DCS / Flaming Cliffs / DCS: Flaming Cliffs - what's what

[JayPee]

I'm near to totally lost so hopefully someone can shed some light on the matter by pointing me to the proper references.

 

What I know is, once upon a time there was:

LOMAC, an arcade flight game

LOMAC: FC (1), an expansion set

FC 2, a stand alone arcade flight game leaving the link to LOMAC behind

 

The most recent version:

FC 3, a stand alone arcade flight game

 

Then there is the DCS World core on which the different DCS sim modules run including the free SU-25T module which is an arcade module.

 

So where does FC 3 come in with respect to world? And what about those FC: DCS modules like the F-15C which is basically an arcade module? Aren't they included in FC by default?

 

Obviously I'm no FC user but I'm interested anyway.

 

Oh and please let us not start a dicussion on the definition of arcade because that is not my intention. For the sake of simplicity I'm simply distinguishing between either a DCS sim module like A-10C or KA-50 or a simplified gamer-friendly aircraft such as those in FC 3.

 

Thanks

[blackbelter]

FC3 is a module of DCSW. The aircrafts in FC3 are modeled on the level of LO/LOFC, but it gets to enjoy flying alongside the other planes (A10-C etc) of DCSW, as well as the better visuals offered in DCSW. FC: DCS modules are extracted from FC3, so that people don't have to buy the whole FC3 package in order to enjoy a particular FC3 plane, so they are cheaper. They are also modules installed in DCSW, just like FC3.

 

Nevertheless, I think a discussion on the definition of arcade is quite relevant here... Although I am not gonna start it LOL

[Boberro]

DCS is the Mother, FC3 is big set of many planes but if you are not interested in some of them, only in A-10A example so you buy DCS:FC A-10A only for lower price than full FC package.

[JayPee]

So summarised, there's the DCSW core including the arcade SU-25T.

On top of that you can install sim modules like A-10C or arcade modules like A-10A. And as a 3rd option you can install all arcade modules combined at once by installing FC3 onto DCSW.

 

Why is it worth a discussion? If it isn't an in-depth study sim it is an arcade-ish flight game. Unless you have reasons to define a grey area in between...

 

With regards to the topic of arcade/FC3 fidelity versus sim/DCS fidelity, I would like to know what the hard criteria according to ED are when classifying a module. Especially when 3rd parties are making modules of which we know they can not model it accurately because of limited publication on systems. If for instance the F-18E would achieve a sim/DCS status, that would IMHO totally cloud and undermine the DCS brand/standard.

 

As a matter of fact, I do find this interesting and I am actually willing to start the discussion on the boundaries of FC fidelity versus DCS fidelity.

[GeorgeLKMT]

Get the word "arcade" off your head ;) There's no arcade flying in DCS, that's what H.A.W.X. and Ace Combat is for... FC level modules are lower fidelity when it comes to system depth and clickable cockpits, but combat and weapons employment is still the same. FC3 planes are getting AFM as well.

[JayPee]

Henceforth I'll use FC3 level fidelity and sim fidelity to not step on anyone's toes.

 

Still leaves me to wonder where the classification of sim fidelity versus FC3 level fidelity will for upcoming modules like the L-159, F/A-18E, etc. will be based on.

[GeorgeLKMT]

DCS (study sim) level = maximum possible level of fidelity. While you can argue that could mean basically anything, don't forget that ED still "watches over" 3rd parties and if your 3rd can't prove it can develop DCS simulation with comparable quality to already existing DCS modules, you won't get a contract. AFAIK, there's no FC3 level modules in development (simplified systems and non-clickable cockpit)

 

By the way, L-39 is coming, not L-159 (although I wish)

[Silver_Dragon]

Still leaves me to wonder where the classification of sim fidelity versus FC3 level fidelity will for upcoming modules like the L-159, F/A-18E, etc. will be based on.

 

F/A-18E (coretex designs 3rd partie) has no a FC-3 level, has a Study sim level, similar to A-10C and others.

[JayPee]

L-39, L-159... My bad.

 

The A-10C suite 3 is modeled minus accurate CMS and IFF and some other things I forgot to mention.

 

I wonder what will be allowed to be left out for something to still be of sim fidelity. For instance, the Apache D/E is still a no go for ED because they can't model it accurately.

Edited October 24, 2013 by JayPee

[Bucic]

Is there a proper FAQ entry for this?

[JayPee]

Was looking for one, couldn't find it.

 

Am I blind? :)

[Silver_Dragon]

The A-10C suite 3 is modeled minus accurate CMS and IFF and some other things I forgot to mention.

 

The A-10C module is under military control, both under contract and authorizing implementation level systems can be simulated or not.

[MTFDarkEagle]

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=89885

[JayPee]

I took a moment to read the transcript of the YouTube conversation with Coretex. The fidelity of the 18E will be limited by the information available (to the public) and will therefore not be entirely on par with the 10C. Given this knowledge I wonder how ED will brand it, sim (as in: 10C, 50, etc.) or simplified?

[Silver_Dragon]

The Coretex Transcription has "outdated". We have better info and 2 ex-UsNavy retired personal to advisor over systems and procedures (except secret info).

Edited October 24, 2013 by Silver_Dragon

[JayPee]

And which items would be regarded as secret info?

[Silver_Dragon]

for instance, IFF and other systems, encrypted communication systems, data-links, Radar, MDFs modes and weapons performances.

 

A-10C has banned IFF, AGM-65 maveriks laser version and others systems.

Edited October 24, 2013 by Silver_Dragon

[JayPee]

OK, thank you.