DCS: Normandy 2.0 preview

[Marez]

The seasons look great. It gets better and better. And the winter?

[Roy35150]

Looks Awesome...

[Magic Zach]

2 hours ago, MAESTR0 said:

Hi, fighters

 We responded to numerous requests from DCS Normandy1944 users and found additional features and resources to ensure that, in addition to summer, seasons of autumn and spring are also available to users on the DCS Normandy 2.0.  

And since on the Normandy 2.0 the textures of fields and trees are made separately for England and separately for France, the user will see the difference between autumn in England and autumn in France.  There will also be differences in spring on these different parts of the map.

England spring

Spoiler

England autumn

France spring

France autumn

 

 

 

This is looking really great!
I was wondering, have any of these airfields been on your list to add to Normandy 2.0 before release, or perhaps after release?  A lot of the following airfields are either good value due to assets and 1944 context within DCS and WWII, or are very prominent landmarks in the French landscape, boasting large concrete runways.
Dinard-Pleurtuit

Spoiler

Located north near the coast from the landing ground Dinan-Trelivan.  It was large, consisting of two concrete runways in an X pattern, one 1.7km runway aligned north-south, and the other 1.6km runway aligned NW/SE.  Accompanied by numerous facilities, and 5 hangars, and three dispersal areas.  It was a heavy target by B-17s and B-24s in the beginnings of June, was was used by the Luftwaffe until it's demolition in late June, possibly early July.

Brogile

Spoiler

Field airstrip (grass surface, 1000x165 meters) roughly halfway between Caen and Evreux.  Can be useful in DCS as a stopping point or emergency landing ground, as it's rather isolated from other clusters of airfields otherwise.  This would help fill that dead space in the map.  It was officially a satellite strip for the Bernay Saint-Martin airfield, and was first identified by aerial reconnaissance on June 25th, and deemed serviceable at the time of discovery.  It's potentially been serviceable for some time prior to discovery.

Bernay Saint-Martin

Spoiler

Landing ground.  Taken over by the Germans in 1940, and improved its surface from there, it was largely used as a dispersal for Beaumont-le-Roger field.  While this field was not operational at the time of the invasion, it had been, and was going to be.  No paved surface, measured 915640 meters.  Two hangars were attacked and destroyed in late 1943, and the field was obstructed with trenches on April 11, 1944.  Bombed again by B-17s on June 11, before construction renewed for a new airstrip on the 21st of June, along with 5 more hangars.  I believe, as it was been used prior and shortly after our map's narrow timeline, it is an evident landmark, and I believe is honorable to be at least physically modeled in the terrain if nothing else.

Beaumont-le-Roger

Spoiler

Another airfield that was used prominently, albeit until late 1943 when III./JG 2 moved from the field, likely to avoid the torrential bombing throughout August and September 1943.  No hangars, but a large number of aircraft shelters to hold 70 fighters at max capacity throughout 3 dispersal areas.  Grass surface, taking up roughly a 1370x915 meter area, in the shape on an L.

Paluel/Saint-Valery-en-Caux

Spoiler

French military airfield originally.  Germans began to strengthen it in 1941 by constructing a concrete runway, and began construction of a second concrete runway in early 1942.  This was canceled in the spring however, and the airfield was by all intents abandoned.  Never saw any Luftwaffe use, though was an allied target in early 1944 and the Germans detonated mines on the runway and obstructed it on June 12.  This, while no use by the Lw is noted, it is significant landmark that would stick out.  The 80 year old concrete runway is in fact, still there today, and the grass clearing on the south side of the concrete is used as a landing strip for aeroclubs today!  The concrete runway itself has been untouched it seems, for 80 years.  You can even see the mine craters still in the runway!

Saint-Andre-de-l'Eure

Spoiler

Only 18km SSE of Evreux, this field was occupied by the Germans and extensively developed as a bomber base, including the construction of concrete runways, repair hangars, dispersal shelters and other infrastructure.  Very active through to early July, 1944.  Two concrete runways, a 1.6km one aligned NW/SE, and a second one 1.65km aligned NE/SW.  Units stationed here in 1944 include 1./KG 51, I./KG 54, III./JG 3, elements of II.//JG 51, 4./KG 6, 4./KG 66, 4.(F)/Aufkl.Gr 123, and Stab/JG 3.  There are elements of this large airdrome still visible today.
A satellite field, Saint-Andre/I was under development at the beginning of June, and was interconnected via shared dispersal areas with the main field.
Dreux-Vernouillet
I have been told second-hand that this field was confirmed to be included?  This is good news, as this airdrome featured similar activity and development as some others on this list, such as the above Saint-Andre

Toussus-le-Noble/Paris-Buc

Spoiler

Paris-Buc, and airfield in very close proximity to Toussus-le-Noble and Guyancourt.  Buc was used by the Potez firm to test aircraft prior to June 1940.  The Luftwaffe then used it as the main base for long-range reconnaissance units serving Luftflotte 3.  Grass surface, overall footprint of 1000x660 meters, with four large and small hangars accompanied with workshops and sheds.  1.(F)/Aufkl.Gr 121 made its home here for the year prior to its leave in August, 1944.
Toussus-le-Noble, an airfield a stone's throw away from Paris-Buc to the southwest.  Received modest use during the Battle for Britain.  Grass surface, measuring 1000x660 meters.  Overall it's much like Paris-Buc, just without the history with the Potez firm.

Melun-Villaroche

Spoiler

Taken over by Germany in June 1940, it underwent development for 3 years to turn it into a major bomber base.  However by August 1942, most operational bomber units on the west front had been transferred east or to the Mediterranean, after which Villaroche became home to bomber reserve training and replacement groups.  Two concrete runways; one 1.6km aligned N/S, and another 1.65km aligned WNW/ESE, and complete with multiple hangars, workshops and other buildings throughout the site.  Four dispersal areas: north, northeast, southeast, and southwest, for a total of 43 large covered aircraft shelters (each usually holds 3 fighter-sized aircraft per).
Complete with two satellite fields.  Melun/I, a satellite field that consisted of two airstrips in the form of a "V-shape", one measuring 1370x320 meters aligned WNW/ESE, and a 1465x320 meter strip aligned N/S.  Under construction on May 1st.  Melun/II, a single-strip satellite field measured 1555x275 meters with a N/S alignment, construction first noticed on May 1st, with work completed and operational at the start of July.
Bombed and attacked extensively by the allies, harassing units in 1944 based at the airdrome, mainly KG 6 and IV./KG 2.

Montidier

Spoiler

By the time of 1944, this airfield was of grass surface but included 3 concrete runways; 1) 1690m long aligned NE/SW; 2) 1645m aligned NNW/SSE; 3) 1370m aligned E/W, all equipped with night illumination and visual Lorenz systems.  Montidier airfield includes 4 dispersal areas for aircraft, in aircraft shelters around the edge of several small wodds off the airfield boundaries to the NE, SE, and SW and NW.  Apparently were "particularly well camouflaged."  37 shelters were in place on those 4 dispersal areas.  Just before the invasion, a 5th dispersal area off the East end of E/W aligned runway added another 10 aircraft shelters.  There was only 1 large hangar on the field.  Montdidier airfield had a couple satellites, but the one of note is Moreuil-Hangest, located 7.25km north of Montdidier airfield, 1600x1050 landing area, used by I./KG 66 in August of 1944.

Rosieres/Méharicourt

Spoiler

Located 1km north of Méharicourt village, by the time of 1944 it was composed of grass surface with 3 concrete runways; 1) 1645m aligned NE/SW with an assembly hardstand at the south end; 2) 1600m aligned NNW/SSE, 3) 1645m aligned WNW/ESE.  A perimeter road encircled the landing area.  All runways has night illumination and visual Lorenz systems.  There were two dispersal areas: south (Maucourt) and southwest (Méharicourt), and together totalled 59 large covered aircraft shelters by mid-1943.  Both dispersals were connected by taxiways to the landing area and the ends of the runways.  There was one large repair hangar in southwest dispersal.  Railway sidings were available at the NW corner of the field and the southwest dispersal area was served by a branched rail line.  This airfield served numerous groups through to August of 1944 when the Luftwaffe completely pulled from France, including the famed JG26.

Roye-Amy/Beuvraignes

Spoiler

Located 44km SE of Amiens, 5km SSE of Roye and immediately W of Amy.  Grass surface, but with 3 independent concrete runways: 1) 1800m aligned E/W and located 365m S of the main landing area; 2) 1675m aligned NE/SW and located tot he E of the main landing area; 3) 1620m aligned NW/SE and located to the SE of the main landing area.  The NW/SE runway had an assembly hardstand at one end.  All runways had night illumination and visual Lorenz.  Two dispersal areas, to the south and east, totalling 59 aircraft shelters, and 1 small repair hangar in the east dispersal area.  A light rail line branch ran directly to the airfield from nearby Beuvraignes.  Airfield was a big landmark in the landscape of France, and bomber crews would agree as it was heavily bombed by B-17 and B-24 raids, as well as low-level attacks in 1944.  Airfield included one satellite field, Roye-Villiers, 5.25km NNW of Roye-Amy airfield, fitted with painted runways but landing area obstructed by plowing.

Dreux/Dreux-Vernouillet

Spoiler

73km W of Paris.  Began it's history as a civil airfield dating back to the 1920s.  By 1944, it was of grass surface with two concrete runways: 1) 1325m aligned NNE/SSW with an assembly hardstand at the south end; 2) 1325m aligned NW/SE with an assembly hardstand at both ends.  By the start of June, a prepared airstrip 275m wide was built on the south side of the NW/SE runway.  A taxiway ran along the W boundary that provided a connection from the ends of both runways to the dispersal areas.  Both runways equipped with lighting and visual Lorenz.  Two dispersal areas, to the west and south, totalled 30 covered aircraft shelters, 6 open shelters, and 23 unsheltered sites.  There was 1 large double hangar off the north corner.  Motorpool were along the road 1km NNE of the landing area.  Station HQ, admin offices and accommodations were in buildings along Route 154 near the NE corner.  A row of barrack buildings were located near the SE corner of the field.  Airfield was host to I./SKG 10, IV./JG3, and Stab/JG3 in June and July of 1944 alone.  Had one satellite strip, Dreux/I (48 41 00 N - 01 22 00 E) adjacent to the Dreux concrete runways.  Dreux/I was under construction in mid-June 1944 and still being worked on in July, measuring 1100x185 meters.

For further info in a quickly recognized format, there is this online map of WWII airfields in France here (not including allied ALGs): Airfields in France map (zeemaps.com)

Edited February 10, 2023 by Magic Zach
clarification

[tapi]

The map with seasons looks absolutely fantastic! Keep on with improvements like this. Great work!

[VR Flight Guy in PJ Pants]

Look great in all seasons, except there is no winter...

[trevoC]

Waiting for campaigns on this map is going to be painful. Can't wait to fly it.

[REDEYE_CVW-66]

This looks phenomenal. Like everyone else, I hope winter will be considered as well. Spring and autumn looks fantastic. Colours as well;)

[peachmonkey]

naked trees and the green grass = win.  

Looks beautiful. I just hope... hope that I can play fly on this map in VR and experience the beauty shown in the video. We can't even use shadows ffs. The MT and DLSS can't come quick enough.

[RafaPolit]

This looks incredible!!!

I understand winter is "different" and more difficult, but this is exactly the type of response to "critique" or "suggestions" that puts a smile on people's faces and makes us be more "happy" with our purchases.   This, for me, changes this map from a: "very niche scenario", to a "wow, you can do anything but winter", and for that Caucasus is perfectly fine.

I really love the seasons and the effort put into this.  Thanks!!!

[zcrazyx]

Awesome! is there a list of the available airfields? Wondering If i'll get to fly from Andrewsfield where I did my ppl from

[ThorBrasil]

@MAESTR0 Does version 2.0 of the map already have the new lighting that is currently being tested on the Persian Gulf map?  Thanks!

[motoadve]

Impressive, and if it has good performance will be a winner for sure.

[[AUSSIE]t0min8t0r]

Looks great but Need winter..

[Snowy55]

Thank you @MAESTR0for sharing these latest photos. The seasons look great. 

[Magic Zach]

8 hours ago, zcrazyx said:

Awesome! is there a list of the available airfields? Wondering If i'll get to fly from Andrewsfield where I did my ppl from

Wondering this as well.  I'd really like to see a full list of airfields featured on the new map.  Hopefully one of the fields I listed above would be in there.

[Red_Pilot]

Wow, my opinion of this map is rapidly getting better

[Trooper117]

I'm waiting to throw money at this map... and I'm glad to say it will only be a few squid!... keep at it chaps.  

[motoadve]

 

Channel and Normandy maps have very narrow roads between cities or towns,  and tress super tight around them, you can barely see them, which makes navigation difficult , here some examples of 1944 Normandy roads.

Hope you can make some of the main roads connecting mayor cities a bit wider than on current maps.

[Komet_82]

It looks so stunning, the details are amazing. Thanks for sharing all this insight

Does @Reflected have already some ideas in mind for a nice campaign here?

[Reflected]

11 minutes ago, Komet_82 said:

It looks so stunning, the details are amazing. Thanks for sharing all this insight

Does @Reflected have already some ideas in mind for a nice campaign here?

Blue Nose Bastards, Jagdflieger and The The Big Show

[Komet_82]

Noice, that means you will make a dedicated Normandy 2 version of these campaigns? Or update them

Thanks for the heady up. Im close in finalizing beware beware, and the big show would be next

[JokerMan]

@MAESTR0 - This thread shows you guys are on it .... appreciate that it's work work work and please pass on respects to your wider team. The product changes and improvements are a big effort and because of this, the map products will endure the test of time and result in the business success necesary for your next projects. Very much looking forward to this released and this thread has changed my attitude towards this map some!

 

S!

[Koziolek]

4 hours ago, Reflected said:

Blue Nose Bastards, Jagdflieger and The The Big Show

Best news on this Monday morning

Edited February 13, 2023 by Koziolek

[Kiwi_Viper]

this looks like being the best map yet cant wait for that one :-)

[DB 605]

New screens looks great and details are awesome. If only colours would be different. Thing is, when i see screen from a normandy 2.0 map i can tell in a nanosecond it's from a game and not real pic. Thats not a case with fs2020 for example. And all that simply because cartoonish greens used on normandy map. I'm going to buy it and enjoy it a lot, but every time when i switch from FS to DCS normandy colors will hurt a bit...