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The Iconic Talon Veco Simulations is happy to announce our first public community mod for DCS World: the T-38A Talon. The T-38A Talon is a two-seat supersonic jet trainer powered by two J85 turbojet engines. Entering service in 1961, it was the world's first jet trainer to exceed Mach 1. This revolutionised pilot training with its high performance, endurance, and safety. Extensively used by the U.S. Air Force and other NATO allies, it has trained more than 72,000 pilots since its inception. Even today, over 65 years after its first flight, the T-38 remains a key part of NATO fighter pilot training for many nations. The T-38A will be released as a free standalone full-fidelity community mod with a clickable multi-crew cockpit, highly-detailed 3D model and textures, custom-built external flight model (EFM) and stand-alone avionics. 3D Model The creation of the 3D model began with a simple external design and evolved into a year-and-a-half-long project fueled by precision and dedication to capturing the iconic shape of the T-38A. Our focus on VR optimization and accuracy led us to extensively overhaul the external model and revise the cockpit design three times since 2022, ensuring every detail meets our high standards. Extensive research was crucial in this journey. We gathered hundreds of high-resolution photos, both first-hand and second-hand, of the T-38A and its T-38M counterpart. Using photogrammetry, we meticulously captured the most complex shapes, ensuring no detail was overlooked. To bring the model to life, we are utilizing PBR textures and have hand-painted hundreds of bolts, ensuring an accurate and vibrant representation of the aircraft. This attention to detail not only enhances the realism of the model but also adds a dynamic and immersive quality that makes the aircraft feel truly alive. We have a skilled team of well-known 2d artists and livery creators - Roughmaster, Wolfthrower, Crash, Aqil, and Fistick - dedicated to crafting a diverse range of liveries for the initial release. These liveries represent various operators throughout the aircraft's extensive operational history. Each livery is detailed with unique weathering effects specifically crafted by Roughmaster to reflect the wear and tear experienced by these aircraft over time. Furthermore, we are developing templates with multiple levels of wear-and-tear to include in the livery painting kit. This will allow the community to select their preferred starting point when creating their own liveries, providing flexibility and creative freedom for everyone. External Flight Model (EFM) Development of the EFM started in 2022 and it is responsible for the simulation of the flight dynamic model, engine model and aircraft systems. The flight dynamics of the T-38A are defined by over 25 stability and control derivatives, considering non-linear effects of angle of attack and Mach. The coefficients were derived from wind tunnel tests, empirical estimations and CFD analysis - and subsequently verified against U.S. Air Force flight tests. It features accurate stall characteristics, yaw and pitch dampers, and authentic flight control deflection limits and is continuously refined through extensive flight testing by the Virtual Turkish Stars. The J85 engine simulation uses an analytical model based on a NASA design, providing detailed engine parameters influenced by environmental conditions, with features like afterburner, cold start, and compressor stall accurately represented. The system model employs a "divide and conquer" approach, simulating each component independently, covering electric, fuel, and hydraulic systems on a near-study level, ensuring an honest representation of the aircraft's operational procedures. Standalone Avionic The T-38A features a classic steam gauge cockpit and is fully equipped for instrument flight training. Community mods for DCS typically have limitations regarding the avionic capabilities, as they don't have access to the Software Development Kit (SDK) that is used by 3rd party developers. However, we have carefully chosen an authentic 1970s avionic configuration that allows us to fully implement every functionality, without the need to own any other module and - equally important - without sacrificing our self-imposed level of fidelity. This configuration includes: A fully functional UHF radio for radio communication with ATC and even other players via voice chat. Intercom for communication between the pilot in the front seat and the instructor in the back seat via voice chat. TACAN for range and bearing information to ground beacons, taking into account distance and line-of-sight limitations. ILS for vertical and horizontal guidance during instrument approach, including marker beacon. A mechanical Flight Director System provides the steering cues to follow the desired flight path. Our vision is to provide an unforgettable experience that truly represents what it's like to be in the seats of the T-38A Talon, creating a digital representation that goes beyond what you see on the screen. This project represents a culmination of extensive research, meticulous craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the historical significance of this iconic trainer. We invite you to join our journey and experience the T-38A Talon in unparalleled detail. To stay updated on our progress, participate in discussions, and connect with fellow enthusiasts, join our Discord server: https://discord.gg/GfwnDEr62s