DCS World Steam Edition News

[h2]Campaigns[/h2]

[h3]DCS: F/A-18C Operation Mountain Breeze Campaign by Sandman Simulations[/h3]
Mission 2 – Fixed messed up parking stands at Akrotiri
Mission 3 Outro – Fixed AAA not firing

[h3]DCS: Mi-24P Outpost Campaign by Stone Sky[/h3]
All missions are adapted to the latest update of the Syria map.

[h3]DCS: AH-64D The Four Horsemen Campaign by Fight's On Simulations[/h3]
All missions – Ensured correct gun load out. Elevated EPLRS task to hopefully fix Datalink issues.
M2 – Fixed UGLY 5-2 issue. Updated Freq change trigger.
M4 – Fixed CH-47 crashing on take off
M6 – Fixed issue with Foghorn approaching Apache and causing fratricide at mission start. Added message to explain cockpit door opening at mission start.
M7 – Fixed typo in Dim line. Fixed issue with engagement timings. Added/adjusted engagement messages to clear up confusion on when targets can be destroyed.
M8 – Fixed initial engagement issues with AI. Added flares to helo point. Updated MGRS coords.
M9 – Fixed incorrect CLEAR ENGINE START message.
M10 – Fixed CH-47s not pushing to pick up ground troops post mission. Updated Freq change trigger.
M12 – Fixed incorrect JTAC freq set by Foghorn.

[h3]DCS: UH-1H Peacekeeper Lebanon Campaign by Flying Cyking[/h3]
Mission 02. Repair of Checkpoint Foxtrot VHF Beacon
Mission 04. Fixed non-functional mission complete trigger. Added additional fallback trigger for insurgent boats. Corrected spelling errors.
Mission 05. Added missing F10 map marker for the refugee ship. Set the VHF radio to off for hotstart - no more annoying beep beep during briefing. Added new savegame/checkpoint file in case of mission fail for airstart.
Mission 06. Corrected spelling errors.
Mission 07. Added cutscene (was previously missing) -> If you already reached mission 8 it may cause a reset of your campaign progress, sorry.
Mission 09. Updated kneeboard, wrong freq. for Badger
Mission 11. Updated kneeboard, wrong picture for LZ. Corrected & added additional fallback trigger for the northern truck stop scene.
Mission 14.1 & 14.2. Edit automatic mission load at the end. (End Credits)
Mission 16. Added new Bonus Mission - Operation Redeemer - will be unlocked by watching the credits. Added Coop & CH-47F version of bonus mission into campaign folder - Play the mission with your friends. Added Mission 16 Pdf Briefing into docs folder.

[h3]DCS: F-14B Operation Sandworm Campaign by Sandman Simulations[/h3]
Added F/A-18C liveries
Mission 4 – In-game briefing chart was missing – fixed

[h3]DCS: A-10C Operation Agile Spear Campaign by Combat King Simulations[/h3]
Multiple versions of Agile Spear showing in the Campaign menu of DCS World. - Fixed. My bad. Thank you Nineline.
Mission 7 - Unable to score 100 points. Scoring fixed.
Mission 8 - Unable to complete the entire mission. Fixed. Thanks PheonixFC3.
Mission 10 - Pig Flight not starting and following. Fixed. Thank you CptJocco
Mission 11 - JTAC not lasing, Pigs not attacking when ordered. Fixed. Thank you ornitus.
NOTE. Mission 8 into A-10C campaign is required A-10C II module.

[h3]DCS: F-16C First in Weasels Over Syria Campaign by Ground Pounder Sims[/h3]
Updates to fix issues from changes to Syria map.

[h3]DCS: F/A-18C Operation Cerberus North Campaign by Ground Pounder Sims[/h3]
Updates to fix issues from changes to Syria map.

[h3]DCS: A-10C Operation Persian Freedom Campaign by Ground Pounder Sims[/h3]
Added failsafe trigger for Forge 3 egress

[h3]DCS: F/A-18C Serpent’s Head 2 by Badger633[/h3]
Mission 4: ‘End Mission’ button not working fixed.

[h3]DCS: F-14 Speed & Angels Campaign by Reflected Simulations[/h3]
Mission 5 & 12: LGB fusing re-saved

[h3]DCS: F/A-18C Raven One Campaign by Baltic Dragon[/h3]
M02 - Smoke now rejoins better at mission start. Smoke now cuts away correctly. RTB Tanker issues resolved.
M03 - Tanking issues resolved. Exxon TACAN fixed. Mission complete Splash Art fixed

[h2]Mi-24P Hind [/h2]
[h3]Livery Competition [/h3]



Design your own custom livery for the DCS: Mi-24P Hind and if your entry stands out, it could be officially added to DCS! All liveries must be based on a paint scheme prior to 2018. Good luck!

Prizes:

• 1st Place: $100 DCS ED Miles + 1 Free Eagle Dynamics Module + Livery added to the module.
  
• 2nd Place: $50 DCS ED Miles + Livery added to the module.
  
• 3rd Place: $25 DCS ED Miles + Livery added to the module.
  

How to Participate:
1. Create Your Livery:
- Design a unique and exciting livery for the DCS: Mi-24P Hind using the official template provided.

2. Submit Your Entry:
- Entries should be submitted as a ZIP file containing your livery textures and a readme.txt file with your callsign, DCS username, and email address.

- Submit your livery via the competition submission page by simply replying to the thread. You can use an external link if the ZIP file size is too large.

3. Submission Format:
- Format: .PSD files only.
Include a minimum of three screenshots: front, side, and top views of your livery on the DCS: Mi-24P Hind.
- Maximum of three liveries per participant.

4. Voting and Judging:
- Entries will be judged on creativity, quality, and in-sim applicability.
- Finalists will be showcased on our forums for community viewing.
- Special attention to Soviet - Afghan era liveries will be made.

Rules and Guidelines:
• Original Work:
- The submitted liveries must be your original creation. Plagiarised designs will be disqualified.

• No Political Themes:
- To ensure that our competition remains a positive and inclusive event, liveries must not include any political symbols, flags, emblems, or themes. This includes national flags, political parties, slogans, or any imagery that may be interpreted as divisive or controversial. All entries must be based on a paint scheme prior to 2018.

• Cultural Respect:
- Avoid using offensive, inappropriate, or culturally insensitive imagery. We want this competition to celebrate creativity and the global DCS community in a positive and respectful manner.

• In-sim Usability:
- Liveries should be practical and functional for in-sim use. Entries should complement the realistic nature of DCS and liveries that are too outlandish or impractical may not be considered.

• Submission Deadline:
- All entries must be submitted by the 29th of November 2024 at 23:59 GMT. Late submissions will not be considered.

• Legal Notice:
- By submitting your livery, you grant Eagle Dynamics the right to use, modify, and feature your design in DCS, promotional materials, and official media channels.

• Announcement of Winners:
- The winners will be contacted and announced in the newsletter so stay tuned! We’re excited to see how you envision the Mi-24P Hind’s look on the battlefield! Good luck, and may the most creative and detailed design win!

Download Livery Template

For any questions or clarifications, please visit our forums or contact us.


[h2]F-4E Phantom II[/h2]
[h3]Development Report[/h3]



The latest update for the DCS: F-4E Phantom II by Heatblur Simulations brought a range of exciting new features, missions, and improvements! The update introduces the thrilling Frog-7 Mini Campaign that is set in Syria (with optional Combined Arms features), as well as new instant action missions for Afghanistan.

JESTER AI has received a substantial navigation upgrade that allows in-flight INS updates and improved waypoint handling. Additionally, Heatblur has overhauled the Phantom's engine and canopy sounds for a more immersive experience, alongside new static object assets, backlighting improvements, and enhanced radar and RWR functionality including detection of active radar homing missiles and new handoff emitter sounds for the AIM-120, AIM-54, R-77, and Tornado.

Furthermore, Heatblur has fine-tuned weapon systems and added various new munitions, including German-specific bombs such as the BL755 and SAMP-250KG. The ACMI/TACTS pod has also been added, which is currently only visual. This update also includes improved mission editor tools, liveries, and a multitude of visual and functional enhancements to take your Phantom experience to the next level! Check out the full changelog and make sure to update your build now to enjoy all the latest additions.


[h2]Blu Games[/h2]
[h3]Content Journalist[/h3]



Blu Games is a dedicated aviation enthusiasts channel and dives into realistic tactical DCS gameplay. As a founding member of the JTF Maddogs DCS squad, they fly both fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft several times a week on their dedicated server, creating a fun and semi-realistic tactical environment. Tune in this Friday for a chance to win ED Miles!

Blu Games ultimate goal is to inspire others to explore aviation careers and pursue their ambitions through engaging streams and content. Make sure you check out Blu Games YouTube channel and show some support!

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

[h2]DCS 2.9.8.1107[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



We're excited to bring you a new DCS update that features a variety enhancement and fixes across several DCS modules that both improves gameplay and realism. Last week we discussed some of the improvements coming to the F-16C Viper and F/A-18C, and these were included in this week’s update. Additionally you will find a wealth of enhancements for a variety of our modules including Combined Arms, Black Shark 3, MB-339A/PAN by IndiaFoxtEcho Visual Simulations, JF-17 by Deka Ironwork Simulations, and terrains including the South Atlantic, Kola, Syria, and Sinai maps. For more details on all the fabulous enhancements, please read the full changelog.


[h2]Kola[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

“Check out the September update video of the reworked map’s visuals and additional Finnish airfields. We greatly appreciate your role in bringing Kola to life and invite you to visit https://kola.orbxdirect.com/ to submit new improvements.” – Orbx Systems

Progress So Far
Compared to the initial release, the Kola map now has substantially improved natural terrain that includes a more detailed elevation mesh, summer and winter ground textures, vegetation, shorelines, lakes, and rivers. The initial focus area for airfields and infrastructure spans the Finland-Russia border regions, but we’ve also started adding more detail to parts of Norway and Sweden. If you were holding off on purchasing this wonderful map, now is the time to experience this epix terrain.

Major updates since the Early Access release:

• The addition of a complete set of high-resolution, winter textures that will be critical for the upcoming ‘Arctic Thunder’ campaigns by Reflected Simulations and Baltic Dragon.
  
• The summer textures have greatly improved with much higher resolution that improves the low altitude environment.
  
• The addition/improvement of four highly-detail regions covering four airfields in Finland: Rovaniemi (EFRO), Kemi / Tornio (EFKE), Kuusamo (EFKS), and Ivalo (EFIV); and five in Russia: Severomorsk-3 (XLMV), Severomorsk-1 (ULAK), RU-1110 (UMOE), RU-4464 (UOLE), and Murmansk (ULMM).
  
• Added or improved two road runways in Finland (at Vuojärvi and Rovaniemi), three airfields in Norway: Bodø (ENBO), Kirkenes (ENKR), and Lakselv (ENNA); and five in Sweden: Kiruna (ESNQ), Jokkmokk (ESNJ), Luleå (ESPA), Vidsel (ESPE), and Kalixfors (ESUK).
  
• An improved road and railroad network connected within the coverage area that includes bridges and tunnels that allow AI routing across the map.
  
• Many new cities, towns, infrastructure, tunnels and other objects have been added to the map.
  
• 
  

Future Plans
The next release will see the inclusion of Andoya (ENAN) airfield in Norway and Alakurtti (RU-0059) airfield in Russia with some additional infrastructure in the surrounding areas. Orbx has also reviewed a series of bugs and errors aiming for small performance improvements.

Future releases will see the addition of more airfields and surrounding infrastructure including: Evenes (ENEV), Bardufoss (ENDU), Kittilä Airport (EFKT), Enontekiö Airport (EFET), Pudasjärvi Airfield (EFPU), and Sodankylä Airfield (EFSO). Beyond these, Cold War-era installations, military airfields, and other key points of interest are also planned.

The upcoming Arctic Thunder campaign by Reflected Simulations & Baltic Dragon for the Kola map will consist of two scenarios: one for a Finnish Air Force F/A-18C and another for an USAF F-16C Viper. Both will share the same storyline and missions making it possible to play from different perspectives.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2778890/DCS_Kola_Map_by_Orbx/

Orbx has remained committed to continually providing frequent optimisation updates to the Kola Map. Please note that whilst in early access you can still enjoy a 20% discount!

[h2]Pimax Crystal Light[/h2]
[h3]Promotional Advert[/h3]



Experience top-tier Virtual Reality at unprecedented levels of comfort with the new Pimax Crystal Light headset. Offering 8.3 million pixels per eye at 120hz, the Crystal Light offers the highest clarity available in consumer VR in a lighter and more affordable package than the original Crystal.

For a limited time only, use code DCS2024 when purchasing your Crystal Light to receive a credit of 15,000 ED Miles, worth $15 at checkout in the DCS e-shop!

Starting from just $799, the Crystal Light allows you to make the most of ultra-detailed cockpits in DCS. Key features:

• Inside-out, ‘6 Degrees-of-Freedom’ tracking: No need for external base stations.
  
• Glass aspheric lenses, QLED panels, and local dimming: Vivid colors and deep contrasts that increase readability and bring the world to life.
  
• 2880 x 2880 native resolution (per eye, up to 120Hz): Delivers super smooth and crisp visuals.
  
• Lightweight for ultimate comfort: Weighing just 815g (1.8lb), the Crystal Light offers incredible performance in a smaller package than the original Crystal.
  
• Foveated Rendering (static, non-eye-tracking): renders only the center and focus of the User’s vision in full resolution, resulting in FPS gains and exceptional GPU efficiency.
  

The Crystal Light has become the daily driver for many pilots. See what others have to say:

• Flight Simulation: “Impressive visual quality, affordability, and comfort”
  
• Skil (Grim Reapers): “...it seems to be the response to the community's desire for a cutdown truly dedicated PCVR headset”
  
• Laubox: “This is a new level of gaming realism”
  
• C.W Lemoine: “If you’re looking for a good cost, this is a great upgrade…”
  

Available Now:

• Follow this link and use code DCS2024 during checkout to receive 15,000 ED Miles with your purchase of a Pimax Crystal Light, available until November 29th.
  
• Learn more about the Pimax Crystal Light and read the full terms and conditions of this exclusive offer via this link.
  

Additionally, Pimax has also recently launched native support for OpenXR and Quad Views, reducing the need for any additional third-party software. Watch the video for a demonstration.

We hope you enjoy the latest DCS Update and we truly look forward to your feedback on the new enhancements to the F/A-18C, F-16C, F-4E Phantom II. Please make sure to read the full changelog for more details.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

[h2]DCS World[/h2]
Crash when switching to F10 view - fixed

[h3]DCS World[/h3]

• DCS application. Single Thread version of DCS removed, bin folder now contains MT DCS and is duplicated in mt-bin for backward compatibility with shortcuts and will be removed soon.
  
• Improved Spotting dots. Adjusted appearance of spotting dots in VR to be close to their previous state. We are looking at feedback. Currently we are working on the advanced functionality for spotting dots rendering which will depend on VR hardware type and its properties which we hope to deliver in future patches to address difference in dots sizes between different VR devices and monitors.
  
• Several performance improvements were activated after profiling of certain missions and concepts of usage. Intense battles will be affected the most: targets and shooting detection by AI units as well as launchers' line-of-sight routines are revised, major parts of the performance-consuming code moved to a parallel thread.
  
• 3D models. Fixed animation of deploying of SA-10 “Big Bird” radar antenna.
  
• 3D Models. EWR55G6 shows as red in mirrors - Fixed.
  
• Aircraft AI. China Asset Pack. Added Falcon assault gyrocopter.
  
• Aircraft AI. Cargo doors on the AI Mi-8 helicopter remain open during task Cargo transportation - fixed.
  
• Aircraft AI. Carpet bombing task not working - fixed.
  
• Aircraft AI. Especially for the F/A-18C, aircraft can get stuck in a high-alpha angle flight profile and are unable to accelerate while losing altitude. In some cases it can eventually crash into the ground. Fixed.
  
• Aircraft AI. In some cases Helicopters can't land correctly. They take too long to land and sometimes collide. Fixed.
  
• Aircraft AI. MiG-31 can’t provide guidance to all R-33 missiles when launched in a four-missile salvo - fixed.
  
• Aircraft AI. When an AI flight has an ROE set to “priority designated” or “weapons free”, the flight will incorrectly execute a carpet bombing task. The AI will make numerous passes and only drop a single bomb each time - fixed.
  
• Aircraft AI. The old F-14A model has been hidden in ME. However, in old missions where this aircraft is present, it will work.
  
• Aircraft AI. Fighter logic of attacking a group of cruise missiles has been changed. The fighter will perform attack maneuvers based on the assumption that the target is not maneuvering. The effectiveness of firing at cruise missiles has been increased.
  
• Aircraft AI. UH-1H. Sound. AI UH-1H had an incorrect minigun sound. It sounded more like a conventional machine gun, and is different from the sound effect in the player's cockpit view.
  
• Aircraft AI. AH-64. When landing on a single pad, the tail wheel is outside the pad and hangs in the air - fixed
  
• Aircraft AI. Uncontrolled AI aircrafts can cause major FPS drop in certain situations - fixed
  
• Aircraft AI. Sometime aircraft ignores the task Attack group - fixed
  
• Aircraft AI. When AI aircraft taking off from the airfield, the aircraft does not respond to the received task(from wp or triggered actions) to attack the target - fixed
  
• Aircraft AI. Fixed. WWII AI planes doesn’t engage
  
• Core. FPS drops and issues related to mouse activity and polling rate - fixed.
  
• CTD. Dynamic Slots, track replay crash - fixed.
  
• Debriefing. Information takes too long to load after track with multiple planes crashes - fixed
  
• Cargos don't break anymore when they fall to the ground - fixed.
  
• Cargo items register as a unit not a static object - Fixed.
  
• Ground AI. Adjusted the armor values of some units.
  
• Ground AI. Fixed problem with crossing bridges.
  
• Ground AI. SA-2 launcher. Implemented launchers turning to intercept point azimuth before launch.
  
• Ground AI. URAL 4320T and URAL APA trucks lost their textures - fixed.
  
• Ground AI. URAL 4320T chassis animation bug - fixed
  
• Ground AI. When executing a rather small route loop (80 m x 80 m square), AI ground vehicles stop at WP0 instead of resuming the loop - fixed.
  
• Ground AI. 2S19 SPG. At distant LODs the gun barrel was separated from the hull - fixed.
  
• Ground AI. Fixed. FLAK broken, won’t engage.
  
• Ground AI. Patriot not engaging if more than 11 targets - fixed.
  
• FX. Fixed effect of leaked oil and water on a damaged pistons engine of WWII.
  
• Ground AI. Added opening of the bow-wave shield when BTR 80 and 82 enter water.
  
• Ground AI. When ground AI units expend all of their ammo, the unit does not rearm - fixed
  
• Launcher. Added. Files icon can show the operation in progress sign now
  
• ME. After having set up a unit with a set of AI tasks to 'Transmit Message', and making a copy of that unit, when the new one is pasted in and the Audio files linked to the "Transmit Message' tasks are changed, they change for both the original unit and the copied unit. The same is true if changes are made to the original unit. Fixed.
  
• ME. GUI Error when using a dropdown list in some cases - fixed.
  
• ME. The removed helicopter from the map still displayed in the list of aircraft - fixed
  
• MP. Eliminated clients were limited to seeing ~560 drawn shapes only on the F10 map.
  
• MP. Unable to spawn helicopters on “pad single” using dynamic spawn. Fixed.
  
• MP: Datalink STN duplicated when using dynamic spawn template. Fixed.
  
• Map objects. Caucasus. DM restored at fuel reservoirs and tanks.
  
• Ship AI. Arresting cable is attached to the wrong carrier when the player calls his tower first - fixed.
  
• Ship AI. DDG Arleigh Burke does not use CIWS against approaching missiles - fixed.
  
• Terrain engine. New terrain scenery models VRAM management system:
  
• optimized VRAM usage
  
• optimized streaming from storage disk
  
• optimized CPU utilization in scenery models rendering
  
• Terrain engine. Fixed rare hang or crash at first mission start in Afghanistan, Kola, Sinai due to unusual default season.
  
• Terrain engine. Fixed map layers artifacts when zooming or panning in Mission Editor, F10, and MFDs.
  
• VR. OpenXR. WMR. Fix force_cross_eye_recovery_tool
  
• VR. Added options for Quad View to VR settings
  
• Weapons. AGM-88 in F/A-18 TOO mode does not hit SAM radar - fixed.
  
• Weapons. AIM-54C does not reacquire lock to target if lost while active - fixed.
  
• Weapons. AIs do not use APKWS rockets - fixed
  
• Weapons. Change default M904E4 nose fuze options: from AD: 2 s to AD: 4 s.
  
• Weapons. R-27R/ERs do not homing to cruise missiles - fixed.
  
• Weapons. SA10 5V55 missile has folded fins in flight - fixed.
  
• Weapons. China Asset Pack. Added HJ-12 ATGM missile.
  
• Weapons. APKWS. Added laser code settings field in the payload editor.
  
• Weapons. Sea Eagle anti-ship missile doesn't have a collision model and can't be destroyed by shells - fixed.
  

Please read the full changelog on our site