DCS World Pacific WWII: Corsair, Hellcat & Zero Modules & Asset Packs Revealed.
Aircraft Coming to DCS WWII (Pacific Theatre)
F4U-1D Corsair
- Developer: Magnitude-3 (working closely with Eagle Dynamics) (Stormbirds)
- History: A famed US Navy and Royal Navy carrier-based fighter, known for its role in the Solomons and island-hopping campaigns of 1943–45. Initially tricky to land due to poor nose visibility, innovative techniques made it an ace of its era.
- Performance & Dogfighting Tips:
- Excellent high-speed boom-and-zoom performance.
- Strong climb rate and firepower.
- Use altitude advantage, dive attacks, then climb sharply.
- Avoid turning fights with more nimble enemies—use energy fights.
F6F-3 Hellcat.
- Developer: Eagle Dynamics (via PTO Assets Pack) (Digital Combat Simulator, ED Forums)
- History: Hellcat was the primary US Navy fighter at the Battle of the Philippine Sea—rugged, well-armored, and highly effective against the Japanese Zero.
- Performance & Dogfighting Tips:
- Great roll rate and stability; use deflection shots.
- Dive-and-climb tactics work; can outturn Zeros at high speeds.
- Stay at mid-to-high energy levels, leverage firepower and stability.
A6M5 Zero
- Developer: Eagle Dynamics (player-controlled full-fidelity module planned) (ED Forums, Digital Combat Simulator)
- History: Iconic Japanese fighter—highly maneuverable with long range but lightly armored. The A6M5 was a late-war version with slightly improved armament and protection.
- Performance & Dogfighting Tips:
- Exceptional low-speed turning—fight slow and tight.
- Avoid diving as the Hellcat or Corsair will out-dive and out-run.
- Stay engaged in close-in turning fights; use vertical bounce if possible.
Allied vs. Japanese PTO Asset Packs
Its pretty exciting if your an avid World War II buff with the Mariana’s WWII version of the map and now all the asset packs to make scenarios more possible. Creating the landings and the combat that went with that special time will make for exciting missions. (Lest we Forget -The Fallen!)
Allies (US) – PTO Assets Pack includes (Digital Combat Simulator, Simulation Daily):
- Player Aircraft: F6F Hellcat
- AI Aircraft: SB2C Helldiver, TBF Avenger, SBD-5 Dauntless, PBY Catalina, P-38L Lightning
Player Flyable WWII Aircraft
F6F Hellcat
Designed and built by Grumman to replace the older F4F Wildcat, the F6F Hellcat first flew in June 1942 and entered service in 1943.
It proved rugged, powerful (using the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 “Double Wasp” engine), and highly effective against Japanese fighters including the Mitsubishi A6M Zero helping secure Allied dominance in the Pacific.
Hellcats were credited with destroying over 5,000 enemy aircraft, making them the most successful Allied naval fighters of the war.
AI Aircraft
SB2C Helldiver
A US Navy dive-bomber developed by Curtiss-Wright, the SB2C Helldiver had its first flight in December 1940 and entered service in late 1942, gradually replacing the SBD Dauntless. Though pilots initially disliked its handling, its superior speed and bomb load made it the main carrier-based dive bomber later in the war. Over 7,100 were built. (Wikipedia, WW2DB)
TBF Avenger
Built by Grumman (later also by GM as TBM), the torpedo bomber TBF Avenger entered service following Pearl Harbour and was notable for both its heavier payload and effectiveness especially against submarines.
Although early losses were high (e.g. at Midway), Avengers went on to become among the most effective Navy torpedo bombers, with several credited anti-submarine kills. (Smithsonian Magazine, Wikipedia)
SBD-5 Dauntless
Produced by Douglas, the SBD Dauntless was the principal U.S. Navy dive bomber through mid-1944. It played a critical role in the Battle of Midway, helping sink several Japanese carriers.
Its robust design, good handling, and effective armament made it a standout in early Pacific engagements. Upwards of 5,900 built. (Wikipedia)
PBY Catalina
The Consolidated PBY Catalina, a long-range flying boat and amphibious patrol bomber, was widely used for anti-submarine warfare, convoy escort, search-and-rescue, and patrol missions across WWII.
Approximately 3,300 were built. Its slow speed belied its versatility and strategic importance, especially in maritime reconnaissance and rescue missions. (Wikipedia)
P-38L Lightning
A variant of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter, the P-38L was among the final and most powerful versions, entering production around mid-1944, with over 3,800 units built out of over 10,000 total P-38s.
The P-38 combined long range (often with drop tanks), distinctive twin-boom design, and potent armament in its central nacelle, excelling in interception, ground attack, reconnaissance, and bomber escort roles.
It was flown successfully in both the Pacific and European theatres.
Summary Table
| Aircraft | Role | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| F6F Hellcat | Carrier fighter | Over 5,000 enemy aircraft destroyed |
| SB2C Helldiver | Dive bomber | Replaced SBD; heavy bomb load |
| TBF Avenger | Torpedo bomber | Effective anti-submarine and ship strikes |
| SBD-5 Dauntless | Dive bomber | Crucial at Midway |
| PBY Catalina | Patrol/Rescue | Long-range ASW and air-sea rescue |
| P-38L Lightning | Fighter/fighter-bomber | Long range; twin-engine power |
The Ships & More!
Ships: USS Enterprise, Casablanca-class CV, Independence-class CV, New Orleans-class cruiser, Baltimore-class cruiser, Cleveland-class cruiser, Fletcher-class destroyer, Liberty-class transport, Cimarron-class oiler
A Storied Fleet: Ship Assets in DCS WWII (Allied Ships Overview)
USS Enterprise (CV-6)
Known as “The Big E” and nicknamed “The Grey Ghost” following multiple false sinking reports, the Yorktown-class USS Enterprise was the most decorated U.S. warship of WWII, earning 20 battle stars, a Presidential Unit Citation, and a Navy Unit Commendation a commendable feat unmatched by any other vessel (Wikipedia, Naval History and Heritage Command).
She played a central role in virtually every major Pacific engagement Pearl Harbour, Midway, Guadalcanal, the Marianas, the Philippine Sea, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and her aircraft and guns downed 911 enemy planes, sank 71 ships, and damaged nearly 200 more (Naval History and Heritage Command, Wikipedia).
Casablanca-class Escort Carrier
The Casablanca-class were the most numerous U.S. aircraft carriers ever built—50 launched between late 1942 and mid-1944 (Wikipedia). Designed rapidly for convoy escort and amphibious air support, their modest size and protection belied their vital role in freeing fleet carriers for offensive strike missions (Wikipedia). None remain today.
Independence-class Light Aircraft Carriers
Converted from Cleveland-class cruiser hulls, the nine Independence-class carriers served in the Fast Carrier Task Force, providing 40% of fighter and 36% of torpedo-bomber aircraft in key operations like the Battle of the Philippine Sea (Wikipedia, The National Interest).
Despite their cramped flight decks and limited protection, they were essential stopgaps in the rapid build up of U.S. carrier power (The National Interest, Naval History and Heritage Command). USS Independence (CVL-22) participated in actions at Rabaul, Tarawa, Luzon, Okinawa, and Leyte Gulf, earning eight battle stars before being scuttled during nuclear testing post-war (Wikipedia, warhistoryonline).
New Orleans-, Baltimore-, and Cleveland-class Cruisers
- Baltimore-class Heavy Cruisers: With 14 completed, they formed the backbone of anti-air and shore-bombardment duties for carrier groups. Armed with powerful 8″ main batteries and rapid-firing AA systems, they were fast, resilient, and later repurposed as guided-missile cruisers—extending service into the Cold War (Wikipedia, The National Interest, Global Military).
- Cleveland-class Light Cruisers: The most prolific U.S. light cruiser class, 27 completed, with some later converted into light aircraft carriers. Their improved AA fire control and adaptability made them effective escorts and fire-support ships in the Pacific. One, USS Little Rock, survives today as a missile-cruiser museum (Wikipedia, uboat.net, Defensionem – The War Bible, Mesothelioma Help Cancer Organization).
Fletcher-class Destroyers
The most numerous destroyer class of the war—175 built between 1942–1944—the Fletchers were fast (≈38 knots), versatile combatants, excelling in anti-air, anti-sub, surface warfare, and fire support.
They collectively sank 29 Japanese submarines, carried radar-equipped tasking, and served across the Pacific front in nearly every major campaign. Many were reused in later wars; four remain preserved as museum ships (Wikipedia, destroyerhistory.org, The National Interest).
Allied Ship Assets Overview – DCS WWII
Here’s how you can expect these vessels to be represented in the upcoming Allied (U.S.) Asset Pack within DCS World:
- Player-operated ship: USS Enterprise (CV-6)
- AI-controllable assets:
- Casablanca-class escort carriers
- Independence-class light carriers
- New Orleans-class cruisers
- Baltimore-class heavy cruisers
- Cleveland-class light cruisers
- Fletcher-class destroyers
This formidable collection captures the power, diversity, and strategic importance of the U.S. Navy’s WWII fleet in the Pacific.
Ground Forces Assets.
Along with the ships there are also a number of assets for the ground war as well.
Ground Forces: M4A2 Sherman, M3A1 Stuart, LVT-4/LVT(A)-4, DUKW-353, US Marine infantryman, US Navy carrier personnel & seaman
Here’s a refined historical overview of the Allied ground forces assets featured in the upcoming WWII Pacific Theater of DCS World:
Ground Forces – Historical Highlights
M4A2 Sherman (Medium Tank)
The M4 Sherman was the principal medium tank fielded by U.S. forces in WWII, celebrated for its mechanical reliability, mass producibility, and adaptability across theatres.
The M4A2 variant, diesel-powered, was often delivered under Lend-Lease. Around 8,000 units were built between 1942 and 1945—many deployed to the Soviet Union, where they bolstered their armoured strength on the Eastern Front (Wikipedia, Tank Historia).
M3A1 Stuart (Light Tank)
The compact M3A1 Stuart light tank saw early Pacific engagements, notably in the Philippines starting September 1941. Though lightly armed with a 37 mm gun, it excelled in jungle warfare, supporting infantry in confined terrain until replaced by more powerful armoured units in late 1943 (National WWII Museum, Wikipedia).
LVT-4 / LVT(A)-4 (Landing Vehicle, Tracked)
Based on an amphibious rescue vehicle nicknamed the “Alligator,” the LVT-4 was adapted for combat use in the Pacific. Capable of traversing reefs and delivering troops directly onto beaches, its armoured hull and rear ramp made it indispensable in island operations like Saipan and Guam (National WWII Museum).
The LVT(A)-4 was planned as an armoured variant but never saw mass production (Wikipedia).
DUKW-353 (Amphibious Truck)
Known colloquially as the “Duck,” the DUKW-353 was a six-wheel-drive amphibious truck introduced in 1942, designed for transporting troops and supplies from ship to shore without needing prepared harbour infrastructure.
It served across both theatres, from Guadalcanal and Normandy to various Pacific islands, demonstrating its versatility in challenging amphibious conditions (warhistoryonline, Wikipedia).
US Marine Infantryman
U.S. Marines were the core ground assault force in Pacific island campaigns. Trained for amphibious warfare, they conducted landing operations supported by armored units, naval gunfire, close air support, and amphibious vehicles in operations ranging from Guadalcanal and Tarawa to Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
US Navy Carrier Personnel & Seamen
Vital to carrier operations, Navy personnel and seamen included deck crews, gunners, aviators, pilots, mechanics, signal operators, and support staff responsible for launching, recovering, and servicing aircraft from carriers especially in the PTO (Pacific Theatres of Operations).
Their skills underpinned the effectiveness of naval aviation and logistics throughout the war.
Summary Table
| Asset | Role & Notable History |
|---|---|
| M4A2 Sherman | Diesel medium tank; mass-produced; key Lend-Lease contribution to USSR |
| M3A1 Stuart | Light tank used early in Pacific; agile in jungle but lightly armed |
| LVT-4 / LVT(A)-4 | Armored amphibious landing vehicle; vital for island assaults; LVT(A)-4 unproduced |
| DUKW-353 | Amphibious supply truck; durable and versatile in both Pacific and European theaters |
| US Marine Infantryman | Core assault troops trained for amphibious, jungle, and island combat |
| US Navy Carrier Personnel | Crew enabling aircraft operations on carriers—central to naval air power in the PTO |
Japanese Assets
Japanese (IJN/IJA) – PTO Assets Pack includes (Digital Combat Simulator, Simulation Daily):
- Player Aircraft: A6M5 Zero
- AI Aircraft: D4Y Judy, D3A Val, B6N Jill
Here’s a polished historical overview of the player and AI Japanese carrier aircraft—Zero (A6M), Judy (D4Y), Val (D3A), and Jill (B6N)—set to appear in the WWII Pacific assets of DCS World:
Player Aircraft: A6M5 Zero (Mitsubishi Zero
The Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero was the Imperial Japanese Navy’s iconic carrier-based fighter of WWII, revered early in the war for its unmatched agility, exceptional low-speed handling, and long operational range.
Introduced in 1943 as an upgrade to earlier A6M models, the A6M5 featured a more powerful engine, reinforced wings, and improved armament with 20 mm cannons, making it slightly faster and sturdier while retaining its legendary turn performance.
Though deadly in skilled hands, the Zero’s lack of armour and self-sealing fuel tanks left it vulnerable to better-protected Allied fighters like the Hellcat and Corsair, forcing pilots to rely on tight turning engagements and surprise attacks to prevail.
AI Aircraft
Aichi D3A “Val”
- Role & Introduction: The principal Imperial Japanese Navy dive bomber early in the war, first flown in 1938 and entering service by 1940 (Wikipedia, naval encyclopedia).
- Historical Impact: It was the first Japanese aircraft to bomb U.S. targets during Pearl Harbor and played a key role in early Pacific battles. Vals sank more Allied ships than any other Axis aircraft during WWII (planesoffame.org, naval encyclopedia).
- Production & Legacy: Approximately 1,495 units produced, with the D3A2 successor totaling around 816 built before being phased out by the more modern Judy (️, naval encyclopedia, Wikipedia).
Yokosuka D4Y “Judy”
- Development & Role: Conceived as a fast, two-seat dive bomber to supersede the Val, the D4Y first flew in December 1940, entering IJN service around 1942 (Wikipedia, naval encyclopedia).
- Performance: Known as one of the fastest dive bombers of WWII—particularly the D4Y4 variant—remarkably faster than the Zero (Wikipedia, silverhawkauthor.com, pwencycl.kgbudge.com).
- Combat Use: Employed in reconnaissance, dive bombing, night fighting, and kamikaze missions. Notable actions include sinking USS Princeton at Leyte Gulf (October 1944) and devastating damage to USS Franklin (March 1945) (Wikipedia, pacificwrecks.com, silverhawkauthor.com, 447bg.org).
- Production: Close to 2,038 D4Ys produced during its service period (Wikipedia, Wikipedia).
Nakajima B6N “Jill”
- Role & Development: Designed as the successor to the B5N “Kate”, the B6N Tenzan (“Heavenly Mountain”) was the IJN’s standard carrier-based torpedo bomber in the later years of WWII (Wikipedia, naval encyclopedia).
- Service: First flight in March 1941, but due to development delays, it only entered service in August 1943—too late for widespread impactful use. Many operated from land bases due to carrier losses, and some served in kamikaze roles during Okinawa (naval encyclopedia, Inch High Guy, WW2DB, silverhawkauthor.com). Production Volume: Approximately 1,268 units built (WW2DB, Wikipedia).
- Performance Note: Among torpedo bombers of WWII, it was considered one of the fastest and technically superior—but its late introduction and pilot shortages limited its effectiveness (Inch High Guy, pwencycl.kgbudge.com, silverhawkauthor.com).
Summary Table
| Aircraft | Role | Aircraft Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Val (D3A) | Dive Bomber | Early-war workhorse; first to bomb Pearl Harbor; most Axis ship tonnage sunk |
| Judy (D4Y) | Dive Bomber / Recon / Night Fighter / Kamikaze | Extremely fast; multi-role capability; sank Princeton, damaged Franklin |
| Jill (B6N) | Torpedo Bomber | Late-war torpedo bomber; superior on paper to Kate, but late deployment limited impact |
Japanese Navy
We could not forget the mighty Japanese Navy ships involved in the conflict so they have been included in the ASSET PACK.
- Ships: Shokaku CV, Chitose light CV, Kongo battleship, Mogami heavy cruiser, Agano-class light cruiser, Yugumo-class destroyer, Kagero-class destroyer, Kashino-class transport
Japanese Ground Assets
- Ground Forces: Type 94 Tankette, Type 95 Ha-Go tank, Kurogane Type 95, Type 97 Te-Ke, Type 97 Chi-Ha, Type 97 ShinHoTo, Type 2 Ka-M amphibious tank, Type 1 47 mm AT gun, Type 98 20 mm AA gun, Type 91 10 cm artillery, Type 92 70 mm artillery, Type 10 120 mm AA gun, Japanese infantry & navy seaman
Here’s a concise overview of the Japanese WWII ground forces and weapons you listed, focusing on their historical roles and characteristics:
Japanese Ground Forces – WWII Overview
- Type 94 Tankette – A light, two-man reconnaissance vehicle introduced in 1935. Lightly armoured and armed with a 6.5 mm or 7.7 mm machine gun, it was primarily used for scouting and infantry support in China and early Pacific campaigns.
- Type 95 Ha-Go Light Tank – The most common Japanese light tank of WWII, armed with a 37 mm gun and a coaxial machine gun. Fast and manoeuvrable but poorly armoured, it was effective against infantry but vulnerable to Allied tanks and anti-tank guns.
- Kurogane Type 95 – A small, four-wheel-drive reconnaissance car, one of the world’s first mass-produced military 4x4s. Used extensively for liaison, scouting, and as a general utility vehicle.
- Type 97 Te-Ke Tankette – A small, two-man vehicle intended for reconnaissance and infantry support. Equipped with a 37 mm gun or heavy machine gun, it saw combat in China, the Philippines, and the Pacific islands.
- Type 97 Chi-Ha Medium Tank – Japan’s most-produced medium tank of WWII, armed with a short 57 mm gun for infantry support. Well-suited for early-war conditions but outclassed by mid-war Allied tanks.
- Type 97 ShinHoTo Chi-Ha – An upgraded Chi-Ha fitted with a high-velocity 47 mm gun in a new turret (“Shinhoto” means “new turret”), developed to counter more heavily armoured Allied vehicles.
- Type 2 Ka-M Amphibious Tank – Designed for amphibious landings, it had pontoons for buoyancy and a 37 mm gun. Intended for naval invasion operations, it saw limited use due to Japan’s declining naval situation.
- Type 1 47 mm Anti-Tank Gun – The standard Japanese AT gun from 1942, capable of penetrating light and some medium tanks but inadequate against late-war Allied armour.
- Type 98 20 mm Anti-Aircraft Gun – A light AA gun widely deployed for air defence and also used against infantry and light vehicles.
- Type 91 10 cm Howitzer – A versatile medium artillery piece used in both direct and indirect fire roles throughout the war.
- Type 92 70 mm Battalion Gun – A lightweight artillery piece that could be broken down for transport, used to support infantry with high-explosive or smoke rounds.
- Type 10 120 mm AA Gun – A heavy anti-aircraft gun capable of engaging high-altitude bombers, also used in coastal defence roles.
- Japanese Infantry & Navy Seamen – Ground troops of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy, trained for aggressive infantry tactics, close combat, and defensive strongpoints, often fighting to the last man in island battles.
Author
Brendon McAliece (Aka Gunnie) is a military veteran with 23 years working on Jet Fighters, their weapons systems and ejection seat/module systems as well as munitions and R&D. Involved with flight simulation since the 1980s, he has flown all the major flight simulators over the years.
He is an Australian expat who has lived in Malaysia, UK, Saudi Arabia and more recently Thailand. He is a multi-lingual blogger who loves to share his life experiences here on LetsFlyVFR.com and DreamingGuitar.com, with his lifestyle and Travel experiences Blog plus his Dreaming Coffee website.
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