Leaderboard

Yes, we have a couple of those

12 January 2023 Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends, We hope you all had a wonderful holiday and that the New Year has started well. For those of you who may have missed it, please check out our 2024 and Beyond video. 2024 will see the introduction of the Vulkan API which will offer better frame rates for most players as well as new graphical capabilities such as ray tracing and improved VR performance. In addition to new aircraft, terrains and Vulkan API, DCS core will see many new features, as well as bug fixes and improvements based on your feedback and requests. New modules and core improvements will be developed in conjunction with work on existing modules. Please check out the details below. Thank you for your passion and support. Yours sincerely, Eagle Dynamics Vulkan for DCS Development Progress With the release of multi-threading and DLSS/FSR, the next big core DCS task is the support for the Vulkan Application Programing Interface (API). Multi-threading was a prerequisite to support the Vulkan API backend and enhance system performance/efficiency. Much of the Vulkan API work over the past several years has focused on adapting the DCS internal tools to seamlessly integrate with optimized functionality to ensure peak performance. This has been a challenging endeavor to rectify all validation errors, streamlining graphics and processing tasks, improving compatibility with Nvidia, AMD, and Intel hardware and a diverse set of drivers, and creating and refining the groundwork for rendering across multiple threads that will allow even more advanced graphic capabilities. As we move into 2024, we continue to optimize and refine performance to exceed what is possible with DirectX 11. It is important that we continue to push graphic standards whilst maintaining excellent performance for both 2D, and even more so, VR. However, like multi-threading and DLSS/FSR, results will vary between players based on their hardware and settings. DCS Core Development Progress Here are some of the interesting functionality improvements coming to DCS: Save Game. Our new game persistence system will allow you to save mid-mission and return to that save point at a later time. Replay System. The current track file system was originally created as a debugging system that simply reproduced game input to construct a replay of the mission. However, this system depends on limited DCS version changes between when the track was recorded and when being played back. The system in development for 2024 is designed to address this and will offer additional capabilities. Infantry Unit Improvements. We will be working on new infantry models and animations in 2024 along with more life-like behaviors. New Air, Ground, and Naval Units. New units will be available in 2024 that will range from World War II to modern day. Each unit requires thousands of man-hours to create and will be provided as optional packs at their highest levels of detail. Standard versions will also be available for free to ensure both single-player and multiplayer compatibility for all. Graphic Improvements. In addition to the graphic improvements that the Vulkan API will afford, we will also be making improvements to the Render Graph for better VR performance, new and improved special effects, and further advancements in the FLIR rendering system. Weather. The weather focus for 2024 will be on a new fog system and towering clouds with appropriate line-of-sight blocking. Voice Chat. 2023 saw great connectivity improvements and a unique, real-time voice processing allowing users to modify voices to replicate different radio eras and technologies. In 2024 we will continue to integrate radios to vehicles, ships, and other units. We also plan external application support and other player-requested features. Spherical Earth. One of the biggest changes coming to DCS is the Spherical Earth. This substantial work is ongoing however we do not expect to release it this year due to the size of the endeavour. Dynamic Campaign. Please read our Newsletter for 29 December 2023 where we discuss DCSDC in detail. Air Traffic Control. Although we have a solid design to provide an exceptional ATC experience, much of the work in 2024 will involve how we generate the voice dialog and create a much-improved interface. Improved Accessibility. To make DCS more accessible to new players, the Graphic User Interface will be updated to make it more user-friendly and include a Launcher with new capabilities. New interactive missions are also being developed to shallow the learning curve with popular modules like the F/A-18C. Air-To-Air Missile Development. We plan to migrate the R-27 (AA-10) family and R-73 (AA-11) missiles to a new component structure and flight dynamics. This will be coupled with a new proximity fuse model that accounts for Doppler closing speed, modified seekers, and a more realistic interaction model between the missile and the supporting radar. This will be done within the larger MiG-29 project framework. Other missile types will also be developed in the same way. Air-To-Ground Munitions. We continue to develop new munitions as well as update existing air-to-ground weapons to include a new component model with advanced flight performance. This includes guided bombs and tactical missiles. Regarding Anti-Radiation Missiles (ARM), we are developing narrow-band specialized seekers that were used with early ARMs of the 1960 to 1980s prior to the more modern AGM-88 HARM class of missiles with broadband seekers. These older ARMs, such as the AGM-45 Shrike of the Vietnam era, will be modeled with other older ARM systems. ECM. We are developing more advanced principles of electronic warfare that will allow simulation of a greater variety of electronic warfare attack and countermeasure modes and capabilities. This is a very complex task and confidential subject. We cannot promise quick results, but work is underway to deliver a satisfactory simulation of this opaque area of modern warfare. New Landing Gear. A new two-component landing gear system was released for the Mosquito last year. We will continue integrating it to other aircraft this year. We plan a separate newsletter article that will explain the new capabilities and what it brings to landing gear behaviors. Module Support Development Progress In parallel with the development of the new modules discussed in last week’s newsletter, we will also continue to update, fix, and improve existing aircraft and maps. Some of these efforts include, but are not limited to: Radar Improvements. In 2023 we released both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the radar improvements for the F-16C and F/A-18C. Phase 3 efforts will continue with a focus on better Single Target Track (STT) simulation, false target generation, and more realistic look-down effects. Data Transfer Card (DTC). For each aircraft, the DTC consists of a variety of areas that are first modeled such as datalink, navigation, radio, weapons, sensors, and more. Once these elements are completed, they will be organized into a unified DTC interface. Fuze Settings. All modern aircraft will benefit from the new and more advanced fuzing options first introduced for our WWII modules. This includes the new payload interface in the Mission Editor and Rearm/Refuel Window that will allow authentic setting nose and tail fuzes and new 3D rendering of fuze selections. DCS: F-16C Viper. Priority work for 2024 includes the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP), a 1st perspective pilot model, and other improvements like new HUD symbology and RWR Handoff tones. DCS: F/A-18C. The biggest task for 2024 is a refactoring of the flight model and flight control system, landing gear physics, and improved external lights. Once the new external lighting system is complete for the F/A-18C, this technology will be used for other aircraft modules. DCS: AH-64D. With the addition of the Fire Control Radar (FCR) core functions, next steps in 2024 include the addition of functions and modes such as LINK and remaining radar modes, new George and Flight commands, and the campaign. Supercarrier. 2024 will see continued work on the new plane director operations that move aircraft out of the landing area to a parking location. This is in addition to work on the Air Boss deck and Ready Room. Mosquito FB VI. This year we continue working on the features from the Early access list. Including AI crew members and the Drift recorder. Rest assured, our other modules and maps will also receive improvements and enhancements. Winter Sale Hurry! Offers end soon. Please note that this is your last chance to save big in our DCS Winter Sale! Watch the video. You can enjoy up to 50% discount across our most popular aircraft, terrains, tech packs and campaigns until the 14th of January at 15:00 GMT! Hurry up and shop now! We hope that the progress on the DCS core is to your satisfaction. Please stay tuned for more details on all the topics mentioned above. Stay healthy and as always, fly safe. Thank you again for your passion and support, Yours sincerely,

We like to pay our team, and fund future projects, without money everything stops. We have no news to share currently about future asset packs, when we do we will let you all know. Please enjoy the recently free updated models, we have more work on the way. With that said, lets not derail the thread, enjoy the newsletter, it was a good one. thank you

Working on materials

точняк! Помню раз в ночи получил подушкой по башке со словами -«передай там своим, что тебя сбили!»

It offers the best of both worlds: compatibility with everyone while also allowing incoming revenue - I for one don't like working for free and I doubt anyone at ED does. We all have bills to pay...

^ How else do you want them to finance further development, though? Subscription is off limits, increasing cost of all the modules globally is not great too. Selling individual packs sounds like the best compromise to me. I don't care about modern units, so will settle with lower detail ones just fine, but at the same time I'm OK with paying for more vintage units, as this is where my main interest is. Everyone will purchase strictly what he's after.

Hi, I want to inform you that you have issues with your installation. Clean up all your mods and reactivate CH only!

Hello all, In the interest of helping the Pacific Theatre project along, here's flight manuals I photographed at an archive in Japan, they're the 取扱説明書 (basically, "User's Manual") for each of the aircraft. Zero: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cQdE1y623gswIMbfHdqj2yynwNXt8vs3/view?usp=drive_link D3A Val: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HPqQyE3zBAUuqJMJO9qIfv1Lul_G5eLF/view?usp=drive_link B5N Kate: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kdJKVVqJihiNoWcwxyu8Le2ChbCu_sR5/view?usp=drive_link G4M Betty: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u6940Qkld9AN0VmeooVfDjRaQGl6PmET/view?usp=drive_link E13 Jake: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EPvEyyc-jP72_Ee2Gim2M9VwWveNH4uP/view?usp=drive_link F1M Pete: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-5R63_mRFPgUAlNn2QEsGGbNumpSLErO/view?usp=drive_link Feel free to share, use, translate, anything that helps us fly in the Pacific in DCS!

I dont have any details to share currently, but vulkan opens a lot of possibilities for the team which is nice. As soon as we can give you more detail we will. thanks and have a great weekend

@Tippis The fatal flaw in your logic is that you are equating consistency and realism. I understand your argument that you prefer spotting dots ON because you claim that spotting is more consistent for all players in MP, but consistency does not guarantee realism. You can have consistent views which are highly unrealistic as is the case here. Spotting dots ON are highly unrealistic since you have huge black icons which can be spotted at unrealistically long distances and at unrealistic viewing angles. It makes spotting way too easy and kills any realistic gameplay. As I posted above, with spotting dots ON, you can spot airplanes up to eight times (8x) farther than in real life.

Exactly! Hence, my attempt of "campaigning" in that thread for some example screenshots.. Until now, all in vein.. If these screenshots where added, to indicate the 'synthetic look', the poll outcome would have been different.

Yes. I don't understand why ED cannot get the thing over the finish line. It's a simple module and there isn't even that much left do do. It will have to be finished at some point anyway, but until then it will only continue to produce discontent in the community.

And a few screens from V4 of the mod...

Here's a few screenshots from a new altocumulus set I'm working on.

From the latest newsletter... Improvements that are hopefully coming in '24... "Weather. The weather focus for 2024 will be on a new fog system and towering clouds with appropriate line-of-sight blocking." Woohhooooo!

Yep! I also believe that would be a good candidate. I'm currently searching for a suitable model of the Z-10 or the Z-19. So it's definitely on the table. I actually have a Buk M3 system in the works. Including the TAR, CP, TELAR and FCR.

This is just perfect!!!!!! This SIM gets me through so much Crap!! !!!!!

with regard to the asset packs, its the same solution that bohemia did with arma 3 ... you can buy the hi-res good dlc or you can use the low-res free stuff, a great answer not to split the community

Nice! Would also love to see proper turbulence effects and icing especially when entering clouds. The flight itself is simply too smoth in DCS right now.

Check Six Simulator https://discord.com/channels/974874076977967124/974889495587594321/1195649685935886406

A Mobile towed FARP? A great idea! I wonder if this is possible? I can make farps, Never tried to make one towed. I will look into it!

Just Watched "Mover" in the OH6 Video.......Someone PLEASE make a landing pad trailer for this Helo!!!!!!!! Vid Link here!

"Голосовой чат. 2023 год расширил возможности коммуникации на основе голосового чата, а также добавил уникальную обработку звука в реальном времени, позволяя пользователям модифицировать звучание голоса так, чтобы имитировать разницу в технологиях и возможностях радиооборудования разных эпох. В 2024 мы продолжим интеграцию радиостанций с поддержкой голосового чата в наземные юниты и корабли. Мы думаем над реализацией поддержки сторонних голосовых приложений и ряда других предложений от пользователей." Сколько летаю по сети, так и не понял, что это настолько важно. 2 - 3 раза я слышал "эй привет", "хау а ю?" и пространные рассуждение на иностранном языке о чём-то, мне не понятном. Что учесть если 1 сервер на весь интернет на Кавказе "лети и умри"... ? Лично я бы хотел динамическую кампанию и круглую землю и карты.

I needed a bib after seeing those cockpit screens! There was drool everywhere!

Completely agree. It's puzzling why they replaced them in the first place. If that's an example of the 'synthetic look' polled in another thread, then God help us all

@currenthill not sure if you do older weapons & units, but this used to be in Swedish & British service: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloodhound_(missile) Would be interesting in Cold War Europe scenarios (Kola peninsula?)

A plane that entered the war already obsolete, then proceeded to punch 2 categories above its weight, sinking the Japanese carriers in all the major battles, and serving till the end of the war - this is a must have asset, even if it is AI only.

I am very happy with my aero, i can't believe the visual upgrade...i think i have had mine since just before Christmas

Air-To-Air Missile Development. We plan to migrate the R-27 (AA-10) family and R-73 (AA-11) missiles to a new component structure and flight dynamics. This will be coupled with a new proximity fuse model that accounts for Doppler closing speed, modified seekers, and a more realistic interaction model between the missile and the supporting radar. This will be done within the larger MiG-29 project framework. Other missile types will also be developed in the same way.

They are not mobile, but here some ideas from a mod that never materialised by DrummerNL that the OH-6 would look great on.

I have good news! I may have found the issue! I have SuntSags siren back working! Will post this one ASAP. I need to do some edits to the WWII radio to get it working once again.

+1. I was just thinking about that. It would be nice to have implemented this emergency system.

While it would technically be possible to do G variant (with NATO bits) I think in terms of avionics , K is absolutely out if reach right now otherwise we would be flying it. This was the last time we could land MiG-29K on a carrier:

Personally, I think the MiG29K (naval variant) would be pretty cool. Especially considering that the MiG29K would be used with the existing Admiral Kuznetsov carrier; which I also believe is enhanced via the Super Carrier module (?) and might even see further fidelity enhancements if DCS got a Soviet/Russian carrier based jet. And, lastly, with the MiG29K we would have a counter to the Cold War F14 tomcats. But, first and foremost, the intended MiG29A needs to be released. But maybe in the distant future.

Soon!

Thank you! Happy to see weather mentioned in the newsletter today. I'm looking forward to seeing the new cloud types and fog improvements later this year. Don't forget the cirrus layer. That really needs something done.

In TOO, the missile sees EWRs as unknown emitters, but refuses to home on them once launched. In PB, the old EWR codes no longer works and you cannot fire.

just thinking of the Mig29 made me remember this excellent DCS video. I think it won in a competition, The Ghost

Anything can outturn the Viper if the fight gets slow. Viper hates being slow with fiery, burning passion. This is especially pronounced in later blocks, which have high wing loading. It can regain speed fast, so this is usually not a problem, but if you get caught in scissors on deck and the other guy flies something that can fight slow, the Viper is pretty much toast. Of course, that position is extremely precarious in a realistic scenario, in any case. However, since every Viper jock knows slow=dead, this is not something that will usually come up.

Yeah, saw it! Curious what else. The fact that we will finally get a proper semi-modern Russian jet, is beyond words! Great times ahead!

I not going to read all the posts but what is this dot thing ? can some one with a short explanation of what the thread is about please ?

Yes, I'm afraid most of people don't realize what they woted for, and expecting something like syria but in south America, that poll needs screenshot example what exatly it would look like. But that would take a complete rework of this map to look decent and cohesive. The worst part is the original textures are to some extent still there and are simply covered with these ugly tiles. Could be even one of the reasons why it runs even worse after these updates.

Now, THAT's a nice picture!

Few Pics of AH-1G Mod progress.

We can add an option for the canle cutter in the missioneditor in one of the updates after first release

Астанавитесь!