Flight Sim News and Reviews

DCS: Spitfire LF Mk.IX – The Big Show Campaign!

2018-11-04T03:29:00.002-08:00

Looks like its time to grab a new campaign pack!!

Put on Pierre Clostermann’s Irvin jacket, climb into his Spitfire Mk.IX and experience the massive air battles in the skies of Western Europe described in his similarly titled book. This campaign follows Clostermann’s career from April 1943 to July 1944 through 12 missions that recreate his memoirs down to the smallest details such as time, weather, squadrons and even radio transmissions. Find out what it feels like to fly with the Biggin Hill Wing in a huge formation of Spitfires, to follow Commandant Mouchotte into gigantic melees against 30+ Focke-Wulfs, to take part in Rodeos, Circuses, and attacks on V-1 launch sites, or to support the ground troops after the D-day landings. All clear? Switches on!

Key Features:

12 historical missions following Pierre Clostermann during his time with 341 and 602 Squadron.
Detailed briefings, maps and briefing images, including separate PDF mission files with historical backgrounds
Unique kneeboard graphics and checklists for each mission
Historically accurate custom skins
Hundreds of specially recorded voice-over messages
A wide array of missions including fighter sweep, bomber escort, armed reconnaissance and ground attack

This campaign requires ownership of DCS: Spitfire LF Mk.IX and DCS: Normandy 1944 Map.

DCS L-39 Albatros Availabke to Order

2016-07-12T11:01:00.002-07:00

Two seat Jet trainer aircraft L-39C is intended for basic and advanced pilot training in visual and instrument flight rules weather conditions, day and night and also for combat use against air and ground targets.
Its development started in the middle 60s of the last century by the Czech “Aero Vodochody”. In the 70s the aircraft has entered service and is still in the operational use in over 30 countries worldwide.

The DCS L-39C is the most accurate computer simulation of this aircraft among flight simulators available for PC.
The aircraft systems, engine and weapons have been simulated in full. The professional flight model has been developed. All the real procedures are possible in two interactive cockpits. Highly detailed and accurate model of the aircraft will make you feel the unforgettable sense of flying the famous “flying school desk”, which opened the way to the sky to thousands of air forces pilots worldwide.
Key Features of the DCS: L-39 Albatros:

Professional Flight Model that accurately mimics the performance and flight characteristics of this legendary aircraft
Highly detailed, six-degrees-of-freedom (6 DOF) cockpit
Interact with cockpit controls with your mouse
Fully modelled weapon system
Accurate L-39C and L-39ZA models and cockpits with correct country markings
Detailed modelling of the L-39 instruments, weapons, engine, radios, fuel, electrical and hydraulic systems
Fly from either the front seat or back seat
Cooperative multiplayer in the same aircraft
Interactive training missions
Two versions of aircraft: L-39C trainer and L-39ZA light attack

Summer Bonus Action Week with DCS

2016-07-12T10:58:00.001-07:00

Time to use up those bonus points chaps

8 jul

2016

Starting today at 1500 GMT and lasting until Monday, July 18, 0900 GMT, you can spend up to 60% of your bonus points on most module from our E-Shop. This is a great way to finally spend this bonus points with a huge discount on our great modules!

DCS 1.5.4 News

Two weeks after publishing DCS 1.5.4 in Open Beta, we finally managed to clear up the critical bugs and will publish the patch for DCS World today. Thanks again for all your feedback during this short, yet very effective Open Beta phase!
Changelogs:
http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=2820798&postcount=25

DCS World 2.0 Alpha Nevada

2016-01-04T01:44:00.000-08:00

DCS World 2.0 Alpha Nevada is now available for purchase and although expensive, it is a vast area with metric shit tonne of content. One issue at the moment however is the lack of campaigns for it, so unless you like making up your own stuff, perhaps its value is limited at this moment in time.

Here is the official blurb.

Digital Combat Simulator World (DCS World) is a free-to-play digital battlefield, focusing on military aircraft simulation. It includes a FREE TF-51D and an Su-25T attack aircraft.

DCS World 2 working with new Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) terrain module, that includes the largest contiguous air and ground space available for peacetime military operations in the free world. The NTTR land area includes simulated air defence systems, mock airbases, and several target ranges. The NTTR was also used for nuclear testing. Today, it is home to RED FLAG and other military exercises that include countries from around the world. The NTTR map for DCS World 2 includes Nellis AFB, Creech AFB, McCarran International Airport and the infamous Groom Lake AFB (aka Area 51). This map also includes the city of Las Vegas, McCarran International Airport, and Hoover Dam.

Additionally, DCS World 2 includes:
Powerful mission and campaign editors
Multiplayer
Massive inventory of air, land and sea combat units and weapons
Advanced AI
Fast mission generator
Dynamic weather and seasons
Training missions
Mission replay system
Pilot logbook
Support for multiple maps

This exceptionally detailed and realistic world simulation engine guarantees an engaging, real-world combat experience in this flashpoint region. DCS is a true "sandbox" simulation that can and will cover multiple time periods covering many types of aircraft and ground vehicles. DCS World allows both realistic gameplay and more casual play styles to suit the player.

DCS: M-2000C is finally with us

2016-01-03T06:17:00.000-08:00

The M-2000C is a multi-role, French-designed, 4th generation fighter. It was designed in the 1970s as a lightweight fighter and in excess of 600 M-2000C aircraft have been built. The M-2000C is a single-engine fighter will a low-set delta wing with no horizontal tail. It has excellent manoeuvrability given its relaxed stability and fly-by-wire flight control system. The M-2000C also includes a multi-mode RDI radar that is capable tracking and engaging targets at beyond visual ranges. In addition to engaging other aircraft with cannon and missiles, the M-2000C can also engage ground targets with cannon, rockets and bombs. The M-2000C is a perfect fit for the battlefields of DCS World!

Priced at $59.99 with a $12 bonus, its a pricey beta test. And it will ONLY work with DCS 1.5 and 2.0, so watch out for that one. That being said, its bloody fantastic to fly and a nice mix of old / new skool that should appeal to all. Also, its a delta wing, 'nuff said!

DCS 1.5 Released!!

2016-01-03T06:13:00.003-08:00

Finally taking another massive step closer to DCS World 2.0, this update changes a MASS of problems large and small, and also the way in which we add modules into the game itself. Some new modules such as DCS Mirage 2000 need this update, so get on it dudes!

Digital Combat Simulator World (DCS World) is a free, unified interface for all DCS products; you can think of DCS World as a simulation operating system. DCS modules that can plug into DCS World can include aircraft, maps, ground units, campaigns, etc. Not only can DCS World include modules developed internally by Eagle Dynamics, but it can also include those by certified third party developers.

DCS World not only includes the Graphical User Interface (GUI) that ties all DCS products together in a single installation, but it also includes the global aspects of the simulation world that pertains to all modules. This includes such items such as the Artificial Intelligence (AI), rendering system, mission editor, effects, AI units, semi-dynamic campaign system, and audio environment.

When a user purchases a DCS module, the module only includes content specific to that module. Thus, it requires DCS World to run.

Minimum system requirements: OS 64-bit Windows 7/8/10; DirectX11; CPU: Core i3; RAM: 8 GB; Free hard disk space: 30 GB; Video: 2 GB RAM card, DirectX11 - compatible; requires internet activation.

Recommended system requirements: OS 64-bit Windows 7/8/10; DirectX11; CPU: Core i5+; RAM: 16GB; Hard disk space: 30 GB; Video: NVIDIA GeForce GTX780 / ATI R9 290 DirectX11 or better; Joystick; requires internet activation.

Finally, DCS Hawk T1A is ready for Pre-Order!!

2014-10-29T15:17:00.002-07:00

DCS: Hawk T1A is available for pre-sell!

VEAO Simulations in cooperation with The Fighter Collection and Eagle Dynamics are pleased to announce that DCS: Hawk T1A is available for pre-sell.
Store at ED shop
DCS: Hawk T1A will sell for $39.99 at end of November. Pre Purchase now for $31.99 and save 20%!
The Hawk first entered service with the RAF in 1976, both as an advanced flying-training aircraft and a weapons-training aircraft. The Hawk T1 version is currently used at RAF Valley for fast-jet pilot advanced flying training with No 208(R) Squadron, and at RAF Scampton by the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows.

The T1A is used for weapons and tactical training on No 19(R) Squadron at RAF Valley, and by No 100 Squadron at RAF Leeming for advanced fast-jet weapons systems officer training and operational support- flying. In its weapons and tactical training role the Hawk is used to teach air combat, air-to-air firing, air-to-ground firing and low-flying techniques and operational procedures.

While the Hawk T1 is used solely in the advanced flying-training role, the Hawk T1A is equipped to an operational standard and is capable of undertaking a number of war roles.

The T1A has four under-wing pylons cleared to carry Sidewinder AIM-9L air-to-air missiles, rocket pods, practice bombs and bombs, and can carry a 30mm Aden cannon in a pod underneath the fuselage centre-line. The cannon can be fired at the same time as any of the pylon-mounted weapons are selected for release or firing.

Key Features:

Accurate and highly detailed 3D interactive cockpit featuing six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) technology compatible with head-tracking devices and Oculus Rift.
Accurate modeling of the Hawk HUD, instruments, gauges and dials.
High fidelity accurate Advanced Systems Modelling (ASM) such as electrical, fuel, hydraulics, oxygen, pressurisation and air conditioning, temperature control, pitot-static, AHRS, lighting and weapons system modelled to detailed schematics.
Highly detailed Hawk external 3D model and liveries.
Fully interactive, comprehensive training missions make learning to fly the Hawk easier.
Armament includes: AIM-9M Sidewinders, bombs, practice bombs, rocket pods and gun pod.
Highly detailed damage model.
Standard Flight Model (SFM) included.

New WWII Flight SImulator on the Horizon

2013-09-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome to DCS WWII: Europe 1944, the start of an exciting new flight simulation series!

Legendary flight simulation designers Oleg Maddox, Ilya Shevchenko, and Igor Tishin, are excited to bring you a new WWII flight simulation for the PC. Built by industry veterans with the same approach that made the famous flight sims of the past great, and in partnership with the experts at the Fighter Collection and Eagle Dynamics, the simulation aims to satisfy seasoned aces as well as attract new pilots to the genre.

With unparalleled attention to detail, our developers have decades of experience with aerial combat simulations. We are famous for our ability to make our games fun while maintaining unwavering dedication to historical realism. We can do it because relatively simple WWII-era aircraft do not require extensive training, and nimble controls and simple weapons naturally lead to fast-paced close-quarters battles.

We want to open a new page in WWII combat simulations. We also strive to recapture everything that made famous flight simulations of the past great, starting with a thick spiral-bound manual and comprehensive training, and ending with great free-for-all multiplayer. But we cannot do it without your help!

Detailed recreations of famous WWII aircraft.

Meticulous modeling of individual aircraft systems.

Planes can be flown by following actual historical flight manuals without the need to refer to in-game documentation!

Huge game world painstakingly recreated from period maps.

Rich single-player experience recreating famous battles from both sides.

Join the German Luftwaffe, or attack Fortress Europe with the British RAF or the US Army Air Force.

Fight in famous battles like the D-Day Invasion and the Battle of the Falaise pocket.

Join a historical squadron and fly alongside famous aces from both sides.

Advanced AI recreates historical tactics and models pilots of varying skill levels, from bumbling rookies to merciless aces.

Dynamic weather and seasons add a beautiful backdrop and additional challenges to each sortie.

Comprehensive training system makes the game accessible to people who have never flown before.

Detailed aircraft manuals explain the specifics of each aircraft, and the realities of historical aerial combat.

Robust multiplayer module provides the ultimate challenge by pitting players against each other in heated large-scale battles.
Powerful mission and campaign editors allow creation of player-made scenarios.
Mission replay system, pilot log book, and other features add to the player experience.

Flyable Aircraft:

Republic P-47D-28 Thunderbolt;
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX;
Messerschmitt Bf-109K-4;
Focke-Wulf FW.190D-9 (from DCS: World);
North-American P-51D Mustang (from DCS: World).

Non-Flyable Aircraft:

Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress;
Messerschmitt Me.262A-1.

Landscape:

Normandy. Area of the historical D-Day Invasion, as well as the extensive preparation and follow-up battles.

Single-Player:

Training campaign for each aircraft;
Luftwaffe Fighter campaign (Bf.109);
British Fighter campaign (Spitfire);
US Ground Attack campaign (P-47).

Multi-Player:

Selection of missions for each aircraft.

Other:

Authentic ground vehicles, guns, and ships;
Authentic historical buildings and landmarks;
Regular content updates.

$100,000

Standard project features

$375,000

Everything at the previous level, plus:
A flyable Boeing B-17
Normandy map extended to include Southern England

$550,000

Everything at the previous level, plus:
A flyable Hawker Typhoon IB
A flyable FW.190A-5
Single-player campaign for the Typhoon
Single-player campaign for the FW.190
Ardennes, new large gameplay map
A Luftwaffe Fighter and a US Fighter campaign for the Battle of the Bulge.

$750,000

Everything at the previous level, plus:
A flyable Douglas A-26B-15 Invader
A flyable Messerschmitt Me.262A-1
Single-player campaign for the A-26
Single-player campaign for the Me.262

$1,000,000

Everything at the previous level, plus:
A flyable Lockheed P-38J-15
A flyable de Havilland Mosquito FB.VI
Single-player campaign for the P-38
Single-player campaign for the Mosquito
A flyable Luftwaffe plane (Me 410 A or Ju 88, as voted for by the backers)
Romania, new large gameplay map
4 new single-player campaigns for the new aircraft and theaters

Realities of the current PC marketplace have a lot of developers moving away from traditional distribution models. The last major release in the DCS line, DCS World, is distributed via a free-to-play model. The core game is available free of charge. We encourage you to check the game out, but keep in mind that the included modern aircraft, like the free Su-25 attack jet, are as different from WWII prop fighters as today’s smartphone from a 1940s Bakelite rotary.

The free to play model allows a wider audience access the core game. It is, in essence, a free demo that allows everyone to try the game before they buy it. At the same time, the model accurately reflects immense development costs attached to historically accurate study sims. Recreating a single historical aircraft to DCS standards is a large-scale project for an entire team of experienced developers, each possessing unique skills.

The DCS WWII series will start with Europe 1944 and, given enough interest, continue to grow to cover more theaters, more aircraft, and more content. Moreover, its modules will plug into DCS World modules and vice versa, so you’ll be able to fly a 1940s Messerschmitt against a modern Su-25, if you so choose.

DCS: Europe 1944 will distribute via a free-to-play model, with the core game available as a free download! That means that a supporter of ANY level will be able to fly and enjoy this game! The rest of the modules will be available as a separate purchase.

The free downloadable version of Europe 1944 will include THREE fully flyable aircraft, each arguably more famous than the next: the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter/ground attack aircraft, the Supermarine Spitfire fighter, and the German Messerschmitt Bf.109K. Non-player-controllable versions of all other aircraft will also be included, allowing the players to see them in action at any time.

Backers at the $20 level or above will receive one more flyable aircraft of their choice, and backers at $40 or above will receive the entire flyable aircraft set.

If we hit our stretch goals and the list of aircraft grows, backing at a $40 level or above will increase in value exponentially, getting you the complete set of launch flyables!

The project is a joint venture between RRG Studios and Eagle Dynamics.

RRG Studios brings over 10 years of experience with WWII flight simulations to the table. Staffed with flight sim veterans that worked on the greatest WWII flight sim series of the 21st century, we literally wrote the book on the new generation of flight sims.

Eagle Dynamics is the studio responsible for the biggest modern aviation sims of the past twenty years. In-house experts have industry-best experience with physics, avionics, ballistics, and all other components that go into making a successful flight simulation. Eagle Dynamics continues to redefine the genre and continuously sets the bar high with each new release.

The Fighter Collection is the company that manages Eagle Dynamics. It is based in Cambridge, England, and it operates Europe’s largest fleet of airworthy WWII aircraft. The Fighter Collection runs the annual Flying Legends airshow, giving us unprecedented access to the aircraft we simulate.

Oleg Maddox is one of the biggest names in flight sims. A graduate of the world-famous Moscow Aviation Institute, he spent 11 years in the Soviet aerospace industry. He then developed some of the biggest PC games of the Russian market, including unique FPS titles such as Zar and Mad Space. The games offered such innovative features as non-euclidean geometry and speech recognition. Oleg then used their success to focus once again on his childhood obsession with aviation. In 1998 his team began to work on what was to become a smash hit flight sim. The rest is history. Lauded for its unique mix of excitement and realism, Oleg’s work went on to become the biggest and the most award-winning flight simulation of the 21st century. It launched an entire litter of spin-off aerial simulations that continue to this day.

Oleg’s incredible talent lies in his ability to interact with gamers and to translate their desires into game features. Oleg will act as the team’s advisor, distilling the wishes of the fans into design decisions, and making sure they properly translate into something that satisfies the fans today as well as in the long run. Oleg will act as the ultimate quality control on the game, ensuring it meets the highest possible standards of both historical accuracy and playability.

Ilya Shevchenko is an industry veteran that worked with Oleg's team since the very beginning. Spearheading community efforts, Ilya led the international team of volunteers that created and expanded the original simulation, took it to new theaters, and eventually ended up producing the biggest most comprehensive collection of flyable WWII aircraft ever created.

Ilya will act as the project’s lead producer. He will take part in all design decisions while managing the day-to-day operations, assigning and tracking tasks, and generally making sure things get done.

Igor Tishin is the driving force behind the successes of Eagle Dynamics over the past 20 years. Starting with the smash hit Su-27 Flanker (1995), he led the team that built the biggest successes in modern combat simulations, including Lock-On: Modern Air Combat, DCS: Black Shark, and many others.

Igor will oversee all engine and flight dynamics work on the project. Putting the same effort into the historical accuracy and realism as he did into the recent DCS: P-51 release, Igor will ensure the new WWII aircraft built for this project will satisfy the most discriminating expert.

100% of the funds received will go towards the project.

The money being raised is only a portion of the development budget. The majority of the programming, some aircraft art, and more, are the costs that the team is funding internally.

The initial kickstarter goal is needed to fund a longer more extensive beta testing period for the game, giving all its components extra polish, and to make the game landscape more alive by creating a larger variety of ground objects and vehicles, and spending more time to hand-craft various historical areas such as accurate recreations of more coastline villages, important bridges, unique airfields, and more.

The general project funds will be distributed thus:

14% will go towards building the 3D models of planes and cockpits.

9% will go towards other 3D models that populate the game world.

16% will go towards building the large historical game map or maps.

14% will go towards a multitude of other development tasks such as GUI design and other art, sound recording, music, and a trip to Duxford for two lucky programmers for an up-close-and-personal encounter with the aircraft being modeled.

10% will go towards dedicated aircraft programmers.

12% will go towards the overhead, including office rent, electricity, computer hardware and upgrades, and the cheapest office chairs the store around the corner will have.

5% will go towards single- and multiplayer mission design.

Finally, out of the remaining 20%, approx. 9% will go towards Kickstarter and transfer fees. Another 10% or so will be spent manufacturing, shipping, and otherwise providing our backers with their Kickstarter rewards.

Now, what about the schedule?

If we are funded at the basic tier, we will work to have the project finished within 12 months.

If there is enough interest to fund additional stretch goals, the development schedule will also stretch. At the highest tier, the project should be ready within 18 months.

Our goal is to grow the DCS WWII line into a long-running simulation series covering all theaters of WWII, and expanding into other nearby conflicts, such as the Korean War.

We want to keep creating the content that we enjoy creating and that our fans enjoy playing for years to come.

If the the project is commercially successful, any unreached stretch goals will be our next target. If we are fully funded, new versions of existing aircraft as well other new aircraft, focusing on both existing and new WWII battlefields, are already in our plans.

We want to release regular content updates in the shape of new aircraft, new maps, new ground vehicles, as well as various feature improvements and additions that keep both the game and the game engine ahead of the curve.

We also plan to turn future commercial success into various free content updates, most importantly in the shape of new historical missions and campaigns that the community can enjoy while waiting for the next aircraft or battlefield.

Finally, we have huge plans for the game’s multiplayer component. They are outside the listed kickstarter goals because they are a bit too ambitious to fit into the kickstarter timeframe, and because they also stretch to other products in the DCS line. We feel that multiplayer is a huge part of any flight sim’s success, and with Oleg Maddox and some of his former teammates, we have an incredible team that can both design a great comprehensive approach to multiplayer on paper, and implement it into robust, exciting gameplay.

Ultimately, we are building a robust multiplayer module that covers all aspects of the spectrum from gratuitous free-for-all to rigid historically realistic cooperative, both centrally- and community-run, with persistent online record-keeping and many other features that keep the online war current and exciting for years to come.

The following aircraft will appear in the game:

The Messerschmitt Bf.109, often called Me 109, was the mainstay German fighter of WWII. It served with distinction throughout the war, and new variants with new improvements kept it up to date and competitive all the way until the war’s end in 1945.

The K series 109 modeled in Europe’44 was one of the most advanced of all Bf.109 variants. Many Luftwaffe aces scored a bulk of their kills in the Bf.109. With a powerful nose cannon, and available underwing gunpods, it could destroy most targets in a single salvo. Its powerful engine, small size and nimble controls also meant it could dogfight on part with any contemporary Allied fighter. However the 109’s inline engine and construction meant that it could not withstand much punishment. Unlike the P-47 Thunderbolt, you really want to avoid getting hit in the Bf.109.

The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was a four-engine heavy bomber, perhaps on the most recognizable aircraft of WWII.

Sturdy, durable, and easy to fly, it could carry a massive payload. Its advanced Norden bombsight meant that bombs would usually find their target. Beloved by the USAAF crewmen who flew it for its ability to limp back home looking like a hunk of Swiss cheese, the B-17 was equally reviled by the Germans for its participation in what the propaganda termed “terror bombing” and for its bristle of defensive guns.

Thousands of the Flying Fortresses dotted skies over Germany and occupied Europe. Flying through black splotches of exploding flak, they became a symbol of US air power.

The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the most mass-produced American fighter planes of the war. Large and heavy, it amazed both friend and foe twice: first with its sheer size that dwarfed many contemporary fighters, and then with the fact that it could still hold its own in a dogfight.

However, by 1944 most P-47s were no longer flying as fighters. Flying in the ground attack role and carrying more bombs and rockets than some dedicated bombers, yet fast and nimble as a fighter, P-47s wreaked havoc on the European countryside. They flew at tree-top level, seeking out German vehicle hiding in the brush, or dove down from the clouds suppressing German firing positions, flipping over attacking Panzers, or strafing infantry with the impressive array of 8 .50-cal machine guns.

Most importantly, the P-47 was highly durable and could withstand punishment. If there was one thing the P-47 excelled at, it was getting its pilot back home.

The Supermarine Spitfire was the most famous, and without a doubt the most beautiful British fighter of the war.

First earning its fame in the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire went through numerous improvements and modifications. It stayed in service well after the war, serving on all theaters, from Europe to Africa and the Pacific.

Beloved for its pleasing outlines, powerful armament, excellent engine, and great overall performance, the Spitfire was respected by all adversaries, German, Italian, Rumanian, or Japanese. If anything, Spitfire is the ultimate proof that if it looks good, it flies good.

The Messerschmitt Me.262A-1 was the world's first operational jet fighter. Product of some of the most advanced engineering anywhere in the world, it was powered by twin Junkers Jumo 004 engines, the most exceptional part of the aircraft. Other countries were also working on their own jet engines, but their program was just a little ahead of everyone else. They were flight-testing when everyone else was by their drawing boards, and by the time everyone else was flight testing, the Luftwaffe was starting production.

The Me.262 was, in many ways, just a prop plane with jet engines strapped in. However the engines were better, more powerful, and more reliable than anyone else's. When Allied bomber crews first spotted strange propellerless aircraft gliding through the air at unbelievable speeds, the shock and awe was complete. For a while, Luftwaffe was back on top.

After a few months, Allied air superiority began to shift the balance yet again. The Germans could not produce the jets fast enough; nor could they replace the pilots they were losing. Many of the German jet pilots were not experienced enough to get much use out of their superior speed. On the other hand, the Allies had such superiority that they could simply hang around until the jets came in to land, and shoot them down by their airfields.

Still, the Me.262 is one of the most incredible aircraft of WWII. If flown fast enough, you'll always be beyond your enemy's reach; and if your aim is true enough, the enemy is always at your mercy.

The Focke-Wulf FW.190D-9, also known as the Dora-9, was one of the most advanced variants of the famous Focke-Wulf single-engine fighter. The FW.190 was a radial-engine counterpart to the inline-engine Bf.109. Just as the Luftwaffe fighter force was split between those two fighters, today's simulation fans are split in their preference. Some prefer the sleek, powerful 109; others swear by the comfortable yet devastating 190.

Almost futuristic for its time, the Focke-Wulf addressed many of the cockpit workload issues that plagued the 109 till the end of the war. A forerunner of the hands-on-throttle-and-stick methodology, the 190 automated many important functions that required multiple actions by the pilot in a Messerschmitt.

The D or Dora variant was a radical departure from the radial engine of the earlier variants. Intended to improve high-altitude performance in response to the Allied bomber raids, the Dora was equipped with a powerful inline engine. This required a dramatic redesign of the entire aircraft, most visible in the greatly lengthened nose section. Pilots nicknamed the FW.190D-9 the "long-nose Dora". Easy to fly, fast, and well-armed, the D-9 was a formidable opponent and was rightly feared by Allied pilots unlucky enough to encounter it in the air.

NOTE: The FW.190D-9 will be the same as the upcoming FW.190D-9 being developed for DCS:World.

The North-American P-51D Mustang is one of the most famous aircraft of all time. A true star of the American air power both in looks and performance, this amazing aircraft had humble beginnings. Offered almost as an afterthought, or perhaps a gamble, to a British purchasing commission, it started off as an underpowered, cheap, simple fighter with light armament.

However the inherent strength of the simple design really began to shine, when, a few years later, the P-51 was equipped with a new Merlin engine. The USAAF suddenly had a great aircraft in its line-up. The new version of the P-51 could fly all the way to Berlin and back, and fight anything the Germans could put up on equal terms.

Now that the Americans had a fighter capable of reaching anywhere inside the Third Reich, Germans had nowhere to hide.

NOTE: The P-51 in Europe’44 will be the same as the P-51D already released for Digital Combat Simulator. Please feel free to look into the project for more information about the quality of modeling and attention to detail that went into this aircraft.

ORIGINAL REWARDS

$1 – our heartfelt thanks, access to the backer section with weekly development updates, videos, and more, and a special BACKER medal on our official forums.

$10 – Everything at the previous level, plus early access to the game’s closed beta.

$20 - Everything at the previous level, plus a digital copy of one additional flyable aircraft of your choice.

$30 – Everything at the $10 level, plus a digital copy of two additional flyable aircraft of your choice.

$40 - Everything at the $10 level, plus a digital copy of all flyable aircraft in the game (this will grow with the stretch goals and possibly end up offering a huge value!)

$50 - Everything at the $40 level, plus a custom-designed project backer T-shirt.

$75 - Everything at the $50 level, plus a hard copy of the game’s air combat strategy and tactics manual.

$80 - Everything at the $10 level, plus a custom-designed project backer T-shirt and TWO digital copies of all flyable aircraft in the game (this will grow with the stretch goals and possibly end up offering a huge value!). Share with a friend!

$100 - Everything at the $50 level, plus a hard copy of the game’s air combat strategy and tactics manual, and a spiral-bound copy of complete aircraft manuals for one flyable aircraft in the game.

$150 - Everything at the $40 level, plus a hard copy of the game’s air combat strategy and tactics manual, and spiral-bound copies of complete aircraft manuals for two flyable aircraft in the game.

$250 - Everything at the $80 level (two copies of the entire initial release to share with a friend), plus a hard copy of the game’s air combat strategy and tactics manual, and spiral-bound copies of complete aircraft manuals for two flyable aircraft in the game, plus a digital copy of DCS World FW-190D-9 with beta access (when available in early 2014), and a digital copy of DCS World P-51D Mustang (on successful kickstarter completion), plus a mention in the Producers section of the game credits, plus ALPHA ACCESS.

$500 - Everything at the previous level, plus one additional set (TWO total) of digital copies of DCS World FW-190D-9 with beta access (when available in early 2014), and DCS World P-51D Mustang (on successful kickstarter completion), plus a custom-designed individualized paint scheme for an aircraft of your choice, made by one of our in-house experts.

$1,000 - Everything at the previous level, a large framed art print from the game signed by all key team members, plus access to weekly team development meetings via Skype where you can participate in some decision-making and keep up-to-date with the development process.

$2,000 - Everything at the previous level, plus your face on one of the in-game pilot models (space obviously very limited).

$5,000 - Everything at the previous level, plus your voice in the game, speaking for one of the AI-controlled pilots.

$7,500 - Everything at the previous level, and a special place as a unique in-game ace in the game encountered in single-player campaigns including your aircraft with a unique ace paintscheme, your voice, your likeness, and focus on your persona in the mission briefing.

$10,000 - Everything at the previous level, plus we’ll host you in Moscow (visa and transportation is on you) for an entire day with the team, access to early builds, lunch with the development leads, and a night out on the town!

DCS WORLD REWARDS

All rewards include the $40 Original reward, which contains: our heartfelt thanks; access to the backer section with weekly development updates, videos, and more; a special BACKER medal on our official forums; plus early access to the game’s closed beta; plus a digital copy of all flyable aircraft in the initial release.

$65 - Everything at the $40 level, plus a digital copy of DCS World P-51D Mustang (on successful kickstarter completion).

$85 - Everything at the $40 level, plus a digital copy of DCS World FW-190D-9 with beta access (when available in early 2014).

$100 - Everything at the $40 level, plus a digital copy of DCS World FW-190D-9 with beta access (when available in early 2014), and a digital copy of DCS World P-51D Mustang (on successful kickstarter completion).

$150 - Everything at the $40 level, plus TWO digital copies of DCS World FW-190D-9 with beta access (when available in early 2014), and TWO digital copies of DCS World P-51D Mustang (on successful kickstarter completion). Share with a friend!

All backers at $250 level or above will also receive access to DCS World aircraft.

ALPHA ACCESS REWARDS

We are adding this tier because users are asking for it. We have some reservations about it.

DCS WWII: Europe 1944 will enter alpha around February of 2014.

Please note that software ALPHA does not contain all features; version you will receive will have some content half-finished, and some not included at all. The version however WILL contain a large number of bugs.

This version will not be a polished demo version. Please think twice before choosing this reward tier. If you are easily frustrated by missing or broken features, or expect perfection at every turn, please wait until the project is officially released.

$50 - Everything at the $10 ORIGINAL level, plus a digital copy of all flyable aircraft in the initial release, plus ALPHA ACCESS.

$60 - Everything at the $40 ORIGINAL level, plus a custom-designed project backer T-shirt, plus ALPHA ACCESS.

$90 - Everything at the $40 ORIGINAL level, plus TWO digital copies of all flyable aircraft in the initial release, plus ALPHA ACCESS.

$110 - Everything at the $40 ORIGINAL level, plus a digital copy of DCS World FW-190D-9 with beta access (when available in early 2014), and a digital copy of DCS World P-51D Mustang (on successful kickstarter completion), plus ALPHA ACCESS.

$160 - Everything at the $40 ORIGINAL level, plus TWO digital copies of DCS World FW-190D-9 with beta access (when available in early 2014), and TWO digital copies of DCS World P-51D Mustang (on successful kickstarter completion). Incldes only one invitation for ALPHA ACCESS.

$170 - Everything at the $40 ORIGINAL level, plus TWO digital copies of DCS World FW-190D-9 with beta access (when available in early 2014), and TWO digital copies of DCS World P-51D Mustang (on successful kickstarter completion). Incldes two invitations for ALPHA ACCESS for yourself and for your friend.

All backers at $250 level or above will also receive alpha access.

Risks and challengesLearn about accountability on Kickstarter

The general risks are always the same: trying to do too much with not enough money and not enough time. We've been doing flight sims long enough to know that, and we've been doing it long enough to, hopefully, know how to avoid it.

The risks are always there. Unfortunately, there are always some things that you just don't know. Writing complex features from scratch always has that risk. We can't count the number of times when something we thought would take a month ended up taking two, and something we thought would take a week ended up being done in two days. It can go both ways, but of course, it's usually the former.

The project does contain some unknowns, most importantly the currently unfinished landscape engine, and the multiplayer module. The multiplayer module is in fact so unpredictable that we've taken it out of the kickstarter completely. We're going to work on it, but we'd rather not tie the overall schedule to it.

Other things, making airplanes fly, making tanks roll through the fields, making bombs explode, is generally rather predictable. It's time consuming, takes a lot of ingenuity and skill, but if we think it will take six months, it usually takes about six months.

So, the biggest unknown in this kickstarter is the landscape. There is a potential for something unknown, unpredictable, currently lurking in the shadows, jumping out eight months from now and causing us to delay.

We have been doing this long enough to know that this can happen, so the project has a little buffer.

We really want to make this work and we really, really, really want to make our fans happy. We've worked countless nights and weekends on our earlier projects and we'll happily do it again. We love what we do and we want to keep doing it, and that, to us, means that we can face any challenge that comes up.

Euro Truck Simulator 2 Review

2013-06-20T13:55:00.004-07:00

Do you like trucking? Then you ABSOLUTELY need to check out this review of the greatest trucking sim there is !

TrackiR 5 Product review

2013-06-20T13:53:00.001-07:00

Wondered what TrackIR is and how t use it? Wonder no more and follow the LINK to a great review of this fantastic product!

2013-06-20T13:50:00.001-07:00

New review up at Hubpages, a bit different this time as it's Train Simulator 2013, and surprisingly, it's great !

LINK

Article on the Supermarine Spitfire

2013-02-11T10:04:00.001-08:00

A new article on the Spitfire in WWII and the Battle of Britain is up at Hubpages, follow the LINK to check it out!

DCS World Review

2013-02-11T10:01:00.002-08:00

A new review of DCS World is up at Hubpages, click the LINK to check it out!

Flaming Cliffs 3 Beta review

2013-02-11T09:59:00.001-08:00

New review for Flaming Cliffs 3 is up and running at the following LINK, its well worth a read and has cool pictures and vids!

Download link for Freefalcon 6 and ALL Campaigns!

2013-01-25T00:27:00.000-08:00

Here it is, after a tip off from someone you can finally get your hands on FF6 again!

http://web.archive.org/web/20121003184324/http://www.freefalcon.com/forum/content.php/133-FreeFalcon-6-0

FreeFalcon Update

2013-01-20T02:47:00.002-08:00

Things seem to be moving very fast and fluid, with a LOT of chatter on various forums.
Big news today is that the new Freefalcon open source forum has already moved!!

The new forum can be found here
FREEFALCON OPEN SOURCE

Is Freefalcon rising from the ashes?

2013-01-19T13:24:00.001-08:00

Looks like it. One of the coders has gone open source with FF6, and has a link to download the simulator HERE

Lets see what the future brings on this one. Good luck to them.

Major update on DCS World

2013-01-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

Wow! You simply have to check out this video. It lists all of the upcoming additions coming to this fantastic combat simulation!

Firstly, the WWII Focke Wolfe 190, oh my god, now we Mustang pilots have something to shoot at.

There is so much to see, so please check it out and support this great simulation.

DCS WORLD - AN OVERVIEW

FreeFalcon is no more

2013-01-17T10:22:00.001-08:00

Sad news I bring to you this day, the Freefalcon team seems to have called it a day, and closed down the website with no warning to the community. Anyone looking forward to downloading this great sim is going to be disappointed, as all traces have disappeared.

Here is the news gathered from the forum of rival developers, the creators of Falcon BMS.

BMS FORUM (registration required)

Pasted below for those who don't want to register to read it.

"One of the greatest things about this community is the fact that so many of its membership can trace their history to the sim as far back as 1998. Even better, everyone has a great story to tell about their first experiences, almost as a testament to their love of Falcon.

There are even a great number of members in this community that can go back to even earlier versions of Falcon, and many of those people are still here today.

So, whenever a group of like minded people get together to achieve something greater than they could achieve individually, I believe it is always the hope of that group to create a product that they can be proud of, and that in particular this Falcon group will receive warmly, and have countless hours of fun using.

Like many of you, I have many stories that I could tell about the vaunted history of Falcon. Both many high and low moments could be told. While I won't do that (much) in this thread, I wanted to at least share one story with you so that you could understand a little better.

The story of FreeFalcon goes way back to a couple guys, Steve "Hustler" Wooters and Ron "Red" Nair, and Fred "Baldeagle". Back in the day, these guys were doing some crazy stuff with skins. I mean, this stuff was off the hook. Baldeagle was always behind the scenes, never really taking credit for his time and effort, producing lodeditor. I don't recall ever once over the past ten or so years hearing him complain about people using his software for their purposes. In fact, it was the opposite. He would adapt the program to fit whatever needs those people had, and do it gladly.

Later on, they were asked, along with myself and a bunch of others, to join SuperPak, the Unified Team. This was a program designed to bring together the absolute best in the community for one simple idea: to stretch what had been done in Falcon, and to what could be done, under one banner.

After the group dissolved (and a number of great releases provided to the community), there was a void that was eventually filled with the promise of g2interactive, and Operation Infinite Resolve. So, a group of us got together that included many current members of BMS, Hustler, Red, Baldeagle, plus many others, to try and do something special. While we were able to get a couple fairly minor releases out (big at the time of course, but minor compared to where we are now), we never quite achieved the dream we were hoping for.

Due to some basic philosophical differences between groups, FreeFalcon was created, and BMS disappeared for a while. However, the relationships between many of us, outside of Falcon, remained strong and vibrant. The strength of those relationships allowed us to coexist together, and the nastiness of community postings had for the most part, long since dwindled.

It was during this time that FreeFalcon truly flourished. They had a strong fan base, strong development, and strong leadership, with their vision of what Falcon could become. Indeed, people will be talking about FreeFalcon for many years, and how they provided truly astoning artwork, and the ability to fly as many aircraft as possible with as great detail as could be allowed.

I have always admired those developers, and have always wondered why they would commit so much time to their love of Falcon, despite the community at times, despite the challenges, and despite the overwhelming learning curve. I'm telling you, these guys are good.

So, it is with a great sadness, after all these years, that I was informed about the closing of FreeFalcon. I asked Steve if I could write this on behalf of FreeFalcon, and he was happy to let me do this. FreeFalcon will be missed. There will be lots of questions asked, and probably never really answered as good as they could be. Such is the life of a development stream sometimes. However, mark this day on your calendar as one of the low days of Falcon. To FreeFalcon, you guys are remembered, and honored, and welcome to our boards.

And I would personally like to Thank You for your service to the promise of a dream.

I will make this a sticky for a couple weeks to ensure people will have a good chance to read this. I will leave posts open so that others may comment. But please, to the extent possible, keep your comments positive, and in the spirt this letter is written."

Channel Map Released for Rise of Flight!!

2012-12-24T14:35:00.004-08:00

Without further ado, here is the information hot from the press!

Channel Map & Felixstowe Released. Massive Sale Dec. 24th-30th!

Dear Pilots,

We are proud to present you the version 1.029 of Rise of Flight and congratulate you on the coming holidays. We wish you and your families all the best for the coming year with victories and success in all your endeavours!

For us this year has flown by very quickly and was very rich with developments and progress. In February 2012 we told you about our plans for the year and announced a series of long-term pre-orders that offered to help us achieve our goals. And we are very pleased that today we have successfully completed this experiment. Since then, the project has changed both externally and internally, there is a new logic of weapon synchronizer weapon, new models of weapons, new aircraft, new map, new ocean technology and some cool 3rd party developments which we enjoy seeing.

In this version you can see a new map (if purchased) and new graphical effects such as 3-D water and our first flying boat. You can also find the physics of interaction with the water surface of aircraft, ships and submarines. We’ve also added moorings and hydroplanes bases and, hopefully, many hours of fun flying. The map will be available in the in-game map list or in the mission editor for anyone who pre-ordered the map or buys it in the store after release. Our new flying boat, the Felixstowe F.2A, makes its appearance with its formidable modifications. Two of which add additional members of the crew.

Seaplanes can take off only at special bases that are marked with an anchor and we have added them on both British and French sides. By changing the power of the wind on the channel map, you also change the level of excitement of the waves. Normal take-off is possible only with waves of levels 1-2. Huge waves will damage the plane. Be careful and cautious when landing.

We have tried to make the Channel Map as close to reality as possible with the technology and data available to us. The appearance of the English coast is different from the French coast, which looks very similar to what you might see on the continental map of ROF. We have increased the number of objects on the map and the number of cities and trees, so we recommend that owners of less powerful computers slightly lower quality settings to get better FPS. This situation was unavoidable as the demand for increased detail on the ground is high.

In early 2013, we will continue to work on the implementation of the Channel Map into the Career Mode, which will include new squadrons and new types of missions. This is a big task, but we hope to finish everything quickly and give you the results soon.

To celebrate another successful year and in the spirit of the Holiday Season we have a launched another massive 50% sale in our store from December 24th though December 30th. Everything is on sale except pre-orders and recently released new items. Many new users have joined our ranks the past couple months and now is a great time to fill up your hangar!

We also had an important event occur in this year. Our company has been entrusted with the development of the famous IL-2 Sturmovik series which is devoted to the events of World War II. We are very proud of this opportunity and we hope to succeed in this endeavour. For more information please visit the official site of the new Sturmovik project (www.il2sturmovik.net). We invite you to register on the new official forum of IL-2 (http://forum.il2sturmovik.net) and share your opinions about this new product and your love for WWII flight-sims.

As is our tradition, in February 2013 we will announce plans for the next year for Rise of Flight. Our team thanks all those who supported us in the past year, with continued support and attention our mission will continue!

Update from 1C on IL-2 Sturmovik BOS

2012-12-11T12:56:00.000-08:00

This just plopped into my mailbox a short while ago, and I would like to share it here. This is straight from the horses mouth, and signs the "death knell" of any further development of IL-2 Cliffs of Dover.

On the plus side, I love Rise of Flight and wish them all the best in this collaboration, as it's clear to me that 1C are simply not up to the job on their own!

"Dear 1C Forum Member!

1C Announces Partnership with 777 Studios to create 1C Game Studios and develop IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad

1C is proud to take the next step in flight-simulation history with 777 Studios, a company and team that has grown to be one of the best flight-simulation developers in the world with its project Rise of Flight (http://riseofflight.com). We look forward to bringing a new era of development and spirit of enjoyment to the combat flight-simulation community together.

Battle of Stalingrad will include both single-player and multi-player scenarios for virtual pilots to enjoy as well as brand new gameplay modes. Initial client release is slated for early 2014 with add-on content and additional features and theatres to follow.

You can read the full announcement on the official website of the game located at Il2sturmovik.net.
Please note that the upcoming title will also have a new forum dedicated entirely to IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad. We would like to invite to come and visit the new
IL-2 Sturmovik forum (http://forum.il2sturmovik.net), where you will find additional information about the project and will be able to ask questions and chat with the developers.

Best regards,
1C Game Studios team"

Flaming Cliffs 3 Released!

2012-11-15T05:47:00.000-08:00

Kind of ! Its another paid for Beta, but hey, at least you get to play it right now !!

Info from the release as follows...

Introduction

Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 3 (FC3) is the next evolution of the Flaming Cliffs series. FC3 features the F-15C, A-10A, Su-27, Su-33, MiG-29A, MiG-29S and Su-25. FC3 aircraft provide an easy learning curve for new players and focuses on a broad range of aircraft rather than a detailed single aircraft. FC3 adds a number of new features and improvements to previous versions of the Flaming Cliffs series. FC3 is a module of DCS World, which makes it compatible with all other DCS: World titles like A-10C, Black Shark 2, P-51D, and Combined Arms.

New Key Features for the Flaming Cliffs Series

A DCS World module that is compatible with DCS titles.
New 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF) cockpit and model for the F-15C.
New F-15C campaign and single missions.
Improved cockpit art for Russian aircraft.
Improved landing dynamics.
Improved flight dynamics for air-to-air missiles.
Updated and improved HUDs and other cockpit systems.
Resource Manager that adds logistics control to missions.
Expanded theatre of operations map into eastern Georgia.
Countless other improvements in the areas of the mission editor, special effects, new models, improved terrain detail and AI.

Requirements

Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 3 will require an installation of Lock On: Modern Air Combat.

The Flaming Cliffs 3 Aircraft

MiG-29A and MiG-29S Fulcrum

Western observers often conclude, inaccurately, that the Su-27 and MiG-29 were born of a single design program, which copied the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18, no less. Indeed, the Su-27 and MiG-29 look quite similar and some observers cannot readily tell the two aircraft apart, despite the MiG-29 being substantially smaller than the Su-27. Both the Su-27 and MiG-29 design teams reportedly worked with common research data and drew common design conclusions. The MiG-29 has been much more widely exported than the Su-27, serving in many former Warsaw Pact air forces, several of which have since joined NATO (bringing their Soviet-made MiG-29s with them).

The MiG-29 originally shared most of its avionics suite with the Su-27 (including the radar, the Electro-Optical System (EOS), and the helmet-mounted sight), but was designed as a short-ranged fighter, not as an interceptor. The EOS lets the Fulcrum search for, track, and engage targets without emitting telltale radar signals. Being smaller, it doesn’t carry as many missiles as the Su-27, but its high-AoA maneuverability coupled with the R-73 (AA-11) Archer high off-boresight, heat-seeking missile and helmet mounted sight makes the MiG-29 a deadly dogfighter. The slow-speed turning fight is the MiG-29’s preferred arena where it can use its high-AoA capability to point its weapons at a floundering target. The newer MiG-29S includes onboard electronic countermeasures, a greater fuel load, and the ability to carry the medium-ranged R-77 (AA-12) Adder missile.

As with the Su-27, critics cite weak avionics and poor cockpit design as weaknesses of the MiG-29. The later MiG-29S (Fulcrum C), though, incorporated numerous improvements including better defensive countermeasures and increased fuel capacity. The MiG-29 reportedly requires a significant amount of maintenance, especially the engines. German MiG-29s (inherited from the East when Germany was re-unified) have had their engine performance "tuned down" to somewhat lengthen engine lifespan. Obtaining spare parts continues to be a concern for former Warsaw Pact nations.
Russian forces in DCS World employ the MiG-29A and MiG-29S, while German forces operate only the MiG-29A.

Combat Modes

Multiple Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air combat modes, radar and (or) infrared detection system, up to150 km.
Close Air Combat (CAC), vertical scanning radar mode and (or) infrared detection system. Less than 10 km.
Close Air Combat (CAC), boresight scanning radar mode and (or) infrared detection system, less than 15 km.
Close Air Combat (CAC), helmet-mounted sight radar mode and (or) infrared detection system, less than 10 km.
Close Air Combat (CAC) missile seeker mode, less than 10 km.
Unguided ground attack mode for cannon, bombs, and rockets. CCIP and CCRP delivery modes.

back on top ^

Su-27 and Su-33 Flanker

The Su-27 Flanker B and its variants are some of the most impressive and capable fighter aircraft in the world, designed to beat the vaunted F-15C. Born in the waning years of the Cold War, the Flanker did not have an easy life. The initial design suffered serious problems. Then, the breakup of the Soviet Union hindered its deployment, denying it the opportunity to prove itself as one of the world’s greatest aircraft.
The Su-27 is tailored for air-to-air combat, not air-to-ground. Armed with the R-27 (AA-10) Alamo series of missiles, the Flanker has an impressive beyond visual range (BVR) capability. Meanwhile, the helmet mounted sight and high off-bore sight R-73 (AA-11) Archer heat-seeking missile, coupled with the Su-27’s high thrust and sustained turn capability, gives the aircraft a powerful edge in a knife fight. High-AoA manoeuvring helps the pilot point his weapons at the enemy. Finally, its very large internal fuel capacity keeps it in the fight well after other fighters are running on fumes. It carries as many as ten air-to-air missiles, giving it an impressive "punch".

Detractors criticize the Su-27’s avionics and cockpit layout, citing limited ability to track/engage multiple targets, high reliance on Ground Control Intercept (GCI) control, and high pilot workload. However, its passive Electro-Optical System (EOS) lets it find and engage targets without any radar emissions (which can warn the target). Debate continues whether high-AOA maneuvers (such as tail slides and the famed "Cobra") are useful as combat tactics or merely impressive air show stunts.
Su-27 pilots should keep in mind that although the Flanker has a very large internal fuel capacity, hence the lack of external fuel tanks, a fully fueled Flanker can be a very poor performer in a dogfight.

Originally named the Su-27K, this cousin of the Su-27 was specifically designed to operate from Soviet aircraft carriers. Equipped with canards for improved take off and landing performance, the first Su-27K made its maiden flight in 1985. The tail cone was shortened to reduce the risk of tail strike during high-AoA carrier landings, but this also reduced the space available for defensive countermeasures (including chaff and flare dispensers). The Su-33 uses the same radar as the Su-27 and, to a large extent, the same cockpit as well. Neither the Su-33 nor Su-27 has air-to-surface radar modes.

Combat Modes:

Multiple Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air combat modes, radar and (or) infrared detection system, up to150 km.
Close Air Combat (CAC), vertical scanning radar mode and (or) infrared detection system. Less than 10 km.
Close Air Combat (CAC),boresight scanning radar mode and (or) infrared detection system, less than 15 km.
Close Air Combat (CAC),helmet-mounted sight radar mode and (or) infrared detection system, less than 10 km.
Close Air Combat (CAC) missile seeker mode, less than 10 km.
Data Link mode, all radar systems are kept silent for stealthy attack.
Unguided ground attack mode for cannon, bombs, and rockets. CCIP and CCRP delivery modes.
In-flight refueling (Su-33).
Take-off/landing on an aircraft carrier (Su-33).

F-15C Eagle

The F-15C has often been labeled as the greatest fighter aircraft in the world. Designed to counter the exaggerated capabilities of the Soviet MiG-25 "Foxbat", the F-15C has been the backbone of U.S. air defense for three decades. The F-15C, equipped with improved avionics and weapons over the original F-15A, has scored over 100 air-to-air victories in the service of Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. without suffering any losses.
The F-15C rules the Beyond Visual Range arena (BVR). No slouch in a dogfight, the F-15C excels at finding targets, positively identifying them as hostile, and engaging them with AIM-120C AMRAAM missiles before the enemy can respond.
The F-15's versatile pulse-Doppler radar system can look up at high-flying targets and down at low-flying targets without being confused by ground clutter. It can detect and track aircraft and small high-speed targets at distances beyond visual range down to close range, and at altitudes down to tree-top level. The radar feeds target information into the central computer for effective weapons delivery. For close-in dogfights, the radar automatically acquires enemy aircraft, and this information is projected on the head-up display.

The Eagle is somewhat restricted in the close-in dogfight. The AIM-9M Sidewinder, a reliable weapon that has soldiered on since the 1960’s, does not have the high off-bore sight capability of recent Russian heat-seeking missiles. F-15C drivers should generally favour the higher-speed "energy fight" in favour of the low-speed turning duel, especially against nimble adversaries.

Combat Modes:

Beyond Visual Range (BVR), Track While Scan (TWS) or Range While Search (RWS) modes, up to 160 nm.
Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) vertical radar scan mode, 10 nm.
Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) boresight radar mode, 10 nm.
Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) FLOOD mode for AIM-7, 10 nm.
Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) VISAUL mode for AIM-120, 10 nm.
In-flight refueling.

A-10A Thunderbolt II

Designed as a Close Air Support (CAS) platform to counter the massive quantities of Soviet armor during the Cold War, the "Hog" is heavily armored and carries an impressive weapons load including the deadly GAU-8A 30mm anti-armor cannon. Efforts to retire the A-10 from active duty began gaining momentum in the late 1980s, but fell by the wayside after the aircraft’s stellar performance during the 1991 Gulf War.
The A-10 was intended to fly low, using the terrain to mask its presence from enemy SAMs. Low flying, however, places the aircraft in the heart of the AAA engagement zone. Therefore, the aircraft is heavily armored, including a "titanium bathtub" that surrounds the pilot. When the threat of SAMs has been reduced, the A-10 generally flies missions at medium altitudes, placing it safely out of the reach of AAA guns.

The sub-sonic A-10 can carry AIM-9 Sidewinders for self defense, but should avoid dogfighting. It carries an impressive air-to-ground weapons load, but lacks the power for a sustained fight against a dedicated air-to-air platform. When confronted by an enemy fighter, the Hog pilot should use the A-10’s impressive turn rate capability to point the nose (and the dreaded 30mm cannon) at the attacker. When the attacker overshoots, unload and extend until the attacker makes another pass, then use another maximum-rate turn to point the nose back at the adversary.

Combat Modes:

Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) AIM-9M seeker mode and funnel sighting for GAU-8A cannon. 10 nm.
Unguided ground attack mode for cannon, bombs, and rockets. CCIP and CCRP delivery modes.
Guided ground attack mode for AGM-65K/D.
In-flight refueling.

Su-25 Frogfoot

The Su-25 Frogfoot bears little resemblance to the U.S. A-10A, but it was designed for a very similar Close Air Support (CAS) ground-attack mission. The Su-25 was built to operate near the forward edge of battle area (FEBA) from rough, "unimproved" airstrips, and can carry a loadout with tools, spare parts, auxiliary power supply, a pump for manual refueling and other "self deployment" supplies. It carries a wide variety of weapons for missions including anti-personnel, runway denial, and tank killing.
The fortified cockpit and armored canopy help protect the pilot from anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) and small arms fire while engaging targets at low altitude. Ingressing at low level, the Su-25 hunts down targets, pops up, delivers its weapons, and dives back behind terrain. The Su-25 may arguably be the most power ground-attack aircraft in Eastern inventories.

The Su-25 is not intended for dogfighting though. Its primary defense against patrolling fighters is simple avoidance. When engaged, the Su-25 should operate at extremely low altitude, which hampers enemy fighters’ ability to engage it. Using terrain as available, the pilot should turn to face oncoming threats or extend away from the fight if given the opportunity.

Combat Modes:

Close Air Combat (CAC) R-60 seeker mode and funnel sighting for cannon. 10 nm.
Unguided ground attack mode for cannon, bombs, and rockets. CCIP and CCRP delivery modes.
Guided ground attack mode for laser-guided missiles.

DCS World Integration

Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 3 operates as part of DCS World. As such, DCS World must be installed prior to installing Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 3. DCS World is a new, free, combat simulation. DCS World provides a free-to-play Su-25T ground attack aircraft with no online restrictions. Online DCS: World includes friendly and enemy forces that can be controlled by other players or AI air and ground units. The purchase of additional DCS modules allows the player to have careers as pilots of the A-10C Warthog, KA-50 Black Shark attack helicopter, P-51D Mustang, or armor vehicle commander. You may read more about DCS: World and its modules at: http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/

Common F-15C and A-10A Changes

– Updated US RWR threats display logic - threats in scan mode do not update their position continuously anymore.
– US RWR display symbology was made stabilized to the horizon.
– Glide slope/localizer deviation bars were removed from F-15C/A-10A HUDs.
– Adjusted F-15C/A-10A HUD gun reticle distance sector visual appearance.

New F-15C Cockpit and Updated Cockpit Systems

Perhaps the most noticeable new features with Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 3 is the new, beautiful cockpit. This cockpit is fully rendered in every detail and provides 6 degrees of freedom of movement within the cockpit. This new cockpit includes both day and night lighting, an improved HUD that is focused to infinity, re-worked HUD symbols and many improvements and new functions for the radar and radar warning receiver:

– New flap position lights
– Flaps position lights logic was updated.
– AI & SAM warning lights are functional now.
– Active jamming is indicated by open X in the center of TEWS screen. Flashing X - standby, steady X - active.
– CHAFF/FLARE, and MINIMUM lights are operational now.
– Marker beacon light was made functional. MKR display was added on HUD.
– Added CSET display on HUD - is displayed for the first 10 seconds after ILS mode selection.
– Steer mode select knob was animated.
– Fixed HUD Integrated Flight Director indication.
– Added bank steering bar on HUD.
– HUD altitude scale is always barometric now.
– Removed radar altimeter scale from HUD.
– Fixed AoA scale and numeric indication on HUD.
– Adjusted HUD display logic of Mach number and current/maximum G displays.
– ADI light was made functional.
– Fixed unstable radar lock at certain ranges in the vertical scan mode.
– Radar scan zone in TWS is limited by 60 degrees now.
– DTWS scan zone automatic centering is implemented.

Changes to the A-10A

– Fixed bank steering pointer and bank indicator animation on ADI.
– Adjusted TVV position limits on HUD. Out of view arrow has been added for TVV.
– Pitch numerics were changed to Flight Path Angle numerics on HUD.
– Adjusted position limits of various HUD symbols.
– Reworked visual shape and display logic of the destination index (tadpole).
– Added TD box (steer point position) on HUD.
– Fixed visual appearance of the Target Designator Cue (TDC) on HUD.

Changes to the MiG-29 and Su-27/33

– Stations display was removed from Su-27/33 HUD.
– Radar scan zone on Russian aircrafts is now always centered on the tracked target in TWS.
– 'Target unlock' command is now functional in Russian TWS - current track and radar contacts data is cleared.
– Radar is correctly returns back to TWS (instead of RWS) on Russian aircrafts when STT is lost.

Common Changes to All Aircraft

– Fixed momentary jump of the HSI course pointer in some cases when steerpoint is switched.
– HSI course/bearing/distance pointers and ADI steering/deviation bars animation was made smooth in all aircrafts

Improved Air-to-Air Missile Flight Dynamics

– With a return to a heavy focus on air-to-air combat in Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 3, the flight dynamics physics of air-to-air missiles has been improved in multiple ways:
– Launcher platform speed, thrust, missile weight, total drag, gravity, etc. are all calculated to determine missile speed.
– Missiles now incur realistic energy bleed that accounts for drag, induced drag and gravity. Induced drag calculates g-load and that factors the missile’s lift. Missiles will now bleed energy very quickly if the target performs hard maneuvers.
– We added a longitudinal-load fuze arming type. The missile warhead of missile will only be armed after reaching the assigned longitudinal g-load (acceleration). Otherwise the missile will not detonate.
– We added a limited duration to the missile’s power system (gas-generator, generator and hydraulic pump). When the onboard power system is exhausted, the missile goes ballistic.
– We added a self-destruction timer. Some missiles will self-destruct when the timer is reached.
– We added altitude based of self-destruction. Some missiles will destruct when reaching an assigned altitude above ground level.
– We added a guidance timer delay. After launching a missile, the missile will fly straight from the from launcher for safety reasons before initiating the guidance stage. This is typically 0.3…1.5 seconds. For example: the R-27R missile flies unguided forward for 0.5 seconds before guidance to target starts.
– We added parameters of loft trajectory. The initial range to target, the range of transition to proportional navigation, and initial angle of loft are all factored.

Resource Manager

In any war, logistics plays one of the most critical roles. If an army air force cannot be resupplied, it will be useless in battle. The new Resource Manger allows mission designers to add the element of resource management into missions.
Mission builders can now place warehouses on the battle map and allow them to resupply airbases and other facilities with set amounts of weapons and fuel. This can be done for both single player and multiplayer missions.

back on top ^

Screenshots

DCS A10-C Review is up

2012-11-15T05:36:00.004-08:00

Wow! It took a long time to learn enough about the sim before I felt confident putting virtual pen to paper, but the review is finally ready and I think it's well worth a read, it's full of cool piccies as well as a video or 2!

Link!

Cliffs of Dover Final Patch is Released!!

2012-11-03T06:42:00.001-07:00

And

It's a crock of shit...

So, no real surprises that so much is left unfinished, like the AA graphics settings not working, or the abysmal AI routines. No, the real surprise is that the Devs have added insult to injury by wasting time on an additional non combat crappy plane, and wait for it, lasers.

I kid you not, they really believed that would make the game better?

Anyway, a bit late but here's the patch notes.

"We're very happy to introduce a slew of new improvements and additions to the game exactly a year after the last official update.
We are hoping that this patch finally makes this game worthy of the Il-2 Sturmovik name and that simulation fans will give our game another look and a new chance.
NOTE: This patch is incompatible with previous game versions when playing online.
The current version contains the following changes:

PERFORMANCE

* Performed a huge amount of work improving both average and minimum FPS in the game.
Most recommended-spec machine will see increased average FPS and a significant reduction in the micro-freezes that had previously plagued the game. Their frequency, duration, and overall FPS impact will be greatly reduced or completely removed.
* Completely rewritten rended pipeline, reducing CPU load;
* Rewritten texture manager, reducing stutter when loading new textures;
* Moved landscape geometry generator to its own CPU core, reducing stutters;
* Optimized tree code, reducing stutters when moving across landscape or rotating camera;
* Moved grass generator to its own CPU core, decreasing stutters during low-level flight;
* Moved all building and vehicle damage models to be pre-loaded, rather than dynamically loaded when they are destroyed. This increased mission loading times and memory usage, and reduced stutters when blowing things up;
* Improved multithreading in many other aspects of the code, improving minimal FPS on most multicore machines.

AIRCRAFT

* Added a Su-26 acrobatics plane.
You can toggle airshow smoke by injecting oil into the exhaust manifold. This is done with the WEP button by default. The default smoke is white. You can select other colors by selecting corresponding loadout options.
The plane also comes with four easter egg weapons that can be loaded onto the center pylon:
- Shotgun – fires explosive pellets with everyone’ sfavorite green tracers;
- Laser – fires a beam that sets an enemy plane alight. Effective distance is 700m;
- Antimatter mortar – fires anti-matter spitwads;
- Railgun – fires a shell that generates electromagnetic pulse that in turn destroys enemy subsystems, especially engines.
* Added Hurricane MkI and Spitfire MkI with constant-speed propellers and 100-octane fuel.
* Conducted a huge amount of work correcting and improving aircraft flight models as well as most engine models. All work was based on historical flight test data or flight manuals.
* Corrected negative G cut-out for carburetor engines. The effect will be noticeable at around +0.1G.
* Corrected the mixture control level on Hurricanes and Spitfires. It is now push forward for Lean, pull back for Rich. With that, moving the throttle lever to idle will return the lever to Rich.
* Corrected (increased) low-altitude speeds for most Brutish fighters (Spitfire MkI with DH and Rotol aircrews, Hurricane MkI with DH and Rotol aircrews).
* Corrected fuel flow calculations for most aircraft.
* Corrected (increased) radiator drag when it is opened.
* Corrected throttle control. The entire range is now useful.
* Corrected overspeed sound. It will now steadily increase in volume depending on airspeed.
* Made corrections to rough running on non warmed Merlin engines. Engines still require to be warmed up and won’t work properly when too cold.
Please note that engines still start with oil and water at colder temperatures. With Hurricanes, please keep throttle back until the temperature is at least 45 degrees C;
* Fixed issue that occasionally caused planes with landing gear raised to still show it in the down position;
* Corrected rough running on Merlin engines above 11,000 ft;
* Corrected control surface angles on the Hurricanes according to historical documents;
* Added drag to canopies opened in-flight on all aircraft;
* Greatly increased the effects of punctured radiators on engine temperature to make the effect more noticeable;
* Corrected boost operations on British engines;
* Fixed the inaudible hit sounds online bug;
* Fixed the issue that occasionally caused never-ending Stuka horns online;
* Corrected issue with the display of vapor trails;
* Corrected default trim tab positions on most axis aircraft;
* Disabled WEP for British fighters using 87-oct fuel;
* Bf.109
- Corrected rudder behavior.
- Corrected auto prop pitch operations. Max RPM target should now be the proper 2400 RPM;
- Corrected radiator drag;
* G.50
- Corrected temperature models for the engine. Also added +100 boost for WEP mode.
- Corrected (increased) horizontal speeds.
- Fixed engine heat balance that had previously prevented listed HP from being available at all altitudes.
- Added +100 boost that can only be used in emergency mode.
- Corrected weights;
* BR-20
- Decreased never-exceed airspeed.
* Spitfire Mk.Ia
- Fixed the top speed above 18,000 ft.
- Added pitot heat controls.
- Corrected (increased) Mk I's airspeeds at altitudes above 6K m.
- Corrected Mk II's speed performance at all altitudes.
- Corrected Mk IA 100-Oct Mixture Lever operation;
* Hurricane
- Corrected (decreased) airspeeds at all altitudes alongside Spit II.
- Corrected Hurricane boost indications. Previously shown +5.5Lbs Boost with full throttle, now properly displays +6.25 from Ground level all the way up to Full Throttle height;
- Corrected Hurricane 1 100-Oct Mixture lever operation. It no longer requires Mixture lever Forward to maintain smooth engine operation with Boost Cut out activated. Mixture Lever should now be properly held Back for Boost Cut Out operation;
- Corrected Hurricane weights. Please note that in-game weights are slightly different from those used in RAF documents, especially what the game calls empty weight. Our fuel is also slightly heavier. The weights in-game have been further finetuned to match desired performance.
- Decreased empty weight on the Hurricane improved turn rate, climb rate, and speed characteristics at all altitudes;
* Blenheim Mk.IV
- Fixed multiple issues with the engine model. The engine no longer overheats at nominal RPM.
- Decreased maximum allowed airspeed.
- Corrected the engine model.
- Corrected altitude performance.
- Decreased never-exceed airspeed.
- Corrected engine modes at all altitudes (RPM, boost, fuel flow, etc).
- Implemented smooth flap control.
- Changed the airscrew to two-speed.
- Corrected empennage values that created too much interference during take-off.
- Affixed springs to bomb bay doors.
* He-111 and Ju-88
- Corrected radio compass animations.
* Bf-109
- Corrected cockpit animations for trimmer and flap chains.
- Corrected flap model
- Corrected the flap sounds
- Corrected the pitot heat light.

VISUALS

* Added racing pylon models for air races.
* Corrected Z_Offset parameter in online missions. Mission objects will now properly offset based on mission designer’s input;
* Corrected radio beacon code online;
* Fixed rare crashes connected to improper Road or LinearObjectManager usage in custom missions.
* Fixed the plane label bug, where the label would hide behind the clouds;
* Corrected brightness for various light sources;
* Fixed the black front line issue;
* Various other minor fixes and improvements.

NETWORK

* Corrected the bug when attempting to connect to a password-protected server after previously entering an incorrect password;
* Corrected the issue that sometimes disabled the country selection controls when connecting to a server;
* Corrected issues with some plane sounds online;
* Exorcised ghost planes;
* Corrected the behavior of “jumping” cars and some other vehicles;
* Fixed the issue where GamePlay.gpAirports() could return incorrect data.
* Added a new feature: user-made map labels that can be used in scripts.

PHYSICS & A.I.

* Fixed some non-working orders, removed others from the list. There are no more orders available to the player that the AI does not follow.
* Added a request for available targets;
* Turned off friendly fire for ground battles (improving FPS);
* Added the ability to query current waypoint for scripts;
* Told AI pilots not to commit ritual suicide when their leader crash-lands;
* Fixed out of turn take offs for AI pilots; "

Finally, Microsoft Updates Flight Website

2012-07-28T03:14:00.002-07:00

After several days of angry forums and what felt like a lack of honesty, Micrsoft have finally updated the Flight website with some details about the future of Flight. I will post it here for your perusal.

We know there are a number of questions out there in the community about the discontinuation of development for Microsoft Flight. We wanted to make to be sure to clarify a few things. While we will not be continuing active development, we are committed to keeping Flight available for our community to enjoy. All the content you have paid for is still valid, and the content that is available for sale will continue to be available on
http://www.microsoft.com/games/flight/

If any further information becomes available for us to share, we will do so. If you do have questions about errors you run into or have gameplay questions;

1. First, check out the following support links; your question may be answered in one of them.

Flight Handbook

Support Documentation

2. Ask the Flight community. We monitor community channels and try to respond there when possible. Other users may also be able to answer your question as well.

Flight Steam Forums

Facebook Page

3. If neither of the above methods helps you find an answer, email us at Tell MS Flight.

Please note: The support alias offers English-language support only, and for Microsoft Flight only (for assistance with FSX and earlier entries in the Flight Simulator franchise, please visit http://support.microsoft.com).