Summer Sale | Ground Units Progress | UH-1H Stormfront

[Graphics]

 

28 June 2024

Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends, 

The DCS Summer Sale 2024 is in full swing and now also on Steam. Don’t miss the opportunity to update your collection with something truly special. Browse all our aircraft, terrains, add-ons, and campaigns now and benefit from massive savings of up to 50%. Shop now!

We have been reworking ground unit AI target detection with a current focus on a ground units ability to acquire, engage and destroy aerial targets more realistically. This is also important to ensure non-air defense ground unit’s behave correctly in the presence of aerial targets. Please read the details below. 

We are delighted to announce a new DCS: UH-1H: The Stormfront Campaign by Low Level Heaven! This will be available for purchase on the 3 rd of July, along with our next upcoming DCS update. 

Stay tuned for the impressive update coming soon.

Thank you for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely, 

Eagle Dynamics

 

Summer Sale

Massive Savings

The DCS Summer Sale 2024 is your chance to save big across nearly our entire range of aircraft, terrains campaigns and important add-ons. Hurry! The sale lasts until the 14th of July, 2024 at 15:00 GMT on our E-Shop where you will find huge savings across all our most popular products. Also, the DCS World Steam Edition sale is now open until the 11th of July, 2024 at 17:00 GMT.

 

Ground Units

Improved AI Behaviour

One of the most commonly requested improvements to DCS has been the behavior of ground Artificial Intelligence (AI) units. In this newsletter, we’d like to bring you up-to-date on these ongoing efforts.

We are currently reworking the target detection of ground units. Here is how it works now: The AI detects a target as soon as it enters the “kill zone” and the target is immediately designated for attack, if the target is within range. In the new version, the range and time after which the target is detected will depend on the crew's level of training, the unit's state (GREEN or RED STATE) and the sights with which the unit is equipped (magnification and field of view).

Let's consider an example:

An aircraft approaches a BMP-2. The BMP is in a GREEN state and the crew are visually searching the surroundings). An "average" crew will detect the aircraft at a distance of 2.0-3.5 km, while an "excellent" crew will detect the aircraft at 4-5 km. As you can see, the values "float" because the AI has a probability of detection depending on the range.

In another situation, the BMP-2 crew is in RED state with hatches closed and observation only conducted through the commander and gunner sights. Consequently, it will be more challenging for the crew to see the enemy. Additionally, the target may not be in the sights' field of view (for example, the aircraft approaches from a high altitude).

Let's consider another case where we are dive bombing a target convoy from 4000m. Within the convoy are 10 units that include a tank, infantry fighting vehicles, and a SAM. As seen in the screenshot, five units (SAM and 4 IFVs) managed to react to our attack, but only the SAM managed to attack.

Thus, the upcoming change should address this issue of non-air defense ground units being too capable of engaging aircraft. However, as mentioned earlier, this is just our first step and we will continue to refine the ground AI especially pertaining to line of sight such as trees and obstacles, meteorological conditions, target parameters such as airspeed and maneuvering, and manual aiming compared to sensor-aided aiming. We will also add more varied firing methods such as barrage fire versus directed fire, which is particularly relevant for manually aimed guns. Please stay tuned as we keep you updated on our progress of Ground AI.

 

UH-1H Worlds Apart Stormfront 

Campaign by Low-Level-Heaven Mission Development

Introducing the STORMFRONT campaign for the DCS: UH-1H, the latest story-driven campaign set in the SPRING of 2025. As a continuation of the WORLDS APART series, you step into the boots of a German UH-1H helicopter pilot of the renowned German Army "WOLF PACK" Squadron (Heeresflieger). This campaign offers a rich narrative experience with 12 missions, three of which are split into A and B segments, totaling 16 missions. Each mission builds upon the previous, delivering a seamless and evolving storyline with multiple tasks per mission.

STORMFRONT is designed to challenge even the most seasoned pilots, yet it provides extensive support for beginners, ensuring a rewarding journey for all. With countless language outputs and a comprehensive 77-page manual detailing every mission, STORMFRONT immerses you deeply into its demanding yet exhilarating world. Prepare to experience the intensity and intricacy of modern helicopter operations in this meticulously crafted campaign coming in the next DCS Update. 

We truly hope you are taking advantage of the important savings in the Summer Sale and that the development progress on the Ground Units AI is to your satisfaction. Please hang in there as we are working on one of the largest updates in the history of DCS, coming to you with impressive new features such as Supercarrier Air Boss station, Flaming Cliffs 2024, DCS: Afghanistan, DCS: CH-47F and so much more! Don’t forget this is also your last chance to benefit from the 30% pre-order discount for both DCS: Afghanistan and DCS: CH-47F.

Thank you again for your passion and support, 

Yours sincerely,

 

[schurem]

Oh man that bit about the ground unit AI sounds good. So ah... when? Next patch or 'in the future'?

Edited June 28, 2024 by schurem

[ThorBrasil]

With the release for July 3rd. I expected the bulletin to have information about CH47 and Afghanistan. Even though I bought both, I wanted to see them in action.

[Raisuli]

18 minutes ago, ThorBrasil said:

With the release for July 3rd. I expected the bulletin to have information about CH47 and Afghanistan. Even though I bought both, I wanted to see them in action.

I'm off on the third, so happy to make a video of the CH-47 self-destructing immediately after spawn in anticipation of my attempt to fly it.  Since you asked nicely I'll even do it on the Afghanistan map 

Do like the idea of BMP-2s not sniping SR-71s anymore.  Maybe some day an AI I-16 won't be able to out-vertical a Saturn V rocket.  That will also be a nice addition!

[sirrah]

Last chance on CH-47F pre-order?

 

Can we still expect some preview videos?

Maybe an early startup YT video or some preview videos from a few selected DCS YouTube'ers?

 

Aside from the recently shared EA feature list, I'd really like to see a bit more of what can be expected.

[71st_Mastiff]

4 hours ago, Graphics said:

One of the most commonly requested improvements to DCS has been the behavior of ground Artificial Intelligence (AI) units. In this newsletter, we’d like to bring you up-to-date on these ongoing efforts.

We are currently reworking the target detection of ground units. Here is how it works now: The AI detects a target as soon as it enters the “kill zone” and the target is immediately designated for attack, if the target is within range. In the new version, the range and time after which the target is detected will depend on the crew's level of training, the unit's state (GREEN or RED STATE) and the sights with which the unit is equipped (magnification and field of view).

Let's consider an example:

An aircraft approaches a BMP-2. The BMP is in a GREEN state and the crew are visually searching the surroundings). An "average" crew will detect the aircraft at a distance of 2.0-3.5 km, while an "excellent" crew will detect the aircraft at 4-5 km. As you can see, the values "float" because the AI has a probability of detection depending on the range.

In another situation, the BMP-2 crew is in RED state with hatches closed and observation only conducted through the commander and gunner sights. Consequently, it will be more challenging for the crew to see the enemy. Additionally, the target may not be in the sights' field of view (for example, the aircraft approaches from a high altitude).

Let's consider another case where we are dive bombing a target convoy from 4000m. Within the convoy are 10 units that include a tank, infantry fighting vehicles, and a SAM. As seen in the screenshot, five units (SAM and 4 IFVs) managed to react to our attack, but only the SAM managed to attack.

Thus, the upcoming change should address this issue of non-air defense ground units being too capable of engaging aircraft. However, as mentioned earlier, this is just our first step and we will continue to refine the ground AI especially pertaining to line of sight such as trees and obstacles, meteorological conditions, target parameters such as airspeed and maneuvering, and manual aiming compared to sensor-aided aiming. We will also add more varied firing methods such as barrage fire versus directed fire, which is particularly relevant for manually aimed guns. Please stay tuned as we keep you updated on our progress of Ground AI.

looking forward to this..

[Flogger23m]

3 hours ago, schurem said:

Oh man that bit about the ground unit AI sounds good. So ah... when? Next patch or 'in the future'?

 

 

I hope soon. Around 7 or so years ago the ground unit's accuracy became obscene and has been that way since. It made me stop playing ground attack missions for a long time. BMP-2s were shooting my wings off when I was in Flankers and Fulcrums. As it is now it is easier to dodge Vulcans and Shilkas than it is BMP-2s, BTRs and other vehicles not designed for air defense. The ability to detect, track and the accuracy is extremely unrealistic. You have to consider what the sighting solutions look like in these vehicles and you'd quickly realize how hard it would be to ID and track and aircraft through these things.

As an example, watch the first 5 seconds of this video.

 

BTR-82.

It is shooting at a parked M113 at close range. You'll notice that the second shot misses. It goes over the top of the vehicle. If you watch BMP-2/3 and BTR-82s you'll see how much dispersion there is and how inaccurate they are.

Here is another video that does an even better job of showing dispersion.

 

Other vehicles are a bit more accurate, but still tracking and successfully engaging and hitting planes would be extremely difficult. Slow and low flying helicopters are more likely to be hit.

 

[draconus]

On 6/28/2024 at 5:00 PM, Graphics said:

We truly hope you are taking advantage of the important savings in the Summer Sale and that the development progress on the Ground Units AI is to your satisfaction.

Yes, more realism and simulation coming to DCS is always satisfying

[pimp]

Uh oh. Still no vids from Wags.

[Viper ZA]

What's happening with the Summer sale. I see Flaming Cliffs modules are no longer on special.

[Opal 4-1]

20 minutes ago, Viper ZA said:

What's happening with the Summer sale. I see Flaming Cliffs modules are no longer on special.

Really strange! The FC3 bundle is still discounted at 50% though! 

[Viper ZA]

But the individual modules aren't. I have no need for the others and only need the Su-33.

[Stratos]

Will the infantry soldiers receive the new AI fire logics as well? very important for Afghanistan map.

[MAXsenna]

But the individual modules aren't. I have no need for the others and only need the Su-33.

Get the Super Carrier.

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