Here's to 2025 | F-100D Development | SATAC Sign-ups

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10 January 2025

Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends, 

Happy New Year! We hope that you had a restful holiday and are ready for an exciting year of new DCS projects and advancements. We launched some fantastic new modules and updates last year that included the Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kola maps, the DCS: CH-47F, DCS: F-4E Phantom II, DCS: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, Flaming Cliffs 2024, DCS: F-5E Remastered aircraft modules, many new campaigns, and countless updates to the DCS Core and modules. We are also delighted to have brought you new, free, high-detail Heavy Metal Asset Pack units! 

Grinnelli Designs have been refining the cockpit geometry, textures, and intricate detailing of the upcoming DCS: F-100D Super Sabre. They have also built an in-house physics simulation tool that streamlines flight model testing to ensure accuracy. Additional work spans key systems, including the AN/APR-25 RHAW, weapons and electrical components, damage modeling, and the Low Altitude Bombing System. Read their report below and check out the Development Screenshots.

In case you missed it, SATAC 2025 is now open for registration until the 31st of January, 2025. SATAC is shaping up to be one of the premier PvP events in our community, bringing together top squadrons from around the globe for intense air-to-air combat. We are sponsoring 24 modules for this competition. Sign-up now!

Thank you for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely, 

Eagle Dynamics

 

DCS in 2024

A Look Back

We combined Open Beta and Stable into a single release version only at the start of the year. This meant more time to prepare new releases, test updates, and check fixes and new additions. We remained firmly committed to enhancing both core features and module specific improvements throughout 2024 with well over 500 core fixes and updates, nearly 130 of which addressed AI behaviors alone. We also rolled out substantial changes, enhancements and bug fixes for all of our products, for example: F-16C (200+ items), F/A-18C (150+ items), and AH-64D (nearly 200 items).

Q1 and Early Q2 Milestones
In late February, we boosted terrain scenery performance through optimized instancing and improved streaming. The AH-64D received its long-awaited Fire Control Radar (FCR), while the F/A-18C received a new pilot model and helmets. We also improved cockpit and external textures across most Flaming Cliffs 3 aircraft, released a number of fixes for Combined Arms, and launched the “F-15C Aggressors” campaign. April saw more realistic G-effects, improved INS+GPS logic, and the new “Mi-24P Outpost” campaign. In early May, we unveiled the eagerly awaited DCS: Kola Map by Orbx.

Mid-Year Releases
Late-May brought the release of the mighty DCS: F-4E Phantom II by Heatblur Simulations, the “F/A-18C Operation Green Line” campaign, and the free Massun Asset Pack. We also introduced bomb fuse options, pilot model and animation updates for the F-16, and added new FCR modes to the AH-64D. In early June, the very capable DCS: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior by Polychop Simulations arrived alongside the “F/A-18C Operation Mountain Breeze” campaign.

Summer Highlights
July featured the launch of the DCS: Afghanistan map and Flaming Cliffs 2024, complete with three new aircraft and campaigns. We also introduced a new launcher, a Select Role interface, and Dynamic Respawn, alongside AI performance refinements. Notably, the F-16C and F/A-18C radar systems were updated to address false targets, while the Supercarrier gained an Airboss (PriFly deck) feature. In August, we released the DCS: CH-47F, improved the cargo system, introduced a route tool for Select Role, and added the RMAP FCR Mode to the AH-64D.

Fall Advancements
Late September saw significant technology improvements, including the removal of the single-threaded version, the introduction of new Spotting Dots, and major performance optimizations. We enhanced terrain VRAM usage and implemented radar shadows for ground radar in the F-16C, F/A-18C, and AH-64D. Additionally, we rolled out crucial CH-47F features and fixes and substantial updates to the Syria map. October brought our first-ever campaign-only patch and then two new campaigns later in the month, along with F/A-18C loadout enhancements, an AH-64D FCR Air Targeting Mode, and more CH-47F improvements.

Year-End Updates
December opened with the DCS: F-5E Remastered update, new fog/dust and volumetric lighting, a revised selection tool for the Mission Editor, three campaigns, and new features to the Supercarrier deck crew. Shortly thereafter, we launched the DCS: Iraq map. Finally, on Christmas Eve, we delivered high-resolution Heavy Metal Assets for free, a major update to Spotting Dots, critical HUD and FM improvements for the F-16C, and pivotal FM and VRS and flight model enhancements for the AH-64D.

2025 and Beyond
We would like to extend our sincere thanks for your continued support and dedication throughout 2024. We remain committed to enriching DCS. Please stay tuned for the 2025 and Beyond video coming very soon!

 

F-100D Super Sabre

Development Report

The F-100Ds’ development team, Grinnelli Designs, recently traveled again to Texas to work with the Collings Foundation’s F-100 Super Sabre. This unique opportunity allowed them to capture authentic cockpit audio during flight, preserving the raw and immersive sounds of this iconic aircraft. Please watch the F-100D Dev Log: The Road to Realism - Part 2.

Beyond their work in Texas, they have been focusing on refining the cockpit model. By enhancing the geometry and textures they have ensured that even the most intricate details are represented with precision. 

Grinnelli Designs has made substantial improvements to testing and verifying the flight model through the implementation of in-house physics simulation tools. This allows them to quickly verify the accuracy of any changes to the flight model. Work has taken place in other areas such as the “Hun’s” unique Radar Warning Receiver (AN/APR-25 RHAW), Weapons Systems, Electrical Systems, Damage Model, Low Altitude Bombing System, and much more. 

“These efforts define our commitment to creating a highly realistic and immersive experience that reflects the legacy of the F-100 Super Sabre. Thank you for your continued support.” 

- Grinnelli Designs

 

SATAC 2025

Tournament 

The 51st PVO Regiment proudly announces SATAC 2025. SATAC, short for Squadron Air to Air Championship, is an annual event set to provide a prestigious platform for competitive Air-to-Air sportsmanship, welcoming all squadrons and airframes to participate! The inception of SATAC dates back to 2011, and the tradition continues as we invite all competitive Air-to-Air squads to compete against the finest that DCS has to offer in a highly immersive and realistic combat environment. Our format is designed to promote the utilisation of various aspects of the simulation, including different weapon types (ARH/SARH/IR) air-to-air missiles, dissimilar air combat training (DACT), and the full range of modern DCS aircraft, each playing its unique role in SATAC 2025. Please sign up now!

Once again, all our very best wishes of health, love and happiness to you and your families for the year ahead. Thank you for all you do to support our work, we really appreciate it. Here’s to a great 2025!

  Yours sincerely,

 

[Lord_Pyro]

One saddening event is missing on the "look back".

Let's hope things will improve on that front during 2025 as well.

[Robi Hobby]

I would like to see RAZBAM and Eagle Dynamics get along again. That would be the best thing for 2025.    

[Beirut]

Wasn't hot and heavy for the F-100. Then watched a documentary about the plane. Now I'm hot and heavy for it.

 

Best way to be interested in a module that you aren't interested in - watch a show about it.

[MiGCap1]

The F-100 is one of my all-time favorites. Had a couple of backseat/photo rides in TRACOR Huns in the 1990s. Hope it will be ready later this year! Keep good work, Grinelli, and many thanks!

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

20 minutes ago, Beirut said:

Best way to be interested in a module that you aren't interested in - watch a show about it.

There are plenty of good YT channels that cover historical aviation. In fact, back then was a much more interesting era anyway because of the learning-as-you-go approach, and a lot of innovation happened then too.
And generally speaking, a lot of issues arise from ignorance so there's that 

[Gunfreak]

23 minutes ago, Beirut said:

Wasn't hot and heavy for the F-100. Then watched a documentary about the plane. Now I'm hot and heavy for it.

 

Best way to be interested in a module that you aren't interested in - watch a show about it.

Very much so. 

For me the F-4 was just that thing that dropped napalm in those Vietnam movies. But after 2 years since the announcement I had dug deep into the F4 and got super hyped by the time it was released.

Same thing happened when I was wargaming. I had zero interest in medieval. It looked simple and uninteresting compared to both earlier and later periods. But when you get into it,  reality is far more complex and interesting. 

[Beirut]

10 minutes ago, Raven (Elysian Angel) said:

There are plenty of good YT channels that cover historical aviation. In fact, back then was a much more interesting era anyway because of the learning-as-you-go approach, and a lot of innovation happened then too.
And generally speaking, a lot of issues arise from ignorance so there's that 

 

Are you allowed to acknowledge my ignorance without my permission? 

 

Okay, you have my permission.

[bfr]

1 hour ago, Beirut said:

Wasn't hot and heavy for the F-100. Then watched a documentary about the plane. Now I'm hot and heavy for it.

 

Best way to be interested in a module that you aren't interested in - watch a show about it.

Of the Century Series fighters I really wish someone would have a crack at doing the Thunderchief.

[primus_TR]

I can't wait for the f100. I'm still flying strike fighters just to get my weekly f100 fix lol

[YoYo]

[Mapi]

Better to look ahead?

 

[Shrimp]

The ending of the Open Beta branch was one of the best decisions ED has made recently. Brave move!!!

Hope 2025 is the year of Vulkan and GFM, along with hundreds (thousands) of bug fixing, optimizations and module updates (… most modules coming out of Early Access).

Also, in the DCS doctrine department, staying away from Frankenstein modules! Just keep the right track.  

Cheers!!!

Oh, what’s that Lightning doing over there?!!

…or Mitchell, whatever…

[ngreenaway]

BS3 is arguably Frankensteinian, but it doesn't bother me

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

5 hours ago, Mapi said:

Better to look ahead?

 

Yup. 2024 was a pretty bad year for ED (from a PR perspective especially), so let’s hope 2025 can turn that around.

[freehand]

Was one of the top years for me so many new toys.

[Beirut]

45 minutes ago, freehand said:

Was one of the top years for me so many new toys.

 

Yep, Kola and the Phantom. That's some top shelf flightsim goodness right there. 

[vgilsoler]

Even no one line for WW2 in 2024 summary. I suppose it says “everything“ 

[YoYo]

7 hours ago, Raven (Elysian Angel) said:

Yup. 2024 was a pretty bad year for ED (from a PR perspective especially)

Why? Due the Razbam’s issue and without both parties agreeing?

Edited January 11 by YoYo

[waterman]

6 hours ago, vgilsoler said:

Even no one line for WW2 in 2024 summary. I suppose it says “everything“ 

 

Heres one - They did Remove the WW2 Addon Pack Class 86 Steam Locomotive Animations making it a Santas Sleigh .

Heres to 2025 the WW2 Trains can now fly.

So credit where credit is due !

Edited January 11 by waterman

[draconus]

7 hours ago, vgilsoler said:

Even no one line for WW2 in 2024 summary. I suppose it says “everything“ 

No new toys but core and module updates include WW2.

1 hour ago, YoYo said:

Why? Due the Razbam’s issue and without both parties agreeing?

You've found the elephant

Hope for some F-14 and F-15 campaigns on new maps in 2025. I think the new SC deck crew wins in 2024.

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

2 hours ago, YoYo said:

Why? Due the Razbam’s issue and without both parties agreeing?

Yes: both companies already lost credibility and goodwill, which will only get worse if they don’t reach a satisfactory agreement.

Also, think of ED’s launches in 2024 and how they were received. Afghanistan wasn’t a smooth launch; the Chinook wasn’t a good launch, the F-5 remaster was close to disastrous, …

[vgilsoler]

49 minutes ago, draconus said:

No new toys but core and module updates include WW2.

Just a line saying “several fixes on WW2” would be enough.

When people (customers) complain about ww2 being abandoned, and @BIGNEWY or @NineLine replay “they don’t” or “just a little team”, I will be the first remembering them that officially ED agreed in their 2024 summary they don’t do nothing for ww2 in 2024.

ED shot themself in the foot (again)

[waterman]

2 hours ago, draconus said:

No new toys but core and module updates include WW2.

I dont think the WW2 trains frozen wheel animations and making them not deactivate is a module update please wake up and do something useful.

Stop covering up for them all the time.

Whats the next hopeless invention a fly on a none working wiper with animated wings ?

Mods dont even reply when i point out bugs with trains now they all think im a sucker and its a big joke !

I paid for the Working steam loco in the WW2 addon Pack years ago and so did many others now you have stuffed it up and yes you have abandond it.

If you break something people have paid for you have an obligation to fix it the only honest decent thing to do.

 

 

 

Edited January 11 by waterman

[YoYo]

2 hours ago, draconus said:

F-15 campaigns on new maps in 2025

No one has created and will not create (Im writing about paid version) a campaign for the F-15E, if that's what you mean. The topic is too risky for a campaign developer and ED. There was already a story with the radar, from which conclusions were drawn average. What if at some stage the module turns out to be incompatible or other functions stop working. So nothing will be done about it. Creating a paid campaign also requires consent from Razbam btw. You have to put these dreams aside until - either the guys come to an agreement (where probably more depends on ED) for Razbam's return, or ED will take over the module in its entirety (buy the rights from Razbam). With the year soon to be here with this unregulated situation, both things seem unlikely to me. You won't find this elephant in this jungle.

Edited January 11 by YoYo