DCS WORLD New Update – What Your Digital Combat Future Holds.
Welcome to DCS World New Update and in this BLOG. Today we will discuss the features that we were offered in 2023 and more importantly what’s slated to arrive during 2024 for DCS World. Let’s firstly look at the state of play with current modules slated for delivery back in 2023 and beyond video and move forward from there.
Firstly, let’s look at the current list of modules being offered in open DCS open beta as well as those still to arrive. We will then look at the exciting new modules shown in the recent DCS WORLD New Update video. DCS in 2023 delivered many impressive modules and updates including aircraft like the F-15E, plus performance and system enhancements like Vulcan implementation plus multi-threading capability finally using more of our precious CPU cores. The big surprise for myself was the addition of NVIDIA DLSS. This improvement helped in bringing much more performance and delivering a better experience overall for all players.
2023 What was Promised & Delivered.
In this DCS WORLD New Update let’s take stock of the modules already delivered, those promised but not delivered plus the new ones released in this video update by Eagle Dynamics. Let’s also take a look at the level of completion of the already delivered modules. Many are still in EARLY Release even after we have had them for a few years. The list below gives us a comprehensive picture of DCS and its module performance in 2023 and beyond. Let’s dive in.
In 2024, the Digital Combat Simulator (DCS) community can look forward to exciting additions and improvements for sure showcased in the DCS WORLD New Update video. Let’s look at what actually arrived in 2023 from the sometimes-optimistic DCS World & third party module creators in the last year.
Modules by Third-Party Developers:
- DCS: F-4E Phantom by Heatblur – NOT DELIVERED in 2023
- DCS: F-15E Strike Eagle by RAZBAM – RELEASED in 2023
- DCS: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior by Polychop – NOT DELIVERED in 2023
- DCS: F4U-1D Corsair by Magnitude 3 – NOT DELIVERED in 2023
- DCS: C-130J by the Airplane Simulation – Company – NOT DELIVERED in 2023
- New versions of the Mirage F1 by Aerges – DELIVERED in 2023
- DCS: Normandy 2.0 map by Ugra Media – DELIVERED IN 2023
- DCS: Sinai Map by OnReTech – DELIVERED in 2023
- C-47 Chinook Helicopter – NOT DELIVERED
- WILDCAT – Now in Development
- C-130 Hercules – Now In Development
- Lavochkin La-7 Russian WW2 Fighter – Now In Development
DCS Core Improvements:
- Multithreading: Enhancements to improve performance, especially for large and complex missions and dynamic campaigns. DELIVERED in 2023
- DLSS/NIS: Aiming for more realistic and entertaining flying experiences. DELIVERED
- Vulkan API: Optimizing graphics rendering. DELIVERED in 2023
- Earth Map: Expanding the world for exploration. NOT DELIVERED in 2023
- Updated Weather: Enhancing realism. DELIVERED in 2023
- Improved FLIR Maps: Better thermal imaging. DELIVERED in 2023
- Dynamic Campaign: Adding depth to gameplay. DELIVERED in 2023
- Updated Air Traffic Control (ATC): Enhancing communication. DELIVERED in 2023
- Human Animations: More lifelike pilots, infantry, deck, and ground crew. NOT DELIVERED in 2023
- Visual Special Effects: Immersive visuals. DELIVERED in 2023
- New Bomb Fuzes: Tactical improvements. DELIVERED in 2023
- Mach Shock Cones: Realistic aerodynamics. DELIVERED in 2023
- Aircraft and Ground AI Improvements: Smarter opponents. DELIVERED in 2023
- General Flight Model: Refining flight dynamics – DELIVERED in 2023
FULLY DELIVERED & EARLY ACCESS MODULES DCS WORLD New Update.
DCS WORLD New Update for 2024 we can also need to look at one of many users’ biggest frustrations with new modules. The developers delivering new modules to the community seem barely finished and pushed out to the community to then have a raft of systems and functionality added over time. This update or completion process can take another few years to finish and as you can see in the list above many are still in early access. I don’t know how a module can remain in early access classification on the DCS Estores site for so long? Is it that the E-store just needs updating or are they genuinely in early access still?
I understand there is a lot of complexity in the creation of these incredible modules that we all love and cherish. We know it takes a long time to do the 3D modelling, create flight models and create all the systems with appropriate accuracy as to make the experience realistic. It’s still frustrating to me that they come out with limited functional on many occasions with minimum weapons as well as weapons functionality plus incomplete systems remaining again as I have said in early access for years. The downside to this criticism is that we have then to wait longer for more complete modules to be delivered. I’m sure we will also complain about the time then taken for delivery so DCS plus its partners in a no-win situation.
As we go through this DCS WORLD New Update we can see many modules like the Viper, Hornet and Viggen to name a few of the 13 modules are still regarded as early access. This to me is pretty amazing to me that they are still essentially not complete.
Long Term Early Access.
The list of so called EARLY ACCSESS status modules according to the E-Store applies to many modules that were delivered years ago and still not regarded as released seems a bit on the poor side to me. Let’s look at the list of currently listed EARLY ACCESS products on DCS E-Store.
- DCS: Yak-52
- DCS: WWII Assets Pack
- DCS: AJS-37 Viggen by Heatblur Simulations
- DCS: F-15E by RAZBAM – (2023)
- DCS: F/A-18C
- DCS: F-16C Viper
- DCS: F-14 Tomcat by Heatblur Simulations
- DCS: Supercarrier
- DCS: AH-64D
- DCS: Mirage F1 by Aerges
- DCS: Mosquito FB VI
- CS: Mi-24P Hind
- DCS: JF-17 Thunder by Deka Ironwork Simulations
Let’s dive into the latest juicy modules slated for 2024 release.
DCS WORLD Ground Unit Focus.
DCS is working on a wide range of items not just specific modules and maps. There is quite some focus on the overall ground terrain quality and mesh improvements plus a push to enable more integration with ground units, both vehicles, weapons and the actual troops. In the future you will be able to be one of the troops on the ground, but this is a while away with a focus on improving the textures and quality of the ground assets first. The ground mesh has to be more realistic so ground units such as tanks can effectively use the terrain for cover in conflict situations. It simply has to be more realistic to allow places to hide and attack from plus hide SAMS and other Anti Air assets.
I’m sure your aware of the Combined Arms Module which allows you to directly control ground units, drive trucks, tanks and fire AAA weapons and missile systems. The focus on this area of DCS which has been pretty neglected up to now but has now had placed in the spotlight for improvement. There are certainly some exciting features planned along with the planned Dynamic Campaign. This has a focus on ground units along as sea and air assets working in a combined fashion unlike the current situation where everything is really separate. These are receiving a comprehensive overview in readiness for the dynamic campaign which probably still some years away I expect.
The dynamic campaign requires a very high consideration of logistics support which is so true of real-world operations. If you cannot feed your troops, supply them with ammunition as well as fuel you are going to lose the battle. The fight is won in the back end of operations as much as the frontline. As an example, the ground troops such as infantry (AI) as well as physical movement making them look very realistic is being worked on at some pace. It was said by Matt that you will eventually be able to be the Army/Marine grunt on the ground as well as the tank commander etc which is currently not possible.
VULCAN API and What’s NEXT.
The Vulcan API has been a monster for performance improvements in DCS World. The addition of multi-threading more recently has continued to make the whole DCS World experience so much more pleasurable. In the DCS WORLD New Update for 2024 an interview with Matt on Movers YouTube channel he also mentioned dynamic shadows and using RTX 4000 features.
So maybe frame generation and even Raytracing could appear before the end of 2024. Certainly, he talks about dynamic shadows and quickly mentions ray tracing late in the interview in passing so that’s positive. It certainly sounds exciting but in talking about its Matt didn’t elaborate on the features directly but spoke of RTX 4000 series features specifically.
In the video when talking about the NEW IRAQ map, he said that they hoped to have Ray Tracing available also by the end of the year. Exiting visual times ahead it seems.
DCS 2024 and Beyond!
Ok so here I will give you a fast and furious overview of what’s coming, expected and any updates primarily mentioned in the video as well as Matts interview on the new DCS 2024 and Beyond video.
F4U Corsair
F-4U CORSAIR
The F4U Corsair was slated for release in the 2023 and beyond video but unfortunately has yet to make it to the E-Store. I am sure plenty of people are waiting impatiently for this WWII module with a lot being said about more World War II content with maps and assets by Matt in previous interviews. A notable addition was the WWII Assets pack delivered during 2023 offering both air and ground assets to add to your campaigns.
Human Modelling.
NEW AI Super carrier ground crews are also in the works with some well-known Youtubers doing the voices for some as well. There are planned to be a wider array of ground troops/maintainers out on the flight deck as well as possibly on airfields which would be awesome to see as an ex-RAAF weapons maintainer. The clip shows some maintainers moving across the screen and they look super realistic and very fluid in their walking motion. The quality of the clothing is greatly enhanced from previous versions. There is certainly a push to improve these from ED.
Pilot modelling has been a focus and with the latest F-15E delivered recently a new and a planned new JESTER AI model has been planned with the delivery of the hopefully soon to be available F-4 Phantom. We see some additional work in the video of pilot attire being shown giving a more realistic look from the previous more cartoonish version.
PACIFIC – 1944 Focus in 2024.
The World War II Era Marianas Map is being introduced in 2024 to add to the modern version we already have available. With the WWII assets pack growing this should be a busy time for our prop pilots out there in DCS World? I’m sure the whole land battle for Saipan and the local Islands will be able to be recreated and possibly campaigns created around this time period as it was a crucial time in the whole Pacific theatre.
This should be a buzz for the movie makers amongst us in the community. Aircraft Carriers are shown early on with the continuing theme of making the WWII DCS members a more inclusive group having really been neglected for many years. There has been much grumbling about players leaving DCS for other platforms more open to WWII scenarios. Inclusion of Japanese assets such as aircraft and cruisers are happening to widen the whole possibilities of engagement types. The Marianas Turkey Shoot will also be possible so there’s a lot to pack into this map.
WWII Flat Tops Are Coming.
In the WWII theme of additional assets there are focussed on summer 1944 which includes the Essex Class aircraft carriers that you can fly from. It was unknown if they will have WWII era paddles for landing assistance. Included as well as other US naval assets are Japanese cruisers and aircraft like the Zero.
It seems logical that the WWII assets pack is where all these new items would be found but they could be included with the WWII Marianas map. Being this map is already available as a modern-day module there is nothing said about whether it will just be an update to the current one or a separate module.
Time as always will tell.
The BUFF – B52 Bomber.
The B-52 has been shown the last few videos over the years but unfortunately will only be an AI asset. It as only an AI asset with some more improvements to its model. WAGS says it’s impossible to produce a flying model of the B-52 because of its massive electronic warfare suite which just cannot be reproduced. So, send waves of AI aircraft to bomb targets and keep your fighters close to make their mission a success.
A-6B Intruder
The A-6B INTRUDER also appears in the video. Matt mentions Heatblurr are making an AI version first, this should lead to a full flying module in the future. I wouldn’t be holding my breath for this one as it’s probably a 2025 and beyond video as a guess at best. Again, it’s not expected as a flyable model this year unfortunately. The Vietnam era flyers I’m sure would love this one for their battles and movie remakes. This is another jet where adding Jester could prove to be a fun module. You can sit next to each other and hang onto the ejection handle so he can’t leave you every time the going gets tough.
A-7 Corsair II – (Still Coming)
The appearance of an A-7 Corsair II in the video is amazing. This aircraft was a true workhorse in Vietnam and is being created by an undisclosed studio. It will be both Ai and flyable, but there was definitely no time frame was offered to its delivery. The fact there is not much info maybe says the confidence of its actual delivery is lower than normal. This one pictured is in a Dutch livery as a side note.
The A-7 was developed during the early 1960s as replacement for the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. Its design was derived from the Vought F-8 Crusader; in comparison with the F-8, the A-7 is both smaller and restricted to subsonic speeds, its airframe being simpler and cheaper to produce.
Following a competitive bid by Vought in response to the United States Navy‘s (USN) VAL (Heavier-than-air, Attack, Light) requirement, an initial contract for the type was issued on 8 February 1964. Development was rapid, first flying on 26 September 1965 and entering squadron service with the USN on 1 February 1967; by the end of that year, A-7s were being deployed overseas for the Vietnam War. (WIKI)
The Hellcat is also on its way alongside the Corsair as well as the LA-7 for the red World War II. Its a pretty intense Era update for our prop loving brothers and sisters out there.
Lavochkin La-7 Russian WW2 Fighter
This Lavochkin La-7 Russian WW2 Fighter is being created again by an unnamed by Matt 3rd Party developer but expected this year (2024). I’m sure this will make the Eastern bloc WWII aficionados happy. This late WW2 fighter appeared in late 1944 for the Soviet Air Force. Armed with two or three 20 mm (0.8 in) cannon, it had a top speed of 661 kilometres per hour (411 mph). The La-7 was felt by its pilots to be at least the equal of any German piston-engine fighter. It was phased out in 1947 by the Soviet Air Force but served until 1950 with the Czechoslovak Air Force. (Wiki)
F-4 Phantom II
The F-4 Phantom II also then makes an appearance in the video as we would expect with its imminent release as its in pre purchase phase at the moment. The F-4 is an exciting aircraft, so let’s hope it is released soon and the new technology developed with the F-4 is as good as claimed. Matt Wagner has said that this module will set the standard for all new modules. This is a bold statement but what has happened is the integration of new technology like 3D laser scanners to recreate the aircraft completely in a much faster but more accurate way. Many of the techniques used to recreate this legendary module will be able to be used to recreated and update older projects we have now he said.
The F-4 Phantom has been Laser scanned from real aircraft and is said to bring the next level in authentic combat feeling and systems. The way in which this module has been built is said to be a generational change from all previous modules. The latest technology may also be able to be retrofitted to current modules to a point. The New Jester AI has also been slated as a generational Improvement of which it also can be retrofitted to the very popular F-14 Tomcat already available.
ED is already working hard on visual effects, but they do take some time to showcase what’s been delivered and more that is to come as the new graphics engine is polished. The heat blur and intense flame from within the F-15E is also shown off as a new graphical improvement for us to enjoy. Blast effects also get a showing with bombs detonating and the surrounding trees and vegetation being blown out away from the blast point. A pretty cool animation for sure.
Hints of WWII Campaigns with what appears to be the D DAY landings being shown. Included in this clip does show what appears to be a Japanese Zero which could be another AI asset to be added to the WWII assets pack or more optimistically a new flyable module. The Mitsubishi Zero is not planned as a flyable module at this point. This seems pretty logical with the development of DCS more fi=cussed on the European – Middle Eastern Areas of conflict with the current and planned range of modules in the form of aircraft and maps.
Kiowa Helicopter.
The DCS WORLD New Update reports the KIOWA helicopter is also making an appearance in DCS. This helicopter is very important in completing light attack work as well as the very important scout and attack work. The mast mounted system allows the aircraft to hide in areas behind trees and track the enemy ground units with an opportunity to attack with Hellfire missiles.
I’m sure this will be on the shopping list of the many rotor heads out there in the community. The Kiowa is a light, single-engine, single-rotor helicopter that can perform scout, attack, transport, and utility roles. It has a mast-mounted sight with various sensors and can carry different weapons, such as rockets, missiles, and machine guns. Some of the countries that operate or have operated the Kiowa are: the United States, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Taiwan, Croatia, and the Dominican Republic. Please note that KIOA is not the official designation of the Kiowa helicopter. It is usually referred to as OH-58 or CH-136, depending on the variant and the country.
MIG-23 FLOGGER
MIG-23 Flogger by RAZBAM (Coming) in this DCS WORLD New Update a number of Eastern Block aircraft are depicted a Mig-23 Flogger shown momentarily. Wags says RAZBAM is working on this module which will initially be an AI model with time moving to a full flying model. No time was given for possible delivery. This will assist the RED team players to expand their hangar as well. A powerful and extremely fast jet it will be a challenge to catch it plus the complexity of manually swept wings should increase the immersion level when flying.
C-130 Hercules – Flyable Module.
The long-awaited C-130 Hercules gets a showing. This has been mentioned for some time and Eagle Dynamics are looking towards their dynamic campaign where logistics plays a large part in the success or failure of that campaign. This is accompanied closely by the H-47 Chinook which would play a very important part in the logistics of weapons troops and military needs all across a campaign. Wags confirmed the C-130 will be a flyable module which is exciting. He didn’t have much more to share on the subject of release and variants etc.
CHINOOK C-47J Helicopter.
Hinted at for later this year by the team, we may see the C-47J Chinook helicopter appear on the E-Store shelf. It’s reported to be well into development and would certainly make a positive addition for the rotor heads out there. As I have continued to mention the logistics in the dynamic campaign ED are working on will need substantial logistical support to continue and the C-130 will keep delivering fuel and spare plus the important munitions to arm your aircraft. The Red team will also need an Antonov maybe, but nothing was said on this option. Previous graphics seen were an Italian version of the Chinook but this as I said has been updated. The current version is from the mid 2000’s with a lot more detail and much better textures. Release of this seems a while away yet but you never know if it will make it in the 2024 time frame specifically!
FULL FIDELITY MIG-29A Coming in 2024.
I cannot believe there has not been a Full Fidelity Russian/Chinese based fighter with all the USA based aircraft available until now in 2024. Well now its official, there is some high-quality RED aircraft on the horizon for the very important RED team.
The RED team have been underrepresented for sure with aircraft and assets for so long but there is a reason for this which is pretty logical. It’s a full fidelity model so let’s hope they are using some of the tech used to create the new F-4 in its creation.
No time frame was mentioned specifically but with the way it presented it has to be this year.
NEW MAP – IRAQ
IRAQ is to be the next map to be added to the list of modules of DCS. This is a very logical decision with the MIDDLE EAST playing a large part in recent conflicts with the Siani added also this year with the very beautiful SYRIA map being available. The big question is with all these Middle East Maps with they become linked so you can fly between the maps in the future. ED are certainly filling in the gaps with the current maps. Can we expect to have EGYPT added as well and what about IRAN as the wars there have been ongoing for quite a while.
So many options becoming available if you could cross between the current individual maps we have. If its ever possible to be able to fly from one map to the other this would greatly enhance the mission and conflict options with the Middle East having had more than its fair share of conflicts over the last 70 years.
Middle East Conflicts of the last 50 Years.
| Country | Conflict Name | Year |
| Egypt | Six-Day War, Yom Kippur War, War of Attrition, Sinai insurgency, Egyptian Revolution of 2011 | 1967, 1973, 1967-1970, 2011-present, 2011 |
| Iraq | Six-Day War, Yom Kippur War, Iran-Iraq War, Gulf War, Iraq War, Iraqi Civil War, War on ISIS | 1967, 1973, 1980-1988, 1990-1991, 2003-2011, 2014-2017, 2014-2017 |
| Israel | Six-Day War, Yom Kippur War, War of Attrition, Lebanon War, Gaza War, Israeli-Palestinian conflict | 1967, 1973, 1967-1970, 1982, 2008-2009, 1948-present |
| Jordan | Six-Day War, Black September, Jordanian Civil War, War on ISIS | 1967, 1970, 1970-1971, 2014-2017 |
| Lebanon | Lebanese Civil War, Lebanon War, 2006 Lebanon War, Syrian Civil War spillover | 1975-1990, 1982, 2006, 2011-present |
| Syria | Six-Day War, Yom Kippur War, Lebanon War, Syrian Civil War, War on ISIS | 1967, 1973, 1982, 2011-present, 2014-2017 |
KOLA PENINSULA
The KOLA peninsula map in another interesting addition now connecting more of northern Europe with Russia’s Western border. The map is said to include Norway to Murmansk down to Finland and Sweden which is created by ORBX. No time frame for this module was mentioned but it’s a massive map so it’s going to take a while I would expect.
The Kola Peninsula is a region in the northwest of Russia that borders Norway and Finland. It is the home of Russia’s Northern Fleet, which hosts most of its nuclear submarines and strategic bombers. The Kola Peninsula is also a key gateway for Russia to access the Arctic Ocean and project power in the region. The Kola Peninsula is considered one of the most militarized and nuclearized areas in the world, and it is vital for Russia’s homeland defence and deterrence capabilities.
MODULE Requirements – Its Harder than you Think!
In this DCS WORLD New Update lets also take a minute to appreciate the complexities of creating these modules and why it takes time. We should also understand why some aircraft cannot be reproduced in DCS World because of classified leves of systems and technology. Any aircraft module can only be built to the correct standards with the most accurate Freely Available Non-Sensitive military documentation. It’s well documented where members of the public frustrated an aircraft, they possibly work on has features missing and send ED a copy of what is classified information. ED would be shut down in a heartbeat using this type of documentation so they simply DON’T! TO create a new aircraft, they first must have access to the best information possible to create an aircraft model, systems as well as weapons to be able to give us the experience we desire from DCS world. It may be this is the reason the TYPHOON is not making any noise because the information is simply not available to the public so it can be made as an accurate representation that we would expect.
AUTHOR
Brendon McAliece is a multi-lingual expat who brings over three decades of flight simulator/PC building experience as well as over two decades of real-world jet fighter experience as a weapons/egress technician.
He holds a sport pilot certificate giving him real-world flying experience. Hi travels have taken him from Europe to the Middle East, Asia and his home of Australia. He has a passion for travel, languages, Flight simulation as well as Guitaring and Coffee. You can read more in his blogs below.
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