Avimimus

So it is for DCS - but it is a Su-22M2?

Indeed, the Su-17M4 can be quipped with a wider array of guided weapons than either the Mig-27 or the Su-25A/SM. On the other hand, it isn't currently in service - which probably helps a lot.

So Magnitude 3 LLC, Octopus G, and SVKSniper are either working on, or have teased, a Su-17M3 or Su-17M4... but none of them have received a license from ED and none of them appear to have been in touch with each other? Honestly, it would have been nice if people had teamed up. But I hope at least one of these projects gets released. It would be a shame if everyone stopped work because they thought someone else was going to complete it.

Me too. The only other aircraft I might pre-order are the Mig-23 and the IA-58... but honestly, this is the most exciting one. That'd mean quite a few guided weapon options (more than the Mig-27 or Su-25 I gather).

Any way to infer the variant?

Very interesting. Is your source English language? I could do with updating sources! There is also footage of an Mi-8 with an AGS-30 mounted in the door-gun position. Well, it is somewhat effective... but I can see why there would be a preference. P.S. I also wonder, with the limited range of movement for the window gun, whether the window-gunners would actually be that useful for spotting.

There is footage of a mercenary operated Mi-24 with two gunners operating PK from the cabin. From what little I read in English sources it was more common for one gunner to operate two guns (or sometimes switch the gun's side while in flight... but that was considered hazardous). There might be some benefits from having the two PK 7.62 gunners in terms of suppression and observation. However, it sounds like we're only getting the more effective 12.7mm field modification. I'd personally like the PK as an option, but the MDB FAB-100 racks (apparently used in Afghanistan) or more rocket types would likely be more interesting expansions. Personally, my priority would be to improve the modelling of rocket fragments to get more realistic blast effects - aircraft like the Mi-24 and Mi-8 desperately need this, and it could be done with a small fraction of the resources required to give other aircraft FLIIR (for example).

I suspect the 'ground' mode might actually just be to switch it off when landed? It'll be interesting to find out anyway. I'm curious too.

Is that possible with the 12.7mm or was that only the case with the 7.62mm window guns?

Just know that even when we aren't commenting - some of us are eagerly enthusiastic about this project and checking in regularly! I hope you enjoy this creative act (we certainly do)!

It seems to be hosted on facebook (judging from the URL).

I wonder if it will be possible to re-arrange the hardpoints? If one used the Ka-50 hardpoint hooks, but re-arranged as 1 3, 2, 4... then one could simulate asymmetric loadouts (e.g. 2xdroptank, 6xVikhr, 20xS-8)

I do hope that the basic flight model, weapons model etc. will be to FC3 standards. I remember the 'arcade mode' for the original Blackshark... and it just wasn't that much fun as targets could be instantaneously detected, selected, and engaged. It didn't work. I think FC3 level of systems modelling is a must. That said, I do think there is room for removing the 'switchology' without removing all systems modelling or the quality of flight models. I could also see a product like MAC having additional and newer aircraft (thanks to the shallower systems modelling requiring less reference materials and fear of accidentally releasing secrets). I hope to continue using FC3 and the Su-25/Su-25T in DCS indefinitely (which seems to be the case so long as it remains the free aircraft).

Interesting! Did they still use the hybrid rocket-launcher/drop-tanks (JL-100). If it can I'd probably order the module for that alone... there is something about the idea of putting a rocket pod in front of a bunch of fuel (and venting the exhaust over it) that always results in a bit of nervous laughter (or maniacal laughter) from me.

Ah, that is sorry to hear. It is so central to it. Any word on if they'll go for a Gr.Mk.III/A instead? The map should have at least one 1980s Harrier variant that was deployed to it in that period!! It'd be a shame if the only Falkland war flyable aircraft were the Mirage III and the Pucara (although I'm honestly most excited for the Pucara).

Eagle Dynamics: Digital Combat Simulator (YouTube comment reply - 31 minutes ago): "It would be nice, but sadly AI only. Thanks - Scott / bignewy"

Ka-29 would be fun. Probably too little information and too much classified though!

That (now removed) instagram video is clearly from a Glowing Amraam video that hasn't been released yet - likely the launch trailer.

Interesting! I wonder if this could open the way to integrate unguided weapons? As planned for initial service versions? Unguided rockets and bombs are fun. Realistic too, if the Cold War had continued.

I'm all for any new rocket option - especially for older platforms that rely on them as a major weapon (the Mi-24/Mi-8/Su-25). So I won't argue too strongly. I do think that adding a greater variety of S-5 warheads (and even S-5 engines/bodies) would actually add the most - since we only have one option for the S-5 rocket. Of course, the S-8 entered production in 1984 and the Mi-24P in 1981... so the time when it was reliant on the S-5 was relatively short (assuming Mi-24P were prioritised for access to S-8 production). Honestly, they should do both. It is a relatively easy feature to add... low cost to develop - and it does add something to the sim.

To be fair... several airforces are operating real jets that are older than 5 years and still have bugs that haven't been worked out.

From the one report I've read... the crews in Afghanistan learned to do it intuitively... like a WW2 fighter-bomber pilot. Some reportedly became quite accurate after they got enough experience. Part of me still wants the MBD racks so we can carry the 10xFAB-100 bomb load that was used occasionally in Afghanistan. I find it particularly amusing as this was the exact bomb load of some bombers which carried earlier versions of the FAB-100 during the Great Patriotic War / WWII...!

Hi, I believe the graphics api is 'Vulkan'. It might be good to use that discussion to avoid people getting excited about the 'vulcan' bomber used in the Falklands etc. Some people might get excited about the wrong thing!

If crew IRL are able to rotate them out of the way - then it'd seem to make sense as an option. Probably more useful than having to set the magnetic compass

Having the option of an elevated attack profile (like exists as an automatic setting on later ATAKA) would be useful for getting over vegetation and berms though - so I think that is a reasonable idea.