Open Beta 2.7.9 Is Coming | Voice Chat Development Progress
Mi-24P Hind
Development Progress
We are eager to share progress on the new pilot model for DCS: Mi-24P Hind. Please enjoy the In Development Screenshots of the textured gloves and Poljot Chronograph 3133 manual winding, shock protected watch.
Voice Chat
Development Progress
In the next Open Beta release, we will deliver a major update to integrated radio communications. Voice Chat operates natively within DCS and no additional software or instals are required. Please bear in mind that enhancements will be ongoing and we appreciate your patience and bug reporting as we continue developing this complex communication stack.
We will also be adding radio communication to the Combined Arms roles, ground units, ATC, and AWACS. Further development will contain encrypted communication noises, clicks, distortions and voice synthesising in real time and more.
To ensure correct usage of this new and improved feature, we have prepared a document on How to Use DCS Voice Chat.
Open Beta 2.7.9
Development Progress
As the end of the year approaches, the upcoming Open Beta will mark an important update to DCS World. We are currently resolving some of the outstanding WWII issues and completing several new features for DCS: F-16C Viper. If you have not already, please check out the new videos in the Viper tutorial series by Matt Wagner: DCS: F-16C Viper | Air-to-Ground Helmet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smX0yoqTIPI
We are now engaged in new features for DCS: F-16C Viper and look forward to sharing the details with you in the next Open Beta update. It is with great pleasure that we can guarantee you the arrival of the ECM Pod, a very much improved HSD cursor, new AG features for the helmet and semi-automatic and automatic countermeasure programs. Also, keep your eyes peeled for an updated FLIR picture.
AH-64D
Development Progress
Dynamic Modelling
Currently we have achieved satisfactory flight dynamics parameters resulting from payload, fuel quantity, aerodynamic surfaces (wings, fin, horizontal stabilizer) and main gear. Any changes of payload or fuel affect the center of gravity horizontally and vertically which in turn changes inertia, controllability and balance state of the helicopter in flight.
Overall, the AH-64D Flight Modeling is step by step approaching an excellent level of “realism” and our SMEs are enthusiastic with the results to date. Each and every correction or modification step in the flight model (tail rotor characteristics change for instance) requires another run of the checks for balancing characteristics and flight dynamics. Because of that we are constantly doing test flights and correcting inaccuracies.
If you have not already, please check out the next video in the tutorial series:
We have prepared a preview of the appearance of 3D ground units to infrared sensors. In the above screenshots, you may notice attention has been made to the signature of tires, which increase in brightness based on distance driven over various terrain types. We are doing our best to consider the shape and size of the objects, temperature, reflection of external sources.
Infrared signatures vary significantly with changing season, time of day and engine loading. The guns, cannons and engines will also emit contrasting radiant intensities and cooling times will also be part of the overall FLIR improvements, coming soon.
Thank you again for your passion and support,
Yours sincerely,
Eagle Dynamics Team
General Flight Model Development Report
Mi-24P Hind
Development Progress
Progress on the new Mi-24 pilot is going smoothly. In the screenshots above you can see flight gloves and a Soviet navigator's watch. In 1976, the First Moscow Watch Factory (Polet Watch Factory) began production of a new stopwatch: the Navigator chronograph model 3133. This model was produced in limited numbers for the military and is currently not available for sale.
We are also modelling the S-4U rescue parachute designed for pilots with a total mass of up to 120 kg. The parachute is immediately deployed after separation from the aircraft during horizontal flight at speeds of up to 400km/hour and at altitudes between 70m to 4000m.
General Flight Model
Development Report
Before describing our new General Flight Model (GFM) for AI, it may be useful to review the development history of flight models in DCS since inception. Initially, we used a trajectory model called Standard (SFM) for human players and a very simple model for AI which used primitive laws of physics. Eventually, the Advanced Flight Model (AFM) and its successor, the Professional Flight model (PFM) were developed and the SFM was adapted for AI aircraft. Although SFM produces accurate trajectory parameters such as turn rate, specific excess power, flight envelope, etc. it suffers from a lack of natural short-period movement and switched models for ground and flight.
Expanding the use of PFM or even AFM for AI aircraft wouldn’t be smart due to several key factors, notably AFM and PFM both require substantial work to create each individual aircraft flight data model. In addition, processor workload for runtime data in the mission would be excessive and greatly affect performance, especially when many different aircraft are present in the mission.
The approach in our new GFM will deliver accurate AI trajectory performance and copy the PFM’s short-period characteristics from the player-controlled models that we already have. The GFM ‘pilot’ will use the same control surface deflection as PFM and can naturally stall and spin as well; the GFM also experiences air turbulence. It is interesting to note that the short period characteristics of the new models also naturally depend on Mach numbers.
The greatest challenge when starting the work on GFM was creating a unique multi-level autopilot system capable of controlling any and all aircraft. Unlike standard autopilot programming approaches, which demand that each aircraft be adjusted individually, the new approach permits automatic use of aircraft flight parameters. This saves substantial time and delivers more accurate and realistic auto-pilot behaviour that is particularly appreciated for trans-sonic and supersonic regime changes, which now no longer require substantial tuning.
This fundamental work required about two years of programming with formation flying alone requiring an additional 5 months of intense development. The main task was to teach the AI to fly correctly but not as a supernatural drone but rather as a human pilot would, including micro-delays, errors and limitations. Soon, every pilot can practice the formation lead role and develop highly realistic skills without having to play online and depend on inadequate wingmen to hone his talent.
All ordinary tasks such as takeoff, landing, aerial combat, ground strikes and bombing were also entirely re-written. Implementation is expected during 2022.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka9bthgFxtg
Thank you again for your passion and support,
Yours sincerely,
Eagle Dynamics Team
AH-64D Development Progress Statement
AH-64D
Development Report
Powerplant The detailed model of the T700-GE-701C powerplant, its Hydromechanical Unit (HMU), and Digital Electronic Control Unit (DECU) have been developed. This includes the compressor and its hydromechanical unit, compressor turbine, combustion chamber, and power-turbine.
Calculations of the angle of attack on both the compressor and turbine blades allow us to determine dependencies between the power-turbine state (main rotor RPM rise or fall for instance) and the state of the compressor, which in turn affects the behaviour of the power-turbine. This allows our model to closely match realistic behaviour in the transition processes for speed changes, main rotor pitch changes, and anti-torque pedal routines.
The engine, DECU and main rotor characteristics modeling have achieved an accuracy error of 2-3% for documented normal flight parameters and 4-5% for emergency flight regimes and environments (high temp. from 35°С and above as well as high altitude low density regimes).
Engine, Flight and Fuel Pages The Engine page provides important data on the aircraft's engine torque, temperatures, RPM, and main rotor speed. The Flight page includes heads-down information on the performance of the aircraft with the ability to set important mission flight data. The fuel page includes an intuitive display of the fuel storage, flow and transfer systems.
Please watch the latest video in the AH-64D tutorial series DCS: AH-64D | ENG, FLT, and FUEL Pages https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISN3ZDZdE0Q
Autumn Sale
Available on Steam
We recently updated the Steam client. This was done to push the Stable version of DCS World Steam Edition to the latest 2.7.8 version. DCS World modules are currently on sale with more than 30% savings on our most popular modules. Hurry, offers end at 10:00 Pacific Time on the 1st of December. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpNyGT8_GCs We hope that the DCS World Autumn Sale will be an opportunity for you to pick up something new and exciting this fall.
Thank you again for your passion and support,
Yours sincerely,
Eagle Dynamics Team
Autumn Sale | Open Beta 2.7.8 | Virpil Tournament
Autumn Sale
Savings
Welcome to our DCS World 2021 Autumn Sale where you will find great savings across the field with up to 50% discount on most of our popular modules. We will also be participating in the upcoming Steam Sale.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpNyGT8_GCs
Please kindly note that NS 430 Navigation System is now also available as a separate product on Steam. All users who owned the legacy NS 430 module will receive: NS 430 + Mi-8MTV2 integration + L-39C/ZA integration.
F-16C Viper
Development Report
The latest Open Beta 2.7.8 introduces multiple fixes and new features for the Viper including Mark Points that can be set by the radar, targeting pod, and through the HUD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pe5v5jqgQg The new implementation of Ground Moving Target radar mode allows the radar to detect and designate surface targets moving between 8 and 75 knots. This is a great tool for detecting, tracking, and attacking moving, enemy ground forces. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_O9xq-NE4w
DCS: F-16C Viper Tutorial Series Check out Matt Wagner’s great introduction to the core features of the HARM Targeting System. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD8OZSVy_Fo
This is a fabulous helicopter time trial which is being held on the Shadow's Trophy Race Track. Rotary wing pilots will have a chance to show off their skills, and new pilots will be able to get to grips with these amazing machines. VIRPIL Controls will also be providing an impressive range of prizes, with the Grand Prize consisting of a complete helicopter controls setup!
For more information on the tournament and statistics on participants, complete prize fund and regulations of the event can be found on VIRPIL Controls Forum
“We are waiting for you on the race track! Good luck!” - VIRPIL Controls Team
Watch the Shadow’s Trophy Tournament | Virpil Controls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PqJO9JlTAU
Thank you again for your passion and support,
Yours sincerely,
Eagle Dynamics Team
AH-64D TADS | Armed Forces of Russia Helmets
AIM-120 AMRAAM
Development Progress
Thank you for your continued patience and support since the initial release of the updated AMRAAM model. This sophisticated weapon has demanded quite deep remodelling and debugging and we found several issues in the missile velocity search and tracking algorithms. We have also made substantial improvements to HOJ and visual modes. The next stages of development are realistic range gating modelling to enhance the missile's onboard radar to contend with strong ground clutter returns.
Mi-24P Pilot
Development Progress
Progress on the new pilot model for the VKS and the Armed Forces of Russia is going well and the replacement of the entire line of pilots for Russian helicopters and airplanes in the early part of the new year is on track. In the screenshots presented, you can see the ZSH-7AP helmet for the MiG-29, Su-27 and Su-33 fighters with the KM-35 oxygen mask and the NVU-7 helmet sighting device. The helicopter version of the ZSH-7AP helmet is equipped with the DMSH boom microphone for the Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters.
AH-64D
Development Progress
The Target Acquisition and Designation Sight (TADS) is equipped with a stabilised daylight television camera, a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera, and a laser rangefinder / target designator for targeting by displaying video to crewmembers’ Helmet Display Unit (HDU) or TEDAC Display Unit (TDU). It can also be displayed on the Multi-Purpose Displays. The TADS FLIR can also be used as a Night Vision Sensor for night flying by either crewmember. This allows the TADS to be slaved to the helmet line of sight of either crew member for nap-of-earth flying under near total darkness. The TADS cameras have multiple fields of view that allow the operators to see large areas for enhanced situational awareness or zoomed in for precise targeting at long ranges.
The DCS: AH-64D TADS FLIR camera is also being developed to showcase our new FLIR rendering technology that will provide a much improved and more realistic portrayal of the world as seen through infrared. This same technology will also be used for other FLIR sensors in DCS targeting pods such as the infrared-guided Maverick missiles.
We look forward to providing you with a preview of the current progress in the very near future. Stay tuned!
Thank you for your passion and support,
Yours sincerely,
Eagle Dynamics Team
AH-64D IHADSS | Warbird & The Channel Bundles
DCS World
Stable 2.7
This week we updated the DCS World Stable to version 2.7.7.15038. This allows us to bring you all the newest features whilst we continue the next stages of development and implementation in Open Beta 2.7.8 coming soon. We truly thank you for your continued support and passion. You make our dreams true. Read the full Stable Changelog.
DCS: AH-64D
Development Progress
IHADSS HDU Integrated Helmet and Designation and Sighting System is the monocular device that transmits flight data and night vision to the pilot and co-pilot gunner. There are four IHADSS modes: cruise, transition, hover and bob-up. Each with associated flight, navigation, weapon, sensor and targeting information that follows the crew member’s sight.
The Modernized Pilot Night Vision System (M-PNVS) can also be projected to the monocle for thermal night vision along the pilot’s line of sight.
Watch the latest: DCS: AH-64D HDU/IHADSS Tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_590aQTEFk
Warbirds & The Channel
Bundle up
In the past two weeks we have focused on resolving some of the outstanding bugs in our WWII modules. Many of these fixes are now available in 2.7.7. Stable. This work will be ongoing for the foreseeable future and we hope to bring you more detailed feedback in upcoming news. Thanks to our faithful community for your patience and support, as some of these issues have been around for far too long.
The popularity of our WWII product line has been growing steadily and we have decided to offer a 30% discount on bundled modules, consisting of any one WWII warbird together with The Channel Map. We hope this will be well received and help to expand the interest in these exceptional aircraft for users seeking to expand their DCS experience.
Thank you for your passion and support,
Yours sincerely,
Eagle Dynamics Team
AH-64D Pilot Model Development Progress
Steam Sale
Halloween
Our participation in the Steam Halloween Sale has now begun and will run until the 1st of November at 10:00 PST. We kindly remind you that our eShop Halloween Sale is also ongoing and will last until the 3rd of November at 15:00 GMT. This is your last weekend to lock in a new fighter and map with excellent savings of up to 50%.
DCS: AH-64D
Development Progress
Progress on DCS: AH-64D is well underway and if you have not already done so, please watch the first Introduction in the video tutorial series for a breakdown of this fearsome attack helicopter.
This week, we have prepared work in progress renders of the AH-64D pilot. The complete model is an aircrew combat uniform A2CU with Nomex flight gloves, Belleville flight boots, and Gen 3 PSGC Aircrew Warrior Survival Vest Harness. In Development Screenshots.
Merch: DCS World
Official Merchandise
We have teamed up with Spring to bring you our first ever line of DCS World Merchandise. All designs have been hand drawn by our own artists. We hope you will enjoy these garments and look forward to your comments and future merchandise suggestions with pleasure.
Thank you for your passion and support,
Yours sincerely,
Eagle Dynamics Team
Open Beta 2.7.7 | USS Forrestal Supercarrier Launch Day
F-14A/B Tomcat
CV-59 Forrestal Class Supercarrier
Forrestal was a highly successful United States aircraft carrier that saw action over four decades, including extensive operations in Vietnam. This detailed recreation of the CV-59 USS Forrestal represents some of the capabilities from DCS: Supercarrier including and not limited to; defence systems, night lighting, and catapult/arrestor systems. Please have a look at the beautiful DCS Forrestal Launch Day video.
The updated LANTIRN targeting pod and bombing system is now available from the control menu and allows JESTER AI full control over procedures.
Open Beta 2.7.7 has brought the CBU-103 Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD) to the Viper. The bullseye and HMCS DED pages as well as Ground Map (GM) and SEA air-to-ground radar modes are also now available. Read the full list of additions and fixes in the changelog.
DCS: Mi-24P Hind has introduced three variations of the Ataka AT-9 Spiral-2 Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), these are;
9M120 – Tandem HEAT warhead that is about 10% less powerful than the Vikhr ATGM.
9M120F – High Explosive warhead for use against soft targets and light armor.
9M220O – For use against helo targets and equipped with a proximity fuse.
We are also improving the flying capabilities of the Petrovich AI. Currently, these changes are undergoing testing, and we plan to include them in the next patch. Changes will cover better turn coordination, nap of the earth flying, smoothing of certain flight transitions, vertical take off/landing, and ATGM hover attack maneuvers.
The ATGM guidance unit in the Pilot-Operator’s cockpit is undergoing an update, and gyroscopic damping is being tuned based on input from SMEs. The Damage model is also being further improved based on your detailed reports. Thank you for being active!
Marianas
Development Progress
DCS: Marianas has received a large update that includes new islands to the north of Saipan. These largely uninhabited, volcanic atolls include:
Anatahan
Sarigan
Guguan
Alamagan
Pagan
Agrihan
Asuncion
Maug Islands (North, East and West Islands)
Farallon de Pajaros
The update also includes breaking waves against shorelines, an improved seabed elevation map, a pair of new unique buildings, and a non-paved airfield on the Pagan island. This is in addition to numerous terrain and road network fixes. Check out the In Development Screenshots.
Sale
Halloween
The DCS World Halloween Sale will run from today and until the 3rd of November at 15:00 GMT on our Shop. We will also be participating in the Steam Halloween sale. Take advantage of this offer and receive 50% off most of our module lineup.
Exceptions include:
Modules with a 30% discount
DCS: F-16C Viper
DCS: F/A-18C Hornet
DCS: A-10C II Tank Killer
DCS: P-47D Thunderbolt
DCS: Channel
DCS: Supercarrier
DCS: Syria
DCS: Mi-24P Hind
DCS: JF-17 Thunder
Modules with a 15% discount
DCS: F-14A/B Tomcat
Campaigns with 30% discount
F-14A Zone 5 Campaign
Mi-8MTV2 Crew Part 1 Campaign
F/A-18C Operation Pontus Campaign
M-2000C Red Flag Campaign
F-15C The Georgian War Сampaign
The Enemy Within 3.0 Campaign
F-5E Black Sea Resolve 79 Campaign
Campaigns with 20% discount
Ka-50 2 Pandemic Campaign
Campaigns not on sale
P-47D Wolfpack Campaign
F-14 Tomcat Fear the Bones! Campaign
F-16C Red Flag 21-1 Campaign
AV-8B Sky Warrior Campaign
F/A-18C Rising Squall Campaign
MiG-21bis Battle of Krasnodar Campaign
MiG-21bis Constant Peg Campaign
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydynQmkKA5c Check out the Shop and land yourself a deal on your next fighter, map, or both!
Thank you for your passion and support,
Yours sincerely,
Eagle Dynamics Team
Supercarrier and AH-64D Pilot Helmet Preview
Supercarrier
Development Progress
Over the past six month we have been working on a human motion model with intelligent behavior for infantry and deck crews. We have started with the deck crew, and we will scale it to infantry units. Both logics will receive two new behaviours: Obstacle Avoidance and Dynamic Reroute according to the situation. Re-routing behaviour is based on a path search algorithm with any-angle path planning.
Obstacle Avoidance is based on the Optimal Reciprocal Collision Avoidance (ORCA) method used for holonomic robots with several restrictions on linear and angular speeds, linear acceleration, and discreteness of animation. The first phase of the development is complete and cases must now be considered for when aircraft are passing by, directing aircraft to and from a parking position, avoiding moving aircraft, different states of service and interruptions, etc.
MultiCore
Development Report
Our CPU multi-threading support started in 2019 when we decided to implement several new approaches in EDGE 2.7. This was required to increase performance as rendering demands have changed due to virtual reality, more detailed maps, greater object detail, etc. We devised a solution to render a frame in a multithreaded manner with automatic workload synchronisation.
By the end of 2020, we were confident that we are at least half way there with a fully ready Render Graph and the required applied programming. At the end of Q3 2021 we accomplished:
Graphic backend
EDM models
Human models
Atmosphere
Water and sea
Terrain engine
Special effects, particles system
Night lights for terrains
Scenes
Cockpits
Mirrors
Indication
GUI
Post-effects
Cascade shadows
What remains to be done includes:
Flat shadows
Dynamic lights
Radars
Propellers and similar effects
Clouds
VR support
In parallel to this massive work and upcoming modules, we continue to implement support of the Vulkan API. We have completed most of the work for a first delivery and made changes to our internal applied graphics API that can “shield out” the Vulkan code whilst in early testing. This render code supports both DirectX and the Vulkan API as different DCS World branches.
AIM-120 AMRAAM
Development Report
Air-to-Air Missile Improvements The AIM-120 AMRAAM has received a separate INS (Inertial Navigation System) unit with datalink support. The INS will steer the missile to the predicted target intercept point using targeting data received from the weapon control system at launch. This will dramatically increase missile effectiveness against non-maneuvering targets when the missile has no guidance prior to its seeker taking over the intercept. The aircraft weapon control system will also send INS messages via data link that updates target position and velocity to account for target maneuvers.
The missile seeker model has been completely revised. The radar dish now uses a realistic gyro stabilised gimbal that is controlled by the INS before target lock. An active missile seeker, like in the AIM-120, will have its detection and tracking lock range based on physical calculations of noise and target signal ratio (which in turn depends on target RCS or ECM power and range). Target search and tracking is based on doppler velocity filtering (introduced realistic velocity gate), and the radar will search for target near the target reference velocity provided by the INS.
The guidance law was also updated. Missile seekers have received Kalman filters that estimate target motion parameters. The new guidance law accounts for target normal to LOS accelerations, possible target G-load growth rate, compensated missile x-axis acceleration, and missile control system latency.
AH-64D
Development Progress
We would like to share progress on the Pilot and Co-Pilot/Gunner helmet that will be integrated with new, detailed pilot models. We plan for this to be available at the Early Access launch. Please check out the In Development Screenshots to see the following details:
Integrated Helmet And Display Sight System (IHADSS)
Integrated Helmet Unit (IHU)
Helmet Display Unit (HDU)
Communications components
Armorwerx ANVIS Helmet Mount
Aviation Night Vision Goggle–M949
ITT ANVIS 69 Low Profile Battery Pack
NVG Counterweight Bag
Lip Light, Boom Microphone, Type ML-8
Extra Bag for Battery pack with velcro
MiG-21bis Fishbed
Single Player campaigns
Get some exciting DCS: MiG-21bis action with two new campaigns by our third party campaign creators. These campaigns provide engaging storylines that will test your skills.
DCS: MiG-21bis Battle of Krasnodar Campaign by SorelRo Battle of Krasnodar is a story-based campaign that will test your air-to-air and air-to-ground skills in a variety of missions where you confront US forces in the emerging conflict.
DCS: MiG-21bis Constant Peg Campaign by Bunyap Designed in partnership with Steve Davies, author of Red Eagles: America's Secret Migs, host of the 10 Percent True: Tales from the Cockpit podcast, and the authority on Constant Peg operations. He brought with him access to the real Red Eagles pilots, whose technical guidance was used to ensure this is the most realistic experience possible.
