https://store.steampowered.com/app/1199120/DCS_JF17_Thunder/

The Lunar Sale has huge savings up for grabs across most of our popular aircraft, terrains, add-ons and campaigns. Please head over to the Shop and check out the exclusive deals.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/223750/DCS_World_Steam_Edition/

That’s not all! Campaigns are also available with up to 50% off. These include Stone Sky’s MAD series, the Maple Flag Campaigns, Reflected Simulation Campaigns, and many more. Check out the Shop.

Due to database maintenance in the European time zone, you may have experienced downtime and errors whilst accessing the website and online multiplayer servers. This issue has now been resolved and we apologies for any inconveniences this may have caused. We hope that extending the Lunar Sale till the 25th of February at 15:00 GMT provides you with enough time to find your next module or campaign, or both!





The F/A-18C has been one of our most popular DCS aircraft as it provides a wealth of game play options and is nearly feature-complete. There are though a number of items that we continue to address that will further improve the realism and attention to detail of this DCS flagship aircraft.

Flight Model
For the past several months, we’ve been improving the flight dynamics of the F/A-18C to represent this aircraft’s unique flight qualities even more accurately. Much of this has been focused on expanding the F/A-18C’s high Angle of Attack (AoA) capabilities by adjusting the stabilizer scheduling. These changes will allow maneuvering up to 50 to 55 AoA, compared to mid-30s earlier. This expanded AoA capability will better allow players to take advantage of the F/A-18Cs outstanding low-speed, high-AoA maneuver capability. Note that this expanded AoA capability can result in a dramatic loss of airspeed, if not careful.

Another important improvement is the handling characteristics in Powered Approach (PA) mode when landing. During landing, you will find achieving and maintaining on-speed AoA easier. This is tied to the flight control system changes.

Nose pitch effects have also been added when the speedbrake is extended and retracted to match the real F/A-18C. Overall aerodynamic damping has also been improved to better match F/A-18C handling characteristics.

Flight Control System
The Flight Control System (FCS) has been completely reworked in all channels, and it provides much improved behavior when switching the control logic system between AUTO flaps mode to HALF\FULL flaps. You will find the transition much smoother with little to no un-commanded pitching moments. This will also make getting on-speed during landings much easier.

Roll characteristics have also been improved to better match the real aircraft with greater stability in the roll and yaw channels. This also applies to improved behavior around the longitudinal axis when taking off.

The yaw channel FCS in PA mode has also been adjusted to improve landing control in a crosswind. In total, the improvements in the FCS will make takeoff and landings much easier.

Landing Gear
The landing gear shock absorbers were adjusted to match documentation and reference videos. The F/A-18C landing gear articulation is a complex and dynamic process that is accurately modeled for carrier recoveries and touch-and-go. This change also provides improved landing control in a crosswind and addresses excessive G loads when landing. Whilst greatly improved, we will continue to tune this mechanic to allow even more accurate nosewheel touch-and-go behavior to allow lower airspeed rotation.

In addition to the landing gear mechanisms, the tires have also been adjusted to provide more authentic friction forces that will be apparent in crosswind takeoff and landings.

Engine
Engine transition thrust time was adjusted to be more accurate between afterburner and MIL thrust modes. The engine transition time is now faster from afterburner to idle. This allows you to reduce airspeed when cutting the engines to idle more quickly.

Autopilot
F/A-18C autopilot operation has been improved by tuning its behavior when initiating an altitude hold mode whilst the aircraft is unbalanced. The updated autopilot also improves holding the set altitude when in a roll and initiating an altitude hold mode. Before, you would often lose or gain hundreds of feet. Last, the autopilot control is much smoother when transitioning through waypoints in coupled mode.

Automatic Carrier Landing System
When activating the Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) in coupled mode, the autopilot will use smoother and improved approach behavior.

Get the DCS: F/A-18C at 30% off now during the 2024 Lunar Sale that has been extended to February 25th, 2024.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/411950/DCS_FA18C/





The Digital Coalition Air Force is a fun and engaging way to enjoy DCS online. The members fly on the EU timezone and are recruiting DCS: F-15E Strike Eagle, DCS: F-16C Viper, DCS: AV-8B Night Attack V/STOL pilots and controllers.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2316890/DCS_F15E/

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

https://store.steampowered.com/app/759130/DCS_AV8B_Night_Attack_VSTOL/

This military simulation group alternates between training and operation seasons. Q1 and Q3 are training seasons when new cadets are screened and trained as per squadron standards. Operation campaign seasons are Q2 and Q4.

You can read more about how the F-15E's squadron training season would work here.
DCAF teaches many bespoke training courses that cadets can access and be assessed on. Make sure to and check out their DCAF Discord.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

Welcome to the DCS 2024 Lunar Sale where you can enjoy huge savings on most popular aircraft, terrains, campaigns and other important modules! Please checkout the details below and take this opportunity to explore a new aspect of DCS.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/223750/DCS_World_Steam_Edition/




The goal of the DCS: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior is to deliver an exciting and authentic virtual rendition of this renowned military reconnaissance and light attack helicopter. The Kiowa Warrior is a versatile aircraft that is well-suited to locating enemy forces that can then be passed to other forces to engage. The OH-58D also packs a punch with an assortment of weapons. It will find a great home flying along the AH-64D and the upcoming CH-47F Chinook in DCS.

While the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior thrives in the reconnaissance role, making full use of its iconic Mast Mounted Sight (MMS). In more recent conflicts, it’s played a pivotal role in both gathering critical intelligence and supporting ground troops with precision fires on enemy positions.

Armed with an array of weapons that include laser-guided Hellfire missiles, a .50 caliber M3P machine gun, Stinger air-to-air missiles, and a large selection of unguided and guided rocket types such as the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), we’re certain that DCS: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior pilots will find it thrilling to roll in hot on targets. Please check out the Development Screenshots.




Experience Virtual Reality in DCS like never before with the Pimax Crystal VR headset. Delivering an incredibly high 5760 x 2880 pixels with a host of performance-enhancing features such as foveated rendering, the Pimax Crystal promises market-leading clarity and convenience for the ‘ultimate’ life-like simulation. The Pimax Crystal is an outstanding choice for DCS providing crisp and clear displays for visually tracking targets whilst providing excellent performance.

Key Features:

• Inside-out tracking means there’s no need to buy or manage base stations.
  
• Glass aspheric lenses, QLED panels, and local dimming create vivid colors with realistic contrasts.
  
• 2880 x 2880 native resolution (per eye, even at 120Hz), delivers incredible clarity.
  
• Eye tracking means the Crystal is Quad Views capable, allowing it to perform with exceptional GPU efficiency.

An Introduction To Quad Views

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBjJN5Uu12g

Eye-tracking within the Crystal enables the use of Quad Views, a form of Dynamic Foveated Rendering that uses the position of the user's gaze to render in full resolution only the area the user is looking at. Areas outside the user gaze are rendered to a lower resolution, which results in DCS VR performance gains of up to +50% FPS. Watch the video above for a demonstration. Learn more about Quad Views for Pimax here.

Available Now:

• Follow this link and use code DCS2024 during checkout to purchase your Pimax Crystal with a $100 USD discount, available until March 15th.
  
• Visit the Pimax area of the DCS forum where Pimax staff are available to answer your questions and support your VR experience.
  
• To hear what the DCS VR community has to say about the Pimax Crystal, please follow the video playlist link here.

Make the most of the incredible offerings that await you in the DCS Lunar Sale 2024. Polychop’s Kiowa is progressing well, and the Pimax Crystal promotion is your gateway to an even more immersive virtual reality experience.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

The above screenshot shows the current state of the Bo-105, which will be available in three versions: the German Bo 105 PAH 1A1/VBH, the Swedish Hkp9A, and the South Korean Bo-105 as AI only.

Aside from the liveries, all three versions will have different internal devices and are offered as separate versions. The external and internal 3D models of all Bo-105 versions will have a high level of detail that is close to photo realistic. All movable parts of the helicopter have been modelled, from rotor blade articulation to circuit breakers.

Initial tests have shown the great potential of their new development strategy for internal machine logic. It fits well into the existing DCS API and environment. The program logic changed from event control to situation control. This means that all devices have their own program and are interconnected within a global system. The advantage is that specific control situations do not require special coding. The result is an auto-generated output that is dependent on all the connected devices. An example of this is autorotation. The handling is initiated by the corresponding pilot inputs. The rotor system, as an independent device, reacts like a real Bo-105. Even non programmatically planned situations are handled realistically. This system is termed MEDUSA by Miltech-5. It is a multithreaded system that can handle all devices in different threads.

The external and cockpit models, electric system, engines, fuel supply, and rotor system are in advanced development states. The next steps are focused on flight performance, handling, and fine tuning the Bo-105’s behaviours.





Since the release of the DCS: South Atlantic map, RAZBAM has provided a series of updates including new airfields, improved visual appearance and performance. They have also resolved bugs and this is now a much improved map that will see further enhancements this year.

A large amount of work has gone into modelling and improving all towns, cities and small hamlets. This includes new building types, Points of Interest (POI), and optimising them for a boost in performance. RAZBAM have also invested time and expense in aerial photography drones to provide improved terrain distribution aesthetics.

RAZBAM will be focusing on further ground texture and normal map improvements in the coming months. Please make sure you update to the latest version to enjoy all these new updates or consider a purchase of this large, unique, and historic region of the DCS: South Atlantic.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2017210/DCS_South_Atlantic/





Digital Controllers aim to unite individual squadrons by inviting them to participate in large inter-squadron events. Collaboration becomes far easier by training squadron air controllers to a global standard. Pilots new to radiotelephony are welcome to participate in the training too!

They provide detailed publications that define training standards and provision of ATC/Tactical Control. This allows squadrons to quickly and easily reference standard specifications. The linked example is a work in progress Air Traffic Control standards guide.

Their mission is to standardise ATC and Tactical Control, resulting in a friendly hub that brings the DCS community closer together. Check out their website and join in on Discord.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

For the past several years, we have released DCS in two forms: the Open Beta, which includes the most recent changes to allow broad testing and the Stable version which is based on the most recent Open Beta and has no known crashes, thus the term Stable. In 2024, we will be moving to unified DCS updates.

This change has been a common customer request and will streamline our release process. We believe that it will also help avoid version confusion for both single-player missions and multiplayer servers. Starting with our first update of the year in February, we will also be making the same changes to the DCS Steam Edition. Please stay tuned for more details.





Five 3D artists are currently working on the project, which involves significant personnel commitment. This investment will result in a module that meets your expectations.

AviaStorm has had the opportunity to examine many small details of this aircraft for the level of detail that DCS demands. Such details may not initially stand out, or even be noticed by most customers, but they are crucial in the context of creating a masterpiece that is the Tornado. An example includes the emergency RAM air flap and two cooling flaps.

“We are dedicated to achieving the level of quality we and Eagle Dynamics aspire to and what is expected from DCS customers.”

– AviaStorm





We are pleased to extend our warmest congratulations to Growling Sidewinder as he takes on the roles of affiliate and brand ambassador for DCS. His proven determination fuels our fires and we are incredibly thankful to have him on-board. Please check out the GS Discord and keep your eyes on the skies for some exclusive deals, only on Growling Sidewinder’s Youtube!

As always, thank you again for your passion and continued support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

“Our dedicated team completed an extensive journey across Texas, Georgia, Ohio, and Indiana, meticulously scanning F-100 aircraft to guarantee the utmost quality and precision. With the infusion of these invaluable resources, our team is channelling creativity and expertise to bring the Super Sabre to life, ensuring every detail captures and preserves the essence of this iconic aircraft.”

– Grinnelli Designs

An exceptional experience took place in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where an immersive week unfolded due to a fuel valve failure with the last flying F-100. This unforeseen event offered a unique opportunity to engage in detailed aircraft maintenance, capturing essential sounds and aerial footage. These experiences, complemented by insights from veterans, will play a crucial role in shaping this highly realistic module.

The project is progressing steadily, focusing on the development of a comprehensive and accurate flight model for the Super Sabre. Through a combination of computational methods, real aerodynamic data, and wind tunnel tests, the team is meticulously refining the model to accurately replicate the intricate dynamics of the actual aircraft. This effort stands as a testament to the team's commitment to delivering a high-quality, authentic experience in the world of DCS. Please make sure you watch the F-100D Dev Log: The Road to Realism.





In the above screenshot, you can see the results of improved procedural grass distribution across terrain tiles. Compared to other types of vegetation, such as shrubs or trees, grass has a more regular standard geometric structure; however, this benefit is outweighed by the huge quantity of distinct and subtle flora that may be found on even fairly small pieces of terrain.

In order to provide interactivity and stable frame rates on any but the smallest maps, the brute-force method of covering the entire landscape with individual grass blade models was impractical. Therefore, we continue to work on a more efficient approach to grass distribution, and we enhanced grass shading by using ambient occlusion. We also improved vegetation shading with the release of Screen Space Shadows (SSS). Furthermore we are working on new vegetation visual effects from explosions, gun fire, and aircraft.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1120300/DCS_Syria/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1120301/DCS_The_Channel/





Welcome to Grayflag Death From Above, a hardcore persistent multiplayer PvE multiplayer server. We encourage you to team up and liberate territories on one of four servers and conduct strikes on enemy SAMs, factories, bases, runways, and more! Be careful, some members can occasionally fight as REDFOR to keep you on your toes.

This server harbours enemy forces who will attempt to resupply and reinforce their positions and even launch counter offensives as you and your team attempt to push the front line and liberate areas. Your task is to set up ground units to liberate and capture objectives or defend with ground forces. Please note, the position of units will be saved when the server restarts and you will log straight back into this persistent battlefield. This server also features the Combined Arms module. Find out more on Grayflag discord!

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

With the release of multi-threading and DLSS/FSR, the next big core DCS task is the support for the Vulkan Application Programing Interface (API). Multi-threading was a prerequisite to support the Vulkan API backend and enhance system performance/efficiency.

Much of the Vulkan API work over the past several years has focused on adapting the DCS internal tools to seamlessly integrate with optimized functionality to ensure peak performance. This has been a challenging endeavor to rectify all validation errors, streamlining graphics and processing tasks, improving compatibility with Nvidia, AMD, and Intel hardware and a diverse set of drivers, and creating and refining the groundwork for rendering across multiple threads that will allow even more advanced graphic capabilities.

As we move into 2024, we continue to optimize and refine performance to exceed what is possible with DirectX 11. It is important that we continue to push graphic standards whilst maintaining excellent performance for both 2D, and even more so, VR.

However, like multi-threading and DLSS/FSR, results will vary between players based on their hardware and settings.





Here are some of the interesting functionality improvements coming to DCS:

Save Game. Our new game persistence system will allow you to save mid-mission and return to that save point at a later time.

Replay System. The current track file system was originally created as a debugging system that simply reproduced game input to construct a replay of the mission. However, this system depends on limited DCS version changes between when the track was recorded and when being played back. The system in development for 2024 is designed to address this and will offer additional capabilities.

Infantry Unit Improvements. We will be working on new infantry models and animations in 2024 along with more life-like behaviors.

New Air, Ground, and Naval Units. New units will be available in 2024 that will range from World War II to modern day. Each unit requires thousands of man-hours to create and will be provided as optional packs at their highest levels of detail. Standard versions will also be available for free to ensure both single-player and multiplayer compatibility for all.

Graphic Improvements. In addition to the graphic improvements that the Vulkan API will afford, we will also be making improvements to the Render Graph for better VR performance, new and improved special effects, and further advancements in the FLIR rendering system.

Weather. The weather focus for 2024 will be on a new fog system and towering clouds with appropriate line-of-sight blocking.

Voice Chat. 2023 saw great connectivity improvements and a unique, real-time voice processing allowing users to modify voices to replicate different radio eras and technologies. In 2024 we will continue to integrate radios to vehicles, ships, and other units. We also plan external application support and other player-requested features.

Spherical Earth. One of the biggest changes coming to DCS is the Spherical Earth. This substantial work is ongoing however we do not expect to release it this year due to the size of the endeavour.

Dynamic Campaign. Please read our Newsletter for 29 December 2023 where we discuss DCSDC in detail.

Air Traffic Control. Although we have a solid design to provide an exceptional ATC experience, much of the work in 2024 will involve how we generate the voice dialog and create a much-improved interface.

Improved Accessibility. To make DCS more accessible to new players, the Graphic User Interface will be updated to make it more user-friendly and include a Launcher with new capabilities. New interactive missions are also being developed to shallow the learning curve with popular modules like the F/A-18C.

Air-To-Air Missile Development. We plan to migrate the R-27 (AA-10) family and R-73 (AA-11) missiles to a new component structure and flight dynamics. This will be coupled with a new proximity fuse model that accounts for Doppler closing speed, modified seekers, and a more realistic interaction model between the missile and the supporting radar. This will be done within the larger MiG-29 project framework. Other missile types will also be developed in the same way.

Air-To-Ground Munitions. We continue to develop new munitions as well as update existing air-to-ground weapons to include a new component model with advanced flight performance. This includes guided bombs and tactical missiles.

Regarding Anti-Radiation Missiles (ARM), we are developing narrow-band specialized seekers that were used with early ARMs of the 1960 to 1980s prior to the more modern AGM-88 HARM class of missiles with broadband seekers. These older ARMs, such as the AGM-45 Shrike of the Vietnam era, will be modeled with other older ARM systems.

ECM. We are developing more advanced principles of electronic warfare that will allow simulation of a greater variety of electronic warfare attack and countermeasure modes and capabilities. This is a very complex task and confidential subject. We cannot promise quick results, but work is underway to deliver a satisfactory simulation of this opaque area of modern warfare.

New Landing Gear. A new two-component landing gear system was released for the Mosquito last year. We will continue integrating it to other aircraft this year. We plan a separate newsletter article that will explain the new capabilities and what it brings to landing gear behaviors.





In parallel with the development of the new modules discussed in last week’s newsletter, we will also continue to update, fix, and improve existing aircraft and maps. Some of these efforts include, but are not limited to:

Radar Improvements. In 2023 we released both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the radar improvements for the F-16C and F/A-18C. Phase 3 efforts will continue with a focus on better Single Target Track (STT) simulation, false target generation, and more realistic look-down effects.

Data Transfer Card (DTC). For each aircraft, the DTC consists of a variety of areas that are first modeled such as datalink, navigation, radio, weapons, sensors, and more. Once these elements are completed, they will be organized into a unified DTC interface.

Fuze Settings. All modern aircraft will benefit from the new and more advanced fuzing options first introduced for our WWII modules. This includes the new payload interface in the Mission Editor and Rearm/Refuel Window that will allow authentic setting nose and tail fuzes and new 3D rendering of fuze selections.

DCS: F-16C Viper. Priority work for 2024 includes the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP), a 1st perspective pilot model, and other improvements like new HUD symbology and RWR Handoff tones.

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

DCS: F/A-18C. The biggest task for 2024 is a refactoring of the flight model and flight control system, landing gear physics, and improved external lights. Once the new external lighting system is complete for the F/A-18C, this technology will be used for other aircraft modules.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/411950/DCS_FA18C/

DCS: AH-64D. With the addition of the Fire Control Radar (FCR) core functions, next steps in 2024 include the addition of functions and modes such as LINK and remaining radar modes, new George and Flight commands, and the campaign.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1770580/DCS_AH64D/

Supercarrier. 2024 will see continued work on the new plane director operations that move aircraft out of the landing area to a parking location. This is in addition to work on the Air Boss deck and Ready Room.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1120305/DCS_Supercarrier/

Mosquito FB VI. This year we continue working on the features from the Early access list. Including AI crew members and the Drift recorder.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1724230/DCS_Mosquito_FB_VI/

Rest assured, our other modules and maps will also receive improvements and enhancements. We hope that the progress on the DCS core is to your satisfaction. Please stay tuned for more details on all the topics mentioned above. Stay healthy and as always, fly safe.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

https://youtu.be/mhLQNuxRqJQ
Whereas the 2023 focus of Eagle Dynamics was primarily on DCS core improvements like multithreading, DLSS/FSR, Voice Chat, and bug fixes, our partners had an exciting year that included new products like the F-15E Strike Eagle, new Mirage F1 versions, the Normandy 2 and Sinai maps, and many fantastic campaigns.

2024 promises to be an eventful year with many projects in development such as the full fidelity MiG-29A Fulcrum, CH-47F Chinook, F6F Hellcat, and the Afghanistan, Iraq, and Marianas World War II maps. Our 3rd party partners are working diligently on the F-4E Phantom II, A-7E Corsair II, MiG-23 Flogger, C-130 Hercules, F4U Corsair, La-7, OH-58D Kiowa, and the Kola map.





Let’s take a brief look at the new aircraft under development in 2024, in no particular order. Detailed specifications and features will be listed for each product during each product announcement as we get closer to the release.

Much of the 2023 CH-47F work focused on the creation of the external model, cockpit/cargo models as well as systems and FM. The model now accurately reflects a US Army CH-47 from the mid-2000s. Much of the work now involves the finalisation of the flight dynamics and flight control system, along with the many multi-function display pages and sub-pages. As with all DCS aircraft since the Ka-50, the CH-47 will have fully modelled electrical, hydraulic, fuel, and other systems that exist within the simulation as “live” systems to manage voltage, pressure, flow rates, temperatures and all other operational systems. To support advancements in the DCS logistical system, the CH-47F will also be equipped with cargo and sling management capabilities as well as defensive gun positions.

Also started in 2023, the Hellcat has made great progress. When creating the external model, internal structural modelling was created to provide a very accurate and realistic structure in order to enhance damage modelling. The flight model development is in full swing, and it is being created to match first-hand knowledge of its handling and performance in cooperation with The Fighter Collection.
The Hellcat will not exist in a vacuum though, and Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO) opponent aircraft are already in development, as well PTO specific ground and naval forces.

We are excited to announce our first full fidelity 4th generation Russian fighter: the MiG-29A Fulcrum! The Fulcrum has been a massively successful, single-seat fighter that was developed to counter the F-15, F/A-18, and F-16 during the height of the Cold War. Today, it serves numerous armed forces, and will fill an important role in DCS.
Based on publicly available manuals, the DCS Fulcrum will be a 1980s era MiG-29, but it will still be a potent threat to other DCS aircraft with its array of radar- and infrared-guided missiles, its 30mm cannon, and unguided air-to-ground weapons. In the right hands, the MiG-29 can be a tough opponent with its Helmet Mounted Sight paired with high-off boresight R-73 air-to-air missiles.

2024 will also be a great year for new maps. Our Terrain Development Kit (TDK) continues to grow in capabilities each year, and these new maps will leverage these features to create the best maps yet.

First hinted at a year ago, we are happy to confirm that an Afghanistan map is coming to DCS. A flash point spanning thousands of years, Afghanistan served as the backdrop to two of the largest conflicts in living memory. More focused on Counterinsurgency (COIN) warfare than large force-on-force battles, the Afghanistan map will bring a new mode of warfare to DCS battles and our most popular aircraft like the AH-64D, Mi-24P, A-10C, Su-25, F-16C, F/A-18C, will be great mission choices.

We are also excited to announce an Iraq map coming to DCS. From Operation Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom to the War on Terror, Iraq has been one of the most significant flash points of the late-20th and early 21st centuries. The Iraq map will initially be centred on Baghdad to best provide War-on-Terror and War on Isis scenarios. Later, the map will be expanded south to provide older scenarios like Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom.

To support the DCS: F6F Hellcat and other PTO aircraft and units coming to DCS, we have been adapting the current Marianas for the past year and into 2024. The map is based on painstakingly researched documents, photos, and accounts of the Mariana Islands in the summer of 1944, at the time of the Battle of the Marianas between the United States and Imperial Japan. This will be a free map that leverages our latest TDK for improved performance and realism.

In parallel with these new product efforts, we will be focusing on continued development of existing modules such as, but not limited to, the F-16C, F/A-18C, AH-64D, and Supercarrier.



Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

On this very special weekend, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for the New Year. We wish you happiness, prosperity and health. We also want to express our sincere appreciation for your continued support and feedback that makes DCS what it is today. Here's to an extraordinary year ahead, filled with epic missions, thrilling dogfights, and unforgettable moments. See you on the other side!

2023 was another important year for DCS with the introduction of several new products, the evolution of DCS core technologies, and an ever-expanding wealth of content from our partners and friends. 2024 promises even bigger and better things!






DCS Dynamic Campaign (DCSDC) is one of the most important tasks for the future of DCS as it will add a new and much-demanded evolution/improvement of gameplay for both single player and multiplayer. Rather than mimic past solutions, we hope to set a new standard, one that provides a high level of interaction, authenticity, immersion, and ease-of-use. Our goal is to deliver a system that allows players to create their own dynamic (non-scripted) campaigns that will evolve based on strategic and tactical AI decisions, indirect player influences on AI actions, and direct player influences on the battlefield. This will all leverage existing DCS features such as Voice Chat, new ATC mechanisms, etc. This has been a tall order, and the effort has been underway since 2018 with a small but dedicated team.

Our focus in 2022 was on the creation and testing of General Air Operations tasks. In 2023, we shifted our DCSDC efforts to Ground Operations. This area will break new ground for dynamic campaigns and includes the following tasks:

• The creation of a realistic road network system that is based on a new road editor system. This allows units to have appropriate road movement conditions that are tied to the logistics and supply network. This also integrates into the movement of ground unit formations.
  
  
• A new ground unit formations editor was created that allows for the accurate assembly of units-based levels of command from platoon up to division, with all command levels in-between. Command structures vary based on the country and era, just like the real world and with correct terminology. Unit formations then operate realistically within their larger force structure based on tasking such as road march, meeting engagement, assault, defense, retreat, route, etc.
  
  
• We addressed ground forces behavior once engaged. This was one of the biggest, most complex tasks. Much of this was dependent upon force tasking, support from neighboring forces, organization of frontline forces, logistics (munitions and fuel), and disposition of enemy forces.

To assist with these items, a new and improved path-finding mechanism was developed that considers both the terrain topography and restrictive zones within it. This allows more sensible routing of formations based on the terrain properties.

In addition to Ground Operations tasks, we continue to work on Air Operations related tasks. For instance, many airfields currently have too few parking spaces available for a large DC. We don’t want to be limited to such limited numbers for large scenarios. To address this, we have developed a new process to expand spawn points for aircraft.

Next, we will finalize ground tasking, increase the level of internal and external testing, and begin work on the important Graphic User Interface (GUI).





The DCS Winter Sale 2023 is the perfect time to bolster your arsenal of DCS modules. Take advantage of these festive deals before they disappear! Until 4th of January at 18:00 GMT on Steam and till the 7th of January, 2024 at 15:00 GMT on our Shop, you can enjoy fantastic deals across all our most popular aircraft, terrains, tech packs, and campaigns.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/223750/DCS_World_Steam_Edition/

Thank you again for your passion and support and everything you have done for DCS and the Community in 2023. Onwards and Upwards!

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

• AI aircraft. Fire and smoke adjustments for AI planes: F-5E, F-86F, L-39, MiG-15bis, A-10A, Su-27, Su-33, F-15C, MiG-29A/S, MiG-31, Su-24M/MR, Tu-22M3, Yak-40, KC-135
  
• Weapons. Ka-50. When launched without a locked target, Igla turned with maximum g-load and locked its own aircraft. Now the missile will fly straight in uncontrolled flight.
  
• ME. TF-51D had no RADIO tab in properties - Added the radio panel
  
• FLIR. IR Moon representation in daytime light conditions corrected
  
• TV / CCD sensor issue at night with ZOOM fixed and improved lightmap performance for narrow FOV
  
• Flat Shadows Blur option creates shadows going towards the Sun - fixed

• Fixed: FCR TGT Report is not sent when SEND button pressed

• Fixed: Pilot-operator cannot launch ATGM in multicrew

• Fixed crash on AGM-88 launch in PB mode in some conditions
  
• Fixed: Cannot designate with the A/G radar
  
• Updated RU Hornet manual - 2023 edition, expanded and revised (it was added earlier, but not mentioned):
  entirely new radar section
  added ATFLIR, Litening II
  added JHMCS section
  added SLAM and SLAM-ER weapon sections
  added ASPJ section
  expanded NAV section

• Fixed: CBU-103/105 is unlabelled in SMS

• NEW: Added TARPS pod for both F-14A and F-14B (visual model only) - gameplay features to follow
  
• NEW: Added boarding ladder to static and AI aircraft.
  
• Added TARPS loadouts.
  
• Adjusted loadout restrictions for TARPS pod.
  
• Fixed broken normals on both -A and -B

• Fixed inconsistencies in AI collision model

• MP. Synced gear animation between clients

• Huey VOIP bindings fix (it was added earlier, but not mentioned)

• Fixed: LS-6 and GB-6

• Persian Gulf at sunset. Flat Shadows Blur option creates shadows going towards the Sun - fixed

• DCS: P-51D Debden Eagles Campaign by Reflected Simulations
  
• Added special liveries for P-47, Spitfire and Yak-52.
  
• Corrected position of every P-51

Dive into the Winter Sale on both the DCS World EShop and Steam platforms. This is the perfect time to expand your hangar with up to 50% discount across all our most popular modules.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/223750/DCS_World_Steam_Edition/




2023 saw several improvements to AI ground units in both game performance and behavior. To enhance game performance, AI anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) calculations were optimized and large missions with many ground units now take advantage of the performance gains afforded by multi-threading. Multiplayer was also improved with the synchronization of artillery impact points. Route following of both ground and naval units is important and further improvements will be delivered in early 2024.

Ground units saw some welcome additions such as the ability to load and unload infantry units, the ability for the AI to select between ammunition types more wisely, new reloading sounds, and new voice over audio for player-controlled ground units using Combined Arms.

Radar-directed air defense gun systems got improved target trajectory prediction modeling and the new C-RAM and SA-10 SAM now default to RED alert status with no assigned route.

These efforts will continue in 2024 with more natural and randomized spacing of units in a column, improved ground unit suspension modeling over rough terrain, improved counter-battery tactics for indirect fire systems, new and improved air defense unit responses to anti-radiation missile attack, and more realistic damage modeling and visual effects to ships.






2023 was a big year for both Eagle Dynamics SA and our 3rd party partners. Much of our work focused on improving the DCS core with important enhancements and bug fixes. Some of the more notable core improvements included:

• Multithreading. This has allowed DCS to better utilize multiple CPU cores to provide much improved performance for most players. Players can now crank up their graphic details and/or achieve higher frame rates in 2D and VR.
  
• DLSS and FSR. Deep Learning Super Sampling and FX Super Resolution (FSR) were also added in 2023 to further improve game performance. Combined with multithreading, 2023 has seen the most significant performance increase in DCS history.
  
• Enhanced Voice Chat. Voice Chat received substantial improvements in 2023 with the addition of a better interface, enhanced stability, and communication options.
  
• Improved procedural grass distribution tech was implemented to look more natural adding better shading with ambient occlusion and more realistic traction to wind and rotor blast.

Other important DCS core improvements included a new datalink architecture systems across several aircraft platforms, enhancements to weapon modeling, new visual target sighting options, improved Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) modeling, the addition of new weapon types, updated air-to-air radar modeling, new and improved models for several AI-only units, multiplayer performance and stability improvements, new liveries, multicrew improvements, many new and free missions, several new pilot models, and enhancements to the Mission Editor, to name just a few.

In addition to these DCS core improvements, 2023 saw the release of many exciting DCS modules and campaigns that included the F-15E from RAZBAM, the Mirage F1 EE and BE from Aerges, the Normandy 2 map from Ugra Media, the Sinai map from OneReTech, and many fantastic campaigns.

2023 also saw continued development and improvements across numerous aircraft, maps, assets, and campaigns.

In the spirit of the season, we wish you a Merry Christmas filled with joy, warmth, and memorable moments. Thank you for being a part of our family. DCS is a community-driven project, and your passion fuels our dedication to delivering a world-class simulation. As we navigate towards the skies of 2024, exciting developments lie ahead.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics