Patch notes discussion May 2025

[BIGNEWY]

 

Patch notes discussion May 2025

Release Version

Current version number: DCS 2.9.15.9599

Next planned update: 5th May 2025 Campaigns update only

[BIGNEWY]

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/changelog/release/2.9.15.9599.1/

Campaigns

DCS: F-14A Fear the Bones Campaign by Reflected Simulations

• Tanker skin fixes by Tomcatter87

DCS: F-14B Speed & Angels Campaign by Reflected Simulations

• Tanker skin fixes by Tomcatter87

DCS: F-4E MIG Killers Campaign by Reflected Simulations

• All missions: Safety trigger implemented for players who forget to raise their flaps fully

DCS: F-4E Red Flag 81-2 Campaign by Reflected Simulations

• All missions: Doc and Briefing typos fixed. Aircraft wear and tear gradually increasing with progress. Safety trigger implemented for players who forget to raise their flaps fully

DCS: F-16C Arctic Thunder Campaign by Reflected Simulations

• All missions: new airfields assigned to the blue side

DCS: F/A-18C Raven One: Dominant Fury Campaign by Baltic Dragon 

• Mission 5. Fixed issue with I/R prompt not working when talking to Knight

DCS: A-10CII: The Enemy Within 3.0 Campaign by Baltic Dragon 

• Mission 13: Fixed bug with AI helicopters not landing near the target building; fixed issue with no debriefing after the mission.

NOTE: the AI still sometimes can hit one another and crash.

DCS: F/A-18C The Rampagers Campaign by Baltic Dragon

• Adjusted wind over deck for recoveries, fixed scoring for departure procedures and updated liveries for VFA-25 and VFA-143 aircraft 
• Mission 1: extended window for departures by 15 min, updated recovery times in briefing 
• Mission 2: added additional instructions reminding users to set laser code on ATFLIR and silenced AWACS Magic calling out BRA to Russian or Syrian aircraft operating over Central Syria
• Mission 3: tanker instructions for wingman can now only appear if player and wingman return together to tanker, added missing score for truck park target 
• Mission 4: added missing debriefing music M05: fixed 309 was reporting “Kilo” before “Established Outbound” and fixed wingman asking player to wait up when already joined up 
• Mission 12: fixed reminder to state correct frequency for killbox controller, increased size of zone for orbiting over Deir ez-Zuir and removed units that could cause wingman to return to attack these
• Mission 14: fixed possible crash if wingman dead, delayed 307 and 309 departure, updated target instructions and updates to subtitles 
• Mission 17: fixed possible sound overlap with historical debriefing

DCS: F/A-18C Operation Green Line by Badger633

• All Missions: Data Transfer Cartridge note added.

DCS: F/A-18C Rise of the Persian Lion 2 by Badger633

• Missions 1 to 7 and 9 to13: Data Transfer Cartridge note added.
• Mission 8 all variants: Tech failure timer changed, Wing attacking wrong target fixed, Data Transfer Cartridge note added.

DCS: F/A-18C Rise of the Persian Lion 1 by Badger 633

• Missions 1 all variants: Wing RTBs low fuel fixed.
• Missions 13, all variants: Sound file conflict fixed.

DCS: AV-8B Hormuz Freedom Campaign by SorelRo

• Missions 2 to 6. Changed the main character voices. Replaced old F-4 model with Heatblur F-4E for the IRIAF. Trigger logic changes for AI. Added new static units for the Siri Island airport. Additional voices added.

[Tomcatter87]

 

[Zebra1-1]

This is the most quiet Patch notes discussion thread I have ever seen. lol 

[MadMonty]

21 minutes ago, Zebra1-1 said:

This is the most quiet Patch notes discussion thread I have ever seen. lol 

Perhaps because the patch, at 24 MB (for me), was also the smallest ever distributed 

[BIGNEWY]

34 minutes ago, Zebra1-1 said:

This is the most quiet Patch notes discussion thread I have ever seen. lol 

people are waiting for the next big patch, as soon as I can share a date I will let you all know, it depends on dev progress and QA test results. 

thank you 

[Kang]

I'd also think it's because this small patch exlusively addressed campaigns and I believe discussions mostly move to their respective forum areas.

[Zebra1-1]

 

29 minutes ago, MadMonty said:

Perhaps because the patch, at 24 MB (for me), was also the smallest ever distributed 

 

True.

 

17 minutes ago, BIGNEWY said:

people are waiting for the next big patch, as soon as I can share a date I will let you all know, it depends on dev progress and QA test results. 

thank you 

 

So 2 weeks? 

Take your time. We appreciate all you do!

[BIGNEWY]

patch planned for today the 21st of May 

We will post patch notes just before the patch goes live. 

thank you 

[AndyJWest]

Any chance of a hint as to how much time we have for pointless speculation before the notes come out? 

[BIGNEWY]

Patch will be later than usual, but we will post the notes just before we go live. 

[BIGNEWY]

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/changelog/release/2.9.16.10523/

DCS Core

• Introducing the Quick Action Generator (QAG) is the enhanced successor to the former 'Create Fast Mission' feature. It offers a more streamlined and efficient method for setting up instant action missions across various eras, mission types, and locations, without the need to use the Mission Editor. (https://forum.dcs.world/topic/373493-quick-action-generator-faq/)
• AI Ground. Added GD-20 lift truck and SD-10/PL-8/PL-5 payloads that can be attached/detached for transport.
• AI Aircraft. Tankers will use flaps to keep slow speed to make slower speeds for tanking possible.
• AI Aircraft. Formation leader destruction/loss affecting formation bombing mission even if next in charge AI takes over leader position - fixed.
• AI AIrcraft. C-130 wing vortex trail effect position not matching - fixed ([REPORTED]C130 wing tip vortex contrail bug - Object Bugs - ED Forums)
• AI Aircraft. Fixed a collision between helicopters on landing if one of the wingmen was lost during the mission.
• Weapon. Fixed YJ-83K model for H-6J.
• Voice overs added to support JTAC communications with player and name more types of weapons properly.
• ME. Copying AH64 in mission editor does not copy preset names - fixed (Copying AH64 in mission editor does not copy preset names - Mission Editor Bugs - ED Forums)
• VR. When in VR, the bottom of the GUI window could sometimes be visible - fixed.
• Terrain Engine: Reduced RAM working set consumption when loading terrain.
• Terrain Engine: Optimized reading terrain files from disk (especially on SSD).
• Terrain Engine: Small objects disappear when near the edge of the screen - fixed.
• Terrain Engine: Some objects darken at far distance  - fixed.
• Render system. DLSS updated to version 310.2.1.0.
• Voice chat. Client-server architecture was improved for better connection stability

DCS: Data Transfer Cartridge (DTC) by Eagle Dynamics

• Fixed: Crash when F/A-18 CMDS set to AUTO after using custom DTC CMDS threat tables.
• Fixed: Using the DTC and saving a track replay breaks the replay - fixed sending messages for track saving.
• Fixed: DTC Import button is unavailable before New DTC file was created.
• Fixed: UHF channels loaded into comms via DTC are locked on FM.
• Fixed: Check differences between F/A-18C and F-16C for CMDS values: 
  • corrected Burst Interval for F16 from 2 symbols after decimal to 3 symbols after decimal
  • corrected step for Burst Interval for F16
  • corrected Interval for F18 from 1 symbol after decimal to 2 symbols after decimal
  • corrected step for Interval for F18
• Fixed: F-18 "Guard Receive enable" not honoured. - fixed not loading the guard option with manual loading COMM partition in the MUMI page.
• Fixed: Default DTC loading selection issues.
• Fixed: ADD DTC in RU (Добавить DTC) - doesn't fit in string.
• Fixed:  Table duplicates units with new files created.
• Fixed: DTC file not saving aural warning setting.
• Fixed: Move the DTC interface layer below the message history layer, role selection, options, etc. in simulation.
  • added DTC closing by ESC
  • fixed ESC for multiplayer
• Fixed: F/A-18 Semi-Automatic mode logic errors using custom DTC CMDS threat tables.
  • Fixed error of incorrect loading of DTC data in CMDS F18
  • Configured CMDS operation
• Fixed: DTC menu displays data from the previous mission.
• Fixed: Old F-4E in tooltips.

DCS: F/A-18C by Eagle Dynamics

• Fixed: EW page is missing page options in S/A and AUTO modes.
• Fixed: Possible to select wrong TWS azimuth scan setting using HOTAS.
• Fixed: Strange radar azimuth with 1Look RAID.
• Fixed: HMD cross disappears with a large FOV - fixed the visibility with large FOV.

DCS: F-16C Viper by Eaglе Dynamics

• Fixed: DTE category labels should clear after loading.
• Fixed: Crash on avionics.
• Fixed: TGP contrast setting resets when paging or changing mode - Fixed, HSD removed as Video-Format for SBC.
• Fixed:  TGP Contrast going dark switching from FCR.
• Fixed: RWS & VSR breaks if you try to lock a false target with VSR and go into DF mode.
• Fixed: Target beyond gimbal limit in ACM mode antenna becomes stuck in azimuth.
• Fixed: MSL mode appears on HUD before switching to DGFT.
• Fixed: HMD cross disappears with a large FOV - fixed the visibility with large FOV.
• Fixed: CMS aft in semi-active mode dispenses CM.
• Fixed: DTC AUTO programs: 
  • added Salvo Quantity checking
  • added NONE threshold logic
•  Fixed: CMS aft in semi-active mode dispenses "bypass" program 
  • fixed logic for SEMI mode as it already is for AUTO based on thresholds
  • fixed not starting next CMDS program in AUTO mode for F16 and F18
• Fixed: Guard Monitor for F-16 
  • changed wrong COMM 1 default state to "BOTH"
  • apply BOTH init state to all start conditions
• Fixed: AUTO and SEMI programs may not be selected if the name has "\".

DCS: AH-64D by Eagle Dynamics

• Fixed: FUEL CHECK data fields misaligned for certain time values.
• Fixed: SEND button on TSD>POINT sub-page not functional.
• Fixed: FCR STOW on FCR>UTIL sub-page does not work.
• Fixed: AUX GALLONS EXT> button is not functioning.
• Fixed: IGN ORIDE should not cause changes to fuel crossfeed or engage boost pump.
• Fixed: C-Scope symbology projection in HMD with NVS off.
• Fixed: Crossfeed and boost behavior during engine start.

DCS: CH-47F by Eagle Dynamics

• Fixed: Engine behaviour in cold conditions
• Fixed: Internal FLIR textures
• Fixed: Reduced IR emission
• Fixed: Parked position of rotors
• Added: Liveries for Spain, Iran, South Korea and Royal Canadian Air Force
• Added: Collective position added to the Controls indicator

DCS: F-5E  by Eagle Dynamics

• Fixed:  Beacon only flashing from the side - added flood lights for beacon.

DCS: F-4E Phantom II by Heatblur Simulations

• NEW: Added a new and improved probe icing model (no visual effects yet). 
• CTD: Fixed potential CTD resulting from JESTER-modding related lua files. 
• Flight Model: Significant improvements to feel and accuracy, especially in landing and takeoff scenarios:
  • Improved the stabilator simulation in ground effect - reduced the effectiveness very close to the ground and at high pitch angles.
  • Minor adjustments to the airflow around the AoA probe with landing gear down. On speed should be slightly faster now.
• Flight Model: Reduced slat induced pitch oscillations when slowly passing the slat deployment/retraction AoA range. This should eliminate some of the “porpoising” that could happen when flying in specific airspeeds and AoAs. 
• Flight Model: Improved the slats overcenter simulation.
• Systems: Fixed cockpit pressure initial value at hot start, which could also cause JESTER to freak out at high altitudes.
• Systems: Fixed the location of the landing gear limit switches and the related landing door operations issues like an occasionally stuck inner door.
• Systems: Tuned the pressure regulators of the hydraulic pumps to keep the max pressure closer to 3000 psi. 
• Systems: Fixed hydraulic pressure drops caused by a bug in pressure calculations for some components (tubes and manifolds) residing behind a closed valve.
• Systems: Overhauled lamp damage; lamps damage and wear now yields more varied states and visual feedback. Ask your crew chief to replace the damn bulbs! 
• JESTER: Fixed Jester Startup issues where JESTER would fail to initiate startup items in certain conditions.
• JESTER: Increased range at which Jester won't ask about fuel near airports and the nearest tanker somewhat. This feature will see more improvement. 
• Multicrew: Fixed throttle cutoff in multicrew. The throttle should now move for the WSO in multicrew when the pilot moves it.
• RWR: Updated the RWR database.
• RWR: Updated handoff sounds.
• RWR: Fixed potential RWR handoff sounds looping issues.
• Visual: Fixes to the Flicker Animator to avoid stuck animations.
• Visual: Potential fix for unsynchronized refueling probe door in Multiplayer on other aircraft than your own. 
• Sound: Aural tone system set to 50% volume for all starts. This is contrary to the manual but better for gameplay. 
• Sound: Fixed a major soundbug where other Phantoms would be barely audible from your cockpit with the canopy up.
• Sound: Fixed strange “stepping” in audio for the left engine.
• Sound: Improved phasing-protection for dual-engine sounds.  
• AI: Added TACAN AA to the AI aircraft.
• Inputs: Added a Special Option to force force-feedback off. 
• Crew Chief: Improved the crew chief flight controls check stab down report.

DCS: F-14 Tomcat by Heatblur Simulations

• Night Lighting: Made a pass to improve night lighting visuals, distances and extant issues, including:
  • Fixed right wingtip collision light not appearing past LoD1
  • Improved distance at which nav/collision lighting is visible across most LoDs.
  • Fixed formation lights (slimelights) disappearing on wingtips beyond 100m. 
  • Fixed wingtip lights not moving with wings with distant LODs.
• Forrestal: First pass to significantly improve Forrestal class lighting system:
  • IFLOLS is not visible from the sides anymore. 
  • Runway lighting is visible from a longer distance.
  • Changed min pixel sizes for most lighting types.
  • Extended range at which mast navigation lights are visible.
• Increased refueling probe light distance; the basket should now be more visible when doing AAR at night. 
• Made JESTER ignore neutral enemies detected visually in BFM. He will no longer go crazy and call out neutrals as bandits and give dogfight calls.
• ICEMAN: Disabled Iceman with weight on wheels. This should help with instances where you switch to the RIO cockpit and Iceman resets e.g. your trim or autopilot settings. 
• Added A/A Tacan to AI aircraft. 
• Fixed the flicker animator + afterburner animations when switching cameras.
• Added the Top Gun 104 livery for the F-14A. 
• Fixed distant LOD appearing darker than it should due to a missing RoughMet texture.  
• Fixed non-ownship aircraft not having exhaust sounds in Multiplayer; other jets should now be correctly audible from your cockpit with the canopy up. 
• Fixed strange “stepping” in audio for the left engine.
• Improved phasing-protection for dual-engine sounds. 

DCS: AJS37 Viggen by Heatblur Simulations

• Systems: Limited the distance parameter on pop up points to the whole km.
• Systems: Fix the “BANA line” hiding.
• Systems: Fix for kneeboard waypoint names.
• Systems: Removed repeating "Custom cartridge found" message in log.

DCS: JF-17 by Deka Ironwork Simulations

• Fixed. Radar antenna scan center does not follow TDC under SAM mode.
• Updated. HPT info on MFCD radar page.
• WIP. TWS EXP mode

DCS Mirage F1 by Aerges

General:

• Module options are taken from the server mission now only for F1BE in multiplayer, and when it has 'Solo Flight' option disabled. In all other cases the options are read from local settings.
• Added shortcut for ‘Ready for pre-contact’ radio message to tanker.

Systems:

• Fixed IFF panel being non-clickable in multiplayer missions.
• Navigation and formation lights should now be correctly visible on other clients in multiplayer.
• Fixed external animations that were stopped once the pilot ejected. It was especially noticeable with navigation lights in 'flash' operating mode. Other affected animations are landing and refueling lights (F1EE).
• Fixed inoperative 'Light and panel lighting rheostat Axis' input command.
• Fixed left wing fuel tank requiring unrealistically high Gs to rip off.
• Fixed F1 CE/BE IDN wide arrow moving to the last known TACAN position, when IDN is switched to VT mode, even with TACAN signal being invalid.

Weapons:

• Fixed bug that prevented radar missile launch in auto mode.
• R550 pylon fire safety flap now, once retracted, doesn’t extend anymore when IAS drops below 150 kts.
• Fixed Sidewinder audio being not heard, when only the left wingtip pylon had a missile loaded.
• AIM-9B and AIM-9P missiles now can be launched only when g load is less than 6G.
• R550 missile launch can be activated now with intermittent track (i.e. with chopped lock tone). The missile will be actually launched once the steady track was established.
• R550 intermittent to steady track transition time now depends on the target off boresight angle at the moment when it was detected.
• Implemented R550 missile 30 degrees wide scan. The currently existing 5 degrees narrow scan (boresight scan) is enabled while "Cannon 300-600m and missile lock/unlock button" is held pressed.
• R550 and SW missiles can be locked now and missile audio can be heard with Master Arm in OFF. In these conditions the missiles can't be launched, and the missiles status will not be displayed on the Optical Sight.
• R550, SW, and R530 IR missiles will not be displayed as ready on the Optical Sight, before their gyros spin up is complete.
• R550 missiles will not be emergency jettisoned until the pylons safety flaps are in (once IAS is greater than 150 kts).
• Sidewinder missiles seekers instantaneous FOV and maximum track rates were updated.

3D model:

• Added missing F1BE rear canopy locking hook.

DCS: C-101 Aviojet by AvioDev

• Maximum movement speed of roll/pitch steering bars was limited.
• C-101CC: now when Flight Director VOR APP is engaged 'VOR APP ARM' light will be lit instead of 'APP ARM'.
• C-101CC: when VOR/ILS station signal is lost with one of NAV, APP, VOR APP modes in ARM, NAV/APP/VOR APP ARM light will cease, but HDG mode will stay engaged.
• C-101CC: when VOR/ILS station signal is lost with one of NAV, APP, VOR APP modes in CAP, the mode will not cease, but instead will switch to 'ARM'.
• Updated flight manual: sight line depression can be manually set up to a mechanical limitation of 299 mrad, though the displayed limitation is 199 mrad.
• Sidewinder missiles seekers instantaneous FOV and maximum track rates were updated.

DCS: Cold War Germany by Ugra Media

• added straight wires on poles
• added AAW point marks on the map
• fixed errors in airfields taxiways
• fixed incorrect arrangement of icons and names on the map
• fixed errors in airfield frequencies
• fixed errors in 3d models
• removed trees on helipads H_GDR_34, H_FRG_46, H_FRG_51
• optimized build of ground unit routes
• optimized use of module resources

Campaigns

DCS: F/A-18C Operation Cerberus North Campaign by Ground Pounder Sims

• Mission 9 to 12. Various minor updates and fixes.

DCS: F-4E Red Flag 81-2 Campaign by Reflected Simulations

• Red Flag Mission 5 and Mission 5 Kneeboard.pdf. There were fix some typos.
• All missions: documentation fixes
• Mission 2: Jester now selects the appropriate waypoint after push

DCS: F/A-18C Operation Green Line by Badger633

• All Missions: Data Transfer Cartridge note typo fixed. 

DCS: F/A-18C Rise of the Persian Lion 2 by Badger633 

• ·All Missions: Data Transfer Cartridge note typo fixed. 

DCS: F/A-18C Rise of the Persian Lion by Badger633 

• Mission 13 EZ refuel version: Tanker name typo fixed.
• Mission 8 all versions: ABE Tacan name fixed. 

DCS: F/A-18C Serpent’s Head 2 by Badger633 

•  Mission 8 all versions: Blue marker smoke reintroduced.

DCS: F-14A Zone 5 Campaign by Reflected Simulations

• All missions: A2A Yardstick added
• All missions: Jester will automatically select A2A Yardstick when appropriate

DCS: F-14B Speed & Angels Campaign by Reflected Simulations

• All missions: A2A Yardstick added
• All missions: Jester will automatically select A2A Yardstick when appropriate

DCS: Spitfire IX The Big Show Campaign by Reflected Simulations

• Mission 2: scripting improvements

DCS: F/A-18C Raven One: Dominant Fury by Baltic Dragon 

• Mission 4: fixed issue with wrong pop-up message after intercepting the main target, which may cause mission to hang; updated designer's notes to avoid possible problems on deck during takeoff 
• Mission 5: updated designer's notes with instructions on what to do if there are trouble with taxi directors before departure.

DCS: F/A-18C The Rampagers Campaign by Baltic Dragon

• Minor updates to kneeboards in all missions and checklist pdf
• Mission 03 fixed typo in mission briefing and briefing pdf
• Mission 12 minor adjustments to orbiting and strike criteria
• Mission 14 fixed issue with 307 and 309 not starting up

[peachmonkey]

thank you, @BIGNEWY

 

 

Edited 17 hours ago by peachmonkey

[Hoirtel]

Is that DLSS update the transformer version? The same one that everyone seems to like?

[sirrah]

Quite an impressive list of improvements and bug fixes.

Very nice to see the new QAG added.

Hopefully we also have an option to create a quick cargo transport, or troop insertion missions 

 

(I am slightly disappointed however, that the A-10C II pilot body is still not added)

[Hiob]

Does the QAG work for multiplayer? Or can the mission it generates be saved and modified?

Edit: Answered in the FAQ, ty

Edited 17 hours ago by Hiob

[Qcumber]

20 minutes ago, Hoirtel said:

Is that DLSS update the transformer version? The same one that everyone seems to like?

Yes. It looks that way. 

https://www.techpowerup.com/download/nvidia-dlss-dll/

 

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

19 minutes ago, Hoirtel said:

Is that DLSS update the transformer version? The same one that everyone seems to like?

Seems to: TechPowerUp lists it as the most recent version.

 

40 minutes ago, BIGNEWY said:

AIM-9B [...] missiles now can be launched only when g load is less than 6G.

The real-life limit for AIM-9B was 2 (two) G. Why not stick to that limit to make that weapon more interesting and realistic?

[BIGNEWY]

43 minutes ago, peachmonkey said:

thank you, @BIGNEWY

 

btw, the url for the QAG points to a non-existent page:   https://forum.dcs.world/topic/373493-quick-action-generator-faq

null

Fixed, sorry was hidden ready for patch going live. 

 

15 minutes ago, Raven (Elysian Angel) said:

The real-life limit for AIM-9B was 2 (two) G. Why not stick to that limit to make that weapon more interesting and realistic?

If you have unclassified evidence that is different feel free to DM me 

[Kang]

Look here, you can't just throw out a larger patch like that with just hours of prior notice. Most of us had literally no chance to speculate widely on what might be part of it!

[Blinde]

No Currenthill assets?

[Ghost79]

DLSS update has made a notable difference, less ghosting, sharper image and AA. so far so good 

[Qcumber]

9 minutes ago, Ghost79 said:

less ghosting

How much less? Enough to change your name to "ghost29"

[Ghost79]

5 minutes ago, Qcumber said:

How much less? Enough to change your name to "ghost29"

haha good one, didn't see that one coming 

[virgo47]

My first question about QAC would be... why does it load terrain before I even choose one? Why does it take many (tens) of seconds before I can even interact with it? If it needs terrain to continue, ask me first. If it needs era before being useful - ask me first. Ask me quickly. Then do the long stuff.

It's surprising nobody thought about these simple UX things... of course, if it's early alpha, OK, but then don't leave the details to some forum post, but add (ALPHA) after the menu option, so it's obvious it's an early experimental phase.

I'm probably a bit harsh, but to eat 7G of VRAM and 20+G of RAM + waiting quite long - just to get to the first choices, that seems to be an obvious thing to avoid. And using CW Germany as the default map for that (assuming one has it) is just making the bad case even worse.