DCS World Steam Edition News

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



We are eager to share progress on the new pilot model for DCS: Mi-24P Hind. Please enjoy the In Development Screenshots of the textured gloves and Poljot Chronograph 3133 manual winding, shock protected watch.


[h2]Voice Chat[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



In the next Open Beta release, we will deliver a major update to integrated radio communications. Voice Chat operates natively within DCS and no additional software or instals are required. Please bear in mind that enhancements will be ongoing and we appreciate your patience and bug reporting as we continue developing this complex communication stack.

We will also be adding radio communication to the Combined Arms roles, ground units, ATC, and AWACS. Further development will contain encrypted communication noises, clicks, distortions and voice synthesising in real time and more.

To ensure correct usage of this new and improved feature, we have prepared a document on How to Use DCS Voice Chat.


[h2]Open Beta 2.7.9[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



As the end of the year approaches, the upcoming Open Beta will mark an important update to DCS World. We are currently resolving some of the outstanding WWII issues and completing several new features for DCS: F-16C Viper. If you have not already, please check out the new videos in the Viper tutorial series by Matt Wagner:
DCS: F-16C Viper | Air-to-Ground Helmet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smX0yoqTIPI

DCS: F-16C Viper | ECM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mSc7kgg0VY

Enjoy!

Thank you again for all your passion and support.

Yours sincerely,


Eagle Dynamics Team

[h2]F-16C Viper[/h2]
[h3]New Features[/h3]



We are now engaged in new features for DCS: F-16C Viper and look forward to sharing the details with you in the next Open Beta update. It is with great pleasure that we can guarantee you the arrival of the ECM Pod, a very much improved HSD cursor, new AG features for the helmet and semi-automatic and automatic countermeasure programs. Also, keep your eyes peeled for an updated FLIR picture.



[h2]AH-64D[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



Dynamic Modelling

Currently we have achieved satisfactory flight dynamics parameters resulting from payload, fuel quantity, aerodynamic surfaces (wings, fin, horizontal stabilizer) and main gear. Any changes of payload or fuel affect the center of gravity horizontally and vertically which in turn changes inertia, controllability and balance state of the helicopter in flight.

Overall, the AH-64D Flight Modeling is step by step approaching an excellent level of “realism” and our SMEs are enthusiastic with the results to date. Each and every correction or modification step in the flight model (tail rotor characteristics change for instance) requires another run of the checks for balancing characteristics and flight dynamics. Because of that we are constantly doing test flights and correcting inaccuracies.

If you have not already, please check out the next video in the tutorial series:

DCS: AH-64D | TSD Basics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B64U9VUYBOw
 


[h2]3D Models[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



We have prepared a preview of the appearance of 3D ground units to infrared sensors. In the above screenshots, you may notice attention has been made to the signature of tires, which increase in brightness based on distance driven over various terrain types. We are doing our best to consider the shape and size of the objects, temperature, reflection of external sources.

Infrared signatures vary significantly with changing season, time of day and engine loading. The guns, cannons and engines will also emit contrasting radiant intensities and cooling times will also be part of the overall FLIR improvements, coming soon.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics Team

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



Progress on the new Mi-24 pilot is going smoothly. In the screenshots above you can see flight gloves and a Soviet navigator's watch. In 1976, the First Moscow Watch Factory (Polet Watch Factory) began production of a new stopwatch: the Navigator chronograph model 3133. This model was produced in limited numbers for the military and is currently not available for sale.

We are also modelling the S-4U rescue parachute designed for pilots with a total mass of up to 120 kg. The parachute is immediately deployed after separation from the aircraft during horizontal flight at speeds of up to 400km/hour and at altitudes between 70m to 4000m.




[h2]General Flight Model[/h2]
[h3]Development Report[/h3]



Before describing our new General Flight Model (GFM) for AI, it may be useful to review the development history of flight models in DCS since inception. Initially, we used a trajectory model called Standard (SFM) for human players and a very simple model for AI which used primitive laws of physics. Eventually, the Advanced Flight Model (AFM) and its successor, the Professional Flight model (PFM) were developed and the SFM was adapted for AI aircraft. Although SFM produces accurate trajectory parameters such as turn rate, specific excess power, flight envelope, etc. it suffers from a lack of natural short-period movement and switched models for ground and flight.

Expanding the use of PFM or even AFM for AI aircraft wouldn’t be smart due to several key factors, notably AFM and PFM both require substantial work to create each individual aircraft flight data model. In addition, processor workload for runtime data in the mission would be excessive and greatly affect performance, especially when many different aircraft are present in the mission.



The approach in our new GFM will deliver accurate AI trajectory performance and copy the PFM’s short-period characteristics from the player-controlled models that we already have. The GFM ‘pilot’ will use the same control surface deflection as PFM and can naturally stall and spin as well; the GFM also experiences air turbulence. It is interesting to note that the short period characteristics of the new models also naturally depend on Mach numbers.



The greatest challenge when starting the work on GFM was creating a unique multi-level autopilot system capable of controlling any and all aircraft. Unlike standard autopilot programming approaches, which demand that each aircraft be adjusted individually, the new approach permits automatic use of aircraft flight parameters. This saves substantial time and delivers more accurate and realistic auto-pilot behaviour that is particularly appreciated for trans-sonic and supersonic regime changes, which now no longer require substantial tuning.

This fundamental work required about two years of programming with formation flying alone requiring an additional 5 months of intense development. The main task was to teach the AI to fly correctly but not as a supernatural drone but rather as a human pilot would, including micro-delays, errors and limitations. Soon, every pilot can practice the formation lead role and develop highly realistic skills without having to play online and depend on inadequate wingmen to hone his talent.

All ordinary tasks such as takeoff, landing, aerial combat, ground strikes and bombing were also entirely re-written. Implementation is expected during 2022.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka9bthgFxtg

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics Team

[h2]AH-64D [/h2]
[h3]Development Report[/h3]



Powerplant
The detailed model of the T700-GE-701C powerplant, its Hydromechanical Unit (HMU), and Digital Electronic Control Unit (DECU) have been developed. This includes the compressor and its hydromechanical unit, compressor turbine, combustion chamber, and power-turbine.

Calculations of the angle of attack on both the compressor and turbine blades allow us to determine dependencies between the power-turbine state (main rotor RPM rise or fall for instance) and the state of the compressor, which in turn affects the behaviour of the power-turbine. This allows our model to closely match realistic behaviour in the transition processes for speed changes, main rotor pitch changes, and anti-torque pedal routines.



The engine, DECU and main rotor characteristics modeling have achieved an accuracy error of 2-3% for documented normal flight parameters and 4-5% for emergency flight regimes and environments (high temp. from 35°С and above as well as high altitude low density regimes).



Engine, Flight and Fuel Pages
The Engine page provides important data on the aircraft's engine torque, temperatures, RPM, and main rotor speed. The Flight page includes heads-down information on the performance of the aircraft with the ability to set important mission flight data. The fuel page includes an intuitive display of the fuel storage, flow and transfer systems.

Please watch the latest video in the AH-64D tutorial series
DCS: AH-64D | ENG, FLT, and FUEL Pages
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISN3ZDZdE0Q

[h2]Autumn Sale[/h2]
[h3]Available on Steam[/h3]



We recently updated the Steam client. This was done to push the Stable version of DCS World Steam Edition to the latest 2.7.8 version. DCS World modules are currently on sale with more than 30% savings on our most popular modules. Hurry, offers end at 10:00 Pacific Time on the 1st of December.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpNyGT8_GCs
We hope that the DCS World Autumn Sale will be an opportunity for you to pick up something new and exciting this fall.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,


Eagle Dynamics Team

[h2]Autumn Sale[/h2]
[h3]Savings[/h3]



Welcome to our DCS World 2021 Autumn Sale where you will find great savings across the field with up to 50% discount on most of our popular modules. We will also be participating in the upcoming Steam Sale.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpNyGT8_GCs

Please kindly note that NS 430 Navigation System is now also available as a separate product on Steam. All users who owned the legacy NS 430 module will receive: NS 430 + Mi-8MTV2 integration + L-39C/ZA integration.



[h2]F-16C Viper[/h2]
[h3]Development Report[/h3]



The latest Open Beta 2.7.8 introduces multiple fixes and new features for the Viper including Mark Points that can be set by the radar, targeting pod, and through the HUD.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pe5v5jqgQg
The new implementation of Ground Moving Target radar mode allows the radar to detect and designate surface targets moving between 8 and 75 knots. This is a great tool for detecting, tracking, and attacking moving, enemy ground forces.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_O9xq-NE4w


DCS: F-16C Viper Tutorial Series
Check out Matt Wagner’s great introduction to the core features of the HARM Targeting System.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD8OZSVy_Fo

Please read the full changelog for details.



[h2]Shadow’s Trophy[/h2]
[h3]VPC Online Timed Tournament[/h3]



The Shadow’s Trophy Tournament

This is a fabulous helicopter time trial which is being held on the Shadow's Trophy Race Track. Rotary wing pilots will have a chance to show off their skills, and new pilots will be able to get to grips with these amazing machines. VIRPIL Controls will also be providing an impressive range of prizes, with the Grand Prize consisting of a complete helicopter controls setup!

For more information on the tournament and statistics on participants, complete prize fund and regulations of the event can be found on VIRPIL Controls Forum

“We are waiting for you on the race track! Good luck!” - VIRPIL Controls Team

Watch the Shadow’s Trophy Tournament | Virpil Controls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PqJO9JlTAU

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics Team