Screenshot Competition Last Chance | Through the Inferno Server | Dynamic Cargo Functionality

[Graphics]

 

23 August 2024

 

Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends, 

This is the final call for entries to the DCS Screenshot Competition 2024! Due to the overwhelming response and to give everyone a greater chance to participate, we are happy to announce that the deadline for submissions has been extended until the 23rd of August at 23:59 GMT. Best of luck and thank you!

If you are looking for an endless PvE multiplayer experience, you should check out the Through the Inferno PvE mission. This immersive experience allows players to engage in various mission types, including air, ground, sea, convoy hunts, and helicopter assaults, all of which are dynamically generated and customizable. Join their discord!

We continue to develop the cargo system in DCS. Many additional features and bug fixes are being worked on and testing is ongoing. Check out some of the existing tips and tricks on how to use the system as it stands today. 

Many thanks for your passion and support and once again, best of luck to our screenshot contenders. 

Yours sincerely, 

Eagle Dynamics

 

Screenshot Competition 2024

Last chance to earn 10,000 ED Miles

The DCS Screenshot Competition 2024 is coming to an end. With over 400 entries received so far, the competition has truly showcased your creativity and talent.  Each screenshot tells a unique story, capturing visuals, action, and environments that make DCS standout. Thanks to all of you for participating in making this screenshot competition a resounding success!

 

Through the Inferno

User Files

Through The Inferno (TTI) by deadlyfishes is a dynamic, open-world PvE experience designed for DCS, offering endless aerial combat missions that cover all DCS aircraft. 

Players can choose from different eras of aerial combat, such as World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, and Modern times. Each mission is tailored to the chosen era, with appropriate enemy units and logistical support. The missions can be adjusted for difficulty, mission type, and time of day, providing a highly personalized experience.

TTI offers extensive in-mission tools, such as the "Zeus" real-time spawning system, AIRBOSS Carrier Ops, and AI traffic customization. The F10 menu provides access to these tools, enabling you to shape their missions as you see fit. Additionally, it’s possible to configure random events, such as enemy reinforcements and air traffic, which adds unpredictability and challenge.

Designed primarily for single-player, TTI supports private co-op play but is not intended for public multiplayer servers. The mission is continually updated, with detailed guides and tutorials available to help players optimize their experience.

For more information, support, or to join the TTI community, visit their official website and join their Discord. TTI is compatible with all DCS modules, offering a versatile and engaging combat experience. Enjoy!

 

Dynamic Cargo

New Functionality

The launch of the DCS: CH-47F introduced our new cargo and logistics functionality. This Dynamic Cargo feature is still work in progress and is therefore not enabled by default but can be activated on the ‘full info page’ in the warehouse interface. If you are having issues with the system please check out the Cargo System Guide. 

We are working towards enabling the feature for other transport capable helicopters, including DCS: UH-1H Huey, DCS: Mi-8MTV2 Magnificent Eight and DCS: Mi-24P Hind. We are in the process of creating many additional cargo loads, so don’t hesitate to inform us if you have good ideas to enhance the logistics game play! 

Troop movements and animations in and around your helicopter are some of the biggest requests we have received. This is in progress but does require some major re-work to infantry models and animations. 

‘Fat Cow’ and dynamic FARP operations will certainly make the DCS: CH-47F a more capable asset on the battlefield. We are currently working to ensure this feature is available soon and will update you as things progress.

Finally, dynamic cargo mass accounting, weight/balance and operational restrictions are being worked on too. 

Thank you again for your passion and support, 

Yours sincerely,

 

[Avimimus]

Self-Reloading for the Mi-24P would make for an interesting cargo load (e.g. 40 S-8 rockets).

It'd also be nice to have the option dlto remove or retain the cargo bay armour.

[hannibal]

43 minutes ago, Avimimus said:

Self-Reloading for the Mi-24P would make for an interesting cargo load (e.g. 40 S-8 rockets).

It'd also be nice to have the option dlto remove or retain the cargo bay armour.

self loading chinook also.. loading its own ammo

if the M3M .50 cal drops.. it will be a .50 cal spammer!

 

[We are working towards enabling the feature for other transport capable helicopters, including DCS: UH-1H Huey, DCS: Mi-8MTV2 Magnificent Eight and DCS: Mi-24P Hind. We are in the process of creating many additional cargo loads, so don’t hesitate to inform us if you have good ideas to enhance the logistics game play! ]

CARGO HELIS GET LOVE!

 

Edited August 23 by hannibal

[draconus]

It's crazy how many screenshots were posted, many very good ones indeed - how are you going to handle it and choose the winners?

[Dropship Pilot]

5 hours ago, Graphics said:

We are in the process of creating many additional cargo loads, so don’t hesitate to inform us if you have good ideas to enhance the logistics game play! 

Is there a dedicated thread for this?

In regard to the CH-47 you should definitely have a look at the 463 Cargo System (See Field Manual 55-450-2 Chapter 4-6 and following)

For internal cargo, it would be nice to have generic stuff like bottled water and MREs (would be nice to have this stuff added to the warehouse system too) and generic boxes/stacked sacks with appropriate cargo netting/tie downs for military use and disaster relief as well as specific cargoes like:

- Stacked missile/rocket pallets (especially Hydra and Hellfire pallets for the Helicopters as well as Sidewinder, AMRAM and Maverick cases for western aircraft and the equivalent for the eastern side).

- Stacked 155mm shells + powder charges.

- Missiles boxes for larger SAM Systems and complete smaller SAM-Systems (like Rapier).

As external cargo there is definitely a need for towed artillery like the M777 and light vehicles (Humvee,...) as well as generic netted boxes and netted sacks that could be used for rice, fertilizer etc.
A water bag/tank for fire fighting would be nice too, as well as a speedboat that could be dropped off on water.

As a side note to the internal cargo: I've seen pictures with the CH-47 flying with cargo on the open ramp - that might be a 5th. cargo spot for lighter cargo.

Cheers,

DSP

 

 

 

 

[Avimimus]

Fuel drums would be interesting to transport. Added flammability risk!

[JohnRedcorn]

It would be nice if you add the cargo loading / unloading for Mi-26 as well. Even that it is AI only, but it would be nice to see some animations of cargo loading / unloading for this helicopter as well.

There is also AI cargo planes which would be much more interesting with animations of IFVs and troops, getting in and out, so it would be possible to create some live environments on airfields and create some landing party unloading during airfield capturing.

And I haven't even mentioned the upcoming C-130J, which will add a controllable cargo plane to the game. It definitely needs animations and the ability to see the loaded cargo in the cabin.

And the last thing. A controlable Mi-26 and IL-76 would be nice as a counterpart of CH-47F and C-130J. But this is another story which, well I don't even know if it is possible.

[Wdigman]

Will this Dynamic Cargo feature extend to transport aircraft? How about animations, that would be cool to see going on on the tarmac while readying to take off.

[pimp]

Seems like if animations are required, it takes ED a while to get completed, unfortunately. Maybe they don't have motion capture.

[Avimimus]

On 8/24/2024 at 2:31 PM, JohnRedcorn said:

And the last thing. A controlable Mi-26 and IL-76 would be nice as a counterpart of CH-47F and C-130J. But this is another story which, well I don't even know if it is possible.

If we're going down that road - the Mil Mi-2 had a lot of use as a light utility helicopter and aerial crane (for moderate loads)... in addition to the armed Mil Mi-2URP produced in Poland...

There is a reason why it is the fifth or sixth most produced helicopter! 

[JohnRedcorn]

On 8/30/2024 at 12:17 PM, Avimimus said:

If we're going down that road - the Mil Mi-2 had a lot of use as a light utility helicopter and aerial crane (for moderate loads)... in addition to the armed Mil Mi-2URP produced in Poland...

There is a reason why it is the fifth or sixth most produced helicopter! 

I'll not agree with you, but this is my opinion. I mentioned IL-76 and Mi-26 because these two are big aircrafts for heavy loads, so they can be easily compared to C-130J and CH-47F.

 

Mi-2 is a small helicopter, it will be fun to fly for sure, but we already have Mi-8 MTV2 for even heavier cargos an Mi-24P for ground strike operations and/or cargo sling operations. By the way, Ka-50 can do cargo sling operations as well. But none of these helicopters can be compared to CH-47F, both non by size nor by cargo lift weight. The only two helicopters that can do a similar job are Mi-26 or an older one Mi-6. The same is true for C-130J vs IL-76. IL-76 is even bigger but on the other hand An-26 is smaller so thats the reason I didn't mentioned it earlier.

 

Anyway, its all just a fantasies. I don't think these aircrafts will be ever implemented as an officiall modules. May be one day some modders will implement them as the guys who created Su-30MK/MKI/SM, F-22, Su-57 e.t.c..

[Raffi75]

On 8/30/2024 at 11:17 AM, Avimimus said:

If we're going down that road - the Mil Mi-2 had a lot of use as a light utility helicopter and aerial crane (for moderate loads)... in addition to the armed Mil Mi-2URP produced in Poland...

There is a reason why it is the fifth or sixth most produced helicopter! 

 

6 hours ago, JohnRedcorn said:

I'll not agree with you, but this is my opinion. I mentioned IL-76 and Mi-26 because these two are big aircrafts for heavy loads, so they can be easily compared to C-130J and CH-47F.

 

Mi-2 is a small helicopter, it will be fun to fly for sure, but we already have Mi-8 MTV2 for even heavier cargos an Mi-24P for ground strike operations and/or cargo sling operations. By the way, Ka-50 can do cargo sling operations as well. But none of these helicopters can be compared to CH-47F, both non by size nor by cargo lift weight. The only two helicopters that can do a similar job are Mi-26 or an older one Mi-6. The same is true for C-130J vs IL-76. IL-76 is even bigger but on the other hand An-26 is smaller so thats the reason I didn't mentioned it earlier.

 

Anyway, its all just a fantasies. I don't think these aircrafts will be ever implemented as an officiall modules. May be one day some modders will implement them as the guys who created Su-30MK/MKI/SM, F-22, Su-57 e.t.c..

 It seems to me that An-12 would be a better equivalent of the C-130. Both planes have similar characteristics. IL-76 could be a response to C-17. I doubt that we would ever get any of these aircraft.
As for the Mi-2. Unfortunately, it is "blind" just like the Mi-24. The electronics of the avionics of western competitors eliminates them from the modern battlefield. Hence, Mi-2 would not work in DCS. Unfortunately.

[draconus]

22 minutes ago, Raffi75 said:

As for the Mi-2. Unfortunately, it is "blind" just like the Mi-24. The electronics of the avionics of western competitors eliminates them from the modern battlefield. Hence, Mi-2 would not work in DCS.

What a weird statement. Since when age or complexity makes an aircraft working or not in DCS. Do you suggest all WW2 and cold war aircraft do not work in DCS?!

[Raffi75]

18 minutes ago, draconus said:

What a weird statement. Since when age or complexity makes an aircraft working or not in DCS. Do you suggest all WW2 and cold war aircraft do not work in DCS?!

Please give me a sensible example of what role the Mi-2 would be good at in DCS.

 

I think only as a fun-copter. For me personally, that would be enough. But is that an argument to add it to the game?

[JohnRedcorn]

1 hour ago, Raffi75 said:

 

 It seems to me that An-12 would be a better equivalent of the C-130. Both planes have similar characteristics. IL-76 could be a response to C-17. I doubt that we would ever get any of these aircraft.
As for the Mi-2. Unfortunately, it is "blind" just like the Mi-24. The electronics of the avionics of western competitors eliminates them from the modern battlefield. Hence, Mi-2 would not work in DCS. Unfortunately.

An-12, the unfemouse "Black tulip". Yes it is closer to C-130 by it's specs. But we don't even have it in game so I mentioned only the aircrafts we already have.

As for Mi-2 I wouldn't be so critical. It have it's purpose. But of course if you will fly it on PvP servers you will be eliminated in a couple of minutes. In single player you can create missions that are more sutible for this aircraft. But as I already told, we already have Mi-8 which can do the same job and even more. Mi-26 however can do a lot more than both Mi-2 and Mi-8.

As for Mi-24P. It's not that bad. I remember flying some SP mission not a long time ago and there was an air battle with Apaches. I don't really know if that was an AH-64A or AH-64D modification but I managed to destroy it. Now I'm not sure if I can do the same with human driven Apache but at least I was able to destroy the AI one.

There is also Ka-50 which is not that bad against Apache. The only cons of Ka-50 is that its targeting system doesn't have any kind of night vision. But it is possible to use light-up rockets to designate and destroy targets. And Ka-50 Black shark 3 even have an Igla missiles which can help a lot.

But you are right about the U.S. aircrafts. Their electronics were always much better than any Soviet aircraft. So it is not a miracle that even an old AH-64A have all kind of features which Soviet helicopters of that era doesn't have. The only RU helicopters wich can compare to AH-64D are a modern versions of Ka-52 and Mi-28N I guess. But non of these will be in game as an official modules at least. There is some modder guys who creates Ka-52 mod. There is even a youtube video already in which they are flying it's Pre-alpha or Alpha version. I don't know when they planning to release it? But it looks like that Ka-52 will come to DCS one day at least as a mod.

By the way, there is also one modder guy who have already created it as an AI helicopter. He have also created a lot of other modern air and ground units pack. With his mod DCS really turns into a modern battlefield.

[Avimimus]

40 minutes ago, Raffi75 said:

Please give me a sensible example of what role the Mi-2 would be good at in DCS.

I think only as a fun-copter. For me personally, that would be enough. But is that an argument to add it to the game?

Transport, liaison, scouting/patrol, counter insurgency, light anti-tank... anything except use as a modern attack helicopter.

It is basically a counterpart to the UH-1 and the Sa-342... falling somewhere in between those two.

It should also be cheaper to operate (if/when logistics becomes a thing).

[Raffi75]

20 minutes ago, Avimimus said:

Transport, liaison, scouting/patrol, counter insurgency, light anti-tank... anything except use as a modern attack helicopter.

It is basically a counterpart to the UH-1 and the Sa-342... falling somewhere in between those two.

It should also be cheaper to operate (if/when logistics becomes a thing).

The only role he is suitable for is flight training and liaison duties, provided there is no enemy in the area.

[Raffi75]

27 minutes ago, JohnRedcorn said:

An-12, the unfemouse "Black tulip". Yes it is closer to C-130 by it's specs. But we don't even have it in game so I mentioned only the aircrafts we already have.

As for Mi-2 I wouldn't be so critical. It have it's purpose. But of course if you will fly it on PvP servers you will be eliminated in a couple of minutes. In single player you can create missions that are more sutible for this aircraft. But as I already told, we already have Mi-8 which can do the same job and even more. Mi-26 however can do a lot more than both Mi-2 and Mi-8.

As for Mi-24P. It's not that bad. I remember flying some SP mission not a long time ago and there was an air battle with Apaches. I don't really know if that was an AH-64A or AH-64D modification but I managed to destroy it. Now I'm not sure if I can do the same with human driven Apache but at least I was able to destroy the AI one.

There is also Ka-50 which is not that bad against Apache. The only cons of Ka-50 is that its targeting system doesn't have any kind of night vision. But it is possible to use light-up rockets to designate and destroy targets. And Ka-50 Black shark 3 even have an Igla missiles which can help a lot.

But you are right about the U.S. aircrafts. Their electronics were always much better than any Soviet aircraft. So it is not a miracle that even an old AH-64A have all kind of features which Soviet helicopters of that era doesn't have. The only RU helicopters wich can compare to AH-64D are a modern versions of Ka-52 and Mi-28N I guess. But non of these will be in game as an official modules at least. There is some modder guys who creates Ka-52 mod. There is even a youtube video already in which they are flying it's Pre-alpha or Alpha version. I don't know when they planning to release it? But it looks like that Ka-52 will come to DCS one day at least as a mod.

By the way, there is also one modder guy who have already created it as an AI helicopter. He have also created a lot of other modern air and ground units pack. With his mod DCS really turns into a modern battlefield.

I keep writing about the Mi-2. The Mi-24 is still quite a good helicopter, provided you use it wisely. Proven tactics: hit and run. In DCS I encountered AA operations on the Mi-24 for the first time. Congratulations on shooting down the enemy.

[draconus]

10 minutes ago, Raffi75 said:

The only role he is suitable for is flight training and liaison duties, provided there is no enemy in the area.

No, there are variants that can do all roles @Avimimus mentioned or is your vision limited to airquake servers?

[Raffi75]

23 minutes ago, draconus said:

No, there are variants that can do all roles @Avimimus

I wish you success in fighting armored weapons. No armor, no speed, range of 9M14 is 3 km, guided manually. Mi-2 is only suitable for training missions on the range.

Edited September 1 by Raffi75

[draconus]

6 minutes ago, Raffi75 said:

I wish you success in fighting armored weapons. No armor, no speed, range of 9M14 is 3 km, guided manually. Mi-2 is only suitable for training missions on the range.

You can discuss it further here:

 

[Raffi75]

14 minutes ago, draconus said:

You can discuss it further here:

 

LOL. A pipe dream. I would like the Mi-2 to appear in DCS, but I am a realist. I think that's enough now as it's gone off-topic. 

[Avimimus]

Well, for the record - it is the next most produced Soviet helicopter. It is also older, and manufactured in Poland (so no security issues), and there is a lot of reference material from civilian use as well - so it is one of the most feasible helicopter additions (up there with the Alouette)! If we can any additional light helicopters or Soviet helicopters, then it is one of the most likely candidates.

[303_Kermit]

For me as a fan of Enigma CW server (RIP) and Blueflag / Buddyspike CW server, I see a need of light Russian made helicopter. Any given scenario of 1970-1980 is unbalanced. UH-1H vs .... what? Mi-8 is way too big, much more powerful and outclass UH-1 by far. Gazelle way too small, and having UH-1 on both sides is no option, Mi-2 would be perfect.

I see a problem and possible solution. Plus Mi-2 is just as legendary as UH-1... if not more.

Edited September 2 by 303_Kermit

[Raffi75]

1 hour ago, 303_Kermit said:

For me as a fan of Enigma CW server (RIP) and Blueflag / Buddyspike CW server, I see a need of light Russian made helicopter. Any given scenario of 1970-1980 is unbalanced. UH-1H vs .... what? Mi-8 is way too big, much more powerful and outclass UH-1 by far. Gazelle way too small, and having UH-1 on both sides is no option, Mi-2 would be perfect.

I see a problem and possible solution. Plus Mi-2 is just as legendary as UH-1... if not more.

 

It's funny that apart from prototype copies, no other item was produced in CCCP. I'm very curious how "Michałek" would work on the server. Which version would be most often used?