A small update came out today from Eagle Dynamics’ Matt Wagner about the final stretch to the DCS: F/A-18C Hornet release. The short version of the message is that it’s coming really soon. Let’s break it down a bit!

In the groove video

First, we have the latest video coming from Eagle Dynamics.

We’ve learned from the video that the team is sprinting to the finish to get the early access version of the Hornet out. Weapon systems, CCIP, EW, flight model, and early access guide are all part of the effort going into the final stretch.

At first, the Hornet will come with just a few of its final tally of sensors and weapon systems. Here’s an updated list from ED:

Sensors:

• A/A radar with RWS, STT, and ACM modes

Weapons:

• Mk-82 series
• Mk-83 series
• Mk-84 series
• CBU-99 and Mk-20 Cluster Bombs
• BDU-33 Training Bomb
• BDU-45 Training Bomb
• 2.75 inch rockets
• 5 inch rockets
• 20mm cannon
• AIM-9L/M and CATM Sidewinder
• AIM-7F/M Sparrow

Remember, this isn’t the final list but it is what we’ll be seeing with Early Access. Additional systems will be added to the module over time. There was a brief period of concern for the AIM-7 which it was looking more and more like it wouldn’t make Early Access (thus depriving the Hornet of any BVR capability) but that concern has now passed.

Pre-order bonus ending soon

The DCS: F/A-18C is the most expensive module in DCS’ module history coming in at $79.99 USD. In my opinion, its pricey but likely a fair price given the accuracy, licensing, and immense amount of systems and content the F/A-18C brings with it. A complex multi-role aircraft like this is definitely going to command a premium.

All of that said, if you think the DCS: F/A-18C is a must have for you, buy it now because the price is currently commanding a pre-order discount at $59.99. Not everyone is ready to make the leap but just know that the discount window is closing quickly. The Hornet is likely to be popular but it surely won’t be for everyone.

Persian Gulf map coming soon too

The other brief mention in the video is that the DCS: Persian Gulf map is coming soon too. We’ve seen it in live streams from Matt and in some new videos featuring both the Hornet and Persian Gulf map in some new YouTube videos this week.

From the sounds of it, the Hornet will arrive first and the Persian Gulf map soon after. The map is also available for a small pre-order discount at $39.99 (instead of $49.99).

Do we know when?

The age old question is when. The age old answer in this community is “soon” or “two weeks” but in this case we can do a bit better. There’s been repeated mention that the Hornet would arrive before the end of Spring or alternatively before the end of May. That puts the Hornet at about 3-weeks out at the most. It could arrive sooner as well.

With DCS: Persian Gulf, we don’t have as firm a date but if its coming “soon after” I would then put its release in June. Given the advanced state of the map in the recent live streams and preview videos it does seem like they are close to finishing the map out.

I would expect by July we’ll have both in-hand and enjoying them in all of that different ways that the DCS World sandbox allows us. And that’s pretty exciting! It’s coming soon folks!