Peer adversaries, ground and air.

[Pikey]

Until now the DCS ecosytem has lived in the 1-5m2 Radar cross section limit for the purpose of detection by radars.

F-35 has, if you are willing to accept the data provided, an rcs three decimal points to the right of that, which render most of the existing in game air radars blind. We dont model the birds and the bees, but this is what an F-35 is, in size.

The 90's SAM's in game will be useless, as far as I understand. The Airborne radars, are at least disadvantaged to the point where weapons first launch are a total surprise. In fact, BVR is a bit pointless in F-35 vs anything in DCS currently.

DCS is an ecosystem where we want to do more than be a cockpit simulator. I do not accept that it is, currently. Those that like to learn a sequence, thats your game. However, there are thousands, that enjoy having some kind of match, or dare I say it, a 'game', scenario or structured event that goes beyond process.

My ask is that ED consider the tools needed in which we can incorporate a module like F-35 seriously now and reserve developer cycles for that in the months ahead.

Specifically:
Dynamic RCS that exposes F-35 bay doors, gear, aspect to less favourable conditions.
Some kind of air AI adversary(s) that can also behave more stealthily, and not just detect, tunnel and fire. (Preferably Russian origin)
A suite of 2-3 Surface to Air Missile systems of more current technology that have a better detection chance (Preferably Russian origin)
Red Coalition AWACS/GCI networks and systems with up to date detection capabilities.

It doesn't have to be a completely seperate two-tiered game, but it will need something more to bridge that gap. The F-14 was an interesting example  showing how a module could perform in a mixed technology environment, but the gap between 1m2 RCS and 0.0001 RCS and an AESA is a void that ED needs to fill else the F-35 module won't be able to "play a game" with anyone except the pilot and the systems.

Edited January 18 by Pikey
simplify wording, same message

[upyr1]

I sure hope we can ger more modern adversaries. I don't know what can or can't be done as AI or as a flyable module but bring it on

[Eviscerador]

Most likely server owners will set the external pylons of the F35 to always on to boost the RCD to manageable levels. Also, do you really believe people will fly with just 4 AMRAAM or 2 AMRAAM and 2 GBU31?

We will see beast mode all day

That being said, more AI opponents with the same level of tech would be welcome. Like a J20 by Deka, super hornets or SU57.

[draconus]

On 1/18/2025 at 1:21 PM, Pikey said:

Until now the DCS ecosytem has lived in the 1-5m2 Radar cross section limit for the purpose of detection by radars.

Check F-117 - RCS 0.01m²

other examples:

B-52H - 100m²

MQ-9 - 0.5m²

Quote

How will you model its low observable characteristics?
This will be based on open-source data and account for radar angle, range, and external stores, and open bays.

Would this not unbalance DCS?

[...] and the later introduction of more comparable aircraft like the Eurofighter and others.

Edited January 22 by draconus