Eagle Dynamics has officially released the DCS: Yak-52 trainer and aerobatics aircraft into DCS World. The latest Beta patch also introduces the AIM-120B AMRAAM to the DCS: F/A-18C module for the first time. Let’s have a look at both!

Yak-52 released

The Yakovlev Yak-52 aerobatic trainer is now available in DCS World 2.5 beta release bringing along a finished module from Eagle Dynamics centered around this radial engined propeller driven aircraft. For aerobatics fans, it’s an exciting day!

The Yak-52 was originally designed and began operation in 1976 although I can’t help but notice the influence of the World War II era Yak fighters had on this aircraft even if that influence is largely superficial.

Used by aerobatics teams and as a primary trainer, the Yak-52 role in DCS World started off as a professional contract for Eagle Dynamics and has morphed into a module also available to the public. Last week we read about and saw the lengths that the DCS World team went to get the module right including flying in a real world example and having their sound recording team get audio footage from the actual aircraft. Check that out if you haven’t already seen it.

Like any DCS World release, Yak-52 gets a trailer and its a fun one showing the aerobatics and flying performance of the Yak-52.

And to finish off, here are some of the key features as listed by Eagle Dynamics:

• Professional Flight Model that duplicates the flight characteristics of the Yak-52.
• Detailed and realistic simulation of post-stall behavior that allows edge-of and out-of-envelope maneuvers.
• Complete systems modeling of the Yak-52 that includes the engine, fuel, electrical and pneumatic systems.
• Realistic, mouse-interactive cockpit in which almost all controls can be interacted with.
• Accurate external and cockpit sounds that were recorded from a Yak-52. • Interactive training missions included. Learn to start up, taxi, takeoff, and land the Yak-52 like a real pilot.
• Multiple liveries as both a military trainer and civilian aerobatic aircraft.
• Cooperative multiplayer. Fly with a friend in the same aircraft.
• Full virtual reality supported for Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Microsoft Mixed Reality, and others.

So, if an aerobatic radial engined trainer aircraft sounds like your thing, you can now purchase the aircraft from the DCS e-Store for $39.99.

AMRAAM now available on the Hornet

A more silent update was the addition of the AIM-120B into the DCS: F/A-18C’ arsenal. It showed up in a beta patch earlier in the week and it adds limited functionality for the AMRAAM on the F/A-18C. It’s currently limited to Single Target Track (STT) mode and there’s no pit-bull indicator currently so you don’t know when the seeker has gone active.

The screenshot from Eagle Dynamics from a few weeks ago is now largely possible with a total of 10 AIM-120B’s possible to be carried by a single DCS: F/A-18C Hornet. It’s a potent payload and one to be feared by opponents of this multi-role strike fighter (it will also surely be restricted in some multiplayer scenarios).

No further information is currently available and we don’t have the AIM-9X also pictured in the screenshot. That will likely be a bit longer in coming although possibly not too much longer.