** DCS-F14 PRE-ORDER NOW AVAILABLE! Gameplay Reveal Video Update **

[Cobra847]

 

The F-14 Tomcat is now available for pre-purchase on the ED E-Store and Heatblur store!

 

Grab yourself a copy and enjoy the apex of combat flight simulation this winter.

 

https://store.heatblur.com

 

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/tomcat/

 

 

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat was a two-crew, variable geometry, maritime air superiority fighter that served with the US Navy for 32 years and continues to serve with the IRIAF in Iran. The F-14 was the US Navy's frontline fighter from the 1970s until the mid 2000s. Over the course of its long service life it also became the US Navy’s premier precision ground-attack platform and lone airborne reconnaissance asset.

 

 

Outstanding features of the aircraft are the swing-wing configuration, crew of two, and the powerful AN/AWG-9 Weapons Control System (WCS) and radar. The AWG-9 allows employment of the powerful AIM-54 Phoenix air to air missile while the LANTIRN pod allows the ability to carry out precision ground strikes using laser guided bombs. The F-14 Tomcat was present during many pivotal historic moments such as the two Gulf of Sidra incidents, Operation Desert storm in Iraq, the conflict in Yugoslavia, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was also immortalized in the iconic motion picture, Top Gun, and starred in several other feature films including The Final Countdown, Executive Decision, and others.

 

 

In addition, the Tomcat was also a vital player in the Iran-Iraq war during the 80s, flying for the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force which had acquired the F-14A from the US prior the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The Heatblur Simulations F-14A/B Tomcat aims to simulate this iconic aircraft as a high-fidelity module for DCS, being the culmination of several years of research, coding and modelling.

 

Special points of consideration amongst the many features are the external and internal graphic model created using laser scanning and photogrammetry from real Tomcats at various museums, the detailed External Flight Model (EFM) developed over the past several years and verified by real F-14 pilots, the detailed modelling of the AN/AWG-9 and the ability to fly as a two-crew aircraft in multiplayer.

 

 

 

Key features of the Heatblur Simulations DCS F-14A/B Tomcat include:

 

• The simulation of both the A* and B model Tomcat, the A model following the B later during the Early Access period.
  
• Highly detailed external model, built using laser scanning and photogrammetry taken of real, museum F-14 Tomcats.
  
• New models for some of the F-14 Tomcat payloads, such as the AIM-54 Phoenix and the LANTIRN pod.
  
• Highly detailed and accurate 6-DOF (Degrees of Freedom) cockpit also built using photogrammetry from the F-14 Tomcats preserved at museums.
  
• Highly accurate, F-14 pilot verified, External Flight Model (EFM) based on real performance data.
  
• Accurate aircraft systems simulation featuring:
  
• The Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS).
  
• The variable wing geometry, wing-sweep, system.
  
• Detailed electrical, hydraulic and fuel system.
  
• Fully functional multiplayer two seat functionality allowing a pilot to carry another player functioning as the Radar Intercept Officer, RIO.
  
• JESTER AI: A new, lifelike AI that fills the role of RIO when flying single-player or multiplayer without a human RIO.
  
• A limited functionality Iceman AI piloting the aircraft in single-player when switching to the rear cockpit.
  
• Both AIs feature an interactive interface with a comprehensive library of voice acted phrases.
  
• Simulation of the AN/AWG-9 Weapons Control System (WCS) featuring:
  
• A custom model of the AN/AWG-9 radar featuring Pulse Search, Pulse Doppler Search, Range-While-Scan and Track-While-Scan modes as well as both pulse and pulse doppler Single Target Track (STT) modes.
  
• The ability to prepare and launch the AIM-54 Phoenix, both at single targets and at up to six targets simultaneously using the TWS mode.
  
• The Television Camera Set (TCS) allowing visual identification of targets in Beyond Visual Range (BVR) situations.
  
• The Link-4 datalink allowing reception of tracks from an E-2 AWACS or a surface unit.
  
• The complete F-14A and B Tomcat payload, including AIM-7, AIM-9 and AIM-54 air to air missiles, various dumb and guided air to ground munitions as well as the M61 Vulcan 20mm cannon.
  
• A functional simulation of the LANTIRN designator pod, allowing the RIO to guide laser guided munitions dropped by the pilot or other aircraft (buddy-lasing).
  
• The Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS), allowing the player to fulfil the aerial photographic reconnaissance mission. *
  
• Fully functional carrier interoperability featuring systems such as the Instrument Carrier Landing System (ICLS) and the Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS).
  
• Comprehensive digital manual, both as a PDF and as a continually updated online manual.
  
• A complete set of interactive and voiced tutorials.
  
• Comprehensive campaigns for both the F-14A and F-14B Tomcat, one set in the Caucasus theatre and the other for the Persian Gulf theatre.
  

* The F-14A and the TARPS pod will follow later during the Early Access period and the tutorials and campaigns will be implemented and expanded during this early access as well.

Edited October 7, 2018 by Cobra847

[graywo1fg]

Anytime Baby! Jester reporting for duty! o7

[trindade]

This video is true porn!

[splash]

A pleasure to buy it.

[Highwayman-Ed]

Ordered, congratulations guys!

[Donut]

I remember staying up late for the original Tomcat announcement back in March 2015 and have been anticipating this moment ever since. The video, the music...you guys lived up to the hype. I made my purchase first thing and now I wait to finally fly the mighty Tomcat. Thank you so much for everything and I wish you guys the best of luck with the remaining work and release.

[Manuel_108]

Incredible work guys. I wouldn't have guessed that so many features are going to be included initially. I hope Christmas works out for you, you guys deserve some peaceful holidays.

[WarHawk72]

Congratulations to everyone on the HB team, purchased baby....

 

PS: Just watched the trailer and mind blown, as a fake virtual pilot myself with my now best mate "jester", we are looking forward to some flight time (I need to get out more).

Edited October 7, 2018 by WarHawk72

[Eldur]

This video is true porn!

 

Well even that plane can have a wing boner

[Surrexen]

Is there going to be a steam pre-order as well?

[WolfK33]

Crew Pack bought !

[komemiute]

Sorry for the silly question... do both crew members in multi-crew need to have an active F14 key?

I know it sounds selfish to ask this and I'm a bit ashamed... but since I don't have money to buy each and every DCS module, I need to know if owning a copy is necessary to "work in the back".

 

This will help me focus on modules I really really need... :)

 

 

In any case, stunning job- amazing job. I am in absolute awe! :D

[Squid_DK]

Both crew members need license keys

[dali]

OMG!

[Xenovia]

Wait, I got a question. Since the F-14 uses an EFM will the AI use the EFM as well? Like for example you're flying against another Tomcat, will that opponent use the EFM or no?

[Tailhook]

That PBR texturing though! So pretty.

 

 

:pilotfly:

[ZnarF]

Really happy about that F14 module!! But seriously, a second-precision count-down to announce that the module will be ready the next season, no.

[e0s888]

Yeah... My childhood dreams cooming true! And I have to say that you can make epic trailer with great music to blow hype!

But back to buisness. Just 2 questions.

1) How it works in VR, I am concerned about Jester menu - will it work good? How is the performance with your superB quality cocpit?

2) I played Lomac since 2003 as a kid and made big brake in 2009 till Vr come up. It is game changer for me in simulators area. Short story short I came back with Steam DCS relase option - when will you relase F14 on Steam? Same as in normal launcher or delayed? Any dates?

Edited October 8, 2018 by e0s888

[Devil 505]

I just sh*t myself. And then preorderd. Well F**king done gents!!!! WELL DONE!!!! My wife was getting tired of me hollering at her to look while I played the video extremley loud on my computer. When she saw it, you even impressed her. She thought it was a real video until I told her that was the sim. She then gave me the thumbs up for preorder, lol.

[Mars Exulte]

Whoa! How did I miss this???!!! Server crashin' time!

[Jethro11]

Very nice, ordered. Can’t wait.

[phant]

 

Key features of the Heatblur Simulations DCS F-14A/B Tomcat include:

 

• The simulation of both the A* and B model Tomcat, the A model following the B later during the Early Access period.
  
• Highly detailed external model, built using laser scanning and photogrammetry taken of real, museum F-14 Tomcats.
  
• New models for some of the F-14 Tomcat payloads, such as the AIM-54 Phoenix and the LANTIRN pod.
  
• Highly detailed and accurate 6-DOF (Degrees of Freedom) cockpit also built using photogrammetry from the F-14 Tomcats preserved at museums.
  
• Highly accurate, F-14 pilot verified, External Flight Model (EFM) based on real performance data.
  
• Accurate aircraft systems simulation featuring:
  
• The Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS).
  
• The variable wing geometry, wing-sweep, system.
  
• Detailed electrical, hydraulic and fuel system.
  
• Fully functional multiplayer two seat functionality allowing a pilot to carry another player functioning as the Radar Intercept Officer, RIO.
  
• JESTER AI: A new, lifelike AI that fills the role of RIO when flying single-player or multiplayer without a human RIO.
  
• A limited functionality Iceman AI piloting the aircraft in single-player when switching to the rear cockpit.
  
• Both AIs feature an interactive interface with a comprehensive library of voice acted phrases.
  
• Simulation of the AN/AWG-9 Weapons Control System (WCS) featuring:
  
• A custom model of the AN/AWG-9 radar featuring Pulse Search, Pulse Doppler Search, Range-While-Scan and Track-While-Scan modes as well as both pulse and pulse doppler Single Target Track (STT) modes.
  
• The ability to prepare and launch the AIM-54 Phoenix, both at single targets and at up to six targets simultaneously using the TWS mode.
  
• The Television Camera Set (TCS) allowing visual identification of targets in Beyond Visual Range (BVR) situations.
  
• The Link-4 datalink allowing reception of tracks from an E-2 AWACS or a surface unit.
  
• The complete F-14A and B Tomcat payload, including AIM-7, AIM-9 and AIM-54 air to air missiles, various dumb and guided air to ground munitions as well as the M61 Vulcan 20mm cannon.
  
• A functional simulation of the LANTIRN designator pod, allowing the RIO to guide laser guided munitions dropped by the pilot or other aircraft (buddy-lasing).
  
• The Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS), allowing the player to fulfil the aerial photographic reconnaissance mission. *
  
• Fully functional carrier interoperability featuring systems such as the Instrument Carrier Landing System (ICLS) and the Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS).
  
• Comprehensive digital manual, both as a PDF and as a continually updated online manual.
  
• A complete set of interactive and voiced tutorials.
  
• Comprehensive campaigns for both the F-14A and F-14B Tomcat, one set in the Caucasus theatre and the other for the Persian Gulf theatre.

 

How about Forrestal class carriers?

 

 

Bye

Phant

[Overvolt]

Simply amazing.

By far the most graphically realistic aircraft in the simulator, the textures and model are at a sensational level.

Congratulations on your work for the HB team, looking forward to launching early access. Too bad it should happen only in Dec.

[Mnemonic]

Great work on the trailer guys!

Also, can't wait to fly the Cat :)

[MurderOne]

Oh my! Simply beautiful.