The H-6J is a naval version of the H-6K long-range strategic bomber. It has a reinforced structure made of composite materials and enlarged engine inlets for Russian Saturn D-30KP-2 turbofan engines. A glass cockpit with large multi-function displays and a reworked nose section contain a powerful radar. The H-6J is one of the first high polygon model AI bombers in DCS World.
Six underwing hardpoints can carry new KD-63 and KD-20 cruise missiles as well as YJ-12 supersonic anti-ship missiles. Another three hardpoints are used for ECM and datalink pods. Conventional and guided bombs can be carried under the wings or in the bomb bay.
AH-64D
Development progress
The M230 Area Weapon System (AWS) is a 30 mm single-barrel chain-driven autocannon. We have finished the 3D modelling and texturing of this lethal chain gun as well as the 2 hp electric motor that drives linkless ammunition at a rate of 550 rounds per minute into the firing chamber.
AWS ammunition will include both M789 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) and M788 training rounds. Note that these rounds do not have tracers. Please check out the In Development Screenshots and this DCS: AH-64D | M230 Chain Gun Showcase. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5gZa1DWwW4
For a taste of the AH-64D’s powerful Tactical Situation Display (TSD), we present this sneak peek. DCS: AH-64D | TSD Sneak Peek. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESRrkAnnYFE
WWII Asset Pack
Development progress
The Sd.Kfz. 124 Wespe (German for “Wasp”) is based on the chassis of the formidable Panzer II and features a 105mm artillery gun with light armour plating capable of absorbing small arms fire. The Wespe was appreciated by axis forces for its mobility and firepower, able to keep up with the fast moving panzer formations. A fantastic addition to the DCS: WWII Asset Pack, the Wespe gives axis forces a powerful long range punch. Download the pack now to ensure you have access to the new units as soon as they are available.
DCS: Mosquito FB VI is now available for Open Beta. We are proud of the Early Access release-state of the Mossie, and we are confident it will provide endless hours of enjoyment. We will now begin the second phase of development to add enhancement features as well as addressing the known bugs list. We would like to thank our whole dev team as well as the Closed Beta Team for their vigorous work, testing and dedication.
DCS World Open Beta 2.7.6 is now live and includes improvements to DCS: F/A-18C Hornet and DCS: F-16C Viper. Helicopters have also received new additions and bug fixes, especially DCS: Mi-24P Hind and DCS: SA-342 Gazelle.
The Mission Editor has received new elements, notably the inclusion of pylon restrictions for single player missions and multiplayer servers. This will allow mission creators to limit weapon options per pylon. We kindly remind you that this feature is Work In Progress, and that it will be developed further based on your feedback. Please read the full changelog for more details.
The Channel
Feature Complete Open Beta
In this week’s Open Beta update to DCS: The Channel, you will find many new unique objects and visual improvements along roads and canals. The addition of the winter season has been added, and we hope it results in even more immersive missions and campaigns. Over 15 new unique landmarks have also been added such as new churches, cathedrals, graveyards, prisons, and bridges. Trains will also now travel over the entirety of the map.
We kindly remind you that DCS: The Channel will soon be released to Stable version, and the Early Access discount will no longer be available. This weekend is your last chance to save 20% on this fabulous map DCS: The Channel.
As DCS: The Channel approaches final release this week. We are very pleased with the progress, and we look forward to your valued comments.
Please find below a list of all new unique assets that will be included;
All St. Birchington
Belfry Of Dunkirk & St. Eloi Church
Church of St Laurence Ramsgate
Church of St Mary and Eanswythe
Citadelle d’Arras
Dover Town Hall
Fort d’Ambaleteuse
Graveyard near Amien Prison
Hastings pier
Mairie de Dunkerque
St Augustine's Abbey Ramsgate
Church St Leonard
Church St Mary
Church St Mary the Virgin Ashford
Cathedral St Omer
We have adjusted the minimum and maximum temperature values for the seasons Winter, Autumn, Spring, Summer. Many improvements have also been made to trees, settlements, roads, bridge LOD models and airfields. Destruction models have also been added.
A number of significant fixes have also been made and bugs along construction and building routes, as well as unnatural ground forms along river embankments have also been fixed.
AH-64D
Development Progress
The Integrated Helmet and Display Sighting System "IHADSS" includes a monocle that provides imagery to the right eye. Based on extensive research, we have done our best to closely match the ergonomics and accurately recreate this view from the pilot and Co-pilot/Gunner positions. In addition to slaving the 30mm chain gun, the IHADSS also provides both pilots important flight, navigation, weapon, fire-control and sensor information.
The Modernised Pilot Night Vision System "MPNVS" is a infrared camera on the front of the aircraft that is also slaved to the helmet’s line of sight. This allows the pilot to see in the dark within the confines of the IHADSS and gimbal limits of the MPNVS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0_PB3Xzrr0
S-200
New unit
The design of the Soviet S-200 (NATO SA-5 Gammon) began in the 1950s to counter the growing threat of western high altitude bombers and spy planes. An SA-5 battalion usually consists of six single rail launchers, a ‘Square Pair’ tracking and guidance radar, as well as either the P-14 Tall King, or in more recent times; the STU-68 “Tin Shield'' search radar.
The massive 5V28 missile is over 10 meters long, and each weighs 7 tons at launch. Aided by four jettisonable boosters, the 5V28 can engage targets at long ranges. Detonation of the 215 kg warhead can be triggered by proximity fuse or command signal.
Given the missile's size and the distances that it can operate over, the SA-5 is most effective in the defence role against large, less maneuverable bombers, tankers, and AWACS aircraft. However, it can still present a significant threat to unwary, small fighter-sized targets. The SA-5 that we have modelled is based on the Syrian Army system that uses the ST-68U search radar, providing a maximum engagement range of 150km.
This week, we have prepared some In Development Screenshots of the Pilot and Co-Pilot/Gunner cockpits of this beast. We hope these work-in-progress images will provide you with a glimpse of what is to come and start your cockpit familiarisation. We await your feedback. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pidMDz_00Co
DCS: Mosquito FB VI
Development Progress
We are excited to inform you that DCS: Mosquito FB VI will support the new WWII damage model at Early Access launch. Using documentation of weapon and projectile types, we are modeling the visual impacts on the airframe and the subsequent effects to the Flight Model.
Operation BLUE FLAG are 24/7 persistent, multiplayer team vs. team missions that focus on teamwork to achieve victory through domination and capture of objectives. This event will run throughout September and across multiple eras including; WWII, Cold War and Modern. We hope that you will find some live multiplayer action in this fantastic event.
With DCS: The Channel getting closer to its final state, we have created a special 30% discount for those that have pre-ordered DCS: Mosquito FB VI. We can’t think of a better pairing of two DCS World modules.
Simply log into your DCS World account and pre-order the Mossie to automatically receive this limited time discount. Please note that this deal is only available until the 9th of September 15:00 GMT.
We are nearing completion of the DCS: AH-64D external model, and we’d like to share our progress. Visible on the wingtip is one of the Common Missile Warning System (CMWS) sensors that can passively detect surface-to-air and air-to-air missile launches using in-band ultraviolet detectors. It can then manually or automatically engage the Chaff and Flare dispenser as part of the Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) suite.
We are also working on the external stores and pylons that can articulate to provide launcher elevation. When landing, the pylons automatically translate to ground stow mode, so that they are parallel with the level terrain.
Several skins will be provided for the U.S. Army and several other countries. During the Early Access period, functionality of the Fire Control Radar (FCR) that sits on top of the main rotor will be made available.
SATAC 2021 aims to bring back mission immersion to the competitive squadron on squadron A2A arena. The use of variable weather (incl. wind, wake, turbulence, cloud layers, etc.), realistic human GCI support via LotATC, and a well balanced DACT format with all modern aircraft and weapons (SARH, ARH, IR) pitted to the test by the best virtual pilots! If this sounds interesting to you, check out our forum post for details here: SATAC 2021 - Tournaments & Events - ED Forums.
The DCS World Stable 2.7.5 version contains many new features, enhancements and combines the last several Open Beta versions. The F-16C Viper now includes the AGM-154A JSOW and CBU-105 WCMD; both are fearsome ground attack weapons with precision strike capabilities. The Mi-24P Hind has a number of improvements, including a reworked pilot-operator aiming sight, new key binding options, and more.
DCS: F/A-18C Hornet has also received numerous improvements and the addition of a new alignment procedure for the JHMCS. We are currently working on improvements to the FM.
Further updates include the addition of the NASAMS Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system, updates to Normandy, Syria, and Marianas and a number of fixes and improvements to the DCS core. Our third party partners have also been busy with numerous improvements and fixes to their modules.
A revolutionary attack helicopter and battlefield game-changer, the AH-64 grew out of the U.S. Army’s 1972 ‘Advanced Attack Helicopter program.’ This identified the need for an attack helicopter that could outperform the AH-1 Cobra in terms of firepower, battlefield effectiveness, survivability, and range. The primary mission would be to counter a massed Soviet tank invasion in Europe if the Cold War turned hot. With the need for better close air support capability evident from combat experience in the Vietnam War, the Army specified that the AAH was to be armed with a 30mm cannon and 16 TOW anti-tank missiles compared with either a 7.62mm minigun, 20mm cannon and just 8 ATGM on the AH-1, and be able to survive 23mm AAA hits.
The Army selected the Hughes YAH-64A for its better damage-resistance and stability. The missile armament specification was changed to include 16 AGM-114 laser-guided Hellfire missiles. The first prototype was flown on 30 September 1975. The AH-64A entered U.S. Army service in April 1986.
In August 1990, development of the AH-64D was approved and it entered service in March 1997. The AN/APG-78 Longbow radar and sensor suite can detect and track up to 256 targets simultaneously out to a range of 50 km and engage up to 16 using “fire and forget” missiles. The system’s raised position above the rotor hub allows the gunship to do this while remaining in cover behind buildings, trees and masking terrain. If there are more targets than a single AH-64 D can handle, the Longbow’s systems allow it to stream targeting information to friendly air and ground units.
The AH-64D has extensive combat experience from 1991 in the Liberation of Kuwait to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Gulf, Syria and Libya. More than 2,400 AH-64s have been built and it remains in frontline service with many nations around the world.
DCS: MiG-21bis
Campaign by SorelRo
You are tasked to defend the region of Krasnodar from an invasion of UN troops and fight for the Independence of Soviet Union provinces. The UN response is moderate however, the Soviet forces in the region are facing supply problems due to the rapid destabilization. Resources are limited, and forces lack support. As a frontline MiG-21bis squadron, move between bases as the conflict evolves.
This MiG-21bis Battle of Krasnodar campaign features 25 story-driven missions, over 400 voiceovers, and a 1970’s units set. A large variety of CAP, CAS, Intercept, Escort, and Anti-ship missions are included. Detailed briefings, kneeboard files, and documentation are available for each mission.
This campaign will soon become available on our Store and Steam.
Originally conceived as an unarmed, fast-bomber, the Mosquito’s mission profile broadened substantially during the war. We have focussed on the most widely used variant which offered outstanding versatility to carry out virtually any offensive task. Considered by many as the most extraordinary aircraft of the war, this genius design truly is a Wonder in every respect.
DCS: F-16C Viper roadmap is now planned until the end of this year. Please note these are our current plans as of August 2021 and are subject to change.
Some features require a lot of effort and time, like HTS/HAD and AG radar, while the others are not as complex and can be completed sooner. We’ll start with the highest ranked and feasible features, and continue to bring you more and more DCS: F-16C Viper functionality.
The majority of the Hind’s development team are currently having a well deserved vacation; however, we will still deliver a number of improvements in the upcoming patch. Most noticeably, a fully remodeled Pilot-Operator ATGM sight picture. The improved sight will use a new auxiliary camera instead of the MFD indicator functionality. All textures for the sight were also redrawn in higher resolution, providing better frame rates and visual quality.
VR implementation of the ATGM sight was a high priority too, and it will now occupy the whole view port with some free movement to reduce motion sickness. Dampening has been added to remove small twitches of VR motion sensors affecting the sight picture. We are currently testing more options for switches, which previously were only toggles as well as fixes for those commands that were not mappable to controllers.
DCS: Eurofighter
Development Progress
Our third party partners; Heatblur Simulations and Truegrit Virtual Technologies have joined forces to complete the development of DCS: Eurofighter. Check out the In Development Screenshots as we look towards a full report on their progress soon.
DCS: MiG-21bis
Constant Peg campaign by Bunyap
This campaign was designed in partnership with Steve Davies, author of Red Eagles: America's Secret Migs, host of the 10 Percent True: Tales from the Cockpit podcast and the authority on Constant Peg operations. He brought with him access to the real Red Eagles pilots, whose technical guidance was used to ensure the most realistic experience possible.
DCS: MiG-21bis Constant Peg Campaign is ready and will be released soon.
We are improving the external damage model of DCS: F-16C Viper. The new damage model provides better ballistics tracking and more detailed effects to sloped sheet metal. In the interim, you may have noticed a more realistic representation of wing damage.
DCS: Mosquito FB Mk. VI
Development Report
We are improving the external model using newly acquired blueprints. Improved 3D modelling techniques have allowed us to include finer details. As a result, the smallest rivets, welds and fabric seams are visible.
At Early Access stage DCS: Mosquito FB Mk.VI will have different skins available, including those used in the famous Operation Jericho. The remainder of the work will be focused on finalising the bulged bomb-bay fairing and hydraulic bomb doors, the wing pylons and external fuel tanks. This will allow DCS: Mosquito FB Mk.VI to carry two 500 lb bombs internally (with fins cropped to fit) plus another two under the wings.
DCS: P-47D Wolfpack
Campaign by Reflected Simulations
’Zemke’s Wolfpack’, the 56th Fighter Group, was one of the most famous fighting units of the USAAF during World War II. Flying the P-47 Thunderbolt throughout their time stationed in England, the group had more ace pilots and destroyed more enemy aircraft in air combat than any other group.
A large archive of detailed pilot combat reports is available online, and Reflected Simulations has endeavoured to recreate these historical events in DCS World as they happened.
We are completing work on all existing airfields and resolving aircraft collisions with static ground objects. AI taxiing logic is also being improved.
Multiple cosmetic bugs have been resolved, and new unique objects and support facilities have been added to provide a more realistic appearance. Improvements also cover the road/rail network, the Citadelle d’Arras, and more.
The area around the city of Amiens has been reworked to include much more detailed buildings, trees, and bushes.
DCS: F-16C Viper
Development Report
Based on our roadmap, we are pleased to announce that the Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD), or “Wick-Mid”, will be coming to DCS: F-16C Viper later this summer.
The WCMD is cluster munition that will correct for wind effects and errors during a ballistic fall and turns a "dumb" cluster munition into an accurate "smart" weapon. With the addition of this weapon, you will be able to independently assign multiple WCMDs to targets in a single pass (using multiple steerpoints as targets). WCMD versions include the CBU-103 with 202 BLU-97B submunitions and the CBU-105 with 10 BLU-108 Sensor Fuzed Weapon (SFW) submunitions.
In this video, we’ll look at the AGM-154A Joint Standoff Off Weapon, or JSOW, for the Viper. The JSOW is an unpowered glide bomb that weighs approximately 1,000lbs. It has a range of up to 70 miles depending on launch altitude and airspeed. It is a fire-and-forget weapon that uses INS and GPS to reach its designated Sensor Point of Interest (SPI) target. Check out DCS: F-16C Viper | JSOW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9OQgD1pSRw
DCS: F/A-18C Hornet
Development Progress
Perhaps one of the most complex and confusing aspects of operating the Hornet is correct use of the air-to-air radar. We hope this video will provide you a better understanding and more successful use of this radar. DCS: F/A-18C Hornet | AA Radar Use. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iYb676Xw7s
JHMCS Alignment Procedure When performing a cold start, the JHMCS will now require alignment. This must be completed to avoid alignment issues with the symbology. If you are performing an auto start, the alignment will be completed for you.
As the new process is mandatory on cold start, we have added a new tutorial outlining the JHMCS alignment procedure, check out DCS: F/A-18C Hornet | HMD Alignment. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp3f9Zi6xTg
NASAMS
New Ground Unit
NASAMS (National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System) NASAMS is a Norwegian-developed, medium-range SAM system that was introduced in the mid 1990s. Utilising the proven AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, and combined with a MPQ-64 Sentinel 3D radar, it presents a formidable threat to aircraft and helicopters at low- and medium-altitudes.
A typical battery consists of 3 launchers, each with 6 missiles, a radar unit, and an FDC fire control unit. NASAMS is in service with a number of countries, including the USA. It is notably used to protect high value targets such as the White House in Washington DC.
This ground unit is now available in the latest Open Beta update.