Wags

DCS: F/A-18C Hornet Update - 30 October 2020 For the next Open Beta, we have several important additions planned that includes data link information to the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) that will display friendly, unknown, and hostile air contacts. After which, we will add the Air-to-Ground mode of the HMD. The new GRID function will allow you to edit and create waypoints based on GRID coordinates; this is particularly useful when working with a JTAC. Third, the new Azimuth / Elevation (AZ/EL) air-to-air radar page will display contacts in relative elevation from you. Later, we will add the automatic-IFF and FLIR elements to this page. In addition to these great additions, we have also corrected the ground effect for the Hornet, corrected lofting for the HARM, fixed the laser-Maverick after first using the IR-Maverick, and many more improvements. Kind regards, Wags

Dear Bandit, Please understand though that the manual still needs some additional work; however, it should be more than enough to get you all started. Kind regards, Wags

DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer | Helmet Mounted Cueing System (HMCS) In this final preview video for DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer, we’ll look at the new Helmet Mounted Cueing System, or HMCS. The HMCS consists of several sub-systems, but we’ll focus on the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) and the Profile Editor in this video. The HMCS provides excellent situational awareness and the ability to cue weapons and sensors by just looking at the target and setting a designation. Please note though that his is not the same helmet implementation as for the Viper and Hornet systems; it is in many ways far superior in the air-to-ground mode. HMCS HOTAS Commands Display Management Switch (DMS) Forward Short Increase HMD Brightness Forward Long Increase HMD Brightness Aft Short Decrease HMD Brightness Aft Long Decrease HMD Brightness Left Short Display Right MFCD TGP Video Left Long HMD On/Off Right Short Cycle HMCS Profiles Right Long Slave TGP to HMCS Line of Sight Target Management Switch (TMS) Forward Short Hook Symbol Under Crosshair Forward Long Make Hooked Object or HDC SPI Aft Short Unhook Symbol Aft Long Reset SPI to Steerpoint Left Short Acknowledge WCN Left Long Broadcast SPI Right Short Create Mark Point at HDC Right Long Make Last Mark Point SPI

DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer - Laser Guided Rockets In this DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer video, we’ll look at the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, or APKWS laser-guided rocket. The APKWS consists of either M151 or M282 2.75-inch rocket mated with a laser guidance kit. Based on a laser- designation from your targeting pod our an offboard laser-designation source, the APKWS, also referred to as the AGR-20A, can have pinpoint accuracy on targets out to around 5 miles. The M151 version has a high explosive warhead and the M282 version has a penetrator warhead. Both versions are ideal against unarmored and lightly armored targets. However, the AGR-20A is not designed to defeat tank armor. Seven APKWS rockets are carried in each LAU-131 rocket pod.

Dear Hornet pilots, For the next Hornet update, we plan for the addition of two new features: mark points and AGR radar mode: Markpoints Markpoints provide a simple and quick way to store locations of interest. Functionality is as follows: A markpoint can be created by pressing the MK# OSB in the HSI/SA formats. The number # (1 through 9) indicates exactly which markpoint will be created when the button is pressed and it increments sequentially. Up to 9 markpoints can be stored at a time, and it's possible to overwrite them after creating the 9th one (in sequential order). Upon pressing the MK# button, a markpoint is created at the overfly location if there is no target designation or at the target designation otherwise. Markpoints are stored after the 60 onboard waypoints, however, it's not necessary to increment the waypoint selector in the HSI/SA formats all the way past 60, as it's possible to decrement it below waypoint 1 to access markpoints (starting at markpoint 9 and decrementing). Markpoint selection in the HSI/SA formats is denoted by a letter M preceding the markpoint number identifier. Functionally, they are very similar to conventional waypoints. They may be selected as the steering reference, designated by pressing WPDSG and other cues and symbology remain the same. When a markpoint is selected as the steering reference by boxing WYPT in HSI/SA formats, its identifier preceded by the letter M and range will be displayed in the HUD. Air-to-Ground Ranging (AGR) radar mode Air-to-ground ranging (AGR) mode is an indirect radar mode—it is commanded automatically by the MC when deemed necessary and cannot be directly selected. Its purpose is to provide slant range to an aimpoint to allow a more precise calculation of altitude above target. When commanded, the AGR legend will appear on the HUD and the RDR ATTK format will display the AGR sub-format. If the radar was operating in MAP mode, it's possible to exit AGR mode and return to MAP by assigning TDC priority to the RDR ATTK format. GRID Coordinates While it will probably not be ready for the next Hornet update, we have also implemented GRID/UTM coordinates for the Hornet internally. It is now undergoing testing. AGM-84K SLAM-ER The next weapon for the Hornet will be the SLAM-ER and is far along into development. While it shares much in common with the SLAM, there are some substantial differences like the terminal seeker video, multiple steerpoints, and terminal attack options. Thank you to Santi for helping to prepare this text. Kind regards, Wags

DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer - GBU-54 Laser-JDAM In this DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer video, we’ll look at the GBU-54 laser-JDAM. The GBU-54 is 500-pound class bomb with options for INS/GPS and laser-homing guidance. It can be loaded on all 1760 smart racks. While INS/GPS allows you to launch-and-leave and the ability to engage through cloud and smoke cover, the laser-guidance provides increased accuracy and the ability to engage moving targets. It’s up to you to determine the best guidance based on the engagement.

DCS: A-10C II Tank Kller - Introduction and Laser-Maverick In this A-10C II Tank Killer video, we’ll introduce the primary features of this update and instruct on use of the AGM-65L laser-guided Maverick. A-10C II Tank Killer will be released by the end of September 2020. For the first month after release, existing A-10C Warthog customers can update for just $9.99. After one month, the price will increase to $19.99. For those that don’t own A-10C Warthog, you’ll be able to purchase the complete A-10C II Tank Killer for $79.99. A-10C II Tank Killer will have the following, primary features: 1- New weapons like the AGM-65L laser-Maverick, the GBU-54 laser-JDAM, and the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System laser-guided rocket. 2- The Helmet Mounted Cueing System, or HMCS. 3- Updated cockpit and external model graphics. 4- Improved flight dynamics 5- Updated HOTAS commands. Following the initial release, we will also add the more modern ARC-210 radio.

Dear all, Thank you all for your feedback and passion. We reviewed other documents at our disposal (not cited here), and it does appear that a 4x HARM load is "possible" for our 2007 jet. Sometime in the early 2000s, it appears this change was made. While certainly not a valid operational payload, we will make it available given that it is apparently possible. Kind regards, Matt

Although there were 4x tests at Edwards years ago, we have no evidence that this was ever used operationally. Additionally, our documents for a 2007 Blk 50 clearly specifies STA 3 and 7 only. If you or anyone else has contrary evidence for a 2007 Blk 50, we look forward to seeing it. Kind regards, Wags

DCS: F-16C Viper - AGM-88C HARM in HAS Mode In a future DCS World update, we’ll be adding the High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile, or HARM, for the F-16. This missile homes in on the radar emissions of air defense radars and is an important tool in the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, or SEAD, role. We will first release it with the HARM As Sensor, or HAS, mode, and later we’ll add the Position (POS) and HAD/HTS modes. For HAS, it uses the sensor in the nose of the missile to detect and track detected radars that are in one of the three threat tables. Once the threat is handed off to the ALIC and the missile is launched, it will fly a directly to the target with no range data. As such, it has more limited range than other modes. ALIC Tables: Table 1(ID, name): -110, S300PS_TR_30N6 (SA-10_TR) -104, S300PS_SR_64H6E (SA-10_SR) -103, S300PS_SR_5N66M (SA-10_SR) -115, Buk_LN_9A310M1 (SA-11_TR) -107, Buk_SR_9S18M1 (SA-11_SR) Table 2(ID, name): -120, Tunguska_2S6 (SA-19) -119, Tor_9A331 (SA-15) -117, Osa_9A33 (SA-8 ) -121, ZSU_23_4_Shilka (ZSU-23-4) -109, Dog Ear (RadarDog Ear) Table 3(ID, name): -123, S125_TR_SNR (SA-3_TR) -122, S125_SR_P_19 (SA-3_SR) -108, Kub_STR_9S91 (SA-6) -126, SNR-75V (SA-2_TR) -118, Strela_9A35M3 (SA-13)

Dear all, Based on feedback from legitimage SMEs and verifiable data, we have updated the the flight dynamics: 1- Buffet and wingrock no longer set in right at chopped tone. You can now retain nose authority at initial chopped tone. However, if you were to continue to increase AoA while in chopped tone, you eventually get buffet, wingrock, and stall. 2- Available G before chopped tone was increased by 1 G. As such, if you encountered chopped tone at 2 G, it will now manifest at 3 G under the same condition. Together, we and the SMEs believe the A-10C will fly in a more realistic manner with improved performance. Kind regards, Wags

Dear all, Although not directly said in the Maverick video, our F-16C Viper will of course include the option for LAU-88 carraige. Kind regards, Wags

Viper Update – 27 August 2020 Dear DCS Pilots, The primary development items for the Viper remain the AGM-65 Maverick and the AGM-88C HARM in HARM As Sensor (HAS) mode. These were introduced into our internal builds today, and they will be subject to testing over the next several days. Initial tests are good, but there are several items to still resolve. We are shooting (not a promise) to release both weapons for the Viper in our September update. However, as always, it will highly depend on testing and how long it takes to resolve issues discovered in testing. We understand how eager many of you are for these two systems, and we apologize that it has taken longer than expected due to several reasons. However, we are getting there, and we thank you for your patience. In addition to these two new systems, we are continuing to investigate and make needed changes to the Viper targeting pod, flight model/FLCS, HMCS, and data link where needed. Kind regards, Wags

Known issues affecting mission design. The team have been working hard to find and fix issues that will affect mission design and gameplay, and whilst many have been resolved, some did not make it in time to be included in the release build. Below is a summary of the current known issues in this early access release. We encourage all Open Beta players to report any and all bugs and issues that you encounter to our forum, as you are an invaluable piece of the puzzle, to enable us to move forwards and bring this truly breath-taking terrain out of early access. Al-Dumayr – AI Taxi route to parking spot 15 & 16 passes through runway leading to possible collision. Jirah – AI taxi route to parking spots 4 & 5 is incorrect, leading to possible collision. Beirut – Collison issue when large aircraft (C-17, IL-76 etc) pass over road tunnel under runway 24/16. Small aircraft unaffected. Eyn Shemer – Possible collision when multiple aircraft land in succession. Damascus – AI taxi route issue when using parking spots 110 & 302 can lead to traffic jam. - Aircraft taxiing from southern apron blocks all other taxi activity until in passes northern apron. Mezzeh – Some aircraft & Helicopter parking spots are missing. - Incorrect AI taxi routing to parking spots 17,18 & 19 leads to traffic jam. Taftanaz – Possible collision when helicopter AI is taxiing. Khalkhalah – Incorrect AI taxi from parking spots 19 & 19 can lead to collision. - Possible AI collision with hangar 25. Megiddo – Possible collision on runway when large AI group lands. - Runway collision when using parking spot 10. - Taxiway hold point is displaced onto runway. Ramat David – Possible AI aircraft collision with small building between parking spot 37 & 36. - 2 parking spots numbered 24. - Parking spots 37-41 only available for helicopters (correct), but not marked as such. Haifa – Possible traffic jam when many AI land in succession. Marj Ruhayyil – AI uses taxiway for take-off and landing. - Unable to place Flanker size aircraft on ramp parking spots 28-33. Incirlik – Small chance of collisions during AI taxi. - Aircraft at parking spots 100-109 are facing the wrong way. - A-10C cannot be placed on parking 114-120 & 63-69. Marj as Sulthan North & South and Qabr as Sitt – Helicopter AI touches down short of runway. Fixed wing AI can be set to land at helicopter only bases. Visual and collision issues with weapon impacts on bridges. Some of the prepared SAM sites have uneven terrain, making unit placement difficult. Fast mission creator is currently not functioning for Syria Terrain.

DCS: F/A-18C Hornet - Expand AG Radar Modes DCS: F/A-18C Hornet: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/hornet/ In the next DCS World Open Beta update, or potentially the one after based on testing, we will be introducing the Expand (EXP) modes of the Hornet Air-to-Ground (AG) radar, MAP sub-mode. The EXP modes allow progressively higher resolutions or ground-radar mapping of defined Sector, Patch, and SAR areas. This will be a useful function to designate targets through cloud cover and ranges outside of TGP resolution. This technology will also allow us to accelerate the development of the Doppler Beam Sharpening (DBS) functions of the F-16C A-G radar.

Dear all, Ugra has been listening to your concerns about lack of sea area for naval operations, and they have now greatly expanded the sea area to the west of the map. Cyprus is clearly missing in the attached image, but that will come later during the early access period. As mentioned in a previous video, we are still determining the how and when of how the addition of Cyprus (as huge undertaking) will be handled. Kind regards, Wags

Dear pilots, I apologize for the long gap between Viper mini updates. Things have been rather hectic here, and this fell off my to-do list for too long. We have two full-time engineers actively working on the Viper, plus other engineers lending a hand when available. While we originally had separate teams for the Hornet and Viper, we had to combine them to release the Viper on time. We’re happy to have two separate teams again, following the addition of new team members. The below is a summary some of the items in-work or already completed internally. Implementing the AGM-65D Implementing the AGM-88C HARM in HAS and POS modes Further updates to the Litening targeting pod to include cursor zero and many other functions Corrected RWR power Corrected INS alignment if pilot does not confirm coordinates in NORM mode Adjusted FLIR night brightness Added Israeli, Turkish, Greek, Japan (F-2), Italy, Poland, and new US skins Cockpit pilot body and helmet Adjustment to AoA/G limiter Thank you and kind regards, Wags

Dear pilots, I apologize for the long gap between Hornet mini updates. Things have been rather hectic here, and this fell off my to-do list for too long. We have several engineers actively working on the Hornet, and below is a summary of several items in-work or already completed internally. Implementing the AGM-84K SLAM-ER Further updates to the JDAM and JSOW to also include the GBU-32 Addition of the EXP 1, 2, and 3 sub-modes for the AG radar MAP mode Addition of AGR mode for the AG radar Started work on AG radar SEA/FTT mode Improvements to the flight model / FCS to also include the auto pilot Adjusting wheel brake performance Adding Mark Points Adjusted sensor displays brightness (Maverick, Walleye, and SLAM) Added Contrast option for DDIs Reduced density of gun smoke Corrected Time on Target (TOT) calculation Added POS/ADC caution message Corrected INS GND alignment when GPS is not available Added Aided INS (AINS) position mode Corrected AIM-120 mid-course L&S and DT2 swap Corrected GBU-31(V)3/B fuze Adjusted Range No Escape (Rne) calculation Corrected AMPCD DAY/NIGHT switch Corrected mixed AIM-120C / AIM-120C count on HUD Added default control profile for Winwing Hornet HOTAS Thank you and kind regards, Wags

In this Syria map video for DCS World, we’ll move to a more desert location of the map, south of Damascus at Marj Ruhayyil airbase. This is a major airbase for the Syrian air force that also acts as an important command, control, and communication center. It also often a host of Iranian units. For those two reasons, it’s been the subject of multiple Israeli air strikes over the past few years. In this mission, we’ll fly an Su-25 Frogoot as part of a Russian detachment to the airbase to strike Isis fighters south of Jabab. We’ll also take this opportunity to show some of the many military facilities that dot the map.

Dear DCS Pilots, We would like to take this opportunity to discuss DCS: F-16C Viper features in order to provide an achievable and transparent plan for 2020 and beyond. As we did with the F/A-18C Hornet, we are creating a development roadmap for DCS: F-16C Viper. This is an important step in prioritizing your wishes and we encourage you to take part in the DCS: F-16C Viper Features Ranking Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWg2bdWlQ_bB1HuuGFPwjoDmBQQHlL3WkCd_ksqM0Hi_nL6Q/viewform Thank you and kind regards, The Eagle Dynamics Team

Dear DCS Pilots, DCS World Flight Modelling Principles document: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/upload/iblock/dcc/DCS FM principles plus MiG-29 P-47 F-16.pdf Perhaps the least understood by customers, and the most complex task for us, is the creation of aircraft flight dynamics for DCS World aircraft. To help shine some light on this mysterious subject, our flight model engineering team created the linked document to share the sources we use, the fundamental principles behind the engineering, and the techniques we use to create and test the most accurate flight models possible. It is our hope that with a better understanding of the process that you will truly appreciate the time and effort that goes into creating a flight model for DCS World and why it is not a speedy or simple task. Thank you and kind regards, The Eagle Dynamics Team

Hi Birdman, Yes, the Hornet mirrors have been updated. If they have not been so in the current OB, it will be coming soon. Kind regards, Wags

Hope this helps: System: i9 9900K 2080Ti 32 GB RAM Graphics Settings: Textures – High Terrain Textures – High Civ. Traffic – High Water – High Visib Range – Ultra Heat Blur – Off Shadows – High Resolution – 2560x1440 Res. of Cockpit Displays - 512 MSAA – 2x Depth of Field – Off Lens Effect – Dirt + Flare Motion Blur – Off SSAA – Off SSLR – Off Clutter/Grass – 1500 Tree Visibility – 100% Preload Radius – 150000 Chimney Smoke Density – 5 Gamma – 1.7 Anisotropic Filtering – 16x Terrain Object Shadows – Default Cockpit Global Illumination – On Messages font scale – 1 Scale GUI – 1 Rain Droplets – On Vsync – On (60 Hz monitor) Full Screen – Off

Hi Sirrah, Yes, the mirrors for the Hornet have been improved. If not in the current OB, they'll be in an upcoming update. Thanks

Dear all, Three images that comprise the map area have been added to the original post images. Thank you and kind regards, Wags