“Development on DCS: F-14 continues, with primary focus on refining and improving the flight model for both -A and -B variants, completion of the early -A variant (F-14A-135-GR) and additional new features such as the TARPS pod. All of these elements are key to completing the aircraft and exiting Early Access.” – Heatblur Simulations
Currently, the Heatblur team is undertaking a large effort to refine and finalise the flight modelling of the F-14 Tomcat. In the previous update, the changes delivered were exclusively for the F-14A; the TF-30 powered version of the aircraft. The overall goal of this tuning pass was to even more closely match published performance data and ensure that the F-14A performs as it did in reality. The Heatblur F-14A is now more accurate in maintaining energy states across the whole flight envelope, meaning more accurate performance while manoeuvring. The flight modelling refinements for the F-14A are practically complete and the team is now focusing on the F-14B, the F110 engine powered variant of the Tomcat. If you’re interested in a full report and analysis of the changes, the methodologies used and the data sources involved, please read a full length report and article available here.
Other major additions to the F-14 and AJS-37 Viggen include quality of life features such as movable mirrors, new details for static aircraft, as well as the first version of “Forge” - a key feature of the DCS: F-14 Tomcat - enabling a more dynamic cockpit experience. Forge will add realistic dynamic elements to your cockpit, such as variations in equipment, field modifications or equipment commonly found in the aircraft. Later, this system will be fully customizable, so you will be able to customise your cockpit based on your preferences and put together your very own jet.
F-4E Phantom II
Development Report
The F-4E Phantom II is a 3rd generation multirole fighter aircraft, and formed the backbone of many air forces worldwide. Heatblur Simulations’ recreation of the Phantom aims to be as realistic as possible, and marries together a decade of development experience with a new, powerful next generation simulation framework created for all future Heatblur Simulations products.
DCS: F-4E is now approaching completion and an unveiling in preparation for early access release. Full completion of the following systems has occurred or is imminent:
Professional Flight Modeling (PFM)
APQ-120 radar and associated systems, based on a next generation physically based radar model.
Weapons Systems
Flight control, trim feel and autopilot systems, accurately simulating pilot strength stick feel-dynamics,
APR-46 RHAW radar warning receiver, a physically based analogue receiver with analogue sound synthesis
Mass Dynamics Systems, providing far more accurate and realistic simulation of all movable and physical components of an aircraft.
Persistence and Wear Systems
…and much more
Currently, the Heatblur team is focused on completing some of the last remaining major items of the Phantom II, including some of the more unique and complex features found in other Heatblur modules, such as JESTER AI. JESTER AI is Heatblur’s proprietary AI technology to provide an immersive and unique experience for multi-crew aircraft, currently available in the DCS: F-14. DCS: F-4E will debut JESTER v2, a ground-up rewrite of JESTER AI, providing a better foundation for future extensibility, improvements and a more immersive experience. JESTER v2 will also serve as the foundation for future Heatblur aircraft, such as DCS: A-6E.
Stay tuned for a full unveiling of DCS: F-4E Phantom II as Heatblur Simulations reaches the end of the development process and dive deep into the aircraft, its systems and this release.
Standalone Free Trials
Promotion
The Free Trials Program allows you to gain access to our most popular modules for 14 days at a time, every six months. Select the Trial button beside your chosen module from our E-Shop and then download it via the Module Manager. Please note, at the end of a Free Trial, you may take advantage of a huge discount that can help with updating your hangar. Also, new users can benefit from a 50% discount after signing up on their first order. To select a trial licence, follow the link and click on the try button opposite the module you like. Please read the FAQ for details.
“Check Six Simulations is pleased to introduce the DCS: PC-9/A, a single-engine, low-wing tandem-seat turboprop training aircraft that was operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for more than 30 years. In the mid-late 1980’s the PC-9/A replaced the MB-326H jet trainer and was the backbone of the Australian Air Force and Navy pilot training. Beyond its traipning role, the PC-9/A was operated by the RAAF Roulettes demonstration team and used in Forward Air Control (FAC).
DCS: PC-9/A is precisely modeled using 3D scan technology to highlight every detail both internally and externally, accurately replicating this aircraft in every way. Our development team has gone to great lengths to model the flight aerodynamics to allow aviators to experience the most authentic feeling of the capabilities of this aircraft.”
– Check Six Simulations
Spring Sale
Last Chance Savings
With the 2023 DCS World Spring Sale, you can take your flying to new heights, and experience the thrill of aerial combat like never before. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join the ranks of the greatest virtual aces. Most of our modules are on sale with up to a 50% discount. Order now and be ready for action! The Sale only lasts until Sunday the 26th of March at 23:59 GMT on our E-Shop so make sure to not miss out.
Current User Aircraft Mods crashing in Multithreading version - fixed RWR stops registering SAMs with multiple users - fixed Scripting: fixed crash on output to log with formatting symbols - fixed MT. Crash when aircraft was removed immediately after its spawn - fixed MT Supercarrier. Signal wands lights and Hold back bar invisible - fixed
MT. Created a special MT mission uploading mode decreases mission opening time MT Export viewports corrupted - fixed MT. VR, Aircraft are missing cockpit tooltips - fixed MP. Crash when trying to control static via command panel - fixed MP. Crash when 052B Destroyer use target lock - fixed MT.Random stretched cockpit/resolution - fixed МТ. Hypoxia effect visual is broken - fixed Fixed: Smoke and craters from explosions flicker and lag in TV Mode of Targeting Pod
Flaming Cliffs 3 by Eagle Dynamics
MT: flankers DL displays all targets at same speed and height - fixed
DCS: F-16C Viper by Eagle Dynamics
Fixed: TGP TV picture has extremely high brightness lvl DCS: A-10CII by Eagle Dynamics Quick Start missions A-10C II updated for correct use ARC-210 radio
DCS: AH-64D by Eagle Dynamics
Fixed: COOP Rockets always falling at <4km Fixed: RWR don't see radiation from an azimuth of ~270-300 degrees Fixed: Cursor on TSD desync between PLT and CPG Fixed: COORD page desync after CPG`s detach and attach again
DCS: Mi-24P by Eagle Dynamics
Fixed: cockpit fan animation effect is missing DCS: P-51D, TF-51 by Eagle Dynamics Fixed: TF-51 canopy close keybind opens canopy
DCS: M-2000C by RAZBAM Simulations
Fixed: Broken Aux ADI, IDN, G-Meter, Altimeter switches
Known Issues:
FPS hit with many bullet impacts over time RWR stops registering contacts with multiple clients ( high priority but needs more time for fix )
We are pleased to bring you the 2023 DCS Spring Sale. You can save a massive 30% across our most popular modules and terrains and up to 50% on most of our other jets, warbirds, helicopters, terrains and campaigns. We are also glad to be participating in the 2023 Steam Spring Sale.
F/A-18C Hornet
Pilot Model
The ejection animation of the Hornet has been reworked, and this includes the opening of the parachute, walking and idle animations. The basic poses have been improved to be more natural. Attention was paid to important details like the oxygen mask tube and the parachute lines. The pilot geometry also now matches the one in the cockpit.
Work is underway to integrate the completely new and highly-detailed F/A-18C pilot model for the first-person view, which is important for VR. The source materials were obtained by using 3D scanning technology and objects obtained from photographs. We look forward to sharing more details.
Once the Hornet pilot is complete, the DCS: Mi-24P Hind’s pilot and co-pilot models will be updated. We will also be improving the Viper’s pilot.
Multithreading
Development Progress
We are thrilled with the response from the recent preview of the multithreaded version of DCS. A number of bugs have been collected and a list of known issues is visible in the MT FAQ. We would like to give a special thanks to all of you that are contributing so heavily during this important testing phase. Stay tuned for more DCS MT information soon.
Runway craters cause no damage to aircraft taking off/landing - fixed
Weapons. AGM-84. The minimum launch altitude has been reduced to 200 feet
AI Aircraft. B-17G. Ailerons are deflected as flaperons on landing - fixed
Weapons. Improved AA missile launch catapult mechanics F-15, F/A-18
Weapons. AIM-7 and AIM-120 autopilot tuning for FLOOD mode
Weapons. Corrected AIM-7E warhead data
Weapons. Corrected Mistral missile data
Weapons. Adjusted aiming errors for 9M39, FIM-92C and MIM-72G
CTD. DCS crashes on heavy missions without pagefile - fixed
Added grass to some terrain shelters
Fixed excessive amount of triangles and objects when terrain objects shadows set to FLAT/OFF
Corrected shadows by mountains
ME Triggers. Aircraft 3D model gets corrupted if its given Unit AI Set life equals 0
Fixed M-60 MBT
Fixed model UAZ-469
SON-9 radar elevation fixed
Added BDK-775 for Ukraine and Yemen
Fixed max speed for BDK-775
Added flir details for old model
Expanded the list of countries for historical mode for AN/FPS-117
CTD. Animation crash in MP, client hangs caused by M1097 Avenger - fixed
Campaigns. Custom campaigns shown in the "My Campaigns" menu sometimes won't let the user click the End Mission button - fixed
CTD. Crash on server if client is used as leader for a task Big Formation - fixed
CTD. Crash during landing at some airfields - fixed
Rain in the cockpit - removed
Weapons. 8K14 SCUD missile. Explosion very small - fixed
Weapons. Low damage from FIM-92C Stinger - corrected
AI aircraft. AI can't properly use HD bombs - tuned
ME. Error in case of file MissionTheatreCache.lua is empty - fixed
AI ground. Dead ground vehicles keep emitting engine sound - fixed
TF-51. Fixed flap lever movement
AI aircraft. Fixed CBUs distribution along vehicle group
Weapons. AGM-62 Walleye missile will not be able to hit targets in pitch-black night
AI aircraft. Tuned defensive behaviour in the SAM danger area
AI aircraft. MQ-1A can't land in some case - fixed
AI aircraft. AV-8B goes 'zombie' when dropping GBU-54 - fixed
ME. Triggers Add Radio Item for group and coalition don't work for neutrals - fixed
Cockpit. MFD surface render increased from 80 to 150 km range
Settings. Add item for Blur Flat Shadows to graphics options
VR. Upper part of FOV become black in VR when head pitching down - fixed
Helicopters. Sling load feature stuck when unhooking same cargo twice - fixed
Known Issues
Multithreading:
NS430 inoperable. Not in 2D neither 3D
DCS won’t start on a PC with CPU with more than 32 CPU threads.
Sporadic stuttering in 2D and VR
Ka-50: IT-23 display is colored.
Supercarrier. Signal wands lights and Hold back bar are invisible
Supercarrier: there is no picture on LSO displays
Supercarrier. Signal wands lights and Hold back bar are invisible
Dedicated server doesn't start automatically first time after update, hoster have to launch server manually by clicking on “start” button for mission or server itself in web GUI
Rare occasion of stretched cockpit resolution happens randomly on first simulation launch
Motion Blur causes blue/black 'fog' (in single-thread only)
With the latest Open Beta updates, you too can now get your first glimpse at the initial iteration of our multithreaded version of DCS. Whilst in an early stage, we are confident that this will be a vast improvement in the long term. If you wish to try it out and learn more about multithreading, please check out the instructions on how to switch correctly by reading the Multi-threading FAQ forum post.
Please note that the Garmin NS340 Navigation System is currently not compatible with the multi-threaded version of DCS. For a full list of all known issues and recent changes in the latest Open Beta, please read the full changelog.
If you wish to try the multithreaded version on the DCS Steam Edition, simply select the ‘Multithreading Preview’ option from the Steam Launcher.
Hornet and Viper
Development Progress
https://store.steampowered.com/app/411950/DCS_FA18C_Hornet/ As you may have noticed, both the Hornet and the Viper are under constant development to improve details and characteristics in addition to adding features and addressing bugs. After many years of determined attention, both modules are approaching a feature complete status. You can view the Hornet roadmap here and the Viper roadmap here on our forum.
Both the Hornet and Viper will benefit from a refactoring of the radar that will provide more realistic behavior with noticeable improvement in the time between detected and tracking, look-down performance, and the effect of azimuth and bar settings. In addition, both will be receiving new 3D pilot models with lifelike animations, associated Mission Editor and Planners Digital Transfer Cards, as well as new bomb fuze support including; programmable fuzes and air burst options.
Finally, the DCS: F/A-18C Hornet is currently undergoing an update to its flight model and Flight Control System, adjusting the external lights, and Loft cues for GPS-guided weapons.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1090850/DCS_F16C_Viper/ Likewise, the Viper is also undergoing several unique additions like the Velocity Search radar mode, more datalink functions and a radar warning receiver handoff mode. Even after both aircraft exit Early Access, development will continue.
AH-64D
Development Progress
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1770580/DCS_AH64D/ Work continues steadily on DCS: AH-64D with much of the focus being on bug fixes and polishing. Before delivering you with more new features, it is very important that we secure a solid foundation to build upon. Additionally, a big push on fixes and tuning has been made to alleviate player confusion and frustration. Some of the notable items that are underway can be found in the forum post here and include:
Tuning of the damage model.
Engine start issues.
Improvements to the flight model, Stability Augmentation System (SAS), and hold modes.
Although bug fixing and tuning has been our priority, we have certainly been working on new features that are not restricted by existing bugs. Some of these include: the option to remove the auxiliary fuel tank for more cannon rounds, the addition of the AGM-114L radar-guided Hellfire, the Improved Data Link Modem (IDM) and Longbow Net, the Fire Control Radar (FCR), the Laser Spot Tracker (LST), animated engine nacelle cooling doors, and wipers to remove rain drops.
Please stay tuned for more information on these new features coming soon.
Check out this full review of the DCS: F/A-18C Hornet by Stormbirds. If you have never checked them out, Stormbirds is a great Flight Sim News site for all your flight sim needs.