DCS World Steam Edition News

[h2]The Clouds[/h2]
[h3]Fog[/h3]



We will be constantly improving our dynamic weather system and would like to share our current progress on the integration of fog. The simulation of atmospheric flows is a very complex task and we are confident with our steady progress. We look forward to sharing more information with you soon.

[h2]3D Models[/h2]
[h3]New Units in 2.7.1 [/h3]



EDGE 2.7 offers better lighting and reflection technology for all objects and surfaces. This is particularly appreciated in our aircraft and ground objects. We encourage you to take a look at our In Development Screenshots.

For those of you interested in learning more about our modelling process, we have prepared a document, which outlines the stages of 3D Unit Modelling.



La Combattante II
A fast attack craft that was originally designed for the German Navy, and later in their lives passed to the Hellenic Navy. Armed with 4 Harpoon missiles, a 76mm main gun, and a 40mm bofors gun, the La Combattante II packs a powerful punch. Variants of this class were supplied to Iran between 1977 and 1981, and were involved in clashes during Operation Praying Mantis in 1988, which saw the Iraninan La Combattante II class ship Joshan sunk by Standard missiles fired from the Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate USS Simpson.




Seawise Giant
Formerly Happy Giant, Jahre Viking and Knock Nevis, Seawise Giant was one of the largest self powered ships ever made. At 1504ft long, with a loaded displacement of 646,642 long tons when fully laden, the Seawise Giant was capable of holding 4.1 million barrels of oil. With a draft 81ft she was unable to transit the English Channel, Suez or Panama Canal.
On the 14th of May 1988, whilst carrying a cargo of Iranian crude oil she was attacked by the Iraqi Air Force and sunk using parachute bombs. After the Iran-Iraq war ended, she was repaired and continued to serve a number of owners until she was sold for scrap in 2010.



Leopard 2A5
First produced in 1979, the Leopard 2 saw various upgrades before entering service as the Leopard 2A5 in 1995. Powered by a 1479hp diesel engine, and capable of 68km/h over rough terrain, the Leopard 2 is a formidable main battle tank. The Leopard 2A5 can be differentiated from earlier versions by the wedge shaped applique armour on the front of the turret for additional protection. Armament consists of a Rheinmetall 120mm smooth bore L/44 main gun and 2 machine guns.



Leopard 2A6M
In March 2001 the Leopard 2A6 entered service with the German Army. The 2A6M is a variant of this, with upgraded mine projection for the hull. It can visually be distinguished from the Leo 2A5 by its longer L/55 120mm smoothbore main gun. Leopard 2’s have seen service with many countries, including Germany, Turkey, Greece and The Netherlands In 2007 Canada deployed 20 Leopard 2A6M to Afghanistan, taking advantage of the upgraded mine protection. The Leopard 2 line continues to be upgraded and developed today.



Chieftain Mk3
Developed from the Centurion, the Chieftain was the primary main battle tank of the United Kingdom from the 1960’s to the 1980’s, when it was replaced by the Challenger 1. The Heavily sloped frontal armour on the turret increased the effective armour thickness from 120mm to 388mm. The main gun was a 120mm L11A5 rifled gun, with the then unique feature of having the gun round separate from the charge, which was encased in a combustible fabric bag - this removed the need to store or eject spent shell casings.

The Chieftain saw considerable action in the Iran - Iraq war, with 894 of all variants being delivered to Iran prior to the revolution. Unfortunately, it proved somewhat unreliable and prone to failure during battle, and by the end of the war only 200 remained in service.



BM-21 Grad
Developed in the 1960’s, the BM-21 Grad is a Russian multiple launch rocket system that saw it’s combat debut in March 1969 during the Sino-Soviet border conflict. The English translation of Grad is Hail, and containing 40 122mm rockets that are able to all be fired in as little as 20 seconds, it certainly lives up to its name. The Grad is currently in service with many nations around the world, including Syria, Iran, Iraq and of course Russia.



Also included in the latest Open Beta, is the PT-76 Soviet light tank, the VAB Mephisto ATGM, the Leopard 2 A4 and 2A4TRS, the T-155 Firtina, the AA-7 Airfield fire truck, the ATZ-5 Ural based fuel truck and the 5I57A airfield generator.

[h2]Combined Arms[/h2]
[h3]Promotion[/h3]



To better support both single player and multiplayer gameplay, we are pleased to inform you that the new models of the Leopard 2 A4, Leopard 2A4TRS, VAB Mephisto and BM-21 Grad are now available in Open Beta. These models will be integrated into DCS: Combined Arms as player controllable units. Download now to ensure you will be the first to access these new models as soon as they become available.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/240300/DCS_Combined_Arms/?curator_clanid=4471395

We are confident that the ongoing work to perfect The Clouds visuals and the new 3D models will help immerse you in the battlefield.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,


Eagle Dynamics Team

[h2]Mariana Islands[/h2]
[h3]Open Beta release coming soon[/h3]







It is with great excitement to inform you that DCS: Mariana Islands is getting close to an Open Beta release.



[h2]Ka-50 Black Shark 3[/h2]
[h3]Development Report[/h3]



We would like to share our progress on DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark 3. As you can see the 2A42 30mm cannon model is undergoing a substantial update and when completed will boast a new algorithm, soundscape, and enhanced animations. We look forward to sharing more information with you soon.



Two new pylons for Air-To-Air missiles that have been added to the wingtips. This brings the total number of hardpoints to six.



The ABRIS
We are currently finalising development of the Abris Missile Warning System, and as seen in the above image in which two missiles are detected. The closer threat is considered the dangerous one, and it is marked with a flashing circle.



[h2]Virpil Controls[/h2]
[h3]New hardware coming[/h3]



“Helicopter pilots both new and old can rejoice as the VPC Rotor TCS Base, VPC Rotor TCS Plus Base and VPC SharKa-50 Grip are now waiting to get into VPCockpits around the world and start a new era of helicopter sim piloting. Happy Flying!” - VIRPIL Controls Team

VPC Rotor TCS and Rotor TCS Plus Collective Base
At the core of the collective controller lineup is the VPC Rotor TCS and Rotor TCS Plus collective bases. These bases feature a metal cam-based mechanism with adjustable clutch. Included are 3 swappable cams to limit the travel of the collective, and a clutch system which can be adjusted on the fly to suit any pilot!



The VPC Rotor TCS Plus adds an additional twist throttle axis which features an idle detent stop, engine idle bypass button and idle restrictor switch.

VPC SharKa-50 Collective Grip
The first collective grip in the lineup is the VPC SharKa-50. This grip is inspired by the collective controls found on the venerable Ka-50 “Black Shark” helicopter. With this, the aim is to mimic the feeling of a real collective grip in your hands!



Featuring a metal handle with rubberised grip, you can immediately feel this means business! The grip is equipped with a wide range of inputs to satisfy any helicopter pilot:

• 2 x 8-way Hats (+ Push)
  
• 1 x 2-way Switch (+ Push)
  
• 3 x 3-way Toggles (ON-OFF-ON)
  
• 3 x Push Buttons
  

VPC Collective Chair Mount Adapter
Collective controls pose an interesting challenge as due to their unique nature it can prove difficult to conveniently mount them in a number of setups. The design team has worked to create an accessible controller setup for anyone wishing to jump into the exciting world of helicopter piloting.

With the Collective Chair Mount Adapter, you can mount the VPC Rotor TCS Bases to a range of standard office chair setups.

Keep your eyes on the VIRPIL Controls official channels for full details on release and pre-ordering information later this week.

https://forum.virpil.com/index.php?/forum/17-news-announcements/

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,


Eagle Dynamics Team

[h2]2.7[/h2]
[h3]Open Beta[/h3]



We are pleased to inform you that an update for DCS World Open Beta 2.7 was released this week. Highlights include:
MiG-21 crash in avionics.dll (caused crash on airstart) - Fixed
F-14A/B crash when pulling map marker using JESTER - Fixed
AJS-37 map marker crash - Fixed
Warehouses on airfields in old missions were corrupted after game update - Fixed
JF-17 collision model (solve FPS issue on the ground in Syria map) - Updated
MP. Storm of War MP server stability issues - Possible fix
F-16C wingtip AIM-120s caused damage when launched - Fixed

For more information, check out the full changelog.



[h3]Mariana Islands[/h3]
[h3]The Pacific Supermarket[/h3]



We are continuing to work on Air Traffic Control (ATC) for the new Mariana Islands airfields that will later take advantage of the new ATC system currently in development.

Internal testing of this map is going well, and we are working to further improve the ground textures and address road network anomalies. Work on improving the ports and shorelines also continues. Our goal is to create the best looking DCS map yet by using our latest terrain development kit tools.




US Naval Base, Guam
The US naval base on Guam holds a massive amount of post-war resources and war material. In the late 1940s, the Seabees construction brigade extensively developed the land and it became the primary docking and storage facility for the Guam-based US Navy fleet. It remained under construction for the next 25 years.




Ordnance Annex
The Naval Magazine for the US Naval base is situated in the south-central section of the island. It occupies 8,800 acres, and it includes an entirely man-made reservoir. It is also the central heating and water distribution plant for the US Naval base.




Northwest Field
Northwest Field became a fighter base in October 1946, and it was home to the reactivated “Flying Tigers” fighter squadron. Equipped with P-47 Thunderbolts, it was assigned the responsibility of defending the Mariana Islands. Weapon stores and bunkers were built between Northwest Field and North Field. These facilities were used to support the long range and intense strategic bombing campaign against the Japanese.




Andersen Air Force Base AAFB
On the 7th of October 1949, North Field was renamed after Brigadier General James Roy Andersen, and it remains one of the largest and most important US air bases in the Pacific. It had a direct supply line from the United States and was considered ideal for B-52 Stratofortress operations. Andersen AFB now supports operations in the Indo-Pacific theater.



[h2]P-47D[/h2]
[h3]Thunderbolt[/h3]



During 1944, the 318th was equipped with Republic P-47D Thunderbolts for the Marianas campaign. Working closely with Marine Corps ground forces, the ‘Bolts pioneered close air support and were the first to use napalm. P-47 pilots frequently carried two 500 lb bombs and used skip-bombing against railroad tunnels to destroy hidden enemy trains and stores.

We hope this broad insight into Guam will be interesting to you and we look towards sharing more information on the WWII version of DCS: Mariana Islands in the near future.

Thank you again for you passion and support,

Your sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics Team

[h2]DCS World[/h2]
J-11A. Fixed cockpit view movement.
KG600 SPJ pod. Fixed model front/rear direction.
052C. Fixed collision (caused explosion when launching YJ-62).
Server log error updateLocalUserOptions - fixed.
Warehouse on airfields in the old missions are corrupted after game update - fixed.
Sound. With some sound parameters, when external sounds enter the cockpit, sound vibrations occur - fixed.
Sound. Fixed sound glitches and distortions on the F4 view.
Ground AI. Crash when a ground unit moves around static objects - fixed.
Input. The 'Framerate counter', Pause, Time accelerate / decelerate / normal commands are moved to the UI layer and can be reassigned to other keys / buttons.
MP. On the F10 map, information about airfield warehouses will not be available to players of the opposite coalition.
Mission Generator. Fixed sporadic crashes associated with loading maps.
ME. Add aircraft group distance aсtivation param.
Aircraft AI. The distance between aircraft when taxiing at an aerodrome will be depended by the size of the aircraft. The distance between large planes is greater.
Input. Fixed crash on sorting input device names.
ME. A mission made in a newer version of the ME, where there are countries missing in older versions of the ME, will not cause the hang of the old version of the game.
AIM-120. Slightly decreased missile miss standard deviation.
GUI Fix for insufficient space for mission name in debriefing.
ME. GUI Error when use clone button in mission goals window in some cases - fixed.
MP. Dedicated server. After the restart, not the first mission from the list will start, but the last one played.
MP. Possible fix for Storm of War MP server stability issues.

[h3]DCS AV-8B N/A by RAZBAM Simulations[/h3]
Fixed: Velocity Vector and Horizon Line still visible in DMT page after a target has been locked.
Fixed: Corrected nozzle angle for in-air start
Fixed: Minor adjustment to verbage in auto-start sequence
Improvement: UFC Mode timer disabled when CS/T is selected
Improvement: TDC Action/No Action enabled for DMT/ARBS. DMT Snowplow mode enabled.
Improvement: UFC/ODU keybinds so cockpit buttons animations work.
Improvement: Various FM performance adjustments
Improvement: Improved pull-up cue to avoid nuisance alerts during landing
Added: When using Guns or Rockets, the system will designate the aiming point after trigger/pickle release as a target.

[h3]DCS M-2000C by RAZBAM Simulations[/h3]
Fixed: Radar not ON in hot start
Fixed: Can edit read-only PCN fields
Fixed: PCN unable to enter DLDG South or West offsets
Fixed: potential crash when capturing ILS on AP APP
Fixed: wrong ILS window when approaching from the right of the runway axis
Fixed: ILS open box symbol constraints to HUD FOV
Fixed: proper synthetic runway dimensions
Fixed: Inverted DETOT switch
Fixed: UHF channel 18 default freq
Fixed: Autostart alignment (still requires ALCM ready enabled)
Fixed: CCIP HUD line brightness not dimmed with HUD brightness
Added: Message every 500kgs of air refuel
Added: AP ALT Hold possible in AP APP mode while glide not captured
Added: Trim hat Up/Down in AP APP mode disables AP GLIDE
Added: Trim hat Left/Right in AP APP mode disables AP LOC
Improvement: Aligned virtual runway entrance to glide plane
Improvement: Leading zeros in kneeboard initial position
Improvement: INS model (gyro-position loopback & Schuler oscillations)

[h3]DCS MiG-19P by RAZBAM Simulations[/h3]
Fixed: Oxygen flows with O2 SOV Closed.
Fixed: Flare Key binds

[h3]DCS JF-17 by Deka Ironwork Simulations[/h3]
Added: special option "T6 Opposite Dir" - to allow T6 axis has opposite direction between radar ant and camera zoom operation
Fixed: much slower TDC movement on radar/HUD
Fixed: T6 axis behavior (used to behave like slide, now control moving speed. T6 axis slide is a separated binding)
Fixed: PL-5E drag for wingtip and underwing
Updated: JF-17 collision model (solve fps issue when park in syria map)

[h3]DCS MiG-21bis by Magnitude 3[/h3]
Fixed crash in avionics.dll
Removed iCommandGraphicsFrameRate from inputs.
Corrected invalid syntax in the Syria RSBN file that causes the module to crash.
Increased SPO-10 volume by 50%
Fixed afterburner from showing exhaust trail.
Fixed SPS landing system causing the afterburner to ignite.
Attempting to engage the afterburner with the SPS on, will cause significant thrust decrease due to the open engine nozzle.
Adjusted suspension values and associated collision file.
Some front wheel shimmy will occur while braking with excessive weight.
Adjusted day-mode indicator T-base lights.

[h3]DCS Christen Eagle II by Magnitude 3[/h3]
Fixed rudder inputs when the autopilot is engaged.
Fixed audio for the canopy, and radio switches.
Fixed unassignable controls for the cockpit light switches.
Fixed delayed animation of the aerobatic sight gauge.
Fixed key binding for Fuse On/Off.
Fixed radio frequency preset changes in the mission editor.

[h3]DCS F-14 Tomcat by Heatblur Simulations[/h3]
Fixed crash when pulling map marker using JESTER
Removed Framerate counter from Aircraft specific input layer
Fixed JESTER not reporting correct wire on trap (SC)
Fixed AI aircraft wing and slats wobble/flicker

[h3]DCS AJS37 Viggen by Heatblur Simulations[/h3]
Fixed map marker crash.
Fixed assert crash when inputting a waypoint with identical coordinates as what was already stored.
Fixed texture label for EP-13 missing
Reduced intensity of coating / blue tint on cockpit gauge glass

[h3]DCS: C-101 Aviojet by AvioDev[/h3]

Multicrew WIP continuation:

• Fixed idle cutoff.
  
• Correct synchronization of landing gear handle and idle cutoff, disregarding local restrictions (like throttle position for idle cutoff).
  
• Fixed synchronization of “fuel pump”, “fuel valve” and “fus qty” korry buttons.
  
• Fixed synchronization of “VHF”, “UHF”, “NAV” and “VOR/TAC” korry buttons.
  
• Fixed synchronization of GPU power control korry button.
  
• Now the forward seat canopy is correctly initialized, when its position is different from the default position for this type of start - hot/cold/air.
  
• Fixed GPU state initialization, when the rear cockpit is entered after the GPU was started.
  
• Fixed flickering of the GPU external 3D model at the rear seat, if the GPU was enabled before joining the rear seat.
  
• Added synchronization of Master Caution and Master Warning lights reset.
  
• Hydraulic and oil pressure warning lights are now correctly synchronized, when the other seat is joined with a non-standard init conditions (like, for example, engine off).
  
• Master failure/caution warning lights status is now correctly initialized when joining the other seat.
  
• Battery voltage and status is now correctly synchronized between seats.
  
• Fixed Master Caution light status synchronization when the cockpit is entered with some specific cautions being active.
  
• The throttle will not be anymore at idle cutoff in the rear cockpit, when entering the rear seat after the engine has been stopped from the front seat, without setting the throttle to idle cutoff (for example using the fuel cutoff korry button).
  
• Fixed ADI/DG synchronization when entering the rear seat after the engine has been stopped at ramp hot start.
  
• Fixed initial state of the stand-by attitude indicator in the rear seat, if it was entered after the engine had been stopped at ramp hot start.
  
• Fixed inoperative rate-of-turn indicator when the aircraft is controlled from the other seat.
  
• Trim tone sounds now on both cockpits.
  
• Despite the stick/throttle control being available in multiplayer at one seat only at one time (except the just added Combined Controls Mode), it is now possible to trim the aircraft from another seat. Note that trim signals will be summed algebraically from two seats, except roll trim in which the “left” signal has priority. Emergency trim is operative now as well in multicrew from both seats.
  
• Implemented Combined Controls mode: it sends the algebraic sum of flight controls positions from both seats to the Flight Model, with a limit of full travel. The way that front and rear throttle synchronization works is that the last throttle which was moved for more than 10% of full range will take control.
  
• Added new command to activate (toggle) Combined Controls mode.
  
• Controls Indicator has got additional symbols displayed when the Combined Controls mode is enabled. This will help to see what is going on with flight controls on both cockpits.
  
• Controls Indicator has got a “Priority Seat” indication (“F” or “R” letters).
  
• All circuit breakers are correctly synchronized now.
  
• Now wheel brakes always work for both seats in multicrew.

Altimeter indication is now affected by atmospheric temperature (there’s still an initialization issue that we are working on).
Added get_current_seat() function for lua export. It should be called by means of GetDevice(0):get_current_seat()
Fixed blurred labels in the left console (English C-101EB cockpit).
Fixed initialization at cold start for heading and attitude reference systems.
Fixed inoperative rear seat 'fast erect' switch in C-101CC.
Trim indication is shown now on the Controls Indicator.
Fixed IFF and ADC circuit breakers animation in C-101CC.


[h3]DCS: MiG-15 by Belsimtek[/h3]

• Corrected canopy reflections
  

[h3]DCS: F/A-18C Hornet by Eagle Dynamics[/h3]

• ATFLIR in some cases laser turns off to early with AGM-65 - Fixed
  
• Major update of the german Early Access Hornet Manual
  
• Various updates of the english Early Access Hornet Manual
  

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

• Wingtip AIM -120 causes damage on Launch - Fixed
  
• Viper Early Access Manual EN: Checklists reworked, new styling
  

[h3]DCS: Mi-8MTV2 by Belsimtek[/h3]

• Mi-8 Spring Tension campaign - adjusted clouds.
  

[h3]DCS: Supercarrier by Eagle Dynamics[/h3]

• Multiple IFLOLS indicator helper - Fixed
  
• 4th CAT blocks 3rd CAT after player visited 4 and wants to use 3 - Fixed
  

[h2]Campaigns[/h2]

[h3]UH-1H Worlds Apart - Spring 2025 Campaign by Low-Level-Heaven Mission Development[/h3]

M1. Adopted to DCS World 2.7. More units added
M2. Adopted to DCS World 2.7. More units added
M3. Adopted to DCS World 2.7. More units added
M4. Adopted to DCS World 2.7. More units added. Mission skip possibility added
M5-1. Adopted to DCS World 2.7. More units added. Mission skip possibility added
M5-2. Adopted to DCS World 2.7.


[h3]Combined Arms: Frontlines Georgia[/h3]

• Reinstated Chinese localisation
  

[h3]DCS: F/A-18C Rising Squall Campaign by INVERTED[/h3]

• Added Rising Squall skin package
  
• Various quality of life improvements to couple with DCS 2.7
  

[h2]Petrovich[/h2]
[h3]HIND Multicrew[/h3]



Petrovich Al's overall philosophy is based on the 'Functionality First' principle. The flight commands interface for Pilot-Operator to Pilot-Commander will be via a virtual HSI offering specific commands and sub-modes. This interface is controllable simply by use of the 4-way hat or 4 buttons (for keyboard ops) in addition to the use of the modern HOTAS practices of long and short presses.

We also aim to use the Pilot-Commander's line of sight for target spotting and designation functions with transmission to the Pilot-Operator for further target recognition and engagement. A 'human' delay in response times is simulated and is measured from tester multi-crew interaction data and military practice guidelines for target spotting, identification and selection as well as the correct 'click to weapon activation' cycle times of the real platform.

In addition, we are planning to prepare a special mode for Multiplayer slots, where Petrovich can be assigned limited abilities. These can be toggled per slot and chosen by the mission designer at will. As for the Al voices, we are planning to use two different Russian voices for each seat in the helicopter. Both gentlemen are former operational military pilots and will deliver English and Russian versions. More details will be made available in future Newsletters.



[h2]Black Shark 3[/h2]
[h3]Development Progress[/h3]



We are progressing well with the development of DCS: Black Shark 3 which will give the well-known Ka-50 attack helicopter a brand new external 3D model, enhanced cockpit and new features that expand gameplay, these include.

Helicopter missile warning system (MWS) implementation
Air-to-Air Igla missile implementation

The sensors of the MWS will be integrated into the onboard defense system with the ability to display detected missile threats on the ABRIS.

Igla missiles are similar to those used in MANPADS and can hit subsonic aircraft at ranges up to 6 km. To cater for these new missiles, two new pylons are added to the wingtips bringing the total number of hardpoints to six. These missiles are operated in a similar mode to the Boresight mode which is used on many Russian aircraft. Once power to the missile is on and the seeker axis directed to the target, the seeker can lock on to its heat signature. As the target enters the launch envelope of the weapon, the pilot can be ‘fire and forget’.

Existing owners of the Blackshark 2 are free to continue flying the legacy Ka-50 or to upgrade to the new Blackshark 3 for a very reasonable price. Newcomers will be able to buy the full retail version as usual.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,


Eagle Dynamics Team