MigBuster

DCS World 2.5 Open Beta Update

Last week we launched the Open Beta version of DCS World 2.5, and your initial reports have been very helpful for us to reach a high-quality release version. The team is working very hard to bring the DCS World 2.5 release version to you as soon as possible. We have been reading all your feedback and striving to address all valid issues.

Less than a week after the 2.5 OB release, we released a hot fix which you can read about on the forum in special thread.

Earlier than initially planned, we also released the Open Beta of DCS World of 2.5 to Steam, which you can read about in the Steam news.

DCS World 2.5 has been a significant advancement for DCS World and we are heartened by all the kind words of appreciation, thank you!

If you missed it earlier, here you can find the DCS World 2.5 Open Beta launch trailer video.

DCS World Helicopter Sale

One of the biggest benefits of DCS World 2.5 is that it's a much better environment to fly helicopters. The higher-resolution terrain elevation mesh, higher resolution terrain and object textures, much improved trees, huge forests, and trees that now have collision / block line of sight for weapons, all create a much more engaging and beautiful environment to fly in.

Starting today and lasting until 19 February at 0900 GMT, we are offering 30% off on all helicopters for DCS World!

Find these great deals on our E-Shop.

DCS: F/A-18C Hornet Update

Progress on the Hornet is moving along quickly with much of the work focused on the air-to-air radar modes, defensive systems, INS waypoint navigation, and flight dynamics / Flight Control Computer. Our next Hornet academic video will instruct on Hornet TACAN and ADF navigation.

Pre-purchase now and save $20: DCS E-Shop.

New Rapier SAM Model

In addition to adding new units to DCS World, we are also busy updating some of the older units. Much of the priority is based on updating units that are operated by Iran... an important aspect of the new Persian Gulf map that is in late-development.

Here are a few work-in-progress of this unit that will also be playable via Combined Arms.

DCS World 2.5 Open Beta Released!

Download DCS World 2.5 Open Beta from DCS site

The Open Beta version of Digital Combat Simulator World (DCS World) 2.5 is a free-to-play digital battlefield game and simulation environment. The "release" version will be available shortly after Open Beta testing is complete. The Open Beta is an optional version of DCS World that we use to first test new content and technologies before moving them to our release version.

DCS World 2.5 Launch Trailer

Our dream is to offer the most authentic and realistic simulation of military aircraft, tanks, ground vehicles and ships possible. This free download includes a vast mission area of the Caucasus region and Black Sea that encompasses much of Georgia. It also includes a flyable Russian Sukhoi Su-25T ground attack aircraft and the famous WWII North American TF-51D fighter. An additional more than two dozen aircraft are available for purchase.

The download comes with one of the most powerful mission planners ever designed, full network play and more than 156 AI weapons systems, 105 ground vehicles and trains, 50 air defense systems, 19 ships and 84 AI aircraft permitting you to plan and play highly sophisticated missions. DCS World is massively extensible through additional DCS modules as well as user-made add-ons and mods which you can purchase and download from our site.

DCS is a true "sandbox" simulation that is also designed to cover multiple time periods of interest such as WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, Gulf War and others. Current regions to battle include the Caucasus, Nevada Test and Training Range, and Normandy 1944. New maps in development include the Persian gulf, Syria and others.

DCS World is fundamentally a deep, authentic and realistic simulation designed also to offer a more relaxed gameplay to suit the user and his particular level of experience and training. The ambition is to hand hold users from novice pilot all the way to the most advanced and sophisticated operator of such complex weapons systems as the A-10C Warthog or the F/A-18C Hornet. The only next step is the real thing!

Key features of DCS World 2.5:

• The most realistic Free-to-Play digital battlefield ever.
• One-of-a-kind, internally developed graphics engine that looks amazing from 0 to 80,000 feet.
• Includes a beautiful, free, and highly detailed map of the Caucasus region that includes south western Russia and Georgia.
• Includes 20 fully-equipped operational airbases, millions of buildings and trees, and thousands of kilometers of usable roads and railway.
• Includes 156 free and fully operational weapons systems, 105 ground vehicles, 19 ships and 84 AI-controlled aircraft.
• Fly the TF-51 Mustang and Su-25T attack jet for free!
• Play all DCS World modules from one DCS World version.
• State-of-the-art graphics with amazing lighting, shadows, and performance.
• New breathtaking effects for explosions, clouds, fog, fire, and smoke.
• Hundreds of land, air and seaborne AI vehicles. The world is your sandbox.
• Create your own missions and campaigns for unlimited gameplay!
• Mission generator included allowing rapid mission creation.
• Enjoy multiplayer with friends, and even fly together in the same aircraft for multi-crew missions!
• Purchase and fly the most iconic airplanes and helicopters from WWII up to the modern day.
• Mouse interactive 6 degrees of freedom cockpits for most aircraft and the most accurate flight models, cockpit systems, sensors, targeting systems and sounds available.
• Purchase and fly the most authentic simulations of the A-10C Warthog, UH-1H Huey, F-86F Sabre, Spitfire, and many others now.
• Exciting new aircraft coming to DCS World like the F-14 Tomcat, F/A-18C Hornet, F-4E Phantom II, Mi-24P Hind, P-47D Thunderbolt, and many more!
• Purchase additional high-quality maps such as Normandy 1944 and the Nevada Test and Training Range.
• Play hundreds of missions and campaigns with new campaigns continually created.
• Both hardcore realistic and casual gameplay modes and options available.
• Virtual reality support.

Minimum system requirements: OS 64-bit Windows 7/8/10; DirectX11; CPU: Intel Core i3 at 2.8 GHz or AMD FX; RAM: 8 GB; Free hard disk space: 60 GB; Discrete video card DirectX11: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 / AMD R9 270X with 2GB VRAM or better; requires internet activation.

Recommended system requirements: OS 64-bit Windows 7/8/10; DirectX11; CPU: Core i5+ at 3+ GHz or AMD FX / Ryzen; RAM: 16 GB; Free hard disk space: 120 GB on Solid State Drive (SSD); Discrete video card DirectX11: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 / AMD Radeon RX VEGA 56 with 8GB VRAM or better; Joystick; requires internet activation.

DCS: Yak-52 Update

Although the Hornet and DCS World 2.5 have been in the spotlight lately, the Yak-52 is making great progress and will introduce some great new technologies that will benefit the future of DCS World.

• We are creating a new radial piston simulation engine from the ground up with a highly-realistic engine cooling model. This will have great benefits for future DCS aircraft like the P-47D Thunderbolt.
• One of our staff members is also Yak-52 aerobatic pilot! We’ve had our flight engineers in the back seat to get the flight model and quirks of the aircraft just right.
• A very important aspect of the Yak-52 are the flight dynamics and post-stall behavior. Our team has been making substantial progress to making our Yak-52 fly just like the real one, including edge-of and out-of-envelope maneuvers. She really will be a blast to fly!
• We are also working to include cooperative multiplayer to allow both pilot and student in the same aircraft.
• When played in VR, the detailed cockpit very much comes to life.

Attached are several new images of Yak-52.

More WIP screenshots

DCS: F/A-18C Hornet

Last week we made DCS: F/A-18C Hornet available for pre-purchase and it has been a huge success for us. Thank you for the amazing support!

Between April and the end of Spring 2018, we will release the Hornet into Early Access. For now though, pre-purchase and save 20$. Additionally, you will receive $19 in bonus points!

Pre-purchase and save $20 in DCS E-Shop!

The Hornet is a true multi-role fighter that can switch from attacking surface targets to engaging air targets with the press of a button. Equally at home on an aircraft carrier or airfield, the Hornet is equipped with a large suite of sensors that include radar, target pod, and a helmet mounted sight. In addition to its internal 20mm cannon, the Hornet can be armed with large assortment of unguided bombs and rockets, laser- and -GPS-guided bombs, air-to-surface missiles of all sorts, and both radar- and infrared-guided air-to-air missiles.

DCS World provides the most rich and authentic digital battlefield for the Hornet to fly in.

Key Features of DCS: F/A-18C Hornet:

• Professional Flight Model (PFM) and authentic Flight Control System (FCS)
• Realistic model of the F/A-18C, down to each bolt
• Detailed simulation of the Hornet’s many systems like engines, fuel, electrical, hydraulic, radios, lighting, emergency, and many, many more
• Inertial and GPS navigation systems with moving map display
• Virtually all the weapons and sensors that a mid-2000s US Navy F/A-18C operates
• Highly realistic cockpit that is mouse interactive
• Spin recovery system
• Authentic Hornet sounds with assistance from Boeing
• New effects like over-wing vapor
• Virtual Reality support
• Multiple liveries

If you have any questions about DCS: F/A-18C, they are probably answered in the DCS: F/A-18C Hornet FAQ.

You can also find regular project updates here.

DCS: F/A-18C Hornet Available for Pre-Purchase!

Eagle Dynamics SA and Belsimtek are excited to announce that DCS: F/A-18C Hornet is now available for pre-purchase!

DCS: F/A-18C Hornet - Pre-Purchase Available and Save $20!

DCS: F/A-18C Hornet will be the most authentic and detailed simulation we have ever developed, and it will use our unique CFD engine and aerodynamics developed by Belsimtek to create the most realistic flight dynamics possible. Based on exhaustive research in association with Boeing, our Hornet takes advantage of our newly developed simulation engine and it will set a new benchmark for PC flight simulation.

The Hornet is a true multi-role fighter that can switch from attacking surface targets to engaging air targets with the press of a button. Equally at home on an aircraft carrier or airfield, the Hornet is equipped with a large suite of sensors that include radar, target pod, and a helmet mounted sight. In addition to its internal 20mm cannon, the Hornet can be armed with large assortment of unguided bombs and rockets, laser- and -GPS-guided bombs, air-to-surface missiles of all sorts, and both radar- and infrared-guided air-to-air missiles.

DCS World provides the most rich and authentic digital battlefield for the Hornet to fly in.

Key Features of DCS: F/A-18C Hornet:

• Professional Flight Model (PFM) and authentic Flight Control System (FCS)
• Realistic model of the F/A-18C, down to each bolt
• Detailed simulation of the Hornet’s many systems like engines, fuel, electrical, hydraulic, radios, lighting, emergency, and many, many more
• Inertial and GPS navigation systems with moving map display
• Virtually all the weapons and sensors that a mid-2000s US Navy F/A-18C operates
• Highly realistic cockpit that is mouse interactive
• Spin recovery system
• Authentic Hornet sounds with assistance from Boeing
• New effects like over-wing vapor
• Virtual Reality support
• Multiple liveries

During the Early Access period, the following items will be added to DCS: F/A-18C Hornet:

• New and updated sensors to include air-to-ground radar, additional air-to-air radar modes, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), Link-16 Datalink, and targeting pod.
• New weapons such as Harpoon, HARM, Shrike, Maverick, JSOW and SLAM, SLAM-ER missiles, Walleye, laser- and GPS-guided bombs, sea mines, fire bombs, TALD decoys, and AIM-9X and AIM-120 air-to-air missiles.
• Additional display pages like the Situational Awareness, Flight Performance Advisory System, and Automatic Carrier Landing pages.

Pre-purchase now for $59.99 and save $20 from the Early Access release price of $79.99. We plan Early Access DCS: F/A-18C Hornet to be available for download by the end of Spring 2018.

DCS E-shop

F-15C: Georgian War Campaign on Steam

The F-15C: Georgian War Campaign is now available on Steam

"The Georgian War" is a fictional campaign created by Chris "Viper" Long and Baltic Dragon, and is inspired by real events that took place during the Russo-Georgian War of 2008.

This campaign puts you in the role of a pilot who arrives in Tbilisi as part of a small detachment intended to present the capabilities of the F-15C to the Georgian government, which has expressed interest in purchasing several airframes. You and your colleagues are caught by surprise when armed conflict breaks out. As the fighting escalates, your small group is drawn into the war.

Throughout the campaign's 16 missions, the authors recreate some of the real-life events that happened between the 8th and 13th of August 2008. The fictionalized events presented in this campaign are based on extensive research from numerous Western and Russian publications, interviews with people who were directly involved on both sides, and several visits to the ABL (Administrative Boundary Line) with South Ossetia. The campaign aims to capture the pivotal moments of the 2008 war from a military perspective.

Key Features:

• 16 story-driven missions with some factual events from the 2008 Russo-Georgian war in the background
• Historically accurate descriptions of the situation on the ground and on the front line for the specific date and time when the mission takes place
• Extensive briefings based on real-life FRAGOs (Fragmentary Orders), as well as tactical maps
• Over 1,500 custom voice-overs and thousands of triggers

DCS: Flaming Cliffs 3 or F-15C for DCS World is required to play this campaign.

Happy Holidays!

We at Eagle Dynamics would like to wish you all a wonderful holiday and a great 2018! 2017 has proved to be a great year for DCS World with the release of several great modules like the Normandy 1944 Map, the updated Su-33, the AV-8B Night Attack V/STOL, the AJS-37 Viggen, many fantastic campaigns, new objects and units for the DCS World maps like the World War II AI units, the NS 430, improvements to the mission editor and VR, and many, many more.

We and our partners plan even bigger and better things for 2018 to include:

• DCS World 2.5 by the end of January
• DCS: F/A-18C Hornet
• DCS: Strait of Hormuz Map
• DCS: F-14 Tomcat
• DCS: JF-17
• DCS: MiG-19
• DCS: Mi-24P Hind
• DCS: F-4E Phantom II
• DCS: Bo-105
• C-101CC variant for the DCS: C-101 module
• DCS: Yak-52
• DCS: I-16
• DCS: Christen Eagle II
• New aircraft carriers
• Other new maps and continued updates to our existing maps
• Several other unannounced projects

We will also be working on improvements to clouds, explosions with improved proximity damage, virtual reality, spotting system, network play, Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), air-to-air missiles, and performance optimization with the inclusion of the Vulkan API. In parallel, we will continue to support and improve our existing modules.

With the pending release of DCS World 2.5 which will unify our projects and several exiting new modules, we see 2018 as being a great year to be a DCS World fan!

DCS World Winter Sale Continues

Our DCS World Winter sale will be ending on 3 January at 0900 GMT. During this sale, get great savings on the following:

60% off

• DCS: A-10C Warthog
• DCS: Black Shark 2
• DCS: Flaming Cliffs 3
• DCS: Combined Arms
• DCS: C-101
• F-15C for DCS World
• Su-27 for DCS World
• Su-33 for DCS World

50% off on all other modules.

Project Updates

We'd also like to take this time to update you on a few of our projects:

DCS World 2.5

Work is going well with all content complete and all blocking bugs resolved! Work though continues on tuning the map and updating paid campaigns that need to be adjusted for the map changes. This primarily entails moving units out of the many new forested areas on the map. We want this move to DCS World 2.5 to be as bug-free as possible.

We have the holiday season fast approaching in Russia, and we need to give our staff time with their loved ones.

Given this, we will be releasing DCS World 2.5 by the end of January 2018. This is not an estimate, this is a promise.

DCS World 2.5 will be released as a new download (NOT an update to an existing version).

Modules under DCS World 1.5 and 2.2 will not need to be re-downloaded or activated. Just do not uninstall DCS World 1.5 and DCS World 2.2 Open Alpha prior to installing DCS World 2.5 Stable, as 2.5 will copy the modules over from 1.5 and 2.2. This should greatly reduce the amount of time to update to DCS World 2.5.

Any files in your Users/Saved Games folder will not be affected.

Movement of DCS World 2.5 would then soon follow to Steam.

DCS: F/A-18C Hornet

We and Belsimtek have been working long hours to bring the Hornet to an Early Access release state. Over the past few months, a lot of our time has been devoted to modeling the many fundamental systems that comprise the aircraft like the engines, fuel, electrical, hydraulic, flight control system, and many others. We are now starting to see the fruits of this labor, as evidence of the recent Hornet preflight, startup, taxi, and takeoff videos.

Before we can release the Early Access version though, there are several important features we need to implement:

• Weapon HUD modes
• Moving map
• Countermeasures
• Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)
• Inertial Navigation System for Waypoints
• Flight Model
• Further development of the air-to-air radar
• Integration of new weapons
• Improve some of the cockpit art, display fonts, and HUD projection effect

Once these items are completed, we plan to release the Hornet into Early Access and we believe it will be an amazing experience!

For Hornet news, please consult our FAQ and our Mini-Updates.

DCS: Strait of Hormuz Map

Our next combat theater map will be the Strait of Hormuz. All of the fundamental work on this map is complete and we are not tuning the elevation mesh, textures, and cleaning up bugs. We expect to release this map in the not-to-distant future and we believe it will be a great home for the Hornet and carrier operations!

DCS: Yak-52

As mentioned in an earlier newsletter, this will be an entertainment version of the Yak-52 we are developing for a commercial client. The Yak-52 will launch our new technology for radial engine dynamics which will provide a very realistic engine performance and management. This will be an extremely detailed and realistic simulation of the Yak-52 that will teach by-the-book training and aerobatics. Work is going very well and we are now focusing on the instrumentation and tuning the flight dynamics.

We're sure this will be a great lead-in aircraft for new DCS World players and provide a great progression of Russian combat aviation.

AJS-37 Viggen: 16-2 Red Flag Campaign

The Viggen campaign for Red Flag is now available!

Purchase in the DCS E-Shop

Video: AJS-37 Viggen: 16-2 Red Flag Campaign

The AJS-37 Viggen: 16-2 Red Flag Campaign is a depiction of flying the AJS-37 Viggen during a typical Red Flag exercise in the skies over Nevada. Take the role of a US Air Force exchange pilot to the Swedish Air Force as you return to take part in a Red Flag in the cockpit of a Viggen. This campaign includes extensive briefing, map, and lineup card PDF files for each mission and was designed by the creators of the Spitfire: Epsom and Mustang: Charnwood campaigns.

All of the missions are based on input from pilots that have flown in Red Flag exercises and will provide you a challenge that will test even the most skilled virtual pilots.

Features:

• 10 handcrafted mission that depict number of types of strike missions a Viggen pilot would fly in combat
• Highly detailed mission briefings, mission maps, and lineup cards as PDF files
• Custom voice overs and hundreds of triggers

This campaign requires ownership of DCS: AJS-37 Viggen, along with the DCS: NEVADA Test and Training Range map.

Weekend Sale

In support of the Viggen Red Flag Campaign launch, we are offering a 40% off bundle deal that includes DCS: NEVADA Test the Training Range Map and DCS: AJS-37 Viggen!

Find all of our Specials offers

DCS World Winter Sale

It's here! Starting today at 1500 GMT our Winter Sale will start and it will last until 3 January at 0900 GMT. During this sale, get great savings on the following:

60% off

• DCS: A-10C Warthog
• DCS: Black Shark 2
• DCS: Flaming Cliffs 3
• DCS: Combined Arms
• DCS: C-101
• F-15C for DCS World
• Su-27 for DCS World
• Su-33 for DCS World

50% off on all other modules.

DCS: F/A-18C Hornet, Episode 3: Preflight, Startup, Taxi and Takeoff 4K Video

Video: DCS: F/A-18C Hornet, Episode 3: Preflight, Startup, Taxi and Takeoff

This is our third introduction video to the Hornet, based on a Work-in-Progress build. In this video, we take a look at the preflight, startup, taxi and takeoff procedures in the F/A-18C Hornet. While most of the startup functions are now complete, there are still a few more to go.

If you have any questions, please see our FAQ

DCS: AV-8B Night Attack S/VTOL Released on Steam

We are delighted to announce that DCS: AV-8B Night Attack S/VTOL by RAZBAM was released into Early Access on 29 November. This is the second offering from RAZBAM for DCS World after their critically acclaimed DCS: M-2000C. The AV-8B continues their dedication to detailed craftsmanship with this iconic aircraft.

DCS: AV-8B Night Attack S/VTOL Web Page

DCS: AV-8B Night Attack S/VTOL in Steam

Video: DCS: AV-8B N/A VTOL - Trailer

Note: DCS: AV-8B Night Attack V/STOL uses our new, keyless protection system. This system requires periodic internet connections.

About DCS: AV-8B Night Attack S/VTOL:

The AV-8B project was born in the early 1970's as an effort to improve the operational capabilities of the AV-8A first generation Harrier. The AV-8B made its maiden flight in November 1981 and entered service with the United States Marine Corps in January 1985. It later evolved into the AV-8B N/A (Night Attack) and AV-8B Harrier II Plus.

The first flight of a modified AV-8B in the night attack configuration was on June 26th, 1987. Deliveries to the USMC began in September of 1989 to VMA-214 at Yuma, Arizona. Follow-up units based out of Yuma received their Night Attack AV-8Bs by the end of 1992. In 1984 the AV-8B N/A variant (originally known as the AV-8D) included the NAVFLIR (Navigation Forward-Looking Infrared camera, consisting of a GEC-Marconi FLIR system mounted in the nose) for night operations. Additionally, GEC Cat's Eyes night vision goggles were provided to the pilot as well as a revised cockpit with color MFDs, a wider field-of-view HUD display, a color CRT digital moving map and "heads-down" capability. The AV-8B N/A also sports four Tracor ALE-39 countermeasures dispensers along the top of the rear fuselage, in addition to two ALE-39 dispensers along the lower rear of the fuselage. The AV-8B N/A also fields an updated version of the Rolls-Royce Pegasus 11-61 (F402-RR-408) vectored-thrust turbofan engine.

The subject of this study level simulation is the AV-8B N/A Bu No's 163853 and up which are the latest variant of this very capable AV-8B variant.

Key Features of DCS: AV-8B Night Attack V/STOL by RAZBAM include:

• Advanced Flight Model that also provides realistic performance and Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) characteristics
• Highly detailed external 3D model and textures with animations
• Highly detailed and accurate 6 DOF cockpit with high resolution textures, specular and bump mapping, and mouse-interactive controls
• Highly realistic modelling of the aircraft systems including electrical, fuel, hydraulics, lighting, engine and navigation that includes:
  • Digital Engine Control System (DECS)
  • Automatic Fuel System
  • Air Refueling System
  • Electrical Power System
  • External Lighting
  • Internal Lighting
  • Hydraulic Power Supply System
  • Flight Control System (FCS)
  • Head-Up Display (HUD)
  • Up-front Control (UFC)
  • Option Display Unit (ODU)
  • Multipurpose Color Displays (MPCD)
  • VREST Computer (for jet-borne flight)
  • Air Data Computer (ADC)
  • Environmental Control System (ECS)
  • On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)
• Realistic weapons, sensor, and defensive systems include:
  • Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground GAU-12 Equalizer 25 mm (0.984 in) 5-barreled Rotary cannon pod
  • 6 under-wing pylon stations holding up to 9,200 lb (4,200 kg) of payload which include:
    • AIM-9 Sidewinder or similar-sized infrared-guided missiles
    • AGM-65 Maverick Air-to-Surface missiles
    • Mark 80 series of unguided bombs (including 3 kg [6.6 lb] and 14 kg [31 lb] practice bombs)
    • Paveway series of Laser-Guided Bombs (LGBs)
    • Joint Direct Attack Munitions (GBU-38, GBU-32, and GBU-54)
    • Mark 20 Cluster Bomb Units (CBUs)
    • AN/AAQ-28V LITENING targeting pod
• ALQ-164 ECM Pod
• Several skins
• Detailed Operational Manual and Pocket guide
• Instant Action, Single, and Training Missions
• Detailed representation of the USS Tarawa (LHA-1), lead ship of her class.

Happy holidays,
The Eagle Dynamics Team