DCS World Website Update
The new and improved DCS World website is now live. The website has been reformatted to make it more organized, look better, and more mobile device friendly. Please visit the revamped new site at:
http://www.DigitalCombatSimulator.com
DCS World 2
Each day we are making more progress in moving DCS World 2. Since the previous newsletter, the team has made great progress on AI landing logic, an all-new multiplayer interface that includes such features as Favorites and Filters, new smoke effects, improvements to the lighting and shadows, replaced the general ground texture with a higher resolution one, increased new terrain graphics performance, the ability to load and work with different maps in the Mission Editor, improvements to the Graphical User Interface (GUI), dedicated server, and a new protection system.
We often read questions regarding how the current Black Sea map will look in DCS World 2. Rather than try to describe this in words, we have included a non-edited gameplay video of the freely available Su-25T Instant Action mission “SAM Killer”. We hope this will paint a clear picture.
We are burning the midnight oil and we will release an alpha of Nevada Test and Training Range map once we feel it is ready. Before we can do so though, there are still several items that need to be addressed. These will also include: completing the new multiplayer interface, performance optimization, various unified .exe issues, remaining crashes, and some night lighting issues.
DCS: L-39 Albatros
The next aircraft module to be released by Eagle Dynamics will be the L-39 Albatros. The front and back cockpit are nearing completion as you can see in the included video. This video also gives you another look at the Black Sea map in DCS World 2.
Primary aspects to still complete are an all-new external model and the completion of the cockpit systems and flight dynamics.
The biggest innovation for this aircraft, and a big part of our reason choosing it, was the inclusion of multiple network players in the same aircraft. This technology has been a big focus of the team as of late. This has also been a big reason for our re-design of the multiplayer interface. It is to be determined if this features will be part of the initial beta release.
DCS World 2: Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) Map
We are further improving the Nevada map and moving it closer to Alfa. Items being worked on include adding the various TACAN and VORTAC stations, improving the mountain textures, improving ground object shadowing, and adding collision models to most ground objects.
Included is a video demonstrating the urban density possible with DCS World 2 and the tremendous sense of speed it provides when flying at low altitude. No, no time acceleration is used.
Video:
DCS: Strait of Hormuz Map
When not working on the Nevada map, our map team is making steady progress on the Strait of Hormuz Map. Most of the airfields are now placed and a great deal of work is being done on manually improving the elevation mesh and textures. However, this map still has a long way to go with items such as airfield taxi routing, water textures, airbase lighting, ground object placement, navigation aids, and ATC still needed to be addressed.
DCS: Combined Arms 1.5
A lot of new work is going into Combined Arms in regards to improved user control (particularly from the external unit movement control), intercom messages, and improved AI. While a bit too early to show off these new features in this newsletter, we hope to be showing these advancements off soon.
DCS: P-47D and DCS: Spitfire
Work continues on the object models, cockpit systems and flight models, but there is nothing new to show this month.
DCS: F/A-18C Hornet
Work is mostly focused on the air-to-ground radar that is making good progress; the team is now starting to create the various sub-modes such as the expanded modes. We have included a couple of images that show samples of the new air-to-ground radar technology that is based on radar reflectivity logic.
Future Newsletters
When there is sufficient new news to justify a newsletter, they will be provided. However, there is no set schedule.
