DCS World Steam Edition News

[h2]Work-in-progress[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p]
DCS Core
The upcoming update will bring improvements to several AI behaviors, Mission Editor tools, and core systems. Various AI aircraft issues will be resolved, as well as new loadouts introduced for the B-1B and B-52H. AI ship and ground unit behaviours are being refined that address engagement issues and graphical bugs. Enhancements to the mission scripting API will allow passing arguments and returning values. The Mission Editor will receive quality-of-life updates like tooltip and GUI fixes. Spotting dot rendering is being reworked to change the maximum number of dots that can be rendered simultaneously. Scripting API changes will require script users and creators to adjust some of their scripts accordingly. The Quick Action Generator will see fixes to unit placement and mission generation on specific maps. Voice Chat stability is to be improved with crash fixes. Additionally, we missed mentioning this change in the last update: The warhead power of the Mk-80 series and M117 bombs was corrected to reflect realistic explosive blast radii. [/p][p]F-16C Viper
We are preparing to roll out the AN/AAQ-33 Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) with a new ATP User Guide chapter. The Viper update will also include a fix for HTS-related crashes and radar freezes. [/p][p]With the addition of the ATP for the Viper, all planned early access features have now been delivered, and the Viper has exited early access! Despite being out of early access, support will continue with planned features like the towed decoy, IDM datalink, and the radar warning receiver handoff mode.[/p][p]F/A-18C
Terrain-Avoidance (TA) radar mode will debut, alongside corrections to HARM PB search logic, GBU-24 CLAR procedure corrections, corrected jettison logic, radar FLOOD-mode fixes, and several A/G Stores Management System (SMS) quirks.[/p][p]AH-64D
George will soon become far more capable: Seven new search methods, contextual Consent-to-Fire logic, rocket-mode refinements, startup/shutdown on command, multi-target sequencing and richer voice feedback are all heading to your cockpits. An expanded early access guide is queued to cover the new features.[/p][p]Data Transfer Cartridge
New Currenthill SAM and naval assets are being pre-populated in Countermeasures Dispenser System (CMDS) tables, legacy-mission compatibility is being restored, hidden-unit filtering will be respected, and a handy Ctrl + D shortcut will open the DTC in the Mission Editor.[/p][p]CH-47F
Leg-Data pages will soon auto-populate OAT, ΔGWT and predictive fuel numbers, while HSI/TRK parking logic and digital-map draw calls are being polished. Troop-embark limits and troop-controls are also being repaired.[/p][p]Mi-24P Hind & Mi-8MTV2
Multiplayer sync for the Mi-24P sight-door animations and the Mi-8’s DISS-15 number rolls are being brought up to spec.[/p][p]F-86F Sabre
The default LCtrl + LAlt + T debug conflict is being replaced with a safer binding.[/p][p]MiG-21bis (Magnitude 3)
An updated AI flight model will sharpen bandit behaviour in aerial combat.[/p][p]F4U-1D Corsair (Magnitude 3)
Expect tuned cooling, auto-rich mixture, refined drag, gear-over-speed damage, Bat-bomb AI employment, and a slew of clickable-pit fixes. Essex-class aircraft carrier elevators and carrier damage, antenna vibrations, PBR cockpit textures, and Mission Editor build numbers are all on the way.[/p][p]OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
NAV-setup data, PERF CALC logic, and HOG-menu flows are being tidied to eliminate double-presses and endless loops.[/p][p]JF-17 Thunder
Radar-TDC axis control, HUD TD-box behaviour, 24-hour TOD wrap-arounds, and several memory leaks will be cured, while new input binds will broaden HOTAS support.[/p][p]Black Shark 3 & Flaming Cliffs 2024
New Iraq instant-action missions for the Ka-50 series and a restored Sidewinder Cage/Uncage mode for the F-5E FC are queued.[/p][p]Cold War Germany Map by Ugra Media
The next update will repair an oversized collision hull, correct city and VORTAC names, resize defence and hospital icons, enhance destruction models, new haystacks and tractors across summer fields, raise church spires, and an improved stadium damage model.[/p][p]All items above are in active testing and will ship together once internal tests are completed. Please stay tuned for the incoming update. [/p][p]
[/p][h2]See What’s Coming Soon[/h2][h2]
[/h2][p]Prior to the next DCS update, treat yourself to this week’s video instruction previews and forum deep-dive. Each topic prepares you for significant enhancements to the F-16C, F/A-18C, and AH-64D.

AN/AAQ-33 ATP – Part 1 (YouTube, 9 min)
A first look at the Advanced Targeting Pod’s basic features, procedures, and use examples like camera selection, field of view settings, and explanations of symbology. This will be a significant addition to the Viper and supplement the existing targeting pod.

AN/AAQ-33 ATP – Part 2 (YouTube, 12 min)
This second instruction video covers more advanced ATP features like Multi-Track, Picture-in-Picture, XR processing, and other interesting features. The ATP will offer new features never seen before in a DCS targeting pod. [/p][p]F/A-18C Terrain-Avoidance Radar (YouTube, 7 min)
Follow Matt “Wags” Wagner over Iraq at low-level as he explains the radar Terrain Avoidance (TA) radar mode to safely fly at night or bad weather through mountainous terrain.

AH-64D – New George Commands (Forum mini-update)
The next DCS update will add huge improvements to commanding “George AI” as the Co-Pilot Gunner to search for and engage enemy forces. The post explains how to use the interface and explains the command logic. [/p][p]Each link is a fast hands-on primer to prepare you for the next update. These will be in parallel to updates to the F-16C and AH-64D manuals that go into even greater detail. Dive in, leave your comments, and be ready when the next update is released.[/p][p][/p][p]Thank you again for your passion and support, [/p][p][/p][p]Yours sincerely, [/p][p][/p][p]Eagle Dynamics[/p]

[h2]Summer Sale[/h2][h3]Last chance to save[/h3][p][/p][p]The Steam DCS Summer Sale has ended. Now is the time to secure hallmark modules like the F-16C Viper, F/A-18C, A-10C II Tank Killer, AH-64D, F-14 Tomcat, and the Supercarrier at up to 50% off. Please enjoy these amazing savings whilst you still can. The DCS Summer Sale 2025 ends on the 13th of July, 2025 at 15:00 GMT. Shop now![/p][p] [/p][h2]SPO-15 Beryoza[/h2][h3]For the MiG-29A Fulcrum[/h3][p][/p][p]The SPO-15LM for the DCS: MiG-29A Fulcrum module is built using a new physics-based approach. The system simulates a more realistic signal environment in order to ensure the most realistic behavior, algorithms, and limitations of the modelled SPO-15LM RWR system.[/p][p]The new system comes with a radar database containing signatures and behaviours for each radar system in the game, including details like carrier frequency, waveform type and (if applicable) pulse train pattern for different operational modes, antenna and transmitter properties, search strategy depending on range and altitude of the target, signal variability, and CCM used etc. All of this information is used in two ways: to calculate accurate power density at the receiving antenna at each time step, taking into account the physical properties of the signal and the directivity pattern of the transmitter antenna, and to permit realistic modelling of the RWR system itself.[/p][p]On the receiving end, the antenna and receiver properties are similarly taken into account in order to obtain a physically accurate estimate of received power. Each antenna and receiver channel is processed independently. This is critical for accurate modelling of the Soviet systems as they do not use amplitude comparison to estimate emitter azimuth; instead, each of the azimuth channels on the display corresponds to its own set of an antenna, a receiver, and initial processing hardware. As a result the coverage isn’t always 360 degrees. The antenna beamwidth varies with frequency and the antenna gain varies with azimuth and elevation, which causes the detection range and signal power for each emitter to vary not just with radar type and work mode (with the radar transmitter power and antenna gain being the deciding factor rather than its target detection performance) but also with orientation of the aircraft. The emitting antenna directivity pattern is also simulated, which means that, at low distance and high transmitting power, side lobes will be picked up and head-on emissions will bleed into receiving antenna side and back lobes blinding the device. Conversely at low signal power, the system develops blind zones all around the aircraft, and the RWR might fail to pick up the main lobe unless it passes directly over it. The unusual antenna coverage of SPO-15LM in particular requires the pilot to be aware of these blind zones during combat.[/p][p]The improved simulation of signal propagation, together with attached signal signature (PRF, pulse width etc.) allow for accurate modelling of the signal processing algorithms used by the system. The SPO-15LM, while being an analog system, performs many tasks that are normally relegated to digital systems, and some of these analog systems use vastly different approaches compared even to early western systems, which leads to numerous quirks and limitations that are now accurately replicated. The most obvious, as already described, is how the threat azimuth is determined: The airspace around the aircraft is divided into eight azimuth channels covered by 10 azimuth antennas (with, notably, the two forward-facing antennas furthest off-nose on each side merged into a single processing channel), and two elevation channels covered by two elevation antennas. Each of these channels is processed separately with a fixed signal power threshold to activate each channel. The only time the signals are combined is to measure the signal power for the power level display (which now shows the actual signal power in 2 dB increments from threshold, rather than a simple function of range) and for the target priority algorithm. Lack of combined processing also means that coverage of each channel will vary with emitter power and frequency. The system features compensation systems, but they are crude and their effectiveness varies with signal power. The identification and target priority circuits also process each channel separately, meaning that in rare cases the same threat might even be interpreted differently in two neighboring channels, and two threats on opposite azimuths might both be interpreted as a single, main threat if the signals sync up.[/p][p]The identification process involves measuring the repetition time and pulse width of the signal and sorting it into very broad PRF/PW bins. The measurement of PRT can fail if it’s not stable (e.g. due to jitter) making some radars impossible to identify. The presence of multiple emitters in the same sector will also interfere with this process. Even if this part succeeds, the low number of signal parameter bins means that the system might still assign the wrong type to the threat if the signal parameters are close enough. The system is also able to separate Continuous Wave (CW) signals from pulsed signals, and to interpret colocated CW and pulsed emitters as a single emitter in Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH) guidance mode; it cannot however distinguish between different CW radar types, meaning this feature is susceptible to false alarm. Pilots thus need to be weary of the fact that the system will not always be able to accurately identify the threat type. To improve usability of the system, the threat program is generated automatically based on known threats present in the mission and is provided in the kneeboard for every flight - in reality, the threat program cartridge was issued to units based on the threats present in the combat theatre, and was not designed to be field reprogrammable. The friendly emitters are not included in the program, but they might still be falsely identified as hostile for reasons described above. The system also has an ability to sort the signals into 2 bins by carrier frequency, however in the MiG-29 this feature is permanently disabled, as it requires each sub-band to be scanned separately, reducing probability of detection against radars in search mode (the MiG-29 lacks the full control panel which would allow this function to be switched on and off).[/p][p]The target priority circuit is similarly modelled with its limitations. For instance, the system takes flight altitude into account for the priority algorithm, but it has to be entered manually. In the MiG-29 in particular it is forced to a high setting (8-16 km) without any way to adjust it, meaning, Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) systems are always treated as low priority. The system will also prioritise radars in track mode over search mode. But again, track mode is recognised entirely by the length of the illumination event being above a certain threshold, so at high signal power emitter side lobes might falsely trigger the track warning. For the priority threat, the system displays the signal power (as well as the highest estimate of weapon range for the given type in terms of equivalent signal power) and the elevation - the latter only being available at high signal power due to much lower sensitivity of the elevation channels.[/p][p]Pre-order today on our EShop!
Don’t miss the exclusive 30% discount. Hurry! This offer only lasts until launch. Once launched into early access, the discount will be reduced to 20% off. We are pleased to inform you that the Early Access launch is planned for September, 2025![/p][p] [/p][h2]Cold War Germany[/h2][h3]Updates coming soon[/h3][p][/p][p]Ugra-Media’s upcoming update will focus on polish and immersion. Several navigation aids will have corrected identifiers like the Frankfurt VORTAC and Northeim and Walldorf airfields broadcasting their proper callsigns. City names for Weißenfels and Gießen have been corrected, and the F10 map sports resized/repositioned prepared SAM sites, radar, and hospital map icons for faster mission creation and planning. You will notice more realistic destruction effects for industrial plants and power stations, a new damage model for stadiums, and improved fields with hay bales and tractors. Typical village churches will have more accurate heights to improve visual low-level navigation. These refinements move the terrain one step closer to Phase 2 in which it will be expanded further. Please stay tuned for the next update to enjoy these updates.[/p][p]Thank you again for your passion and support, [/p][p]Yours sincerely, [/p][p]Eagle Dynamics[/p]

[h2]Don’t miss out![/h2][p][/p][p]Take advantage of our annual DCS Summer Sale! No other combat flight simulation offers the wealth of aircraft spanning multiple eras, scenarios, and different aircraft types than DCS. [/p][p]The mighty DCS: F-4E Phantom II is now available with a 25% discount! Jump into the front seat and let Jester handle the Weapon System Officer (WSO) duties. Also from Heatblur Simulations, the DCS: F-14 Tomcat is also on sale with a 30% discount for you to live out your very own Top Gun moments. [/p][p]If you lean towards rotary-wing aircraft, we’ve got you covered! The DCS: AH-64D delivers overwhelming firepower and some of the deepest and most accurate systems in DCS. If an eastern helicopter is more your speed, the DCS: Mi-24P Hind remains a brute-force crowd-pleaser that sports unguided rockets, a cannon and guided anti-tank missiles. Grab them now with a huge 50% discount![/p][p]The DCS: F-16C Viper and DCS: F/A-18C are two of our most popular multirole jets that offer a broad range of missions from fighter sweeps, to attacking enemy air defenses, to precision attacks. Both aircraft are exceptionally easy aircraft to fly for new DCS pilots, but they offer huge depth. [/p][p]If an F/A-18C or F-14A/B pilot, then the DCS: Supercarrier is a must and currently discounted at 40% off. Supercarrier offers the most detailed and realistic aircraft carrier experience ever created for the PC. [/p][p]Close-air-support aficionados shouldn’t miss the DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer. Featuring an advanced targeting pod, helmet mounted display, a massive number of weapon options, its devastating 30mm cannon, it’s also on sale with a huge 50% savings! For in depth tutorials, please check out Deephack’s A-10C tutorials.[/p][p]Need a new map? The arctic beauty of DCS: Kola map has a 30% discount as it nears early access completion. [/p][p]Please note that these mega-savings will end on the 13th of July, 2025 at 15:00 GMT on our EShop and on the 10th of July, 2025 at 18:00 GMT on Steam.[/p][p]
[/p][h2]Development Progress[/h2][p]Core engine polish
Buk SAMs now trigger the RWR warning correctly, AGM-45 seeker nuances for tracking frequencies on Chinese assets corrected, and AI F-4U fixes for Bat bomb usage.. Taxi-logic has been tuned to keep mixed human/AI groups flowing smoothly at Rovaniemi on Kola, while the Quick-Action Generator now places units correctly inside of the Marianas WWII map and Anti-Ship setups over Afghanistan are now being set up correctly.[/p][p]Module refinements
The MiG-29 export displays under Flaming Cliffs now obey brightness commands. Viper pilots gain missing HOTAS commands for the HARM page, the POS-mode launch bug is closed, and a rare A-A crash when cycling from HARM has been eliminated. Earlier Data Transfer Cartridges load cleanly again, and new radar strings no longer corrupt existing CMDS tables.[/p][p]On the campaign front [/p][p]July’s maintenance update improves everything from rotary-wing insertions to high-altitude jet duels. Fight’s On has updated every mission of the AH-64D “The Four Horsemen” campaign. The Peacekeeper Lebanon’s campaign improves the opening ferry hop for the Huey, while the Operation Cerberus North campaign no longer flags the wrong structure in its fifth Hornet strike. For Hawg drivers, the Operation Persian Freedom campaign received a blanket radio-trigger update, and the Flying Cyking’s Northern Defenders campaign fixes kneeboards and removes a rare crash in its bomber-intercept mission. Reflected Simulations’s Arctic Thunder campaign addresses Viper parking, and Badger 633 refines wingman cues in Rise of the Persian Lion II campaign. If you own these campaigns, make sure you download the latest update![/p][p][/p][h2]Development Progress[/h2][p]OnReTech has pushed the Sinai map far beyond its original borders. The medium-detail zone now stretches northeast to include all of Israel, southern Syria, including Damascus, and even a slice of western Libya. This opens the door to fully model several Arab-Israeli scenarios without work-arounds or empty/low-detail areas. Across the entire theatre, every mountain face, desert plateau, and coastal plain has received new colour-corrected albedo and normal maps. Dawn over the Negev and Golan Heights at dusk never looked better.[/p][p]Five key airfields anchor this update: Israel’s northern Ramat David (complete with bespoke shelters), Saudi Arabia’s forward Tabuk airstrip, Lebanon’s Rafic Hariri international airport, and Syria’s twin airfields of Damascus International and Mezzeh. Each is ringed by newly created SAM fortifications and army bases. These locations are indicated as icons on the Mission Editor map.[/p][p]Further, dozens of bug fixes, terrain seams, and scene-layer glitches have been resolved. You’ll feel the difference when flying low and the details cranked up. We look forward to your feedback![/p][p]Thank you again for your passion and support, [/p][p]Yours sincerely, [/p][p]Eagle Dynamics[/p]

[h3]DCS Core[/h3]

• [p]SA-11 Buk does not trigger RWR warning for launch or tracking - fixed[/p]
• [p]Weapons. AGM-45 all seeker models able to track 052B/054A and HQ7 radar - fixed[/p]
• [p]AI aircraft. AI cannot taxi properly at Rovaniemi (Kola map) if AI group has human taxi with them at the same time - fixed[/p]
• [p]QAG. Units are placed outside Marianas WWII map bounds - fixed[/p]
• [p]QAG. Anti-Ship mission is generated incorrectly on Afghanistan map - fixed[/p]
• [p]AI aircraft. AI F4U will not engage shipping with BAT bomb - fixed[/p]

[p]

[/p][h3]Flaming Cliffs by Eagle Dynamics[/h3]

• [p]MiG-29. Exported displays not respecting brightness[/p]

[p]


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

• [p]Fixed:  HOTAS commands missing for the HARM WPN page.[/p]
• [p]Fixed: Crash to Desktop when switching to A-A after shooting HARM POS.[/p]
• [p]Fixed: AGM-88 is not able to be fired in POS modes.[/p]
• [p]AGM-88 is not able to be fired in POS modes: [/p]
  • [p]fixed wrong 1st threat selection when enter POS mode.[/p]
  • [p]fixed threat not deselect using second OSB press.[/p]

[p]

[/p][h3]DCS: Data Transfer Cartridge (DTC) by Eagle Dynamics[/h3]

• [p]Fixed: Opening DTCs created in versions prior to 2.9.17 causes issues with auto program tables - Added compatibility of DTC auto programs on F18 with older missions.[/p]
• [p]Fixed: Add currenthill radars to CMDS tables - fixed error when after adding new string to the middle of the list, an existing cartridge may be filled incorrectly.[/p]

[p]

[/p][h3]DCS: CH-47F by Eaglе Dynamics[/h3]

• [p]Fixed. Overlapping text on the Model aircraft CDU page [/p]
• [p]Added. Option to use lower resolution textures for cockpit and cargo hold (via Special options menu)[/p]

[p]
[/p][h3]DCS: Yak-52 by Eaglе Dynamics[/h3]

• [p]Fixed. Engine parameters for AI bots[/p]
• [p]Fixed. Duplicated commands in the Controls menu[/p]

[p]
[/p][h3]DCS: Mosquito FB VI by Eaglе Dynamics[/h3]

• [p]Fixed. Undercarriage warning horn sound in improper conditions[/p]

[p]
[/p][h3]DCS: Sinai Map by OnReTech[/h3]

• [p]Added medium detail zones: Northern Israel, Lebanon, part of Syria.[/p]
• [p]Added terrain textures - color, normal map at new medium detail zones.[/p]
• [p]Added airfields: Ramat David, Damascus Intl, Mezzeh Air Base, Rafic Hariri Intl, Tabuk.[/p]
• [p]Added unique scenes, including on new airfields, 2 unique hangars at Ramat David airfield.[/p]
• [p]Improved Saudi Arabia region.[/p]
• [p]Color correction of terrain textures (entire territory).[/p]
• [p]New normal map (entire territory).[/p]
• [p]Added military bases throughout the terrain, added icons to them in ME.[/p]
• [p]Various bug fixes.[/p]

[p]
[/p][h3]Campaigns[/h3][p]DCS: AH-64D The Four Horsemen Campaign by Fight's On Simulations[/p]

• [p]M10. Fixed CH-47 not landing issue. Fixed Ground troop now continuing route post contact.[/p]
• [p]All missions resaved in latest release build 2.9.16.10973[/p]

[p]
[/p][p]DCS: UH-1H Peacekeeper Lebanon Campaign by Flying Cyking[/p]

• [p]Mission 01 "The Ferry Flight". Fixed parking position of AI Mi8 overlapping with player aircraft.[/p]

[p]
[/p][p]DCS: F/A-18C Operation Cerberus North Campaign by Ground Pounder Sims[/p]

• [p]Mission 5 - Fixed trigger that incorrectly detects a hit on the mosque.[/p]

[p]
[/p][p]DCS: A-10C Operation Operation Persian Freedom Campaign by Ground Pounder Sims[/p]

• [p]All missions updated with temporary fix to bypass issues with radio triggers.[/p]

[p]
[/p][p]DCS: F-4E Northern Defenders 'Phantoms Rising' by Flying Cyking[/p]

• [p]Mission 02 "First Sortie". Corrected naming of departure map kneeboard.[/p]
• [p]Mission 04 "Fleet Defender". Temporary fix for Crash to Desktop while engaging the bombers, still under investigation what has caused this.[/p]

[p]
[/p][p]DCS: F-16C Arctic Thunder Campaign by Reflected Simulations[/p]

• [p]Parking spots revised[/p]

[p]
[/p][p]DCS: F/A-18C Rise of the Persian Lion 2 by Badger633[/p]

• [p]Mission 3: Combat help from your Wing adjusted.[/p]

[p]
[/p][p]F/A-18C Serpent’s Head 2 by Badger633[/p]

• [p]Mission 10 all variants: Mig attack adjusted.[/p]

[h2]Summer Sale 2025[/h2][h3]Up to half price savings[/h3][p][/p][p]It’s time to expand your logbook with new aircraft and experience new regions across the globe to fly and fight over! For a limited time, most DCS modules and campaigns have received significant discounts: warbirds, front-line jets, attack helicopters, terrains, and campaigns alike![/p][p]The DCS Summer Sale will be on Steam until the 10th of July at 18:00 GMT. [/p][p]SHOP NOW[/p][p][/p][h3]Public Preview
[/h3][p]This year we’re taking the upcoming DCS: MiG-29A Fulcrum on the road! Head to the FlightSimExpo 2025 on the 27th to the 29th of June 2025 at the Rhode Island Convention Center and make your first stop at the WINWING booth. You’ll be able to check out a pre-release build of the Fulcrum![/p][p]The aircraft will be paired with WINWING’s new grip that is meticulously modelled from our high-resolution 3-D scans of the real MiG-29A. The demo will focus on the current flight-model build and standard avionics, giving you a first impression of how the Fulcrum is shaping up. Several advanced systems such as the updated HMS, SPO-15 RWR, and engine-model upgrades are still deep in development, and not all features will be present in the show build.[/p][p]We look forward to sharing our progress and gathering your feedback in person! Please take advantage of the -30% pre-purchase discount on DCS: MiG-29A Fulcrum before it's gone. [/p][p]
[/p][h3]Join now[/h3][p][/p][p]The Virtual Weapons Academy team consists of dedicated and passionate aviation enthusiasts that wish to instruct new members of the DCS community. While their namesake is the USAF's Weapons Academy, they teach most DCS aircraft. Their training will build your knowledge from fundamentals to weapons employment. They are also working on adding more advanced and niche topics like LSO, CATCC, livery creation, and mission editing. From naval to rotary wing, redfor, NATO, and USAF aircraft they have multiple 24-7 training servers within DCS 1v1 and group training from instructors. For more fun join the Virtual Weapons Academy discord.[/p][p]Thank you again for your passion, [/p][p]Yours sincerely, [/p][p]Eagle Dynamics[/p]