We continue to work on real time lighting technology. In the next update you can expect to see the new lighting for several ports of Dubai. Some oil tankers and rural houses have also had their lighting updated. We are now working on integrating this technology to all rural, industrial and unique buildings such as the Burj Khalifa. We look forward to your feedback on this impressive improvement.
AH-64D
Development Report
The next Open Beta update will include 3D-animated pilot and co-pilot/gunner models from the first person perspective. The update will also include Image Auto-Track (IAT) with the Multi-Target Track (MTT) sub-mode. The Performance (PERF) page will be at a complete state. Improvements have been made to the flight model and flight control system with further work planned.
DCS: AH-64D is one step closer to being available in the Free Trial Program. Please stay tuned for more information and watch Matt Wagner’s video on AH-64D on IAT/MTT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG2fRltdpaw Early next year you may look forward to the new AGM-114L radar-guided Hellfire missile and the improved data modem (IDM) for networked operations. The option of the auxiliary fuel tank or extra gun ammunition is also coming soon. Early next year will also see the beginning of Fire Control Radar (FCR) development.
Rise of the Persian Lion II
F/A-18C Hornet Campaign
DCS: F/A-18C Rise of the Persian Lion II Campaign by Badger633 follows on from Ford and Matrix’s exploits in the Straits of Hormuz on board the USS Abraham Lincoln. The campaign is immersive and has an engaging set of missions linked together with a developing narrative. Look out for this campaign in the next Open Beta.
International Air Festival
Virtual Airshow
International Virtual Airshow VIAF 2022 On the 10th and 11th of December, the VIAF will feature 56 of the best virtual aerobatic teams from all around the world. It will be broadcasted live from the Clin d'Ailes aviation museum. Check out the VIAF 2022 schedule.
Enjoy 26 hours of aerobatics, an interview with an ex-Hornet pilot, a DCS: AH-64D and a DCS: F/A-18C Hornet giveaway, and more surprises. The entire airshow will be streamed on the Virtual Airshow Festival Twitch this weekend!
To date, DCS has performed most of the computational workload on a single thread (some audio components were moved to a separate thread). This was not a problem in most cases because the Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) did most of the work, and FPS was mostly limited by the performance of the GPU.
As DCS evolved, GPUs have become much more powerful whilst the performance of a single CPU core remained practically unchanged. Instead, CPU manufacturers increased the number of cores rather than the clock speed of individual cores. As a consequence, DCS performance has become CPU-limited. In parallel, DCS World has become much more complex with increased reliance on CPU calculations that has exacerbated the problem.
To improve efficiency of CPU resources usage, we have reworked the core of our engine. First, at the architectural level, it has been divided into two main threads: graphical and logical. This opens up new possibilities for further thread parallelization of calculations in both the logical and graphical parts of the engine independently.
Second, to meet the requirements of scalable multithreading, and the needs of modern graphics APIs, the graphical engine part has been significantly enhanced. In addition, many subsystems have been updated, or written from scratch.
Internal testing has begun, and we plan to release the updated DCS graphic engine (EDGE) next year. The initial release of Multithreading support will contain a fully reworked engine including preparation of the graphical frame and the separation of the graphical and logical parts onto two independent threads.
It should also be noted that the most significant performance improvements will be regarding larger missions. This will be a welcomed change, especially in multiplayer where unit numbers are typically far higher. VR performance will also see a significant performance improvement in large missions.
Stay tuned for upcoming releases.
SATAL 2023
Sign-up now
DCS Events SATAL23 Survivor Series. Embark on a 4-month league with 4 stages and 3 matches per team, per stage. Each stage brings a new level of difficulty and includes mountain terrain, night flying, weapon restrictions, a shrinking combat zone, and much more.
The match format means that complete matches will last less than one hour. All matches will take place in the Caucasus map. Stage 1 is set to commence mid- to late-January 2023.
At the end of the 4 stages, the top 16 teams will move into the Championship Elimination. This final stage will determine the winners of the DCS PvP Competitive Community.
The closing date for SATAL23 4v4 registrations is the 14th of December 2022 at 23:59 GMT.
The DCS World 2022 Autumn Sale invites you to grab great savings across most of our aircraft, terrains and campaigns. The sale will run until the 4th of December at 23:59 GMT on our Shop. We are also participating in the Autumn Sale on Steam! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSUW6ciX8jc
WINWING
Main Instrument Panel
WINWING has released a sophisticated category of products named the MAIN INSTRUMENT PANEL (MIP) series for the DCS: F/A-18C Hornet. They have simulated the genuine panels of a legacy F/A-18C Hornet that includes the Upfront Controller, HUD Control Panel, and three displays with working video screens that integrate with the cockpit displays in DCS World.
Thanks to standardised manufacturing procedures, the MIP accurately replicates the panels of a Hornet with precise industrial grade materials and highly accurate moulding. For aviators with special requirements, WINWING boasts creative features such as: hidden rocker switches, multi-function modal-keys, 9X9 button arrangement, and various expanding button designs that allow for many configurations.
The MIP has adopted a modular design that can be freely combined with other WINWING controllers. Moreover, the SIMAPP software offers visual configurations.
The Tactical DCS server has no joining requirements, no fees, and no mandatory time-commitments. Their mentors and instructors are available to help you on all the official DCS modules and related skills. They run regular events to practise your skills in a stress-free environment. Whether you want to learn or teach, check out Tactical DCS.
DCS Open Beta is now running version 2.8.0.32937. Included is a large list of fixes and additions that we encourage you to check out for yourself by updating to the latest Open Beta version. Notably, the South Atlantic Map has seven new airfields and now supports the new 2.8 lighting technology initially launched on DCS: Persian Gulf. The multiplayer debrief scoring issues have also been resolved. Please read the full changelog.
F-16C Viper
Development Progress
The Viper has received a vast update that resolves many of the previously reported issues. We are pleased to provide you with an updated HMCS in ACM BORE mode, improved MK-84 in CCIP accuracy, corrected AGM-65D handoff, and the addition of completed engine SEC functions like nozzle position. For a review of these features, please check out Matt Wagner’s DCS: F-16C Viper November Update video now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm7NCzKk8TY
Operation Jubilee
New WWII Missions
Operation Jubilee - Nine new WWII missions:
Nine new DCS WWII missions have been released for the Channel Map, all based upon the events of the 19th August 1942, during Operation Jubilee. The airframes covered include the allies; the Spitfire LF Mk. IX and P-51D Mustang and for the axis, either the Bf 109 K-4 Kurfurst or the Fw 190 A-8. Please note the WWII Assets Pack is required as it adds to the overall immersion.
The missions have been designed to encapsulate how it would feel to take part in the overall operation. You will see and hear other Sections/Gruppe as they execute their primary tasking. Your new mission sets include: Bomber Escort, Beachhead Close Air Support, Anti Shipping Strikes and Bomber Intercepts. Ground and naval based controllers will provide instruction where appropriate and troops/vehicles will actually be landed on the beaches at Dieppe.
Each mission has a selectable difficulty level to suit a player’s individual skill set, from hardened veteran to those just starting out in DCS WWII. These new missions can be found by selecting MISSION from the main menu. After selecting your airframe of choice, you will find the Operation Jubilee missions.
VIRPIL Controls will be providing a prize pool worth an incredible €8,000! Grand Prizes consisting of complete helicopter controls setups will go to the winners. The tournament this year will be divided into three groups, with each group receiving a full suite of prize devices for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places!
For more information on the tournament and participant statistics, the complete prize fund, and regulations of the event, please visit: VIRPIL Controls Forum.
“Welcome back to the race track! Good luck!” VIRPIL Controls Team
Mi-24P Hind
Development Progress
Work on the Petrovich AI for DCS: Mi-24P Hind continues, and our latest development has focused on Petrovich background behaviors. These determine what Petrovich will do when not busy blowing stuff up with ATGMs or searching for targets through the periscope sight.
One of the activities, which is almost finished, will allow Petrovich to scan for threats and warn you of them. Petrovich AI will move his Field Of View (FOV) in different directions to scan for potential threats like missiles or projectiles fired at you. The FOV is limited, and if Petrovich looks at something on the starboard side, he won't notice gun or missile fire coming from the port side. When detecting threats, Petrovich will only notice missiles from far away when a smoke trail is still present. The projectile detection range is limited to 2.5km. Petrovich will not warn you of everything detected and flood you with messages. Rather, Petrovich will be looking at relative speeds and trajectory to decide if a missile or hail of rounds pose a threat. Just like a real co-pilot, he will make educated guesses and warn about incoming missiles, even if the missile is locked on another target that is close to you.
Messages and voice overs will be in the form of clock direction calls, between 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock. Petrovich will also use countermeasures automatically when he detects incoming missiles. We also have a new video from Wolfpack345 ready that reviews all Petrovich AI functionality. Check out DCS: Mi-24P Hind Petrovich AI.
We will next move this technology to George in the AH-64D.
Ka-50 Black Shark 2
Big Bundle Bargains
With the imminent release of Black Shark 3, we kindly remind you that the Black Shark 2 + Mi-8MTV2 or the Black Shark 2 + Combined Arms bundles are the best way to access massive savings on the DCS: Black Shark 3! Make sure you grab this opportunity whilst there is still time!
We are extending the Halloween Sale until the 7th of November at 23:59 GMT. An identical event is also available on Steam, and it will last until the 7th of November. Head over to the shop or Steam and grab yourself something special with up to 50% on most of our aircraft, maps and terrains.
After the most recent patch, DCS is now running on Open Beta version 2.8.0.32235.1. To address your most common questions, we have put together a list of points.
What is DCS 2.8? DCS 2.8 is a quality of life update. DCS 2.8 is the next step forward in realism and quality of life improvements. We added atmospheric effects like moving clouds, rainbows, glories, ice halos, and the visual quality of the clouds. We also dramatically improved the AI Basic Flight Maneuvers (BFM) logic for jet aircraft.
Virtual Reality Because the 2.8 update introduced moving clouds that require additional calculations some of you may have noticed a change in your VR performance. We are investigating this and will strive to address this as soon as possible.
Easter Eggs During the Halloween period, we included some easter eggs that you may have already seen. We are very thankful to the community for the overwhelmingly positive response, and we would love to continue this tradition in the future with the addition of an Options setting to opt out.
Lighting & Shadows We introduced a new point lighting system to the DCS: Persian Gulf map as a test. This allows light sources like parking ramp flood lights, and more to cast dynamic lighting of objects and within cockpits. We plan to implement this lighting to other maps later.
Shadows are an important part of this visual effect, and this improvement to the lighting will also require related dynamic shadows from these light sources. We are planning a new approach to handle the complexity of shadows in DCS.
All of the mentioned features are available in the latest DCS Open Beta update, and we encourage you to check them out for yourself! Please remember that the Halloween Sale is still on, and it is a great opportunity to take your DCS to the next level with new maps, aircrafts, and campaigns! Check out the Shop.
The DCS Halloween 2022 Sale gives you great savings of up to 50% across our most popular products. Head over to our Shop for an exclusive sale until the 6th of November at 23:59 GMT. Due to Steam Halloween Sale criteria, this promotion is not available on Steam.
DCS 2.8
Progress
We are excited about the release of DCS version 2.8. This update includes some long-requested improvements such as moving clouds and weather effects, HOTAS updates, new jet aircraft AI Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM), multicrew sync enhancements, an F10 compass mode, Module Manager groups, and more! The Persian Gulf map also includes new, dynamic light sources like street lamps and airfield flood lights.
MB-339
Release
The MB-339 is an Italian, single engine, twin seat, jet trainer and light attack aircraft that was derived from the Cold War MB-326. The aircraft entered service in the early 1980s and quickly became the primary trainer of the Italian Air Force.
The MB-339 was exported and many are still in service. Flown by the Armada de la República Argentina (Argentine Navy), this aircraft took part in the Falklands-Malvinas war. It was also used by the Eritrean Air Force against rebels, smugglers, and the Ethiopian Air Force.
Historic operators of the A version of the MB-339 were the Air Forces of Italy, Malaysia, Nigeria, Peru, United Arab Emirates, Argentina and Ghana. Thanks to its superb flying qualities, the MB-339’s PAN aerobatic version is also used by two national aerobatic teams: The “Frecce Tricolori” (Italian Air Force) and the “Al Fursan” (“The Knights” – UAE Air Force). The MB-339 is the only jet aircraft capable of performing the famous Lomcovák maneuver.
The MB-339 will be released in an almost feature-complete state. Some of the most interesting features available at release include:
A highly advanced Flight Model based on performance and engineering data from the real aircraft. Furthermore, the flight model has been deeply tested by former MB-339 Frecce Tricolori pilots.
Extensive and detailed simulation of all flight systems:
Flight control system.
Full electrical system including circuit breakers logic.
Detailed hydraulic system.
Fuel system.
Oxygen and pressurization systems.
Navigation systems: TACAN, VOR/ILS, and AHRS/GPS including the possibility to load a custom data cartridge.
Blind flying hood.
Radios compatible with SRS and DCS voice.
Internal and external lighting.
Armament system.
Smoke system.
A highly accurate 3D model that is based on blueprints and surveys of the real MB-339. The model includes a complete set of animations, lighting and a detailed damage model.
A very accurate 6-DOF (Degrees of Freedom) cockpit with realistic and detailed instruments, controls, and textures. The cockpit is VR-ready.
Weapons:
Anti runway Durandal.
Cluster Belouga bombs.
BAP-120 and BAP-100.
Pod conformal cannons DEFA 553 30mm.
Pod conformal machine guns AN-M3 12.7mm.
Pod conformal camera (only visual at release).
Travel pod.
LR-25-0 (or AL-25-50) for 50mm rockets SNIA.
50mm rockets Snia ARF-8/M3 (API/HEI/TP).
BRD-4-250 for training bombs Mk-76 /MK-106 and 2 50mm rockets.
Mk-76 for BRD without hook, Italian labels.
MK-106 for BRD without hook, Italian labels.
Included with the purchase of the MB-339 is an array of country liveries. Several training and practice missions, single player missions, and instant action missions are included. Also available at launch is a mini campaign and an exhaustive PDF user manual. We look forward to your feedback!
The Black Shark 3 Upgrade Program will allow all existing owners of the Black Shark 2 to upgrade to Black Shark 3 at a reduced price. Now is a great time to download DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark 2 to get to grips with this fearsome beast in time for the Black Shark 3.
Black Shark 3
Development Report
3D Helicopter Model
The completely new and more accurately detailed 3D model is based on newly available data, drawings and photographs. The model incorporates our latest technologies and materials, which will bring the Black Shark 3 to the current standards of recent DCS modules and exceed it. A novel modeling of internal compartments, engines, transmission, and control elements is a first for a DCS module. All of this exquisite detail can be seen under the hatches.
Air-to-Air Missiles
Igla missiles are similar to those used in MANPADS and they are designed to intercept subsonic aircraft out to 5 km. New wingtip pylons have been added for Igla missiles that provide two additional hardpoints to the four existing ones.
Missile Warning System
The sensors of the Missile Warning System (MWS) are integrated into the onboard defense system with the ability to display detected threats on the ABRIS display. Four combined MWS sensors operate in the IR and UV ranges, and they are located in pairs on the nose and tail of the helicopter. When a launch is detected, a missile launch warning is displayed on the ABRIS display and automatic dispensing of flares is possible.
New Inertial Navigation System
The inertial navigation system in the Ka-50 is now based on complex information processing algorithms using the Kalman filter - just like in real navigation systems. The calculator receives data from several navigation sensors. Based on these input data, the Kalman filter vector is calculated, consisting of three-axis coordinates, velocities, heading, drift angle, and wind speed. Thanks to the filter, even if one or more navigation sensors fail or give out data with a large error, the navigation parameters will continue to be calculated indirectly through data from other sensors. This model of the inertial navigation system is the most advanced in DCS and will be used in the development of new aircraft.
For fans of the classic Ka-50 of Black Shark 2, there will be a Mission Editor option to remove the Missile Warning System (MWS) sensors and Igla Air-to-Air missiles.
Bundles
Promotion
We are pleased to offer two exceptional bundles that combine DCS: Black Shark 2 with either the DCS: Mi-8MTV2 or DCS: Combined Arms. Purchasing both products together will grant you a massive discount of up to 50%. These bundles are also available on Steam.
Black Shark 2 and Combined Arms Bundle https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/13461/DCS_Ka50_with_Combined_Arms_Bundle/?beta=1 This bundle allows you to fly the powerful Ka-50 Black Shark 2 and manage the battlefield from the map view during a mission using Combined Arms. Combined Arms also allows you to play the role of a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC).
Both of these bundles are now available for $49.99. Prepare for Black Shark 3 before it’s too late!
The Lavochkin La-7 is one of the most famous Soviet fighters that saw action towards the end of the Second World War. It was the crown jewel of Soviet World War II aircraft design and saw great success at the hands of Red Army Air Force ace, Ivan Nikitovitch Kozhedub, with 60 kills, the vast majority of which were Fighters!
The La-7 aircraft is equipped with the 14 cylinder ASh-82FN radial engine which was a derivative of the ASh-62, itself based on a license built version of the American Wright Cyclone R-1820. The ASh-82 was truly the pinnacle of Soviet air-cooled engines, reliable and easy to maintain, it developed 1’850 hp. The aircraft was also well armed with two formidable 20-mm ShVAK cannons. The wooden airframe was light and sleek yet extremely rugged. It offered excellent overall performance, and was loved by its pilots for its handling and capabilities, making it easily as good as the best Axis fighters in air combat.
The OctopusG team has leveraged their experience developing the DCS: I-16 to develop the most accurate La-7 possible. Their La-7 will have a fully interactive cockpit, detailed systems modeling, and an outstanding flight model based on years of DCS World development experience.
The module is very far along, and it is planned to be released into Early Access in the first part of 2023.
Dynamic Weather
Coming soon
After extensive testing of new moving clouds and effects like rainbows, we are ready to update DCS World weather in the upcoming 2.8 version. The Weather System includes optimization for VR, and we are confident that this will result in a more stable and smooth experience.
Version 2.8 will be a large update to DCS, and you will be able to experience new atmospheric effects like rainbows and ice halos. The ice halo effect settings have been added to the Mission Editor Weather tab, and clouds will now move according to wind direction and speed. The rain effect has also been enhanced, and there have been fixes to rare volumetric clouds artifacts.
Adjustments have been made to the tone-mapping process and exposure control. We recommend a gamma setting of 2.2. Flat shadows on MFDs and cockpit shading have also been improved.
We are excited to bring you this Weather System update, and we look forward to your feedback. Please stay tuned for more DCS 2.8 news coming soon.
The DCS: Normandy 2 map enlarges the DCS: Normandy 1944 map to 400 x 600 km to include London, Paris and the surrounding regions. Normandy 2 will feature over 130 original map objects and a detailed area six times larger than DCS: Normandy 1944.
The Normandy map has been redesigned to include new churches, train stations, market squares, and gas stations, plus many other cultural and natural features. The United Kingdom region has been completely redone to a much greater level of detail and accuracy. This is in addition to also updating the French region.
Key Features of DCS: Normandy 2
Recreation of London and Paris.
Improved ground textures, roads, rail lines, fields, forests and new trees.
Additional telegraph and power poles, semaphores, fences and new buildings
More accurate rivers and coastlines, including the chalk cliffs of southern England.
Updated and unique airfields with greater details and more equipment to better match the period. Normandy 2 brings the number of unique airfields to 50.
DCS: Normandy 2 will benefit from new technology that allows existing maps to be extended with low-detailed areas. If you wish to pass on the upgrade, you may still join multiplayer servers and compatibility with campaigns will remain. Please note that the Normandy 2 upgrade is required to experience a much higher level of detail.
DCS: Normandy 2 will be available as a complete map for $59.99 USD. If you have either DCS: Normandy 1944 or DCS: The Channel maps, you can purchase Normandy 2 for $14.99 USD. If you own both, you can purchase DCS: Normandy 2 for only $9.99 USD.
DCS: MB-339
Development Report
The MB-339’s development will receive continuous improvements and additions that will result in the DCS: MB-339 being the most accurate reproduction of this aircraft for PC Flight Simulations. Major features at release will include the following:
Electrical System Includes five separated DC bus (Essential, Primary, Secondary, Anti-Ice, Armament), six AC bus (115V Essential, 26V Essential, 115V Primary, 26V Primary, 115V Secondary, 26V Secondary), Circuit Breakers logic and BUS Reset switch. Each bus becomes active according to a specific logic based on Generators and Alternators activation. Load metres indicate the actual electric load on generator 1 and 2.
Hydraulic System Two separated circuits (Main and Emergency). Main circuits provide power to the landing gear, wheel brakes, nose wheel steering, flaps, speedbrake, and aileron servo control. If you deactivate the aileron, you will not be able to make a complete lateral excursion of the stick. The excursion decreases if the airspeed increases for a dynamic pressure effect.
The emergency system provides the pressure required for the landing gear emergency extension and operation of the emergency brake. The parking brake is connected to the same circuit so if you activate the emergency brake, the anti skid will not work.
Anti-ice System Canopy icing and windshield demister feature, pitot and AoA sensors anti-ice and engine anti-ice. Ice formation causes loss of aerodynamic and engine performance.
Pressurisation System Based on the pressurisation chart reported in the flight manual, the cabin altitude gauge will show the actual equivalent cabin pressure. The system can be turned off via the dedicated guarded switch and the ram air scoop can be used to improve the cabin ventilation during an emergency in case of air contamination. Air contamination is not reproduced but activating the ram air scoop when the cabin is pressurised causes a loss of pressure. Also included is the possibility to regulate cabin temperature to avoid the canopy fogging.
Navigation System VOR/DME, TACAN, ILS and GPS (with working CDU and possibility to set the DTC).
COMM1 and COMM2 radios Reproduced according to flight manual procedures with three separated PTT. Stick PTT allows communication to selected radios on ICS panel, COMM1 and COMM2 PTTs located on the throttle, which allow communication on relevant radios overriding the ICS radio selection. DCS-SRS is compatible from day 1.
Armament System Realistic master arm logic; if the master arm switch is turned on when on the ground, then in flight with the gear lever up it is necessary to turn off the master arm switch and then on again to allow weapon firing. Also working are the ground fire switch, fire inhibitor switch (for instructor station), fuze switch and single/ripple logic.
Oxygen System Includes two separate bottles. Oxygen consumption is based on the number of pilots. If you select "solo" in the Mission Editor, you will have greater oxygen autonomy.
Fuel System Fully working electrical and mechanical pumps, fuel dump, fuel unbalance and fuel transfer logic.
Also included is initial Multi-Crew synchronisation, an IFR Hood for training flights and a complete damage model.
The MB-339’s development is progressing very well, and we are confident with the current progress. With great pleasure we inform you of its imminent release. Please stay tuned for details and check out the Development Screenshots.