Suggestion to Expand Germany Cold War Map to Fully Include the Low Countries

[wiwa23]

First and foremost, I want to thank Ugra Media for their exceptional work on the Germany Cold War map for DCS. The level of detail and historical accuracy they've achieved is truly outstanding, and it brings the Cold War era to life in a way that captivates both history enthusiasts and flight simulation fans alike. A very well done and hopefull Early acces release if you ask me.

 

As a passionate supporter of Ugra Media and their work, I would like to propose a suggestion that I believe would enhance the map’s realism, historical relevance, and gameplay potential: expanding the current project to fully include both the Netherlands and Belgium.

 

Here are several compelling reasons to consider this expansion:

 

1. Historical Relevance in the Cold War Context: During the Cold War, both the Netherlands and Belgium were of significant strategic importance. These nations hosted key NATO military bases, radar installations, and airfields critical to defense operations. And let's not forget the fact the NATO headquarters is hosted in Brussels (since 1967). Incorporating these regions would provide players with an even more comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical situation of the era.

 

2. Military Installations: Notable Cold War-era bases in the Netherlands (such as Volkel, Leeuwarden, Twente and Soesterberg Air Bases) and Belgium (such as Kleine Brogel, Florennes, Chievres and Beauvechain) played vital roles in NATO's defensive strategies. Including these bases would enrich mission creation possibilities for users, offering more diverse operational scenarios. Also it would give an opportunity to inlcude two training ranges which where used very extensively by NATO airforces. I'm referring to Vliehors/Cornfiled range at Vlieland (Island of the coast of the Northern Netherlands) and Pampa range (Houthalen helchteren a couple of miles South of Kleine Brogel airbase).

 

3. North Sea Carrier Operations: The proximity of the Low Countries to the North Sea presents unique opportunities for carrier-based operations and naval-air interactions from the West (in welcome addition to those from the North). This would add a dynamic new dimension to the map’s potential, catering to those who enjoy complex and multifaceted missions.

 

4. Broader Appeal and Immersion: Fully integrating the Low Countries into the map would appeal to an even larger audience, especially users from these regions who have a personal connection to the history being depicted. A substantial part from this region is an active part of the DCS community. It would surely enhance the overall immersion by providing a seamless and expansive theater for Cold War-era simulations.

 

Expanding the map to include the entirety of the Netherlands and Belgium would not only add depth to the project but also solidify its status as a definitive Cold War theater in DCS. I trust in Ugra Media's vision and capabilities as developers, and I am confident they will elevate the Germany Cold War map to even greater heights during the upcoming phases of development, hopefully by inlcuding the Low Countries as a whole.

 

I truly hope Ugra Media is considering this suggestion.

 

 

Wiwa

[Slippa]

Yep, and add a time-machine feature so I can roll it back to the '40s please .

[Alicatt]

It's not just the range at H-H, between Leopoldsburg - Hechtel-Eksel there are the tank, artillery, and rifle ranges as well as the Sanicole airstrip.

Leopoldsburg is where operation Market-Garden was planned and set out from. 

The dark line that runs from the north down and crosses the road at Molenheide is now a cycle path but during the time of the map it was a railway line, we use it frequently to visit our daughter in Zolder

There are also many military bases and infrastructure dotted around the area, some still in use and some still there but derelict and some have been built over now. This was/is heavily militarised area.

Eindhoven is not that far to the north from here.  

[wiwa23]

Exactly, and good point! Probably there will be more to think of that is in favor for the argument to include the Low Countries as a whole:

 

- The many airbases that hosts a meaningful USAF department (even with a Nuclear role like Kleine Brogel and Volkel). 

- The Airbases that support the military cargo role (with upcoming C130!) like Eindhoven and Melsbroek.

- A relatively small area with lots of relevant military installations.

- As UgraMedia was planning to include half of those countries it is a relatively small area to add with a huge benefit in extra options.

 

[Tengah]

Wiwa, I couldn't agree more.  You stated your case very well indeed. 

This is an important area for military flying with so much Cold War historical significance. Given the eventual size of the Iraq and Afghanistan maps, not to mention what we have with Syria, this does deserve some consideration from Ugra.

Here's hoping.  

Edited Wednesday at 02:08 PM by Tengah