As mentioned in our yearly wrap up, one of our biggest projects for this year is the legendary F-16C Fighting Falcon, also called the Viper. In parallel with the Hornet, we already have a sub-team working on the Viper that includes programmers who have completed their Hornet tasks. Much of their focus is currently on the flight model, Flight Control System (FLCS), cockpit and the external model. Using much of what we learned with the Hornet, progress has been good, and is in no way slowing down Hornet completion.
As we pour the concrete, we can start to pass along some of our plans. Please remember they are plans, not timeline promises.
Our Viper will be an F-16C with the Common Configuration Implementation Program (CCIP) upgrade. We feel this to be the most versatile version of the F-16 with capabilities for SEAD, precision attack, close air support, anti-ship, and of course air-to-air. We will be taking great care though to develop a very accurate simulation of the F-16C Block 50 operated by the United States Air Force and Air National Guard circa 2007.
This will be a massive project, so we will separate it into two phases: Phase 1 Early Access release and then Phase 2 Product Sustainment.
Phase 1 Early Access Release:
Color Multifunction Display (CMFD) symbology, Horizontal Situation Display (HSD) format, and Head-up Display (HUD) symbology
Digitally TACAN and Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator (EHSI)
BDU-33, BDU-50LD/HD, Mk-82LDGP, Mk-82AIR, Mk-84LDGP, BLU-109/B, CBU-87 CEM, and CBU-97 SFW unguided bombs
2.75” rockets LAU-68 and LAU-131
Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS)
AIM-9L/M/P/X Sidewinder
AIM-120B/C AMRAAM
M61A1 20mm cannon
Phase 2 Product Sustainment:
Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS)
Link 16 Data Link
AGM-65D/G/H/K Maverick
AGM-88C HARM
AN/ASQ-213 HARM Targeting System (HTS)
Sniper XR Advanced Targeting Pod
GBU-10, GBU-12, GBU-24A/B laser-guided bombs
BRU-57/A Smart Rack
CBU-103 CEM and CBU-105 SFW Inertially Aided Munitions (IAM)
GBU-31/A, GBU-32, and GBU-38/B JDAM
AGM-154/A and /B JSOW
AGM-158/A JASSM
Integration of the JHMCS with the HARM Targeting System (HTS), Link 16, and AIFF
ALE-50 towed decoy
As this project accelerates, we will be providing updates to keep you abreast of our progress to this much awaited addition to DCS World.
A new datalink / SA page element was added today to support for SAM threat zones. These are determined before hand and are static indications based on Mission Editor settings. If the unit is hidden it will not appear on the SA display, if it is not hidden, it will display. Just like the real system, this is NOT a dynamic indication based on RWR or any sensors. It simply alerts the pilot of a reported SAM threat that was entered in the mission file before they even took off.
As mentioned in earlier posts, we are at work on a detailed Aircraft Settings capability through the Options, F/A-18C, Special Tab. This consists of two primary elements: Aircraft Systems and Mission Card. Both will allow you to pre-configure the Hornet before flight in both single and multiplayer. As such, you would be able to setup your own aircraft defaults.
Aircraft Systems include all functions that are NOT specific to mission (.miz) file or Mission Computer settings. This includes such items as lights, bingo fuel, various cockpit switches, altimeter, etc. In this way, you can have your aircraft setup just that way YOU want it.
The Mission Card allows you to set up software options for all missions that includes such items as radar settings, countermeasures, AG weapon programs, and navigation settings.
The third element of mission configuration MUST apply directly to the specific mission file or there will conflict between Aircraft Settings and the mission file… these are the waypoint settings. As always, a mission is created with a set of waypoints and properties when the mission is created by the mission designer. For the Hornet though, we are greatly adapting this to account for a much more realistic Hornet waypoint system that accounts for up to 60 waypoints in the database, of which waypoints can be assigned properties of sequence 1, sequence 2, sequence 3, initial point, A/A waypoint, Pre-Planned (PP), or Pre-Briefed (PB). In the Mission Planner, the player would be able to then adjust these if desired on a per-mission basis. We are also looking to making the Mission Planner available in multiplayer.
This will also include a new waypoint user interface that we’ll share a bit later once it is more solid.
This is all deep in development and very much subject to change. We have no release time frame in mind yet… it will be released to an Open Beta once we feel it’s ready.
I'll be talking about this much more in the next week or two, but basic JDAM is coming along well. Here is an image of the JDAM in Target Of Opportunity (TOO) mode. This will be in addition to the Pre-Planned (PP) mode. Once the the basic modes are in, we will add the dynamic launch zone indications on the HUD and HSI.
In the meantime, we are shooting for (not a promise) D/L SA page and HARM TOO mode for 27 February.
In parallel, LTWS, Aircraft/Mission Card, and wake turbulence are all progressing well.
I will be away for the next week, so there will be no new updates until next week.
DCS World
JTAC has very short designation range - range is increased.
Added binocular with laser to units that assigned for JTAC task.
BDA setting can be enforced now from server to clients.
AIM-9X: AIs will not use the missile to engage targets well outside the range of the missile.
AGM-65: Missiles launched from sides of Triple Rack will have proper trajectory.
Fixed crash related to BGM-109 Tomahawk usage.
AI’s Su-33 will be able to take off from deck of Kuznetsov with proper weight.
MP Server. Slightly corrected the banned list window.
MP Server. Fixed gradual performance loss when there’s no sound card.
ME. Armament HMMWV added to Georgia
ME. Soldiers added to Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
ME. Added Cuba to country list.
Kazakhstan Air Force will speak in Russian, not English.
MiG-29A. Added Kazakhstan KazAADF 2008 skin by Asker Askerov.
Radar missile usage crash fixed.
Wingmen air refueling crash fixed.
Ground units - crash on recon mode fixed.
Missile launch warning system crash fixed.
Aircraft Big formations. Crash appearing in case of destruction of the leading flight is fixed.
Fixed crash when switching maps.
Function "onPlayerTryConnect" now send correct message to a client when connection has been refused.
ME. Fixed issue with Cuba country that replacing the Third Reich
Helicopter special troops: On the helicopter there is no menu for embarking commandos if the first commando in the group is killed.
DCS M-2000C by RAZBAM
Added Overwing Vapor
External model updated
DCS AV-8B by RAZBAM
Fixed: NRAS Cannot be entered and does not display NRAS cue.
Fixed: Pitch Caret can not be changed on the ODU.
Fixed Helmet decal showing on the visor and oxygen mask of the pilot
DCS Christen Eagle II by Magnitude 3 LLC
Fixed pilots' textures showing on 3D mesh.
DCS C-101 by AvioDev
Fixed MPR power as a function of altitude (MPR doesn't decrease power at high altitude anymore).
Added oil pressure drop when engine damaged.
Added C-101CC engine fire when damaged.
Improved engine failure when damaged.
Rudder, aileron, elevator, horizontal stabilizer, flaps and speed brake flight model damage implemented.
Added engine fire for C-101CC to flight model damages.
Batteries, inverters, generator, starter, engine oil leak, engine fire, hydraulic leak, gunsight lamps flight model damage implemented (WIP).
Fixed wheels damaged collision model.
Added batteries and inverters destruction when the nose detaches.
Added generator destruction when engine section is damaged.
Added aerodynamic drag increase when nose is teared.
Added starter destruction due to engine section damage.
Fixed IFR mission #2, which was broken due to new advanced flight model.
Added failures set in Mission Editor (WIP) for: generator, starter, batteries, inverters, oil pressure drop, fuel leak, engine seized, hydraulic leak, elevator loss, aileron loss, rudder loss, pitot tube blocked, static port blocked and gunsight lamps failure.
Front-rear cockpits synchronization in multiplayer: fixed batteries isolation pushbuttons, added essential circuit transfer, added engine anti-ice and engine computer pushbuttons (partially), fixed pitch trim synchronization (partially).
Fixed hydraulic pressure in AFM. It's now zero at cold start and increases/decreases during engine start/stop or crank.
Added PART. METAL. (CHIP DETECT) warning light to C-101EB.
Crank will not work if there is starter failure.
Pilot’s arm patches are not visible when pilot body is not showing.
Rework on aircraft numerals (changed color for Chilean numeral).
Fixed Spanish patches for Matacan and Claex skins.
Engine seizure after some time with low oil pressure or mishandling in that condition.
Improved pilot liveries for default skin.
Added kneeboard to pilot model.
Altimeter indication freeze if pitot tube and static ports are blocked.
Changed name: Gunsight lamps failure.
DCS F/A-18C
TOT HUD indicator is reversed - fixed.
BRA bearing should not change based on azimuth setting
When the player selects a different radar azimuth setting, the BRA bearing will not changing.
Added Realistic/Unrealistic TDC Slew option for compensate issue with hardware TDC of the Thrustmaster Warthog.
Fixed High Drag Bomb Fuze Errors.
Fixed some errors in the Early Access Guide.
Adjusted pullup cue and Break X logic.
Corrected unguided weapons accuracy.
DCS Mi-8MTV2
Spring Tension Campaign:13th miz - Mi-28 doesn't attack targets - fixed.
DCS Spitfire IX
Cockpit. Corrected Pitot heat switch marking.
The glass material of canopy will not be detached from the canopy frame.
Persian Gulf Map
Al Dhafra Airbase. Player will able to call the Rearming and refuel panel even from the farthest parking.
Campaigns
The Enemy Within 3 Campaign by Baltic Dragon:
Mission 01- corrected typo in coordinates given by Overlord (text).
Mission 04 - corrected rare bug where Axeman would send radio messages after being killed, corrected F10 menu items not disappearing when they should, corrected some overlaping radio messages.
F-15C Aggressors BFM Campaign by Mapple Flag. Some minor briefing text updates and unit repositioning.
In addition to the creation of new modules, maps, and campaigns, we are also quite busy updating older content. Because DCS World is such a long-lived product that is continually updated, some content will become, and look outdated as the technology advances. Two good examples of this are the very popular A-10C Warthog and Ka-50 Blackshark modules. These modules are receiving significant updates that include a complete re-build of the cockpit geometry and textures. These will take advantage of deferred shading, physical based rendering, and proper VR projection in regards it the A-10C.
In parallel, we also continue to update older AI units, the Su-34 Fullback being the most recent example. Over time, we will also update other older models like the C-17, Tu-95, and others. However, given the extreme detail put into each of these modules, it takes time.
In today’s newsletter, we have a look at the new geometry that has been created for the A-10C cockpit.
DCS: P-51D Mustang Blue Nosed Bastards of Bodney Campaign for Steam Release
The Datalink and Situational Awareness (SA) Display of the F/A-18C Hornet - Introduction
This week we plan to release the initial version of the MIDS/Link-16 datalink / Situational Awareness (SA) page for the Hornet. This is a basic, introduction video to get you started understanding the system. Later, once the datalink is feature complete, I’ll create a full academic video, interactive training mission, and an updated manual.
A few notes to keep in mind:
1- This is the initial version with more features to follow like automatic IFF modes, IFF code XP and AI setup, Link-4/HARM/FLIR display options, declutter options, flight ground target markers, basic ROE indications, MIDS voice, and a few more.
2- The logic that determines when a target is own-ship classified unknown, hostile or friendly is determined by an ROE matrix of factors. In this initial release it will be determined by Mode 4, but later we will probably factor in NCTR and SURV.
3- An NCTR print requires an L&S or STT lock, therefore I was unsuccessful in the print attempt. My error.
4- Friendly PPLI data is always fuel state, not range.
5- Later with the TXSDSG, it will be based on flight TGT ground designations, not necessarily WPDSG (it can, but not always).
6- I did not show it, but the static SAM threat rings will be included in the version this week.
7- Sorry for the low energy, I’m recovering from a cold and I’m dead inside.
This week in the Open Beta we will release the next mode of the HARM, namely TOO mode. This video is to introduce the use of the HARM in this mode. A few notes:
1- Later, we will add the TOO TD box to the HUD.
2- In addition to the line above the emitter that indicates the radar is locking you, an F indicates it is a friendly emitter and a “U” shape indicates a naval emitter.
3- When enabled, LIMIT only shows the 5 highest priority emitters. Otherwise, up to 15 emitters can be displayed.
4- Like SP mode, there is no range indication.
5- Once TOO mode is done, we will implement Pre-Briefed and Pull-Back modes.
6- Once HARM is done, then we will focus on the targeting pod.
7- Yes, I’m still sick and hopped up on cold medicine.
List of HARM TOO classes:
ALL. All classes of radars
FRD. Friendly radars
HOS. Hostile radars
FN. Friendly naval radars
HN. Hostile naval radars
F1. Old friendly radars
F2. New friendly radars
H1. Old hostile radars
H2. New hostile radars
FAA. Friendly AAA
HAA. Hostile AAA
FS. Friendly search radars
HS. Hostile search radars
UKN. Unknown radars
PRI. Radars locked to player aircraft
After the datalink, SA page, and TOO mode for HARM this week, we then plan Latent Track While Scan (LTWS), JDAM, Aircraft/Mission Card, and some bugs fixes for the 13 March Open Beta. This is an estimate and not a promise.
As has been mentioned before, the engineer assigned to the HARM is also assigned to the targeting pod. So, once HARM is done (PB and pullback modes), he will work on the TGP. Also, in the very near future, we plan to revisit the Hornet flight model, the JDAM flight model (INS-GPS autopilot), and other weapon Launch Acceptable Region (LAR) profiles.
The MiG-19P will initially be available on Open Beta.
The MiG-19P Farmer was designed by the legendary Mikoyan Design Bureau in the Early 1950’s and was the Soviet Union’s first true supersonic interceptor that could exceed Mach 1 in level flight.
Designed to take on enemy fighters and bombers at any time of day or night and in any weather condition, the Farmer was equipped with the RP-5 lzumrud radar in the nose and armed with two NR-30 30mm cannons in the wing roots. The Farmer is also able to carry an array of ground attack weapons that include S-5M rockets and various general-purpose bombs. It is a lethal interceptor with conventional ground attack capabilities.
We are proud to bring you this exciting addition to DCS World. The Farmer is highly-optimized to work within DCS World and takes advantage of its unrivalled combat environment that only Eagle Dynamics can offer.
Key Features that the MiG-19 Farmer for DCS World by RAZBAM include:
The flight model provides realistic performance and flightcharacteristics. The flight model will see further refinements in coming weeks and months
Highly detailed 3D model and animations
Highly detailed and accurate 6 DOF cockpit with mouse-interactive controls.
Realistic modelling of the aircraft systems including electrical, fuel, hydraulics, lighting, engine and navigation
High-resolution 3D model and cockpit textures, including specular and bump mapping as well as deferred shading and Physical Based Rendering (PBR)
NR-30 30mm Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground cannons
Air-to-Air missiles
S-5M Rocket pods
Realistic afterburner
Numerous skins
Instant action, single, and a campaign
Interactive training lessons and videos
DCS Dedicated Server Release!
At long last the DCS World Dedicated Server is available to all! In our quest to greatly improve the DCS World online experience, this is a cornerstone element and will play a pivotal role as DCS World Online moves forward. The Dedicated Server is available to anyone that wishes to run one.
Features of the Dedicated Server include:
Run a server without the need of a render. This allows a server to need less RAM and only a very simple video card.
The CPU processor load is lower, so you can use a less-powerful CPUs or run more complicated missions instead.
You can run multiple copies of a Dedicated Server on one PC. Computer capabilities can be used more fully when you start servers in different CPU threads.
A Dedicated Server can be controlled remotely via WebGUI.
Although we have tested extensively internally and with several community servers, there may be non-official scripts that will not function well with a Dedicated Server. We ask that you report such issues and/or avoid using non-supported scripts.
DCS: Combined Arms Frontlines Georgia Campaign Available on Steam
The Combined Arms: Frontlines Georgia campaign is the first all Combined Arms single player campaign. In this campaign you will experience many different aspects of Combined Arms combat in DCS World, from commanding many units over a number of different objectives to sitting in a tank and commanding a platoon of tanks from the driver's seat. Get it now from Steam
Because the D/L had to add new elements to the .miz file, you may need to re-save your Hornet missions that include C2 aircraft. If that still does not work, please delete and replace C2 units.
Thanks for the excellent OB reporting so far. This highlights the great value of the OBs.
As some have correctly deduced, we also implemented realistic frequencies for A/A TACAN that do not interfere with the datalink. If you are having issues of C2 aircraft, C2 contacts, and some PPLI not appearing on the SA page, note that that TACAN functionality is embedded in the MIDS terminal. Because the upper antenna filter is fixed, it filters A/A TACAN frequencies on channels 1-36 and 64-99 (X and Y). A/A TACAN channels should be chosen outside of these ranges. The upper filter makes the top antenna unusable for T/R (Air to Ground) TACAN channels 1-29 X and Y, 47X to 63X and 64Y to 92Y. For TACAN channels in these ranges, the bottom antenna is the only antenna for TACAN. [This] causes reduced ranges for DME at channels within the range of the filter when flying directly away from the TACAN station.
In addition to setting TACANs within the correct range, also be sure to set the initial waypoint of an AWACS to include an EPLRS advanced waypoint action set to ON.
PThank you again for the Open Beta reports. These help greatly and we’ve already made many fixes for the next update. Some of these include:
1- Corrected roll based on crosswind.
2- Ghost SA contacts fixed.
3- Adjusted Link-16 frequency to not conflict with TACAN and IFF.
4- Unknown contacts no long longer have HUD diamond, denoting hostile.
5- SA TDC now has highest rendering order.
6- SA TDC and data values are now the correct, yellow color.
7- Contacts that are ownship and donor hostile identified now have caret HAFU on HUD.
8- NCTR can also now print targets from 30-degree rear aspect using JEM.
There are of course other items being addresses, but this is just in the past day.
Following a lengthy client satisfaction review of our existing Bonus Program, we are delighted to announce the new DCS World Loyalty Program. This will replace the Bonus Program and will provide a simpler way to earn rewards and more freedom to use them!
ED Miles are similar in many ways to airline miles and can be earned/awarded and used as follows:
Regardless if a product has just been released, is already on sale or in pre-purchase, you will always earn ED Miles on the price you paid for the purchase. For each purchase, you will earn 10% of the Purchase Price in ED Miles. As an example: if you purchase something for USD 29.99 you will be awarded 2990 ED Miles worth USD 2.99 on the DCS World e-Shop.
You can use ED Miles to purchase any product participating in the program, regardless if they are just released, already on sale, or as a pre-purchase!
There is no limit on the number of ED Miles you can use for a purchase. If you have enough ED Miles, you can even pay for an entire product just using ED Miles.
ED Miles earned are valid for three calendar years from the time of your last DCS World e-Shop purchase.
Existing Bonus points will expire in 2019 on a date to be confirmed.
Note that ED Miles cannot be redeemed for cash or any other conversion, and a list of 3rd parties participating in the program will be provided at launch.
DCS: F-14 Tomcat Coming Next Week
The F-14 Tomcat developed by Heatblur Simulations will be available next week on 13 March 2019 for both the DCS World e-Shop and Steam. Purchase now and take advantage of the pre-order discount; only a few days are left!
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a two-crew, variable geometry, maritime air superiority fighter that served with the US Navy for 32 years and continues to serve with the IRIAF in Iran. The F-14 was the US Navy's frontline fighter from the 1970s until the mid-2000s. Over the course of its long service life it also became the US Navy’s premier precision ground-attack platform and lone airborne reconnaissance asset.
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Outstanding features of the aircraft are the swing-wing configuration, crew of two, and the powerful AN/AWG-9 Weapons Control System (WCS) and radar. The AWG-9 allows employment of the powerful AIM-54 Phoenix air to air missile while the LANTIRN pod allows the ability to carry out precision ground strikes using laser guided bombs. The F-14 Tomcat was present during many pivotal historic moments such as the two Gulf of Sidra incidents, Operation Desert storm in Iraq, the conflict in Yugoslavia, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was also immortalized in the iconic motion picture, Top Gun, and starred in several other feature films including The Final Countdown, Executive Decision, and others.
DCS: Christen Eagle II Available on Steam
The Christen Eagle II by Magnitude 3 LLC is now available on from Steam
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