Top Freeware Stealth & Thrust-Vector Mods for DCS World.

Top Freeware Stealth & Thrust-Vector Mods for
DCS World.
(F-22, F-35, YF-23, Black Widow, SU-47)

Introduction’

One of the most compelling parts of the DCS World community is the creativity and dedication of modders. Over the years, several freeware stealth / advanced aircraft mods have gained wide interest, letting sim pilots fly “what-if” or prototype jets with stealth, thrust vectoring, and experimental features.

Below, I present a curated list of the more mature or promising mods (as of 2025), with history, features, caveats, and download links.

A few important caveats before we dive in:

• Many mods are single-player only or may break your multiplayer compatibility or integrity checks.
• Some mods depend on FC3 (Flaming Cliffs 3) or other base modules; others are more standalone.
• Always keep a separate “mod bench” or “inactive mods” folder so you can disable risky mods when joining multiplayer servers.
• Because these are community efforts, specs and capabilities may vary and are often approximate or “best guess” rather than rigorously tested.

Below I separate by stealth / prototype mods you mentioned, then wrap up with general discussion about stealth, thrust vectoring, and operational considerations in DCS.

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1. Grinnelli Designs F-22A Raptor (Community Mod)

History & Modder

• The Grinnelli Designs F-22A mod is one of the most well-known and long-standing freeware DCS mods. (grinnellidesigns.com)
• The mod has an open GitHub repo (GPL-3.0) with source code and release versions. (GitHub)
• It is not an official module; it is maintained by the community.
• Because it depends on F-15C / FC3 avionics systems, it is not completely standalone. (GitHub)

Features & Specs

• Uses a Simple Flight Model (SFM) rather than a full EFM, though later versions may push toward more complexity. (grinnellidesigns.com)
• Six degrees of freedom (“6-dof”) cockpit, clickable controls, PBR textures, multiple MFD pages, interactive instruments. (grinnellidesigns.com)
• The mod’s version 3.0 added fixes for compatibility with recent DCS patches (overwing vapor, collision model, gear sinking, etc.). (grinnellidesigns.com)
• There is a community “unofficial update v1.2” patch that tweaks fuel, radar detection, “supercruise” behavior, and weapon placements. (digitalcombatsimulator.com)
• Because the mod piggybacks on FC3’s F-15C framework, its aerodynamic limits, drag, etc., are constrained by what is permissible via that framework. (GitHub)

Download / Link:

• Primary mod page: GrinnelliDesigns F-22A (grinnellidesigns.com)
• GitHub source: grinnellidesigns/f-22a (GitHub)
• Unofficial patch v1.2: via DCS.com user files (search “F-22A Raptor unofficial update v1.2”) (digitalcombatsimulator.com)

Standalone vs FC3 Dependency

• Dependency: It requires FC3 / F-15C support for avionics and core systems. (grinnellidesigns.com)
• Not standalone in the strictest sense, though the mod is self-contained in a folder.
• Because of the dependency, it may fail integrity checks or break multiplayer compatibility if used improperly.

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2. VSN F-35A / F-35 Community Mod (VSN)

History & Modder

• The VSN F-35 (Lightning II) community mod aims to implement the F-35 (A, B, C) in DCS. (ED Forums)
• The mod is free, with clickable cockpit, custom systems, and STOVL / VTOL functionality for B variant planned. (ED Forums)
• The mod team intended the mod to be standalone (i.e. not requiring paid modules) initially using VSN models and borrowed systems from FC3 modules for initial builds. (ED Forums)
• Later update patches (e.g. by Civorodom) extended weapon compatibility (e.g. Gripen mod weapons) and engine sounds. (digitalcombatsimulator.com)

Features & Specs (as implemented / claimed)

• Clickable cockpit with instrument systems. (ED Forums)
• STOVL / VTOL behavior (at least in mod preview) for F-35B. (ED Forums)
• Uses custom flight modeling within DCS mod APIs. (ED Forums)

Download / Link:

• Forum thread / mod page: F-35 A/B/C Community Mod by Tangent / Speedracer (ED Forums)
• Demo / tutorial: F-35 Lightning II Mod: How To Download, Install & Operate (VSN) (YouTube) (YouTube)
• Update patch (VSN F-35 by Civorodom): weapons / sound extensions (digitalcombatsimulator.com)

Standalone vs FC3 Dependency

• The original design aimed to be standalone, not requiring FC3 or paid modules. (ED Forums)
• However, in user discussions, some report needing FC3 or F-15C (or other dependencies) for certain functionality or to satisfy script dependencies. (ED Forums)
• In short: somewhat ambiguous in community; some versions may impose dependencies.

Caveats & Community Feedback

• Some users report download links have died or are hard to access. (ED Forums)
• Others mention that when loaded, the cockpit may show FC3 / F-15 components (i.e. reuse) which can reduce immersion. (ED Forums)
• As with any advanced mod, stability, accuracy, and multiplayer compatibility are not guaranteed.

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3. YF-23 / “Black Widow / Black Widow II” Mod Projects.

History & Modder

• There have been multiple community attempts to build a YF-23 / “Black Widow” mod (sometimes called Black Widow II) using unclassified manuals and prototype data. (ED Forums)
• The mod author “cubanace” had posted about a YF-23A internal cockpit modeling effort as early as 2017. (ED Forums)
• Community posts in forums indicate that multiple versions exist or have existed, but none seem to be in wide, stable release. (ED Forums)

Features & Claims

• Prototype / speculative model with F-15-derived cockpit HUD in some versions. (ED Forums)
• Some functionality (longitudinal missile lock) reportedly works, but animations and systems are incomplete. (ED Forums)

Download / Link:

• Forum discussion: “Link for the YF-23 Black Widow mod?” (ED Forums)
• YF-23A project thread by cubanace (ED Forums)

Standalone vs FC3 Dependency

• According to early project posts, the YF-23 mod was intended to be built with a custom flight / systems model (EFM + ASM) and not dependent on FC3. (ED Forums)
• But because many mod attempts are partial or experimental, some forks or versions may impose dependencies or reuse existing modules.

Caveats

• As of 2025, the YF-23 mod remains somewhat experimental; download links may be broken or projects abandoned.
• Many community posts express frustration at lack of completeness (missing animations, partial systems) (ED Forums)

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4. SU-47K / “Berkut / Firkin” Mod

History & Modder

• The Su-47K Berkut / Firkin mod is one of the more mature “exotic” Russian experimental aircraft mods hosted in DCS user files. (digitalcombatsimulator.com)
• The mod has seen multiple updates (v2.5 at least) and bug fixes. (digitalcombatsimulator.com)
• The author(s) include “AlexTv” among others. (digitalcombatsimulator.com)

Features & Specs

• Forward-swept wings, internal weapon bays, carrier landing capability (in some versions), drag chute, air-to-air & air-to-ground capability claimed. (digitalcombatsimulator.com)
• Visual pilot model, animated avionics, various liveries. (digitalcombatsimulator.com)
• Bug fixes: collision issues, missile explosion in bay, landing issues, input fixes. (digitalcombatsimulator.com)
• Because the mod is ambitious, some features are still works in progress or imperfect (e.g. damage model, full cockpit visuals). (digitalcombatsimulator.com)

Download / Link:

• Su-47K Firkin / Cy-47K Berkut Mod v2.5 on DCS user files. (digitalcombatsimulator.com)
• Earlier v1.0 version description also available (less mature). (digitalcombatsimulator.com)
• Mod demo / flight videos: YouTube “Su-47 Berkut mod demo / flight” etc. (YouTube)

Standalone vs FC3 Dependency

• The mod requires FC3 DLC (for core systems) and Su-30 module by Codename Flanker for some rocket support. (digitalcombatsimulator.com)
• So it is not standalone; it relies on FC3 infrastructure for many systems. (digitalcombatsimulator.com)

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5. Black Widow / “Black Widow II” – Sometimes conflated with YF-23.

• Some mod versions or community builds are marketed under Black Widow II (e.g. Growling Sidewinder’s video mention) rather than strictly YF-23. (ED Forums)
• These are often variant forks of YF-23 projects, possibly combining other assets.
• Because their lineage and stability vary, I treat them as variants of the YF-23 / prototype mod family rather than a separate stable mod.

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Quick Comparison Table.

Mod / Aircraft	Stealth / Experimental Role	Dependency / Standalone	Maturity / Stability	Highlights / Caveats
Grinnelli Designs F-22A	5th gen stealth fighter	Requires FC3 / F-15C	High (well known)	Strong community support, patch updates; multiplayer risk
VSN F-35A / Community Mod	5th gen multirole / STOVL (for B variant)	Intended standalone, but some dependencies in practice	Medium	Ambitious mod; download fragility; facelift and system extensions
YF-23 / Black Widow II	Prototype advanced stealth fighter	Designed standalone (custom flight model)	Low / experimental	Many versions in flux; links may break; incomplete systems
SU-47K Berkut	Experimental forward-swept, high agility	Requires FC3 + other module(s)	Medium	Good visuals and features, but still work in progress; might conflict in MP

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Using Mods in Single Player vs Multiplayer.

Single Player Use

• Using mods in single-player is generally safer: you can fly them in your own missions, tests, dogfights, training, etc.
• You can push boundaries, experiment with configurations, enable verbose logging or debug variants.
• You control what is active, so you can isolate mod crashes from game corruption.

Multiplayer / Online Use

• Integrity checks: Many multiplayer servers enforce module integrity checks or whitelist modules. If your modded files deviate, you may be banned or disconnected.
• Balance concerns: Mods may provide unfair advantages (supercruise, better stealth, overpowered weapons), so server admins may disqualify them.
• Version mismatch: If your mod version differs from others or the “official” baseline, it can desync or crash sessions.
• Conflicts: Mods might conflict with official modules, shared scripts, or mission logic.

Best Practice: Maintain a separate “Mods_Inactive” or “OfflineMods” folder. When joining multiplayer, move all non-approved mods out of the active SavedGames\DCS\Mods\aircraft\ folder. This allows a “clean” baseline for multiplayer.

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Stealth, Thrust Vectoring & Modern Weapons Systems (in Mod Context)

Stealth / Low Observability (LO) Considerations

• In real life, stealth is not invisible — it’s low observable, reducing radar cross section (RCS), IR, and other signatures.
• In DCS mod context, you’ll often see stealth simulated by reduced radar detection ranges, narrow fields of view, or conditional detection (e.g. seen only when above clutter thresholds).
• Many mods approximate stealth via sensor fusion, ECCM scripting, and “radar detection thresholds” rather than truly simulating physics.

Thrust Vectoring & Manoeuvrability

• Thrust vectoring (TVC) allows control of the thrust nozzle direction (pitch, yaw) to augment control surfaces, especially at low airspeeds or high angles of attack.
• In DCS mods, TVC may be simulated via custom scripting (modifying forces) or via engine control logic.
• Some community mods attempt to add TVC (e.g. F-22 mod forums mention combining F-22 with thrust vectoring mod). (ED Forums)
• Be cautious: adding TVC can destabilize the flight model if not balanced, producing crashes or unrealistic behavior.

Modern Weapons Systems.

• A big challenge for 5th gen / advanced mod development is the sensor-weapon integration:
  • BVR missiles like AIM-120D, AIM-260, Meteor, etc.
  • Multimode radar (pulse-Doppler, ISAR, SAR, ground mapping).
  • Electronic warfare, ECM, decoys, countermeasures.
  • Sensor fusion, datalink (e.g. sharing radar tracks, cooperative engagement).
  • Internal weapon bay logic vs external pylon logic (stealth tradeoffs).
• Many mods currently rely on simplified missile scripts or reuse weapons logic from base modules.
• For example, the extension patch for VSN F-35 (Civorodom) enables the mod to carry weapons from the Gripen mod (AIM-132, Python-5, Meteor, etc.). (digitalcombatsimulator.com)
• Another example: JSN64’s “F-35 Extended weapons submod” extends VSN F-35 to carry more weapons (SPEAR-3, GBU-39, etc.). (digitalcombatsimulator.com)

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Final Thoughts & Recommendations.

• These mods are fantastic proof-of-concept, creative, and fun to fly in single-player or controlled environments.
• For serious multiplayer use, proceed cautiously always test mods in offline environments and disable them when connecting to public servers.
• When installing, keep backups and forestall file collisions (e.g. by isolating mods).
• Because mod stability, compatibility, and accuracy vary greatly, treat their performance specs with caution they are approximate and subject to changes by updates or patches.
• The community is your best guide: check forums, modder Discord servers, changelogs, and user feedback before trusting a mod.

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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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