In the next big update for the Hornet, we will add two, new radar modes: Wide Auto-Acquisition (WACQ) and SPOT.
The WACQ mode has both a fixed 6-bar, 30-degrees (60-degrees total) of azimuth at 10 nm range and an uncaged mode that allows the TDC to slew the space-stabilized scan center. SPOT mode enables you to designate a location within the tactical area of the air-to-air radar display and depress and hold the TDC to initiate a 22-degree search centered on the TDC location.
Key Commands from Controls / F/A-18C Sim / HOTAS:
Sensor Control Switch – Fwd: Right Alt + ;
Sensor Control Switch – Left: Right Alt + ,
Throttle Designator Control (TDC)) – Depress: Enter Undesignate/Nose Wheel Steer Switch: Right Alt + Space
We are pleased to inform you that Open Beta 2.7.0 is progressing well and will soon be available. This update will bring noticeable changes to DCS World including the new Clouds and fire effects as well as our advanced WWII propeller technology.
We are working fast towards moving DCS: F/A-18C Hornet to Release state and you will enjoy some substantial enhancements which will be visible in the 2.7 Open Beta release. Extensive work on the ATFLIR targeting pod as well as the AGM-88C HARM modes has been completed as well as the Coupled Autopilot mode and new Radar modes which are also now in final testing.
Bringing PB mode to the HARM for both Viper and Hornet required us to develop new math models capable of accurately predicting the optimum missile flight profile and the limits of the missile’s range envelope. Please read our HARM development research below.
2.7 - Is Coming
If all goes well, DCS World Open Beta 2.7.0 should be launching on the 14th of April 2021 and will introduce the new Clouds and their large range of presets to choose from in the Mission Editor. We are also working on a Cloud generator capable of creating on-demand visual representations of much larger clouds such as towering cumulus and cumulonimbus. After the initial launch, we will continue the development of natural cloud cycles, severe weather behaviour, thunderstorms and fog.
The new Clouds require weapon and radar atmospheric models to be significantly updated at the logic layer. We are sure that you recognise that this process is man-hour intensive and requires rigorous debugging. We thank you for your patience and support as we work towards steadily enhancing DCS World as a whole.
WWII in 2.7 - Propellers
A notable update coming to 2.7 is our unique and new technology that calculates the exact location of every propeller blade. This offers the possibility to draw a very accurate representation of the spinning propeller dependent on the type of prop, the number of blades, specific RPM and prop pitch.
This approach allows for smoother blade transitions from still, to idle, through to taxing and take off, as well as proper transparency from all viewing angles, aircraft speeds, power settings and blade pitch.
We have prepared for you this teaser video which demonstrates this new approach and we look forward to your feedback with great eagerness.
F/A-18C Hornet - New Features
The 2.7 update for DCS World will also see significant new functionality for the Hornet.
Highlights include the ATFLIR targeting pod that will be available in parallel with the existing Litening targeting pod.
The ATFLIR includes new field of view and zoom options, the ability to slew the sensor line of sight while in SCENE mode, display of waypoint markers and expanded coordinate display options.
The Coupled Autopilot mode allows the aircraft to automatically fly to a set location. This can be a waypoint, TACAN station, or target (TGT) location when in AUTO delivery mode.
The new radar modes include the automatic wide acquisition mode (WACQ) that allows both a wide auto-acquisition scan and the ability to slew the centre of the automatic scan area.
Two new modes for the AGM-88C HARM anti-radiation missile will also be available: Pre-Briefed mode which allows the engagement of hostile surface radars from long range, and the Self Protect with Pull Back option which allows automatic HARM engagement of SAM threats as well as the ability to disable the weapon in flight.
Please check out our instruction videos here: DCS: F/A-18C Hornet | New HARM Modes.
Following the release of DCS World 2.7, we will release additional Hornet features that include:
AGM-84K SLAM-ER land attack missile
Offset Aim Points (OAP)
RAID Single Target Track (STT) Mode
New flares with increased carriage
We look forward to sharing more information soon.
HARM - Development Report
Predicting optimum missile flight profile and envelope range limits
At first, we updated the HARM missile autopilot to make lofted trajectories more realistic. This is now not only limited to constant climb angle but also includes semi-ballistic flight with an optimal angle that provides a smooth trajectory, increasing missile velocity at impact and minimising time of flight.
Optimal loft angle is computed by the aircraft and passed to the missile prior to launch. To calculate the missile range envelope we used a regression model which required us to perform tens of thousands of HARM launch simulations in varying conditions. The generated data was then passed to our regression model and compiled into just a few equations with several dozens of relevant coefficients.
Solving these equations with respect to different variables allows us to obtain different types of usable data. For example, on the Viper’s HUD you can see maximum missile range, missile range for current flight conditions and pitch or turn angle required to hit the target within missile range.
Missile range depends on the aircraft velocity, altitude, pitch and azimuth to target, thus the missile’s range envelope is bounded by a 4D hyper-surface which we can represent partially for fixed altitude and velocity, which defines a section of the 4D surface. Below you may see such a section with range depending on target azimuth and aircraft pitch only.
Petrovich Al's overall philosophy is based on the 'Functionality First' principle. The flight commands interface for Pilot-Operator to Pilot-Commander will be via a virtual HSI offering specific commands and sub-modes. This interface is controllable simply by use of the 4-way hat or 4 buttons (for keyboard ops) in addition to the use of the modern HOTAS practices of long and short presses.
We also aim to use the Pilot-Commander's line of sight for target spotting and designation functions with transmission to the Pilot-Operator for further target recognition and engagement. A 'human' delay in response times is simulated and is measured from tester multi-crew interaction data and military practice guidelines for target spotting, identification and selection as well as the correct 'click to weapon activation' cycle times of the real platform.
In addition, we are planning to prepare a special mode for Multiplayer slots, where Petrovich can be assigned limited abilities. These can be toggled per slot and chosen by the mission designer at will. As for the Al voices, we are planning to use two different Russian voices for each seat in the helicopter. Both gentlemen are former operational military pilots and will deliver English and Russian versions. More details will be made available in future Newsletters.
Black Shark 3 - Development Progress
We are progressing well with the development of DCS: Black Shark 3 which will give the well-known Ka-50 attack helicopter a brand new external 3D model, enhanced cockpit and new features that expand gameplay, these include.
Helicopter missile warning system (MWS) implementation
Air-to-Air Igla missile implementation
The sensors of the MWS will be integrated into the onboard defense system with the ability to display detected missile threats on the ABRIS.
Igla missiles are similar to those used in MANPADS and can hit subsonic aircraft at ranges up to 6 km. To cater for these new missiles, two new pylons are added to the wingtips bringing the total number of hardpoints to six. These missiles are operated in a similar mode to the Boresight mode which is used on many Russian aircraft. Once power to the missile is on and the seeker axis directed to the target, the seeker can lock on to its heat signature. As the target enters the launch envelope of the weapon, the pilot can be ‘fire and forget’.
Existing owners of the Blackshark 2 are free to continue flying the legacy Ka-50 or to upgrade to the new Blackshark 3 for a very reasonable price. Newcomers will be able to buy the full retail version as usual.
Building upon lessons learned from the AGM-84E SLAM, the AGM-84H SLAM-ER adds greater range, a more effective Man-in-the-Loop (MITL) guidance system, and the ability to create intermediate steerpoints to reach the target.
The missile is armed with an 800 lbs. warhead. The SLAM-ER is a long-rage, precision strike weapon that has a range of 155 nm. The system can be launched at a known coordinate using GPS/INS guidance in fire-and-forget mode, or guide to a coordinate and allow the pilot to manually steer the missile with in infrared seeker to a target of opportunity. MITL also allows attacking a moving target.
In addition to navigation waypoints (WYPT), any waypoint can also be set as an Off Set Point (OAP) with an assigned Offset (O/S) location. This is a point created in relation to the waypoint in range, bearing, and elevation. The Off Set (O/S) can then be selected as an alternate target point from the OAP reference.
We would like to share our progress on DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark 3. As you can see the 2A42 30mm cannon model is undergoing a substantial update and when completed will boast a new algorithm, soundscape, and enhanced animations. We look forward to sharing more information with you soon.
Two new pylons for Air-To-Air missiles that have been added to the wingtips. This brings the total number of hardpoints to six.
The ABRIS
We are currently finalising development of the Abris Missile Warning System, and as seen in the above image in which two missiles are detected. The closer threat is considered the dangerous one, and it is marked with a flashing circle.
Welcome to this first instruction video for our upcoming Mil-24P for DCS World, developed by Eagle Dynamics. Given the codename Hind F by NATO and called the Flying Tank by its aircrews, the Mil-24 is a backbone of the Russian attack helicopter force since the early 1970s, and it serves with many countries. The HIND was most notable for its operations in Afghanistan by Soviet forces.
In addition to its primary role as an attack helicopter, the Hind also has a crew compartment for eight passengers. This functionality will come later in its development as part of a larger update to DCS World.
Derived from the Mil-8 helicopter, the Hind uses a tricycle landing gear, twin bubble canopy cockpits, an aerodynamics, narrow fuselage design, and lift-producing stub-wings with three attachment points each. Like the Mil-8, it has the distinctive double-engine intakes behind the pilot cockpit and a five-blade rotor system. Critical sections around the gear boxes and cockpit are armored against 12.7mm rounds with 4 to 6mm steel armor around the cockpits.
The Hind is a fast helicopter thanks to its retractable landing gear, narrow fuselage, powerful engines, and the 5- blade rotor system. This provides a general top speed of 335 kph, or 208 mph, with a service ceiling of 4,900 meters or 16,100 feet.
The two Isotov TV3-117VMA turboshaft engines, develope 2,200shp each. The internal fuel capacity is 1,770kg, and it provides a tactical radius of 176 km, or 96 nm, when loaded with two S-8 rocket pods, four ATGMs, and 250 30mm rounds.
With four external fuel tanks, it has a ferry range of up to 950 km, or 519 nm.
Let’s now talk about the weapons of the Hind. While most of these will be available at early access launch, some, like the R-60M, will become available during the early access period.
• A twin-barrel 30mm autocannon with 250 rounds.
• Unguided rocket types include S-5 55mm, S-8 80mm, S-13 122mm, and S-24B 24cm.
• Both 9M114 "Shturm-V" and 9M120 "Ataka" anti-tank guided missiles.
• 100-, 250-, and 500-kilogram bombs.
• KMGU dispensers.
• 12.7- and 7.62mm gun pods.
• 30mm grenade launchers.
• The R-60M air-to-air missile.
Raduga-Sh optical sight is used by the front-seat pilot-operator to employ the anti-tank guided missiles.
Upon missile launch, the Hind can maneuver +/- 60-degrees in azimuth and +/- 30-degrees of roll from the target. The SPO-10 radar warning receiver alerts the pilot or radar-guided threats. The Mil-24P is equipped with the ASO-2V chaff and flare dispenser system that has up to 192 expendables in 2x3 sets with 32 shells in each set.
In this DCS: Mil-24P Hind instruction video, we’ll learn a greatly abbreviated start procedure to bring a cold and dark Hind to life. Later in development once all the little details like fire tests, vibration tests, voltage tests, and so on are fully implemented, I’ll do a second “by the book” start up procedure video. In the meantime, this will get you up and flying at early access release.
Please note that this video is based on a work-in-progress version and may differ from the early access release version. However, the core items should stay unchanged.
In the video description notes I have included the key commands for functions I’ll use that cannot be accessed through a mouse-click.
In a previous update to DCS: Mi-24P Hind, we shared a preview of the Petrovich AI interface.
The first video in the DCS: Mi-24P Hind series of tutorials is now available. We encourage you to take a look at DCS: Mi-24P HIND | Introduction for an overview of this beast.
Quick Start
Once you have learnt the basics, it is time to learn a simplified start up. Check out the DCS: Mi-24P Hind Quick Start guide to help you hit the ground running.
Petrovich
We have finished work on the hover flight mode for the Petrovich command and lateral and vertical movements using this system. The latency in command reception by Petrovich is in progress, and it will mimic the real life crew lag when communicating and processing information. In the next update, we will share details on Petrovich flight modes and how to use it in combat.
SPO-10 RWR
The SPO-10 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) now recognizes radar emitters, and it provides visual and audible feedback. Currently, we are tuning this system, and we aim for it to be available at Early Access launch.
ASP-17 Sight
The ASP-17 weapons aiming sight is operational. It will be possible to manually adjust it and use its Continuously Computed Impact Point (CCIP) function. This is a highly accurate system when used over level terrain, and it is similar to the Su-25A’s weapons sight.
Ground Units - New Models
T-155 Firtina
This is a Turkish-produced, self propelled howitzer that is based on the ROK K9 Thunder. It entered Turkish service in 2004. Armed with a 155mm L/52 gun, the T-155 is capable of attacking targets up to 40km away, and it is able to quickly move firing position using its 66km/h maximum speed / 480km range. The T-155 has been involved in various Turkish operations along its border with Iraq and Syria, and it remains in active service with the Turkish Army today.
VAB Mephisto
A development of the successful French VAB APC, it was first produced by Renault in 1979 with over 5000 delivered. A retractable turret containing four ready to launch HOT-2 missiles with 8 reloads gives the VAB a lethal anti-tank capability out to 4000m. The VAB is fully amphibious, and its propulsors can be seen on the rear sides of the hull. This, along with its rugged and proven 4x4 drivetrain, gives the VAB fantastic off road capabilities. The VAB Mephisto has seen service with many countries, and in 2018, the Lebanese Army took delivery of 10 Mephisto’s from France.
PT-76
First produced in 1951, the PT-76 is a Soviet light tank that became the primary reconnaissance tank of the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact countries with over 12,000 produced. Armed with a 76.2mm rifled main gun, with an effective range of 1,500m, the PT-76 is heavily armed for a vehicle of its size. With a primary reconnaissance role, amphibious capability was essential; and, its water-jet propulsion was innovative for the time it was designed. The PT-76 has seen service in a variety of theatres, including the Vietnam war, the Six-Day War, the Angolan Civil War, and the Balkans Wars. The PT-76 is notable for being the first combat victim of the BGM-71 TOW missile, fired by an experimental UH-1B near the Vietnamese city of Kontum in 1972.
Leopard 2A4 and 2A4TRS
Produced between 1985 and 1992, the Leopard 2A4 is the most widespread version of the Leopard 2 line. Earlier German Leopard 2s were upgraded to 2A4 standard. The 2A4 was the first major upgrade to the Leopard 2 line, bringing an all new digital fire control system that was able to employ more varied ammunition types, an automated fire and explosion suppression system, and an improved turret with titanium/tungsten armour. The Leopard 2A4 was the last variant to have flat, frontal armour on the turret; subsequent variants would have wedge-shaped, spaced, frontal armour.
Turkey is a major operator of the Leopard 2 line, and it has upgraded many of them to the Leopard 2 A4TRS standard. This incorporates additional armour, upgraded optics, and a new fire control system. Turkey’s Leopard 2’s have seen significant combat along the border with Syria, with the older Leopard 2A4’s flat, frontal armour turrets proving vulnerable to Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) fire.
ATZ-5 Ural Fuel Bowser
Based on the proven 5T 6x6 Ural-375 chassis, the ATZ-5 fuel bowser was produced in large numbers, and it is an integral part of any mechanised formation.
AA-7 Firefighting Truck
Again based on the Ural-375 chassis, the AA-7 is an airfield firefighting vehicle equipped with a variety of equipment for extinguishing fires and performing search and rescue operations at airfields.
All of these models are now available in DCS World Open Beta.
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