F-5E Remastered Release | DCS Update Highlights | Virtual International Air Festival 2024

[Graphics]

 

 

06 December 2024

Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends, 

The DCS: F-5E Remastered module is now available! If you are an existing owner of the previous F-5E you can upgrade today for just $9.99 for three months, thereafter the upgrade price will be increased to $14.99. This comprehensive remaster brings a wealth of enhancements including an entirely new external model and cockpit. Read the details below and watch the trailer!

The latest DCS update introduces groundbreaking fog technology with both automatic and manual controls that elevates visual fidelity and immersion. As previously announced, this feature is detailed in the Volumetric Weather White Paper and showcased in the "DCS Ascending" video. Additionally, new campaigns are available for various aircraft, including Arctic Thunder for the F-16C and F/A-18C, as well as the Last Out: Weasels over Syria II for the F-16C. These all provide fresh and engaging challenges. Also included in this update is long awaited new Supercarrier deck crew logic, this highly complex feature will test your carrier discipline and precision! We very much look forward to your feedback!

Please update your DCS to the latest version to enjoy all the new features and bug fixes. Check-out the full changelog.

It’s that time of the year again! From all around the world, 200 virtual pilots are gathering to fly at the biggest virtual airshow in the world. Hosted live on Twitch from the Payerne military aviation museum with a professional production, the VIAF welcomes the best DCS aerobatics pilots to show off their skills. Have a look at what’s to come in the VIAF 2024 trailer!

Thank you for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely, 

Eagle Dynamics

 

F-5E Remastered

Now available

We have finally released the DCS: F-5E Remastered! For those of you who already own the original F-5E, you may upgrade for only $9.99 for a 3 month limited timeframe, bringing this module up to our latest standards. Thereafter, the upgrade price will be $14.99 with the full module priced at $59.99. Please note that there is no obligation to upgrade, and your existing F-5E module will not be affected.

New features of the upgrade include:

• All new and highly detailed external model and new cockpit rebuilt from scratch
• Three different helmets with 4 separate liveries
• New and highly detailed pilot model, great for virtual reality
• Detailed gun bays with removable panel
• New ramp covers for parked aircraft

New liveries along with a new and more detailed texture template:

• Standard neutral grey
• Swiss Air Force, 2 tone grey
• Austrian Air Force 2, Staffel
• Norwegian Air Force 338 sqn 215
• “MiG-28” Topgun black
• Aggressor Navy blue camouflage VFC-13
• Aggressor desert camouflage VFC-13

New liveries coming soon:

• Vietnam 1970s
• Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force
• Imperial Iranian Air Force
• Swiss Air Force demo team
• Aggressor forest camouflage

The original DCS: F-5E product is now no longer available for purchase and the new Remastered version is available at full price of $59.99. Please note that existing DCS: F-5E and DCS: F-5E Remastered owners will receive many improvements and fixes in the latest DCS update.

Eagle Dynamics Eshop Upgrade Option for Existing DCS: F-5E Owners

• If you already own the DCS: F-5E module, this upgrade is a remaster of your current aircraft:
• Installing the remaster replaces your existing module without creating a new aircraft entry in DCS. All your F-5E mission content will be carried over.
• Simply purchase the DCS: F-5E Remastered update to enjoy all the latest enhancements. 

DCS Steam Edition Upgrade Option for Existing DCS: F-5E Owners

• If you already own the original Steam Edition of DCS: F-5E module, this upgrade is a remaster of your current aircraft:
• Purchase the DCS: F-5E Remastered DLC for just $9.99 to receive the latest version. 

Watch the trailer and rediscover the thrill of flying this iconic fighter!

 

DCS 2.9.10.3948

Development Progress

DCS Core game improvements include the addition of the new fog and dust technology, the Mission Editor multi-select tool, fixes to weapons guidance, both air and ground AI behavior improvements, and map tools, along with object draw distance and contrails improvements. Individual aircraft modules including the F-16C Viper, F/A-18C, and AH-64D have received substantial updates that address radar inconsistencies, weapon deployment errors, avionics errors, and more. The update also features new functionality and fixes for the F-5E, CH-47F, and other aircraft, along with refined training missions, enhanced synchronization in multiplayer, and improved performance.

Significant updates to our premium modules especially the Supercarrier’s new deck crew logic that includes compatibility with the F-14 Tomcat. The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and JF-17 Thunder saw optimization in avionics and systems, while the F-4E Phantom II and MB-339A/PAN received fixes for multi crew synchronisation issues and improved flight instrument visibility. The update also includes new Afghan map instant-action missions for the Kiowa Warrior, bolstering its versatility and appeal.

For a complete list of updates, Please read the changelog.

 

VIAF 2024

Virtual International Air Festival, 20th year

From today till Sunday, hang out and win prizes including Thrustmaster hardware and Eagle Dynamics modules. You’ll also learn more about the upcoming DCS: F-100D in an interview with Grinelli Designs, and be able to ask questions to a real-life fighter and aerobatic team pilot. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite teams and give them a chance to win a trophy! Do all of this and even more while celebrating our community’s 20th anniversary.

Come and see us in Payerne, Switzerland, this weekend to have a go on our new flight-sim rig provided by Next Level Racing, Thrustmaster, and Pimax! This is a great opportunity to experience DCS as never before in the fantastic Clin D’Ailes museum, which holds a unique legacy.

The VIAF starts tonight at 18:30 GMT and continues through the weekend. The entire airshow will be streamed live on the VIAF’s Twitch channel. Please take a look at the schedule here. We look forward to seeing you there! 

 Yours sincerely,

[Beirut]

I'm enjoying the new F5 and the fog. Great stuff! 

[Bucic]

12 minutes ago, Beirut said:

I'm enjoying the new F5 and the fog. Great stuff! 

Caucasus seems to be immune to new tech, universally. I'll burry it again once I'm done testing some avionics bugs
 

Marianas however take the new fog well

 

Q: F-5E Different helmets? What does that mean? Completely different types? How are they selectable?

[ThorBrasil]

I purchased the F-5E remaster, but was disappointed that these items listed below were not included.
The A10C v2 and Ka50v3 upgrades had more features than the F-5E. I hope that all the skins that were on the old F-5E will be ported to the new one. I still can't believe that it took about 7,000 hours of work to make this F-5E remaster.

The list of items that should have been included in the remaster.
•Digital radio,
•Aerial refueling probe,
•A new radar in the same style as the F-4E,
•Being able to arm the aircraft with four AIM-9,
•External power (provided by ground cart) in the same style as the F-4E,
•External air (provided by ground cart) in the same style as the F-4E,
•Boarding ladder and boarding steps.
•They say that the dimensions of the F-5E cockpit are wrong and were not corrected in the remaster, but I can't prove it.

The F-5E could receive this in the future and the value of the aircraft could be adjusted to $70 or $80. This would be the best case scenario for it to receive all these resources.

And finally, I believe this update should be free. If everything I listed was included, I would have paid more than $10, maybe $15 to $20. I hope the next updates are rethought in their format for the Huey, Mi8, L39, F86 and MiG15. I wish the best for ED and I always support its development by purchasing its modules. Apart from the campaigns, I have practically all the modules. I wish the best to ED and thank you!

 

 

[Beirut]

35 minutes ago, ThorBrasil said:

I purchased the F-5E remaster, but was disappointed that these items listed below were not included.

•Being able to arm the aircraft with four AIM-9,

 

Yeah, I'd really like to see that one. 2 Sidewinders feels a bit anemic - even if accurate - for such a nice little fighter.

 

35 minutes ago, ThorBrasil said:

And finally, I believe this update should be free.

 

I'm on the fence with that. I'd be happy if it were free, but I was also happy to cough up a few bucks to keep things getting better. 

[LuseKofte]

1 hour ago, ThorBrasil said:

Aerial refueling probe,
•A new radar in the same style as the F-4E,
•Being able to arm the aircraft with four AIM-9,
•External power (provided by ground cart) in the same style as the F-4E,
•External air (provided by ground cart) in the same style as the F-4E,
•Boarding ladder and boarding steps.

I think you are onboard with almost everybody I seen posting about it. I will pay for the upgrade, I kind of like fly it in Kola map, when I bother. My home is northern part of Norway and it is of course very little populated. F 5 was our main fighter for a long time and I have a soft spot for it. 
I agree a plain visual improvement should be free. But some say radar is better and other improvements. I just ask of this, not trying to be provocative. Did you read the specs on this update before purchasing, to me it looks like you did not

[Rudel_chw]

5 minutes ago, LuseKofte said:

I agree a plain visual improvement should be free.

 

I don't really see why this should be so ... only improvements to the free assets I expect for free, but an improvement to a 10-year old Module?  why? did the developer not invest any resources developing this "plain" improvement?

I find this attitude of "everything for free" quite disturbing, no wonder many don't believe the developer when it discloses how many man-hours went into it.

[Bucic]

1 hour ago, Rudel_chw said:

 

I don't really see why this should be so ... only improvements to the free assets I expect for free, but an improvement to a 10-year old Module?  why? did the developer not invest any resources developing this "plain" improvement?

I find this attitude of "everything for free" quite disturbing, no wonder many don't believe the developer when it discloses how many man-hours went into it.

Imagine how disturbing it sounds for guys flying F-5E exclusively. The 2023 was a bit nightmarish in the yard of the "5". Very long time with no significant updates, with no update plans in sight (more to the contrary even!). Q4 2023 - there were at least 2 waves of broken TACAN. Q1 2024, some miles-long changelogs with no mention of "F-5E”! And now, even myself not being amazed by the cockpit work, I am seeing resources assigned to the beloved 5, clearly visible bug hunting effort, the tangible improvements in the paid version and I find the ease some people go about lashing out rather disturbing, yeah.

Edited December 6, 2024 by Bucic

[ThorBrasil]

2 hours ago, LuseKofte said:

I think you are onboard with almost everybody I seen posting about it. I will pay for the upgrade, I kind of like fly it in Kola map, when I bother. My home is northern part of Norway and it is of course very little populated. F 5 was our main fighter for a long time and I have a soft spot for it. 
I agree a plain visual improvement should be free. But some say radar is better and other improvements. I just ask of this, not trying to be provocative. Did you read the specs on this update before purchasing, to me it looks like you did not

Yes, I read it and agreed to buy it because if I didn't buy it, I wouldn't be able to fly in the remastered version.

1 hour ago, Rudel_chw said:

 

I don't really see why this should be so ... only improvements to the free assets I expect for free, but an improvement to a 10-year old Module?  why? did the developer not invest any resources developing this "plain" improvement?

I find this attitude of "everything for free" quite disturbing, no wonder many don't believe the developer when it discloses how many man-hours went into it.

The problem is that only the 3D model came with some skins. And you can note that all the old skins will not be ported to the new one. At least the digital radio and the refueling probe should have come.

[LuseKofte]

2 hours ago, Rudel_chw said:

I find this attitude of "everything for free"

I have no attitude about it. I just feel I pay for a module that will be patched along the way. 
I would pay for a similar upgrade on the Huey and MI 8. So I don’t mind paying, but I can see the point @ThorBrasil make here. 
You kind of think 7000 man hours will bring along improvements beyond visuals. But what do I know about it. I bought the upgrade just now And all I have installed at the moment is choppers

[ThorBrasil]

12 minutes ago, LuseKofte said:

I have no attitude about it. I just feel I pay for a module that will be patched along the way. 
I would pay for a similar upgrade on the Huey and MI 8. So I don’t mind paying, but I can see the point @ThorBrasil make here. 
You kind of think 7000 man hours will bring along improvements beyond visuals. But what do I know about it. I bought the upgrade just now And all I have installed at the moment is choppers

I will also buy the Huey, Mi8, L39, F86 and MiG15 upgrades that should come out in the future. I was just hoping for more stuff on the F5E that would be possible to include. Most people who fly the F5E were hoping for at least the Digital Radio and Refueling Probe. I won't even get into the Maverick and ILS, because I know that would be very difficult to come by. The F5E is my favorite and that's why I was disappointed. I know ED did an excellent job on the exterior model and there's no denying that, but the cockpit could be better.

 

[Rudel_chw]

23 minutes ago, Bucic said:

Very long time with no significant updates, with no update plans in sight (more to the contrary even!)

 

19 minutes ago, ThorBrasil said:

At least the digital radio and the refueling probe should have come.

 

11 minutes ago, LuseKofte said:

You kind of think 7000 man hours will bring along improvements beyond visuals. 

 

My point was: "why an improvement should be free", I understand what you all write, but none addresses what I wrote.

[ThorBrasil]

9 minutes ago, Rudel_chw said:

 

 

 

My point was: "why an improvement should be free", I understand what you all write, but none addresses what I wrote.

Of course, not everything should be free. It's enough that the DCS is free and receives many improvements, but when something is sold and there is a window that can improve the module, it would be interesting to explore these resources that could be included in the F-5E, which is an aircraft that could receive many improvements. I'm not saying to transform the F5E into the F5N that Brazil has, but to do the things on the list I mentioned.

[Schmidtfire]

This is probably the thinnest and most ungenerous DLC I have purchased for DCS World.

It does look better. But come on... 7 liveries on release (mostly grey and Blufor), no working hatch for the gun bays, no new afterburner effect, no sounds, radar
effects totally untouched and  to top it off - it turns out that the cockpit model is pretty much the same with some tweaks. And while some of the mentioned issues will be
added in an upcoming patch, there is no and i repeat no, reasonable excuse why they are not implemented on release day.

Marketing this as a Remaster in the shadow of real remasters like A-10C II and Ka-50 III is somewhat misleading in my opinion, even with the low price.
I have no problem paying for good content, but this was not a generous update. It feels like an afterthought with assets slapped together to form a new DLC.

Anyways, I will enjoy this purchase for what it is. Just a bit sick of always getting the short end of the stick when buying a new DLC 

[Bucic]

47 minutes ago, Rudel_chw said:

 

 

 

My point was: "why an improvement should be free", I understand what you all write, but none addresses what I wrote.

You said

Quote

I find this attitude of "everything for free" quite disturbing

I agree and I up it up a notch with my lack of sympathy to those ungrateful how the tide has turned for good for the 5.

[ThorBrasil]

When I watched the video for this post, I came across the altimeter that looks like a built-in altitude radar. I didn't even remember it. It would be something else that could be added.

https://forum.dcs.world/topic/211678-dcs-f5e-model-errors-mix-mash-of-avionics-from-various-versions/#comments

[LuseKofte]

Well this upgrade made me fly jets again. I am going to get warm in it relearn it so to speak. I forgot how noble it is while trying to fly straight and level 

[PawlaczGMD]

Just one criticism of the F-5 remaster:

-the caution lights and radar panel lights were not upgraded. They look quite rough, it was OK in the old cockpit, but stands out in the remastered one. The lights are too low resolution, and the lettering is too thick, adjacent symbols blend together, and texturing is mediocre. Just dated overall. As this is definitely within the scope of the upgrade, I'd like to see it revisited. Then I would basically be 100% happy with the purchase.

[ThorBrasil]

 

[MAXsenna]

Thanks @ThorBrasil I had forgotten about that one!  

Yup, that's how we do it in Norway. Got me into my Christmas mood for sure!  

[cfrag]

21 minutes ago, MAXsenna said:

Yup, that's how we do it in Norway

Bah, you guys are sissies. Sitting in the sledge, getting cozy heat from the jet exhaust! We here in Switzerland use a propeller plane! NO heating for Santa, just like God had intended it.

 

[cfrag]

12 hours ago, Schmidtfire said:

Marketing this as a Remaster in the shadow of real remasters like A-10C II and Ka-50 III is somewhat misleading in my opinion, even with the low price.

Agreed. I wish that ED would sidestep the issue entirely and get onto a steady income trajectory. Of course I purchased the "thin" Tiger update, and it again made me think about alternate, more steady sources of income for ED, like having free DCS like it is now, and "Pro" DCS on a subscription (that steadily funds core dev) that has everything DCS has now, plus more, like Vulkan, fog, a much better UX, etc, and the ability host missions (or similar). The point not being what exactly "Pro" would constitute, but providing a steady income for ED (and Nick's own comments be damned) to finance improvements to the aging core. I'd be happy to pay this 9 USD each month if we could get that same volume of change / improvement each month (I'm already spending some 100 each month to host two public servers, so I deem 10% of that a sage investment into the foundation). Who knowns, it may also enable ED to engage someone who actually knows UX design -- the past three additions to DCS (MP faction selection, cargo management and multi-object select) are so abysmally amateurish and bad that it breaks my heart just looking at them.

[ThorBrasil]

1 hour ago, cfrag said:

Agreed. I wish that ED would sidestep the issue entirely and get onto a steady income trajectory. Of course I purchased the "thin" Tiger update, and it again made me think about alternate, more steady sources of income for ED, like having free DCS like it is now, and "Pro" DCS on a subscription (that steadily funds core dev) that has everything DCS has now, plus more, like Vulkan, fog, a much better UX, etc, and the ability host missions (or similar). The point not being what exactly "Pro" would constitute, but providing a steady income for ED (and Nick's own comments be damned) to finance improvements to the aging core. I'd be happy to pay this 9 USD each month if we could get that same volume of change / improvement each month (I'm already spending some 100 each month to host two public servers, so I deem 10% of that a sage investment into the foundation). Who knowns, it may also enable ED to engage someone who actually knows UX design -- the past three additions to DCS (MP faction selection, cargo management and multi-object select) are so abysmally amateurish and bad that it breaks my heart just looking at them.

I'm against any kind of subscription. I'd rather pay the price of the product. The big problem with the F5E remastered is that it had a lot of improvement options that were discarded. If F5E had no room for improvement, I would have kept quiet and paid the price without complaining.

[cfrag]

15 minutes ago, ThorBrasil said:

I'm against any kind of subscription. I'd rather pay the price of the product.

Agreed. The problem is that we no longer live in an environment that is conducive to that kind of business. I would prefer to see ED/DCS to continue, rather than die on the hill of old-school business principles. I saw more than one company go down for "standing their ground on principles" rather than going with the flow, and it'd be sad if DCS goes the way of the Dodo because it can't adapt. We already see the detrimental effect that the current situation has on DCS: the core is increasingly hollowed out, we get increasingly immature modules that can't make it to the finish line within years of them going 'EA', and it takes longer and longer for ED to complete features promised almost a decade ago. I won't really be 'happy' to pay subs, but I'd prefer paying a sub over losing DCS altogether. Looking at DCS core's current state certainly makes me feel uneasy: too many band-aids, too many unfinished or missing features, too many really, really badly implemented functions (look at ME's multi-object selection for a rude awakening of what ED today deem "production worthy"), and a steady flow of unfinished new products. IMHO, without a paradigm shift, DCS is heading for a cliff in the foreseeable future. I'm hoping that will change, that ED re-orients, and I am perfectly willing to pay a price for that.

Edited December 7, 2024 by cfrag

[Otulf]

Hello!

@MAXsenna @ThorBrazil  Here is a Swedish variant of winter fun:

Best regards:

Otulf

Edited December 7, 2024 by Otulf