As has mentioned a few times over the past few months, most of the team that were assigned to the Hornet have moved their focus onto the Viper. However, we’ve still have staff on the Hornet with the focus on completing the Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) and correcting bugs. Please see our change logs for the long lists of corrected Hornet items.
Following early access exit, development will certainly not cease. When development resources allow, we all plan some additional changes and improvements regarding:
MSI tuning and some functions
Radar tuning
Flight model and FCS tuning
ATFLIR tuning including offset logic
HARM tuning
Flight Director Mode
Static MUMI Page
GBU-24 auto-pilot
TALD
We also hope to add the Mk-77, Multiple Fuze Types, IAM Terminal Settings, Loft Mode IAMs, and GEN-X, but these rely on tasks outside of the Hornet.
Development on the AH-64D module is going well. However, due to progress on the “George” AI and flight control system components, we have decided to postpone the Early Access release to the end of January 2022. This additional time will allow us to further develop the flight control systems, hold modes, damage model, missions, skins and other items. As a token of our appreciation for your pre-orders, we are increasing your pre-order ED miles up to 8,500.
Powerplant
The detailed model of the T700-GE-701C powerplant, its Hydromechanical Unit (HMU), and Digital Electronic Control Unit (DECU) have been developed. This includes the compressor and its hydromechanical unit, compressor turbine, combustion chamber, and power-turbine.
Calculations of the angle of attack on both the compressor and turbine blades allow us to determine dependencies between the power-turbine state (main rotor RPM rise or fall for instance) and the state of the compressor, which in turn affects the behaviour of the power-turbine. This allows our model to closely match realistic behaviour in the transition processes for speed changes, main rotor pitch changes, and anti-torque pedal routines.
The engine, DECU and main rotor characteristics modeling have achieved an accuracy error of 2-3% for documented normal flight parameters and 4-5% for emergency flight regimes and environments (high temp. from 35°С and above as well as high altitude low density regimes).
Engine, Flight and Fuel Pages
The Engine page provides important data on the aircraft's engine torque, temperatures, RPM, and main rotor speed. The Flight page includes heads-down information on the performance of the aircraft with the ability to set important mission flight data. The fuel page includes an intuitive display of the fuel storage, flow and transfer systems.
Progress on the new Mi-24 pilot is going smoothly. In the screenshots above you can see flight gloves and a Soviet navigator's watch. In 1976, the First Moscow Watch Factory (Poljot Watch Factory) began production of a new stopwatch: the Navigator chronograph model 3133. This model was produced in limited numbers for the military and is currently not available for sale.
We are also modelling the S-4U rescue parachute designed for pilots with a total mass of up to 120 kg. The parachute is immediately deployed after separation from the aircraft during horizontal flight at speeds of up to 400km/hour and at altitudes between 70m to 4000m.
General Flight Model - Development Report
Today we would like to introduce our new AI aircraft Flight Model to you. This new FM, which we have named General Flight Model (GFM), will initially be rolled out across all fighter jets and then step by step to WWII AI aircraft. Note that our Helicopter AI FM is already flying with a similar GFM using Rigid Body Physics, contact model and complex rotor physics. This extensive development is still very much work in progress and we look forward to providing you more details in the new year.
We are using DCS: MiG-29S Fulcrum C as an effective test bed for developing the characteristics of crosswind take off and landing, strafing, re-joining formations, general aerobatics, turbulent conditions and air-to -air engagement. Take a look at an example of the new GFM in this: DCS World General Flight Model development video. The lead aircraft is being flown by our Chief aerodynamics and physics expert, Dima ‘Yoyo’ Moskalenko and the other 3 aircraft are AI controlled. Did you notice how No 4 pilot couldn’t handle the super tight loop at minute 4:35 and got out of formation, into turbulence but still managed to get stuck back in? Enjoy!
Before describing our new General Flight Model (GFM) for AI, it may be useful to review the development history of flight models in DCS since inception. Initially, we used a trajectory model called Standard (SFM) for human players and a very simple model for AI which used primitive laws of physics. Eventually, the Advanced Flight Model (AFM) and its successor, the Professional Flight model (PFM) were developed and the SFM was adapted for AI aircraft. Although SFM produces accurate trajectory parameters such as turn rate, specific excess power, flight envelope, etc. it suffers from a lack of natural short-period movement and switched models for ground and flight.
Expanding the use of PFM or even AFM for AI aircraft wouldn’t be smart due to several key factors, notably AFM and PFM both require substantial work to create each individual aircraft flight data model. In addition, processor workload for runtime data in the mission would be excessive and greatly affect performance, especially when many different aircraft are present in the mission.
The approach in our new GFM will deliver accurate AI trajectory performance and copy the PFM’s short-period characteristics from the player-controlled models that we already have. The GFM ‘pilot’ will use the same control surface deflection as PFM and can naturally stall and spin as well; the GFM also experiences air turbulence. It is interesting to note that the short period characteristics of the new models also naturally depend on Mach numbers.
The greatest challenge when starting the work on GFM was creating a unique multi-level autopilot system capable of controlling any and all aircraft. Unlike standard autopilot programming approaches, which demand that each aircraft be adjusted individually, the new approach permits automatic use of aircraft flight parameters. This saves substantial time and delivers more accurate and realistic auto-pilot behaviour that is particularly appreciated for trans-sonic and supersonic regime changes, which now no longer require substantial tuning.
This fundamental work required about two years of programming with formation flying alone requiring an additional 5 months of intense development. The main task was to teach the AI to fly correctly but not as a supernatural drone but rather as a human pilot would, including micro-delays, errors and limitations. Soon, every pilot can practice the formation lead role and develop highly realistic skills without having to play online and depend on inadequate wingmen to hone his talent.
All ordinary tasks such as takeoff, landing, aerial combat, ground strikes and bombing were also entirely re-written. Implementation is expected during 2022.
In this DCS: F-16C Viper video, we’ll discuss the semi-automatic and automatic dispense modes for the Countermeasure and Dispenser Set, or CMDS. This is a continuation of the earlier CMDS lesson that discussed setting up programs to release chaff and flares. Please see the linked card.
Programs 1 to 4 can be selected from the programs dial on the CMDS panel and initiated by pressing forward on the CMS switch, Program 5 is triggered from the slap switch above the throttle, and Program six is run by pressing left on the CMs switch.
Each of the six programs can be edited from the CMDS DED page. Select LIST and the CMDS button 7. From the main CMDS DED page we can set bingo levels and turn on and off the voice alerts for countermeasure release feedback and request counter when using the semi-automatic mode.
Dobber right brings us to Program 1 and we can cycle to the other Programs by pressing the Steerpoint rocker switch on the ICP.
Earlier, we just had the manual release mode as selected from the CMDS panel, and this would manually run the selected program. We now though have the semi-automatic and automatic options from the CMDS modes dial.
When set to semi-automatic and your aircraft has been locked, “counter” will be heard and DISPENSE RDY will be displayed on the CMDS panel. It up to you to manually initiate the selected program. Again, this can be Programs 1 to 4 as selected on the CMDS program dial with a CMS switch forward press, Program 5 by pressing the slap switch, and Program six by pressing CMS switch left. This gives you the potential for three different Programs at your fingertips.
When the CMDS dial is set to AUTO, the CMDS will automatically run the selected program on the CMDS panel. You will need to be careful with this though as it could quickly exhaust your countermeasures if not careful.
Also, on the CMDS mode dial is the bypass option. When selected, pressing CMS forward will release one chaff and one flare. This cannot be modified until we add the data cartridge option.
We are now engaged in new features for DCS: F-16C Viper and look forward to sharing the details with you in the next Open Beta update. It is with great pleasure that we can guarantee you the arrival of the ECM Pod, a very much improved HSD cursor, new AG features for the helmet and semi-automatic and automatic countermeasure programs. Also, keep your eyes peeled for an updated FLIR picture.
AH-64D - Development Progress
Dynamic Modelling
Currently we have achieved satisfactory flight dynamics parameters resulting from payload, fuel quantity, aerodynamic surfaces (wings, fin, horizontal stabilizer) and main gear. Any changes of payload or fuel affect the center of gravity horizontally and vertically which in turn changes inertia, controllability and balance state of the helicopter in flight.
Overall, the AH-64D Flight Modeling is step by step approaching an excellent level of “realism” and our SMEs are enthusiastic with the results to date. Each and every correction or modification step in the flight model (tail rotor characteristics change for instance) requires another run of the checks for balancing characteristics and flight dynamics. Because of that we are constantly doing test flights and correcting inaccuracies.
3D Models Development Progress
We have prepared a preview of the appearance of 3D ground units to infrared sensors. In the above screenshots, you may notice attention has been made to the signature of tires, which increase in brightness based on distance driven over various terrain types. We are doing our best to consider the shape and size of the objects, temperature, reflection of external sources.
Infrared signatures vary significantly with changing season, time of day and engine loading. The guns, cannons and engines will also emit contrasting radiant intensities and cooling times will also be part of the overall FLIR improvements, coming soon.
In an earlier video, we explored many of the air-to-air functions for the Helmet Mounted Cueing System (HMCS) of the Viper. In this video, we will review its air-to-ground functions that include steerpoint and sensor point of interest display; JDAM, JSOW, and WCMD cueing; Maverick cueing; and setting a Mark Point as a sub-mode of MUD Markpoint creation.
The Sensor of Interest (SOI) must first be assigned to the HUD and the weapons must be in Visual (VIS) mode. To move the designation to the HMCS, press Target Management Switch (TMS) forward for more than 0.5 seconds and release. To return the designation to the HUD, press TMS aft.
When the designation is assigned to the HMCS, TMS forward to ground stabilize and TMS aft to return the designation to the aiming cross if the designation has been slewed using the radar cursor slew switch.
With the introduction of ECM for our Viper, we will start with the ALQ-184 short pod, and then follow it with the ALQ-184 long pod and ALQ-131 pod. ECM operations can be conducted in Self Protection Jammer (SPJ) mode (Position 1 and 2 on the Transmit switch) and Barrage Noise Jammer (Position 3 on the Transmit switch).
CMS aft and right on the control stick are used to activate and deactivate ECM transmission.
ECM is most effective against hostile radar acquisition greater than 25 nm. Under this range, ECM is less effective.
We have plans though to further improve our global ECM environment with more effective and realistic jamming effects. For SPJ Position 1 and 2, we hope to later enable Radar Priority for Position 1 and Jammer Priority for Position 2 (also for the Hornet), but it is not possible currently.
For now, Position 1 and 2 behave the same as Radar in Priority.
In parallel, we are also adding jamming effects to the FCR.
In addition to the ECM pod functions coming to the Viper, we will also be introducing jamming effects on the FCR. When the FCR can generate azimuth, range, Vc, etc. data for a target and the target is jamming, a yellow double-chevron symbol is placed over the contact. If, however, range cannot be resolved due to jamming, a yellow, double-chevron symbols is placed along the top of the FCR page along the detected azimuth angle of jamming.
The attached image shows examples of both of these conditions and a non-jamming contact.
The DCS Winter Sale 2021 is here, and it will run until the 10th of January at 15:00 GMT. Please take this opportunity to upgrade your DCS World with new aircraft, maps and asset packs! Checkout the eShop and find up to 50% discounts across our most popular modules.
Mi-24P Hind - Development Progress
We are eager to share progress on the new pilot model for DCS: Mi-24P Hind. Please enjoy the In Development Screenshots of the textured gloves and Poljot Chronograph 3133 manual winding, shock protected watch.
Open Beta 2.7.9 - Development Progress
As the end of the year approaches, the upcoming Open Beta will mark an important update to DCS World. We are currently resolving some of the outstanding WWII issues and completing several new features for DCS: F-16C Viper. If you have not already, please check out the new videos in the Viper tutorial series by Matt Wagner.
Since I created the Viper ECM video, we have been able to enable separate SPJ responses for the XMIT switch in Position 1 and 2. We hope to include this in the next update, but it will depend on testing results.
When XMIT is in Position 1 we have Radar Priority. When in Radar Priority and the jammer is transmitting and ownship radar and HARM/HTS performance is reduced by 40%.
When XMIT is in Position 2 we have ECM Priority. When in ECM Priority, the FCR and HARM/HTS are silenced unless an AIM-120 is the active weapon. In this case, it behaves the same as Position 1.
The overall jamming effect on hostile radars has also been substantially increased.
We plan to also implement this for the Hornet's jammer, but I do not have a time estimate yet.
Electonic attack will be playing a bigger role in DCS in 2022.
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