Summer Sale Extended | DCS Update | F-16C and F/A-18C New Features

[Graphics]

 

18 July 2025

Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends,

Due to high demand, the DCS Summer Sale 2025 has been extended until the 21st of July at 15:00 GMT. Get up to 50% off aircraft, terrains, campaigns, and important add-ons. Taxi over to our EShop and enjoy. Thank you!

We’re putting the finishing touches on our next update, which will add new features to our top of the line aircraft such as the F-16C Viper, F/A-18C, and AH-64D, CH-47F, F4U-1D as well as improving AI behaviour,  improved mission-building tools, and solving core system instabilities. Once it clears final tests, we’ll push it live. Stay tuned for the release notes and be ready to download it the moment it lands.

Thank you for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely, 

Eagle Dynamics

 

Summer Sale

Extension

The DCS Summer Sale 2025 has been extended, but only until the afternoon of the 21st of July, 15:00 GMT. Many flagship modules are half-price or heavily discounted. If you have room for only one more fixed-wing icon, let the A-10C II Tank Killer tempt you with its 30mm “Brrrrrrt” cannon and JDAM power at 50% off. If you prefer a modern multi-role fighter, the F/A-18C and F-16C Viper both shed 40% and offer HARM, JDAM, and AMRAAM destruction! Heatblur’s F-14 Tomcat purrs at 30% off, complete with Jester AI and carrier traps that never get old. Their latest F-4E Phantom II also has a very reasonable 25% off! 

Rotor-heads can claim the AH-64D at 50% off. If you’re into prowling low and fast then the Mi-24P Hind is also half price with Petrovich AI already waiting in the cockpit for you.

Deck ops are sweeter with the Supercarrier module at 40% off, pairing perfectly with the sale-price F/A-18C and F-14A/B. Globe-trotters can pick up the Syria map at 30% off and the Nevada Test and Training Range at a scorching 50% off.

These prices depart in just a few days, so strap in, whip out your wish-list and get in your next favourite module. Hurry! Offer lasts till the 21st of July at 15:00 GMT.

 

DCS Update

Work-in-progress

DCS Core
The upcoming update will bring improvements to several AI behaviors, Mission Editor tools, and core systems. Various AI aircraft issues will be resolved, as well as new loadouts introduced for the B-1B and B-52H. AI ship and ground unit behaviours are being refined that address engagement issues and graphical bugs. Enhancements to the mission scripting API will allow passing arguments and returning values. The Mission Editor will receive quality-of-life updates like tooltip and GUI fixes. Spotting dot rendering is being reworked to change the maximum number of dots that can be rendered simultaneously. Scripting API changes will require script users and creators to adjust some of their scripts accordingly. The Quick Action Generator will see fixes to unit placement and mission generation on specific maps. Voice Chat stability is to be improved with crash fixes. Additionally, we missed mentioning this change in the last update: The warhead power of the Mk-80 series and M117 bombs was corrected to reflect realistic explosive blast radii. 

F-16C Viper
We are preparing to roll out the AN/AAQ-33 Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) with a new ATP User Guide chapter. The Viper update will also include a fix for HTS-related crashes and radar freezes. 

With the addition of the ATP for the Viper, all planned early access features have now been delivered, and the Viper has exited early access! Despite being out of early access, support will continue with planned features like the towed decoy, IDM datalink, and the radar warning receiver handoff mode.

F/A-18C
Terrain-Avoidance (TA) radar mode will debut, alongside corrections to HARM PB search logic, GBU-24 CLAR procedure corrections, corrected jettison logic, radar FLOOD-mode fixes, and several A/G Stores Management System (SMS) quirks.

AH-64D
George will soon become far more capable: Seven new search methods, contextual Consent-to-Fire logic, rocket-mode refinements, startup/shutdown on command, multi-target sequencing and richer voice feedback are all heading to your cockpits. An expanded early access guide is queued to cover the new features.

Data Transfer Cartridge
New Currenthill SAM and naval assets are being pre-populated in Countermeasures Dispenser System (CMDS) tables, legacy-mission compatibility is being restored, hidden-unit filtering will be respected, and a handy Ctrl + D shortcut will open the DTC in the Mission Editor.

CH-47F
Leg-Data pages will soon auto-populate OAT, ΔGWT and predictive fuel numbers, while HSI/TRK parking logic and digital-map draw calls are being polished. Troop-embark limits and troop-controls are also being repaired.

Mi-24P Hind & Mi-8MTV2
Multiplayer sync for the Mi-24P sight-door animations and the Mi-8’s DISS-15 number rolls are being brought up to spec.

F-86F Sabre
The default LCtrl + LAlt + T debug conflict is being replaced with a safer binding.

MiG-21bis (Magnitude 3)
An updated AI flight model will sharpen bandit behaviour in aerial combat.

F4U-1D Corsair (Magnitude 3)
Expect tuned cooling, auto-rich mixture, refined drag, gear-over-speed damage, Bat-bomb AI employment, and a slew of clickable-pit fixes. Essex-class aircraft carrier elevators and carrier damage, antenna vibrations, PBR cockpit textures, and Mission Editor build numbers are all on the way.

OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
NAV-setup data, PERF CALC logic, and HOG-menu flows are being tidied to eliminate double-presses and endless loops.

JF-17 Thunder
Radar-TDC axis control, HUD TD-box behaviour, 24-hour TOD wrap-arounds, and several memory leaks will be cured, while new input binds will broaden HOTAS support.

Black Shark 3 & Flaming Cliffs 2024
New Iraq instant-action missions for the Ka-50 series and a restored Sidewinder Cage/Uncage mode for the F-5E FC are queued.

Cold War Germany Map by Ugra Media
The next update will repair an oversized collision hull, correct city and VORTAC names, resize defence and hospital icons, enhance destruction models, new haystacks and tractors across summer fields, raise church spires, and an improved stadium damage model.

All items above are in active testing and will ship together once internal tests are completed. Please stay tuned for the incoming update. 

 

Important New Features

See What’s Coming Soon

Prior to the next DCS update, treat yourself to this week’s video instruction previews and forum deep-dive. Each topic prepares you for significant enhancements to the F-16C, F/A-18C, and AH-64D.

AN/AAQ-33 ATP – Part 1 (YouTube, 9 min)
A first look at the Advanced Targeting Pod’s basic features, procedures, and use examples like camera selection, field of view settings, and explanations of symbology. This will be a significant addition to the Viper and supplement the existing targeting pod.

AN/AAQ-33 ATP – Part 2 (YouTube, 12 min)
This second instruction video covers more advanced ATP features like Multi-Track, Picture-in-Picture, XR processing, and other interesting features. The ATP will offer new features never seen before in a DCS targeting pod.

F/A-18C Terrain-Avoidance Radar (YouTube, 7 min)
Follow Matt “Wags” Wagner over Iraq at low-level as he explains the radar Terrain Avoidance (TA) radar mode to safely fly at night or bad weather through mountainous terrain.

AH-64D – New George Commands (Forum mini-update)
The next DCS update will add huge improvements to commanding “George AI” as the Co-Pilot Gunner to search for and engage enemy forces. The post explains how to use the interface and explains the command logic.

Each link is a fast hands-on primer to prepare you for the next update. These will be in parallel to updates to the F-16C and AH-64D manuals that go into even greater detail. Dive in, leave your comments, and be ready when the next update is released.

Thank you again for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

[YoYo]

Thx for the update but .... "Spotting dot rendering is being reworked" - just promise me the BIG DOT BOX won't come back in VR. 

What we have now works very well for the auto option in VR. I hope it's some other fix. 

[hannibal]

looking forward to updates!

sounds like new george will put me out of the job as cp/g!

Edited yesterday at 03:51 PM by hannibal

[peachmonkey]

I think this news letter is perfect. It highlights on what's coming, instead of regurgitating what's been released. I hope ED keeps the same cadence going forward!

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

- With the F-16 being officially out of early access, I take it we can expect the final external textures soon as well?
- When we will see the next Petrovich update? Especially more voiceovers would be more than welcome to replace the floating text that we currently have, which is outside of the normal field of view in VR and thus very easily missed.

[twistking]

24 minutes ago, Raven (Elysian Angel) said:

- With the F-16 being officially out of early access, I take it we can expect the final external textures soon as well?

Are the current external textures confirmed to be WIP? I mean i surely hope so, as they clearly look worse than other modules while also not offering a lot of variety.

[Galwran]

When do we get the currenthill assetpack

 

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

6 minutes ago, twistking said:

Are the current external textures confirmed to be WIP? I mean i surely hope so, as they clearly look worse than other modules while also not offering a lot of variety.

They were confirmed as placeholder/WIP when the F-16 released 6 years ago and so many people complained about wrong colours (particularly the green nose), missing panels and general low quality.

Personally I have been using the replacement texture pack by Texac ever since.

[Robi Hobby]

vor 1 Stunde schrieb YoYo:

Thx for the update but .... "Spotting dot rendering is being reworked" - just promise me the BIG DOT BOX won't come back in VR. 

What we have now works very well for the auto option in VR. I hope it's some other fix. 

This update really scares me!  

[YoYo]

2 hours ago, peachmonkey said:

I think this news letter is perfect. It highlights on what's coming, instead of regurgitating what's been released. I hope ED keeps the same cadence going forward!

Right! +1. Noticed the same .

btw. I hope we will know something in the next newsletters about progress of Dynamic Campaign. The topic has quieted down a bit and there has been nothing for a while.

[BIGNEWY]

3 minutes ago, YoYo said:

btw. I hope we will know something in the next newsletters about progress of Dynamic Campaign. The topic has quieted down a bit and there has been nothing for a while.

We will share news as soon as we are ready to, but for now the work continues. 

thanks

[Wroblowaty]

Any chance for Hornets ability to designate offboard tracks as L&S as mentionned in Wags video about terrain avoidance radar mode?

[YoYo]

7 minutes ago, BIGNEWY said:

We will share news as soon as we are ready to, but for now the work continues. 

thanks

I know, Wags said something in the last Q&A that something will be shown, so we wait patiently .

[Archangel44]

Looking forward to the update.

Thank you ED.

[AndrewDCS2005]

From https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/changelog/release/2.9.17.11733/ of June 19
 

Quote

Multi-Sensor Integration (MSI) of surveillance-only tracks that can be set as the L&S and DT2 is in testing and is planned for the following update.

Since then we already had 2.9.17.12034 and new update is there but no mention of MSI on F/A-18 anymore. Why and when?

[CaptPickguard]

@AndrewDCS2005@Wroblowaty

MSI video will be in August and hopefully included in the next patch. This patch it will not be included.

[Beirut]

The heading on the first page says: Extra special savings for extra special pilots!

 

But there are no extra special savings for the Steam crowd. That means we're not extra special pilots.

 

Now I'm sad again. 

[Rudel_chw]

7 minutes ago, Beirut said:

But there are no extra special savings for the Steam crowd. That means we're not extra special pilots.

 

Now I'm sad again. 

being a Steam customer is a choice, if you want you can be an ED customer instead.

[Beirut]

59 minutes ago, Rudel_chw said:

being a Steam customer is a choice, if you want you can be an ED customer instead.

 

I am an ED customer. Eight-years and four-digits worth.

 

Just a shame we Steam folk aren't extra special pilots too.  Oh well. 

[Rudel_chw]

2 hours ago, Beirut said:

I am an ED customer

I meant an ED-Store customer.

[Weasel]

Really looking forward to the August update and seems to be a big update! 

Also nice to see that the F/A-18C Hornet will get some nice updates too! 

[draconus]

22 hours ago, Graphics said:

MiG-21bis (Magnitude 3)
An updated AI flight model will sharpen bandit behaviour in aerial combat.

Thanks, finally. Does it also mean more realistic drag and performance fix?

22 hours ago, YoYo said:

What we have now works very well for the auto option in VR. I hope it's some other fix.

Since we have options for off/auto/manual you will have your choice no matter what the fix means.

15 hours ago, Beirut said:

But there are no extra special savings for the Steam crowd. That means we're not extra special pilots.

You have the same choice as anyone else.

Edited 5 hours ago by draconus

[Beirut]

12 hours ago, Rudel_chw said:

I meant an ED-Store customer.

 

Nobody has a sense of humour. I was just having fun with the wording. I mean, c'mon, everyone want to be extra special. 

 

Need Nick Grey to pop in with that magnificent voice: "Everything is fine... you're awllll extra special pilots to us."

[Rudel_chw]

19 minutes ago, Beirut said:

Nobody has a sense of humour. I was just having fun with the wording.

 

Sorry, I didn't get the joke as english is not my native language ... and I also am serious about this hobby

 

19 minutes ago, Beirut said:

I mean, c'mon, everyone want to be extra special. 

 

On my case, I just want to be happy 

[Beirut]

29 minutes ago, Rudel_chw said:

 

Sorry, I didn't get the joke as english is not my native language ... and I also am serious about this hobby

 

It's cool.