DCS: A-10C Warthog (first screens!)

Nate--IRL-- · 1 Jan 2013 at 19:15

IIRC there were issues with Steam not supporting 64bit applications - I'd have thought that would have changed by now though.

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 1 Jan 2013 at 19:27

Tibbz2 said:
All of my other games on steam work fine though, surely some of them are going to be 64 bit?

Yeah it is quite likely, just going off a vague recollection about the issue. I don't don't think the steam overlay ever worked for A-10.

BTW if you are still using the Steam version you are a couple of releases behind the latest version which doesn't use Steam any more.

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 1 Jan 2013 at 19:42

Yeah - basically all steam is good for is a cheap Key for the game.

Download DCS World This is the Base engine and includes a free Su-25 attack aircraft.

Install that, then download and install the A-10 Module for DCS World

You can uninstall or keep the steam version as you please.

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 16 Jan 2013 at 22:24

New Official overview Vid of DCS - a good intro to somebody starting out.

The bit that interested me was the brief mention of the Development of a DCS FW-190, as well as the Su-27SM

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 20 Jan 2013 at 23:46

No Apache announced, only announced eggbeaters are UH-1, Mi-24, OH-58, Mi-8MTV2 and a AH-1G.

The Huey should be the first of these released, quite soon..

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 1 Feb 2013 at 21:35

I remember messing it up, by getting the order wrong. This then leaves an error message at the bottom of the HUD. You must press CLR I think before it will allow further input.

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 26 Feb 2013 at 21:33

DCS Version 1.2.3 is out for all modules -> Go to Start -> Programs -> Eagle Dynamics -> DCS World -> Update DCS World.

DCS Change Log 1.2.3

Today we are happy to make available version 1.2.3 of DCS World and updates to several DCS modules.

New Features:

DCS World
Added new Su-27 model. More skins will be added later.
Added new Mission Editor trigger rule - Bomb in Zone.
New mission editor skin. Incomplete work in progress.
Helicopters will better maneuver against AAA maneuvering when in the threat area.
Added new Mission Editor trigger rule - Expression.
Scripting Engine: Fixed outText and outSound for Coalition and Group.
Scripting Engine: Added "Mission" Task for ground groups.
Scripting Engine: Added Unit.getFuel function.
Mission Editor UI for group variation placement tool added, not functional yet.
New skins for F-15C and MiG-31.
Model LODs have been better optimized.

Combined Arms
Life-bar for ground units in the F10 Command Map view. This can be toggled on and off with button on Command Map.
AI units will resupply ammunition from a warehouse or cargo truck at ranges less than 100 meters, periodicity - once a minute. Player's can do this with the LALT + ' key combination.
Command Map control of air units. You can now route them, set speed and altitude, and set targets.
Ground units in group now stay in formation with user when in first person control mode. User can set formation and ROE when in 1st person mode.
Updated, higher resolution ground unit HUDs.
Added min and max range rings for all indirect fire systems.
Added countdown timer for indirect fire missions.
Mission designer can now determine which ground units can and cannot be controlled by players (1st person and Command Map).
Platform Shake is better implemented and provides basic "weapon stabilization" option when the vehicle is on the move.
Added hot keys for hull / turret alignments, turret lock, and gun lock on azimuth.
Changing round type loading delay added.
Added military icons for Command Map.
Provided NVG gain.
New compass orientation options.
Signal flare options.
Added tracer effect to armor piercing rounds.

Flaming Cliffs 3 (FC3)
New Su-27 campaign.
Added new multiplayer missions.
Dual engagement, Track While Scan (TWS) for the MiG-29S.

Bug Fixes and Adjustments:

DCS World
Network code improved for greater stability.

Note: Although many improvements and optimizations have been made, we still highly recommend 16 player limit when hosting complex missions. Depending on the exact composition of the mission, the bandwidth and number of players that a host may accommodate will vary. As always though, clients must be aware of their ping times (often influenced by connection distance to host) as this can cause warping and other connection issues.
Fixed multiplayer data link for Russian aircraft.
Fixed Force Feedback joystick trim problems.
Tuned aircraft gun smoke.
Fixed Set Path to Column formation.
Fixed Georgian soldier animation.
Fixed long range radar break-lock for Russian aircraft.
AIM-120 and R-77 maximum load factor increased to 40g.
R-77 data adjust. Thrust, lift and drag.
AIM-120 data adjusted. Lift and drag.
AIM-9M maximum load factor increased to 35g.
AIM-9M thrust changed 12000 N.
Adjusted AIM-9P drag.
AIM-7M thrust and drag adjustments were made.
Increased load factor to R-27 family to 24g.
Increased R-27ER initial delay to 1.5 sec.
AIM-54 data adjustment. Thrust, drag, lift, initial delay of guidance.
R-33 data adjusted. Thrust, drag and lift, initial delay of guidance.
R-60 data adjusted.
R-73 data adjusted.
Multi-channel missile guidance is fixed.
Decreased the damage value of modern AA missiles warheads from directional to enhanced. Earlier AIM-120 and R-77 had a warheads with large multiplier factor termed "directional". These missiles were very lethal, more so than even an S-300. It was not realistic and we decided replace "directional" warhead with the less power "enhanced" warhead.
Number of simultaneously guided AIM-120s is 4 for F-15, F-16 and F-18.
Number of simultaneously guided AIM-54 is 4 for F-14.
Fixed AI planes unable to engage SA-8 with Anti-Radiation Missiles.
Fixed situation where AI sometimes launch AGM-65 Mavericks from too far away; AGM-65 would self-destructs before reaching target.
Added S-8TsM and S-8OFP2 rockets to inventory of MiG-29A/G/S and Su-33.
Renamed S-8KOM to S-8TsM in the one AFAC Su-25 payloads.
The F-15C and Su-27 will now use their RWR systems when the Mission Editor RADAR USING option is not applied.
Adjustments to the air combat maneuvering of all aircraft.
"Transmit Message" command parameters indication is now in the action list
Fixed infantry not moving when route is changed.
Fixed client crash in MP.
Fixed pilot models with K36 ejection seat.
Debris of a killed soldier has been removed.
Adjusted AWACS action time.
Fixed switch waypoint triggered action.
Changed setting of mission start time (day, month).
Default damage parameters tuned for old aircraft models.
Fixed Mission Editor error when trying to change aircraft country.
Fixed Mission Editor that pressing File\Create in the drop menu did nothing.
Aircraft will reset landing airdrome each time landing procedures is initiated.
Changed color of missile flame and smoke from blue to yellow.
"REACTION ON THREAT" option will now affect active ECM systems.
Problem with random uncontrollable rotation of the tower in some circumstances has been resolved.
Night vision staying switch to on after exit from the previous server has been fixed.
Incoming missiles warning messages has been corrected.
Helicopters will better maneuver against anti AAA when in the threat area.
Fixed scrollbar in debriefing.
Any hidden aircraft, helicopter, static object, and ships no longer break Fog of War.
Helicopters no longer sink when they takeoff from aircraft carrier.
Fixed some missions freezing every five seconds.
Fixed multiple problems in JTAC code.
Resource Manager message grammar adjusted.
Payload localization is now displayed.
A destroyed / burning aircraft burning can no longer auto lock other aircraft.
Fixed the AI formations after switching waypoints.
Wingmen will try to maintain absolute position in formation, they will maintain altitude when the leader turns.
HAWK SAM would not attack Su-25T if kh-25MPU attacks HAWK.
Fixed view problems for unarmed vehicles, infantry and fortifications.
Fixed crash changing wallpapers in Options dialog.
Fixed taking control of an AI aircraft that took off from the ground resulting in crashing into ground.
Corrected AI rolling during a dogfight.

DCS Modules
A-10C. A-10C TGP IR operation is fixed.
A-10C. Wingman will now engage target at Player's SPI if A.I. is not aware of/in range of the target.
FC3. SPO not reacting to launch of an I-HAWK or S300 is partially resolved.
FC3. Fixed F-15C ADI operation reversed.
FC3. Fixed A-10A ADI operation reversed.
FC3. F-15C/A-10A. Fixed autopilot not allowing refueling during tanker orbit.
FC3. Corrected and adjusted Russian A-10 campaign by Dzen.
FC3. Fixed some errors in F-15C campaign.
FC3. The MiG-29 HUD diamond on the target will now only appear when it is locked by radar.
FC3. Updated SEAD payloads and air defense deployments in some missions.
FC3. Missiles DLZ has been partially corrected.
FC3. Stations display on Su-27 and MiG-29 HUDs was made more realistic - just an 'underscore' is displayed if a weapon present, and station number is additionally displayed if weapon is ready to launch.
1) Fixed stations display on Russian HUD - only stations for currently selected weapon are displayed.
2) Implemented MiG-29S style of stations display on HUD.
FC3. Fixed the IRRAD mark for the Russian aircraft. This would overlap with range tape.
FC3 - Wingmen will now turn off radar when commanded to.
FC3. Fixed data link for clients in multiplayer - MiG-29S and Su-27/33.
FC3. Simulator hang after ALT J jumping into an Su-27.
FC3. Fixed Su-33 sinking to the Kuznetsov deck near the superstructure.
FC3. Fixed simulator hang after ALT J jumping into an Su-33.
Combined Arms. Instant fire on ammunition switching has been fixed.
Combined Arms. Switched the reverse gear after the vehicle has stopped.
Combined Arms: Transition to alarm state GREEN for ground units has been fixed.
Combined Arms. Unarmed vehicles will use their sensors when acting as a JTAC.
Combined Arms. Corrected weapon aiming range grid for Russian and NATO tanks.
Combined Arms. Fixed the properties of the 2A46M-125 AP shell.
Combined Arms. Edit textures ground unit HUD when in zoomed in view.

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 28 Feb 2013 at 21:01

miller745 said:
So close to the Huey coming out now

The last few weeks has been spent brushing up on flying the Ka-50..............

Fly the KA-50 with the autopilot and stabilisation system off to get 1% of a perception of how the Huey will fly

Would also recommend ChickenHawk by Robert Mason as a read before you get the DCS:- Huey - fantastic account of a Huey pilots experience in Vietnam, and will also let you know what to expect when you do get to fly it.

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 14 Mar 2013 at 20:58

You're gonna love the Track IR with this. Also check out Freetrack a freeware alternative.

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 21 Mar 2013 at 22:54

In addition to that the other modules are on sale too.

DCS Spring Sale!

The entire range of DCS products will be on sale between 21 and 27 March.
DCS: A-10C Warthog – $19.99 USD
DCS: P-51D Mustang – $9.99 USD
DCS: Combined Arms – $20.99 USD
DCS: Black Shark 2 (Full) – $19.99 USD
DCS: Black Shark 2 (Update) – $9.99 USD

Download http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/downloads/modules/

Release of DCS: Combined Arms

DCS: Combined Arms gives you control of air and ground forces during the battle. Use the Command Map to move and task air and ground forces, set artillery fire missions, and control the ground battle. Assume the role of a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) in multiplayer and designate targets for player-controlled close air support aircraft, or directly control armor vehicles or air defense weapons to engage the enemy.

Play DCS: Combined Arms as a real time strategy game, a first person armor warfare game, or direct the ground battle from the cockpit of a DCS aircraft like the A-10C Warthog, Ka-50 Black Shark, or P-51D Mustang.

DCS: Combined Arms supports both single player and multiplayer game play. When in multiplayer, different players can take on different roles such as artillery commanders, tank commanders, pilots, JTACS, etc. DCS: Combined Arms allows you full control of the battle. All roles can be changed dynamically during the battle.

Download http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/downloads/modules/dcs_combined_arms_english/

Features of DCS: Combined Arms:
• Move and task air and ground forces and direct their fire during a mission.
• Be the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and direct close air support in multiplayer.
• Jump into the seat of many armor and air defence units to engage enemy air and ground forces.
• Play in both single player and multiplayer games.
• Both small and large scale battle missions included.
• Part of DCS World
Further updates and improvements will be made to DCS: Combined Arms.

Release of DCS Version 1.2.3

The new 1.2.3 update to DCS World and DCS Modules is now available as an auto-update, or downloaded directly from www.digitalcombatsimulator.com. This update includes a number of new, free DCS World features including a new DCS World Su-27 model, new triggers, and new scripting tools. It also includes major new features to the Combined Arms and Flaming Cliffs 3 modules. In addition to adding new features, this update includes many bug fixes and adjustments like missile performance, network game stability, force feedback joysticks, and a lot more.

You can read about all the changes here http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=101961

DCS 1.2.4 Development

With version 1.2.3 now available, work is underway on version 1.2.4. The primary focus of this next version will be:
1 - Further improvements to network play and stability
2 - Coincide with the release of DCS: UH-1 Huey
3 - Improvements to air-to-air missile performance
4 - Changes and adjustments to beyond visual range combat systems
5 - Further GUI improvements

Moving to 64-bit Operating Systems Only

As we move forward improving the DCS World environment, we are more and more often running into roadblocks that prevent us from doing so due to supporting 32 bit operating systems. This includes larger and more populated worlds with greater terrain mesh details and textures. By moving to 64 bit support only, we will be able solve this and allow larger missions with more units, and it will allow us to improve visual effects.
This change will be coming in the next few months.

The Future of DCS

Currently the team is focused on completing Flaming Cliffs 3 and continued updates and improvements to DCS World. Once Flaming Cliffs 3 is complete, more of our focus will shift to upcoming DCS titles like the F-15C, F/A-18C and Fw-190D9. Looking further out, Eagle Dynamics and our partners plan a large number of new modules that include the Su-27SM, F-86F, MiG-15Bis, MiG-21Bis, Hawk, Mi-8, Mi-24, OH-58 and AH-1G, to just name a few.

The team is also hard at work on many updates and changes to our world rendering system, which will allow us to make new and much more detailed worlds than we have now, including the Nevada map. We hope to have these changes in place before the end of the year.

With the combination of a large and varied stable of aircraft, along with upcoming new maps, we will continue moving forward toward our goal of DCS World allowing combat missions over a wide array of time periods and locations. While our products initially started with a focus on modern day jets, this is now expanding to include World War 2, Korea, Vietnam and modern day content.

Sincerely,

The Fighter Collection and Eagle Dynamics Team
__________________

Nate--IRL-- · 22 Mar 2013 at 13:00

Xordium said:
Nate do you play combined arms at all? I play a load of Steel Beasts and was wondering if you had any idea how they play compared to each other.

CA is not an armour sim, it is a mix of RTS and simple 1st person vehicle control. You act in either of 3 roles; Commanding the whole coalition force from the Map view. Commanding a group of vehicles from the 1st person perspective, and the JTAC role in Multiplayer, guiding your mates in A-10s to targets.

Some feature are Single player only for the moment, for example controlling AI air units and directing the m to attack ground forces from the Map view. This is planned to be fully MP in the next update or two.

Similarly the JTAC role only really works in Multiplayer, guiding Human players.

lurkio said:
Not sure what to get

Either CA or P-51

Any advice Nate ?

Hard to say to be honest, I really love the P-51, but CA brings so much more to the game. Flip a coin I doubt you'll be disappointed either way. Some of the Timed Air Racing is fun in the P-51.

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 22 Mar 2013 at 15:32

Xordium said:
Thanks for letting me know. I was hoping it was something similar and I'd have an alternative.

There is a nebulous ambition to do DCS level armour modules at some point, but I wouldn't hold your breath.

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 23 Mar 2013 at 14:24

I Found Combined arms fun in SP - For Singleplayer it is more of an RTS type game with first person vehicle control. I enjoyed it, your mileage may vary.

Also you can do stuff like this

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 24 Mar 2013 at 14:29

DCS:- Huey startup vid.

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 24 Mar 2013 at 15:23

Flex Guns, Unguided rockets and Door Gunners, make the Huey very much a combat aircraft I'm happy to say. It also ties in nicely with scale of battle in Combined Arms too.

But I get your point, hopefully as the further aircraft begin rolling out, the mission possibilities will be fleshed out.

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 24 Mar 2013 at 16:03

Believe it or not, all are in Development. The F-15 and F-18 C's are being done by ED themselves and the E versions of both are in development with 3rd Party Developers.

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 24 Mar 2013 at 16:12

The DCS:-Huey by Belsimtek, is the first 3rd party module going to be released. Next will probably be the DCS:-MiG21 by Beczl Studios. If you see DCS:XXXX as the title, it means the aircraft is of sufficient detail an quality for Eagle Dynamics to Licence the use of "DCS-XXXXXX" as the title.

To Quote recent news

The Future of DCS

Currently the team is focused on completing Flaming Cliffs 3 and continued updates and improvements to DCS World. Once Flaming Cliffs 3 is complete, more of our focus will shift to upcoming DCS titles like the F-15C, F/A-18C and Fw-190D9. Looking further out, Eagle Dynamics and our partners plan a large number of new modules that include the Su-27SM, F-86F, MiG-15Bis, MiG-21Bis, Hawk, Mi-8, Mi-24, OH-58 and AH-1G, to just name a few.

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 24 Mar 2013 at 20:42

Some pics........

If the image is larger than 1280 pixels wide then please resize, link only or put in spoiler tags. Thank you.

EDIT:- Apologies - edited the pics

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 25 Mar 2013 at 10:37

Some new pics of the cockpit.

Nate

Nate--IRL-- · 6 Apr 2013 at 16:37

Hovering lesson.

Video is kindly presented by Spanish Coast Guard pilot. (Furia)

Nate