It is with great pleasure that we bring you DCS MAVERICK. Please enjoy and make sure to update to the latest version to receive the new DCS: F/A-18C Hornet and DCS: F-14 Tomcat liveries. We look forward to your feedback. Stay healthy and as always, fly safe.
We are working on the next update for the Hornet and are happy to announce that the AIM-7P and ADM-141 TALD will be released in the next Open Beta update. We are currently finalizing sparks when firing the gun at night, and have crushed many of the multiplayer mission bugs which were apparent when several Supercarriers are in the mission.
AIM-7P The AIM-7P is similar in most ways to the M versions. It was primarily an upgrade program. The main changes were to the software and improving low-level performance. A follow-on Block II upgrade added a new rear receiver that allowed the missile to receive mid-course corrections from the launching aircraft. Plans initially called for all M versions to be upgraded, but currently P's are being issued as required.
ADM-141A TALD Used to help suppress Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems by distracting them with false targets. TALDs can also trick hostile radars into emitting and allowing them to be attacked by Anti-Radiation missiles. They can also be used to confuse hostile air-to-air radar operators. In the first Gulf War, hundreds were launched by A-7s and F/A-18s on the first night of the war. An additional purpose is to act as a target practice for radar-guided air-to-air missiles. In the above screenshot you can see a Hornet carrying TALDs to act as AIM-7 practice targets.
Bundles
Promotion
Be a Maverick DCS: F/A-18C Hornet and DCS: Supercarrier are now available as a bundle option that allow you to save a massive 30% on a combined purchase. Included are three new liveries. https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/26381/Be_The_Maverick/
Maverick Legacy In collaboration with Heatblur Simulations, we are pleased to bring you a special bundle comprising DCS: F/A-18C Hornet and DCS: F-14 Tomcat with a valuable 35% discount! This offer is only available this weekend so do not miss out. https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/26382/Maverick_Legacy/
The Inertial Navigation System (INS) is based on dead reckoning by a double integration of aircraft accelerations that are measured by the accelerometers located on a gyro-stabilized platform. The fundamental property of the INS is the accumulation of coordinate measurement errors over time (platform alignment errors and accelerometer errors are also integrated twice). With the use of INS mathematical models, we have achieved a realistic error accumulation effect, as well as a physical alignment of the gyro-stabilized platform when the helicopter is started.
As a result, the INS-derived location can only be determined with limited accuracy. The error in the calculation of coordinates accumulates at the rate of several kilometers per hour and when starting the INS, it will be necessary that the helicopter remains stationary throughout the alignment procedure. Otherwise, a less accurate alignment will lead to an accelerated accumulation of errors. Three different alignment options will be available: “fast” allows you to take off rapidly but it provides low-accuracy during the flight; “normal” and “precise” provide better accuracy with greater alignment times.
When using INS for long flights, correction/fix taking points will be available. Prominent reference points on the ground with known coordinates make it possible to eliminate accumulated errors in two ways: by flying over the landmark, or by using “Shkval” tracking of the reference point located away from the route. Thus, navigation in Ka-50 will become more realistic with the simulation of INS errors that are present in real life.
BuddySpike
Competition
We are pleased to announce a new Buddy Spike competitive event that is sponsored by Eagle Dynamics. It will start on the 30th of May and run until the 12th of June 2022. You can compete in mixed PVE/PVP matches and fight to take control of the battlespace.
Although it is an individual competition, pilots can work together to achieve better results. There are four prize categories for best pilots: Air-Air, Air-Ground, Multirole, and Support Helicopter.
A prize pool of $5,000 USD with four Ace prizes of $700 USD each is available. Prize money or ED miles is available for the top ten pilots in each discipline. As the competition progresses, you can track your performance using the BuddySpike Gadget. Join the Buddyspike Discord now to start planning your tactics!
https://youtu.be/DsDMHW5t184 It is with great pleasure that we bring you this exciting 2022 Spring Flash Sale. Take advantage of great savings across most of our module range. Some of your favorite modules are available with 30% discounts including; DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer, DCS: F-16C Viper, and DCS: F/A-18C Hornet. There is also a hefty 25% discount on DCS: F-14 Tomcat by Heatblur Simulations
The friendly versus hostile unit identification system includes realistic limitations that real operators must contend with before pulling the trigger. This system will be applied to both the George AI for DCS: AH-64D and Petrovich AI for DCS: Mi-24P Hind.
This system will include customizable identification modes that mission creators can use. For the most simple mode, the AI will instantly know if the target is friendly or hostile. In the most sophisticated mode, identification will depend on distance, lighting, angular size, aspect, and the presence of the vehicles in a coalition. The system will also have default settings that are tuned according to the mission's F10 map and label settings.
S-3B Viking
Development Progress
Work continues on the production of the new S-3B Viking AI-only model. Textures are now underway and we have completed the main joints, rivets, technical inscriptions and identification markings. Check out the Development Screenshots.
If you have not already taken the opportunity to download the DCS: A-10C Agile Spear Campaign by Combat King, you are missing out on a great way to expand your DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer enjoyment. Another quality campaign, if you own the Tomcat, is the DCS: F-14B Operation Sandworm by Sandman Sims. This campaign utilizes the Persian Gulf Map and Supercarrier for a story-based DCS: F-14B Tomcat campaign that is gripping and highly detailed.
In the screenshots you can see the Pilot and Co-pilot Gunner models for the first person perspective. We have completed both Multicam and USP camouflages and we are currently working on gesture animations and fitting the modeles into the cockpit. The basic movements for the pilot and operator are complete but there are still more advanced gestures like transfer of control, idles, working with MPD, etc. left to do. Please check out the Development Screenshots.
Considerable development time has been spent on reverse engineering and understanding the performance of the aircraft systems. Stay tuned for details.
The Heatblur team continues to use CFD as an integral tool to verify and validate flight models and flight control laws. This is a key part of ensuring that the DCS: Eurofighter meets the high bar of realism required for an authentic flying and combat experience.
Additions to DCS: F-16C Viper include the Primary Data Link Track that increases your situational awareness on a selected datalink contact, improvements of Visual Initial and Reference Points, new delay fuze options, the addition of the TIME DED page, updated Cursor Zero options, more accurate Radar and HSD symbols, and corrected Maverick cursor enable functions. Please see the full change log for the complete and impressive list of improvements.
If you have not already done so, please check out the Destination and Offset Aimpoints video and other F-16C Viper April 2022 Updates https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM3PBAW-Cak
F/A-18C Hornet
Development Progress
Automatic Carrier Landing System for the Hornet For night time and low visibility Case III recoveries in the DCS: F/A-18C Hornet, we have added the Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) that incorporates the Link-4 datalink (D/L) that allows two-way communication between the aircraft, the carrier and the aircraft beacon (BCN). When used with Supercarrier, this allows direction to the Marshal Stack and Carrier with realistic radio voice communications. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_-6ux7ZS8c Watch Matt Wagner’s instructional video on F/A-18C Hornet and Supercarrier ACLS. Also please view the video of how to use the F/A-18C Hornet and the free CVN-74 John C. Stennis together https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6ACLJB9P8A
AH-64D
Bug Report
In the latest Open Beta update, DCS: AH-64D contains a number of autopilot features, Multi Crew synchronization solutions, and a welcomed list of fixes. For a full list of improvements, check out the full changelog.
An important and challenging feature of DCS: Supercarrier has been the development of night operations. Over the past year, we have been working on several aspects that will soon be released to Open Beta. These include new deck crew animations that utilize the new skeletal animation system, new animations that are specific to night operations and the inclusion of light wands. This will make deck operations at night much easier and more realistic.
For the aircraft, deck crew and objects on the “roof” at night, we have improved lighting and shadows based on the deck and tower lights. We continue working on this feature to enhance performance and frame rates. Please note that deck shadows will be an option that you will need to switch on in the graphic options.
On final approach, you’ll now need to contend with the “burble” effect. This disturbed air flow coming off the back of the carrier results in a brief partial loss of lift as you close in. This can make things much more of a challenge if you are unprepared. We continue to tweak this effect and you can expect the first iteration shortly.
F-14 Tomcat
Development Report
Recently, DCS: F-14 Tomcat received an impressive update and overhaul to the autopilot and associated aircraft control systems. This has been a massive undertaking and will have a significant impact on your flying. Our aim is to provide you with the system as it would function “under the hood” in the real aircraft. This will generate the same effects that the real F-14 Autopilot would exhibit in varying flight conditions.
The Tomcat’s development continues with improvement of various systems and the addition of some final features currently missing from the module. This all means the Tomcat will more accurately reflect the functionality and limitations of the real aircraft. If you missed it, please read more here.
Operation Agile Spear
Campaign by Combat King Simulations
You will be Major “Took” Key, a Flight Lead and Instructor Pilot assigned to the 74th Fighter Squadron, Moody AFB. Lead the military response against the invaders.
We truly hope you enjoyed this update and that you are staying safe. We are still working on these significant improvements which will be available soon.
One of the new features coming in the next Mi-24P update is the KM-2 magnetic declination adjustment system. With it, the Co-Pilot Gunner (CP/G) will have to dial magnetic variation into the KM-2 to get the true heading on the RMI. When the CP/G is Petrovich AI, he will automatically adjust it as soon as the course system "Greben" is switched on or if you start from a “hot” aircraft.
A number of new keybinds have been added for all radios and some conflicts have been resolved. Separate keybindings for the CP/G weapons selector were also added.
We have resolved several more frustrating bugs like the ATGM ‘SCHO’ selector panel between Multi Crew players desync and the rockets side selector bug. We addressed the Heading Autopilot channel bug that prevented the Heading AP channel from switching to idle and back to heading hold mode. We are currently refactoring the pedals trim system and pedals microswitches system.
In the next development report, we will bring you the completed implementation of the R-60 air-to-air missile for DCS: Mi-24P Hind
Using the official texture template found here, we are holding an AH-64D livery contest. The top ten submissions will have their work featured as an official AH-64D livery and will receive an Eagle Dynamics module of your choice.
The contest will run until the 29th of May. All ten winners will receive a free copy of DCS: AH-64D, or any other Eagle Dynamics module, that can be also given as a gift to any DCS account.
F-14B Operation Sandworm
Campaign by Sandman Simulations
The date is 1998 and tensions in the Persian Gulf are growing rapidly. Human rights violations, brutal military crackdowns on rallies and the executions of political prisoners has led to U.S and EU sanctions against Iran.
In response, Iran has been conducting regular violations of the airspace of neighboring countries and obstructing international shipping through the Strait. Despite attempts made to resolve the problems diplomatically, the world understands that the situation could get out of control at any moment.
To prevent a direct military conflict, the 9th Aviation Wing of the U.S Navy is being sent to the region. Look out for DCS: F-14B Operation Sandworm Campaign by Sandman Simulations coming soon.
We are currently working on visual improvements to the external models and cockpits of the Thunderbolt, Anton and Mosquito. The Mossie is also receiving an updated set of Level of Details (LODs) that will improve performance.
Bugs that were present in controls, rearm and refuel procedures, radio and intercom have now been crushed. You can expect these fixes in the next Open Beta update. The Freya and Würzburg radars have also received more realistic behavior. Please find the set up procedures video here.
The Bedford and the Blitz trucks, which are both free with DCS can now be used in FARP setups. We are also currently fine tuning the new fuze system for WWII bombs and containers. Rest assured that more improvements to our warbirds and units will come in parallel with the continued development of DCS: Mosquito FB VI.
Get your Huey out and serve in the 4th Aviation Battalion out of Andersen AFB. Fly resupplies, combat assaults, dustoffs, extractions, artillery spotting, escorts, and many other challenging missions. Put your skills to the test over the Marianas in this wonderful campaign based in 1968.
This campaign will build on the knowledge you have acquired from DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer training missions. It is challenging and will teach you more in-depth tactics, systems usage, and weapon employment. Brrrrt on!
Blue Flag 2.5 provides a team based PvP experience on the Persian Gulf, Syria, Caucasus and Normandy maps through various WWII, 60s, 80s and modern eras. This server features a live map for each scenario and extensive Statistics and Pilot Logbooks.
Blue Flag 2.5 offers the first 24/7 persistent multiplayer PvP campaigns ever created in DCS. Focus on teamwork and cooperation to achieve victory through domination and capture of all objectives.
After the eagerly awaited launch of the DCS: AH-64D, we are pleased to provide you with a hotfix that resolves multi crew synchronisation errors and the ability to reset controls to trim-centre. A SCAS status indicator was also added and a substantial number of bugs have been crushed.
This hotfix has also been an opportunity for us to address outstanding bugs across many DCS modules. We kindly remind you that the new FLIR technology is still WIP, particularly for fixed wing aircraft like the A-10C. For details, please read the full changelog.
Operation Cerberus North
Campaign by Ground Pounders
Operation Cerberus North Committed to protecting Syrian civilians, the NATO forces under the ‘Joint Syrian Task Force’ have launched Operation Cerberus North to establish a series of no fly zones across Syria. As the chain of events in this deadly conflict develops, the regional powers are put on a collision course towards all out war.
Mutually Assured Destruction This campaign centres on a gripping story about a PMC pilot named Anton Orlovskii that is based near the Strait of Hormuz. Recently, the USA has strengthened its forces in the region and intelligence suggesting Iran possesses nuclear warheads has thrown fuel on the fire. Engage in air-to-air helicopter combat and carry out tasks as the flight leader or wingman.
Operation Hormuz Freedom Test your skills in this DCS: AV-8B Night Attack story-based campaign that includes a variety of missions. You fly as a member of the VMA-513 “The Flying Nightmares” squadron that is stationed on the LHA-1 Tarawa. You are tasked with enforcing the Freedom of the High Seas Act by allowing naval traffic through the Strait of Hormuz whilst curbing aggression by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
It is with great pleasure that we share our participation in the SimFest 2022 Sale on Steam. You can find the same great savings as on our Shop and the most popular modules available with up to 50% discount! This is your chance to make a gift and land something truly special. Hurry! Offer ends on Monday, the 14th of April at 15:00 GMT.
The “SimFest” sale will start on the 28th of March and run until the 4th of April at 15:00 GMT. You will find fantastic savings of up to 50% across our entire module range, and who knows, you may find yourself a new aircraft, map or asset pack.
Modules with 30% discount
DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer
DCS: F-16C Viper
DCS: F/A-18C Hornet
DCS: JF-17 Thunder
DCS: Supercarrier
DCS: The Channel
DCS: Mi-24P Hind
Campaigns with 30% discount
DCS: F/A-18C Persian Lion Campaign
DCS: A-10C Iron Flag Part 1 Campaign
DCS: AV-8B Sky Warrior Campaign
DCS: F-14A Fear the Bones Campaign
DCS: F-14A Zone 5 Campaign
DCS: F-5E Black Sea Resolve '79 Campaign
DCS: F-86F Hunters over the Yalu Campaign
DCS: Mig-21bis Battle of Krasnodar Campaign
DCS: Fw 190 A-8 Horrido! Campaign
DCS: P-47D Wolfpack Campaign
DCS: Bf 109 K-4 Jagdflieger Campaign
DCS: P-51D The Blue Nosed Bastards of Bodney Campaign
DCS: Spitfire IX The Big Show Campaign
AI Voice System
Development Progress
We are working on a voice system for our AI copilots: DCS: Mi-24P Hind - Petrovich and DCS: AH-64D - George. We expect this system to react to certain player commands while also automatically spotting and reporting targets. We also intend to have a variety of different “attitude states” for the virtual AI pilots with corresponding voice lines for the same events.
Black Shark Den is a group of DCS helicopter pilots that run a mix of Lift, Reconnaissance, and Attack missions that are cooperative, realistic and engaging. The server runs DCS Open Beta, and it supports three dedicated servers in both the US and EU time zones.
The SMEs on these servers are all former or active pilots of UH-60, AH-64, OH-58D, Huey, Wildcat and Sea King aircraft from the UK, the US Army and US Navy. Crew chiefs and civilian pilots from oil platform operations with the EC145 and other helicopters. It is a wealth of knowledge and fun.
New arrivals begin at the RL3 level and earn their ranks by an evaluation process based on real world military helicopter training. For those that wish to participate in more complex missions that include planning and flight leadership, you may go on to milsim level.