Gaming Digital Combat Simulator Thread

[Urwumpe]

Eagle Dynamics just announced the MiG-29A Fulcrum module, implementing the plane with a full cockpit and system simulation.

From the newsletter:

At Early Access Release:

• Fully interactive and highly detailed cockpit that is based on 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry.
• Highly detailed and accurately reproduced external model.
• Highly detailed pilot model.
• In-depth study of aircraft systems and equipment.
• Detailed model of the navigation system with the gyro platform reference system, air data computer, and navigation equipment.
• Defensive equipment to include the SPO-15LM “Beryoza” and Flare dispenser system.
• Fire Control Radar with authentic modes for aerial targets.
• OETNS with modes for air and ground targets.

At Final Release:

• Addition of Identify Friend or Foe interrogation system.
• Addition of Ground Control Intercept (GCI) command system.

 

[N_Molson]

I actually spent a few days understanding how the Patriot system works in mission editor. It's quite simplified, most of the modeled support vehicles that have to be there in real life are only for aesthetics and immersion. From my experiments you only need : 1x 'ECS' (Fire Control which acts as command unit), 1x 'STR' (Search & Track Radar) and of course the 'LN' launchers (I'm still investigating how many of them can be supported, up to x6 is good). The other odd thing is that it seems that the 'group' must not exceed 14-15 units, else it stops working. Not sure why, might be related to a ECS/STR/LN ratio. Maybe it simply gets too complex to handle.

There's a fan-made 'Skynet AI' script which makes things more real and more importantly, allows to build a really integrated air defense system with 'groups' organized around 'nodes' that really communicate.

 

[Urwumpe]

There's a fan-made 'Skynet AI' script which makes things more real and more importantly, allows to build a really integrated air defense system with 'groups' organized around 'nodes' that really communicate.

Yes, I have already made a few missions with it. Makes SAM far more deadly. Also, for decor, there is a pack with many other SAM assets, from tents and pillboxes to concrete stands and bunkers.

 

[N_Molson]

So if I understood things correctly, it is better to set all the 'support' vehicles (well, those that don't need to move) as 'static' assets, as these have only collision detection and a hitpoints bar, which saves system resources.

The tricky and unintuitive part is that some 'static' assets can have some interaction with the world (like, as resources suppliers).

But it is rewarding, the other day I was super happy having managed to have a bus go from the bus parking to the airport terminal, then to a civil plane on the tarmac, wait there 10 minutes, then go back to the parking using a service road. Well, I still have to figure how I can have the airplane (a Yak-40 regional airliner) 'unactivated' with the rear door open like it is embarking passengers. Well it is like that when you set 'takeoff from ramp' (cold start), but what I'd like to do is to delay the startup phase. Oh and I have to find how to shutdown the bus engine, that too.

 

[Frilock]

So if I understood things correctly, it is better to set all the 'support' vehicles (well, those that don't need to move) as 'static' assets, as these have only collision detection and a hitpoints bar, which saves system resources.

The tricky and unintuitive part is that some 'static' assets can have some interaction with the world (like, as resources suppliers).

But it is rewarding, the other day I was super happy having managed to have a bus go from the bus parking to the airport terminal, then to a civil plane on the tarmac, wait there 10 minutes, then go back to the parking using a service road. Well, I still have to figure how I can have the airplane (a Yak-40 regional airliner) 'unactivated' with the rear door open like it is embarking passengers. Well it is like that when you set 'takeoff from ramp' (cold start), but what I'd like to do is to delay the startup phase. Oh and I have to find how to shutdown the bus engine, that too.

Funny you bring that up, I was just watching a video on 'delayed start'.

 

[N_Molson]

Also I just realized that because of the current international events, Georgia (Caucasus map) has become an highway for airliners. Look at FlightRadar24, that's insane.

This mod is real good, adds a variety of civilian airliners : https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3335287/

 

[Urwumpe]

If you like to extend your asset options to something more fun, try this page:

Currenthill MilSim

My assets are distributed in Military Asset Packets per country. You can browse the assets per country using the top menu. All asset packs are available for download by using the multiple download buttons below. I provide several mirror download links to cope with traffic limits. If a link doesn't

www.currenthill.com

The damage models and weapons seem to be more or less OK compared to DCS standard stuff, only the T-14 appears to be a bit overpowered compared to technical reality (considering that it can detect targets already beyond the horizon, 20 Javelins in one ambush can't kill it). The visuals of the models are simply great and beautifully animated. Really good enough to be payware, with a bit more engineering on the game physics it would be absolutely worth it.

 

[N_Molson]

Interesting.

 

[Urwumpe]

Interesting.

Somewhat understandable. Lots of stuff is in development hell right now and the whole official modules don't really enhance each other. I.e. we have great official planes for a Korean War scenario, but no maps and assets for it.

 

[Urwumpe]

The first version of the "Cold War Germany" map is available now. Might be an interesting region for some of us. 980x800 km large, 59 military airbases, 4 heliports, 27 GA airstrips, 40 pre-placed SAM sites - but only the summer textures. Spring and Autumn will come in Phase 2, winter textures in Phase 3, together with a Cold War Assets pack.

The Early Access launch price will be $55.99 (roughly 50 €).

Oh, it might be noteworthy: It requires 205 GB disk space....

DCS: Cold War Germany Map

DCS: Cold War Germany, developed by Ugra-Media, recreates central Europe at the height of the Cold War in the 1980s. Created by the developers of the acclaimed DCS: Syria and Normandy, this map of West Germany, East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and the Low Countries centers on the...

www.digitalcombatsimulator.com

 

[Frilock]

Oh, it might be noteworthy: It requires 205 GB disk space....

Jebus. I actually just bought a new SSD and moved some of the stuff off my old one to give DCS more space. I wanted to get a new map, but at 205 GB, maybe not.

 

[Urwumpe]

Jebus. I actually just bought a new SSD and moved some of the stuff off my old one to give DCS more space. I wanted to get a new map, but at 205 GB, maybe not.

I decided to increase the specs for the still planned DCS PC, instead of reducing the space for Orbiter, otherwise I could have installed it, I just bought a new 1 TB SSD last year, additionally to my system drive. But priorities.

 

[Frilock]

I just purchased a 2 TB SSD. I'm down to about 500GB of free space on it. I have another 2 500GB SSDs I got when I built this PC. Windows and DCS take up most of one, and I was having to play musical chairs with what I had one the second one. I suppose I could move DCS to the new one, and move some stuff off that one to the one DCS is currently on. But still, 205GB for a single map gives me the willies.

 

[Urwumpe]

But still, 205GB for a single map gives me the willies.

And thats just disk space - somehow it has to be downloaded.

But the first videos from the map are great, really accurate depiction of how the place really looked like in the 80s. This video plays in the region between Hanover, Brunswick and Celle, you can easily identify Midland Canal and Autobahn A2 there, passing eastward towards Peine in the beginning.

 

[N_Molson]

This is really bad. Looks like a bad modern remake of the Godfather lol...

 

[Urwumpe]

Well, its not like the possible competition even has the interest, to compete with DCS. (And its still the newest "study" type combat flight simulator around).

Thus, I see these videos and the "microwar" they wage, rather as waste of time and breath. And the comments call this Youtuber out pretty explicitly as well, which should be no surprise.

You (still) know what eunuchs and critics have in common?

Both know how to do, but simply can't.

I think the criticism of DCSs lack of proper EW is more valid. Actually, it feels more organic with WW2 combat than anything that came after 1960.

 

[gamer19]

well, had to say... like that guy who converted himself from Kerbal to Orbiter, I did something similar with this game!
why did I waited for THIS long ? judge me not!
believe it or not - from almost exactly the same reasons like our dear Kerbal friend!
I simply believed that my hardware wasn't good enough (for that game).
I was actually pretty right since my old 1660 SUPER would sweat like a pig to muster any meaningful frames per second.
Didn't even bother to try. also had pretty old CPU, didn't had a lot of free hard drive (and this game demands a lot of it)
and not to mention that it also prefer(require?) an SSD.
After updating that holy trinity (CPU, GPU and SSD) I finally bite the bullet and boy... let me tell you... I enjoy absolutely every second of it!

For now I don't have many planes to fly with - default two + some 7-8 community planes (there are about dozen of them but guess some don't work)
but that is not the most important for this SIMULATION to truly enjoy with! it's really a thing of beauty, just immersive, realistic and beautiful at a same time.
For so long time I believed it's not worth the try, with obsolete hardware, even if I missing some really good modern air war simulation
I have IL-2 Stalingrad and many add-ons for WWI and WWII period but always feel a bit sad for not having modern combat simulator.
MSFS2024 helped a bit but there's no combat there. Like in Orbiter I guess.
anyways.... looking forward to immerse myself into this beauty and maybe sharing experiences here at this thread!

not yet tested multiplayer but when I do, the nick is the same!

 

[Urwumpe]

After some severe case of withdrawal from flying, I decided to experiment with a gamepad and a good old friend:



Sadly, my severe crosswind landing skills are as bad as ever, its pretty hard to land on a runway if you can no longer see your flight path on the instruments:

(Was the third attempt already and fuel was slowly going down... but hey, the thrust reverser worked too good)

Flying with gamepad is a bit quirky, I still fail getting the rudder axis reverted into the right direction. But it works for a simple navigation training, after a few attempts to get things right. And luckily, this old plane is highly automated and can doesn't need that much switchology after the start-up.

 

[Fabri91]

Nice! If you'd like we could set up a quick MP flight some day, even just to practice handling - still have to get consistent in landing the F-4E

 

[Urwumpe]

Nice! If you'd like we could set up a quick MP flight some day, even just to practice handling - still have to get consistent in landing the F-4E

Well, I would sure like to revíve that. But I don't think I'll be around much in MP with my old hardware and internet connection. Its still an experiment with the minimal. And yes, I also want to get into the F-4E one day.... I already own the module, but without throttle and stick, its going to be no fun.

But the Viggen is really a great plane, maybe not the most modern looking or capable, but highly automated and pretty nimble. Almost flys like it was made for conscripts with all the hints. Also the language barrier isn't that big here. What it doesn't have is range or armour though