“Bandits Inbound!”: Air-To-Air Engagements

[Cab]

To all Aviators, Pilots, and DCS Gamers

Welcome to “Bandits Inbound!”: Air-To-Air Engagements

With this server we want to see if there is an audience for trying to fly the jets in DCS more closely to how they are flown in real life. This means making an active effort to not use any exploits or techniques that result in less than realistic performance of the aircraft.

Because there is no way to enforce this concept at the server level, we must rely on the honor system. And to ensure all players are aware of the rules, the server is password protected with the password available to anyone who requests it (see below). When you receive the password, you will also receive the rules so there should be no question about the expectations. I apologize in advance for the inconvenience this additional step causes, but truth be told we aren’t looking to attract a large number of participants so much as dedicated enthusiasts.

Players who are determined to willfully violate the rules will be banned.

Some points to keep in mind are:

• The server is currently hosted on a mid-range home PC, so the number of players is limited by the equipment. It will also not be available 24/7. If the demand becomes big enough, we will investigate more robust hosting options. Be mindful that this is our first server, and we are still learning. Please be patient as we work through any bugs. Guidance and advice are welcome.
• We are also new to creating missions; same thing applies. As we move forward, and depending on participation, additional missions will be added.
• Since we are trying to simulate real-world scenarios, the jets do have empty pylons (where available in the mission editor) and external fuel tanks, so it’s your responsibility to jettison the tanks if necessary. The opposing jets start with twenty miles of separation to give time to set up. Additionally, for the sake of “emersion”, external and map views are disabled.
• To start with the jet selection is limited to the F-16, F-18, M-2000, and JF-17 because they all have FBW and don’t rely on the player to minimize over-performing the jet. We can look at expanding that list if demand requires.
• “Real life?”, you ask. “What about that damn paddle in the F-18?” Probably the biggest thing we are trying to avoid, at least at the start, is blatant over-g’s. So, if you choose to fly the F-18, do not use the paddle. Period. I’d recommend removing the mapping from your controls if it is your habit to pull it. The bottom line is that if you use the paddle to gain an advantage over your adversary, you will be banned.
• Unintentional over-g spikes will NOT get you banned because they are not unheard of in the heat of combat. However, it is expected that everyone make goodwill attempts to remain within the operating limits of their aircraft. After all, that’s the whole point here.
• The HMCS in the F-16 and F-18 are disabled. Heatseeking missiles for each jet are the oldest variants available in the mission editor.
• SRS is installed and set up for players to communicate within their respective coalition flights on their aircraft’s UHF radios, Channel 1.  Opposing coalition flights can communicate with each other on UHF Channel 2.
• The server is currently limited to eight players due to resource limitations, but that number will be increased if participation warrants it.

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, email me at a2aengagements@gmail.com for the password. Please include your DCS username or callsign.

[Sandman1330]

Great idea! I’m in!