Digital Combat Simulator

Digital Combat Simulator
Developer(s)	Eagle Dynamics
Publisher(s)	The Fighter Collection
Engine	Eagle Dynamics Graphics Engine (EDGE)
Platform(s)	Microsoft Windows (64 bit for 1.5 and above)
Release date(s)	17 October 2008 (Russia), 10 December 2008 (English-language download), 7 March 2009 (Germany), 2 April 2009 (North America)
Genre(s)	Combat flight simulator
Mode(s)	Singleplayer, multiplayer

Digital Combat Simulator World (DCS World 1.5) is a free to play combat flight simulator developed by Eagle Dynamics (ED). It includes a free Sukhoi Su-25T attack aircraft and TF-51D Mustang, and is extensible through additional DCS modules as well as user-made add-ons and mods. While the Su-25T and TF-51D are free, modules produced by third parties and Eagle Dynamics are usually only available with a payment.

DCS World features a large area of the Caucasus region that encompasses much of Georgia – the location of the Russo-Georgian war in 2008, as well as the Nevada Test and Training Range as of the DCS World 2 open alpha. Additional locations such as Iran, UAE, Oman and period specific Normandy 1944 are all scheduled to release in 2015-2016.^[1]

Additionally, DCS World includes: mission and campaign editors, online multiplayer, large inventory of air, land and sea combat units and weapons, AI player opponents, mission generator, dynamic weather and seasons, training missions, mission replay system and pilot log book.

This all allows the creation of real-world combat missions. DCS World allows both realistic game play and more simplified game play to suit the player.

DCS modules that can plug into DCS World include aircraft, maps and ground units. Modules for DCS World include modules developed internally by Eagle Dynamics, as well as those by certified third party developers. The first third party aircraft to be introduced was the UH-1H Huey.

Future and upcoming modules include the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet,^[2] Grumman F-14 Tomcat,^[3] and Bell AH-1 Cobra.^[4][5]

In October 2015 DCS World has been relaunched under the guise of DCS World 1.5 via a free update.^[1] 'DCS World 1.5' brings all the current aircraft, land units, and terrain into the new Eagle Dynamics Graphics Engine (EDGE) featuring DirectX 11.

In November 2015, DCS World 2.0 was released in open alpha format via a free update. 'DCS World 2.0' has the ability to add new theaters. The Caucasus map is in the process of being updated, but is not yet compatible with DCS 2.0.^[1]

DCS World is in the process of enhancing its virtual reality technology support. Platforms it works with currently are TrackIR,^[6] Oculus Rift,^[7][8] and HTC Vive.^[8][9] ED plans to continue working on improving support for VR.

Aircraft modelling in DCS

DCS World is Eagle Dynamic's effort to bring both their current flight simulator projects and parts of previously released stand alone products – such as Lock On: Modern Air Combat and the original Black Shark – all under one framework.

The realism of the aircraft simulation varies according to the type of flight model, the level of system modelling, and the style of cockpit.

Aerodynamic flight models

There are four aerodynamic flight models used in DCS World:

• Standard Flight Model (SFM) – A data driven flight model, with some pre-defined scripting for some complex aerodynamic events. The only aircraft available to be flown by the player that have a Standard Flight Model are the Su-33, and all three variants of the MiG-29; however, Eagle Dynamics is in the process of updating the two.^[10][11]
• Advanced Flight Model (AFM/AFM+) – Airflow and edge of envelope simulation, using multiple points of force application and calculation on the relevant flight surfaces. Scripting of complex events is not used. An augmented AFM+ model which includes limited modelling of the fuel and hydraulic system weighting is also included in some aircraft (Su-25 and A-10A).
• Professional Flight Model (PFM) – An expansion of the AFM, this level of modelling includes data from complex model wind tunnel simulation, a much more detailed and dynamic aircraft model (for example taking into consideration deployed or retracted landing gear, and the effects of deploying them in flight), complex simulation of control surface movements, complex simulation of autopilot actions, and the effects of fluid movements (fuel and hydraulic) on flight dynamics. This level of modelling also includes actual real world aircraft test data, where possible.
• External Flight Model (EFM) – A subset of the PFM, made available for third party developers, it essentially defines all external forces from the PFM, but allows the developers to calculate and apply internal forces (fluid movements, control surfaces, etc.) within their own model.

System models

There are two levels of system modelling in DCS World:

• Standard Systems Modeling (SSM): Only cockpit system essential for flight, navigation, and combat are directly simulated – although the range of systems needed for these can be quite broad. Player control is limited to keyboard, mouse, and joystick/HOTAS controls.
• Advanced Systems Modeling (ASM): Most cockpit systems are carefully modeled, even if they are not directly related to flight, navigation, or combat. Almost all cockpit controls are functional, allowing the player/pilot to interact with them using mouse or touchscreen. This means that for the most part, the aircraft can be controlled via on screen controls and the joystick/HOTAS controls, although keyboard controls are still an option.

Cockpit models

• 3DoF (3 degrees of freedom): A fully simulated three dimensional model of the cockpit, which the player/pilot can rotate the camera to "look around", and control the level of camera zoom. Head tracking hardware – such as TrackIR is supported. There are no longer any models using 3DoF as of October 2015, under the new 1.5 update.
• 6DoF (Six degrees of freedom): A fully simulated three dimensional model of the cockpit is presented, which the player can not only "look around", but move the camera/head freely in three dimensional space. Combined with head tracking hardware, this allows player/pilots to "lean around" the flight stick to see controls on the panel in front of them, crane their head to look over the dash, or turn around and lean around the seat to look behind the plane in flight.

Eagle Dynamics-produced modules

Aircraft

DCS: KA-50 Black Shark

A simulation of the Russian Kamov Ka-50 single seat attack helicopter, Black Shark was originally released in October 2008 as a stand-alone simulation, with the updated Black Shark 2 released in 2011 to upgrade the simulation, and to change it to an expansion module for DCS World. The Black Shark 2 module incorporates Eagle Dynamics' Professional Flight Model, the Advanced Systems Model, and presents the player/pilot with the full six degrees of freedom style cockpit.^[12]

The Ka-50's full selection of armaments are simulated, allowing players to adapt the helicopter to gunship, anti-armour, and bombing mission roles.^[12] It also employs a high degree of automation, including a complex autopilot system, the Shkval-N video targeting system, laser ranging and tagging for laser guided ordnance (Kh-25Ml and 9K121 Vikhr missiles), and a helmet mounted targeting system. These systems allow a single crew member to assume both pilot and gunner roles simultaneously.^[12]

The Ka-50's battlefield data link systems are also simulated, allowing players in a multiplayer environment to coordinate, and share targeting and navigation aircraft between Ka-50 helicopters, although data sharing between the Ka-50 and other Russian aircraft is not possible.^[12]

DCS: A-10C Warthog

Released April 22, 2011. DCS: A-10C Warthog is a PC simulation of the U.S. premier close air support attack aircraft, the Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II. This is the second aircraft in the DCS products, following DCS: Black Shark. DCS: A-10C Warthog provides a simulation of a modern fixed wing combat aircraft in regards to flight dynamics, avionics, sensors, and weapon systems. The player also has the option to play Warthog in "Game" mode for a casual game experience. Players can fly missions in the Caucasus region of the Black Sea against and with a wide array of air, land and sea forces with new and improved artificial intelligence. Players can create and share their own missions and campaigns with the included mission and campaign editors, and fly with and against friends online using the included online game mode.^[13]

DCS: P-51D Mustang

First title in the "Flying Legends" series released September 17, 2012. Developed alongside ED partner The Fighter Collection, DCS: P-51D Mustang offers both highly detailed simulation and easy-to-play "game" mode options for both hardcore and casual players. 'Simulation Mode' allows the player to control the P-51D just as a real pilot would, while game mode removes and simplifies most of the systems including the flight model, making for much more easier accessibility and flying. As with most other DCS World aircraft modules there is the addition of an interactive training system which puts you in the cockpit with an instructor that gives you step-by-step training instruction to fly the Mustang.

The module was developed with the assistance of Eagle Dynamics partner The Fighter Collection to achieve the highest quality and accuracy.^[14]

DCS: Combined Arms

Released in June 2012. DCS: Combined Arms gives the user control of ground forces during the battle. Players can use the strategic map to move ground forces, set artillery fire missions, and control the ground battle, as well as assume the role of a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and designate targets for close air support aircraft, or directly control an armor vehicle or air defense weapon and engage enemy forces.^[15]

Combined Arms plays similar to real time strategy games, a first person armor warfare simulation, or alternatively the player can direct the ground battle from the cockpit of a DCS aircraft like the A-10C Warthog, Ka-50 Black Shark, or P-51D Mustang.^[15]

Combined Arms supports both single player and multiplayer gameplay. When in multiplayer, different players can take on different roles such as artillery commanders, tank commanders, pilots, JTACS, etc. All roles can be changed dynamically during the battle.^[15]

DCS: Flaming Cliffs 3

Successor to Lockon Flaming Cliffs 2 and released April 30, 2013, Flaming Cliffs 3 (FC3) is the next evolution of the Flaming Cliffs series. FC3 features the F-15C Eagle, A-10A, Su-27, Su-33, MiG-29 and Su-25. While not as sophisticated as individual aircraft modules such as the DCS A-10C, FC3 aircraft provide an easy learning curve for new players and focuses on a broad range of aircraft, including air-to-air fighters and ground attack aircraft. FC3 adds a wealth of new features and improvements to previous versions of the Flaming Cliffs series.^[16]

Through continued support, additional content has been added via updates. These additions consist of high quality six degrees of freedom cockpits for the Su-27, A-10A, Su-25, Su-33, and MiG-29, replacing dated cockpits as well as Professional Flight Models (PFM) for the F-15C Eagle, A-10A Thunderbolt II, Su-25 Frogfoot, and Su-27 Flanker.^[16] A new model for the MiG-29 and a new flight model for both the MiG-29 and Su-33 are in development.^[10]

DCS: Fw 190 D-9 Dora

Released August 6, 2014. DCS: Fw 190 D-9 Dora is the second "flying legends" title, simulating the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D-9, with the same accuracy and detail as the P-51D Mustang module. Like previous DCS World titles, features a detailed reproduced model of the aircraft, including an external model, fully interactive cockpit, mechanical and fuel systems, and a Professional Flight Model (PFM).^[17]

DCS: Bf 109 K-4 Kurfürst

Released December 3, 2014. DCS: Bf 109 K-4 Kurfürst, like previous DCS World titles, features a detailed reproduced model of the aircraft, including the external model, fully interactive cockpit, mechanical and fuel systems, and a Professional Flight Model (PFM).^[18]

DCS: L-39C/ZA Albatros

Release October 1, 2015.^[19] DCS: L-39C/ZA Albatros will be the first fixed wing module to feature multiplayer front seat and back seat capability. In addition to its training role, the L-39 can be loaded with ordnance and act as a light attack aircraft.^[20]

Future improvements to the L-39 include the addition of the L-39ZA variant, and improving the multiplayer multicrew support.^[11]

DCS: F/A-18C Hornet

The F/A-18C Hornet is currently in the mid stages of development.^[2] An early release version is expected in late 2016.^[11][21]

DCS WWII: Europe 1944

Currently in development by Eagle Dynamics, DCS WWII: Europe 1944 aims to satisfy seasoned aces as well as attract new pilots to the WWII simulator genre. DCS WWII will include in-depth manuals and training tutorials, detailed six-degrees-of-freedom cockpits with detailed modeling of each button and system, detailed terrain of iconic Western Front locations, a single-player experience recreating famous battles from both sides, and online multiplayer. Flyable aircraft are to include multiple variants of the Messerschmitt Bf.109, the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt,^[2] and Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX, all to be released periodically from August 2014 to late 2016.^[2][11][21] Other aircraft to be released at a later stage include the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and Messerschmitt Me 262A-1.

Naval craft

DCS: Admiral Kuznetsov

Eagle Dynamics is currently in the process of upgrading the Admiral Kuznetsov in the game to a higher standard.^[22] The module will have working elevators, detailed interiors, and will let the player walk around the ship.^[11]

DCS: USS Nimitz

Eagle Dynamics is currently in the process of upgrading the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in the game to a higher standard. The module will have working elevators, detailed interiors, and will let the player walk around the ship.^[11]

Terrain modules

Nevada

Released November 30, 2015, Nevada is the first terrain module to be released and integrated into DCS World 2. The module features a large portion Nevada, and small parts of Arizona and California, providing a 600 × 610 km area of free to roam terrain. Iconic locations such as Las Vegas, Groom Lake military installation (known as Area 51), Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), Nellis AFB, and Lake Mead are featured.

Future improvements include adding Tonopah Air Force Base, airfields and landing strips in the central portion of the map, the National Training Center, improved grass, ground clutter, etc.^[11][21]

Nevada is the first terrain integrated into DCS World 2 that runs on the Eagle Dynamics Graphics Engine (EDGE), providing new particle effects, higher texture terrain support, unlimited world size, and DirectX 11 support as well as allowing up to four GPU's via Nvidia SLI/AMD Crossfire.^[23]

Additional technical features include clipmaps, terrain shadow projection, and the option to project a map on a globe surface providing realistic curvature of the Earth.

Strait of Hormuz

Scheduled to release in 2016,^[24] Strait of Hormuz will be one of the first combat theater maps to be released and integrated into DCS World. The Strait of Hormuz terrain module will feature the countries Iran, UAE and Oman, providing a 390×390 km area of free to roam terrain. Iconic cities and locations to be featured include Dubai, Bandar Abbas, and islands Abu Musa and Greater Tunb, while featuring accurately rendered airbases in Iran, the UAE and Oman.^[25]

As with all other terrain modules such as Nevada, Strait of Hormuz will run on the new Eagle Dynamics Graphics Engine (EDGE).

Normandy 1944

Currently in development. Scheduled to release in 2016.^[24][26]

Third parties

BelSimTek

The BelSimTek company was founded in 2011. BelSimTek is a Belarusian company that creates flight simulators for both private and commercial companies.

DCS: UH-1H

Developed by BelSimTek and released April 30, 2013. Development was sponsored by Bell Helicopter, and was conducted in partnership with actual UH-1H operators and experts.^[27]

DCS: UH-1H Huey is the first DCS title to offer multiple player positions, including pilot, co-pilot, and door gunner. The helicopter can be flown as either a lightly armed combat transport or a close air support platform armed with steerable rapid-firing machine guns and unguided rockets.^[27]

Additional content has been added via updates, such as troop transporting abilities, cargo sling loading, and door mounted M134 miniguns. Content to be added at a later date includes troop loading and unloading animations and multiplayer crew control.

DCS: Mi-8MTv2 Magnificent Eight

Second module developed by BelSimTek and released September 4, 2013. DCS: Mi-8MTV2 Magnificent Eight is a simulation of the Mi-8MTV2, a combat transport and fire support helicopter and an upgraded variant of one of the most widely produced helicopters in the world, the Russian Mi-8.

The simulation features modeling of all primary aircraft systems, avionics, and proper functionality of nearly all cockpit switches and controls. Flight and other dynamics are modeled using real-time physics calculations and tuned using actual Mi-8MTV2 documentation and pilots involved in development and testing. The result is a helicopter model that correctly presents complex dynamic effects particular to helicopter flight, such as: autorotation, vortex ring state (VRS), translational lift, and many others.^[28]

DCS: F-86F Sabre

Released on July 25, 2014, DCS F-86F Sabre allows players to fly the North American F-86 Sabre with a professional level flight model, interactive cockpit, fully functional weapons and a detailed damage model. As part of DCS World, players can fly the F-86F Sabre in a fully realized combat environment with working weapon systems and capable air & ground threats.

DCS: MiG-15bis

The DCS: MiG-15Bis is currently in development. A beta version was released on February 25, 2015, featuring a fully interactive cockpit, historically accurate weapon systems, and a high fidelity flight model.^[29][30]

DCS: AH-1 Cobra

The DCS: AH-1 Cobra is currently in development.^[4][5]

DCS: F-5E Tiger II

The DCS: F-5E Tiger II is currently in development.^[31] It has launched in early access on July 22, 2016.^[11]

Leatherneck Simulations

DCS: MiG-21bis

Released on September 18, 2014, the DCS: MiG-21Bis Fishbed includes both air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities with various conventional weapons like missiles, rockets, bombs, and a built in 23 mm cannon.^[32] The MiG also uses less widely known weapons such as advanced air-to-surface guided missiles, nuclear and general purpose bombs, and some special devices. The DCS: MiG-21bis module features a highly detailed six-degrees-of-freedom cockpit with detailed modeling of the MiG-21bis instruments, navigation, electrical, radar, engine, fuel, and weapon systems, with a fully interactive cockpit and an accurate, highly detailed airframe.^[32]

DCS: F-14 Tomcat

Announced on March 2, 2015, the DCS: F-14 Tomcat includes both air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. Includes both the -A and -B model aircraft. Also includes a proprietary A.I. system (nicknamed "JESTER") for the RIO seat. Also contains multiplayer multicrew capabilities. It was expected to be in beta by "late 2015,"^[3] but a specific date is not certain.

DCS: AJS-37 Viggen

The Saab AJS-37 Viggen is currently under development. It is expected to launch within the first half of 2016.^[11][33][34]

DCS: F4U-4 Corsair

Leatherneck may be developing the F4U-4.^[35] There is no official release date.

Virtual European Air Operations (VEAO)

VEAO Simulations Ltd is a UK registered company developing 3D aircraft models with fully interactive cockpit functionality and dynamic environments for Digital Combat Simulator. VEAO has a number of projects in development.^[36]

DCS: BAE Hawk

Developed by VEAO and released on 26 December 2014.^[37] DCS: Hawk features the BAE Hawk T.1A trainer, along with full accessibility to almost all switches and systems, allowing the player to operate the aircraft just as a real Hawk pilot would. A future, free update post product launch will introduce a professional flight model to the Hawk.

DCS: P-40F Kittyhawk

The P-40F Kittyhawk is currently in development. A beta release is expected in 2016.^[38]

DCS: Eurofighter Typhoon

The Eurofighter Typhoon is currently in the early stages of development. Beta version release date unknown.^[39]

AvioDev

DCS: C-101 Aviojet

The C-101 Aviojet is currently under development. A beta version was released January 21, 2015.^[40]

RAZBAM Simulations

DCS: Mirage 2000-C

The Mirage 2000-C is currently under development. A beta version was released on December 25, 2015, coinciding with Christmas in most parts of Europe and the Americas.^[41]

DCS: T-2 BuckEye

The T-2 Buckeye was under development, but has since been cancelled. There was no known beta version release date before cancellation.^[42]

DCS: Harrier AV-8B Harrier II Plus

The McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II is currently under development. There is no known beta version release date.^[43]

Polychop Simulations

DCS: SA-342 Gazelle

The SA-342 Gazelle has been released as a beta. The beta version was expected in early 2016,^[11][44][45] and the module was released on 29 April 2016.^[46][47]

DCS: Bo-105 PAH1A1

The Bo-105 PAH1A1 is currently under development. A beta version is expected in 2016.^[48]

DCS: Ju-87 Stuka

The Junkers Ju 87 is currently under development. There is no known beta version release date.^[49][50]

The BANA Project

DCS: Blackburn Buccaneer

The Blackburn Buccaneer is currently under development, and will eventually be released for free.^[51]

References

External links

• Official website
• Official forums
• Eagle Dynamics official Facebook
• Leatherneck Simulations website
• VEAO Simulations website
• BelSimTek official website
• BelSimTek official Facebook
• VEAO Simulations website
• Polychop Simulations official webpage
• Polychop Simulations official Facebook