Most of this weeks’ DCS World News Update is centered around two helicopters in development for the series: the Mi-24P and the Ka-50. We’ve also got some news on a big WWII Asset Pack update.
The Black Shark gets a major upgrade
We now know a lot more about Eagle Dynamics proposed upgrades for the Ka-50 and they go beyond skin deep. Eagle Dynamics is conducting a graphical overhaul of both internal and external 3D models and textures to bring it up to the new DCS World 2.5 standard that we’ve seen on some of Eagle Dynamics’ latest work such as the F/A-18C Hornet.
For current owners of the Ka-50, the upgrades will remain cosmetic in nature. An avionics upgrade brings with it some significant new features as part of a paid upgrade:
- IGLA air to air missiles
- Missile warning system
- Infra-red missile jamming system
Eagle Dynamics also indicates that they intend to clean up any remaining bugs and issues with the Ka-50.
The 3D upgrade to the exterior model, shown off in this weeks’ update, is impressive although it’s something we almost expect by default from Eagle Dynamics team of expert 3D modellers.
Two versions of the Ka-50
Unlike a past upgrade for the Ka-50 that required a paid upgrade to stay current, this new upgrade offers what amounts to two versions of the Ka-50. As I understand it, the Ka-50 as modeled currently is based on the prototype of the helicopter while the upgrades represent a more production typical example of the Ka-50.
This new upgrade path offers two options for current owners:
- Stick with the current iteration and maintain the current features and systems with a free cosmetic upgrade.
- Upgrade to the new avionics package that brings with it added features for a cost.
At this point its unclear if current owners will have an upgrade path with a reduced price or if they will be paying full price. Given the recent hoopla around the Hornet and the carrier under development and the offer of a discount for that future model for Hornet owners, I suspect that Eagle Dynamics WILL offer an upgrade to current owners.
Regardless, this is probably the best possible situation with Eagle Dynamics maintaining the current module at no cost with a substantial upgrade and then bringing new features to the table at cost.
Mi-24P update
The other news we have is that Eagle Dynamics is working hard on their Mi-24P module. The team behind that project is responsible for the Mi-8 previously added to the series and owners of that module, from what I understand, are very happy with how that helicopter turned out. The Mi-24P should offer another great helicopter to the list.
The Mi-24P is the next helicopter we are bringing to DCS World, created by the same the same team behind the DCS: Mi-8MTV2. This iconic attack helicopter will feature both front and back seat cockpits (including network and coop play). We are confident that it will be the most realistic simulation of the Mi-24P ever created and will add more outstanding game play for DCS World.
DCS World Weekend News update
We also have some very early new screenshots. These are very early as you can see but we do have a solid idea of what each position in the helicopter’s cockpit will look like.
A major update for WWII Asset Pack?
There are a long list of vehicles and aircraft still on the WWII Asset Pack list and Eagle Dynamics reports that they will be adding to that pack in a big way sometime this summer. For now we have some work in progress images of the Sd.Kfz.184 Elephant.
Last year we saw work in progress images of a C-47, A-20G and Ju88 as part of the WWII Asset Pack update. We haven’t seen those in some time but hopefully we’ll have more news on what’s included in this asset update as time goes on. Stay tuned!
Stormbirds 
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