We are pleased to share our latest update to DCS World Open Beta and the substantial range of new features and improvements that are included. Some of the highlights are the highly anticipated new cloud technology, new piston engine propeller technology and a wide array of new features for the Hornet and Viper. Check out the 100’s of fixes and enhancements below and please remember that we count on you to help us grow the product. We promise to keep you updated on all the progress to 2.7 and thank you in advance for your trust, passion and support.



Patch notes:
https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/changelog/openbeta/2.7.0.4625/

You make our dreams come true!

Eagle Dynamics Team

If all goes well, DCS World Open Beta 2.7.0 should be launching on the 14th of April 2021 and will introduce the new Clouds and their large range of presets to choose from in the Mission Editor. We are also working on a Cloud generator capable of creating on-demand visual representations of much larger clouds such as towering cumulus and cumulonimbus. After the initial launch, we will continue the development of natural cloud cycles, severe weather behaviour, thunderstorms and fog.

The new Clouds require weapon and radar atmospheric models to be significantly updated at the logic layer. We are sure that you recognise that this process is man-hour intensive and requires rigorous debugging. We thank you for your patience and support as we work towards steadily enhancing DCS World as a whole.





A notable update coming to 2.7 is our unique and new technology that calculates the exact location of every propeller blade. This offers the possibility to draw a very accurate representation of the spinning propeller dependent on the type of prop, the number of blades, specific RPM and prop pitch.



This approach allows for smoother blade transitions from still, to idle, through to taxing and take off, as well as proper transparency from all viewing angles, aircraft speeds, power settings and blade pitch.



We have prepared for you this teaser video which demonstrates this new approach and we look forward to your feedback with great eagerness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avh0zLzLLmE






The 2.7 update for DCS World will also see significant new functionality for the Hornet.



Highlights include the ATFLIR targeting pod that will be available in parallel with the existing Litening targeting pod.

The ATFLIR includes new field of view and zoom options, the ability to slew the sensor line of sight while in SCENE mode, display of waypoint markers and expanded coordinate display options.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGQYBpXqfMU




The Coupled Autopilot mode allows the aircraft to automatically fly to a set location. This can be a waypoint, TACAN station, or target (TGT) location when in AUTO delivery mode.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urdupoIerFk





The new radar modes include the automatic wide acquisition mode (WACQ) that allows both a wide auto-acquisition scan and the ability to slew the centre of the automatic scan area.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTz5-Eg6SaI





Two new modes for the AGM-88C HARM anti-radiation missile will also be available: Pre-Briefed mode which allows the engagement of hostile surface radars from long range, and the Self Protect with Pull Back option which allows automatic HARM engagement of SAM threats as well as the ability to disable the weapon in flight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amyGzVnr2oU





Following the release of DCS World 2.7, we will release additional Hornet features that include:

• AGM-84K SLAM-ER land attack missile
  
• Offset Aim Points (OAP)
  
• RAID Single Target Track (STT) Mode
  
• New flares with increased carriage

We look forward to sharing more information soon.






Predicting optimum missile flight profile and envelope range limits.
At first, we updated the HARM missile autopilot to make lofted trajectories more realistic. This is now not only limited to constant climb angle but also includes semi-ballistic flight with an optimal angle that provides a smooth trajectory, increasing missile velocity at impact and minimising time of flight.

Optimal loft angle is computed by the aircraft and passed to the missile prior to launch. To calculate the missile range envelope we used a regression model which required us to perform tens of thousands of HARM launch simulations in varying conditions. The generated data was then passed to our regression model and compiled into just a few equations with several dozens of relevant coefficients.

Solving these equations with respect to different variables allows us to obtain different types of usable data. For example, on the Viper’s HUD you can see maximum missile range, missile range for current flight conditions and pitch or turn angle required to hit the target within missile range.

Missile range depends on the aircraft velocity, altitude, pitch and azimuth to target, thus the missile’s range envelope is bounded by a 4D hyper-surface which we can represent partially for fixed altitude and velocity, which defines a section of the 4D surface. Below you may see such a section with range depending on target azimuth and aircraft pitch only.



We hope that this brief summary of the new features which will be released will help you to prepare for this next big update and we look forward to sharing more information regarding DCS World 2.7 next week.

We are very excited by the upcoming improvements and have you to thank for staying by our side during these challenging times. Thank you for all your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,


Eagle Dynamics Team

Supercarrier

The 3D Air Boss (PriFly) station will come with the possibility to control deck flood lights, the speed and direction of the carrier, and monitor the PLAT camera. In addition, we will implement launch and recovery operations from the Air Boss (PriFly) via 5MC messages.



The 3D Briefing Room will offer interactive squadron meeting capability. This is particularly interesting for multiplayer action, pre-mission start and for after action review. Our Integrated Voice Chat will also allow real-time coms with your squadron. An interactive map, PLAT camera, Greenie and Kill boards will provide simultaneous online statistics during mission progression. Each pilot seat in the briefing room includes an interactive tablet that will allow you to control the fueling and arming of your aircraft.




Enjoy this very realistic campaign by one of our most respected 3rd party developers, Bunyap. Operate out of Nellis AFB, Nevada in F-16C Viper and fly against adversaries in an exceptionally well researched Red Flag campaign.

Key features:

• 10 highly detailed missions based on the actual Red Flag exercises with optional air start
  
• Precise and authentic PDF mission briefings adapted from USAF standards
  
• 20-page Campaign Guide and 50-page Standard Operating Procedures document
  
• Hundreds of authentic voice overs

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1536953/DCS_F16C_Viper_Red_Flag_211_Campaign/?curator_clanid=4471395




With 540 km2, Guam is the largest and most populated island of the Marianas archipelago. It lies about 5,800 miles (9,300 km) west of San Francisco and 1,600 miles (2,600 km) east of Manila.

The Chamoru people settled on the island approximately 3,500 years ago and were essentially disconnected from the rest of the world until the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan discovered the island on March 6, 1521. Guam was subsequently colonized by Spain more than a century later in 1668. During the Spanish–American War, the United States captured Guam on June 21, 1898. On December 8, 1941, hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Guam was captured by the Japanese, who occupied the island for two and a half years. American forces recaptured the island on July 21, 1944. Since the 1960s, Guam's economy has been supported primarily by tourism and the U.S. military, for which Guam is a major strategic asset.



When arriving in Guam, one of the first things you will see is “Antonio B. Won Pat International”. Originally built by the Japanese during the occupation, it became a base for the USAAF B-24 “Liberator” bombers in 1944-45. In 1947, the USAAF turned over the airfield to the United States Navy, who operated it as Naval Air Station Agana until 1995. Civilian use of the airport began in 1967 when the International terminal was opened. From this time onwards, the airport has been reconstructed and upgraded many times in order to cope with the growing air traffic and passenger requirements.



Guam is a multi-ethnic island with a current population of more than 160,000 people. The island is divided into 19 municipal villages and required the terrain team to develop a large number of new and adapted ground assets. With tourism being the most prominent component of the island's economy, there are a lot of hotels and golf courses dotted along Tumon Bay.



This is the Dandan solar plant that boasts over 120,000 solar voltaic panels capable of generating more than 25 megawatts of power.



Guam is home to one of Trans World Radio’s major Pacific transmitter stations. This multinational evangelical Christian media organisation goes out to more than 190 countries.



Our upcoming work is to advance work on the many military assets that are so prominent on the islands. We will show you some details in a future newsletter.

Thank you for your passion and support,

Kind regards,


Eagle Dynamics Team

Known for its great exploits by the airborne units of the Soviet Army during the 1980 Soviet–Afghan War, the Hind is tough, durable and packs a heavy punch.

DCS: Mi-24P Hind is a simulation of the legendary Mi-24 attack helicopter developed in the USSR and first introduced operationally in 1972. It has seen extensive action over the past 40 years as an effective combat air support helicopter. Fast, reliable and loved by pilots, this incredible machine still serves in more than 50 countries!

Work is progressing steadily and we are excited to announce the list of features planned for Early Access release.

Key Features of DCS: Mi-24P Hind
On pre-order/early access:

• Professional flight dynamics and engine modelling with high precision characteristics of the real aircraft in all ranges of altitude, temperature and speeds for different weights and flight configurations.
  
• Two 6DOF highly detailed cockpits (RU and EN versions available)
  
• Fully clickable cockpits with interactive control of all onboard systems with mouse
  
• Multi-crew. Second crew member can be another player or “Petrovich” AI (basic AI level during early access phase)
  
• Detailed modeling of the entire electrical, fuel, hydraulic, anti-icing, fire protection, SAS, autopilot and radio systems
  
• Full modeling of armament and weapons systems with ability to use 30mm cannon, unguided rockets (S-8, S-13, S-24B) and bombs from both cockpits in addition to the guided ATGM 9M114 operated by forward seated pilot-operator.
  
• Standard Russian new and weathered liveries in addition to Iraqi and Syrian schemes
  
• Early Access manual Russian and English versions
  
• Training missions

On release:

• Cargohold gunner with KORD machine gun.
  
• Advanced “Petrovich” AI features for pilot or pilot-operator seats.
  
• Addition of ATGM 9M120 (HEAT and HE versions) and R-60M air to air missiles.
  
• Sling cargo operations
  
• Advanced damage modeling
  
• Additional liveries and livery template.
  
• Manual in Russian and English (full list of languages is TBD)
  
• Campaign by Eagle Dynamics

Pre-order DCS: Mi-24 Hind now and save 30% on our eShop. ( Currently there is no pre-order on steam, we are working with steam to resolve this )

The Mi-24P Early Access is planned for release in the 2nd quarter of 2021.



We are currently working on new reflections using extended pre-calculated light technology.



The Mi-24P cockpit is roomy, pressurised and chemically and biologically filtered, making it a comfortable place to fight and operate in.



The multi crew mode will be available from Early Access and will unveil our initial “Petrovich” AI.



We look forward to sharing more information closer to the Early Access release in late Q2 2021. One of our top priorities will be the interaction and infrastructure for Commander and Operator AI.

Thank you for all your trust, support and enthusiasm.

Yours Sincerely,


Eagle Dynamics Team

All systems and components have been modelled in excruciating detail and include the recent cooling system updates that were made to DCS: P-47D Thunderbolt.

Early Access Features;

• High-quality external 3D model
  
• 6 Degree of Freedom fully clickable cockpit with latest visual effects
  
• Flight Dynamics based on official reports, our own CFD research and pilot feedback
  
• Full Fuel system and optional external tanks
  
• Full electrical system
  
• Full hydraulic and pneumatic system
  
• Propeller feathering

Early Access Armament:

• 4 British Browning .303 machine guns
  
• 4 Hispano 20mm guns
  
• 250lbs and 500lbs bombs in the bomb bay and under each wing

The damage model for the Mossie considers the internal wood structure of the airplane and uses each internal element of the aircraft - oil, air, hydraulic and cooling systems, engine, throttle, trim, and the airframes main strength spars and stringers to calculate the visual damage.

We are now able to consider all these factors, which in turn enables us to more accurately simulate damage to the airframe and the effects on the flight model. For example, damage to the wing skin will lead to a decrease in the lift and cause more drag, damage to the spar will cause strength reduction and potentially wing snap under certain strains.

We look forward to sharing further progress, please check out In Development Screenshots.



When the Mossie becomes available in Early Access, we will be considering feedback from the community and working on the next stages of development.

Features coming after Early Access:

• Rockets armament
  
• Radio units T1154 (transmitter) & R1155 (receiver)
  
• The historical accurate navigation system for WWII aircraft
  
• Controllable AI navigator/radio operator

We are currently improving in cockpit reflections using our new pre-calculated ray tracing technique. This enhancement will be deployed to other modules in the near future.



We are adjusting the sight line direction controls and missile guidance from the operator's seat.



The operator AI features are being tested and debugging is going smoothly.





‘Bio’ entered the US Navy in 1979, and he boasts a 20-year long career. Barnek has over 2,500 F-14 Tomcat flight hours with 688 carrier landings. His logbook also records 450 instruction flight hours in the F-5E Tiger II.

Key Features:

• 13 campaign missions
  
• Realistic challenges based on real life training
  
• Over a thousand specially recorded voice-overs, featuring the voice of Jester AI
  
• Custom squadron paint schemes
  
• Briefings and debriefings written and read by Bio himself
  
• Unique kneeboard graphics
  
• Detailed briefings and briefing cards, including separate PDFs for each mission
  
• Checklists, and in-flight guides
  
• 3 instant action practice scenarios

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1536954/DCS_F14A_Zone_5_Campaign/?curator_clanid=4471395

This campaign gives a taste of 1980s air combat training and is fun and challenging. We hope you will enjoy this update to the World War II era product range and look forward to your constructive feedback, which helps us deliver better products.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Your sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics Team

We would like to extend a special thanks to all the participants in the P-47D Thunderbolt Livery Competition. Our ten winners are listed below, with MateusOV having two liveries included.

Mike Busutil: WarChief
MateusOV: Commemorative Livery & Big Bird II
Sydy: 1st Brazilian Ftr Sq-Jambock A1
danperin: 61st FS 8th AF HV-Z
Waynos: RAF Thunderbolt
Giskvoosk: Chief Ski-U-Mah
EL_LEJI: 5th Emergency Rescue Squadron
BoNidle: The Trojan Warhorse
Latart: Lend-Lease
Flanker: P-47 USSR Air Force ( gray - blue )



All winners will receive a copy of DCS: Mosquito FB Mk.VI once Early Access is released.




In order to simplify mission creation and weather selection, we have designed a large number of cloud presets which are convenient to select from the Mission Editor. Here are a few thumbnails to give you an idea of what will be available.














Thunderbolt pilots often claimed that they could fly the P-47 through a brick wall and live. The P-47 Thunderbolt, nicknamed the Jug, served the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in both the European and Pacific theaters. In total, 15,636 were built between 1941 and 1945. Many countries including France, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, Mexico, and Brazil also operated Thunderbolt to great success.

The P-47D excelled in the role of fighter-bomber due to its heavy armament, rugged construction and Pratt & Whitney R2800 Double Wasp radial engine that was extremely reliable and capable of absorbing serious enemy fire. In addition to the impressive eight .50-caliber machine guns with 425 rounds per gun, the Jug was armed with bombs and rockets in the ground attack role. The P-47 saw action from 1943 in the bomber escort role before being replaced by the P-51 Mustang, which had longer range and higher performance as a fighter.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1120304/DCS_P47D_Thunderbolt/?curator_clanid=4471395

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Your sincerely,


Eagle Dynamics Team

Over the past few weeks we pushed multiple minor campaign fixes out so you could continue enjoying these missions to the fullest. We would like to inform you of a longer than usual update cycle commencing now in the lead up to 2.7.

A few highlights that we would like to point out, which are also now available in Stable;

DCS World

• Cockpit Missile Launch sound update.
  
• Added bulk cargo vessel Handy Wind with helipad

DCS: F/A-18C Hornet

• Added GMT/GMTT radar modes
  
• Added SEA Mode for radar
  
• Added functionality for ASPJ (jammer)

Singleplayer campaigns now in Stable

• DCS: F/A-18C Operation Pontus
  
• DCS: F-14A/B Zone 5
  
• DCS: F-5E Tiger II Black Sea Resolve ‘79
  
• DCS: AV-8B Sky Warrior Campaign
  
• DCS: F-16C Red Flag 21-1
  
• DCS: F/A-18C Rising Squall

Other notable improvements have moved to Stable, read the full changelog.




Rota Island is the smallest of the populated islands and the second southernmost island of the Marianas archipelago. Despite the fact that the island had a small Japanese garrison of more than 2000 men during WWII, American troops never invaded it. It was however bombed occasionally by the U.S Navy in attempts to silence Japanese warning transmissions about B-29 Superfortress bomber attacks.



Sinapalo village is the biggest settlement in the island and features Rota International Airport. The single runway was built and manned by the Japanese until the U.S Navy bombed it into disuse at the end of WWII. In September of 1945, the airfield was renovated and extended an impressive 5,000ft to serve as an emergency landing strip.



The Songsong village on the island of Rota is located along the southwestern part of the island. The village has a population of less than 1,000 inhabitants and boasts a recognisable landmark known as Wedding Cake mountain, Mt. Tinubal. The layered rock and capes have been recreated in detail to include the natural dips of volcanic rock structures and the gentle sloping forms of the limestone plateau in the North part of the island.




Black Sea Resolve is a fictional, story-based campaign that will test your A/A and A/G skills. Set March 1979, you will fly as part of an F-5E Tiger II squadron and support the independence of the former Soviet Union provinces.

Campaign Features:

• 25 story-driven missions
  
• Over 300 voiceovers
  
• Late 1970's units set
  
• Full-scale conflict that will progress throughout the campaign
  
• A large variety of missions; CAP, CAS, RES-CAP, Iron Hand
  
• Detailed briefings, kneeboard files, and supporting documentation

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1536950/DCS_F5E_Black_Sea_Resolve_79_Campaign/?curator_clanid=4471395


Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours Sincerely,


Eagle Dynamics Team

We will be rolling out the new Volumetric Clouds with a wide array of preset weather conditions that vary in number of layers, coverage, density, elevations, thickness, precipitation and more.



Following the initial release, the Mission Editor weather tool will be enhanced to allow you to create your own weather presets. We are also pleased to confirm that the new clouds are synchronised for network play.




Here are some of the features that we are currently working on for Early Access. We look forward to giving you an exact date when pre-orders will begin. We expect it to be in the first week of May 2021.

Aircraft Systems

• Powerplants and related systems
  
• Fuel system
  
• Hydraulic and pressurised air systems
  
• Electrical system
  
• Lighting
  
• Flight Instruments
  
• Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)
  
• Autopilot modes
  
• Multipurpose display
  
• MPD pages (ENG, FUEL, etc.)
  
• Keyboard Unit
  
• Enhanced Up Front Display
  
• Fire suppression system

The AH-64D is equipped with advanced sensors capable of target detection and engagement at long ranges. Here are some of the Early Access features;

Avionics

• Navigation Subsystem
  
• Embedded Global Positioning
  
• Inertial Navigation system
  
• Doppler radar velocity sensor
  
• Air Data system
  
• Radar Altimeter
  
• Automatic Direction Finder (ADF)
  
• MPD Tactical Situation Display (TSD)
  
• Communication systems

The AH-64D is capable of adapting to several roles within the context of close air support tasking. In addition to the 30 mm M230 single-barrel chain-driven autocannon, it can carry external stores and weapons on its stub-wing pylons. Equipment we are planning to release includes;

Mission Equipment
Sighting Subsystem

• Integrated Helmet and Display Sight System (IHADSS)
  
• Modernised Pilot Night Vision Sensor (MPNVS)
  
• Modernised Target Acquisition Designation Sight (MTADS)
  
• Night Vision Goggles (NVG)

Armament Systems

• Area Weapons System (M230E1 Automatic Gun)
  
• Rocket Management Subsystem (2.75 Inch Aerial Rocket)
  
• Hellfire Modular Missile System (Semi-Active Laser)
  
• Weapons page

Defensive Systems

• One chaff and two flare dispensers
  
• Airborne Survivability Equipment (ASE) page
  
• Common Missile Warning System (CMWS)
  
• Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)

Dedicated designers are also working on photo-realistic cockpit details and labels. In parallel, work continues on the external model textures.

The flight model and flight control system are highly complex and demanding. We are confident that the fidelity will be very high at Early Access. Much more information on the development of this sophisticated attack helicopter will be coming soon.

Thank you again for all your passion and support,

Yours Sincerely,


Eagle Dynamics Team

For the next, big Open Beta update, we plan to include several new Hornet features that include:

• Pre-Briefed (PB) mode for the HARM to include both HRM and A/C sub-modes
  
• Self-Protect Pullback (PBLK) mode for the HARM / HRM OVRD
  
• Improved HARM TOO handoff for two emitters at once
  
• Adjusted AGM-88C HARM flight and seeker dynamics
  
• ATFLIR targeting pod
  
• Complete remaining Litening targeting pod tasks
  
• TDC slew Wide Acquisition (WACQ) ACM mode
  
• RAID Single Target Track (STT) mode
  
• SPOT radar mode
  
• Saving PRF to SET options
  
• BRA indication with L&S
  
• New elevation tracking model to resolve JHMCS designation drift

Our team of dedicated engineers assigned full-time to the Viper is currently working on:

• Updated flight model dynamics for constant G and drag index for CAT I.
  
• Addition of IAM weapons that include JDAM, JSOW, and WCMD.
  
• Pre-Briefed (PB) mode for the AGM-88C HARM.

Important development items remaining include:

• Air-to-Ground radar
  
• CRUS page
  
• JHMCS Air-to-Ground mode
  
• HARM Targeting System (HTS)
  
• Electronic Countermeasures
  
• And more

Operation Pontus is a story driven campaign for the F/A-18C Hornet. As the Commanding Officer, you will plan, design, and execute demanding missions for your squadron. This campaign has day and night missions with different weather conditions against an intelligent and adaptive enemy.

"Operation Pontus” main campaign features:
Up to 30 missions (total number is based on your success rate)
Dynamic Briefings and SITREPs
Decision making and planning
Over 1000 voiceovers creating a dynamic environment
Full use of DCS: Supercarrier

"Every decision counts... Start' em Up!”

Steam Store: DCS: F/A-18C Operation Pontus Campaign on Steam (steampowered.com)

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1537760/DCS_FA18C_Operation_Pontus_Campaign/

Over the next coming weeks, a massive push is ongoing to prepare for the launch of DCS World 2.7. We are hoping to get there by the end of March and we are full burners on the job.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours Sincerely,


Eagle Dynamics Team

We are truly excited to be offering the Free to Play period where you are welcome to try any of our most popular fighters including F-16C, F/A-18C and A-10C II. Free to Play provides an opportunity to showcase skills, gain expertise and gives us a chance to learn as we work closer with the community to build a better flight combat experience. Please note that the Free to Play period is not on DCS World Steam Edition this time.

If you have not already seen DCS: Reach for the Skies, check it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIqnq1vaQtI





Tinian is located approximately 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometres) from mainland Japan, and was chosen as the suitable staging base for continuous heavy bomber attacks on the Japanese Islands. Immediately after the island's seizure by the US in the summer of 1944, construction began on the largest air base in the Pacific region, covering almost the entire island.



The four runways at North Field were lettered "A", "B", "C" and "D" from north to south and were said to resemble the deck of a busy aircraft carrier.

The North Field airbase was the first loading and launching point for the atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. At the end of WWII the base was placed in a standby status and officially closed in March, 1947.



Tinian International Airport is a public airport originally constructed by the Japanese during WWII with two parallel runways. It was subsequently repaired by the Americans, and then called West Field. Tinian airport now covers an area of 1,416 acres (573 ha) with one of the runways measuring 8,600 x 150 ft (2,621 x 46 m).

In May 2012, the United States Marine Corps VMFA-121 operated its F/A-18D Hornets from the airport using M-31 aircraft carrier arresting gear systems.This airport is now owned by Commonwealth Ports Authority.



Another big installation on the island - Robert E Kamosa Transmitting Station. The antenna curtain array along the central west coast of the island is a class of large multi element wire radio transmitting antennas, used in the shortwave radio bands. Suspended by supporting wires and strung between pairs of steel towers up to 300 ft (90 m) tall. These antennas are used by international shortwave radio stations to broadcast at transcontinental distances.





Flaming Cliffs 3 provides an easier learning curve for new players and focuses on a broad range of fighters rather than a single detailed aircraft. Get the F-15C, A-10A, Su-27, Su-33, MiG-29A & S and Su-25A all in one single download.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/249320/DCS_Flaming_Cliffs_3/?curator_clanid=4471395

FC3 is a great way to get friends and family involved in DCS at a reasonable cost and with a reasonable learning curve.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,


Eagle Dynamics Team