Add a “Roll-Linked Nose Wheel Steering” Option

[Bullseye_F-16]

Hi DCS Team and fellow pilots,

I’d like to suggest adding a feature similar to the “Enable Roll-Linked NWS” option found in Falcon BMS.

In Falcon BMS, this function links the nose wheel steering (NWS) to the roll axis (joystick left/right movement) while taxiing on the ground. For players without rudder pedals, it offers a simple and intuitive way to steer aircraft during taxi by just using the joystick.

Right now in DCS, aircraft that rely heavily on rudder input during ground operations can be quite difficult to handle without pedals. This can make taxiing frustrating for users with limited hardware setups.

Having a “Roll-Linked NWS” option — even as a simple toggle in the gameplay or control settings — would make DCS far more accessible to a wider audience, while still allowing realism-focused users to keep it disabled if they wish.

This would be a small change, but it could make a big difference in usability and enjoyment for many DCS players who love flying realistically but don’t have rudder pedals.

Thanks for considering this and for all the great work you continue to do on DCS!

[SharpeXB]

The normal option for those without rudder pedals is a twist grip flight stick. I suppose it’s possible to map your rudder axis to the stick roll axis with a modifier button and use that when taxing. That would work. For any non FBW aircraft you’ll want an actual rudder control though so a twist grip is still better.

[Bullseye_F-16]

I totally get your point, and you’re right — a twist grip stick is usually the go-to solution for those without rudder pedals.

However, in my case I’m using the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack and Thrustmaster Viper Joystick, so using a Logitech Extreme 3D just for the rudder doesn’t really make much sense with this setup.

That’s why I think the “Roll-Linked NWS” option I mentioned above would completely solve this issue in a much cleaner way.

[SharpeXB]

Just now, Bullseye_F-16 said:

I totally get your point, and you’re right — a twist grip stick is usually the go-to solution for those without rudder pedals.

However, in my case I’m using the Thrustmaster Viper TQS Mission Pack and Thrustmaster Viper Joystick, so using a Logitech Extreme 3D just for the rudder doesn’t really make much sense with this setup.

That’s why I think the “Roll-Linked NWS” option I mentioned above would completely solve this issue in a much cleaner way.

You could still map the roll axis to the rudder anyways and activate that with a modifier button just to use on the ground. 

[Bullseye_F-16]

2 minutes ago, SharpeXB said:

You could still map the roll axis to the rudder anyways and activate that with a modifier button just to use on the ground. 

Yeah, that could definitely work for now. I’ll give it a try when I get the chance.
Really appreciate the suggestion. Thanks.

[Yurgon]

1 hour ago, Bullseye_F-16 said:

Having a “Roll-Linked NWS” option — even as a simple toggle in the gameplay or control settings — would make DCS far more accessible to a wider audience, while still allowing realism-focused users to keep it disabled if they wish.

SharpeXB's suggestion is spot-on!

Because when we look at it in detail, how exactly would a roll-linked NWS work? Does it disable the roll-axis while on the ground? That might break certain training missions that require pilots to perform specific steps on the ground (and be a nightmare for their creators). Or does the roll-axis maintain its function while adding NWS on top? Since NWS is linked to the rudder in most DCS aircraft, I suppose you're actually thinking about a roll-rudder link rather than a roll-NWS link, right?

Now what about crosswind takeoffs that, depending on the module, might require rudder/NWS against the wind and and aileron into the wind? These would become practically impossible with such an option enabled (while certainly still being tricky without rudder pedals - and even with them as well ).

And then there are aircraft that turn on the ground via differential braking. How would that work?

The beauty of using a modifier for the rudder axis is that it's a thing players can set up with no modification to DCS whatsoever.

[Bullseye_F-16]

7 minutes ago, Yurgon said:

SharpeXB's suggestion is spot-on!

Because when we look at it in detail, how exactly would a roll-linked NWS work? Does it disable the roll-axis while on the ground? That might break certain training missions that require pilots to perform specific steps on the ground (and be a nightmare for their creators). Or does the roll-axis maintain its function while adding NWS on top? Since NWS is linked to the rudder in most DCS aircraft, I suppose you're actually thinking about a roll-rudder link rather than a roll-NWS link, right?

Now what about crosswind takeoffs that, depending on the module, might require rudder/NWS against the wind and and aileron into the wind? These would become practically impossible with such an option enabled (while certainly still being tricky without rudder pedals - and even with them as well ).

And then there are aircraft that turn on the ground via differential braking. How would that work?

The beauty of using a modifier for the rudder axis is that it's a thing players can set up with no modification to DCS whatsoever.

Thanks a lot for the detailed and thoughtful explanation — you make some very valid points!

I completely understand the potential issues you mentioned, especially regarding crosswind takeoffs, differential braking, and training missions. That’s why I imagine this feature as something purely optional — a simple accessibility assist for players without rudder pedals.

It wouldn’t need to disable the roll axis completely. Instead, it could work only at very low ground speeds, similar to how Falcon BMS handles it. Above a certain speed, it could automatically deactivate, letting the normal flight controls behave as usual.

Of course, anyone who prefers full realism (or needs to train specific procedures) could simply leave it off. But for players with limited hardware, it could make taxiing much smoother and more enjoyable without affecting others.

So in short, it’s not meant to replace proper rudder or NWS control — just to make DCS a bit more accessible for those who don’t have all the hardware yet.

Thanks again for your insight — really appreciate the detailed feedback!

[Yurgon]

14 minutes ago, Bullseye_F-16 said:

So in short, it’s not meant to replace proper rudder or NWS control — just to make DCS a bit more accessible for those who don’t have all the hardware yet.

Yeah, that's a fair point.

I'm just afraid it might actually be pretty hard to implement properly and without accidentally breaking something just because of the large variety of aircraft in DCS.

If you get the chance to try the modifier solution, let us know how it works for you. I use something similar in one specific module and found that it works quite well for me.

Edited 6 hours ago by Yurgon

[Bullseye_F-16]

4 minutes ago, Yurgon said:

Yeah, that's a fair point.

I'm just afraid it might actually be pretty hard to implement properly and without accidentally breaking something just because of the large variety of aircraft in DCS.

If you get the chance to try the modifier solution, let us know how it works for you. I use something similar in one specific module and found that it works quite well for me.

Yeah, I totally understand that — it could definitely be tricky to implement across so many aircraft.
I’ll give the modifier method a try soon and share how it goes.

Maybe instead of a global NWS option, it could be something enabled or disabled per aircraft, which might make it a bit easier technically.
Of course, I have no idea what’s going on under the hood — just throwing out an idea.

Thanks again for the helpful input!

[Bullseye_F-16]

39 minutes ago, Yurgon said:

Yeah, that's a fair point.

I'm just afraid it might actually be pretty hard to implement properly and without accidentally breaking something just because of the large variety of aircraft in DCS.

If you get the chance to try the modifier solution, let us know how it works for you. I use something similar in one specific module and found that it works quite well for me.

Just wanted to give a quick update. I tried this setup and it works great!
I used the Paddle Switch on my joystick as a modifier, then mapped the roll axis to the rudder axis while holding it.
Now, when I hold the Paddle and move the stick left or right, the aircraft steers perfectly on the ground. Super smooth taxi control!

Big thanks to everyone who shared this idea. This is an awesome little trick that really solves the problem!