Turn performance further adjusted regarding over Mach 1 below 8,000 ft MSL.
Wind is better accounted for in the flight model and displayed air speeds.
Several updates to the INS and alignment system.
Corrected PPLI display in network play.
Updates to the AIM-120 that include launch delay and HUD cue centering in the TD box.
Added ILS declutter function.
Adjusted the command steering cue localizer to be less sensitive.
Corrected AA TCN error.
Added further functions to the Link 16 system.
There are many more, and these will be listed in the change log for the next Open Beta. Once we have the new dogfight HUD working, I’ll be creating a new video that explains it, and displays the accuracy and ease of use of EEGS Level 5.
After the next update is completed, we’ll discuss the next set of new features and changes planned for the Viper.
Now that everyone is back from holiday, work has resumed in force on the Hornet. Here is a list of the tasks the team is currently working on for the next Open Beta release. Please note though that not all of these items may make the new Open Beta (a lot will depend on internal testing results):
The radar directed gun sight has been updated to make it much more stable and accurate. It feels like a new weapon! I plan to create a video on this soon.
AIM-9X and JHMCS tones have been corrected.
A lot of work is being put on the targeting pod pointing modes. This includes slave to CCIP and AUTO points and the slave to the velocity vector. This should greatly improve targeting with the pod.
Missile Rmax between the HUD and DDI have been adjusted.
We are adding the ability to mount the targeting pod on the station 4 cheek station. In order to do this correctly, we must first recreate the 3D model of the pod because the current model does not support this (cooling intake is on the wrong side of the pod).
Corrected the B-sweep line.
Added fly-out symbols for TWS mode.
Corrected menu freeze that could potentially happen with GPS weapons.
There will be more items and they will all be included in the change log.
Once this release is complete, we’ll talk about the next series of additions and changes.
The Lunar New Year Sale Continues This is your last chance to save up to 50% on most DCS World modules. The Lunar Sale ends on January 27th. We are also taking part in Steam’s Lunar New Year Sale; visit the Steam store now!
Lunar New Year Sale Video
The DCS World e-Shop will also feature the Naval Warfare bundle for just $64.99 that includes DCS: F/A-18C and DCS: Supercarrier (Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier, Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and the Su-33).
Head over to our E-shop to save on most of our library of aircraft, terrain and campaigns:
Win the Channel Map!
For those of you that enjoy painting skins for your favourite aircraft, this contest is for you! Using the official template found here, we are holding a paint the Anton contest. We will choose the top 10 (or so) best submissions. If your submission is chosen, you will have your name added to the DCS: Fw 190 A-8 Anton credits, and your work will be included with the Fw 190 A-8. You will also receive one free copy of the upcoming DCS: Channel Map (no substitutions).
Here are some of the requirements and details:
The skin must be created using this template.
The skin can be historically accurate or fictional. However, the skin must be associated with one of the countries currently present in DCS World.
Please do not use nazi swastika.
Here are instructions for saving textures with MIP levels using NVIDIA Texture Tools for Adobe Photoshop. Please upload completed skins to dedicated topic in the forum.
The contest will run until February 16th, 2020.
Best of luck to all contestants!
Development Report #11
2.5.6 Open Beta - This month we have been working to complete DCS version 2.5.6. Some extra time was needed to ensure a smooth transition from 2.5.5 both by our team and our 3rd Parties. You can expect to see the first 2.5.6 Open Beta in early February. We look forward to sharing it with you in the near future.
P-47D-30 Progress - We are nearly ready to unleash the ‘Jug’ on DCS World! We are finalizing the 3D model and cockpit; making improvements to the fuselage, cowling, and air intakes; and working on externals stores like fuel tanks and bombs.
Ju-88 AI - Some of you eagle-eyed fans may have spotted the Ju-88 in the recent Lunar Sale video. Here are some more lovely images as we work on the finishing touches before release.
Fi-103 V1 Flying Bomb - We are excited to announce the V1 will be coming to the DCS: WWII Asset Pack! This is an iconic weapon, and it is a great addition for use with the upcoming DCS: Channel Map. It should be available as a static object when the DCS: Channel Map releases, and later as an operational unit.
Searchlights - Work continues on the addition of searchlights for the DCS: WWII Asset pack. Below you can see the effort going into these lights and associated effects.
Thanks as always for your continued support! The ED Team
We are pleased to announce that DCS: Supercarrier is available for pre-order with great savings! Pre-order DCS: Supercarrier and save 30% off the $49.99 retail value. Owners of DCS: F/A-18C Hornet will receive an additional 20% off, for a total savings of 50%. This is on top of ED Miles you may apply.
Highly detailed and animated Nimitz-class aircraft carrier that includes the USS Theodore Roosevelt, USS Abraham Lincoln, and the USS George Washington. While in early access, additional ships of the sub-class will be added.
Fully modelled sensors and weapon systems.
Interactive carrier radio communications that includes CASE I, CASE
II, and CASE III flight operations that range from daylight/good weather
landings to night-time/foul weather operations.
Animated deck crew to launch aircraft from all four catapults.
Occupy the Landing Signal Officer (LSO) station with integrated landing camera. This also has the option to play in VR.
Numerous deck starting locations for aircraft in multiplayer.
New static objects for the Supercarrier that includes static deck crew and support equipment.
The DCS: Supercarrier module also includes the Russian Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, and the Su-33 Flanker D fighter.
The Lunar New Year Sale
Starting today, you can save up to 50% on most DCS World modules until January 27th. We will also be taking part in Steam’s Lunar New Year Sale; check Steam for the Lunar Sale start date and duration.
The DCS World e-Shop will also feature the Naval Warfare bundle for just $64.99 that includes DCS: F/A-18C and DCS: Supercarrier (Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier, Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and the Su-33).
This week saw our first update since the holiday break, and the team jumped right back into action. Here are some of the highlights: WIP version of the AI short-range missile Scud-B launcher Many DCS: F-16C fixes that include INS adjustments Numerous fixes for the DCS: F/A-18C and other ED modules 3rd Party fixes for DCS: JF-17, DCS: AJS-37, and campaign fixes
DCS World Added AI short-range missile Scud-B launcher into ground units of some countries (Iran, Iraq and others). It can drive, but missile is not yet functioning and does not launch. WIP
Western RWR:
LHA-1 Tarawa index '40', – same AN/SPS-40 as on Spruance.
KJ-2000 index 50.
JF-17 index JF.
HQ-7 LN SP index 7.
HQ-7 STR SP index HQ.
Fixed M249 AI Infantry poor response to enemy contact.
Fixed name liveries for DEN Leo2A5.
Fixed flight.dll crash on user track.
Fixed mistake in text pop-up in the Russian version of lesson 1 (flaps rising) for Su-25T tutorial.
DCS F-16C by ED Cockpit. MFD. Fixed wrong AG weapons number. Tuned lighting of navigation gauges and SAI.
Gap near canopy with head shift and mouse look - Fixed
LERX vortex effect corrected.
INS no longer tracks current coordinates in ATT mode.
No longer ALIGN indication in NARF.
Hydraulic flow corrected for JFS start procedure.
INS alignment resets when knob placed to NORM from STOR HDG.
INS coordinates should be confirmed by pilot on DED with enter.
INS coordinates fields on DED no longer limited to 5 or 6 digits.
INS coordinates confirm procedure added to autostart macro.
INS alignment now degraded in BATH mode.
AG TLL Line Points fixed.
Restored missing INS altitude correction from CADC data.
SAI pitch trim index animation corrected.
Fixed DED sub-pages switching.
Fixed AIM-120 reticle position on target
DCS: A-10C by ED Custom cockpit options updated to correspond with the new model name.
Added strip on windshield glass by outer edges.
Canopy still present in F1 view after jettison - fixed.
Glued strip antenna added to the top of canopy.
BRT DIM Switch has no effect - fixed.
New cockpit caution panel APU GEN not illuminated - fixed.
ADI pointer not illuminated - fixed.
Emergency Chute Safety pin Should be removed for flight
DCS JF-17 by Deka Ironwork Simulations
Fixed RWR issue in MP, RWR signals will be displayed in order of priority, and the total number is limited
Fixed DL receiving E-2/E-3 message in MP
Fixed unguided AG gun/rocket/bomb CCIP not precise because it's based on sea level.
Using SPI (except waypoint) height for CCIP calculation
self radar alt as backup height source
Fixed rada hpt/spt
Fixed radar TDC wont lock target in real time
Fixed radar antenna will try to follow hpt
Fixed radar AG image glitch (with ED's help)
Fixed CM-802AKG will self destroy if launcher landed
Fixed PL-5EII IR missiles will have no tones if not fully powered, default caged, need HOTAS 'T2_Press' to cage/uncage PL-5EII missiles
Fixed HUD TDC axis control logic error
Fixed WMD7 camera init state error, WMD7 camera wont cage after OSB cage clicked
Fixed WPT/RP/PP load issue in MP
Fixed CMS loading issue
Add smoke generators support for pilon 1/2/4/6/7, default 'T' key assigned to turn on/off smokes.
Limitations to turn on smoke generators:
MUST be in NAV master mode
Gun MUST be deactivated
FCS WOW signal MUST be off
Tweak AA missile TOF/TOA, limited by rocket power system time and life time, not hardcoded
Tweak CM-802AKG narrow FOV axis control speed, more quickly now
Tweak CM-802AKG gain/level control, by OSB buttons or keys sensor up/down/left/right, for game play
Restore kneeboard map
DCS AJS-37 by Heatblur Simulations Added active stores display activated when in TAKT/Out, just pressed IRRB FRAMSTEGN (unless in IDNR) and when UNSAFED (unless in IDNR).
Fixed minus-sign on CK37 thanks to user outbaxx.
Fixed fading-effect of CK37 panel display.
Improved accuracy of low-drag bombs.
Time-to-waypoint is now zero when landing gears are extended or in landing-mode, before it was just frozen.
Fix to IFF IDENT CTD.
Fixed issues with sidewinder step (IRRB FRAMSTEGN) button.
DCS F/A-18C Hornet by ED TWS - AUTO scan centering does not center antenna elevation on L&S.
ACM entered from TWS incorrect.
L&S/DT2 trackfiles should appear above the LAR Indicator.
AIM-9 Tone does not come through headphone / helmet - fixed.
AIM 9 Not firing after selective jettison.
Fixed TD BOX Guns inside 3000 occluded.
Ground Targets will appear on SA Page if engaged - Fixed
R/BL Harpoon off axis warning - Fixed
DCS Fw 190 A-8 by ED Gear indicator lights failing or not working correctly - fixed.
SZKK4 controls (knobs and switches) clickable zone increased.
DCS Fw 190 D-9 by ED Clickable zone increased for cockpit controls: FuG 16 radio selectors, Landing Gear and Flaps Controls pushbuttons, Rocket control switches, Fuel gauge switch, ReVi altitude selector (rotary I)
ReVi altitude selector rotary II is fixed at "63"
DCS Mi-8MTV2 by ED Fixed broken view position of door gunner at the second mission run.
DCS UH-1H Huey by ED Fixed broken view position of door gunner at the second mission run.
DCS Combined Arms by ED Mouse click will no longer fire weapon when ingame debriefing window is open.
DCS Caucasus by ED Trees restored to original visualization.
Trees removed from roads in some locations.
Mozdok 08 runway broken lights fixed.
Improved a scene on the Gudauta airfield.
Larger aircraft can not use the taxiway. Fixed
Some minor visual improvements.
DCS Campaigns Enemy Within 3.0 campaign by Baltic Dragon:
M07: helipad and insurgent camp is no longer covered by the trees.
M09: minor changes to AI wingman target reporting.
M13: fixed rare issue when briefing at WP1 wouldn't start.
M14: fixed issue with F-16s not engaging bandits.
M16: updated triggers so that chances of saving HVA are higher. Minor fixes to VO timings.
M17: fixed issue with show of force by player having no effect on the CLA troops on the ground.
F-86F Hunters over the Yalu Campaign by Reflected Simulations:
Corrected F-86 livery folder name for displaying of custom liveries.
In last week’s newsletter, we reviewed our 2020 and beyond plans for aircraft in DCS World. One aircraft we forgot to mention was the MiG-23 from RAZBAM. This will be a great eastern aircraft addition to the stable of jets to DCS World, and it is being created by the same RAZBAM team that created the MiG-19.
For this week’s newsletter, we are excited to discuss the many other DCS World projects that are not aircraft. This includes both new modules and core features to DCS World. Like the aircraft, this is a listing of what we will be working on this year, but unless specifically noted, we cannot promise that all these projects will be completed by the end of 2020. In fact, some of the larger projects may extend past it.
DCS: Supercarrier
In the latter part of 2019, we released a video showing off some of the early fun parts of this project. We are now nearing the finish line. Much of the remaining work involves adjusting the complex deck crew animations to support the launching of aircraft from all four catapults; ship lights that include the floodlights, the Improved Fresnel Optical Landing System (IFLOLS), and landing area lights; damage modelling; network copy protection; and up to 14 spawn points in multiplayer for client aircraft.
Following the early access release, more features will be added that include a briefing room, more ships of the class, player IFLOLS operation, and more.
We are pleased to announce that the DCS: Supercarrier module will also include a greatly updated Kuznetsov-class aircraft carrier (without deck animation), the Su-33 Flanker D for DCS World (for those of you who don’t already own it), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer!
The Kuznetsov is a Russian-built aircraft carrier that is substantially improved over the existing version in DCS World. It is a completely new model with detailed geometry, textures, lighting, and animations. Players can operate the Su-33 Flanker D from the Kuznetsov, including carrier landings and ski-jump ramp takeoffs. In addition to a formidable suite of surface-to-air defenses, the Kuznetsov is also armed with P-700 Granit anti-ship cruise missiles. The Kuznetsov sister ship, the Varyag, was sold to China and now serves in the Chinese Navy as the Liaoning.
A cornerstone of today’s American Carrier Battle Group (CVBG) is an array of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers. Built around the SPY-1D radar and AEGIS battle management system, the Arleigh Burke-class provides an effective air defense umbrella around the CVBG and is also armed with Harpoon and Tomahawk cruise missiles, close-in gun systems, torpedoes, and a 5-inch deck gun.
These new naval elements to DCS World will be at home in the recently announced Mariana Islands map. Although the island portion of the map will be approximately 400x400 km, the overall map size will be 1000x1000 km in order to provide realistic ranges for modern-day naval operations, sensors, and weapon systems.
As with the new Nimitz-class aircraft carrier model for Supercarrier, the Kuznetsov and Arleigh Burke will be visible to all in multiplayer, regardless if you own the Supercarrier module.
DCS: Supercarrier will be available for pre-order on January 17th with a 30% discount and will deliver as an Open Beta by the end of Q1 2020. Owners of DCS: F/A-18C will receive a discount when purchasing DCS: Supercarrier.
Maps
The Channel Map
In addition to the Mariana Islands map, we are pleased to announce the first dedicated World War II map for DCS World that is created by Eagle Dynamics: The Channel map! This map will represent southeast England, the English Channel, and portions of the low countries and north eastern France. The map is built to support missions and campaigns between the late 1930s and 1945 with a new level of detail and realism not seen before in a DCS World map. Airfields of the map include:
Manston
Detling
Hawkinge
Lympne
Dunkirk Mardyck
Saint-Omer Longuenesse
Merville Calonne
Abbeville Drucat
It will also include detailed renditions of the cities, towns, road and rail network, forests, rivers, canals, communication lines, radar stations, of this important region during the Second World War.
DCS: The Channel Map will be available for pre-order with a 30% discount in early February 2020.
Third Party Maps
While we are focused on the Mariana Islands and Channels maps, our third parties will also be quite busy!
Falkland Islands Map
The RAZBAM map team is making great progress on their Falkland Islands map, while at the same time creating new assets and player-units to suit.
Syria Map
After completing a great update to their DCS: Normandy 1944 map, Ugra Media will continue their work on the ambitious Syria map. This map spans from Turkey in the north to Israel in the south, with Syria and Lebanon in between. After an initial map review, the Ugra Team will be implementing the feedback to move forward on an early access release.
DCS: World War II Assets Pack
Work continues on the World War II assets pack, with the addition of several important air, ground, and naval units including:
Ju-88A-4 medium bomber
A-20 Boston medium bomber
C-47 transport
MK.VIII Centaur IV tank
Mk.IV Churchill VII tank
Elefant self-propelled artillery
Stug III tank destroyer
M10 tank destroyer
QF 3.7-inch AA gun
37 mm Gun M1
M45 Quadmount that can be used on different platforms
8.8 cm Flak 41 AAA
Flakscheinwerfer 37 and generator support unit
Schnellboot Type S-100 E-Boat
Type VII U-Boat
We are also looking at adding some exciting new features to the Asset pack, which include Torpedoes, Paratroopers and functional searchlights.
DCS World Core Updates
The core DCS World program will continue to grow and improve in 2020 across several key areas. In fact, more than half of Eagle Dynamics staff is devoted to improving the core of DCS World and not for-purchase products.
Vulkan API Support
In order to improve game performance, particularly in VR and take advantage of today’s hardware, we have been working on the integration of the Vulkan API into DCS World over the past year. This is an important undertaking, but we believe it will be well worth the end-results.
DCS World 2.5.6 Lighting Improvements
This month we begin the testing of version 2.5.6 of DCS World that will include improvements to the lighting system. This will be most evident at night when viewing the cockpits. In addition to cockpit lighting, overall world lighting will appear more natural and balanced with improved tones.
Following this, our goal will be to further enhance world lighting by allowing multiple world-lighting sources. This will provide a much more natural and realistic appearance to the world.
Clouds and Weather
Another important DCS World enhancement in 2020 will be the delivery of substantially improved weather and clouds. The first step is our new system will render many different types and sizes of clouds in multiple layers. These clouds will impact certain sensors, and be synchronized in network play. We are setting a high bar for ourselves, and it is taking a bit longer than expected. However, we trust that it will be well worth the wait.
In parallel, we are also working on significant improvements to the dynamic weather system of DCS World that will also take advantage of this new cloud system as well as pressure fronts.
Voice Chat (VC)
In late 2019 we released the first test version of our free, integrated voice chat system into DCS World. Since then, we have been analysing your feedback to make further improvements. Thank you for all the great comments! In 2020, we aim to deliver peer-to-peer connectivity and user chat “rooms” generation. The next step thereafter will be to support radio modulation and frequencies as well as varied mic and audio characteristics of helmets and radios from different eras. Our final goal will be to include communications jamming and secure voice capability. This will continue to be a free and fully integrated feature of DCS World.
Damage Modeling
Another new feature of DCS World 2.5.6 will be the initial release of the improved damage system for the WWII fighters in DCS. As we have discussed in prior newsletters, this system includes a complex and realistic accounting of damage to aircraft systems, round trajectory and penetration, deflection, and localized damage. We have also added substantially enhanced visual damage effects that include missing structural components, fuel and hydraulic leaks. The new damage model will provide a much more engrossing and realistic experience.
Once we and our clients are happy with the warbirds damage model system, we will implement this new damage modelling to the more modern aircraft, ground units, and naval units.
Aircraft Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In 2019 we made initial improvements to the dogfight AI that delivers more realistic and human behaviour, this also includes implementation of modern control theory Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) and Incremental Nonlinear Dynamic Inversion (INDI) to all our AI aircraft in DCS in 2020. The new approach will extend flight envelopes and improve AI control quality and control response in mass and moment of inertia changes. In 2020 we will continue this effort, but also devote resources to improve other AI areas to include:
Beyond Visual Range (BVR) offensive and defensive behaviour
Formation keeping and correct use of external lights
Air-to-Ground attack maneuvers
Very-low level flight and terrain following
Defensive threat responses (SAM and AAA)
Airfield Air Traffic Control (ATC)
Another AI task that we will kick off in 2020 is a new implementation of ATC radio communications for airfields. This will be a more realistic and complete ATC system to account for ground, tower, departure, and approach controllers, as well as account for variables that include VRF/IFR and overhead/straight in.
We will be working with subject matter experts to ensure that this new ATC system is a valuable addition to DCS World immersion and enjoyment.
Air-to-Ground Radar and Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR)
Critical to complete the F/A-18C and F-16C, will be the inclusion of completed air-to-ground (AG) radar and Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensor systems. Last year, the JF-17 Thunder used our AG radar application programming interface (API) to great success. We will continue to improve the AG radar API and use it for both the Hornet and Viper. We will continue to enhance this area of expertise and work to improve radar shadowing, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) support, and varied resolution based on the type and era of radar.
The updated FLIR API will be used to improve the targeting pod’s infrared (black hot/white hot) cameras. This is a rather large undertaking because it not only involves programming tasks to account for thermal dynamics of world and unit objects but also creating thermal maps for all objects in DCS World and how they behave under different conditions.
Missile Dynamics
Last year we used the AIM-7 as a testbed to implement several air-to-air missile performance and guidance improvements. Early this year we will be doing the same for the AIM-120. The AIM-120 performance in 2020 will be closer to claimed specifications given adjustments to G-induced drag in the trans-sonic region, and we improved the efficiency of the lofting profile.
New AI Units
In 2020 we will continue to update older DCS World units. We are currently developing the SA-5 surface-to-air missile and the SS-1 SCUD surface-to-surface missile (we still need to develop the Short-Range Ballistic Missile flight model), the S-3B Viking, and cows of course! There are other units we hope to revisit to like the B-52H, C-17A, Tu-95, and others.
Dynamic Campaign
Work on the dynamic campaign has been underway for over a year, and the progress has been steady on this very complex task. We understand that this is one of the most awaited features in DCS World and we are giving it the attention it deserves.
Much of the work is focused on the dynamic campaign creation tool layers as part of the Mission Editor, developing machine learning mechanics, and creating an AI neural network for the RTS element of the system. The machine learning and neural network tasks are particularly challenging, but we believe they should provide a unique dynamic campaign experience.
We expect to start testing this feature in the latter part of 2020.
Thank you for the support and kindness, The Eagle Dynamics Team