DCS: Black Shark - Q&A **READ FIRST!**

[l.e.x]

Hi

 

I personaly like the Direction wich ED is going with DCS and see a bright Future with this:thumbup:

 

Now i have a question, will this Modular design with its core updates of DCS feature the Extension of the Theatre? So that we can see maybe Northern Coast of Turkey, Bulgaria etc. and later maybe some completely different Map?

Or does that mean, we have to stick with western Caucasus for the next Years?

 

Thank you for Answer!

 

Greetings l.e.x

[amalahama]

Hello, Congrats for DCS page, is really cool!! And very impressive your Simulation focus, I like a lot.

 

My question is, Will the 2008 delay allow a new 3D engine to be developed for DCS:BS?

 

Thanks!!

 

Regards

[TheMoose]

WOW impressive new site.:thumbup:

 

My question:

How will the distribution be like in Canada? Beside the possible download purchase. Would we be able to get a copy at your local EB game or future shop store? If you can buy the DVD/CD only online, from where and how long and costly will it be to ship it to Canadians?

 

 

 

Cheers

[3Sqn_Fudd]

Hiya guys...

 

Looking forward as all are but I have a question about the survey vs. study aspect of the new series.

 

When does study stop?

 

We'll be absolutely certain that the tandem warhead of the Vikhr (or the warhead of a hellfire) is performing realistically as reactive armor explodes, is defeated, then transitions through a depleted uranium (or similarly tungsten) skin, onto rolled homogeneous steel, the armor ceramics, and through an anti-spawling coating?

 

Obviously thats an extreme circumstance, but I wanted to know the thresh hold.

 

I relish... absolutely relish the demise of super threads where people are incessantly arguing about the performance of systems.

 

There's a real chance that this could be rested, but the limits of secrecy will persist... so... how far will study go?

 

and furthermore, will that keep all additions to DCS in a late 1980's and 90's area.

[Highwayman-Ed]

I'd like to further Fudd's excellent question by asking if there will be a damage model for ground vehicles to co-incide with the effect of weapons penetration...

 

For example, can hit on the skirts of an M-1 cause the vehicle to throw a track and bring it to a halt, but it still remains a threat...? I'd like to see more than alive, burning and about to die, or dead as the result of a weapon hit.

[Colt40Five]

A critical factor to immersion in a military sim is the sound environment created by comm chatter from awacs, other flights, tower etc.., and this has been lacking from ED's products for some time. Are there any plans to have a more active comms environment in DCS:BS?

[Wags]

Interesting question and the answer probably depends on who you talk to Fudd. For me, when I hear "study sim" I think of very detailed vehicle modeling: engine, fuel, electrical, hydraulic, navigation, comms, sensors, weapons, flight dynamics, damage dynamics, etc. That's the level of focus we're driving towards in the DCS series. For study simulations, the focus is generally on a single vehicle, whereas a survey simulation has generally a lower level of detail but multiple systems.

 

However, we'll also be trying ramp up weapon effects, sensor models, weapon sensor/nav systems, and a more realistic environment influences in the DCS series.

 

Just where the line is that marks a study sim, I suppose that is up to you.

 

DCS will essentially be a "sand box" world that allows the user an array of systems to create their own scenarios with the time frame of their choosing (given the systems provided).

 

Hiya guys...

 

Looking forward as all are but I have a question about the survey vs. study aspect of the new series.

 

When does study stop?

 

We'll be absolutely certain that the tandem warhead of the Vikhr (or the warhead of a hellfire) is performing realistically as reactive armor explodes, is defeated, then transitions through a depleted uranium (or similarly tungsten) skin, onto rolled homogeneous steel, the armor ceramics, and through an anti-spawling coating?

 

Obviously thats an extreme circumstance, but I wanted to know the thresh hold.

 

I relish... absolutely relish the demise of super threads where people are incessantly arguing about the performance of systems.

 

There's a real chance that this could be rested, but the limits of secrecy will persist... so... how far will study go?

 

and furthermore, will that keep all additions to DCS in a late 1980's and 90's area.

[Witchking]

ooh! ooh! Wags....please tell me the Placing of objects in ME has been modified. It has been a tremendous pain of mission developing with those stupid ICONs that we currently have. Basically u have a plan in the head...but u can't realise it as the objects facing is messed up or either they are stacked up on one another.

 

Can we SEE the real model on the map when we place objects?? Trust me...it is sooo freaking useful. It might help clear up a ton of frustration.

[Wags]

Not sure yet, the ME is still in development.

[Weta43]

force feedback joystick users will really appreciate the features of their hardware because of the realistic trim model.

 

:-)

 

Only other thing I want is for the Su-25 to be the next item after Blue gets a chopper.

[f-18hornet]

Is DCS: BS working well with the newest drivers by NVidia? Well known as full shadow issues from LO.

[RodrigoMF]

DCS, thinks about some models off axle EUA-RUS? As Mirage 2000, AMX, Fennec, Mangusta, Tiger.

 

They exist plans for support missions like transport of troops, loads,CSAR, flight refuelling?

 

The community will have access to the development parameters, she herself to develop new models?

[Avimimus]

Wags: I thought that SFM stood for the standard flight model (eg. mig-29, a-10 in lomac) and AFM stood for the high fidelity one (Su-25/25T in FC). Are you saying that all ai aircraft will have the highest fidelity flight model yet seen?

 

Thanks

[RvETito]

Only other thing I want is for the Su-25 to be the next item after Blue gets a chopper.

 

I would bet on A-10A ;) After that- I really wanna know, but that's still lies in the future.

[Shaman]

DCS GUI

 

How does DCS user interface work? Is it shell based - you know - windows, buttons, etc.? <- I know this kind of approach has been made for very complicated games like EVE Online f.e.

 

Windows based GUI shell is easy to update, can be easily expanded with features, buttons etc. whenever necessary.

 

Remember Flanker2? It could use basic MS Windows (explorer.exe) shell to draw it's windows and buttons.

 

Lock On GUI is very strictly stuck with bitmap sprites and is hard to expand or change.

 

So what's the approach with DCS? Is it just modified Lock On user interface, or you came up with something better?

[Boberro]

I have a curious question. As you know on the left or right side of plane (or heli) (under fairing) usually is wrote the name and rank of the plane "owner" - example "Capt. Homer Simpson". Will there be possibility to do your own text on some places of plane in the menu of game? Modyfing skin is not too good cause the skin only I see and nobody will download my skin to see some texts... It would be looks like we can see a plane and there will be field to write your name and text accessible fonts or pattern of fonts. By this to other ppl will be only sent small amount of bytes of same text....

[Yellonet]

Wags: I thought that SFM stood for the standard flight model (eg. mig-29, a-10 in lomac) and AFM stood for the high fidelity one (Su-25/25T in FC). Are you saying that all ai aircraft will have the highest fidelity flight model yet seen?

 

Thanks

No, SFM will be used for AI aircraft, in Lomac/FC the AI used a much simpler FM even using animations for some manuevers.

[Yellonet]

I would bet on A-10A ;) After that- I really wanna know, but that's still lies in the future.

For gameplay balance the best thing would be to release new flyables as pairs (not necessarily at the same time) of east/west aircrafts with similar roles, i.e. Ka-50 - AH-64, Su-25 - A10, MiG-29 - F-16 and so on. That would IMHO be the best for the game and for the community as there would always be balance, not necessarily in performance or weapons of the aircraft but in the possibilites of each side and the ability to make great online missions, be it coop or not.

 

Hopefully, ED's plans and my wishes are exactly the same ;)

[Esac_mirmidon]

Another question about AFM and AI FM.

 

When in the info about Ka-50 and the AI FM the site saids that wheeled choppers could use tricycle landing gear that is composed of wheels, a compression strut and a nonsymmetrical shock absorber this means that if you are rolling from parking area to runway like jets using your wheels AI can follow you the same? Or AI choppers only take off from stopped positions?

[RvETito]

For gameplay balance the best thing would be to release new flyables as pairs (not necessarily at the same time) of east/west aircrafts with similar roles, i.e. Ka-50 - AH-64, Su-25 - A10, MiG-29 - F-16 and so on. That would IMHO be the best for the game and for the community as there would always be balance, not necessarily in performance or weapons of the aircraft but in the possibilites of each side and the ability to make great online missions, be it coop or not.

 

Hopefully, ED's plans and my wishes are exactly the same ;)

 

I'm 100% with ya on this ;)

[Groove]

Asked in another thread, copy pasted in here.

 

Here is the current beta armament:

 

Launcher / Weapon

 

Missiles

• APU-6 / 6 9A4172 Vikhr

Rockets

• B-8V20A4 / 20 S-8 KOM
  
• B-13L / 5 S-13 OF

Pods

• UPK-23-250 Machinegunpod

Bombs

• KMGU-2 / 96 AO-2.5 RT
  
• KMGU-2 / 99 PTAB-2.5 KO
  
• FAB - 250
  
• FAB - 500 M62

Fuel Tanks

• Fuel Tank

[Smith]

I would like to know, if the shadowbug will be fixed.

On my PC the Full Shadow in Lock On dosen't work correctly and I like it so much. :(

[TheMoose]

Thanks ED, Wags and all Beta testers. Please blow my pants off with this challenge.

 

Cheers

 

PS question:

 

I know there will be some sort of pdf format for the manual. Possibly and expected, you might be able to buy it online. My question is: will it come with a default key card? It would very useful. Please consider a default key card for the average Joe that wants to learn all. And Not a PDF key card please. Please include a piece of carton in the distribution box with this inside.

 

Basically what I’m requesting is some type of default key bindings to allow myself to learn and challenge myself.

 

Keep up the good work; I am looking forward to this Chopper. Been waiting for years, and will wait more until you think it’s acceptable by your standards. You have high standards; I applaud you for being as such. I admit I was sad knowing that BS will not be part of LO as bragged about on your main website for 2 years.

 

Things changes, Technologies as well. The idea of building a core engine and building around it with the add ons, is and awesome idea. You have my support. But hopefully the purchaser of the core engine will be able to benefit of any upgrades made on thereof without being obligated, to re purchased?

 

 

 

This is where I’m concerned about the product. I am willing to buy a core engine with a add-on. But the next add-on will mostly will require additional tweaking. Will you bring out a core patch without touching the addon? Etc. For some reason some customer might not be incline with the next add on, will he be obligated to spend more money on a bird that he does not want to fly, just to keep up with the standards of MP flight?

 

 

 

 

Sorry I’m new to this marketing strategies. I’m trying to understand it.

 

 

 

Thanks

 

PS: I will buy them all, This is me. You have all my support.

[SY_KO]

English Cockpit?

 

Dunno if this has been asked before but personally having a cockpit in my native language would make DCS:BS a touch more user friendly in the Ramp Start.....which amongst the majority of things in BS, I cant wait for! :joystick:

[EvilBivol-1]

Dunno if this has been asked before but personally having a cockpit in my native language would make DCS:BS a touch more user friendly in the Ramp Start.....which amongst the majority of things in BS, I cant wait for!

There are already pop-up tool tips implemented when placing your mouse over a clickable switch/selector. Additionally, the ABRIS can be localized to English. We would like to provide a 'mod' english-language cockpit texture, but this depends on time and isn't the highest priority given the tools already in place.

 

I'm sure that even if ED doesn't make an English Ka-50 pit, a community mod will show up quickly.

 

I would like to know, if the shadowbug will be fixed.

Hopefully.

 

When in the info about Ka-50 and the AI FM the site saids that wheeled choppers could use tricycle landing gear that is composed of wheels, a compression strut and a nonsymmetrical shock absorber this means that if you are rolling from parking area to runway like jets using your wheels AI can follow you the same? Or AI choppers only take off from stopped positions?

That means the helicopter AI (HAI for the testers) uses a simplified AFM (Advanced Flight Model) based on the Ka-50 AFM and as such include physically natural gear interaction with the ground. Currently, the HAI is capable of starting in ramp areas and taxing out on it's own. I don't know how good your wingman would be with this (just haven't tested it recently).

 

Keep in mind the AI is under constant revision and things could change.

 

For gameplay balance the best thing would be to release new flyables as pairs (not necessarily at the same time) of east/west aircrafts with similar roles, i.e. Ka-50 - AH-64, Su-25 - A10, MiG-29 - F-16 and so on.

Sure, but - once again - the choice of flyable aircraft is often made based on less "convenient" factos, like parallel military simulators, available info, available consultants, etc. I'm sure ED will try to 'match' the flyables as much as possible, but this may not always be a viable option.

 

I have a curious question. As you know on the left or right side of plane (or heli) (under fairing) usually is wrote the name and rank of the plane "owner" - example "Capt. Homer Simpson". Will there be possibility to do your own text on some places of plane in the menu of game? Modyfing skin is not too good cause the skin only I see and nobody will download my skin to see some texts... It would be looks like we can see a plane and there will be field to write your name and text accessible fonts or pattern of fonts. By this to other ppl will be only sent small amount of bytes of same text....

I don't believe this is in the plans at this time.

 

How does DCS user interface work?

I'm not a programmer so I can only relay what has already been said. The UI is being designed to be much more flexible and open to the community for moding. I believe it will be possible for modder to essentially write their own interface to a large degree.

 

As with the AI, the interface will still undergo much change before release, so I'm sure we'll be covering it in more details later.

 

Another question: will there be some kind of (radio) interaction with ground commanders/FACs, like requests for artillery strikes, On-Call CAS target acquisition or laser designation? IMO that's an important feature for a sim that focuses on ground pounding?

It's on the list, but I can't say at this point if it will make it into Black Shark. If not, it's very likely to be implemented in a later update or module as it is a feature we all want to see in the sim.

 

The community will have access to the development parameters, she herself to develop new models?

In general, the DCS code is being made to be more accessable to mods. I can't say for sure that entirely new aircraft can be added by the community, but I doubt it. More likely, any community models will have to replace an existing one. Don't quote me on that - I may be wrong.