Leatherneck Simulation’s has done their end of the year 2020 update breaking what felt like a long silence on some of their efforts to build new modules while maintaining a DCS World fan favourite – the MiG-21bis. Fortunately, their latest update covers quite a bit of ground!

Corsair looking good

We’ve seen a lot of work in progress images of the F4U Corsair for DCS but these screenshots seem to indicate that Leatherneck is closing in on being ready to release the F4U into the hands of fans of DCS World WWII.

The feeling at Leatherneck was that the F4U was not yet up to standard and so, after the reveal at VFAT 2020, they decided to go back and remodel parts of the model both inside and out. Meanwhile, they research department did a deep dive on the details such as getting the propeller visual and aerodynamic model just right and on the smaller details like ensuring that things like cockpit lights, nav lights, and other parts of the jet done to a fine level of detail.

Judging by the screenshots, I’d say the hard work has paid off. Could this be a release to early access sometime in the first half of 2021? Leatherneck aren’t saying but I’d say chances are pretty good. You’ll also spot an A6M Zero in one of the screenshots, an AI type that Leatherneck are producing to give the Corsair something to fight.

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A few F8J Crusader updates

We don’t yet know what Leatherneck’s timeline is on their DCS: F8J Crusader but they are making solid progress on the high detail 3D model. This update was scant on details but the model itself does show off the unique design features of the aircraft including its landing configuration with the wing moving upwards to provide the pilot with a better view of the carrier deck in those crucial final moments.

Also on display is the refueling probe. They also have an animated GIF on their update showing a very impressive animation that has been put together for this feature. Love the attention to detail!

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A big update for the MiG-21bis

The breaking news, that came out after Leatherneck released their update last night, was word that the MiG-21’s radar fix is in DCS World and indeed it is. The latest DCS World open beta patch is out today (Dec 23rd) and among the patch notes is a one that MiG-21 fans have been waiting for – the radar is fixed! No longer will it cause massive FPS loss.

What did Leatherneck do to get us this fix? Leatherneck have been working since April to try and find a solution to the radar problem. As they explained in their update, they had to take drastic measures.

Instead we have taken a more radical approach and decided to rewrite most of the RP-22SMA radar code and change some settings at the very root.  This took longer as it was a complex task, and the final result needed internal testing before we would dare to submit such modifications.

Great news!

Also mention are a wide selection of new liveries coming to the MiG-21bis in the near future including these and several more.

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There’s a great collection of skins coming and I’m looking forward to seeing them all.

For the rest

Leatherneck’s latest update goes into detail on some of their efforts to bring these aircraft to life in DCS World including some behind the scenes efforts on the F4U Corsair. Well worth a read right here!