DCS World Steam Edition News

[h2]EDGE 2.7[/h2]
[h3]Is Here[/h3]



Notable Improvements
The ability to place player and client aircraft in any suitable location now allows you to create better road bases and FOBs in a variety of terrain types. The new customisations, with quadrangular areas, allow mission creators to craft corridors, boundaries and other new trigger zones. A new barrage fire option for AAA is also now available.



New 3D loadout visualiser in mission editor
All weapons and stores have been renamed and structured to provide more granularity and detail, allowing you to preview loadouts and liveries and get a much better understanding of your aircraft’s mission configuration.



Weather System
Our new Clouds have been released and we are delighted with the encouraging feedback from the community so far. Despite being a work in progress, we are aware of some of the major issues and substantial enhancements will be coming soon.

Our priorities for Clouds include work on the wide range of sensors and weapons and how they interact with the new world and how AI behaves in varying conditions. This is particularly relevant for close air combat line-of-sight behaviour. The Clouds mark the start of a significant overhaul and upgrade to the entire weather system as we continue to recreate more realistic weather conditions.



Damage Model - Fire Effects
We are pleased to announce that our Damage Model has been enhanced to more accurately consider projectile types and impact locations to subsequently portray the corresponding burning, smouldering and blazing effects. This is just the beginning of the general damage and effects overhaul that is in the works and we eagerly await your feedback.



New WWII AI Engagement logic
AI will now consider enemy ability and relative position to decide whether to engage or to disengage. We have also considered functions for a lower level AI to make incorrect decisions. This is the start of our long journey to make AI behave more rationally and naturally.



WWII Propeller Technology
A notable update coming to 2.7 is our unique and new technology that calculates the location of every propeller blade and then regenerates the image to reflect the human eye’s interpretation of the movement. This approach allows for smooth and realistic blade transitions from still, to idle, through to taxing and take off, as well as proper transparency from all viewing angles, aircraft speeds, power settings and blade pitch. This teaser video demonstrates New WWII Propeller Technology.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avh0zLzLLmE

To read the full list of updates, please check out the full Changelog.

Thank you again for your patience, passion and support,

Yours sincerely,


Eagle Dynamics Team

We are pleased to share our latest update to DCS World Open Beta and the substantial range of new features and improvements that are included. Some of the highlights are the highly anticipated new cloud technology, new piston engine propeller technology and a wide array of new features for the Hornet and Viper. Check out the 100’s of fixes and enhancements below and please remember that we count on you to help us grow the product. We promise to keep you updated on all the progress to 2.7 and thank you in advance for your trust, passion and support.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Patch notes:
https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/changelog/openbeta/2.7.0.4625/

You make our dreams come true!

Eagle Dynamics Team

[h2]2.7[/h2]
[h3]- Is Coming[/h3]



If all goes well, DCS World Open Beta 2.7.0 should be launching on the 14th of April 2021 and will introduce the new Clouds and their large range of presets to choose from in the Mission Editor. We are also working on a Cloud generator capable of creating on-demand visual representations of much larger clouds such as towering cumulus and cumulonimbus. After the initial launch, we will continue the development of natural cloud cycles, severe weather behaviour, thunderstorms and fog.

The new Clouds require weapon and radar atmospheric models to be significantly updated at the logic layer. We are sure that you recognise that this process is man-hour intensive and requires rigorous debugging. We thank you for your patience and support as we work towards steadily enhancing DCS World as a whole.


[h2]WWII in 2.7[/h2]
[h3]- Propellers[/h3]



A notable update coming to 2.7 is our unique and new technology that calculates the exact location of every propeller blade. This offers the possibility to draw a very accurate representation of the spinning propeller dependent on the type of prop, the number of blades, specific RPM and prop pitch.



This approach allows for smoother blade transitions from still, to idle, through to taxing and take off, as well as proper transparency from all viewing angles, aircraft speeds, power settings and blade pitch.



We have prepared for you this teaser video which demonstrates this new approach and we look forward to your feedback with great eagerness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avh0zLzLLmE



[h2]F/A-18C Hornet[/h2]
[h3]New Features [/h3]



The 2.7 update for DCS World will also see significant new functionality for the Hornet.



Highlights include the ATFLIR targeting pod that will be available in parallel with the existing Litening targeting pod.

The ATFLIR includes new field of view and zoom options, the ability to slew the sensor line of sight while in SCENE mode, display of waypoint markers and expanded coordinate display options.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGQYBpXqfMU




The Coupled Autopilot mode allows the aircraft to automatically fly to a set location. This can be a waypoint, TACAN station, or target (TGT) location when in AUTO delivery mode.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urdupoIerFk





The new radar modes include the automatic wide acquisition mode (WACQ) that allows both a wide auto-acquisition scan and the ability to slew the centre of the automatic scan area.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTz5-Eg6SaI





Two new modes for the AGM-88C HARM anti-radiation missile will also be available: Pre-Briefed mode which allows the engagement of hostile surface radars from long range, and the Self Protect with Pull Back option which allows automatic HARM engagement of SAM threats as well as the ability to disable the weapon in flight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amyGzVnr2oU





Following the release of DCS World 2.7, we will release additional Hornet features that include:

• AGM-84K SLAM-ER land attack missile
  
• Offset Aim Points (OAP)
  
• RAID Single Target Track (STT) Mode
  
• New flares with increased carriage
  

We look forward to sharing more information soon.



[h2]HARM[/h2]
[h3]Development Report[/h3]



Predicting optimum missile flight profile and envelope range limits.
At first, we updated the HARM missile autopilot to make lofted trajectories more realistic. This is now not only limited to constant climb angle but also includes semi-ballistic flight with an optimal angle that provides a smooth trajectory, increasing missile velocity at impact and minimising time of flight.

Optimal loft angle is computed by the aircraft and passed to the missile prior to launch. To calculate the missile range envelope we used a regression model which required us to perform tens of thousands of HARM launch simulations in varying conditions. The generated data was then passed to our regression model and compiled into just a few equations with several dozens of relevant coefficients.

Solving these equations with respect to different variables allows us to obtain different types of usable data. For example, on the Viper’s HUD you can see maximum missile range, missile range for current flight conditions and pitch or turn angle required to hit the target within missile range.

Missile range depends on the aircraft velocity, altitude, pitch and azimuth to target, thus the missile’s range envelope is bounded by a 4D hyper-surface which we can represent partially for fixed altitude and velocity, which defines a section of the 4D surface. Below you may see such a section with range depending on target azimuth and aircraft pitch only.



We hope that this brief summary of the new features which will be released will help you to prepare for this next big update and we look forward to sharing more information regarding DCS World 2.7 next week.

We are very excited by the upcoming improvements and have you to thank for staying by our side during these challenging times. Thank you for all your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,


Eagle Dynamics Team

[h2]Supercarrier[/h2]
[h3]Features for Q321[/h3]



The 3D Air Boss (PriFly) station will come with the possibility to control deck flood lights, the speed and direction of the carrier, and monitor the PLAT camera. In addition, we will implement launch and recovery operations from the Air Boss (PriFly) via 5MC messages.



The 3D Briefing Room will offer interactive squadron meeting capability. This is particularly interesting for multiplayer action, pre-mission start and for after action review. Our Integrated Voice Chat will also allow real-time coms with your squadron. An interactive map, PLAT camera, Greenie and Kill boards will provide simultaneous online statistics during mission progression. Each pilot seat in the briefing room includes an interactive tablet that will allow you to control the fueling and arming of your aircraft.

[h2]Red Flag 21-1[/h2]
[h3]Third party Campaign[/h3]



Enjoy this very realistic campaign by one of our most respected 3rd party developers, Bunyap. Operate out of Nellis AFB, Nevada in F-16C Viper and fly against adversaries in an exceptionally well researched Red Flag campaign.

Key features:

• 10 highly detailed missions based on the actual Red Flag exercises with optional air start
  
• Precise and authentic PDF mission briefings adapted from USAF standards
  
• 20-page Campaign Guide and 50-page Standard Operating Procedures document
  
• Hundreds of authentic voice overs
  

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1536953/DCS_F16C_Viper_Red_Flag_211_Campaign/?curator_clanid=4471395

[h2]Introducing Guam[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



With 540 km2, Guam is the largest and most populated island of the Marianas archipelago. It lies about 5,800 miles (9,300 km) west of San Francisco and 1,600 miles (2,600 km) east of Manila.

The Chamoru people settled on the island approximately 3,500 years ago and were essentially disconnected from the rest of the world until the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan discovered the island on March 6, 1521. Guam was subsequently colonized by Spain more than a century later in 1668. During the Spanish–American War, the United States captured Guam on June 21, 1898. On December 8, 1941, hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Guam was captured by the Japanese, who occupied the island for two and a half years. American forces recaptured the island on July 21, 1944. Since the 1960s, Guam's economy has been supported primarily by tourism and the U.S. military, for which Guam is a major strategic asset.



When arriving in Guam, one of the first things you will see is “Antonio B. Won Pat International”. Originally built by the Japanese during the occupation, it became a base for the USAAF B-24 “Liberator” bombers in 1944-45. In 1947, the USAAF turned over the airfield to the United States Navy, who operated it as Naval Air Station Agana until 1995. Civilian use of the airport began in 1967 when the International terminal was opened. From this time onwards, the airport has been reconstructed and upgraded many times in order to cope with the growing air traffic and passenger requirements.



Guam is a multi-ethnic island with a current population of more than 160,000 people. The island is divided into 19 municipal villages and required the terrain team to develop a large number of new and adapted ground assets. With tourism being the most prominent component of the island's economy, there are a lot of hotels and golf courses dotted along Tumon Bay.



This is the Dandan solar plant that boasts over 120,000 solar voltaic panels capable of generating more than 25 megawatts of power.



Guam is home to one of Trans World Radio’s major Pacific transmitter stations. This multinational evangelical Christian media organisation goes out to more than 190 countries.



Our upcoming work is to advance work on the many military assets that are so prominent on the islands. We will show you some details in a future newsletter.

Thank you for your passion and support,

Kind regards,


Eagle Dynamics Team

[h2]Mi-24 HIND[/h2]
[h3]Pre-order now[/h3]



Known for its great exploits by the airborne units of the Soviet Army during the 1980 Soviet–Afghan War, the Hind is tough, durable and packs a heavy punch.

DCS: Mi-24P Hind is a simulation of the legendary Mi-24 attack helicopter developed in the USSR and first introduced operationally in 1972. It has seen extensive action over the past 40 years as an effective combat air support helicopter. Fast, reliable and loved by pilots, this incredible machine still serves in more than 50 countries!

Work is progressing steadily and we are excited to announce the list of features planned for Early Access release.

Key Features of DCS: Mi-24P Hind
On pre-order/early access:

• Professional flight dynamics and engine modelling with high precision characteristics of the real aircraft in all ranges of altitude, temperature and speeds for different weights and flight configurations.
  
• Two 6DOF highly detailed cockpits (RU and EN versions available)
  
• Fully clickable cockpits with interactive control of all onboard systems with mouse
  
• Multi-crew. Second crew member can be another player or “Petrovich” AI (basic AI level during early access phase)
  
• Detailed modeling of the entire electrical, fuel, hydraulic, anti-icing, fire protection, SAS, autopilot and radio systems
  
• Full modeling of armament and weapons systems with ability to use 30mm cannon, unguided rockets (S-8, S-13, S-24B) and bombs from both cockpits in addition to the guided ATGM 9M114 operated by forward seated pilot-operator.
  
• Standard Russian new and weathered liveries in addition to Iraqi and Syrian schemes
  
• Early Access manual Russian and English versions
  
• Training missions
  

On release:

• Cargohold gunner with KORD machine gun.
  
• Advanced “Petrovich” AI features for pilot or pilot-operator seats.
  
• Addition of ATGM 9M120 (HEAT and HE versions) and R-60M air to air missiles.
  
• Sling cargo operations
  
• Advanced damage modeling
  
• Additional liveries and livery template.
  
• Manual in Russian and English (full list of languages is TBD)
  
• Campaign by Eagle Dynamics
  

Pre-order DCS: Mi-24 Hind now and save 30% on our eShop. ( Currently there is no pre-order on steam, we are working with steam to resolve this )

The Mi-24P Early Access is planned for release in the 2nd quarter of 2021.



We are currently working on new reflections using extended pre-calculated light technology.



The Mi-24P cockpit is roomy, pressurised and chemically and biologically filtered, making it a comfortable place to fight and operate in.



The multi crew mode will be available from Early Access and will unveil our initial “Petrovich” AI.



We look forward to sharing more information closer to the Early Access release in late Q2 2021. One of our top priorities will be the interaction and infrastructure for Commander and Operator AI.

Thank you for all your trust, support and enthusiasm.

Yours Sincerely,


Eagle Dynamics Team