Full DCS: F-4E Phantom II Store Description

[IronMike]

EDIT: The store description has been corrected. In any case, below is the full description again. Please note that some regional or language based subpages may still show the old, incorrect description. You can always check the correct description on the English page until the translations have been published, here:

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

 

 

Our F-4E Phantom represents the culmination of years of hard work and research, to recreate this legendary aircraft in the highest detail and fidelity possible. DCS: F-4E brings this cold-war legend to the skies of DCS, so strap in and prepare for a wild ride.

About the F-4E Phantom II

The F-4 Phantom II is an American two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor and fighter-bomber originally developed by McDonnell Aircraft for the United States Navy. After entering service with the Navy in 1961, it became adopted by the United States Marine Corps and United States Air Force. Due to its high adaptability, versatility and for its time unparalleled capabilities, it quickly turned into the main workhorse for all 3 branches and spread beyond the borders of the United States, going on to serve and protect 12 nations across the world, with Phantoms being operated even today. Its production ran from 1958 to 1981, and with nigh 5200 Phantoms built, it became the most produced supersonic US military aircraft in the history, solidifying its place as one of the most recognizable and well known aircraft of the cold war era.

It truly was one of the most iconic aircraft to ever grace the skies, a phabulous aircraft that at its time had unrivaled power and capability. It instilled a sense of wonder and awe, a beast that announced itself only with thunder. Unmatched in character and impression it was without equal, from the first time it took to the skies. A primeval spirit in aircraft form, it delivered shock and awe that rattled to the core and protected many nations across the globe. While both an interceptor and potent air to air fighter, it proved its multirole capabilities as a true air to ground workhorse, and packed a serious punch. This unprecedented mission agility was reason enough for its lifetime to span well over six decades, continuing even today, and will translate to our rendition of this aircraft, as you fly and utilize a wide variety of weaponry across a broad spectrum of mission content.

Outstanding features of the aircraft are the powerful J-79 twin engines with a dry thrust of 23,810 lbf and a max afterburner thrust of 35,690 lbf, a crew of two, the powerful AN/APQ-120 Radar, the Digital Scan Converter Group (DSCG), the Weapons Release Computer Set (WRCS), the Aircraft Weapons Release Unit (AWRU) and an Altitude Reference and Bombing Computer Set (ARBCS). The DSCG version of the F-4E also comes with the AN/AVQ-23 Pave Spike targeting pod, allowing for precision strikes and the (self-)employment of laser guided ammunition. Additionally the F-4E can carry the AGM-65 Maverick, a wide array of iron and both TV and laser guided bombs, as well as the capability to carry out Wild Weasel (SEAD) tasks in a limited capacity with the AGM-45A Shrike. 

 

Unlike previous Phantom variants, the -E comes equipped with an integrated M61 Vulcan cannon that can be used both in an air to ground and air to air role and an optical sight that allows for lead computing optical sighting (LCOS) in air to air - as well as the ability to carry additional Vulcan cannon pods. It can protect itself with the ALR-46 Radar Warning Receiver, the AN/ALE-40 countermeasures suite, the AN/ALQ-131 ECM pod, KY-28 encryption equipment and employed a range of early to modern era AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-7 Sparrow missiles for aerial combat that can be employed also through additional specialized CAGED and computer automatic acquisition (CAA) modes.

The Heatblur Simulations F-4E Phantom II aims to simulate this iconic aircraft as a high-fidelity module for DCS, being the culmination of several years of research, coding and modeling.

Special points of consideration amongst the many features are the external and internal graphic model created using laser scanning and photogrammetry from real Phantoms at various museums, the detailed External Flight Model (EFM) developed over the past several years and verified by real F-4 pilots and WSOs, the detailed modeling of the AN/APQ-120 radar and the various systems on board and the ability to fly as a two-crew aircraft in multiplayer, as well as the proprietary JESTER-AI helping you as your AI-WSO in singleplayer.

 

Key features of the Heatblur Simulations DCS F-4E Phantom include:

• The simulation of both the DSCG and DMAS equipped -E variants, the DMAS version following later during the Early Access period.
   
• Highly detailed external model, built using laser scanning and photogrammetry taken of real F-4 Phantoms across the globe.
   
• New models for some of the F-4 Phantom payloads, such as the AGM-45 Shrike, the AGM-12 Bullpup, the AGM-62 Walleye I and AN/AVQ-23 Pave Spike targeting pod.
   
• Highly detailed and accurate 6-DOF (Degrees of Freedom) cockpit also built using photogrammetry from the F-4 Phantoms preserved at museums, including Heatblur FORGE elements to be added later during Early Access.
   
• Highly detailed and accurate pilot and WSO models that will eventually match the many liveries and different nations, and later during early access a full character customization system, allowing you to customize your pilot and pick and match various equipment to stylize your crew.
   
• Highly accurate, F-4 pilot and WSO verified, External Flight Model (EFM) based on real performance data.
   
• Accurate aircraft systems simulation featuring:
   
  • The Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS).
  • Detailed electrical system, simulating sources, current and consumption accurately, including realistic circuits and power draw for every connected device.
  • Detailed Hydraulic System, simulating the flow of hydraulic liquid that ultimately moves the hydraulics which in return move the various flight surfaces, etc.
  • Detailed and accurate oil and fuel system.
  • Mass based physics system, allowing for unprecedented simulation of moving surfaces, with realistic behavior according to their mass and properties.
     
• Fully functional multiplayer two seat functionality allowing a pilot to carry another player functioning as the Weapon Systems Officer, WSO.
   
• JESTER AI 2.0: Our new and improved lifelike AI that fills the role of the WSO when flying single-player or multiplayer without a human WSO, with now expanded functionality, dialogue options and more.
   
• A simulated Crew Chief for a more immersive and complete startup procedure.
   
• Later during early access, a brand new walkaround mode, allowing you to do pre-flight checks on your aircraft.
   
• A new versatile set of UI features, that allows for live in-cockpit browsing of the manual and the ability to interact with the various settings and options pertaining to your mission and flight. This feature will be continually expanded during Early Access.
   
• Introducing Heatblur Interactive Tooltips: the ability to click on a switch and be directly taken to the relevant manual part, without ever leaving your cockpit.
   
• New and improved effects, such as advanced overwing vapors, new procedural animation systems, and more.
   
• Detailed and highly accurate simulation of the AN/APQ-120 Radar.
   
• Detailed and highly accurate simulation of the ALR-46 RWR.
   
• A detailed simulation of the AN/AVQ-23 Pave Spike targeting pod, allowing the WSO to guide laser guided munitions dropped by the pilot or other aircraft (buddy-lasing).
   
• Comprehensive digital manual, both as a PDF and as a continually updated online manual, directly accessible from within the cockpit at any time via Interactive Tooltips and/or the EBAG.
   
• A complete set of interactive and voiced tutorials.
   
• A comprehensive set of missions and campaigns to be gradually released during Early Access and beyond.

 

NOTE: Some features may not be available immediately at Early Access. The later F-4E DMAS equipped variant, including Pave Tack and TISEO, will follow during the Early Access period and the tutorials and campaigns will be implemented and expanded during this early access as well.

 

Edited November 1, 2023 by IronMike

[ThorBrasil]

9 minutes ago, IronMike said:

Dear all,

a few mistakes were left in the store descriptions on the ED Eshop and the steam store, our apologies, they happened in the frenzy of whipping up dozens of texts for the new store, the unveil, etc.

1. The F-4E will have no AGM-78 - it could not carry them.

2. At the bottom it says later an early -E variant will follow. This is wrong. The earlier DSCG only equipped version will be the one releasing first for Early Access, later the DMAS upgraded version will follow during EA. As of now we do not want to promise earlier -E variants, but may add them laters if time and ressources allow - however, again, no promise. [This part is also wrong on the Heatblur Store description.]


Our apologies for these mistakes, we hope we can have them corrected asap. Thank you!

 

Will the Steam page only be released at launch? Thanks!

[IronMike]

Just now, ThorBrasil said:

Will the Steam page only be released at launch? Thanks!

Negative. Steam pre orders should follow soon!

[Dragon1-1]

You will be making a model for the AGM-78, though? The AI A-6 should be able to carry them.

Also, I'm really hoping you can make an early, hard wing E. After all, that's what actually flew in Vietnam.  

[Beirut]

15 minutes ago, IronMike said:

Negative. Steam pre orders should follow soon!

 

Sweet!

 

Thanks.

[IronMike]

1 minute ago, Dragon1-1 said:

You will be making a model for the AGM-78, though? The AI A-6 should be able to carry them.

Also, I'm really hoping you can make an early, hard wing E. After all, that's what actually flew in Vietnam.  

We plan on making it for the A-6, yes, but not for the F-4E. But no promise for now.

[Gunfreak]

7 minutes ago, IronMike said:

We plan on making it for the A-6, yes, but not for the F-4E. But no promise for now.

Which variants of the Sparrow with come with the F-4E?

Only the later more effective ones, or will we get access to the older models that needed several seconds before being able to fire effectively?

[Renko]

If i may ask, why HB choose not to opt in on the ED Miles?
Just out of curiosity, i was waiting to be released there to make the purchase

[freehand]

Was the pre order available before EDs store ? 

[IronMike]

2 minutes ago, freehand said:

Was the pre order available before EDs store ? 

Yes.

[IronMike]

13 minutes ago, Renko said:

If i may ask, why HB choose not to opt in on the ED Miles?
Just out of curiosity, i was waiting to be released there to make the purchase

I need to verify, I will get back to you on that.

[Northstar98]

25 minutes ago, Gunfreak said:

Which variants of the Sparrow with come with the F-4E?

Only the later more effective ones, or will we get access to the older models that needed several seconds before being able to fire effectively?

Should have at least the E-2 and F, possibly also M.

In the pre-order trailer you can see what looks to be a long-nosed Sparrow (such as what's seen on older Sparrows like the E-2) and a shorter-nosed Sparrow as we're used to seeing on the F, M and P.

[Ryan Nelson]

Hi IronMike,

Please check your direct messages from me on this forum when you have a gap.

Thanks.

Kind Regards,

Ryan "Panda" Nelson

[Raisuli]

I'll bet with a hammer, some glue, maybe an end mill, and a couple 10mm bolts I could get an AGM-78 on there.  Might never come off, but it will hang off the wing and look cool.

4 hours ago, IronMike said:

1. The F-4E will have no AGM-78 - it could not carry them.
 

Give me a hammer, some glue, and a few 10mm bolts and I'll bet it can carry them.  Maybe they won't come off again, but they'll hang there and look cool.  You guys just needed to hire a different kind of engineer.

[IronMike]

4 hours ago, Renko said:

If i may ask, why HB choose not to opt in on the ED Miles?
Just out of curiosity, i was waiting to be released there to make the purchase

My apologies, I had to verify, because I initially said this was ED's choice, but it is indeed ours.

Unfortunately we do not partake in the ED Miles programme at this time, as a loyalty programme bonus we do not have that many products exposed to it to take advantage and for it to be economically viable for us at the moment. We've tried to price the module as fairly as possible taking into account our development costs to make a complex simulation.

Thank you for your very kind support and understanding!

Edited November 1, 2023 by IronMike

[Johnny Dioxin]

Well that's it - I want my money back!

 

 

Only kidding

[Renko]

1 hour ago, IronMike said:

My apologies, I had to verify, because I initially said this was ED's choice, but it is indeed ours.

Unfortunately we do not partake in the ED Miles programme at this time, as a loyalty programme bonus we do not have that many products exposed to it to take advantage and for it to be economically viable for us at the moment. We've tried to price the module as fairly as possible taking into account our development costs to make a complex simulation.

Thank you for your very kind support and understanding!

 

Thank you for the transparent response, much appreciated.
I'll buy it through HB store then

Edited November 1, 2023 by Renko

[Tom Kazansky]

You guys are aware that the ED store description for the F-4E still has the incorrect info?

"Key features of the Heatblur Simulations DCS: F-4E Phantom II include:

• The simulation of both the DCSG and DMAS equipped -E variants, the DMAS version and early DCSG versions following later during the Early Access period."

[Guest]

I did forget about the ED miles, would have been better to buy it here since the price is the same.

[IronMike]

31 minutes ago, Tom Kazansky said:

You guys are aware that the ED store description for the F-4E still has the incorrect info?

"Key features of the Heatblur Simulations DCS: F-4E Phantom II include:

• The simulation of both the DCSG and DMAS equipped -E variants, the DMAS version and early DCSG versions following later during the Early Access period."

Try refreshing, it shows correct for me:

46 minutes ago, Renko said:

Thank you for the transparent response, much appreciated.
I'll buy it through HB store then

 

My pleasure! Thank you for your very kind support!

Edited November 1, 2023 by IronMike

[IronMike]

7 minutes ago, Razor68 said:

I did forget about the ED miles, would have been better to buy it here since the price is the same.

As mentioned above, we unfortunately do not partake in the miles program. Thank you for your kind understanding.

[Tom Kazansky]

23 minutes ago, IronMike said:

Try refreshing, it shows correct for me:

My pleasure! Thank you for your very kind support!

 

Just to clarify, I'm on the Eagle Dynamics store and it still says:

"Key features of the Heatblur Simulations DCS: F-4E Phantom II include:

• The simulation of both the DCSG and DMAS equipped -E variants, the DMAS version and early DCSG versions following later during the Early Access period."

Link:

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/de/shop/modules/phantom/

[IronMike]

28 minutes ago, Tom Kazansky said:

Just to clarify, I'm on the Eagle Dynamics store and it still says:

"Key features of the Heatblur Simulations DCS: F-4E Phantom II include:

• The simulation of both the DCSG and DMAS equipped -E variants, the DMAS version and early DCSG versions following later during the Early Access period."

Link:

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/de/shop/modules/phantom/

Ah I see now. This is the German store link, which should receive the German translation soon, ED is currently working on that.

It has already been updated on the main description page, and I am sure will follow soon on the country or language based pages.

[Somu]

Hello Your work is absolutaly marvelous ı pre ordered from HB Sıte I wonder can we use nıght vısıon googles  ın F-4   In F-14 we can

[IronMike]

29 minutes ago, Somu said:

Hello Your work is absolutaly marvelous ı pre ordered from HB Sıte I wonder can we use nıght vısıon googles  ın F-4   In F-14 we can

Thank you for your kind purchase!

We will see about night vision goggles, but we will take your wish on board.