Hey everybody. A new year means a new thread for DCS change logs and discussion! I will try to keep all the change logs in here but feel free to spawn new threads for specific discussions!
Full Newsletter! I’m sad to report I let the Hype Train run all over me and I’ve rarely been so excitedf about the future!
Can’t wait to see DCS A-10C 2! I’ll glady cash out for the update!
http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/newsletters/newsletter03012020-851b43a35367471cdaea724efa55d2a4.html
Only a few days remain to pick up those modules you have been wanting! The Winter sale will end on January 5th. Save up to 50% on most DCS World products, the only exceptions being:
- DCS F/A-18 Hornet by ED - 25% off
- DCS Persian Gulf Map by ED - 25% off
- F/A-18 Persian Gulf Map bundle - 35% off
- DCS: Christen Eagle II by Magnitude 3 LLC – 25% off
- DCS: F-14 Tomcat by Heatblur Simulations – 20% off
- DCS: F-16C Viper by ED – not on sale at this time
- DCS: JF-17 Thunder by Deka Ironwork Simulations - not on sale at this time
- F-86F Hunters over the Yalu Campaign by Reflected Simulations - not on sale at this time
Note that this is the first time the DCS: F-14 Tomcat will be on sale!
We are also taking part in the Steam Winter Sale as well.
Mariana Islands Map Announcement!
Since the release of DCS World, the sole free map has been the Caucasus Map. Although a great map and the recipient of a huge update in DCS World 2.5, we are happy to announce a second, free map for DCS World! For this new map, we want to use our latest map technologies and provide a very different combat environment in a new part of the world. The map must have the following features:
- A very large ocean area with a few islands. Ideal for carrier operations.
- Islands that are situated such that airfields have natural red, blue, and contested locations.
- Home to at least one modern-day USAF base.
- Feasible for US, Russia, and China operations in the Pacific.
- Take advantage of the Chinese Assets Pack.
Taken as a whole, there is only one natural choice: the Mariana Islands. It will initially be a 400 x 400 km map with the option to expand further in the future. Home to one of the largest USAF air bases in the region, Andersen AFB on Guam serves as an anchor of US forces in the Pacific region, but it is within reach of both Chinese and Russian Pacific forces to the north. The same island chain also served as the backdrop of the World War II battles of Guam, Saipan, and Rota, as well as the carrier vs. carrier Mariana Islands battle.
At release, the following islands will be included and modelled at an extreme level of accuracy using our latest map and graphics technologies:
Guam
- Andersen AFB.
- Weapons storage bunkers northwest of Andersen AFB.
- Ordnance Annex in south-central next to Santa Rita.
- Antenna array installation on the west coast.
- Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport.
- Abandoned Northwest Airfield in the northeast corner of the island.
- Abandoned Orote Airfield at Crote Pointe.
- US Naval station and Guam Port Authority at Apra Habor / Sumay.
- Fort Soledad and Fort Juan Muna.
- Urban areas of Talofofo, Yona, Tumon, Yigo, Maggilao, Asbeco, Dededo, Inarajan, Santa Rita, Agat, Piti, Asan, Hagatna, Barrigada, Magilao, and Adacao, Agana Heights, Asan-Maina, Chalan-Pago-Ordot, Mongmong-Toto-Maite, and Umatac.
- The University of Guam.
- Leo Palace Resort.
Saipan
- Saipan International Airport.
- Port of Puerto Rico.
- Urban centers of Kagman, San Roque, Tanapag, Garapan, San Vucente, Dandan, Chalan Kiya, Susupe, Chalan Kanoa, Afetna, and Chalan Kiya.
- Golf courses at Agingan, Kagman, and along the eastern coast.
- Memorial at the east end.
Tinian
- Tinian International Airport.
- The abandoned airfield at the north end of the island.
- Urban areas of San Jose / harbor and Marpo Heights.
- Antenna array along the central west coast of the island.
Rota
- Rota International Airport.
- Urban areas of Sinapalu, Songsong, and Teneto Village.
- Golf course on the northern coast of the island.
- Abandoned weapon storage area on the east end of the island.
Farallon de Medinilla
- Air-to-ground weapons training range
Aguijan
We are very excited to bring this new, free map to you in 2020 that will offer new gameplay, home to new units, and a new chapter for DCS World.
DCS 2020 and Beyond Update - Aircraft Modules
From all of us at Eagle Dynamics, we want to wish you a happy new year and every success and happiness for 2020! 2019 was a wonderful year for us with the release of several outstanding aircraft for DCS World. These included the release of the F-16C Viper, Fw 190 A-8 Anton, F-14B Tomcat, JF-17 Thunder, Christen Eagle II, I-16, completion of the C-101, a new A-10C cockpit, and continued development of the F/A-18C, Harrier, M-2000C, and other modules. It was an extremely busy year for us, but we will further accelerate development in 2020.
Now is a great time to try one of these new modules while the Winter Sale lasts.
What follows is a listing of aircraft projects that we and our valued partners will be working on in 2020. We do not expect all these projects to be released in 2020, but this is where our development focus will be in 2020.
DCS: A-10C Warthog 2
Following the free A-10C cockpit update, we will be releasing A-10C Warthog 2 in 2020. This will be a dramatic visual and systems upgrade to our A-10C. Once the new features have been finalized, we look forward to sharing them with you.
In addition to DCS: A-10C Warthog 2 being available as a new module that will replace DCS: A-10C Warthog, it will also be available to existing A-10C Warthog owners at a significant discount.
DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark 3
Since the release of the DCS: Black Shark 2 upgrade many years ago, our technology has improved greatly to allow us to create an even better Ka-50 Black Shark! As with the A-10C Warthog 2, this includes both graphical and system upgrades.
We will first release a free update to Ka-50 Black Shark 2 that provides a free overhaul of the cockpit graphics. This is not simply updated textures, but rather a completely new cockpit 3D mesh and high-resolution textures. This will also address any remaining cockpit lighting issues.
Later in 2020, we will release DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark 3. This upgrade will build on the free cockpit update and add the following features:
- Option for weathered cockpit textures.
- Completely new external model with a much-improved 3D mesh detail and textures. It will also account for the new systems like the Missile Launch Warning Systems, Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) and the Igla air-to-air missiles.
- Ability to carry up to four Igla air-to-air missiles.
- Integrated Missile Launch Warning System (MLWS) system with display system.
- Integrated Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) system with integrated display system.
In total, it will make the Ka-50 much more deadly and survivable on the DCS World battlefield.
As with A-10C Warthog 2, Ka-50 Black Shark 3 will replace the current Ka-50 Black Shark 2, but existing owners of Ka-50 Black Shark 2 will get a significant discount for version 3.
DCS: P-47D Thunderbolt
Our next warbird for DCS World will be the P-47D Thunderbolt. The Thunderbolt will be our first allied radial-engine warbird for DCS World, and it will fill in fun and interesting role in operations over western Europe and beyond. Combining both air-to-air and air-to-ground mission capability, it will provide a wealth of mission types, heavy armament, excellent protection, and long-range.
The P-47D is far along in development with mostly flight model tuning, adding object details, and creating the mission content. Suit up!
We plan to release a new World War II Europe map to coincide with the release of the P-47D.
DCS: De Haviland Mosquito FB MK.VI
Following the P-47D, our next warbird will be the Mosquito. Noted for its impressive speed and heavy armament, the Mossy will provide a unique element to DCS World in both the attack and reconnaissance roles. Skimming Europe at tree-top height at high speed will be thrilling!
DCS: Mi-24P HIND
The Mi-24P has been in development for the past year, and it is on track to be released in 2020. The HIND will be the next helicopter for DCS World and will include cooperative multiplayer, next-generation graphics for the external model and cockpit, and a wide range of mission types from anti-armor attack to troop transport.
The Mi-24P will be an outstanding partner to the Mi-8MVT2!
DCS: F/A-18C Hornet and F-16C Viper
While our warbirds and helicopter teams are focused on the P-47D and Mi-24P, our modern-day jets team will be working diligently on the Hornet and Viper, with the goal for both to be feature complete and out of early access by the end of 2020.
Important development aspects for both will be the air-to-ground radars, a new Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system, additional radar modes, new weapons, and more.
DCS: UH-1H Huey
For 2020, our next improvement for the Huey will be the addition of cooperative multiplayer. This is currently in internal testing, and we hope to have it to you soon.
Modern Air Combat
Over the past year, a massive amount of work has gone into Modern Air Combat in order to make it a AAA title. During this period, we have also expanded the scope and features of the product substantially. This has led to us push back its release date to 2020.
Modern Air Combat will not be a DCS World product, but rather a new series for us that focuses more on action, gameplay, and a shallowing learning curve.
DCS: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
Developed by Polychop-Simulations, the developer of DCS: SA-342M Gazelle, the OH-58D will add the first American attack-reconnaissance helicopter to DCS World. Using the Mast-Mounted Sight (MMS), the Kiowa can acquire and track targets while in cover, and it has teeth that include Hellfire anti-tank guided missiles and unguided rockets.
DCS: F-15E Strike Eagle
Building upon their excellent M-2000C, Harrier, and MiG-19, RAZBAM is hard at work on the iconic F-15E Strike Eagle. Given the massive complexity and mission flexibility of this aircraft, it will be a very challenging module that we are sure RAZBAM will exceed expectations.
While there are other 3rd party aircraft in development, they are currently not under a development license agreement. Once they are, we look forward to providing you with updates on them.
In next week’s newsletter, we’ll talk about the non-aircraft projects and core DCS World improvements that we’ll be working on in 2020.
Happy New Years and thank you for the support and kindness,
The Eagle Dynamics Team
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That’s quite the newsletter, I can safely say that the flight gear won’t be sitting on the shelf this year.
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Great stuff! If ED can make some WW2 carrier action they will fill a niche that IL-2 doesn’t have covered.
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WOW…WWII European Map to be released with Thunderbolt!!!
Awesome updates!
So, they’re going to have another engine to keep updated? Guess their adventures of working on 1.2, 1.5, and 2.0 all at the same time hasn’t discouraged them.
With the talk of “action, gameplay, and a shallowing learning curve,” I think DCS forums (other than Mudspike of course!) will have to be put as “Do not travel” on the travel advisory for a while. 
Per ED facebook by Ninline and Wags, next weeks newsletter will have an update on weather system improvements! 
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Seems like a lot of info about core changes in the next weekly update…
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ED’s New Year’s resolution? 
Build the CORE strength!
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Uhm Why do you think they need another engine?
All they need to do is reduce/simplify the rules that define the game and augment automation…
Think Flaming Cliffs 2 level planes.
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Perhaps “engine” was a poor choice of words on my part, “branches” may be better. The announcement says that:
“Modern Air Combat will not be a DCS World product”
In other words, it won’t be a DCS module and will likely require a separate executable. Initially, yes it will be as easy as stripping down the DCS engine and adding a few bells and whistles, but as soon as you add a feature to one, they start diverging. Of course you’ll try to keep them as similar as possible, but eventually they grow apart until you’re left with two separate (though related) executables/programs/branches/engines to maintain.
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16 posts were split to a new topic: Will DCS Black Shark 3 be required to continue using the KA-50 in DCS
I like the MAC logo. Is that new? Nice font and clean design.
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Ok maybe I am just dense right now, but…
Don’t we have the Channel on the Normandy map already?
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Yes, but the English side leaves a lot to be desired.
Where are these pics from? I haven’t seen the update yet?
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Good Friday Guy’s …New Pics are on DCS Website under…Downloads/Screenshots…They always post pics coming in Newsletter there first on Friday’s
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I don’t want to look like under end-of-week depression but don’t we have already enough channel maps? To all our UK members : Hey boys, enough is enough 
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That’s all well and good but how am I supposed to crash my tomcat into my back garden without it. Lol bring on more uk. I WANT TO DROP BOMBS IN THE YARD AT WORK!!!
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