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DCS World Steam Edition News

User Files | Terrain Scenery Development Report | Campaign Creators

[h2]DCS User Files[/h2]
[h3]Free Community Content[/h3]



A valuable resource to all pilots is the User Files section. We have a tremendously active and talented community that creates fantastic, free content for DCS including aircraft liveries, missions, documents, audio, and other modifications. These missions offer endless hours of fun. The page allows you to sort by aircraft, map, and other filters to find the missions.


Each submission is first sent for review and approval to ensure a high standard of quality. The webpage also provides a reporting option for any issues that you may encounter with a submission. This is a great resource that we urge you all to take advantage of. We take this opportunity to thank all our contributors and look forward to all your future creations.


[h2]Terrain Scenery[/h2]
[h3]Development Report[/h3]



As DCS maps have increased quality, detail, realism, and complexity over the years, it’s been a challenge to balance this with maintaining a decent level of performance. With the most recent and upcoming maps, we have raised the bar to higher to provide a better balance. This has led us to rethink our approach to terrain scenery computing, instancing, and streaming.

Our task was to create a flexible system focused on utilizing and saturating an increasing number of compute cores in modern GPUs.



The new scenery compute system achieved our ambitious goals of:
  1. increased GPU performance
  2. improved VRAM management
  3. increased CPU performance
  4. improved streaming from storage disk to VRAM with optimised CPU usage




Our tests indicate a notable performance increase in densely built up scenes, depending on graphics settings and hardware. Please provide us with feedback on your enhanced DCS performance, we look forward to it!

[h2]Campaign Creators[/h2]
[h3]Promotion[/h3]



If you are a talented mission creator and are interested in becoming an official campaign 3rd party, please get in touch! This allows you to exercise your passion while making an income.

Prior to expressing your interest to us, first determine the details of your campaign like the aircraft the player will fly, over what map, the narrative scenario, and so on. The more detail the better. We’d also need to evaluate the first three missions of the campaign at a complete state.

With a cool idea for a campaign, you’ll also want to be deeply familiar with the Mission Editor, its trigger system, military practices, how to craft great briefings, be able to provide quality voice overs, and more. It can be a daunting task, but well worth the effort when creating something special that all DCS pilots can appreciate. In fact, more than one 3rd party campaign creator has made it their full-time job.

We hope that you take advantage of the thousands of community made free User Files and that the new terrain scenery system will enable you to see performance improvements across all maps. If you are a mission maker then please make sure to contact us via our Forums or on Discord. Additionally, please join us in celebrating all the important women in our lives on this special International Women's Day!

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

New Syrian Airfields | Weapons Development Report | Wolfpack Squadron MP Server

[h2]Syria Map[/h2]
[h3]Recent Updates[/h3]



In case you missed it, Ugra Media's most recent updates to the DCS: Syria Map delivered optimized scenes and models by reducing the number of bushes, and textures while simplifying damages and car models. Ground textures saw a boost in frame rate performance due to updates to the ground vector data renderer. 

Detailed enhancements cover the territories of southern Israel and Jordan, featuring additions like Amman, King Abdullah II, Prince Hassan, Muwaffaq Salti, and Herzliya airfields. Technical fixes addressed relays and ILS in Ramat David airfield, and errors in objects were also fixed. The adjustments to the sea depth near the shore and a tower frequency change at Wujah Al Hajar airfield improve realism, while Ein Shemer airfield benefits from a runway extension, and added parking lots at Ein Shemer, Megiddo, and Ramat David airfields.

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


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



We are pleased to share our progress on improving the functionality of the Mission Editor Payload settings window and the in-mission Rearm and Refueling pop-up. These interfaces will allow you much finer control of fuze settings, laser-codes, cluster bomb settings, unique 3D fuze models, and more. These panels will allow you to take “weaponeering” to the next level in DCS.

More specifically, we have focused on implementing bomb features that are relevant for modern munitions that include both general purpose bombs, sub-munitions, and guided munitions. This specifically includes setting the laser code (PRF) for laser-guided munitions like Paveway II and III, target spin rate at bomblet release for CBU-type munitions, airburst heights for munitions with radio-altimeters, and even adjusting seeker and control system parameters for weapons that have this capability.

Based on the nose fuze selection, the 3D models are now adjusted accordingly and even include sub-variants for nose plugs. We are also including bomb casings differences between USAF and US Navy weapons.
 

[h2]Wolfpack[/h2]
[h3]MP Server[/h3]



Wolf Pack is a thriving community across more than 10 multiplayer servers encompassing every facet of DCS: from WWII PvP/PvE missions to a modern jet competition division. They host a campaign mission every Sunday and a weekly helo mission on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. They fly dedicated WWII missions every Thursday/Saturday night. 

Check out the Wolfpack Discord event tabs for the week's mission schedule, or jump into our Discord voice chat when you fly to team up with other wingmen.

As a dedicated DCS Community, Wolfpack welcomes members from other DCS groups. If you're part of another community or squadron, make sure to connect! Introduce yourself in the Discord "introduce-yourself" section, share your link, and recruit for your group. The aim is to foster collaborations with other DCS communities and squadrons.

Thank you again for your passion and support, 

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

Flaming Cliffs Upgrade | DCS Update | F-15C Campaign

[h2]Flaming Cliffs 3[/h2]
[h3]Upgrade[/h3]



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PabPDZxstws

The DCS: Flaming Cliffs aircraft have received a texture refresh upgrade to their cockpit and external model textures. The F-15C, A-10A, Su-27, Su-33, and J-11 have received new cockpits and external textures, and the Su-25 has received new cockpit textures. These upgraded cockpits focus on detail and realism and include Physical Based Rendering (PBR) textures. This free upgrade propels Flaming Cliffs 3 to 2024 texture standards and promises to maintain Flaming Cliffs 3 as an excellent choice for new and veteran DCS pilots.

Our goal is to further improve the new user experience in DCS. The Flaming Cliffs 3 aircraft provide professional-level flight models but with simplified controls that result in a shallower learning curve for new virtual pilots. The F-15C, A-10A, Su-27, Su-33, J-11, MiG-29A, MiG-29S, and Su-25 provide a variety of aircraft that range from air superiority to attack. These come with a wealth of missions and campaigns and are operable on most online servers.

If you are not already flying Flaming Cliffs 3, now is a great time to jump in and enjoy this great value.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/249320/DCS_Flaming_Cliffs_3/


[h2]DCS World[/h2]
[h3]Development Report[/h3]



In our ongoing commitment to providing a seamless and streamlined experience for our pilots, we're thrilled to share positive news on the transition to a single-version approach, eliminating the distinction between Stable and Release versions.

This move is aimed at ensuring all players enjoy the latest features, updates and improvements simultaneously. Please make sure to get familiar with the more harmonious and collaborative DCS World by updating to the latest version now! Notably included in this update is a performance improvement for terrains, an impressive set of new liveries from Polychop for the DCS: SA-342 Gazelle, as well as improvements to the DCS: MB-339 flight and collision model by IndiaFoxtEcho. We have also delivered a large number of bug fixes for DCS: AH-64D, DCS: F-16C Viper and DCS: F/A-18C. For a list of changes, please check out the full changelog.


[h2]F-15C Aggressors ACM[/h2]
[h3]Campaign by Maple Flag[/h3]



The F-15C Aggressors ACM campaign puts you in the cockpit of an F-15C Eagle as a new Aggressor pilot with the 65th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base. Based on real world procedures, you will fly as Red Air against Blue Air Forces.

You will face a series of challenging Air Combat Maneuver (ACM) missions against dissimilar aircraft with a wingman for assistance. Each mission will comprise two 2 vs 2 air to air engagements. Tankers are available if you wish to refuel before the second engagement.

Your opponents include the F-4E, F-14A, F-15C, F-15E, F-16C, F/A-18C, M-2000C, MiG-29G, CF-188, MiG-21, Su-27 and an unknown type. Three campaigns are included in the download package to allow you to fly against Rookie, Ace and Random AI opponents.

Additionally, there is an 11 mission practice campaign against the Rookie and Ace AI with in-air starts so you can perfect your ACM tactics and techniques.

Key features:
  • Over 1800 voice overs
  • 49 pages of briefing material including the RED FLAG Spins, Red Forces In Flight Guide
  • Maps, Diagrams
  • Custom Kneeboards and Mission Data cards

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2742450/DCS_F15C_Aggressors_Air_Combat_Maneuvering_Campaign_by_Maple_Flag/

We hope you're as thrilled as we are about these latest developments in the world of DCS. Please remember that the Lunar Sale is in its final hours and ends on the 25th of February at 15:00 GMT. Do not miss out on this fantastic opportunity to land something truly special!

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

DCS 2.9.3.51704

New campaign: DCS: F-15C Aggressors Air Combat Maneuvering Campaign by Maple Flag
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2742450/DCS_F15C_Aggressors_Air_Combat_Maneuvering_Campaign_by_Maple_Flag/

[h3]DCS World[/h3]
  • Terrain scenery performance: optimized instancing and improved and optimized streaming.
  • ChinaAssetPack. Missiles KD-20, KD-63 and C-701T switched to ED’s declaration.
  • ChinaAssetPack. Bomb Type-200A switched to ED’s declaration.
  • ChinaAssetPack. LS-6/GB-6 updated range table.
  • ChinaAssetPack. HHQ-9 cold launch effect added.
  • Input. When a single Controller Axis is bound twice (ex. with and without a modifier) on a single Game Axis, the "Axis Tune" modal fails to save its settings. Fixed.
  • IR render. Fixed the square surface texture under the destroyed vehicle in FLIR.
  • Weapons. APKWS RCS decreased from 0.04 -> 0.01 sq m.
  • Fixed crash when one of two groups is destroyed while embarking a helicopter.
  • Fixed crash when one of two groups is destroyed while embarking a vehicle.
  • Fixed crash when infantry destroyed during a task Embarking.
  • Fixed crash when one of two groups is destroyed while embarking a ship.
  • Task Embarking, distribution doesn't work correctly for boat - corrected.
  • Fixed crash while performing a task Embarking in some cases.
  • Fixed exploit - aircraft can be equipped with weapons from other aircraft in some cases.
  • AI aircraft. AI S-3B tanker parks on a place already occupied with static - fixed.
  • Triggers. Part of group in zone - activates when it should not - corrected
  • Triggers. Trigger Zone. Checking inside the attached zone.
  • Effects. Rain effect is not cleared when it is turned off without restarting the DCS - fixed.
  • Fixed bug when camera can attach to dead object.
  • AI ground. When a SAM launcher has no LOS with its tracking radar, it still fires missiles, but they explode one second later - fixed.
  • AI helicopters. Fixed IAS speed vs. wind bug.
  • AI helicopters. Wheeled helicopters allow take off & landing from a parking position. "Normal" weight value was corrected.
  • Control hover added Ah-64 taxi improved.
  • AI helicopters. AIs collide with each other on vertical take off - fixed.
  • AI wingman with data links remain on after shutdown - fixed.
  • SSE. MT. Any looped outText message flashes at different intervals in Multithreading - fixed.
  • AI surface. Infantry does not move after switching green state - fixed.
  • AI surface. Radar SON-9 alarm state cannot be set to GREEN - fixed.
  • AI surface. Ships may behave incorrectly when using the checkbox 'on land' - fixed.
  • AI surface. The second group can't execute command Embarking to ship - fixed.
  • AI surface. Deactivation function works only on part of units from the group - fixed.
  • AI aircraft. SA342 using ATGM HOT3 missile in Hellfire style - fixed.
  • Weapons. Negative weight of ATGM HOT3 payload - fixed.
  • Effects. Moonlight reflection over the sea produces a blinding halo - corrected.
  • Weapons. Kh-65 missiles turn around, and most don't hit their target - fixed.
  • AI aircraft. The likelihood of the aircraft colliding with trees when going around mountain tops has been reduced.
  • AI aircraft. AAR. AI struggles to keep the probe into the right drogue when the tanker orbits in a left turn - fixed.
  • VR In cockpit cursors have become oversized and blurred - fixed.
  • Effects. Flickering shadows in mirrors at night at some camera angles - fixed.
  • AI aircraft. Drones were unable to launch ATGM Hellfire from high altitudes due to a missile guidance issue. Now the altitude is limited to 3600 meters.
  • AI surface. S-75 (SA-2) tracking targets through mountains. LOS check restored.
  • ME. Triggers. Added expanding window function for scripted trigger actions and messages.
  • Weapons. ATGM AT-6 and AT-9 will be lost if the launcher is destroyed.
  • AI aircraft. Incorrect behavior of the helicopter during landing in some cases was fixed.
  • AI aircraft. AI helicopters fail to engage ground targets in some cases - fixed.
  • Crash when deactivating a ship during a helicopter task cargo transportation fixed.
  • AI surface. NASAMS attacks helicopters from short distances only - fixed.
  • Weapons. Corrected aiming data for GBU-10, KAB-1500-LG-Pr, KAB-1500LG, GBU-24, KAB-500L, GBU-54, GBU-12.
  • DCS MT. Vehicle guns shaking during rotation - fixed.
  • AI surface. Turned off exaggerated recoil when launching missiles.
  • ME. GUI Error when changing ship type if AMMO tab open - fixed.
  • Weapons. Increased APKWS M282 warhead power.
  • AI aircraft. S-3B tanker. Mechanics of releasing the refueling basket and the refueling process have been adjusted.
  • Voice chat
  • Added transparency to the VC widget window. change colors in widgets
  • Fixed. MiG-15 VC radio mode does not work
  • Fixed. Active radio is not highlighted in the widget
  • AI surface. Freeze when performing Embarking task for ship in some cases - fixed


For a full list of changes, please read the full changelog.

Lunar Sale | F/A-18C Reporting for Release | Digital Coalition Airforce

[h2]Lunar Sale[/h2]
[h3]Reminder[/h3]



https://store.steampowered.com/app/1199120/DCS_JF17_Thunder/

The Lunar Sale has huge savings up for grabs across most of our popular aircraft, terrains, add-ons and campaigns. Please head over to the Shop and check out the exclusive deals.

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

That’s not all! Campaigns are also available with up to 50% off. These include Stone Sky’s MAD series, the Maple Flag Campaigns, Reflected Simulation Campaigns, and many more. Check out the Shop.

Due to database maintenance in the European time zone, you may have experienced downtime and errors whilst accessing the website and online multiplayer servers. This issue has now been resolved and we apologies for any inconveniences this may have caused. We hope that extending the Lunar Sale till the 25th of February at 15:00 GMT provides you with enough time to find your next module or campaign, or both!


[h2]F/A-18C[/h2]
[h3]Update[/h3]



The F/A-18C has been one of our most popular DCS aircraft as it provides a wealth of game play options and is nearly feature-complete. There are though a number of items that we continue to address that will further improve the realism and attention to detail of this DCS flagship aircraft.

Flight Model
For the past several months, we’ve been improving the flight dynamics of the F/A-18C to represent this aircraft’s unique flight qualities even more accurately. Much of this has been focused on expanding the F/A-18C’s high Angle of Attack (AoA) capabilities by adjusting the stabilizer scheduling. These changes will allow maneuvering up to 50 to 55 AoA, compared to mid-30s earlier. This expanded AoA capability will better allow players to take advantage of the F/A-18Cs outstanding low-speed, high-AoA maneuver capability. Note that this expanded AoA capability can result in a dramatic loss of airspeed, if not careful.

Another important improvement is the handling characteristics in Powered Approach (PA) mode when landing. During landing, you will find achieving and maintaining on-speed AoA easier. This is tied to the flight control system changes.

Nose pitch effects have also been added when the speedbrake is extended and retracted to match the real F/A-18C. Overall aerodynamic damping has also been improved to better match F/A-18C handling characteristics.

Flight Control System
The Flight Control System (FCS) has been completely reworked in all channels, and it provides much improved behavior when switching the control logic system between AUTO flaps mode to HALF\FULL flaps. You will find the transition much smoother with little to no un-commanded pitching moments. This will also make getting on-speed during landings much easier.

Roll characteristics have also been improved to better match the real aircraft with greater stability in the roll and yaw channels. This also applies to improved behavior around the longitudinal axis when taking off.

The yaw channel FCS in PA mode has also been adjusted to improve landing control in a crosswind. In total, the improvements in the FCS will make takeoff and landings much easier.

Landing Gear
The landing gear shock absorbers were adjusted to match documentation and reference videos. The F/A-18C landing gear articulation is a complex and dynamic process that is accurately modeled for carrier recoveries and touch-and-go. This change also provides improved landing control in a crosswind and addresses excessive G loads when landing. Whilst greatly improved, we will continue to tune this mechanic to allow even more accurate nosewheel touch-and-go behavior to allow lower airspeed rotation.

In addition to the landing gear mechanisms, the tires have also been adjusted to provide more authentic friction forces that will be apparent in crosswind takeoff and landings.

Engine
Engine transition thrust time was adjusted to be more accurate between afterburner and MIL thrust modes. The engine transition time is now faster from afterburner to idle. This allows you to reduce airspeed when cutting the engines to idle more quickly.

Autopilot
F/A-18C autopilot operation has been improved by tuning its behavior when initiating an altitude hold mode whilst the aircraft is unbalanced. The updated autopilot also improves holding the set altitude when in a roll and initiating an altitude hold mode. Before, you would often lose or gain hundreds of feet. Last, the autopilot control is much smoother when transitioning through waypoints in coupled mode.

Automatic Carrier Landing System
When activating the Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) in coupled mode, the autopilot will use smoother and improved approach behavior.

Get the DCS: F/A-18C at 30% off now during the 2024 Lunar Sale that has been extended to February 25th, 2024.

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


[h2]Digital Coalition Air Force [/h2]
[h3]Multiplayer Server[/h3]



The Digital Coalition Air Force is a fun and engaging way to enjoy DCS online. The members fly on the EU timezone and are recruiting DCS: F-15E Strike Eagle, DCS: F-16C Viper, DCS: AV-8B Night Attack V/STOL pilots and controllers.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2316890/DCS_F15E/

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

https://store.steampowered.com/app/759130/DCS_AV8B_Night_Attack_VSTOL/

This military simulation group alternates between training and operation seasons. Q1 and Q3 are training seasons when new cadets are screened and trained as per squadron standards. Operation campaign seasons are Q2 and Q4.

You can read more about how the F-15E's squadron training season would work here.
DCAF teaches many bespoke training courses that cadets can access and be assessed on. Make sure to and check out their DCAF Discord.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics