Stackup

Cool. The API is just the interface that allows someone to easily implement a missile into DCS. So I guess my answer still stands, Heatblur will make any weapons specific to their modules and ED will implement ones that cover multiple modules, like if they give napalm tanks to the F-5 and the F-18 that can then be used on the F-4.

I used to think once it came off the rails it's in ED's hands, but as we've seen with the Phoenix, Heatblur is the one making the fixes and gathering the data on the weapon so it's unclear who actually does what. I assume that specialty weapon systems like the Phoenix are up to the third party to model, but the basic weapon types/damage have to be implemented by ED first like with napalm. As there is no effect or damage type for napalm, the weapon type has to be made and implemented by ED, but with missiles it is probably more open since there is already a base functionality for that. I think the difference is in the commonality of the weapon as I doubt ED would take the time to design and implement a weapon system for a 3rd party aircraft that is the only aircraft to use it like the Phoenix. On the other hand, Sparrows and Sidewinders see use on almost all of the planes we have in game including many ED modules so it is more likely that those common missiles/weapons would be developed by ED. Unless one of the devs comes out and tells us the specifics of this we won't really know beyond vague statements and guesswork.

Completely agree. If they are going to go back and update it it should get the A-10C/BS3 treatment as so far that is how they have given older modules a facelift. I'd love to see the F-5E get everything it possibly could in the export versions and in use by other countries as options as well as the requisite bug-fixes of course. I mean we already have a system that lets mission makers limit weapon loadouts and with the controversy surrounding the BS3's wingtip Iglas (I believe they were only on paper/prototype?), the F-5 should definitely get all its optional systems like the AAR probe, extra radio, and other weapon systems that it actually had access to in real life. To do anything less is really ridiculous given what they have done for other modules. I would definitely pay another $10-$15 for this kind of upgrade.

This. They provided the AIM-54 for the Tomcat so I assume any weapons that are not currently in game will be added model wise by Heatblur with ED having final say. Things like napalm are of course waiting on the effects and damage modeling from ED. I assume the -E sparrows will get proper models and improved flight characteristics. What all we are getting is a different story. I assume the AIM-7E-2 Sparrow will be added and we might possibly see the AIM-9E as well as an earlier variant of the Sidewinder but minimum earliest the -9J as it's already in game on the Mirage F1. For now, all we can assume is that the F-4 will eventually be able carry every weapon system, apart from nukes, that it could in real life although loadouts that were only tested are unlikely. They probably won't all be available at launch using napalm as an example again, but I expect at minimum we see earlier missiles since we are getting the earlier version first.

To add to the list, the Mosquito also had a preorder and Razbam has stated the Strike Eagle will have a preorder as well.

Completely forgot those options were available. I hardly ever fly the Huey multicrew and the F-14 doesn't have rear controls of course. Good to know there is already a system in place, and I agree that equal responsibility is definitely best left to well-coordinated crews. I wonder what setting for the F-4 servers will set. I would think always ask, but with the limited visibility in the back seat, I could almost see pilot priority being chosen as well.

Supercarrier is not a Heatblur product. It's made by ED which is why the Forrestal has no deck crew.

It would be nice if they've thought ahead and merged the two already in the rework of the S-3 model but that remains to be seen as we have next to no information about the timeline or features of the reworks besides the better models. Based on the 2023 and Beyond video, I hope they are able to get the new S-3 out soon as it finally looks on par with the rest of the game.

I believe FlyingIron has said they want to add the capability, but since that's a core mechanic ED will have to be involved. With the KC-130 coming I doubt it will be a problem. I remember seeing a YouTube video from years ago that showed the test implementation of player controlled buddy refueling in the A-4 mod. The A-4 devs decided not to continue with that and I think they could only pass gas to other A-4's but it could be done. Probably just needs some stuff from ED to allow all modules to get gas from a player aircraft but with the A-6 and A-7 both being able to buddy-tank I assume we will see the feature eventually. Depends which comes first, the KC or the A-7 and whether or not ED is using the KC as a testbed before giving buddy tanking (D-704 pod for the A-6 and A-7 I believe) the green light. I think the S-3B uses the same D-704 refueling pod so we should be getting a decent model for that with the rework ED has done for that plane.

Thanks for the update! Hopefully it comes out pretty soon, but as you said, quality must come first. Really looking forward to the unveiling as well!

https://trello.com/b/HsMiJggJ/heatblur-public-roadmap Roadmap has been updated to include the DCS 2.8 patch. The Phantom is still marked 2022 though...

Another place I've noticed the B-8 is the back seat of the F-15E

Apart from the reason I gave? Since the -E and Navy Phantoms are two completely separate modules, I think it is perfectly reasonable to assume the A-6 will come first. Especially since they said two modules before it, not three, and they have already gotten a lot done on the exterior from their work on the AI version that they probably have not done yet on the navy F-4.

I haven't seen that anywhere, but they still have 2 modules to release before we get there which could be another 5 years. At any rate, I wouldn't care if we got an earlier model like an A/B combo pack because that would allow for accurate representation of Vietnam intruder missions with a period correct aircraft even if the assets and map aren't there yet. On the other hand I'll be doing that even with the E model because it's an Intruder. I can always not use the TRAM turret in those era missions but then we can also do the more modern conflicts that had the E. That kind of anachronistic mission doesn't work for everyone but we'll never have every possible variant of every plane ever so I'll take what I can get and be happy I have any version at all.

I would hope it's like in the Huey or trainers where you have to request control. Making sure the other person is transferred control if the pilot dies would be a good feature that I'm unsure whether or not it is implemented in the aforementioned modules. Be interesting to fly and land the F-4 from the back seat after the pilot is killed by flak or incapacitated instead of just ejecting.

That's the real kicker though isn't it. Sacrifice the standard of realism from documentation/what the SMEs can tell them legally, or make something up that looks right. They haven't done this yet and I think it will be a long while before they do a -D or -B/U even if they miraculously get cleared for the information or if they change their minds on making stuff up. They still have to get through the remainder of the planned F-14's, the F-4E, the Eurofighter, the A-6E, and whichever Naval F-4 they pick before they should seriously consider adding to the Tomcat in such a way. Maybe it happens eventually but I doubt we see it in this decade.

Yes, but they've said that it will just be the early -135GR with the TCS Pod disabled and possibly removable as well as the appropriate weapons limitations. They aren't removing the fuel tank pylons either as those are integral to their model. Basically, it's a bonus model they didn't originally plan to make so they aren't going to redo the entire model to make it accurate to the Iranian -A and I can't blame them given the other modules they have on their plate already.

The F-4 will be shipping with at least one campaign from Heatblur. There's been no news from any of the other campaign makers, but I'm personally looking forward to see what Reflected comes up after release as I assume he'll be doing at least one campaign for the Phantom.

Does anybody here actually know where Heatblur is at in the development process or how quickly they can iron out the random bugs that pop up during testing? The answer is most definitely no. They've already done two full fidelity modules in the Viggen and the Tomcat so I'm sure they are well versed in the technical aspects of module creation. This isn't really anything new to them except for some of the systems functionality so let's just wait and see what happens, but can we stop assuming they don't know how to give decent estimates? They said 2022, war and personal issues happened seems to be about a 6 month delay and they've now said we should see something from them in the next 6 months. Makes sense to me. That's not 12, 24, or if we want to really be stupid, 72 months away. It's about the same time conceivably lost. I'm sure they have already accounted for bug fix time and some unforeseen problems as those are a common thing in development.

Yes it is

So within 6 months we'll start seeing some stuff from the team. Sounds good to me although of course I'd love it sooner rather than later

Oh I think it's further than 2 years out, but they said just the 2 modules before the A-6, the EF and the F-4E. So since the naval F-4 module is separate from the -E, we can safely assume the A-6 is before it.

How does the Maverick work on the F-4? Does the WSO get a screen to lock the target and then the pilot shoots?

You're kidding right? Sure they got delayed but this forum has gone from "They'll still release it in 2022!!" to "They need another 2 years" really quickly... If they thought they could be done by the end of the year at the start of 2022, I believe them. Even with the current unknowns of the type of setbacks besides time they have experienced, I doubt they need 2 more years. I'm expecting a release sometime in the first half of this year since that's about the same time they lost due to the war give or take a few weeks.