DCS: News from Deka Ironwork Simulation

Just yesterday Deka Ironwork Simulation posted on Facebook some news about a project of theirs. They Announced that DCS FC3 will be updated soon with a "new" plane: the J-11A. The reason I say it's "new" is because they're basically taking the Su-27 that's in FC3 already and making a few tweaks to the model to allow it to carry R-77 missiles (currently only the Mig-29S can carry those in DCS) and they will give the "new" plane anti-collision lights similar to the F-15C.

They did admit that they don't have the resources to make a completely new cockpit but are looking toward trying in the future. Since Deka is a new company that's just starting out on DCS and they are busy with the JF-17 module they are making I'm willing to give them a pass on that one. It would be nice to have an accurate cockpit but they have a lot on their plate right now, and I'm sure most reasonable people would be understanding about that.

I'm looking forward to seeing some Chinese planes making a debut to DCS. China is fast becoming an air power so it makes sense they would be represented in DCS.

This is a very busy time for DCS it seems. The arrival of the F/A-18C is fast approaching, the Persian Gulf map is now on Pre-purchase, the F-14 will be out later this year, and now we're getting our first Chinese plane in DCS via an update in the coming week or so. This is all very exciting. I hope you all enjoy the new planes and map coming out.

DCS: Persian Gulf Map Open for Pre-Purchase

Eagle Dynamics has just released the Persian Gulf map for pre-orders here. I have already pre-ordered mine in anticipation for Heatblurs F-14 module. There's going to be nothing like flying an F-14A with Iranian markings over this map. Or flying the soon-to-be-released F/A-18C over the Persian Gulf taking on those F-14A's. This map is going to be a lot of fun. Especially for those who enjoy Carrier Operations.

The map covers the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, The UAE, and Oman. Much of the map will be water but, as Matt Wagner of Eagle Dynamics had said in a recent video for DCS "The map is not that much smaller" than the other maps like Nevada Test and Training Range, Normandy, or the free Caucus map that comes with DCS.

Take a look at the map on DCS and check out some of Matt Wagner's videos about the Persian Gulf map on his YouTube channel.  And while you're there check out his videos on the F/A-18C and maybe take a peak at Heatblur's channel to view that F-14 they are developing.

Just a word of caution though: the F-14's HUD (that display with the green lines on it in front of the pilot) is a bit jumpy. This is intentional since the real F-14's HUD had a pretty slow refresh rate. So, if you're prone to eye problems (like I am) you might have trouble viewing it. Still, take a look and see for yourself. It's not as bad as it sounds. Heatblur as already stated in their forum that they might include an option for a smoother HUD if people have a problem with it. So, if you want the F-14 go ahead and buy it and if you don't like the HUD send Heatblur a message on the forums, Facebook, or heatblur.com and let them know. They are very responsive to their customers and I'm certain they will implement the smoother HUD option if people let them know the original HUD is a problem.

Have fun Flying your planes.

DCS: F-16C and P-47D are in Production

I just wanted to share with everyone that Eagle Dynamics has just released confirmation that they are developing the F-16C and the P-47D. We likely won't see them finished and for sale for a year or more but it's still nice to know that they are in development.

Here's a picture straight off Eagle Dynamics Facebook page:

DCS: Basic Fighter Maneuvers Part 3

Now that 2.5 is in a stable release and we're getting ever closer to the Early Access of the F/A-18C it's time for a new set of maneuvering videos to help you train. So, here's the next two for you to learn. Break Turning and the famous Split-S. You'll find them both very useful during a dog fight. Especially if you have a good wingman there to pick off the enemy following you into one of these maneuvers.

Take a look. Give them a try. And happy hunting.

DCS World 2.5 is Stable

I wanted to make sure everyone is aware that Eagle Dynamics have just released the stable version of DCS 2.5. If you have version 1.5 you can update it to 2.5 through the standard updater and if you don't have DCS at all then just go here and download it now.

Now that 2.5 is stable you can be sure that the F/A-18C will be out in Early Access some time within the next 2 to 3 months. The reason I say "within the next 2 to 3 months" is because there's still some work to be done on the F/A-18C but not enough to warrant waiting until after July. Now, I don't have any inside information. All of what I know comes from ED's forum and their updates combine with some experience in waiting for the modules to come out.

I'll tell you all this much, though: I'm getting pretty antsy waiting for the F/A-18C, F-14A+/B, F-4E, Mig-19P, and JF-17 to be released. I just keep telling myself "It's okay. At least I can save up for all of them." But it only helps a little.

DCS: Basic Fighter Maneuvers Part 2

Hey everyone. I'm going to skip over the violin portion this time and do another DCS world post. It's been nearly a month since my last post and I'm sure everyone has gotten pretty good with the last maneuvers that I posted. I'm going to post the next two videos now: Barrel Roll and Looping.

These might seem just real simple and basic acrobatics but that's all BFM is. Still, just because it seems simple doesn't mean you'll get it perfect the first time. Just practice... especially if you're using the WW2 planes. The torque from the prop can make things more difficult.

So, here you go. Enjoy and get some practice.

DCS: 2.5 Open Beta is Now Out

DCS World has put the 2.5 Open Beta out for download. I'm downloading it right now to see what's different. There's going to be two versions of 2.5: the Open Beta that's currently live and the stable version.

The Open Beta will let you try new updates and new planes before they are released to the stable version. The downside to that is that some of the updates might cause major game-breaking problems until they're corrected. If you don't like trying to work through bugs or random errors that come up with new programs and you don't mind waiting for the stable version of planes and updates then wait another week or two (estimate) for the stable version of 2.5 to come out.

But, if you are really excited for the F/A-18C, F-14A/B, F-4E, Mi-24P, Mig-19P, Yak-52, or any other module that will be coming out and don't want to wait that extra week or so, and you don't mind a few bugs at first then you'll want to download 2.5 Open Beta.

Just so you all know, with 2.5 out for download DCS 2 Open Alpha and DCS 1.5.8 are no longer being supported or updated. Also, once 2.5 Open Beta is installed you're DCS 2 Open Alpha will be uninstalled (if you click ok). The same will happen with your 1.5.8 if you wait for the stable version of 2.5.

Here's a nice video that was just uploaded showing the difference between 2.5 and 1.5.8.

Have fun and I'll see you in the skies.
Keep practicing those flight maneuvers I posted last time.