DCS World Steam Edition News

[h2]F-100D Super Sabre[/h2]
[h3]Development Report[/h3]



“Our dedicated team completed an extensive journey across Texas, Georgia, Ohio, and Indiana, meticulously scanning F-100 aircraft to guarantee the utmost quality and precision. With the infusion of these invaluable resources, our team is channelling creativity and expertise to bring the Super Sabre to life, ensuring every detail captures and preserves the essence of this iconic aircraft.”

– Grinnelli Designs

An exceptional experience took place in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where an immersive week unfolded due to a fuel valve failure with the last flying F-100. This unforeseen event offered a unique opportunity to engage in detailed aircraft maintenance, capturing essential sounds and aerial footage. These experiences, complemented by insights from veterans, will play a crucial role in shaping this highly realistic module.

The project is progressing steadily, focusing on the development of a comprehensive and accurate flight model for the Super Sabre. Through a combination of computational methods, real aerodynamic data, and wind tunnel tests, the team is meticulously refining the model to accurately replicate the intricate dynamics of the actual aircraft. This effort stands as a testament to the team's commitment to delivering a high-quality, authentic experience in the world of DCS. Please make sure you watch the F-100D Dev Log: The Road to Realism.


[h2]Vegetation [/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



In the above screenshot, you can see the results of improved procedural grass distribution across terrain tiles. Compared to other types of vegetation, such as shrubs or trees, grass has a more regular standard geometric structure; however, this benefit is outweighed by the huge quantity of distinct and subtle flora that may be found on even fairly small pieces of terrain.

In order to provide interactivity and stable frame rates on any but the smallest maps, the brute-force method of covering the entire landscape with individual grass blade models was impractical. Therefore, we continue to work on a more efficient approach to grass distribution, and we enhanced grass shading by using ambient occlusion. We also improved vegetation shading with the release of Screen Space Shadows (SSS). Furthermore we are working on new vegetation visual effects from explosions, gun fire, and aircraft.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1120300/DCS_Syria/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1120301/DCS_The_Channel/


[h2]Grayflag[/h2]
[h3]PvE Server[/h3]



Welcome to Grayflag Death From Above, a hardcore persistent multiplayer PvE multiplayer server. We encourage you to team up and liberate territories on one of four servers and conduct strikes on enemy SAMs, factories, bases, runways, and more! Be careful, some members can occasionally fight as REDFOR to keep you on your toes.

This server harbours enemy forces who will attempt to resupply and reinforce their positions and even launch counter offensives as you and your team attempt to push the front line and liberate areas. Your task is to set up ground units to liberate and capture objectives or defend with ground forces. Please note, the position of units will be saved when the server restarts and you will log straight back into this persistent battlefield. This server also features the Combined Arms module. Find out more on Grayflag discord!

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

[h2]Vulkan for DCS[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



With the release of multi-threading and DLSS/FSR, the next big core DCS task is the support for the Vulkan Application Programing Interface (API). Multi-threading was a prerequisite to support the Vulkan API backend and enhance system performance/efficiency.

Much of the Vulkan API work over the past several years has focused on adapting the DCS internal tools to seamlessly integrate with optimized functionality to ensure peak performance. This has been a challenging endeavor to rectify all validation errors, streamlining graphics and processing tasks, improving compatibility with Nvidia, AMD, and Intel hardware and a diverse set of drivers, and creating and refining the groundwork for rendering across multiple threads that will allow even more advanced graphic capabilities.

As we move into 2024, we continue to optimize and refine performance to exceed what is possible with DirectX 11. It is important that we continue to push graphic standards whilst maintaining excellent performance for both 2D, and even more so, VR.

However, like multi-threading and DLSS/FSR, results will vary between players based on their hardware and settings.


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



Here are some of the interesting functionality improvements coming to DCS:

Save Game. Our new game persistence system will allow you to save mid-mission and return to that save point at a later time.

Replay System. The current track file system was originally created as a debugging system that simply reproduced game input to construct a replay of the mission. However, this system depends on limited DCS version changes between when the track was recorded and when being played back. The system in development for 2024 is designed to address this and will offer additional capabilities.

Infantry Unit Improvements. We will be working on new infantry models and animations in 2024 along with more life-like behaviors.

New Air, Ground, and Naval Units. New units will be available in 2024 that will range from World War II to modern day. Each unit requires thousands of man-hours to create and will be provided as optional packs at their highest levels of detail. Standard versions will also be available for free to ensure both single-player and multiplayer compatibility for all.

Graphic Improvements. In addition to the graphic improvements that the Vulkan API will afford, we will also be making improvements to the Render Graph for better VR performance, new and improved special effects, and further advancements in the FLIR rendering system.

Weather. The weather focus for 2024 will be on a new fog system and towering clouds with appropriate line-of-sight blocking.

Voice Chat. 2023 saw great connectivity improvements and a unique, real-time voice processing allowing users to modify voices to replicate different radio eras and technologies. In 2024 we will continue to integrate radios to vehicles, ships, and other units. We also plan external application support and other player-requested features.

Spherical Earth. One of the biggest changes coming to DCS is the Spherical Earth. This substantial work is ongoing however we do not expect to release it this year due to the size of the endeavour.

Dynamic Campaign. Please read our Newsletter for 29 December 2023 where we discuss DCSDC in detail.

Air Traffic Control. Although we have a solid design to provide an exceptional ATC experience, much of the work in 2024 will involve how we generate the voice dialog and create a much-improved interface.

Improved Accessibility. To make DCS more accessible to new players, the Graphic User Interface will be updated to make it more user-friendly and include a Launcher with new capabilities. New interactive missions are also being developed to shallow the learning curve with popular modules like the F/A-18C.

Air-To-Air Missile Development. We plan to migrate the R-27 (AA-10) family and R-73 (AA-11) missiles to a new component structure and flight dynamics. This will be coupled with a new proximity fuse model that accounts for Doppler closing speed, modified seekers, and a more realistic interaction model between the missile and the supporting radar. This will be done within the larger MiG-29 project framework. Other missile types will also be developed in the same way.

Air-To-Ground Munitions. We continue to develop new munitions as well as update existing air-to-ground weapons to include a new component model with advanced flight performance. This includes guided bombs and tactical missiles.

Regarding Anti-Radiation Missiles (ARM), we are developing narrow-band specialized seekers that were used with early ARMs of the 1960 to 1980s prior to the more modern AGM-88 HARM class of missiles with broadband seekers. These older ARMs, such as the AGM-45 Shrike of the Vietnam era, will be modeled with other older ARM systems.

ECM. We are developing more advanced principles of electronic warfare that will allow simulation of a greater variety of electronic warfare attack and countermeasure modes and capabilities. This is a very complex task and confidential subject. We cannot promise quick results, but work is underway to deliver a satisfactory simulation of this opaque area of modern warfare.

New Landing Gear. A new two-component landing gear system was released for the Mosquito last year. We will continue integrating it to other aircraft this year. We plan a separate newsletter article that will explain the new capabilities and what it brings to landing gear behaviors.


[h2]Module Support[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



In parallel with the development of the new modules discussed in last week’s newsletter, we will also continue to update, fix, and improve existing aircraft and maps. Some of these efforts include, but are not limited to:

Radar Improvements. In 2023 we released both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the radar improvements for the F-16C and F/A-18C. Phase 3 efforts will continue with a focus on better Single Target Track (STT) simulation, false target generation, and more realistic look-down effects.

Data Transfer Card (DTC). For each aircraft, the DTC consists of a variety of areas that are first modeled such as datalink, navigation, radio, weapons, sensors, and more. Once these elements are completed, they will be organized into a unified DTC interface.

Fuze Settings. All modern aircraft will benefit from the new and more advanced fuzing options first introduced for our WWII modules. This includes the new payload interface in the Mission Editor and Rearm/Refuel Window that will allow authentic setting nose and tail fuzes and new 3D rendering of fuze selections.

DCS: F-16C Viper. Priority work for 2024 includes the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP), a 1st perspective pilot model, and other improvements like new HUD symbology and RWR Handoff tones.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1090850/DCS_F16C_Viper/

DCS: F/A-18C. The biggest task for 2024 is a refactoring of the flight model and flight control system, landing gear physics, and improved external lights. Once the new external lighting system is complete for the F/A-18C, this technology will be used for other aircraft modules.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/411950/DCS_FA18C/

DCS: AH-64D. With the addition of the Fire Control Radar (FCR) core functions, next steps in 2024 include the addition of functions and modes such as LINK and remaining radar modes, new George and Flight commands, and the campaign.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1770580/DCS_AH64D/

Supercarrier. 2024 will see continued work on the new plane director operations that move aircraft out of the landing area to a parking location. This is in addition to work on the Air Boss deck and Ready Room.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1120305/DCS_Supercarrier/

Mosquito FB VI. This year we continue working on the features from the Early access list. Including AI crew members and the Drift recorder.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1724230/DCS_Mosquito_FB_VI/

Rest assured, our other modules and maps will also receive improvements and enhancements. We hope that the progress on the DCS core is to your satisfaction. Please stay tuned for more details on all the topics mentioned above. Stay healthy and as always, fly safe.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

[h2]2024 & Beyond[/h2]
[h3]A Look Ahead[/h3]


https://youtu.be/mhLQNuxRqJQ
Whereas the 2023 focus of Eagle Dynamics was primarily on DCS core improvements like multithreading, DLSS/FSR, Voice Chat, and bug fixes, our partners had an exciting year that included new products like the F-15E Strike Eagle, new Mirage F1 versions, the Normandy 2 and Sinai maps, and many fantastic campaigns.

2024 promises to be an eventful year with many projects in development such as the full fidelity MiG-29A Fulcrum, CH-47F Chinook, F6F Hellcat, and the Afghanistan, Iraq, and Marianas World War II maps. Our 3rd party partners are working diligently on the F-4E Phantom II, A-7E Corsair II, MiG-23 Flogger, C-130 Hercules, F4U Corsair, La-7, OH-58D Kiowa, and the Kola map.


[h2]2024 & Beyond Roadmap[/h2]
[h3]Our Current Plan[/h3]



Let’s take a brief look at the new aircraft under development in 2024, in no particular order. Detailed specifications and features will be listed for each product during each product announcement as we get closer to the release.

[h2]New Eagle Dynamics Aircraft[/h2]
[h3] DCS: CH-47F[/h3]
Much of the 2023 CH-47F work focused on the creation of the external model, cockpit/cargo models as well as systems and FM. The model now accurately reflects a US Army CH-47 from the mid-2000s. Much of the work now involves the finalisation of the flight dynamics and flight control system, along with the many multi-function display pages and sub-pages. As with all DCS aircraft since the Ka-50, the CH-47 will have fully modelled electrical, hydraulic, fuel, and other systems that exist within the simulation as “live” systems to manage voltage, pressure, flow rates, temperatures and all other operational systems. To support advancements in the DCS logistical system, the CH-47F will also be equipped with cargo and sling management capabilities as well as defensive gun positions.

[h3]DCS: F6F Hellcat[/h3]
Also started in 2023, the Hellcat has made great progress. When creating the external model, internal structural modelling was created to provide a very accurate and realistic structure in order to enhance damage modelling. The flight model development is in full swing, and it is being created to match first-hand knowledge of its handling and performance in cooperation with The Fighter Collection.
The Hellcat will not exist in a vacuum though, and Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO) opponent aircraft are already in development, as well PTO specific ground and naval forces.

[h3] DCS: MiG-29A Fulcrum[/h3]
We are excited to announce our first full fidelity 4th generation Russian fighter: the MiG-29A Fulcrum! The Fulcrum has been a massively successful, single-seat fighter that was developed to counter the F-15, F/A-18, and F-16 during the height of the Cold War. Today, it serves numerous armed forces, and will fill an important role in DCS.
Based on publicly available manuals, the DCS Fulcrum will be a 1980s era MiG-29, but it will still be a potent threat to other DCS aircraft with its array of radar- and infrared-guided missiles, its 30mm cannon, and unguided air-to-ground weapons. In the right hands, the MiG-29 can be a tough opponent with its Helmet Mounted Sight paired with high-off boresight R-73 air-to-air missiles.

[h2]New Eagle Dynamics Maps[/h2]
2024 will also be a great year for new maps. Our Terrain Development Kit (TDK) continues to grow in capabilities each year, and these new maps will leverage these features to create the best maps yet.

[h3] DCS: Afghanistan[/h3]
First hinted at a year ago, we are happy to confirm that an Afghanistan map is coming to DCS. A flash point spanning thousands of years, Afghanistan served as the backdrop to two of the largest conflicts in living memory. More focused on Counterinsurgency (COIN) warfare than large force-on-force battles, the Afghanistan map will bring a new mode of warfare to DCS battles and our most popular aircraft like the AH-64D, Mi-24P, A-10C, Su-25, F-16C, F/A-18C, will be great mission choices.

[h3] DCS: Iraq[/h3]
We are also excited to announce an Iraq map coming to DCS. From Operation Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom to the War on Terror, Iraq has been one of the most significant flash points of the late-20th and early 21st centuries. The Iraq map will initially be centred on Baghdad to best provide War-on-Terror and War on Isis scenarios. Later, the map will be expanded south to provide older scenarios like Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom.

[h3]DCS: Marianas World War II[/h3]
To support the DCS: F6F Hellcat and other PTO aircraft and units coming to DCS, we have been adapting the current Marianas for the past year and into 2024. The map is based on painstakingly researched documents, photos, and accounts of the Mariana Islands in the summer of 1944, at the time of the Battle of the Marianas between the United States and Imperial Japan. This will be a free map that leverages our latest TDK for improved performance and realism.

In parallel with these new product efforts, we will be focusing on continued development of existing modules such as, but not limited to, the F-16C, F/A-18C, AH-64D, and Supercarrier.



Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

[h2]Happy New Year[/h2]
[h3]See you very soon![/h3]



On this very special weekend, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for the New Year. We wish you happiness, prosperity and health. We also want to express our sincere appreciation for your continued support and feedback that makes DCS what it is today. Here's to an extraordinary year ahead, filled with epic missions, thrilling dogfights, and unforgettable moments. See you on the other side!

2023 was another important year for DCS with the introduction of several new products, the evolution of DCS core technologies, and an ever-expanding wealth of content from our partners and friends. 2024 promises even bigger and better things!



[h2]Dynamic Campaign[/h2]
[h3]Development Report[/h3]



DCS Dynamic Campaign (DCSDC) is one of the most important tasks for the future of DCS as it will add a new and much-demanded evolution/improvement of gameplay for both single player and multiplayer. Rather than mimic past solutions, we hope to set a new standard, one that provides a high level of interaction, authenticity, immersion, and ease-of-use. Our goal is to deliver a system that allows players to create their own dynamic (non-scripted) campaigns that will evolve based on strategic and tactical AI decisions, indirect player influences on AI actions, and direct player influences on the battlefield. This will all leverage existing DCS features such as Voice Chat, new ATC mechanisms, etc. This has been a tall order, and the effort has been underway since 2018 with a small but dedicated team.

Our focus in 2022 was on the creation and testing of General Air Operations tasks. In 2023, we shifted our DCSDC efforts to Ground Operations. This area will break new ground for dynamic campaigns and includes the following tasks:

• The creation of a realistic road network system that is based on a new road editor system. This allows units to have appropriate road movement conditions that are tied to the logistics and supply network. This also integrates into the movement of ground unit formations.
  
  
• A new ground unit formations editor was created that allows for the accurate assembly of units-based levels of command from platoon up to division, with all command levels in-between. Command structures vary based on the country and era, just like the real world and with correct terminology. Unit formations then operate realistically within their larger force structure based on tasking such as road march, meeting engagement, assault, defense, retreat, route, etc.
  
  
• We addressed ground forces behavior once engaged. This was one of the biggest, most complex tasks. Much of this was dependent upon force tasking, support from neighboring forces, organization of frontline forces, logistics (munitions and fuel), and disposition of enemy forces.
  

To assist with these items, a new and improved path-finding mechanism was developed that considers both the terrain topography and restrictive zones within it. This allows more sensible routing of formations based on the terrain properties.

In addition to Ground Operations tasks, we continue to work on Air Operations related tasks. For instance, many airfields currently have too few parking spaces available for a large DC. We don’t want to be limited to such limited numbers for large scenarios. To address this, we have developed a new process to expand spawn points for aircraft.

Next, we will finalize ground tasking, increase the level of internal and external testing, and begin work on the important Graphic User Interface (GUI).


[h2]Winter Sale[/h2]
[h3]Huge Savings![/h3]



The DCS Winter Sale 2023 is the perfect time to bolster your arsenal of DCS modules. Take advantage of these festive deals before they disappear! Until 4th of January at 18:00 GMT on Steam and till the 7th of January, 2024 at 15:00 GMT on our Shop, you can enjoy fantastic deals across all our most popular aircraft, terrains, tech packs, and campaigns.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/223750/DCS_World_Steam_Edition/

Thank you again for your passion and support and everything you have done for DCS and the Community in 2023. Onwards and Upwards!

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

[h3]DCS World[/h3]

• AI aircraft. Fire and smoke adjustments for AI planes: F-5E, F-86F, L-39, MiG-15bis, A-10A, Su-27, Su-33, F-15C, MiG-29A/S, MiG-31, Su-24M/MR, Tu-22M3, Yak-40, KC-135
  
• Weapons. Ka-50. When launched without a locked target, Igla turned with maximum g-load and locked its own aircraft. Now the missile will fly straight in uncontrolled flight.
  
• ME. TF-51D had no RADIO tab in properties - Added the radio panel
  
• FLIR. IR Moon representation in daytime light conditions corrected
  
• TV / CCD sensor issue at night with ZOOM fixed and improved lightmap performance for narrow FOV
  
• Flat Shadows Blur option creates shadows going towards the Sun - fixed
  

[h3]DCS: AH-64D by Eagle Dynamics[/h3]

• Fixed: FCR TGT Report is not sent when SEND button pressed
  

[h3]DCS: Mi-24P Hind by Eagle Dynamics[/h3]

• Fixed: Pilot-operator cannot launch ATGM in multicrew
  

[h3]DCS: F/A-18C by Eagle Dynamics[/h3]

• Fixed crash on AGM-88 launch in PB mode in some conditions
  
• Fixed: Cannot designate with the A/G radar
  
• Updated RU Hornet manual - 2023 edition, expanded and revised (it was added earlier, but not mentioned):
  entirely new radar section
  added ATFLIR, Litening II
  added JHMCS section
  added SLAM and SLAM-ER weapon sections
  added ASPJ section
  expanded NAV section
  

[h3]DCS: F-16C Viper by Eagle Dynamics[/h3]

• Fixed: CBU-103/105 is unlabelled in SMS
  

[h3]DCS: F-14 Tomcat by Heatblur Simulations[/h3]

• NEW: Added TARPS pod for both F-14A and F-14B (visual model only) - gameplay features to follow
  
• NEW: Added boarding ladder to static and AI aircraft.
  
• Added TARPS loadouts.
  
• Adjusted loadout restrictions for TARPS pod.
  
• Fixed broken normals on both -A and -B
  

[h3]DCS: AJS-37 Viggen by Heatblur Simulations[/h3]

• Fixed inconsistencies in AI collision model
  

[h3]DCS: Black Shark 3 by Eagle Dynamics[/h3]

• MP. Synced gear animation between clients
  

[h3]DCS: UH-1H Huey by Eagle Dynamics[/h3]

• Huey VOIP bindings fix (it was added earlier, but not mentioned)
  

[h3]DCS: JF-17 by Deka Ironwork Simulations[/h3]

• Fixed: LS-6 and GB-6
  

[h3]DCS: Persian Gulf Map by Eagle Dynamics[/h3]

• Persian Gulf at sunset. Flat Shadows Blur option creates shadows going towards the Sun - fixed
  

[h3]Campaigns[/h3]

• DCS: P-51D Debden Eagles Campaign by Reflected Simulations
  
• Added special liveries for P-47, Spitfire and Yak-52.
  
• Corrected position of every P-51