Wishes for DCS Post-Persian Gulf/Hornet

[cailean_556]

With all the new modules and associated technology coming into DCS this year, I've come up with a wishlist of sorts that would further add to DCS, both in single and multi-player. I will use the term REDFOR and BLUFOR out of convenience, when I say BLUFOR I mean NATO members/allies and REDFOR being everyone else, as these alliance can change in-game quite easily.

 

First and foremost is the need for a dedicated REDFOR strike fighter and/or all-weather day/night attacker capable of self/buddy designating PGMs. The Su-25 and Su-25T can do this reasonably well during the day in reasonable conditions however once the sun goes down, the BLUFOR own the night.

 

Because of the two-seater AI being built with the F-14 and F-4, I think an Su-30 would add a significant strike capability for the REDFOR. Not to mention Iran is looking at getting Su-30s, and several South-East Asian nations either have them or are getting them - and China's developing/developed their own version (Shenyang J-16).

 

If a Su-30 isn't possible, another option is the Su-24. The model in DCS is distinctively highly detailed, compared to some others. Surely there's a specific reason for that? The Su-24 would add considerable punch to any REDFOR, seeing as while the Su-25T has proven to be more than capable of SEAD and strike, it is slow, ungainly and once a fighter closes, it's almost a certainty the Su-25T will go down on fire.

 

With the inclusion of the J-11A, and the incoming JF-17 module, I hope to see more Chinese-designed aircraft make their way into DCS such as the J-7/F-7, J-8I and J-8II, J-10, J-15, H-5 and H-6 to really flesh out the PLAAF/PLAN. I'd also like to see the PLA modelled, at least partially, so confrontations or joint-operations with China can be conducted in DCS.

 

From a module standpoint, the J-7/F-7 could be a possibility as it's essentially a re-winged MiG-21 with the inclusion of western avionics and weapons. While I don't believe there's enough in it to be a full module on its own, it would make an excellent addition or even-paid addon to the MiG-21 module.

 

The J-10 is essentially the PLAAFs F-16 - a lightweight, multi-role fighter capable of carrying out almost any role. While the chances of a standalone module would be slim-to-none, it would offer a great REDFOR alternative to the F-16 - from a full-fidelity perspective.

 

Another feature I'd like to see is a dedicated Civilian faction. Civilians would be neutral to both sides and their inventory would consist of GA aircraft and airliners, to provide air traffic - especially into and out of Dubai, for example. They would be AI only, consisting of 707s, 737s, 747s, A320s, A330s and A380s in various user liveries - as an example.

 

It could also be expanded to Red and Blue Civilian factions, to allow one side or the other to directly target these aircraft - however given the tragic loss of MH-17 by SAM, I'm not sure that would be palatable.

 

I'm keen to see some more non-conventional, but preferably military, aircraft modules but for the time being, I'm looking forward to the Hornet, followed by the Phantom and JF-17, then the F-14. The F-16 is kind of a ways away, so it's on my list too but I don't expect to see that for some years.

 

With the exception of the JF-17, it should be noted that these aircraft are US-made and provide BLUFOR with a significant strike overmatch, even though REDFOR will also have the F-4 and F-14 (though I'm unsure as to what variant the Iranians have without looking, I don't believe theirs are strike-capable). The JF-17 will do some work to fill that hole but end of the day it's an F-5 on steroids that can't carry as much as a more dedicated strike fighter. The REDs need some loving too.

 

On the subject of the F-5, before I forget, with the JF-17 looking to probably replace the F-5 (as it exceeds the F-5 in terms of weapons carriage especially) is there any scope to expand on the F-5 module to keep it relevant? Even the ability to carry an extra couple AIM-9s would be a start. I know the refuelling boom, inclusion of Mavericks and F-5EM have been discussed before but I fear that with the advent of the JF-17, the F-5 will either cease being used or be so outclassed it's not worth the time and effort. She's old, she's tired but surely she still has some fight left...

 

Just my 2 cents. Bring on Persian Gulf, I've got missions to make! :megalol::joystick:

Edited April 15, 2018 by cailean_556

[cailean_556]

So it appears that Deka Ironworks are already working on an AI-only J-10 and H-6, as well as a JH-7 - which is awesome news.

 

Something else I thought of this afternoon whilst pondering my existence: MiG-29K. It's two-seat, it's equipped to utilise precision-guided munitions, guided missiles and anti-radiation missiles - it would be a great addition to the REDFOR in DCS. Plus, REDFOR would have some serious naval air capability to potentially counter Hornet and Tomcat.

 

While a full-fidelity module would be great, I doubt that could happen any time this decade. Even an FC-3 model, or if worse came to worse, an AI-only model just to gauge interest as well as add something new.