DCS World Steam Edition News

[h3]New campaigns:[/h3]
DCS: F-16C First in Weasels Over Syria Campaign by Ground Pounder Sims
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2635860/DCS_F16C_First_in_Weasels_Over_Syria_Campaign_by_Ground_Pounder_Sims/

DCS: MAD Black Shark Campaign by Stone Sky
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2635100/DCS_MAD_Black_Shark_Campaign_by_Stone_Sky/

[h3]New aircraft:[/h3]
Mirage F1BE addition to DCS: Mirage F1. DCS: Mirage F1 BE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdD_MPczTic

[h3]DCS World[/h3]

• NEW: Added support for Nvidia DLSS. Using upscaling, Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) can dramatically improve game performance if you are Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) limited. Please note that if your CPU is limited, DLSS will have little to no performance effect. Owners of Nvidia 40-series graphics card will most benefit from this. With DLSS selected as the Upscaling option, you can further refine quality versus performance with Quality, Balance, Performance, and Ultra Performance presets. WIP
  
• NEW: Added support for AMD FSR 2, FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) also using an upscaling algorithm to improve performance. Also like DLSS, it will have little to no effect if you are CPU-limited. WIP.
  
• NEW: Anti-Aliasing. If Upscaling is set to OFF, three anti-aliasing modes are available.
  
• Multi-Sampling Anti-Aliasing (MSAA)
  
• Temporal Anti-Aliasing (TAA)
  
• Deep Learning Anti-Aliasing (DLAA)
  
• NEW: Added graphics option for Screen Space Shadows (SSS). This adds improved shadow detail to grass, bushes, and tree shadows. This is most evident with moving grass and tree shadows at long view distances. WIP.
  
• NEW: Color Grading. Select between nine image color gradients that allow you to adjust the tint of the image to provide the desired effect. This can be most useful for video creators.
  
• NEW: LOD Switch Factor. The Level of Detail (LOD) slider allows you to adjust the distance at which a unit transitions to lower level of detail models. 1 is the default value, but by setting a lower value, game performance can be increased.
  
• NEW: Sharpening. The slider adjusts the image sharpness between 0.00 (default) and 1.00. Sharpening can help make it look crisp and clear by enhancing the edges of objects in the image. However, adding too much sharpness can actually make an image look worse, or it can lead to a loss in image detail. When using DLSS, we suggest a setting of 0.5 and 0.8-1.0 for FSR.
  
• NEW: Cinematic Camera View - Right Control + F2. In combination with the mouse, the WASD keys can be used to move the camera forward, back, and laterally, and the Q and E keys can move the camera up and down. This allows the camera to be positioned in reference to the unit’s coordinate system, allowing much greater camera control for cinematic scenes.
  
• NEW: 3D Models. Newly created models for the B-1B, B-52H, S-3B (S-3B Tanker to follow shortly), “Centurion” C-RAM, and SA-10 (S-300PS).
  
• NEW: Ability to create, save, delete and rename custom weapons loadouts using in game rearm/refuel menu.
  
• Improved “spotting dots” added (WIP):
  
• Increased dot size at high resolutions
  
• Zoom is not affecting dots size
  
• In order to disable new “spotting dots” and revert to previous logic user can put “DotRendererExperiment = False” in autoexec.cfg file located in \Saved Games\DCS.openbeta\Config\
  
• Improved Replays/Tracks: Improved track replay for human controlled aircraft by conducting more frequent continuity checks, WIP. - Note, increased track file data size when saved to disk.
  
• NEW: Advanced Waypoint Action for Unlimited Fuel Option for AI. Please note the task must be at the top of Advanced Waypoint Actions list to make sure it works properly.
  
• NEW: Perform Task/Strafing for aircraft and helicopters as Advanced Waypoint Action. You can now set placement, length, attack direction and attack quantity.
  
• NEW: Added helicopter rotor downwash influence on vegetation.
  
• Voice chat. https://youtu.be/p1wgoZL4_O0?si=LbW5OfmRSP2dO_my
  
• Added realistic voice filters for all radio units
  
• Added realistic sounds at the end of transmission and effects of multipath interference
  
• All options moved to the Audio options page
  
• All controls moved to the Voice Chat page and aircraft pages
  
• Fixed Voice Chat window not opening after changing the mission on the server
  
• Fixed Master Volume and Cockpit Volume knobs not working for Voice Chat transmission
  
• Graphics: Improved helicopter rotor dust effects.
  
• AI Aircraft. AI runs off the end of the runway at Vaziani (Caucasus) and never attempts to turn back towards the parking ramp - fixed.
  
• AI Aircraft. AI F-16 will not rearm at a Rearm/Refuel Waypoint - fixed
  
• AI Aircraft. Error during radio message when helicopters passing waypoint - fixed
  
• AI Aircraft. AWACS detects bandits and share data with radar off - fixed
  
• AI Aircraft. After Evade Fire Horizontally is triggered, AI no longer follows waypoints - fixed
  
• AI Aircraft. WW2 Big Formation, un-natural flight attitude - fixed
  
• AI Aircraft. FARP takeoff with moderate wind causes AI helicopters to oscillate - fixed
  
• AI Aircraft. Fixed. С-47 Only one cargo is unloaded.
  
• AI Aircraft. B-1B ground collision after takeoff in some cases.
  
• AI Aircraft. Tornado aircraft will taxi with unfolded wings, not folded.
  
• AI Aircraft. Fixed H-6J drag when bombs hatch.
  
• Ground Units. Fixed - units slide down a slope.
  
• Ground Units. Added reload sound for S-60.
  
• Ground Units. Added belts for KORD and DSHK on pickup.
  
• AI SAM. Fixed missile explodes after launch when the tracking fails.
  
• Fixed: AI Helicopters in certain situations can become indestructible.
  
• GUI Sporadic Multiplayer server list screen error when user trying to change nickname - fixed
  
• DS. Dedicated Server crash on woCar::onNetHumanTakeControl - fixed
  
• GUI. GUI Error when clicking on F/A-18C Lot 20 wingman in some cases. (Datalink) - fixed
  
• GUI Error when using combination for drop down list in dynamic weather window - fixed
  
• MT. Fix labels visibility jittering.
  
• ME. Added the coordinate picker copy button.
  
• Graphic. HUD casting reflections on the water surface - fixed
  
• Caucasus Map. Human controlled vehicles drive through trees. No collisions with trees - fixed
  
• B-1B and B-52. Corrected masses of launchers.
  
• Incorrect positioning of the cargo after task Cargo Unload - fixed
  
• MP. Aircraft MP phantoms. Landing gear always spinning when retracted - fixed
  
• Graphics. When flying at high altitude, at certain angles, the aircraft, lights and even effects can be seen reflected on the water surface in the far distance - fixed
  
• ME. “No Pylon” payload restriction does not work - fixed
  
• Soil crater is drawn on water surface in certain cases - fixed
  
• MT. Graphics. No ground vehicle dust/snow trail - fixed
  
• GUI. Scale GUI messes with characters alignment - corrected
  
• Memory leak when DCS window minimized to taskbar (both ST and MT) - fixed
  
• ME. Refused from “ИПМ”, “КПМ” markings for non-Westerns due to improper assignment.
  
• AI Ships. Aircraft with start from the deck of Kuznetsov spawn in the air - fixed
  
• Crash on track restart in some cases - fixed
  
• JTAC. During LGB delivery JTAC marked the target with smoke instead of laser and says to use a gun - fixed
  
• FLIR. Added radar heating.
  
• Ships. Fixed sound for CV Kuznetsov.
  
• VR Option. Added Controller position sliders. Ultraleap special option. Added position sliders.
  
• MT. Trains jitter when moving - fixed
  

[h3]DCS Weapons[/h3]

• New implementation of A2A missiles (by ED) for MiG-21 and AJS-37: R-3S, R-3R, R-13, R-13M1, Rb-24/24J, and Rb-74.
  
• Fixed inaccuracies in several versions of the AIM-9.
  
• Added AIM-9P3 and R-60A missiles.
  
• Fixed R-60 payload drag.
  
• AIM-120 has a more advanced 3rd order tracking filter and double-contoured tracking loop that provides faster transient process and higher resistance to ECM blinking.
  
• Introduced ejector mechanics for bombs.
  
• F/A-18C. AIM-7 missile is incorrectly attached to pylon 4 and 6 - fixed
  
• MK-82Y. Huge aiming miss - fixed
  
• Wind correction for CBU-105 WCMD inaccuracy - fixed
  
• Sea Cat's and Sea Wolf's proximity fuzes are disabled by default - fixed
  
• When dropping a CBU-97 from a low altitude, submunitions would sometimes get stuck in the ground - fixed
  
• BGM-109C. Incorrect name in debriefing - fixed
  
• Kh-29 - missiles got updated FM and realistic autopilot / guidance system.
  
• Increased dispersion of air rockets.
  
• Updated eject/release effect of all air-to-ground weapons in China Asset Pack.
  

For the entire list of new features, improvements and fixes, please read the full changelog.

[h2]Voice Chat[/h2]
[h3]Improvement[/h3]



To ensure improved immersion, our new Voice Chat system now uses real-world audio physics to modulate the sound of your voice in order to replicate radio effects. To create more life-like communications, distortions, signal loss, and interference are simulated. These effects will vary based on the era of the radio, meaning, voices in modern aircraft will be clearer than in warbirds.

We are also making improvements to the radio and Voice Chat Room interfaces, allowing you to find your friends in multiplayer more easily.

Soon, Voice Chat will be rolled out to all other DCS modules, starting with the ‘Airboss’ for DCS: Supercarrier. We are also working on a separate voice chat program, which will allow you to communicate with units in multiplayer servers without having to actually run the simulator. Please subscribe to the newsletter in the Personal section on our website for more details coming soon!


[h2]Datalink[/h2]
[h3]Development Report[/h3]



Both the F-16C and F/A-18C include the Tactical Network Datalink, or TNDL. This allows the creation and in-mission editing of datalink members. Members can exchange air-to-air and air-to-surface targeting information. Both aircraft types can exchange data with each other.
Please enjoy these videos by Matt Wagner on the DCS: F-16C Viper | Datalink Update and the DCS: F-16C Viper | HARM Targeting Update with TDOA. To get familiar with datalink in the Hornet, make sure to check out the DCS: F/A-18C | Datalink Update video.

DCS 2.9 will also include datalink for the AH-64D. This datalink can currently only exchange data between other AH-64Ds. It features the ability to send and receive participant locations, targets and threats, waypoints and hazards, routes, and more. It also allows the sharing of fuel, ammunition, rockets, missiles, FARM and reports between members. Watch the DCS: AH-64D | Datalink Setup and DCS: AH-64D | Datalink Messaging.

The DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer datalink will also benefit from an update in DCS 2.9, allowing you to configure Track Numbers for A-10C II aircraft as members and donors across groups.


[h2]MAD Black Shark[/h2]
[h3]Campaign by Stone Sky[/h3]



In the upcoming DCS: MAD Black Shark Campaign by Stone Sky, you will take part in a civil war in the Persian Gulf region. Get ready to operate the Ka-50 Black Shark 3 from an aircraft carrier and travel across the entire DCS: Persian Gulf map. This campaign includes both single-player and multiplayer gameplay.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2214600/DCS_Black_Shark_3/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/411890/DCS_Persian_Gulf/

Key Features:

• Missions from Special Operations Forces CAS and CSAR missions
  
• Assault operations in large cities
  
• 12 narrative missions with English and Russian localisation
  
• Over 1400 triggers and story radio dialogues
  
• Custom liveries for KA-50-3, UH-H1, UH-60, JF-17, Su-27, and Su-33
  
• Detailed documentation and kneeboard
  
• Multiplayer available for two players
  

We hope you enjoyed the update on the new Voice Chat features and improvements to the datalinks. Please note that these features are planned for the DCS 2.9 Open Beta update. We look forward to your feedback!

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

[h2]Air-to-Air Radar[/h2]
[h3]Improvement[/h3]



In our previous White Paper regarding Phase 1 of improving the F-16C and F/A-18C radars, we discussed advances in how we calculate detection range based on Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF), average transmitted power, receiver noise figure, antenna area, and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). You can find this White Paper here:

Eagle_Dynamics_Radar_White_Paper_v1 (digitalcombatsimulator.com)

For Phase 2 of radar model update, we will be accounting for the following:

Fluctuation of Target RCS. Real targets have complex shapes, and their linear sizes are often larger than radar wavelength. This means that radar returns from different parts of the airframe may add or cancel each other depending on their relative phase causing the RCS to fluctuate. In our approach, RCS is approximately constant during dwell, but randomly changes from dwell to dwell according to exponential distribution (this approach is known as the Swerling Case I model). This results in non-constant detection range and target detection probability.

Noise Variability. Detection probability will also depend on the noise level, its variability, and the number of Coherent Processing Intervals (CPIs) per dwell. Because the noise level continuously changes, the target may or may not be detected in a particular CPI. For example: There are three CPIs per dwell in HPRF RWS mode, and for successful ranging, the target should be detected in all three CPIs. Obviously, the probability of detection in all three CPIs is lower than the probability of detection in one of three CPIs or in three of eight CPIs (like in MPRF mode). In HPRF Velocity Search mode, Post-Detection Integration (PDI) replaces Frequency Modulation Ranging (FMR). In that mode, signals from three CPIs are summed to make noise fluctuations smaller and thus minimise the probability of false alarms. This allows lower threshold sensitivity and increased detection range without increasing false alarm probability.

Mode-Specific Range and Doppler Resolution. Closely spaced targets may not be resolved individually, and they may be displayed as a single target. Return energy off such targets may fall into a single doppler range bin and result in detection at longer ranges. Velocity resolution depends on CPI duration. So, in HPRF with three CPIs per dwell resolution is better than that in MPRF mode with eight CPIs per dwell (dwell duration is constant, so CPIs are shorter). In RAID mode, up to four CPIs may be merged into one, thus increasing velocity resolution four times. RWS HPRF mode uses linear frequency modulation for ranging, and it has poor range resolution (in order of 2 nm, which improves four times in RAID mode). In MPRF mode, range resolution is defined by range bin size and it is always equal to 150 meters.

Atmospheric Propagation Loss. The atmosphere absorbs radio waves proportional to its density. So, at higher altitudes, detection range is greater than at low altitude.

In summary, the Phase 2 changes provide a more realistic simulation of radar detection probabilities that will have more variable detection ranges, low-quality/spurious detections, more accurate RCS effects, and modelling of radar modes.

In Phase 3 we will focus on false targets, look-down performance, and improved modelling of Single Target Track (STT) mode.



[h2]Mi-24P Hind[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



Recent DCS: Mi-24 Hind development has focused on additional Petrovich AI features, an SPO-10 RWR system update, and tuning of the swashplate control limits.

Petrovich AI is getting new and more realistic target scan behaviour to deal with the same issues that real crews cope with. You may have noticed that Petrovich AI now lists all the targets he can see only after his sight is enabled and can be slewed. We've decided to improve this interaction with Petrovich AI by restricting him to the same limits as a human operator.

The new target scanning system involves a deeper analysis of the target area and its surroundings. It will analyse the target area for any threats in the vicinity. After that, the algorithm calculates the search time based on the number of objects surrounding the target. With this new system, only targets that are clearly in view will be recognized instantly, while targets that are hidden by trees, bushes etc. will take longer to spot. The more objects surrounding the potential target, the longer it will take for Petrovich to detect it.

The updated SPO-10 RWR will consist of four channels with completely independent processing, the same as in the real system. The radar detection calculations are physics based, they calculate the radiation pattern of the transmitting source, the sensitivity of the receiving antennas, and the transmitting power of the emitter. This translates to detecting low-power radar emitters and shorter range and vice versa. Detection range will also vary based on bearing to the emitter source. For certain radars, the range can also be judged based on how frequent the detections are. The system will now only detect emission sources within the operating frequency range of the RWR. For instance, early warning and search radars and some other radar types will not be detected.

We are also refining the pitch and roll channels authority based on comparison data. Our earlier version was based on the Mi-24V swashplate limits. Compared to new Mi-24P data, it should have less authority in pitch and roll, and we are correcting this discrepancy. This will make DCS: Mi-24P Hind more responsive to pitch and roll input changes.



[h2]BogeyDope[/h2]
[h3]Promotion[/h3]



Please visit BogeyDope's channel! His goal is to grow the DCS community by breaking down the complex topics into manageable tutorials. This is a fantastic resource for new DCS pilots learning to fly complex aircraft. Watch his channel and please show him your support!

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

[h2]DCS 2.9[/h2]
[h3]Expectations[/h3]



Included in the latest DCS 2.9 build are five months of development work that you have not yet had the opportunity to see. We are thankful to all our QA and Closed Beta Testers for their invaluable time in helping to shape the DCS of tomorrow.

What to expect in DCS 2.9 and later in no particular order:

• New Voice Chat features and immersive radio effects
  
• Datalink improvements for F-16C, F/A-18C, A-10C II, AH-64D
  
• New cinematic camera view
  
• New 3D models like B-1B Lancer, B-52H, S-3B, S-3 Tanker, C-RAM, S-300PS
  
• AI aircraft behaviour improvements
  
• Troops transport on player-controlled vehicle
  
• Nvidia DLSS support
  
• And more….
  

We look forward to sharing more about the list of new features coming to DCS 2.9 in an upcoming newsletter. Please stay tuned!



[h2]Multiplayer [/h2]
[h3]Development Report[/h3]



The new multiplayer server user interface adds more convenient ways for you to interact and choose aircraft slots in a multiplayer server. This capability, which has been a highly requested feature by the Community, will permit you to view all aircraft spawn slot locations on the map and to select directly from there.

We also added a filter system for the slot list that will be built into the interface. So when a slot is picked from the list, the map view will jump to that slot location.

Additionally, we are completing a new kind of aircraft slot that will be dynamically added by the filter system based on the availability and inventory of the airfield warehouse. This new dynamic system will not replace traditional slots but will add convenience for mission designers and will coexist with regular spawn slots. The system of dynamic slots will distribute spawns to parking positions automatically and will not need any additional placement of aircraft from the mission designer. When spawning in a "dynamic" slot, users will be able to choose aircraft type, hot or cold start and all parameters that are available in the rearming panel. We are in regular contact with community server hosts and content creators who are helping us greatly with their excellent feedback.



[h2]B-17G[/h2]
[h3]Livery Competition[/h3]



To those of you who participated in the B-17G Livery challenge, thank you for your fantastic artwork. All the top ten liveries will soon be added to the B-17G in the DCS: WWII Assets Pack. Please take a look at the full list of winners:

1. 322nd BS - 91st BG JG1 Vonrd
a. LG-W_Wee Willie
b. LG-O_Texas Chubby
2. 'S' FK186, No. 220 Squadron RAF / RAF Coastal Command Camouflage 1943 Generic - B17 Paint Schemes MJDixon
3. B-17G 42-85784 “Sally B” Helles Belle
4. Boeing Flying Fortress Mk III (B-17G) 'Take It Easy' 214. Sqn RAF Aqil Huseynov
5. B-17G 'Little Miss Mischief' of the 324th BS , 91st BG Warlord64
6. B-17G Joker Mike Busutil
7. B-17G "2nd.Patches"OLD CROW
8. B17G " Out House Mouse", 91st BG, 323rd BS, Bassingbourn, 1944 Boosterdog
9. B-17G/PB-1 US NAVY Flying Fortress Update v2.0 Leviathan0815
10. B-17G-35-BO 42-31921 "Lil Brat" scorch71

We sincerely hope that you will enjoy these excellent liveries and hope that the sneak peek at the upcoming 2.9 version and the future Multiplayer (MP) enhancements are to your liking.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

[h2]15 Years of DCS[/h2]
[h3]60% Savings Last Chance[/h3]



We are not just celebrating 15 Years of DCS, we’re also setting the stage for the next 15 years of flight simulation history! Until this Sunday, most of our aircraft, terrains, tech packs, and campaigns are available with up to 60% discount on our Shop! Thanks to the great interest in our 15 Years of DCS celebration sale we decided to extend the closing date until the 24th of September, 16:00 GMT on our Shop. Don’t miss the final days and the opportunity to get something special at an exceptional price.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U-IQS1CiiU


[h2]A-10C II Tank Killer[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



In the next DCS Open Beta, you will be able to customize your data link members consisting of up to four team members and 12 donors using the Mission Editor based on Track Numbers, or TNs. Please note that this operates on a different data link than the F-16C and F/A-18C data links. At a later point, we plan to add a second data link option that will be compatible with those other aircraft. Stay tuned!

We are also making steady progress on the implementation of the SNS + INS system, which will provide more immersive and realistic position errors. Over the past month, the DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer has undergone maintenance, and several bugs have been corrected. Notably, AGM-65L laser codes from 2111 to 2688 couldn't be read from the scratchpad; this has now been fixed. The laser code has also been added to the MAV page, which is available for editing. We are tuning and adding new functions to the ARC-210 radio and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance system.



[h2]The Virtual 303rd FG[/h2]
[h3]MP Server[/h3]



The Virtual 303rd Fighter Group is an excellent team whose focus is on tactics, training, and realistic combat operations. The members have over 2,400 sorties, totaling more than 5,000 multiplayer flight hours in the DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer and DCS: F-16C Viper. They have their very own DCS: F-15E squadron too!

The v303rd offers structured training for all of their supported aircraft, optional follow-on training, and two persistent, dedicated servers that run training and combat missions on the DCS: Nevada NTTR.

They are a highly professional, close-knit and relaxed mil-sim group that prioritises family-first. If you enjoy flying with friends while focusing on real world tactics, techniques, and procedures, join the 303rd Fighter Group Discord.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics