First fighter to be added to DCS: Black Shark?

[Alexrey]

I was just wondering if you'd be able to tell me what flyable aircraft will be added to DCS: BS next. I think I saw something about the A-10A being the first module to be added, but I'm not too sure. Also, when do you think the first fighter will be added so we can play online air-to-air missions against each other?

 

I hope those questions aren't asking too much from a top secret point of view, and I'm sorry if this has been asked before.

 

Thanks, cheers.

[digitaljjd]

I was just wondering if you'd be able to tell me what flyable aircraft will be added to DCS: BS next. I think I saw something about the A-10A being the first module to be added, but I'm not too sure. Also, when do you think the first fighter will be added so we can play online air-to-air missions against each other?

 

I hope those questions aren't asking too much from a top secret point of view, and I'm sorry if this has been asked before.

 

Thanks, cheers.

 

"As for what happens after Black Shark, the team has several aircraft modules currently in development (this could include development of 6 DOF cockpits, avionics or flight dynamics). While the A-10A Suite 2 module will still likely follow the Black Shark, the following aircraft are also now planned for DCS in development at one stage or another:

 

1- A-10A Suite 2 (latest version of A-10A in active use)

2- A-10C Suite 3 (we now able to develop an entertainment version of the simulation we developed for them. We are very happy and excited about this).

3- AH-64A Blk. 49A

4- Su-27

5- F-15C

6- Mi-24V

7- F-16C

8- MiG-29A

 

Naturally, release of aircraft like the Su-27 and F-15C would coincide with integration of advanced flight model for missiles, advanced seeker logic and advanced air-to-air radar logic and modeling."

 

This was straight from Wags, the complete post can be found here:

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=27694

[Sunjah]

Personally, I am very depressed that the F/A-18 Super Hornet is not present. I like that plane more than any other (carrier-landings are a blast!), and although F-15 Eagle is there, I still wish F/A- 18 Super Hornet was included.

 

I also like the F-16 Falcon, and got somewhat of an appreciation for the MiG-29A Fulcrum. One I haven't played yet, but from the sounds of it I think I would like it, is the A-10A Thunderbolt. I suppose it's a good thing that is the first one, but I hope and pray that the F/A-18 joins the F-15 at some point (and me, being a carrier landing junkie, would love the F-14 Tomcat as well; love those retractable wings!).

 

AH-64A Apache should be great, too!

Edited January 5, 2009 by Sunjah

[Acedy]

There is no particluar release order in that list, the only certain thing is that the next module will be the A-10C.

Edited January 20, 2009 by Acedy

[Sunjah]

Ohhh, sweet! I love the AH-64! I understand this can't be known for sure, but I think I remember reading somewhere that it is hoped to be something like a 9-10 month cycle for each new add-on. Do you know if there is anything to that, close to that, or is there really no time-table at this point?

[Acedy]

Please note that anything beyond the A-10C is not completely certain at this point in time, things may change in the future.

 

9-10 months is a rough estimate of the devs, but no promise. ;)

[Sunjah]

Please note that anything beyond the A-10C is not completely certain at this point in time, things may change in the future.

 

9-10 months is a rough estimate of the devs, but no promise. ;)

 

Absolutely understood, just future-talk. Glad to hear about the 9-10 month thing was real and I didn't imagine reading it (or read it for some other game I was planning on getting in the future).

 

I was just reading reviews of Lock-On and Flaming Cliffs. I own Lock-On, but for some reason, never played that much. I am wondering if I skipped over a good game.

 

I like Black Shark a lot, but I must admit I am getting a bit frustrated by the "twitchy-ness" and "extreme sensitivity" of the helicopter. I keep crashing, and I don't like that.

 

Hopefully more practice will solve the problem.

 

I am happy to see there will be more flyable aircrafts down the line, I just want to stand up and say F/A-18 is first on my list (though I'll take it at any given number).

[Vault]

I'm a bit confused if each module takes 10 months to develop that means for all 8 modules to be completed it will take 6.6 years, am I understanding this correctly?.

[Glowing_Amraam]

I'm a bit confused if each module takes 10 months to develop that means for all 8 modules to be completed it will take 6.6 years, am I understanding this correctly?.

 

Actually, i dont think there is a limit of how many modules will be added later on in the future.

 

But it will take time, no doubt about that.

And im sure they could've released 8 new models in 2-3 years, but then we'd be getting another Lock On-like game/sim, with lacking functions, non-clickable pit (maybe some buttons clickable) and so on and so on, not to even mention the graphics, effects, mission editor, Artificial intelligence for both air/ground.....well, you get the idea :)

 

DCS aims to fully simulate the given airframe as much as possible, and thus it will take time, but boy will it be worth it ;)

[Vault]

Actually, i dont think there is a limit of how many modules will be added later on in the future.

 

But it will take time, no doubt about that.

And im sure they could've released 8 new models in 2-3 years, but then we'd be getting another Lock On-like game/sim, with lacking functions, non-clickable pit (maybe some buttons clickable) and so on and so on, not to even mention the graphics, effects, mission editor, Artificial intelligence for both air/ground.....well, you get the idea :)

 

DCS aims to fully simulate the given airframe as much as possible, and thus it will take time, but boy will it be worth it ;)

 

Thanks for replying Glowing Amraam. I was just making sure I understood the development time of all the DCS modules correctly. I know it takes alot of time for the Dev's to build a sim as good as BS.

[uhoh7]

It's a pretty darn good list.

 

To my mind the su-27 and the f-16 would be most impressive for the gaming experience---simply because both are in wide use today and both are dual role.

 

The warthog is understandable, since ED has so much experience in modeling this aircraft.

 

The AH-64 would be fabulous.

 

The F-15 C I'm not so excited about, because it's single role, and the mig-29 is just not that widely used(though more so than the ka-50, hehe)

 

I agree a good FA/18 would be nice--far more interesting than the F15c. It's dual role, and carrier opps are always interesting.

 

I think the interest in well done sims is underestimated, and I hope ED pushes ahead full speed before we all die of old age.

 

One thing for sure: DCS BS is a great release.

[GGTharos]

It's a pretty darn good list.

 

To my mind the su-27 and the f-16 would be most impressive for the gaming experience---simply because both are in wide use today and both are dual role.

 

The flanker is not multirole.

 

The warthog is understandable, since ED has so much experience in modeling this aircraft.

 

The AH-64 would be fabulous.

 

The F-15 C I'm not so excited about, because it's single role, and the mig-29 is just not that widely used(though more so than the ka-50, hehe)

 

The MiG-29A was quite prolific; but I take it this all means you suck at A2A ;) :blow:

[mvsgas]

GG, uhoh7 might mean aircraft that came from the SU-27. You have to admit the SU-27 design, the basic configuration, is very commonly used and it is hard to tell (some times) the difference between different variants.

[Macka]

What's all this talk about fast jets and fighters????...Pffft!!!.....you jet jockeys have Flaming cliffs......us rotorheads have been waiting for years and all we get is one measly chopper.....FC had multiple jets.....so when DCS has multiple Choppers then you can get your fast jets....Wait your bloody turn.....impatient kids......nag...nag....nag.....!!!! :) :) :)

Kidding ...kidding.....dont beat me!!!!! :) :) :)

[blave]

What's all this talk about fast jets and fighters????...Pffft!!!.....you jet jockeys have Flaming cliffs......us rotorheads have been waiting for years and all we get is one measly chopper.....FC had multiple jets.....so when DCS has multiple Choppers then you can get your fast jets....Wait your bloody turn.....impatient kids......nag...nag....nag.....!!!! :) :) :)

Kidding ...kidding.....dont beat me!!!!! :) :) :)

 

Here here, well said, except for all of the smileys. My eyes hurt.

 

8^)

 

 

Dave.

"The beatings will continue until morale improves."

[Pizzicato]

The MiG-29A was quite prolific; but I take it this all means you suck at A2A ;) :blow:

 

I can't speak for Uhoh7, but I do know that I suck at A2A. :D

 

That's part of why I love Black Shark - I'm pretty good with a helicopter and don't have to keep embarrassing myself with my terrible A2A skills. :D

[Mad Dog 7.62]

I am looking forward to the A-10C. I am thinking that once they get the new engine fully developed and the basics worked out for fixed and rotary wing aircraft the modules will come faster. Hope so anyway!

MD

[uhoh7]

The flanker is not multirole.

 

Well it's got some dumb grnd capability as I remember from LO, but point taken. How about the su-30KI? single seat multi-role? To bad indonesia pulled out of that order.

 

The MiG-29A was quite prolific; but I take it this all means you suck at A2A ;) :blow:

 

hehe, i did get sort of competent online with LO. Again you have me sir, I was shocked at how many mig-29s were exported.

 

Anyway, my point is just that multirole variants with a single cockpit would enhance game play the most, becasue there are so many mission scenarios possible.

[Rhino4]

@ ED or GG or anyone else with apparent vast sums of knowledge in this area:

 

Based on DCS's goal of providing aircraft that are as completely realistic as possible, and only modeling aircraft that they can find good documentation for, what would be the likelyhood of developing an F-14? Would the available documentation for this aircraft even make it possible? Just wondering since this aircraft is no longer in service (except for in Iran I believe) and I'm sure that at least 80% of us would all love to see such a classic fighter modelled...

[Ferski]

To make all people happy, it would be nice after this helo, a CAS fixed wing type aircraft (A-10 or Su-25), and then an air to air type (F-16, Mig-29 or F-15, Su-27). That will make in a relatively short time (1.5 - 2 years) all types of flying available (AA and AG, non fixed/fixed aircrafts available).

[nightlynx]

How are they planning on working out jets and helicopters in multiplayer? I would think if they both could be flown together it's going to turn into everyone in jets killing the helpless people flying the helicopters...

[Alexrey]

The A-10 is cool and all, but the Ka-50's already a flyable air-to-ground aircraft. Wouldn't it be better if they now work on an air-to-air fighter since that would draw more buyers in.

 

The moment a fighter is added in I'm gonna get my ass to the shops and buy DCS: BS! Until then I can only wait and hope. :(

[xxvintersorgxx]

How are they planning on working out jets and helicopters in multiplayer? I would think if they both could be flown together it's going to turn into everyone in jets killing the helpless people flying the helicopters...

 

 

Id be concerned about this also.. BUT, they do use helicopters in RL along with jets. So I assume they can be supported by jets (say like a pair of F-15s fly air cover while 2 apache's fly in some CAS)

 

Just an idea. Doesn't seem that that big of an issue.

[Flanker15]

Is the A-10A still going ahead or has it all been switched to the A-10C now?

[GGTharos]

Unfortunately I think the F-14 will never happen.

As you know, the A-10C is being modeled next because it was an aircraft that ED had gotten contracted to provide for the US ANG.

 

So what drives the 'next module' will be a contract for ED to provide some aircraft for someone.

 

No one will want an F-14 sim, if you catch my drift. The one remaining possibility is that a 3rd party will be able to model it, as ED has left this possibility open.

 

I don't think the F-14 has been declassified, despite being scrapped so ... it might be a tough one, one way or the other.

 

To sum it up, the reason you get such deeply modeled aircrafts is that ED gets vast amounts of access to information for them through military contracts.

 

@ ED or GG or anyone else with apparent vast sums of knowledge in this area:

 

Based on DCS's goal of providing aircraft that are as completely realistic as possible, and only modeling aircraft that they can find good documentation for, what would be the likelyhood of developing an F-14? Would the available documentation for this aircraft even make it possible? Just wondering since this aircraft is no longer in service (except for in Iran I believe) and I'm sure that at least 80% of us would all love to see such a classic fighter modelled...