DCS World Steam Edition News

[h2]DCS World[/h2]

• Launcher. The launcher requires only Latin characters in the path - fixed.
  
• VR. Oculus Controllers. Fixed controller connection.
  
• VR. Pimax. Fixed Quad View FOV bug.
  
• MP. Issues with special characters in pilot name - fixed.
  
• Disabling F11 Free camera in DCS options leads to black screen for tactical commander slot in Multiplayer - fixed.
  
• Events. Landing and Takeoff events not registering - fixed.
  
• Some textures on Afghanistan terrain are not displayed in the trial version - fixed.
  
• AI Aircraft. WW2 aircraft AI will not engage in combat in some cases - fixed.
  
• Voice Chat full radio not working in dynamic slots - fixed.
  
• Input. Partial fix for lag based on high poll rate mouse movement.
  
• MP. Server crash when player controlling ground vehicle disconnects - fixed.
  
• Effects. Signal flares affect adjustments for FLIR.
  
• Spotting Dots - In the previous update, we adjusted this behaviour that many of you noticed. This is still very much WIP and being adjusted. We welcome your feedback and will be monitoring it.
  
• Flaming Cliffs 3. User account authorization issues have been resolved. Please contact support if you are still experiencing these issues.
  

[h2]Known Issues:[/h2]

• DCS crashes when using new VR Meta (beta) v68 drivers with OpenXR Toolkit.
  
• Trial versions of products don't show in the Launcher.
  
• Helicopter cargo operations in MP (rope bug) issues.
  

[h2]DCS: F-16C Viper by Eagle Dynamics[/h2]

• Fixed: Crash during rearming F-16C in some cases.
  

[h2]DCS: F/A-18C by Eagle Dynamics[/h2]

• Fixed: AG target diamond wrong location on HUD + jittering.
  
• Fixed: Cannot exit AACQ (or Bump AACQ) in bumped mode.
  
• Fixed: Possibility of crash when using TGP and laser.
  

[h2]Campaigns[/h2]
[h3]DCS: A-10C Operation Agile Spear Campaign by Combat King Simulations[/h3]

• Operation Agile Spear was updated to version 2.3
  
  
• All Missions. Top down review and many bugs squashed big and small. Many thanks to Pyrocumulous! His help was instrumental.
  
• All missions. Radio frequencies better coordinated for all aircraft in the strike package
  
• All missions. Updated Datalink connections for all like aircraft
  
• All missions. Changed all displayed messages to Clearview
  
• All missions. Updated to the new F10 menu system which adds new options for the player to manage their simulation's environment. Thanks Gareth Magnall
  
• All missions. Wingmen (Pig-2, 3 & 4) changed over to a seperate group for more tasking flexibility. Thanks B.D.
  
• All missions. Added the option of a Practice Sortie to each mission. This will allow the mission pilot to exit the primary mission, fly a practice sortie with the same loadout as the primary mission, and then reenter the primary mission. The mission pilot can fly and practice any technique/profile, rearm and refuel as desired, and then re-enter the primary mission when ready.
  
• All missions now have the ability to accelerate time (fast forward between waypoints) without missing any mission critical inputs or messages. Thanks Sedlo.
  
• All missions, datacards use different font/colors for easier reading
  
• All missions. End of mission music added
  

[h3]DCS: F/A-18C Operation Cerberus North Campaign by Ground Pounder Sims[/h3]

• Updated all missions to fix fuses issues from update.
  

[h3]DCS: F-16C First in Weasels Over Syria Campaign by Ground Pounder Sims[/h3]

• Updated all missions to incorporate new AI SAM behaviour.
  

[h2]DCS 2.9.6[/h2]
[h3]Update and CH-47F Status[/h3]



The comprehensive DCS 2.9.6.57650 update introduced significant new content and changes across the platform. Based on the feedback and bug reports, we have been able to identify some key issues that we are working diligently to resolve in a hot fix and before launching the DCS: CH-47F. This includes, but is not limited to issues that some of you may have encountered with the new Launcher, multiplayer dynamic spawn, VR quad view support, controllers, and the module manager. Stay tuned for more news coming soon.

In the meantime, please make sure to check out the Introduction and Cold Start video by Matt Wagner. To best understand what the DCS: CH-47F early access release will entail, and to get you started on learning this aircraft, we have released a draft of the DCS: CH-47F Early Access Manual. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwpb6YOJ2L0



[h2]Weapons[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]

AGM-12 Bullpup
The Bullpup was one of the first mass-produced, guided air-to-surface missiles and entered service before the Vietnam war. It was a Manual Command Line of Sight, or MCLOS missile, which meant that the guidance was provided by the pilot through manual steering inputs.

DCS currently features three variants of the Bullpup, the AGM-12A, the original 1958 variant for the Navy with a 250 lbs warhead and an Aerojet Mk 8 solid motor (initially designated ASM-N-7), AGM-12B, the 1960 improvement with a Thiokol LR58 liquid rocket motor (USN ASM-N-7a and USAF GAM-83A designations), and a 1964 derivative with a much larger warhead and an LR62 liquid rocket motor: the AGM-12C. 3D models were provided by Heatblur Simulations.



All variants of the AGM-12 featured a canard, cruciform aerodynamic configuration and a bang-bang steering system stabilised through a 500°/s roll rate. In addition to the engine nozzle, the rear of the missile included a pair of tracking flares that burned with an increasing intensity over time. To improve the controllability of the missile, the bang-bang canard steering was modulated. Effectively the canards deflected in short pulses, whose length and frequency depended on both the angle of deflection and the rate and duration the stick was moved. A basic form of auto-trim was also used.



One major limitation of the system was a tendency for the control axis to roll left because the roll rate increased during the deceleration to the transonic region. This was caused by delays in the control system. This was compensated for by adding a fixed offset to the roll gyro reading that did not depend on the actual roll rate. All these effects on the control system are fully modelled in DCS.

Rockwell Homing Bomb System
After the AGM-62 Walleye was introduced by the US Navy in 1967, the USAF awarded a contract for their own TV-guided bomb system to Rockwell. This resulted in a series of conversion kits for dumb bombs, dubbed HOBOS, or the Homing Bomb System. These kits consisted of an electro-optical nose seeker section, an aft control section, and a set of strakes running along the body of the bomb. The seeker and guidance used were similar to those on the AGM-62 and AGM-65, and it required the pilot and WSO to align the aircraft with the target using the seeker video feed and lock onto target contrast before release, proving to be difficult in practice.

Different daytime electro-optical and infrared seeker kits were developed for different types of bombs, of which only the KMU-353A/B kit for the Mk-84 low drag bomb saw extensive combat use. This configuration, designated GBU-8/B by the USAF, was used from 1969 onward, and is featured in DCS. The 3D model is provided by Heatblur Simulations.



GBU-15(V)/B
Despite the low effectiveness of the HOBOS, Rockwell was again contracted to continue their guided-bomb development in 1974. The result was a modular system that Rockwell referred to as Modular Guided Weapon System or MGWS. This resulted in the GBU-15(V)/B family of guided-bombs, also known as the Electro-optically Guided Glide Bombs, or EOGB.

Initially, two variants were developed: The GBU-15(V)1/B with a daylight seeker and the GBU-15(V)2/B with the same IR seeker as the one used for the AGM-65D. The configuration was similar to its predecessor, the GBU-8/B, with the Mk-84 also serving as a basis of this weapon. However it had a significantly larger set of “wings”, a more sophisticated guidance system, and an ability to communicate with the supporting launch aircraft through the AN/AXQ-14 datalink.

These new features significantly expanded the envelope of the weapon at low altitudes compared to the GBU-8/B, and it allowed for employment without a line of sight to a target at the time of release. The weapon followed a 3-stage guidance logic: After a separation manoeuvre, the weapon entered midcourse mode where it would follow a lofted trajectory along the release course. After the WSO spotted and identified the target, they would point the seeker at it and switch the weapon to transition mode. It would then turn to target heading and manoeuvre to keep the seeker at a constant look-down angle, allowing the WSO to adjust the impact angle. Finally, the WSO would select terminal guidance mode in which the bomb would either be automatically guided into impact if locked on, or flown into the target manually.

The GBU-15 is in development.


[h2]Summer Sale[/h2]
[h3]Last chance to save[/h3]



As you may already know, we extended the DCS Summer Sale 2024 on our E-Shop in order to apologise for the delay of DCS 2.9.6. Please enjoy the 50% savings across almost our entire range of modules. Shop now!

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

[h2]DCS 2.9.6[/h2]
[h3]Available now![/h3]



The latest version of DCS contains an impressive range of new products and features, enhancements, and fixes. A notable addition is the DCS: Afghanistan map! Also included are the new Launcher, the Air Boss deck for DCS: Supercarrier, Flaming Cliffs 2024, and three new campaigns.

Flaming Cliffs 2024
Flaming Cliffs 2024 is designed for new virtual and veteran players looking to expand their collection. In addition to the existing Flaming Cliffs 3 aircraft. F-15C, A-10A, Su-27, J-11, Su-33, Su-25, MiG-29, and MiG-29S, FC2024 now includes three new aircraft: F-5E, F-86F, and the MiG-15bis. It can be purchased as a full product for $59,99 or as an upgrade for Flaming Cliffs 3 owners for only $9,99. This special launch price will be available for the upcoming month, thereafter the upgrade price will increase to $14,99. If you haven’t already seen it, check out the launch trailer!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2965350/DCS_Flaming_Cliffs_2024/

New Campaigns DCS: F-16C The Gamblers Campaign by Baltic Dragon DCS: UH-1H Worlds Apart Stormfront Campaign by Low Level Heaven DCS: AH-64D The Four Horsemen Campaign by Fight’s On Simulations

DCS Key Updates

• The DCS Launcher allows players to configure and manage DCS before DCS start up as well as during the DCS runtime.
  
• In addition, we have completed a new multiplayer interface which greatly improves respawn functionality by providing dynamic spawn points along with the ability to select spawn locations directly from the mission map. These dynamic respawn slots have been added to allow more flexible mission join management.
  
• SAM units are smarter now, and based on their skill level, can turn off their radars and reposition if they detect an incoming anti-radiation missile.
  
• Several new ground units have been added such as the MRAP, M1A2 SEP3 and MaxPro.
  

AI and System Enhancements
AI systems now include more realistic target detection based on alert status and ability to scan area.
Combat landing options for helicopters have been added.
Various bug fixes and enhancements across the DCS Core and many modules.
The T72B3 tank and others are now available for you to control.
The update includes better AI ground unit pathfinding and engagement behaviours.

Graphics and Mission Editor
Graphics have been improved with detailed terrain rendering and new material for fields and towns. Various fixes and enhancements have been made to the mission editor, map interactions, and static object handling.

Weapons Updates
Several weapons, including the AIM-7E/E2 and AIM-9X, have received performance tweaks and bug fixes. Improvements have also been made to other missiles, rockets, and bombs. The WWII Assets Pack has also seen updates to the Wurzburg radar.

2.9.6 is a huge update that includes a long list of fixes and enhancements to DCS: F/A-18C, DCS: F-16C Viper, DCS: F-14 Tomcat, DCS: F-4E, DCS: AJS-37 Viggen, DCS: AH-64D, DCS: Mi-24P Hind and DCS: UH-1H Huey. For a full list of all the latest updates, please read the changelog.

[h2]Southwest Afghanistan[/h2]
[h3]Available in the latest DCS version[/h3]



Afghanistan, often called the “crossroads of Asia” is a landlocked country located at the intersections of Central and South Asia. It shares borders with Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China.

Historical Significance
In the 19th century, Afghanistan became a buffer state in “The Great Game” between the British Empire and Tsarist Russia, both of whom sought control over Central Asia.

Later, the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989) highlighted the strategic importance of Afghanistan in the Cold War geopolitics. The rugged terrain also played a pivotal role in the resistance mounted by Mujahideen fighters against the Soviet forces.

Post September 2001, Afghanistan became a central theatre in the Global War on Terrorism, leading to a prolonged conflict involving the United States and NATO forces, who aimed at dismantling terrorist groups whilst stabilising the region.

Operational Challenges
Operating in DCS: Afghanistan presents unique challenges due to geography, climate and socio-political dynamics. The combination of high altitude environments and limited infrastructure requires adaptive strategies from foreign military forces and highlights the importance of local knowledge and alliances.

Key features

• 14 airfields including: Bost, Camp Bastion, Chaghcharan, Dwyer, Farah, Herat, Kandahar, Maymana, Zahiraddin, Faryabi, Qala i Naw, Shindand, Tirinkot, Zaranj
  
• Improved clipmap technology
  
• Improved Field and town materials
  

The Afghanistan map is highly detailed with fields, cities, towns and thousands of smaller settlements. We implemented a new method of collecting, processing, importing and exporting data are being OSM type data, as well as determining surface types from satellite images, which are processed, optimised and vectored for subsequent implementation into the terrain module.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2913270/DCS_Southwest_Afghanistan/

You can purchase only the DCS: Southwest Afghanistan region offering you a 471’381 km2 area and 12 highly detailed airfields or the full region 1’449’216 km2 terrain which will be offering 28 highly detailed airfields, check out DCS: Afghanistan.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2909950/DCS_Afghanistan/


[h2]F-16C The Gamblers[/h2]
[h3]Campaign by Baltic Dragon [/h3]



The Gamblers campaign was developed by Baltic Dragon and John ‘Rain’ Waters, a former Viper Demo Team pilot, member of the 77th Fighter Squadron, and host of the Afterburn Podcast. In 13 varied missions, you will relive some of the sorties that Rain and his squadron flew during their deployment to Syria, as well as some of the other most iconic moments of the allied involvement within the theatre, including the Battle of Raqqa in 2017, the US TLAM strike against the Shayrat Airbase, and the standoff between US forces and the notorious Wagner group, which is now known as the Battle of Khasham. This campaign also introduces a new, more immersive way of interacting with the environment using the HOTAS. DCS: F-16C The Gamblers Campaign by Batic Dragon.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3015300/DCS_F16C_The_Gamblers_Campaign_by_Baltic_Dragon/

We hope that this vast DCS 2.9.6 update is to your satisfaction. Please rest assured knowing that we are carefully monitoring the initial feedback of the DCS: Afghanistan, as well as the brand new Flaming Cliffs 2024. We look forward to your comments.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

Introduced a new terrain module: DCS: Afghanistan Map by Eagle Dynamics
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2909950/DCS_Afghanistan/
Introduced a new terrain module: DCS: Southwest Afghanistan Map by Eagle Dynamics
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2913270/DCS_Southwest_Afghanistan/

Presenting Flaming Cliffs 2024 that contains:
Eight existing Flaming Cliffs 3 aircraft:
F-15C
A-10A
Su-27
J-11
Su-33
Su-25
MiG-29
MiG-29S
Three new Flaming Cliffs aircraft:
F-5E FC
F-86F FC
MiG-15bis FC

New campaigns:
DCS: F-16C The Gamblers Campaign by Baltic Dragon
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3015300/DCS_F16C_The_Gamblers_Campaign_by_Baltic_Dragon/

DCS: UH-1H Worlds Apart Stormfront Campaign by Low-Level-Heaven Mission Development
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2982420/DCS_UH1H_Worlds_Apart_Stormfront_Campaign_by_Low_Level_Heaven/

DCS: AH-64D The Four Horsemen Campaign by Fight's On Simulations
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2982430/DCS_AH64D_The_Four_Horsemen_Campaign_by_Fights_On_Sims/


[h2]DCS World[/h2]

• New Launcher that allows you to configure and manage DCS prior to starting the program.
  
• New Multiplayer “Select Role” interface added to enhance respawn functionality with additional information and the ability to see exact respawn locations on the map and interact with them. Note that spawn locations icons are aggregated based on the map zoom level. A “Server” tab has been added in the briefing images panel in the Mission Editor. This allows you to add an image as a header to the first screen that the connected player sees before joining a coalition. We will monitor feedback for future adjustments and additional features.
  
• New Dynamic Respawn slots system has been added that allows mission designers to set up airfields serving any aircraft respawn its associated warehouse without the need of specific placement in the editor. Airfields with active dynamic spawns are specifically marked on the map with a hexagon icon. Parking spots are assigned automatically on a respawn request. We are coordinating with MOOSE, MIST and CTLD developers for supporting these new spawn methods in their scripts (Thank you Pikey, funkyfranky, Grimes, and Ciribob). Additionally, a specific dynamic spawns template system was added to customise dynamic slots properties and restrictions. Detailed description here
  
• AI Ground. Added the ability for SAM to evade ARM (enabled by default, but can be disabled in Set Options - Evasion of ARM). Units that detect the missile will turn off their radar(s) and displace. Units that cannot move quickly will simply turn off their radar(s). The higher the skill level, the higher the likelihood that the air defence unit will react to the incoming ARM
  
• AI. Performance-demanding logic of target detection and line of sight checks have been moved to a parallel thread. This gives more headroom for the performance, especially on AI-populated dedicated servers with large scale battles. This applies to ground, sea and airborne AI units.
  
• AI Ground. Added a new air targets detection system for ground AI.
  
• Updated 3D model of M1A2 Abrams.
  
• Added M1A2C SEP v3 Abrams unit model.
  
• Added MRAP MaxxPro unit model.
  
• MBT T72B3 is available for the player control
  
• AI Aircraft. Added a new “Combat Landing” option for AI helicopters. This allows for much faster approaches and landing in combat conditions. It also controls the heading to take when taking off again.
  
• AI Aircraft. Helicopter terrain collision checks needed for low-altitude flight have been moved to parallel thread.
  
• AI Aircraft. AI aircraft set to RTB on bingo with no airbase in their flight plan would endlessly orbit at their last waypoint. The AI is able to find a divert airbase and land.
  
• AI Aircraft. AI helicopters will now correctly fly their route after an embarking task.
  
• AI Aircraft. AI would sometimes orbit the aircraft carrier after takeoff, endlessly, in some circumstances - fixed.
  
• AI Aircraft. Changed old ED's F-4E AI 3D model to new one by HB.
  
• AI Aircraft. Crash AI Helicopter during ATGM attack - fixed.
  
• AI Aircraft. Fixed some issues with helicopter cargo transportation.
  
• AI Aircraft. Possible helicopter collisions during disembarking task - fixed.
  
• AI Aircraft. Helicopter wingman can't land during the task Land in some cases - fixed.
  
• AI Aircraft. Plane stops gaining speed during takeoff after refuelling - fixed.
  
• AI Ground. Crash during infantry disembarking from helicopter - fixed.
  
• AI Ground. CTD when a unit reaches a point with a script in a task - fixed.
  
• AI Ground. Infantry with RPG units perform only one shot at helicopters - fixed.
  
• AI Ground. JTAC not working with some callsigns - fixed.
  
• AI Ground. Artillery “Shoot and Scoot” option added. Currently, it is linked to the “Fire at Point” task in ME. After completing the fire task, the artillery group will immediately relocate within a given radius to avoid enemy counter-battery fire.
  
• AI Ground. S-60 AAA engaging missiles - fixed.
  
• AI Ground. Incorrect “Ural-375” name changed to “Ural-4320”.
  
• AI Ground. Added a feature that allows units requiring longer deployment times (e.g., (SA-11) “Buk”) to be positioned in a combat-ready state if placed in the editor without route points.
  
• AI Ships. Possible ATC crash during takeoff from ship - fixed.
  
• AI Ships. Submarines do not follow the assigned route - fixed.
  
• F10 map. Threat and detection rings of ground units are always visible on the F10 map and cannot be toggled off - fixed.
  
• Input. Modifier prevents execution of “Command Menu Next/Preivous/Select/Return” inputs - fixed.
  
• Graphic. Shadows on the surface have artefacts when SSS is enabled - fixed.
  
• Graphic Effects. Ship wakes moving in reverse have been adjusted.
  
• Graphic Effects. Dynamic weather causes water to “follow” client aircraft in multiplayer - fixed.
  
• GUI. Options. Graphic Presets. Fixed GUI Error when selecting preset in some cases.
  
• IR Render. Added IR signature of ship wake effects.
  
• ME. Fixed error when click button Clear in resource payload window.
  
• ME. Fixed GUI Error when click button Fill Col in resource payload window.
  
• ME. Fixed GUI Error when clicking on a supplier group in some cases.
  
• ME. GUI Error if you double-click on the trigger zone window - fixed.
  
• ME. Incorrect placement of panels after moving units in some cases - fixed.
  
• ME. Map twitches when a unit is selected - fixed.
  
• ME. Open/Save mission panel size increased.
  
• ME. Switching waypoints through prev and next buttons changes the altitude - fixed.
  
• ME. Added a warning, when appropriate, about placing a unit on a sloped surface. A notification will appear on a red background indicating the current value and affordable limit (in parentheses).
  
• Mission Planner lets users move static objects - fixed.
  
• Mission Planner shows threat and detection rings of hidden units - fixed.
  
• MP. Clients can see only their own routes and can't see routes assigned by another client - fixed.
  
• MP. DS. Command line options no longer conflict with dcs_start_options.lua settings.
  
• MP. Copilot of a multi crew helicopter sees a sling load jumping around - fixed.
  
• Rearm Panel. Fixed weapon settings not being applied after rearming using a loadout preset.
  
• Static objects. Added handling hit and kill events for static objects
  
• Terrain Engine:
  
• Improved clipmap technology: more detailed rendering of terrain ground textures.
  
• NEW: field and town material for a more realistic experience.
  
• Weapons. Added S-5KP and S-5M rockets with corresponding loadout options.
  
• Weapons. AGM-45 after launch falls into the water - fixed.
  
• Weapons. AIM-7E/E2 mass decreased.
  
• Weapons. AIM-9X lift/drag ratio tweak.
  
• Weapons. Corrected delay-fuzed bombs’ deceleration in buildings and ships.
  
• Weapons. Corrected thrust and drag values for S-8 rocket family.
  
• Weapons. Delay-fuzed weapons wedged within ships will now move with them.
  
• Weapons. Fixed appearance mismatch between owner and network observers
  
• Weapons. Fixed erratic behaviour of parachute illumination flares.
  
• Weapons. Fixed mass inconsistencies for several rocket launchers and racks: LAU-68D/A, LAU-131, B-8M1, LAU-3, LAU-10, TER-9A, UB-32A.
  
• Weapons. Fixed MIM-104 oscillations just after launch. Missiles switched to PN guidance.
  
• Weapons. LS-6 autopilot settings fixed new range tables.
  
• Weapons. Mk 20/CBU-99 inaccuracy and premature airburst when equipped with FMU-140 - fixed.
  
• Weapons. R-24 missiles. Corrected motor plume position.
  
• Weapons. R-24 missiles. Ejector launcher changed to a rail.
  
• Weapons. Rocket motors' smokiness now depends on ambient air temperature. Introduced three basic types of contrail (smoky, reduced smoke, minimum smoke) with different temperature-related properties.
  
• Weapons. RPG-16 rockets speed is too high - fixed.
  
• Weapons. S-75 (SA-2). Added delay of control after launch. Controlled flight begins 2.5 seconds after the booster is separated.
  
• Weapons. SM missiles. Adjusted SM family lift/drag ratio.
  
• Weapon settings panel. Added descriptions for fuzes.
  
• Weapon settings panel. Corrected AGM-45 seeker descriptions.
  
• Weapon settings panel. Removed M904 and M905 from fuze options for PGMs.
  
• WWII Assets Pack. Wurzburg radar angles fixed
  

For the full changelog please click here.

Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends,

The next DCS update, version 2.9.6, has been delayed and is currently in heavy testing and bug fixing. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. It is very important for us to release updates with as few issues as possible and this extra time is genuinely required to deliver a quality product.

Our initial aim was to release this massive update on 26 June 2024 and the announcement was made in our 29 March 2024 Newsletter and 19 April 2024 Newsletter.

Despite the short timeframe for such a large release, we were confident we could do it based on past development experience. Indeed, we reached our internal goal and completed the roadmap that we set for ourselves and even added additional functionality to both the DCS: CH-47F and the DCS: Afghanistan map. However, some unforeseen events prevented us from meeting the schedule and we would like to share with you what caused the current delay.

As you may know, we generally release one new aircraft module or map per DCS update, rarely more. In general, it takes about a month between releases to prepare for the next one. Starting in May, we released products twice a month: DCS: Kola, DCS: F-4E Phantom II, and the DCS: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. These were planned to be topped with DCS: Afghanistan, DCS: CH-47F, and Flaming Cliffs 2024 with each product having their own specific features requiring careful integration into DCS. This is on top of the new Air Boss station for DCS: Supercarrier, many new module features and bug fixes, as well as substantial improvements to the DCS core. We overestimated our capacity to meet the challenge we had set upon ourselves but we are hopeful that you will understand our decision.

Here is the event timeline for the delayed DCS 2.9.6 update:

We announced the delay in the 21 June 2024 Newsletter. The decision to postpone the release was made based on 19 critical issues (stoppers) related to the DCS Core, Supercarrier, CH-47F, F-16C, F/A-18C, and F-4E. Normally, we have 5-8 stoppers a week prior to a release.

By 26 June 2024 the list of stoppers had increased to 25 related to the above products, in addition to DCS: AJS-37 Viggen, DCS: F-5E Tiger II, Flaming Cliffs 2024, and the new Launcher. By Tuesday, 2 July, a tremendous job had been accomplished by the team and most of the issues were resolved. Nevertheless, the decision was made that the DCS: CH-47F should have additional time for content preparation and more detailed testing.

Everything was moving smoothly when a new set of issues reared their heads. These were subsequently resolved on 3 July 2024 and we were poised to deliver the update together with the full list of fixes, improvements, and new products. However, by the morning of 4 July 2024 our QA team reported new stoppers related to AI aircraft in addition to a broken campaign and so the decision to further delay had to be made.

We know that this is a very eagerly awaited update and that it will provide a lot of new and great stuff for you, including a fix to the DCS: F-15E Strike Eagle radar. However, in good conscience we simply could not let it go out as is.

A new date will soon be announced on our Discord and other social media channels once we have very high confidence in it. We would like to thank you and the Community, our third party developers and especially Heatblur for their cooperation, rapid feedback, and updates on their aircraft.

The whole team at Eagle Dynamics apologise for the inconvenience and undertake to do their very best.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics