Wags

Page 1 updated on 11/2/2022

Although the MB-339 has been released in a feature-complete state, there are a number of know issues that IndiaFoxtEcho will be addressing. Before entering any bug reports, please review this list to avoid report duplication: The gunsight MILS settings tumblers should be discreet, now it is possible to set in between steps. Breaks on controls indicator window always ON. Repair does not replace used/overheated/broken battery. Missing many key binds. Easily flyable with one wing if the aircraft is fully loaded of weapons. MB-339 Rear canopy does not break from ejection. When replaying the trackfile the view position in the rear pilot appears too backwards so that it is covered by the pilot model. Wingtip damage missing. It is possible to eject in either seat and still control the aircraft if you are not solo. You cannot swap to the other seat, but nonetheless control is still possible. Also, the other guy should probably eject too if you can't swap seats to control the aircraft. (Even though the seats aren't linked). AI - Damage model might be over performing. Damage to flaps has no effect on maximum speed straightline or stall speed (clean). Multi-crew - possible client crash when ejecting from damaged aircraft. Further, there are a few items that may appear as bugs, but are in fact not: Controls do not move on cold start - There is a control lock behind the stick. Engine fails on takeoff in the rain - In wet conditions, you need to depress the engine relight button on the throttle. Cannot see through canopy - Fogging. Turn cabin heat up and engage demister (right side panel).

Thanks for the heads up.

Updated task status. Kind regards, Matt

DCS: AH-64D Mini-Update Following some time off, I’d like to update you on current AH-64D tasks and priority tasks following those. Current tasks include: Yaw SAS behavior. Improving Vortex Ring State characteristics. Complete Image Auto-Tracking (IAT) and Multi-Target Tracking (MTT) for the TADS. Complete the Performance (PERF) page. Complete the new Pilot and CP/G models 1st person view. Improved Datalink Modem (IDM) that will include LB Net and the ability to share targeting between AH-64Ds. Additional crew radio messages. Additional external model Levels of Detail (LOD) for improved performance. Continued “George” improvements. "Robbie" fuel tank option. Following the above, priority items include: The Fire Control Radar (FCR) and AGM-114L radar-guided Hellfire. SAS collective channel behavior. Radar altitude hold and altitude hold stability when outside ground effect. Adjust SAS/saturation tones. Uncommanded pitch and roll behavior in some conditions. Please note that the above list is not 100% inclusive, but rather the most important highlights. Kind regards, Wags

DCS: F/A-18C Hornet Mini-Update Following some time off, I’d like to update you on current Hornet tasks and priority tasks following those. Current tasks include: Following the substantial update to the Viper flight model and FLCS, the team is now focused on the Hornet flight model and FCS. In parallel, important changes are being made to the landing gear and how it behaves at touchdown / touch and goes. This is the primary Hornet task. Correcting AGM-84D, AGM-84E, and SLAM-ER behavior. GPS-weapon using TOO engagement behavior. Incorrect Velocity Vector confinement error. New and improved pilot model. Following the above, priority items include: In parallel with the Viper, tuning air-to-air performance including look-down and search to bug target delay. UFC BU page. Please note that this is not a 100% inclusive list, but rather the more important highlights. Kind regards, Wags

DCS: F-16C Viper Mini-Update Following some time off, I’d like to update you on current Viper tasks and priority tasks following those. Current tasks include: Complete external model Level of Detail (LOD) to improve performance. We are now close to completing the High Drag and Low Drag ballistics and calculations for both CCIP and delayed-CCIP releases for the MK-84HD. This should also improve other general-purpose bombs. The Low Altitude Drogue Delivery (LADD) is being finalized and tested. Correcting some HOTAS short and long press logic. This is also true for jettisons. GPS target coordinate shifting. Radar SAM and DTT modes tracking retention improvement. Adjustments to SPOTLIGHT mode for short press. Adjustments to Track While Scan (TWS) designations. Animated ECS inlets. Following the above, priority items include: Non-Cooperative Target Recognition (NCTR) Tuning air-to-air performance including look-down and search to bug target delay. Digital Maneuver Cue (DMC) and Loft indications. Further work on Link 16 and adding air-to-air target assignments. Alternate gear handle and animated tail hook. Please note that this is not a 100% inclusive list, but rather the more important highlights. Kind regards, Wags

Four more new 3rd party module announcements in the cue. What could they be?

RWS Scan Centering is has been added internally and should be included in the October OB. This will be done with a short TDC depress. Kind regards, Wags

Dear all, We hear your concerns, and I’ll try to help explain. Check Six Simulations is an Australian group of DCS enthusiasts that want nothing more than an Australia map in DCS to fly over. Because Check Six Simulations is a first-time map developer, this map is an ideal choice to learn the Terrain Development Kit (TDK) and the quite complex process of creating a map. As with any 3rd party that has first demonstrated to us the required skillset, we will not forbid them from creating a map of their dreams if it does not conflict with existing map plans. Creating this map in no way impacts the creation of other maps. Will this map be your cup of tea? Perhaps not, but it may be for some and will not impact your enjoyment of DCS. Eagle Dynamics wishes the Check Six Simulations every success. Kind regards, Wags

Dear all, In the next Open Beta, we will be addressing several fixes with the TSD threat rings. Threat rings can be displayed by selecting the TSD on one of the MPDs, then selecting SHOW (T3), THRT SHOW (T5), and then enabling THREATS (R5). When enabled, threat rings are displayed around any Threat points on the TSD, with a yellow ring indicating estimated detection range, and a red ring indicating estimating engagement range. With the next Open Beta, the TSD will now properly display threat rings even if the Threat point itself is not within the TSD viewing area. In addition, any Threat points added during the mission using the TSD POINT sub-page will also show threat rings, in addition to pre-planned Threat points. Due to the large number of available Threat point types within the DCS: AH-64D database, and the variety of DCS World air defense units that can be placed in a mission, we thought it would be a good idea to list exactly what threats were associated with certain point types. This will ensure the player has the correct threat rings displayed on their TSD based on what air defense unit they encounter during gameplay. POINT IDENT POINT NAME DCS WORLD AIR DEFENSE UNIT 2 SA-2 SAM System SAM SA-2 S-75 battery 3 SA-3 SAM System SAM SA-3 S-125 battery 5 SA-5 SAM System SAM SA-5 S-200 battery 6 SA-6 SAM System SAM SA-6 Kub battery 8 SA-8 SAM System SAM SA-8 Osa battery 9 SA-9 SAM System SAM SA-9 Strela-1 TEL 10 SA-10 SAM System SAM SA-10 S-300 battery 11 SA-11 SAM System SAM SA-11 Buk battery 13 SA-13 SAM System SAM SA-13 Strela-10 TEL 15 SA-15 SAM System SAM SA-15 Tor TEL 16 SA-16 SAM System MANPADS SA-18 Igla S6 2S6/SA-19 Air Defense Unit SAM SA-19 Tunguska ZU ZSU-23-4 Air Defense Gun SPAAA ZSU-23-4 Gun Dish GT Towed Air Defense Gun AAA ZU-23-2 based units GS Self-Propelled Air Defense Gun SPAAA ZSU-57-2 AA Air Defense Gun AAA Fire Can SON-9 [detection] & AAA S-60 57mm [engagement] TR Target Acquisition Radar MCC-SR Sborka [yellow detection ring] SR Battlefield Surveillance Radar Early Warning Radar [100 km radius yellow detection ring] CT Crotale SAM System SAM HQ-7 STR [detection] & SAM HQ-7 LN [engagement] CH Chaparral SAM System SAM Chaparral M48 GP Gepard Air Defense Gun SPAAA Gepard HK Hawk SAM System SAM Hawk battery PT Patriot SAM System SAM Patriot battery RA Rapier SAM System SAM Rapier LN RO Roland SAM System SAM Roland ADS SA Towed SAM System SAM NASAMS battery ST Stinger SAM System SAM Avenger/MANPADS Stinger VU Vulcan Air Defense Gun SPAAA M163 U Unknown Air Defense Unit SPAAA HL ZU-23 (technical truck) G1 Growth 1 [1 km radius red engagement ring] G2 Growth 2 [2 km radius red engagement ring] G3 Growth 3 [3 km radius red engagement ring] G4 Growth 4 [4 km radius red engagement ring] GU Generic Air Defense Unit [5 km radius red engagement ring] AD Friendly Air Defense Unit [8 km radius red engagement ring] TG Target Point [3 km radius red engagement ring] Note that while not every DCS World unit has a direct corresponding point type within the DCS: AH-64D database, we have selected the closest point that would correspond with such a unit. The best example of this is using the "Crotale" Threat point to display threat rings for the HQ-7, which is a Chinese-made system based on the French Crotale SAM system. We've also elected to provide a number of additional generic threat points via "un-used" air defense points within the DCS: AH-64D database, with various radius values that will permit players to adapt to various situations that may occur during gameplay, which may not always correspond to a specific air defense unit. We hope that these will prove useful for those unpredictable situations that players may find themselves in. Kind regards, Wags

Dear all, Much of the work is focused on fixing bugs and tuning systems to first have a solid foundation to work from. However, IAT/MTT are in active development as is initial FCR/RF Hellfire and LB Net. Given the complexity of such tasks, we have no date estimates at this time. Once IAT/MTT are available, we plan to offer the -64 in the free trial program. Outside of those systems, much work is ongoing: - Performance Level of Detail (LOD) models - New pilot models and animations (SP and MC) - Updating the PERF page (quite a deep rabbit hole) - Continued tuning of the FCS / yaw offset - Ability to change seats in MC (in internal testing) - New voice overs for flight members (2, 3, and 4) - Continued George AI refinements - Tuning TSE/LMC behavior There are of course other items in work, but these are the primary focus. Kind regards, Wags

COMING SOON Map Used in Video: DCS: NEVADA Test and Training Range Purchase DCS: F-16C Viper from: In this DCS: F-16C Viper video, we’ll explore some of the new features and changes coming to the DCS Viper later this month. Our primary goal is to resolve as many of the roadmap items as possible. I’m going to be coving a lot of different items, and you can find timestamps in the video description to find what you are most interested in. 0:00 - Intro 0:28 - Automatic Laser Designation 3:07 - CCIP Laser Ranging 5:13 - Targeting Pod Attitude Advisory Function (AFF) 7:04 - HOTAS Bombing Mode Cycle 7:40 - Manual (MAN) Bombing Mode 9:03 - ALT Release Button 9:48 - Spotlight Scan Radar Mode 10:26 - Change in CRM HOTAS Selection 11:13 - FLCS BIT Test 11:58 - AN/ALQ-131 ECM Pod 11:27 - Wing Tank Jettison 12:49 - Gun Gas Purge Door and Barrel Rotation Automatic Laser Designation First, we’ll be adding new functionality to the LASR DED page that will allow you to automatic laser designation. As you might imagine, this will be very useful for weapons like GBU-10 and -12 and will not require manual lasing using the trigger. From LIST in the ICP, press MISC at the 0 button, and then LASR at the 5 button. Along the bottom of the DED page, we now have the laser start time. Press down on the “dobber” switch until the option is highlighted and you can then enter the automatic laser start time in seconds before estimated time to impact between 8 and 176 seconds. After estimated weapon impact time, the laser will continue to fire for 30 seconds and then automatically shut off. CCIP Laser Ranging If in CCIP bombing mode with a targeting pod loaded, pressing the control stick trigger to the second detent will fire the laser for 30 seconds to provide precise ranging. Note that when in CCIP mode that the TGP line of sight is slaved to the CCIP impact point. Targeting Pod Attitude Advisory Function (AFF) When the TGP is displayed on an MPD, the AFF alert will display and flash under the following conditions to alert you of an unsafe nose attitude while potentially being heads down and not paying attention. The TGP must be displayed, you must be in air-to-ground master mode, and you must be below the set Altitude Low MSL Floor value. If those conditions are met and if roll exceeds 75-degrees or pitch exceeds -20-degrees based on the gun boresight line on the HUD, the alert will trigger. HOTAS Bombing Mode Cycle Probably the easiest way to cycle the bombing mode is to press the Nosewheel Steering/Missile Step Switch on the control stick. When pressed, it should cycle between CCIP, CCRP, and DTOS. In the current version, other modes are incorrectly included in this rotary, and will be corrected in the update. Manual (MAN) Bombing Mode Although this already available in the current Open Beta, I’d like to talk a little about it today. After selected the Air—to-Ground master mode, select MAN bombing mode by pressing OSB 2 and then MAN at OSB 16. If you were to lose your normal CCIP or CCRP bombing symbology, this can be a backup. On the HUD Control Panel, you can set the HUD Depressible Reticle to OFF, Primary, and Standby. When set to Primary, the HUD symbology will be present, but the Depressible Reticle be the bombing sight. When set to Standby, only the Depressible Reticle will be present with MILs setting. When Primary is used, rotate the Depressible Reticle wheel on the right side of the ICP to adjust the MILs setting. The MILs value can be seen below the airspeed table. I’ve included some basic manual bombing profiles at the link listed in the video description. ALT Release Button In addition to the Weapon Release button on the control stick, you will be able to use the red Alternate Release button on the left auxiliary panel in the update to release weapons. Spotlight Scan Radar Mode When Range While Search or Track While Scan radar modes, a Spotlight Scan will be required to designate the target. To do so, place the radar cursor over the desired target on the FCR and press and hold the Target Management Switch up for greater than one second. This will place the radar into 10-degree azimuth and elevation scan of a small volume to rapidly build track history. For best results lead the target a tiny bit and let the radar build three to four target histories before releasing the Target Management Switch and commanding the radar track the target. Change in CRM HOTAS Selection So that it does not catch you unaware, the HOTAS command of Target Management Switch right to toggle between Range While Search and Track While Scan modes will change from holding greater than 0.5 seconds to greater than 1.0 seconds. FLCS BIT Test When performing a cold start, a real-world element is to conduct a FLCS built in test of the control systems. Once the aircraft is started, moving the BIT switch on the Flight Control Panel from OFF to BIT initiates the BIT test. You will see the light above indicate RUN and the various control surfaces of the aircraft will run through a preset series of movements. Once complete, the RUN light will extinguish, and the BIT switch will return to the OFF position. As we watch the FLCS BIT test run, you probably noticed the AN/ALQ-131 ECM pod. Although it will behave the same as the existing AN/ALQ-184 ECM modes, the option to load the AN/ALQ-131 pod will be available. Wing Tank Jettison Another external item that we’ll talk about today is a correction to how the external wing tanks are jettisoned. Currently, when you jettison the wing wings, only the wing tanks are jettisoned and not the pylons. This was in correct, and with the update, the pylons will also be jettisoned. Gun Gas Purge Door and Barrel Rotation When the gun is fired, the gun gas purge door will now open to remove gun gasses from the gun compartment. Additionally, we’ve added an animation to the barrels of the M61 cannon. There are many more changes coming in the next update, and we ask that you review the change log once available. Manual (MAN) Bombing Table for MK-82, MK-84, and CBU-87 attached. MAN Table.pdf

Dear all, In the next Open Beta, we will be adding the new CP/G target identification system. I plan to create a video on this next week, but in the meantime, please find an updated George document that describes the new system beginning on page 17. Kind regards, Wags AH-64D_George_2.pdf

For the Viper airshow pilots amongst us, the airshow smoke generator has been added internally, and it should be available in the next Open Beta. Kind regards, Wags

Dear all, As was mentioned in a Viper Mini-Update yesterday, we have also internally implemented multiplayer datalink sharing of radar contacts over the datalink of valid track targets between Hornet players. Earlier, this was limited to only STT targets. This essentially allows players to run radar silent and maintain SA based on flight member datalink sharing. Attached are a couple of images of this in action with myself and BN. For targets that we both see, you’ll note both bottom and top HAFU symbols, for targets that are outside my scan frame that BN is sending me, they just have the bottom HAFU. The next step is to implement this for the AI. Once both network and AI track sharing is complete and fully tested, we look forward to bringing to an Open Beta. Kind regards, Matt

Regarding the A-CAL AUTO ACAL GPS option, we will be further expanding this DED page to include NAV Filter accuracy, GPS accuracy, DTS, and more. As mentioned in the video, although not a full EGI system, this option allows INS/GPS Kalman filter blending on INS position and altitude data to greatly reduce INS drift. Kind regards, Matt

Dear all, A few, important updates: Based on clear language in a rather public F-16 manual, APG-68 search returns (small white square with vector line) represent only the initial radar detections that the radar has not Doppler correlated well enough to declare them to be valid radar tracks. Earlier, the time to resolve a search target to a tank target was excessive. The effect of radar look-down is being tuned to be less aggressive. It is now possible to have a valid track on a look-down target (MiG-29) more than 30 nm. Naturally, this greatly depends on RCS, Vc, and other factors. We have implemented multiplayer datalink sharing of radar contacts over the datalink of valid track targets. Earlier, this was limited to only STT targets. This essentially allows players to run radar silent and maintain SA based on flight member datalink sharing. The next step is to implement this for the AI. It is our hope that these items will be available in the July update, but it will greatly depend on testing results and completing remaining sub-tasks. We understand how important these items are to many of you, and I wanted to provide a little sit rep. Kind Regards, Wags

Dear all, Following our projects meeting today and review of the DCS: F-16C Road Map, we have decided to return several items to the planned features of Early Access release. https://forum.dcs.world/topic/278635-dcs-f-16c-viper-roadmap/ These include: Sniper XR Targeting Pod. RWR Handoff PRF Tones. Radar Velocity Search Mode. Whilst Date Transfer Cartridge (DTC) and Mission Planner is on the Road Map, this is a much larger item that is not just an F-16C item. As such, it will need to come after the module exits Early Access. As mentioned before, once the Viper exits Early Access, we’ll release a roadmap of planned additional features. On a different matter, we’ve been having “lively” internal discussions regarding the F-16C radar regarding detection versus bug range and the effect of radar look down angle. This has included a review of numerous documents and discussions with SMEs. We are making good progress to resolve these issues for a July update. Kind regards, Wags

Manual Bombing Mode Coming in the next Open Beta update will be the addition of the Manual (MAN) bombing mode. I lacked the time needed to create a video on this, so please accept this text instruction. Manual weapon delivery provides the capability to release conventional weapons and rockets when trajectory calculations are not performed or when conditions exist which prohibit computed nonmanual) releases. For conditions when aiming symbology and delivery cues are not available on the HUD, delivery can be achieved by using the HUD primary or standby depression reticle. Manual mode bypasses all calculations of the MMC and releases the weapon(s) immediately at WPN REL button depression, provided MASTER ARM is selected. The primary reticle consists of two solid concentric circles 50 mR and 100 mR in diameter with a 2 mR dot in the center. The standby reticle consists of two concentric dashed circles 50 mR and 100 mR in diameter with a 2 mR cross in the center. Both are selected via the HUD Control Panel. Reticle depression can be varied from 0 to 260 milliradians and is controlled by a thumbwheel knob on the ICP. The depression angle is displayed on the HUD (lower left side) in milliradians. The reticle depression knob has two detent positions: one at the gun boresight (0 mR depression) and one at the missile boresight (52 mR depression). All other HUD symbology is blanked when the standby reticle is displayed. The BRT knob on the ICP must be off for the standby reticle to be visible. Manual weapon delivery consists of selecting the MAN delivery option on the SMS format, manually depressing the reticle to the depression angle associated with the planned release parameters, achieving the planned release parameters while at the same time ensuring that the reticle coincides with the target, and depressing the weapon release button. When the entered release pulses are greater than one on the MFDS SMS page, the release interval will appear directly above the release pulse (RP) setting. A range of 0.000 to 4.000 seconds can then be entered for the release interval. If the manual weapon delivery option is selected, the MMC displays navigation mode symbology on the HUD. Depressing the MSL STEP button will select the CCIP submode. If rockets is the selected weapon and the delivery mode is manual, depressing the missile step push-button selects the CCIP-Rockets delivery option. Once in CCIP-Rockets, the missile step push-button will have no effect on the delivery mode. Manual Weapon Procedures: 1. ICP - Verify A-G display. 2. MFD - Select/verify correct weapon and MAN delivery option. 3. HUD - Select/verify reticle depression and symbology. (a) Select primary or standby reticle via HUD Control Panel. (b) Select reticle depression in milliradians via RET DEPR knob on ICP. 4. Maneuver to planned release conditions. 5. MASTER ARM switch - MASTER ARM or SIMULATE (as desired). 6. WPN REL button - Depress. Release occurs upon depression of WPN REL button regardless of release conditions required for accuracy.

Dear All, After our projects staff meeting yesterday, we decided on the DCS: F-16C Viper features list that would bring it out of Early Access. There comes a point where a module is at a complete enough state (of course some will take issue of where that line is) that it provides gameplay well worth the base price. When at that point, we take it out of early access and move it to normal pricing. That does NOT mean that development ceases. The only real change is the price. The current desired features list is regarding the state to remove it from early access – hence the topic title update and separate list. As mentioned, once out of early access, we'll release a new list of desired features to add post-early access. This list will contain all the items moved from the early access list and several more. I have generally been making notes of all changes to the early access desired features list, but it’s on me that I forgot to make a note yesterday. Mea culpa. Kind regards, Wags

Dear all, Although we released a large and well-received flight model and flight control system update earlier, we have not been sitting on our hands. We will soon be further improving these aspects of the Viper. You will be able to attain up to -3.4G. Bring on the creative jinks! Removed FLCS flight transition mode between gear down and gear up. Nose will be rock steady. Same holds true if you get slow and the flaps come down. This results in a much more stable nose pointing in a fight. DFLCS roll rates have been improved/increased. The yaw oscillation when on the deck at high speed is a memory. With sufficient energy, the Viper will now hold 9.3G. Gear down / AAR door open roll gains have been adjusted to be more accurate. Takeoff and landing mode FLCS gains have been improved. DFLCS gun compensation has been improved in roll and yaw when slow. Manual Pitch Override (MPO) switch will override the negative G limiter. Kind regards, Wags

Dear all, To better support carrier operations, we plan to add changes to the Hornet kneeboard for the May Open Beta that will include: ATC radio frequency TCN channel ICLS channel Link-4 frequency BRC Final heading Wind over deck Press "K" to view the kneeboard. Kind regards, Wags

Listed status updated on 4/21/2022.

Dear all, For the next Hornet Open Beta update that is planned for late-April 2022, we plan several improvements. While these may change during the testing stage, they will probably be: Addition of the Automatic Carrier Landing System, ACLS. Addition of the Link 4 datalink for carrier-to-aircraft communications. Addition of ACLS On/Off and Beacon On/Off to carrier Mission Editor advanced waypoint actions. Corrected the Auto-Throttle Control (ATC) Approach mode such that it no longer moves the throttles to idle. Addition of donor datalink tracks to the AZ/EL page. Corrected MIDS track ID on SA display. Changed the Electronic Countermeasures, ECM, such that when in XMIT it will use radar in priority rather than jammer in priority. This will allow the radar to operate with ECM transmitting, but at a lower radar detection capability. Adjusted the radar look-down capability that factors in radar sidelobes. Corrected radar slant range. Ground units are now more visible on A-G radar. Corrected “ghost” contacts when using TWS. Corrected AGR message flashing error. Corrected SLAM-ER / DL13 unlimited munitions error. Corrected some HUD symbol overlap errors. Corrected TOO coordinate saving when stepping targets. Kind regards, Wags