The DCS: F-15E Strike Eagle by RAZBAM has entered our final validation and testing phase. The pre-order, which comes with a 30% discount, is currently planned for the 15th of February, 2023. Once the pre-order begins, we anticipate the F-15E to be released into Early Access a few months later and perhaps sooner.





Be Afraid of the Dark (Part 1) tells the story of the F-15E Strike Eagle’s inception, development, entry into service and operational history up to 2002 (Suite 3E standard).

Based on extensive original research at Boeing’s historical archives, interviews with the men and women who turned the idea of an air-to-ground optimised Eagle into a reality, and access to the front-line crews who rode the aircraft into combat between 1990 and 2002, the book totals 100,000 words of insight, technical discussion and anecdote, all gloriously illustrated by 150 colour images.

This impressive book was authored by Steve Davies, a highly reputed military aerospace defence writer, host of the 10 Percent True podcast, and occasional co-author and contributor to DCS campaigns. Steve has revised portions of the original text and re-imagined the design of the book for this unique partnership between 10 Percent True, RAZBAM and Eagle Dynamics, and we hope it makes your experience of flying the mighty Strike Eagle even richer and more fulfilling.

Steve plans to revisit the text to include F-15E developments and operations between 2003 and 2023. This will be available in time through his website as Be Afraid of the Dark (Part 2).





As with most 4th generation fighters, the F-15E is a highly-complex aircraft to master. In addition to the manual and included training missions, RAZBAM has teamed up with former F-15E Weapon System Officer (WSO) to create a series of DCS: F-15E instructional videos. We highly recommend watching them to get a headstart learning this beast.

Thank you again for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends,
Please enjoy this DCS World SITREP by PHH 72 on many of the recent changes brought about by last weeks update to DCS. You can see the full change log here: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/223750/view/3681164521590013392

You can also pick up the new campaigns here:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2281600/DCS_F14B_Speed_and_Angels_Campaign/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2286850/DCS_MAD_AH64D_Campaign/

Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends,

Please check out this informative video from the people at HIP Games about the most recent Open Beta and other happenings around DCS World! See their video description below. Enjoy!

All the info you need to know from the first Open Beta update of the year for DCS World.
Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hipgames

Our Sponsor VR-Rock: https://www.vr-rock.com/?ref=HIPGAMES
Use our discount code: HIPGAMES

Miltech-5 Discord: https://discord.gg/UFMyfunq
Patchnotes: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.co...

HIP Games Discord: https://discord.gg/qFrA2DdmNv
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howIplay​​​​
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/hipgamestv​​​​
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HIPGamesTV

In order to participate in our next HIP Talk Show, please join our discord and follow the rules for participation.
HIP Talk Show is pre-recorded and is available for our Patreon supporters and special members to participate.

HIP Games TV Strike Eagle giveaway follows YouTube's Terms of Service or Community Guidelines.
Read our Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy?h...
Be advised the contest period can change and we reserve the right to cancel the giveaway or delay the results if necessary.
You must be at least 18 years old in order to participate in the giveaway.
For more information, you can contact us via the listed channels.

Music: www.mixkit.co - www.freesfx.co.uk and www.bensound.com
BO 106 Picture by Polychop Simulations - http://www.polychop-sims.com/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2071330/DCS_Mirage_F1/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1090850/DCS_F16C_Viper/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1417260/DCS_A10C_II_Tank_Killer/

We are delighted to extend the DCS Lunar Sale to Steam until the 30th of January. Go ahead and enjoy some huge bundle deals and fantastic savings across most of our aircraft, theaters and campaigns!

 



The Aerges team is delighted to present the DCS: Mirage F1 EE, the aerial refueling capable version of the Spanish Air Force. This version also brings desirable capabilities such as the inertial navigation system and the new ALR-300 RWR, which includes a display, threat priority and specific threat warnings. The capability to equip the old RWR remains. The Mirage F1 EE (as well as the BE and M) is a core part of the DCS: Mirage F1 module, so no additional purchase is required to fly it.



Many other improvements are also available in the latest Mirage F1 update. One of the main focuses has been on polishing the pitch control and flight model, increasing the pitch up range, and adjusting drag values. The engine stall and the throttle controls have also been partially reworked. The radar has also seen multiple fixes such as elevation control, TL scan pattern, and target lock stability in 1-line scan mode. Finally, the S530F radar missile has been added. This weapon, which was extremely advanced for the era, is one of many other enhancements to this superb module.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2071330/DCS_Mirage_F1/
Aerges will continue to work over the coming months to add even more improvements to the FM, radar, and RWR. They are also developing the BE and M versions which we hope will be available in the not too distant future.

 



DCS: F-14 Speed and Angels Campaign
The new campaign by Reflected Simulations for the DCS: F14 Tomcat mentioned last week is now available in the latest DCS Open Beta on our Shop and on Steam.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2281600/DCS_F14B_Speed_and_Angels_Campaign/?snr=1_5_9__405

DCS: MAD AH-64D Campaign
The battle rages on! This time you play Captain Khalid Al-Mansouri, a Special Operations Squadron officer of the UAE Air Force with Bedouin ancestry. The DCS: MAD AH-64D campaign features a realistic story that will reveal interesting facts about the weapons and capabilities of the AH-64D. In this collaborative operation, you will take part in a NATO Helicopter-Ship Qualification over the Arabian Gulf and participate in large assaults as part of operation "Sweltering Heat". Download DCS: MAD AH-64D Campaign

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2286850/DCS_MAD_AH64D_Campaign/

Thank you again for your commitment, passion and support.

Yours sincerely,

​Eagle Dynamics

Mk-82 bomb fuse on Mirage-2000 fixed
FC aircraft. Cyclic target Lock On by Enter key like easy avionics style - removed
OpenXR is removed from autosearch. DCS has a chain of VR vendors in priority oculus, OpenVR, Varjo, etc. OpenXR was in that chain in top priority, now it is removed from this chain and only available when you explicitly specify it in command line of DCS.
Game Options. Game avionics mode removed.

Fixed : Bomb fuses always inert
as well as all the other fixes indicated in the previous OB log, but not actually presented in game, namely:
Fixed : TACAN Mode Binds
Fixed : PAR gun burst
Fixed : SEC CALC at airstart
Fixed : Log file errors
Fixed : Wake turbulence causing uncontrolled spin
Updated : BAP 100 drag
Updated : SAMP on pylon drag
Improved : Reduced engine ignition boom
Improved : Sun visor effect
Improved : Engine sound
Added : Sun visor Elevation axis
Added : SELH Warning Altitude axis
Added : SELH Warning Altitude binds

Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends,

Please take a look at this wonderful movie directed and edited by Hornet Productions . This video, which was created using DCS World, tells the true story of the “Giraffe” manoeuvre which was used by Iraqi Mirage F1 fighter pilots to foil and counter Iranian F-14 Tomcats. For more information please see the description by Hornet Productions below. Enjoy!

This video is based in true events.

The first real action of the Mirage F1 was impressive. At the very beginning of its operational life, the Iraqi Mirage F1 entered the “hall of fame” by killing some Iranian F14 Tomcats, by using the new Super Matra 530F missiles and the “Giraffe” maneuver.

After the First Gulf War, more than twenty Iraqi Mirages escaped to Iran. The US Intelligence Services discovered that the pilots were not defecting, but the flights were part of a secret plan with the agreement of Iran government.

After the First Gulf War, the Allies enforced two NFZ in the north and south of Irak. The threat of Mirage F1 pilots escaped into Iran was taken very seriously by the USAF.
To counter the threat, the USAF Squadrons received a training program in Spain and Germany, before the rotations to the Gulf. In this video we show an example of the thousands of mockup combats in between the USAF F16 and the Spanish Air Force Mirage F1. The beginning was hard for viper pilots to counter the tactics and skills of the experienced Spanish fighter pilots. But the training was of high value for the mission.

Today, those Mirages in the video continue training USAF pilots, as aggressors under the flag of Draken Intl. This video is dedicated to the Spanish fighter pilots who operated the Mirage F1.

Hornet Productions Team

——DISCLAIMER——

Due to the unavailability of the missile S530F at the time of filming, the Giraffe mision was flown using the 530F, instead of S530F. The story doesn´t change, and for those willing to test this missions in DCS, the good news is that now the Super Matra S530F is available on the release.
We apologise for the misunderstandings if it happen to appear. Thanks."

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2071330/?snr=1_5_9__205

https://store.steampowered.com/app/411893/?snr=1_5_9__205

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1090850/?snr=1_5_9__205

https://store.steampowered.com/app/411890/?snr=1_5_9__205

DCS: F-14 Speed & Angels Campaign by Reflected
DCS: MAD AH-64D Campaign by Stone Sky

Weapon. MIM-104 missile guidance error has decreased.
Weapon. BLU-97/B penetration warhead and damage effect has increased.
Weapon. CBU-87 with HOF 300 had no effect on tanks. This has been adjusted so it will at least damage them now (see F10 view damage levels).
Weapon. Corrected nozzle flame of rockets at the moment of launch.
Weapon. AMRAAM fixed an issue with Home on Jam (HOJ) mode.
Fixed liveries name for ground units (this fixes seasonal textures for some units).
Added Ropucha-class landing ship BDK-775.
Removed dust effect when ships are firing.
Fixed incorrect unit direction when mounted on a ship.
New sounds for AK-series, M249, L94A1, PKT, 2A72, 2A42, M242, GSh-6-30K, M240C, ZU-23-2, ZU-23-4, Rheinmetall Mk20, KPVT, 2A38, Vulcan, Oerlikon-KDA, L21A1, Utes, MG3, M2 Browning.
Fixed inability for submarines to attack ships.
Fixed crash when the "Unit AI set life" trigger is used for EWR AN/FPS-117.
Fixed stuck SON-9 radar when aircraft fly directly overhead it at high altitude.
AI Aircraft. Removed old and unusable Kh-28 missile from payloads from the Su-17.
F10 map. Big Smoke is always shown on the F10 map regardless of 'show' setting - fixed.
AI Aircraft. Corrected damage and collision model of the CH-53.
AI Aircraft. F-15C cannot AAR in right turn - fixed.
AI Aircraft. Incorrect negative AOA of slow planes in formations appears in some cases - fixed.
Crash when vehicle destroyed during task Embarking - fixed.
AI Aircraft. Su-34 damage model corrected.
MP. Server panel, players pool. Added clients counter.
All weapons still visible on multiple weapon mount if base runs out of that weapon - fixed.
Resource manager of air bases has been corrected.
Scripts. StaticObject.getByName fails if the unit name contains a dot - fixed.
ME. Ka-50. GUI Error when you press delete on INU Fix Point (NAV target point) - fixed.
ME. Ka-50. Comment in NAV target point remains from last mission - fixed.
Weapons. Jettisoned racks don't die when hitting the ground/sea - fixed.
SA-19 Tunguska. The power of warheads has been reduced so that it cannot destroy tanks.
Input controls adjustment window now preserves user state layout and selection during the mission session for convenience.
Module Manager now allows to uninstall and install Caucasus terrain.

Added ALT GEAR Handle. https://youtu.be/vjQI2eXuKbI
Added Animated Tail Hook.
Updates/Corrections to ALR-56M RWR
Training Missions covering F-16C 2022 improvements.
Fixed: FCR CATA movement during bank angle.
Fixed: AGM-65 boresight alignment accuracy. If boresighting a Maverick to the Targeting Pod on the ground, you must first set the GND JETT switch to ENABLE and the Master Arm switch to ARM or SIMULATE. As much as possible, boresight directly ahead of the aircraft and at least 1 nm away to avoid parallax errors.
Fixed: FPM doesn't act as expected with Drift Cut Out selected.
Fixed: Rudder pedals animation is incorrect.
Fixed: Erratic Active Timer when using DTT SAM.
Fixed: Changing Modes in DGFT Mode breaks lock.
Fixed: TGP A-A Mode does not return to -3 elevation in front of the aircraft.
Fixed: FCR symbology error when locking recently re-spawned aircraft.
Fixed: Fuel leak rate after damage.
Fixed: Radar Air to Ground Antenna Elevation Bug.
Fixed: TMS right behaviour with FCR as SOI and no targets.
Fixed: CRUS/HOME steerpoint cannot be entered directly.
Fixed: CCRP HUD symbology issues when REL ANG set to zero. Now possible.
Fixed: TGP designated JDAM target point now has a miss error average of 5 metres.
Fixed: CRUS EDR page is incorrectly calculating time to Bingo.
Fixed: Preset VHF FM frequency in ME adds a digit on COMM 2 DED page.
Instant Action Missions Update.

Fixed: Potential crash when pressing the TDC.
Updates/Corrections to ALR-67 RWR - https://youtu.be/UQI40xib78s
Added Pilot Salute for humans.
Fixed: AUTO bombing inaccurate at different weapon release air speeds.
Fixed: DDI SOI Diamond becomes very difficult to see when zoomed in using the FLIR.
Fixed: GPS-guided bombs can be launched without a target in TOO mode.
Fixed: Threat circle flashes on briefly when WPDSG is selected.
Instant Action Missions Update.

Added TADS IAT MP sync.
Add Israeli AH-64D livery created by ZedTank.
Add patches for Pilots.
Fixed: IHADSS image scale incorrect.
Fixed: CPG DMS Autopage button state is de-synced in multicrew.
Fixed: Selecting GUN on cyclic WAS was reverting MANRNG> value to default value.
Fixed: George spaming "Lost Target" messages.
Fixed: The Free Air Temperature gauge should not have backlighting.
Fixed: The standby Magnetic Compass lighting should be controlled by STBY INST knob.
Fixed: HMD Grayscale page coop synchronisation.
Fixed: BACK SCATTER message should have a space.
Instant Action Missions Update.

Tuned INS alignment process. Manual alignment precision is now much higher and close to the hot start and auto-alignment precision.
Autopilot auto-turn won't be dependent on INS anymore. It only aims for decreasing Shkval deviation from zero (for all roll angles).
Fixed a bug of wrong switching from inertial mode to ADC after 60 minutes of inertial mode work.
Hot start INS alignment precision made it a bit worse to match a cold start manual INS alignment precision.
Remade INS alignment options and settings in mission editor.
3D. Corrected nose textures.
3D. Rotor blades animation corrected.
3D. Motion blur of rotors head corrected.
3D. Added night texture of external cockpit model.
Cockpit. R-828 texture ambient occlusion corrected.
VR. Add the option to choose HMS render eye.
Startup sounds updated.
Renamed cockpit hints for HSI knobs.
ABRIS. The English ABRIS charts setup shows two Russian items - fixed.

Fixed: Mirrors and thermometer are not seen in external view.
Fixed: Aiming station - zoom IN / OUT binds not working.
Fixed: Rotor shaft animation .

Fixed: the V-8 slaved directional (gyro) indicator can not be rotated with the mouse.
Fixed: Ammunition capacity error - ammo changed to 300 rounds per gun.

Fixed:TACAN / ADF directional arrow remains fixed and does not rotate.
Fixed: EGT reaches nearly 800c at start up.

Added PBR textures, made some fixes.

Minor fix to textures of both aircraft.
A-10C. Position lights don't flash. Fixed.
A-10C II. Position lights remain when the wing is destroyed. Fixed
Note: It is our plan to release ARC-210 radio with UHF and VHF functions in the February 2023 update.
DCS: Spitfire LF Mk. IX by Eagle Dynamics
Oil temperature gauge now shows the actual OAT on cold aircraft.
Oil and coolant temperatures are tuned according to real WWII in flight tests (WIP).

Added new single player missions without units from the WWII Assets pack.

Added Mirage F1EE. Including new ALR-300 RWR, air to air refuelling and Inertial Navigation System.
FM:
Slight adjustment (reduction) in low supersonic drag.
Slight reduction of drag coefficient at subsonic speeds to better match the performance data.
Reduced payload supersonic drag.
Adjusted Magic, SW and SAMP 400 drag coefficients.
Rolling moment induced by external payload lift now accounted for.
Improved wake behaviour (reduced influence on the roll of the aircraft).
Slight increase in lateral stability at high aoa to better match SME feedback.
Control system:
Default neutral point of non-FFB sticks changed to increase pitch-up zone, thus reducing sensitivity in pitch and increasing usable stick range in most situations.
Modified internal pitch curve (AMEDEE system). Pitch is now less sensitive at high deflection values.
Reduced effects of ARTHUR and Dashpot systems (stick force emulation) on pitch control. Now the ARTHUR and Dashpot model can be toggled in the Special Options menu.
Flight controls now require hydraulic pressure to move.
Rudder trembling problem solved.
Adjusted nose wheel steering curves to make it both more responsive and easier to control (still WIP).
Engine:
Flying backwards or having significant tail wind with RPM below 7000 might turn the engine off.
Moving the throttle to idle before the RPM are above 300 may lead to fire or over-temperature due to accumulation of fuel faster than before (IMPORTANT).
Engine stall can now be caused by moving the RPM back and forth too fast or engaging the afterburner at very high AoA or outside the flight envelope.
Engine stall RPM oscillations are now less severe.
Engine temperature in overspeed corrected to what is indicated in the manuals (<= 735 ºC).
Engine starter sound starts 2 seconds earlier than before.
Throttle is clickable now near idle detent position. When clicked it is set to idle cut-off position.
Radar:
Radar cover keyboard/joystick command will not take effect anymore when the radar cover add/remove function is disabled (aircraft is not on the ground, or canopy is closed).
Removed sound from the radar cover clickable action.
Radar antenna elevation/altitude difference function is fixed.
Altitude difference is correctly updated now when a target is tracked.
Radar strobe is now positioned at the last known target azimuth/range when the target track was lost.
The radar tracked target closing velocity (relative velocity) scale is correctly calibrated now in the range of -450 to 1800 knots, with the gap of -150 to 0 knots.
Fixed radar antenna orientation when scanning with nonzero delta elevation set.
Fixed 1 line scan antenna orientation.
Adjusted antenna local scan origin position.
Fixed the radar TL mode scan center position (-5 degrees from FRL), and TL scan area size - it was too wide.
Radar strobe position is now shown in IDN even when a target is not locked.
Fixed radar elevation digits texture issues.
Other features and improvements:
Added Matra S530F ‘Supermatra’ missile.
FFB sticks are now automatically detected by the code.
Armament panel lights brightness is now regulated by light/day switch and rheostat.
Armament panel light on/off is now dependent on sight being on.
Reduced maximum light brightness of indicators in night mode.
Updated controls indicator stick axes display: pitch trim position is added to the stick pitch position.
AWACS 'Declare' command is functional now.
Fixed Radio Selector Panel pushbuttons not holding in 'pushed' position, when activated by keyboard or joystick.
Added the option to load empty fuel tanks at mission start.
Corrected fuel tank masses.
Fixed maximum fuel weights of F1EE, and F1B/BE AI.
Added general and particular gyroscope failures.
Backup horizon will be caged now once the cage knob is pulled, disregarding the knob rotation.
Adjusted braking power.
Brake light now illuminates always when braking (not only when the gear is up).
Brake nominal pressure now has the correct value of 210 bar.
Fixed CADS not affecting autopilot, ARTHUR and shock-cones (“souris”) behaviour.
Updated liveries.
Improved cockpit darkness.
Auto startup sequence: Added the item "Ejection handle safety pin - Removed (out of sequence)".
Auto shutdown sequence:
Added "Ejection handle safety pin - Installed (out of sequence)".
Fixed "UHF radio - Off" and "V/UHF radio - Off".
Documentation:
Added Mirage F1 Flight Manual (CE + EE annex).
Added Mirage F1CE Manual de Vuelo (CE translation into Spanish).
Missions:
Added Mirage F1EE Single Player and Instant Action missions for all maps except Normandy and The Channel.

Completed: cockpit textures with more weathering
Completed: external textures (template will come soon)
Updated: rocket loadout of each pylon in SMS shows rocket name if fully loaded, otherwise the number of remaining rockets.
Updated: sd10/ld10 pylon drag
Updated: bingo fuel should only trigger a warning on HUD, no mode change
Added: more input controls (throttle step etc)
Fixed: SSLC/SS gunsight display bug on HUD
Fixed: target distance on HUD
Fixed: empty rocket pod should appear in SMS, and not affect FCS config unless jettison
Fixed: cockpit animation in external model
Fixed: campaign 02 bug
Fixed: brief image

Fixed wheel chocks appearing in wrong place after moving the aircraft and setting them again.
Fixed Op Reforger Mission 5 TALDs not working for Pontiac.
Updated Quickstart F-14A_IA_NTTR_Zone5 by Reflected Simulations.
Fixed Quickstart Training Day stuck at checkpoint issue.
Fixed Quickstart Training Day tanker TACAN.

Ju-88. Fixes to the model and textures.
Ju-88. Added bombs in the main bombs bay.

Firefighting Vehicle AA-7.2/60, Refueler ATZ-5, Refueler ATZ-60 Tractor, S-75 Tractor, Refueler.
TZ-22 Tractors are all drivable now.
Fixed front armour M1A2 Abrams.
Fixed driver position for “Tachanka” units.
Fixed crash when giving artillery second target.
DCS: South Atlantic Map by Razbam
New - Franco Bianco Airfield
New - Grass Airfield Goose Green
New - club grass airfield for Hipico
New - Various Settlement have been created across the map (still ongoing)
Corrected - ILS Glideslope at Rio Gallegos facing wrong way corrected
Adjusted - lakes have been added / corrected across the map
Adjusted - fleshed out terrain including vegetation maps around New Airfields
Adjusted - changed the F10 map colours to be more in keeping with the region
Adjusted - Rio Turbio NDB map display frequency
Adjusted - tidied up some of the tiles around the new Airfields
Adjusted - airfield Puerto Williams changed runway elevation to reflect the real airfield (different on both approaches)
Adjusted - updated Radar returns for object

Mission 7: Fixed wind so A.I. takeoff on correct runway. MiG-15, custom Kneeboards now appear.
Mission 8.2: MiG-15, A.I. Wingman fail safe added to properly destroys his targets.

2 Bonus missions added using the FW-190D-9
Bomber speeds adjusted to historically accurate levels
More accurate Luftwaffe formations
FW-190 skin roughmets updated for a more realistic shine
Clear prop! Argument adjusted for new values

More accurate Luftwaffe formations
FW-190 skin roughmets updated for a more realistic shine

More accurate Luftwaffe formations
FW-190 skin roughmets updated for a more realistic shine

AAR logic fine tuned to prevent accidental triggers
Mission 12: fixed a few static misplacements.

All missions with Ka-50 have been updated for the Ka-50-3 module
Added new environment: ships, ground personnel
Fixed minor bugs

All missions updated
Added new environment: ships, ground personnel
Fixed minor bugs
Updated weather conditions (halo, clouds)

In the campaign package was added copy of original campaign with player’s aircraft Ka-50 III.

In the campaign package was added copy of original campaign with player’s aircraft Ka-50 III.

Mission 05: Updated startup / initial radio check sequence.
Mission 10: Fixed issue with departure comms playing when still on the runway. Small text updates. Added message for player to hold short of the runway and wait for Biff.

Mission 02: Fixed issue with Smoke not cutting away or flying into space after he is told to cut away
Mission 05: Fixed possible issue with tanker following player on RTB
Mission 08: Fixed problem with Raven 12 refusing to take off
Mission 09: Fixed problem with Venom part playing out where helos arrive (double trigger)
Mission 11: Fixed the issue with Saint flight orbiting around the carrier after takeoff

Mission 03: Updated triggers for recorder to only detect AUTO mode and added information about it to the briefing.
Mission 05: Reverted player to cold start. Updated "lights on" trigger: mission will now progress if player only turns on position lights. Fixed wingman not reporting switches safe.
Mission 12: Enemy frigate won't shoot at player's missile anymore.
Mission 13: Added safeguard for AI SEAD flights (they often failed to destroy their targets).
Mission 14: (only long version needs uploading, not M14S). Adjusted difficulty level for the Clementines in the landing zone (it should be easier to pass the mission now). Fixed possible bug with Olive not detaching when feet dry (happens only in long version of the mission).

All Missions: Winds adjusted.

All Missions: Winds adjusted.
Mission 6: 410 going home fixed.
Mission 8: Fix hatchet and 410 going home.

All Missions: Winds adjusted / Mission brief added to Kneeboards / Briefs updated / Printable Kneeboards updated.
Mission 1: Voice conflict fixed.
Mission 2: WP1 zone adjusted, and message added.
Mission 4: Trap message fixed /missing tank message issue fixed / Migs adjusted.
Mission 5: Start time brought forward two hours to 16:10
Mission 8: Height fail fixed / Missing ACLS added.
Mission 12: Missing ACLS added.

Please enjoy special Lunar New Year Sale savings that will last until the 29th of January 2023 on our Shop and Steam! New bundles that provide massive discounts are now available:

The ‘Teens’ Bundle $ 79.99
DCS: F-16C Viper
DCS: F/A-18C Hornet

‘Be The Maverick’ Bundle $64.99
DCS: F/A-18C Hornet
DCS: Supercarrier

Cold War Warriors Bundle $64.99
DCS: F-86F Sabre
DCS: MiG-15Bis
DCS: F-5E Tiger II

Attack Helicopter Bundle $144.99
DCS: Mi-24P Hind
DCS: Black Shark 3
DCS: AH-64D

Helicopter ‘Heavies’ Bundle $44.99
DCS: UH-1H Huey
DCS: Mi-8MTV2

Desert Operations Bundle $44.99
DCS: Persian Gulf
DCS: NEVADA Test and Training Range

Warbird Attack Bundle $49.99
DCS: P-47D Thunderbolt
DCS: Mosquito

Warbird Allied Fighters Bundle $44.99
DCS: P-51D Mustang
DCS: Spitfire Mk.IX

Warbird Axis Pack $69.99
DCS: Bf-109K
DCS: Fw-190A
DCS: Fw-190D

US 80’s Bundle $89.99
DCS: F-5E Tiger II
DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer
DCS: NEVADA Test and Training Range

Channel Map Bundle $34.99
DCS: The Channel
DCS: WWII Asset Pack

Channel Defense Bundle $84.99
DCS: The Channel
DCS: P-51D Mustang
DCS: Spitfire Mk.IX
DCS: WWII Asset Pack

Flying Legends Bundle $149.99
DCS: Mosquito FB IV
DCS: P-47D Thunderbolt
DCS: Bf-109 K-4 Küfurt
DCS: Fw-190 Anton
DCS: Fw-190 Dora
DCS: P-51D Mustang
DCS: Spitfire Mk.IX

Desert Storm Bundle $199
DCS: F-16C Viper
DCS: F/A-18C Hornet
DCS: Supercarrier
DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer
DCS: AH-64D
DCS: Persian Gulf

Only on the DCS Shop, most aircraft, terrains, and campaigns will also be on sale with up to 50% off! Please check out this fabulous opportunity to land yourself a bargain. To those of you who are celebrating the Chinese New Year, we would like to extend our best wishes, peace and prosperity to your families and friends for the coming year ahead. We will continue to serve each and every one of our communities around the world. Thank you!




https://store.steampowered.com/app/1199120/DCS_JF17_Thunder/
The development of the DCS: JF-17 Thunder is nearing completion. The Chinese flight manual will receive some updates soon, and the translation of the English manual is still in progress. In the meantime, completed cockpit textures will be available in the next update. Pylon and adapter textures in the exterior model have also been updated.

We plan to finish the exterior model including more skins and livery template and release them together with pylon texture by March 2023. In addition, we will continue to add and correct JF-17 features once we have new information. - Deka Ironwork





Once a year, the 51st PVO stages a Championship called Squadron Air to Air Championship (SATAC). The focus is to bring a fair and prestigious platform for competitive Air to Air sportsmanship where all squadrons and airframes are invited, please read the full SATAC Championship Post. Hurry, signups are still open! The schedule will be announced shortly after registration has closed. Join the 51st PVO Regiment Discord for more details.





“Speed and Angels, the Campaign” is a joint production between Reflected Simulations, and Commander Paco Chierici. Paco is a former Tomcat fighter pilot and F-5 bandit. He is the creator and producer of the film Speed and Angels and the novel Lions of the Sky. Together Paco and Reflected have joined forces to bring you a truly epic DCS campaign combining next level realism and immersion. Together Paco and Reflected have joined forces to bring you a truly epic DCS campaign passionately weaving story, realism, and immersion. You will live the campaign.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2281600/DCS_F14B_Speed_and_Angels_Campaign/

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

https://store.steampowered.com/app/411950/DCS_FA18C_Hornet/
Flight Model (FM) and Flight Control System (FCS) Update. Our flight model and FCS have both come a long way and we will continue to enhance flight performance and handling characteristics which will include a complete review of the FM in ground effect. We also plan to refactor landing gear mechanics in order to enhance landing realism as well as touch-and-go behavior.

Radar Update. In parallel with refactoring the Flight Model and FCS, a refactoring of the Hornet radar is well underway. Key elements to address are improving the look-down, PRF, scan azimuth and more in order to offer improved detection and target tracking simulation.

GPS Weapon Lofting. An important weapon delivery option for JDAM and JSOW weapons is the ability to loft for extended range. There are several HUD and HSI changes that we plan to make this year to enable this enhanced delivery profile.

New Pilot Model. Whilst the Hornet already features a cockpit-view pilot model, we are creating a much improved and more realistic model with corrected kit elements, and have more life-like animations.

New Fuzes. Currently, the Hornet bombs only have contact detonation fuzes like the M904 and M905. In 2023 we will be working on new fuzes such as the DSU-33 airburst fuze and the FMU-152 Joint Programmable Fuze (JPF). Unlike other fuzes that must be programmed while the aircraft is on the ground, the JPF allows fuze programming while airborne.

In addition to the cockpit functionality to support these fuzes, changes will also need to be made to the Mission Editor, visual effects, and weapon damage effects to include them. Not a simple task.

Data Transfer Cartridge (DTC) and MUMI Page. After completion of the F-16C DTC, we will begin work on the Hornet DTC and MUMI page that will allow users to preconfigure mission elements like waypoints and their sequences, datalink, countermeasures, weapons, sensors, and more. This is planned for both the Mission Editor and Mission Planner.

ALR-67 Updates. The Hornet will see new symbols and enhancements added to the ALR-67 radar warning receiver. Some of these include emitter jamming, FLIR assignment, HARM assignment, and different radar types.

Carrier INS Alignment. In addition to ground start alignment, we will plan to add aircraft carrier deck alignment that allows the aircraft to align based on aircraft carrier acting as the alignment reference source.

The above are our primary Hornet focus items for 2023, but they are by no means exclusive. We will continue to fix bugs and tune items, light external lights, as needed. Other elements that we plan to work on after the above include the HSI Slew function and further Multi-Source Integration (MSI) options.




https://store.steampowered.com/app/1090850/DCS_F16C_Viper/
Probably more so than any other Eagle Dynamics fixed-wing aircraft, the Viper saw the greatest amount of improvements in 2022. Building upon this, our goal is to complete all advertised features in 2023.

You will see the inclusion of the tail hook and alternate landing gear handle in the January update. Items planned for later in the year include:

Improved Radar Warning Receiver. The ALR-56M will be seeing a significant improvement this year that will better match its real-world counterpart regarding symbols, tones, and behavior. The final stage of this will be the inclusion of the Handoff function with the ability to hear unique radar pulse repetition frequency tones.

Cockpit View Pilot Model. Following the completion of the new Hornet pilot model, we will do the same for the Viper. This will be a high-detail model of a USAF/ANG F-16 pilot circa 2007 with correct kit and lifelike animations.

Radar Update. The same work going into the Hornet radar update will also apply to the Viper’s radar. This will result in even more realistic radar detection and tracking capabilities.

Data Transfer Card (DTC) and Data Transfer Equipment (DTE) Page. Our first DTC functionality task for fixed-wing aircraft will be the F-16C. This starts with the DTE MPD items (steerpoints, mark points, geo reference lines, destination points, and threat points). After which, we’ll add other DTC/DTE elements like communications, stores inventory, weapon profiles, etc.

Air-to-Air Datalink Assignment. Using the Improved Data Link Modem (IDM), players will be able to assign wingmen 2, 3, and 4 air-to-air targets using radar. This will only come after the DTC/DTE features are complete, and this may push past 2023.

Following these priority items, we will also work on the radar Velocity Search mode, the Digital Maneuvering Cue (DMC), JDAM/JSOW loft indication, the Sniper ATP targeting pod, and ALE-50 towed decoy in 2023 and later. Like the Hornet, fixing bugs and tuning features will be ongoing and in parallel to adding new features.
 



https://store.steampowered.com/app/1770580/DCS_AH64D/
More so than probably any other Eagle Dynamics module in 2022, the AH-64D saw the most improvement. However, this is an exceedingly complex aircraft with much work still to do. The biggest tasks underway are the introduction of the AGM-114L radar-guided Hellfire missile and implementation of the Improved Datalink Model (IDM) that will allow flight members to exchange their location and targets. In parallel with these two important tasks, we are also working on the following in 2023:

Improved Flight Model and Stability and Control Augmentation System (SCAS). Compared to fixed-wing aircraft, a rotary-wing aircraft like the AH-64D can be a handful to fly, and a helicopter’s flight model is a very complex simulation to get properly implemented and “dialed in”. The AH-64D’s Flight Management Computer operates using a substantial series of logics to govern the SCAS, which can be almost as complex as the flight model itself to implement. We are continuing to refine the SCAS to make flying this aircraft a bit easier by adjusting the collective channel behavior, tuning the yaw offset, eliminating the roll when ham-fisting the collective, and adjusting the hold modes.

Fire Control Radar (FCR). The FCR is one of the features that significantly adds lethality compared to the older A model. The FCR will be able to scan for, detect, classify, and cue weapons to both air and ground units. This will be one of our team’s larger tasks for 2023.

Laser Spot Tracker. In addition to laser self-designating, the AH-64D will also detect and track a laser from an off-board designation source like another aircraft or a JTAC.

Laser Warning Receiver. Our AH-64D can already detect both radar emission and missile launches, but it will also be able to detect and warn you of being laser designated. A laser designation is a good indication that you may have a tank round or laser-guided missile coming your way.

Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI) and Radar Jammer. The RFI is part of the FCR, and it can provide the location of radar emitters in range and azimuth and the radar jammer and reduce the effectiveness. We plan to work on these after the above items, but they may be 2024 development tasks.




https://store.steampowered.com/app/1417260/DCS_A10C_II_Tank_Killer/
The remaining feature for this module is the ARC-210 radio. This is nearing release, and it will feature UHF and VHF functions with related Upfront Controller (UFC), STAT page, and COMM page updates. This will add one ARC-210 radio and remove one of the two VHF radios.

Following its release, we will then add satellite communications into the DCS World for all aircraft where it's available.

As with the Hornet and Viper, we also plan to add DTC and Link 16 functions to the A-10C II, but this effort will not start until after 2023 given the amount of DTC work that must first happen with the Hornet and Viper. Also, after the Hornet and Viper efforts, we’d like to add a cockpit view pilot.
 



https://store.steampowered.com/app/1120305/DCS_Supercarrier/
The Supercarrier has been receiving a lot of work behind the scenes. This can be divided into the following features:

Ready Room and PRIFLY (airboss deck). Both views will provide new functionality never seen before in a DCS product. To complete this, we will first need to release the Vulkan API into DCS.

Both rooms will be a 3D environment that support VR and Voice Chat that allows you to:

Ready Room

• Review your mission brief and set up your aircraft.
  
• View various cameras around the deck.
  
• Chat with other players.
  
• Review the mission map.
  
• Live sounds from “the roof”.

PRIFLY

• View the deck below you.
  
• Direct the carrier’s heading and speed with wind indications (permission controls available for network play).
  
• Control deck lighting.
  
• View PLAT CAM.
  
• View plotting map.

New Plane Directors and Captains. The next big step is to add plane captains next to the aircraft that pass the pilot to a series of plane directors (yellow shirts) that will route the aircraft from its parking spot to the assigned catapult. Upon landing, yellow shirts will direct the aircraft from the landing box to its assigned parking location or back to a catapult.

We truly hope you enjoyed this update on our plans for 2023, we look forward to making them a reality. Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

We believe that 2023 will be a truly exciting year for all, with the introduction of eagerly awaited modules like the DCS: F-4E by Heatblur, DCS: F-15E by RAZBAM, DCS: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior by Polychop, DCS: F4U-1D Corsair by Magnitude 3, DCS: C-130J by the Airplane Simulation Company, new Mirage F1 versions by Aerges, DCS: Normandy 2.0 map by Ugra Media, the DCS: Sinai Map by OnReTech, and more! Please don’t miss to watch our 2023 AND BEYOND VIDEO!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a55UgA28w-Q




Multithreading
Multithreading has been one of our primary efforts to improve DCS performance, and it is currently in closed beta testing. Initially two threads (graphical and logical) will be implemented, and once the technology is stable and mature, we plan to expand this number. Large and complex missions, both single player and server based as well as the upcoming dynamic campaigns, will see the most significant performance enhancements.

Our render graph was written from scratch along with many other subsystems. We now benefit from parallel rendering that schedules inter-dependent rendering tasks in a correct and optimal order (e.g., mirror reflections first, then mirrors while running other independent draw calls in parallel), frame graph, graphic scenes, scene renderer, and scene manager. We unified all other graphic subsystems that permit node embedding in the render graph. This allows us to rapidly experiment with new graphic pipelines and enhance efficiency. The introduction of our render graph will improve DCS efficiency and deliver optimal performance with modern graphics APIs such as Vulkan.

Vulkan API
Implementation of the Vulkan API continues in parallel with the multithreading effort. Our Vulkan renderer is integrated with the new render graph, and it benefits from multithreading by using render graph mechanics of background loading of textures and geometry, rendering objects in parallel, terrain streaming, etc. As a result, many rendering tasks submitted to the graphics card will no longer need to wait for each other and hence be processed simultaneously.

In our endeavor to unify DirectX and Vulkan renderers, we have developed a mod state where both backends produce identical results. We now have two fully compatible implementations that run under the same API. This means that all our applied graphics modules (the code that renders our skies, clouds, models, effects, etc.) will work the same way on both renderers. To achieve this, we ensured that all our shaders could be converted into Vulkan format in addition to implementing a shader converter available from within DCS permitting to compile any shader on the fly. It is interesting to note that the shader conversion has taken an inordinately large amount of time.

The main achievement in 2022 is that DCS now works under Vulkan producing the same visuals as under DirectX. This result is fully ‘transparent’ for our graphics programmers, allowing them to write the same code for both platforms without the need to have separate code paths for Vulkan and DirectX11 and beyond.

The next step is to provide our graphics programmers with the new Vulkan features compared to DirectX 11. These include new types of shaders (as per Shader Model 6 and further), ray tracing, some advanced rendering techniques, such as GPU driven rendering, and similar.

DLSS
Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) 2.0 is coming to DCS this year. DLSS is a family of real-time deep learning image enhancement and upscaling technologies for RTX 20, 30 and 40 series Nvidia graphics cards. The goal of this technology is to allow most of the graphics pipeline to run at a lower resolution for increased performance, and then infer a higher resolution image from this that contains the same level of detail as if the image had been rendered at this higher resolution. This allows for higher graphical settings and/or frame rates for a given output resolution, depending on user preference.

In addition to DLSS, Nvidia Image Scaling (NIS) will also be available. NIS is a scaling and sharpening tool with an algorithm that uses a 6-tap filter with 4 directional scaling and adaptive sharpening filters to boost performance. This is best used for non-RTX Nvidia graphics cards that do not support DLSS.

Following the completion of DLSS/NIS, we will investigate Fidelity FX Super Resolution (FSR) for AMD GPUs.

Spherical Earth Map
2022 saw great progress creating the tools and technologies to support a precise spherical Earth map for DCS. Because this map will be based on current day, it will operate independently of the current and future regional maps that allow historic maps such as World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and other scenarios. Spherical Earth efforts will continue in 2023.

Weather
Building upon the weather enhancements that were introduced with DCS 2.7, we have been further developing weather to include moving clouds and towering cumulus clouds and more sophisticated atmospheric phenomena. New fog and dust storms are being developed that are integral parts of the volumetric cloud system. The old DCS fog is a separate system that is calculated for a flat earth. It does not consider shadows from the terrain and clouds, so it has limitations. The new fog will be computed for a spherical earth and takes shadows into account. We also plan to optimize the volumetric clouds and increase their basic quality. A separate and complex project currently in development is the dynamic cloud generator which will then need to be integrated with the dynamic weather systems of low/high pressure systems and new/evolving cloud types.

A later task, once the foundation is complete, will be to provide AI line of sight blocking in addition to light direction/scattering visibility limitations for AI.

FLIR
2022 saw significant improvements to how Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) is modeled in DCS World. In addition to writing the technology needed to create the characteristics of the camera, a great deal of work is being invested into the enhanced thermal signatures of mobile units, map objects, environmental heating, and cooling, as well as specific visual effects and artifacts. We will also be adding initial thermal signature conditions for ground units in the Mission Editor.

Eagle Dynamics Dynamic Campaigns Engine (EDDCE)
2022 saw the completion of all major engineering components of the EDDCE. In 2023 we continue development and testing and making improvements to these components as well as adding new features where needed. We are also enhancing the mechanics in the campaign editor to avoid issues that may arise when the EDDCE is used for different maps. The next big tasks include transferring mission data between player and AI pilots and creating a specific graphic user interface.

Please see our previous Newsletter for greater detail on the subject.

Air Traffic Control (ATC)
2022 has focused on the continued development of the Supercarrier ATC system. Following its completion, the next focus will be to bring those advancements to airfields. This is certainly no simple task and will require three unique ATC systems for: western modern day, eastern modern day, and World War II.

A complete redesign of the modern day, western ATC system is underway. In parallel, modern day western radio communications for Flight, Other Flights, AWACS, and Tanker are also being revised.

Human Animations
Starting with new AH-64D pilots in 2022, this work will continue into 2023 to include new infantry and more pilots with more life-like models and animations. Priority pilot models first include the F/A-18C and F-16C pilots.

Deck Crew and Ground Crew
Starting with the Supercarrier deck crew, we continued to develop this feature in 2023. We are now continuing this effort to include startup and taxi to catapult deck crew logic and animations. Following the completion of deck crew, we then plan to use this technology to create airfield ground crew and interactions.

Multiple Light Sources
DCS 2.8 saw great advancements in world lighting, but our efforts continue. The next big lighting advancement will be the introduction of multiple, global light sources, and no longer only the sun and moon. This will allow more realistic night scenes that account for airfield flood lights, city lights, and more. You can see these initial efforts on the Persian Gulf map.

Voice Chat
First introduced in 2019, the free Voice Chat integrated into DCS allows Voice Over IP communications based on chat rooms and how you have your aircraft radios configured. 2022 was focused on improving radio communications and stable connections, even over a VPN. In 2023 we continue to develop this feature with realistic radio sounds, effects and plug-and-play audio device compatibility.
 
Visual Special Effects
Some of the more notable visual effect tasks include munitions with airburst fuzes, napalm, and Mach shock cone based on airspeed and weather around the aircraft.

Virtual Reality
VR is very important for all and we have heard your concerns regarding performance and we continue to optimize VR performance for DCS. The primary areas of VR performance improvement are multithreading and the Vulkan API, particularly for larger missions. We are also reviewing all world Level of Details (LODs).

Unit AI Improvements
In 2022 we saw great improvements to the Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM) AI for our jet aircraft. Moving forward, we now intend to improve multi-ship BVR and Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) tactics and appropriate AI tactics for World War II aircraft.

For ground units, our primary AI tasks include improved pathing and implementing suppression effects for more than just infantry units.

General Flight Model (GFM) for AI Aircraft
Whilst the updated BFM AI can make a significant difference in how the AI flies, the General Flight Model (GFM) will provide improved flight dynamics for AI aircraft that better constrain the aircraft to true-to-life performance.

GFM is a significant improvement to the Standard Flight Model (SFM) that is based on drag and thrust characteristic trajectories. The SFM can provide a good Center of Gravity trajectory model, but it relies on reliable source data to tune the overall performance that includes the entire flight envelope, sustained and instantaneous turn rate, energy gain, etc.

GFM adds additional short-period aircraft movement by adding our base solid body, contact models and aerodynamic moments. This results in more realistic control displacements during maneuvers that provide more human-like appearances. With GFM, the AI will also encounter wake turbulence.

Thank you again for your passion and support, we look forward to serving you in the exciting year of 2023. Happy New Year to you and your family!

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics