Two modules are the focus of this DCS World Weekend News update: the DCS: Ka-50 and the DCS: Mi-24. We have new details on the new AI assist system for the Mi-24 and new screenshots of work in progress 3D models for the Black Shark 3 project and a few new tidbits there to. Let’s have a look!
Black Shark 3 details and news
Let’s start with the DCS: Ka-50. The Black Shark 3 project is well underway. The project will be bringing to new features to the upgraded module. Notably, the new DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark 3 will get the IGLA air to air missile and a helicopter MWS (missile warning system). Both will make the already deadly attack helicopter even more deadly.
Notably, we had reports very early in the year that Russian security laws were going to make the project difficult to complete and that a scaled down upgrade was being planned. That may very well be the case, however, it seems like at least two key new features are coming to the chopper.
Similar to the DCS: A-10C and A-10C II relationship, owners of the current Black Shark 2 can continue to fly the helicopter without issue. For the upgraded features, current owners will be offered a discounted price. If the price is similar to what we saw from the A-10C (it was $10 on a promotional launch price) I can imagine that this will probably be an easy upgrade for fans of the helicopter.
Today we’re also getting a good look at the latest in 3D modeling on the project. The current and already upgraded cockpit will see some further updates and the exterior model is being completely redone.
‘Petrovich AI’ for the Mi-24
The name for the AI co-pilot that will be riding along with you in the DCS: Mi-24P is ‘Petrovich’ and it is being voiced by two voice actors with military helicopter pilot experience. This AI assistant will help with the two person operation of the DCS: Mi-24 and Eagle Dynamics reports that it will be controllable through a four way hat switch with short and long presses similar to a HOTAS control and through pilot-commander line of sight to indicate targets to engage.
It sounds both like and unlike the way that Heatblur has managed their Jester AI system and I’m pleased to hear that voice acting is very much part of the experience. Realistic human delay for performing different tasks is also integrated. Excellent!
New campaign and more info
In addition to this release of information, a new campaign is also being made available for DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark pilots set on the DCS: Persian Gulf map. The new ‘Pandemic’ campaign is set in Iran during an insurgency operation where limited Russian military assistance is provided.
Get information on this campaign and more at the DCS World Weekend News Update.
Stormbirds 
A new Ka-50 is good news indeed. I’m still not sold on the Hind, but a better version of the Havoc is a day-one purchase. And with six pylons instead of four, that’s beaucoup rockets!
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It’s surprising that they only announced the Pandemic campaign today. It’s been available in the shop since 2.7 Open Beta released. Very excited about spending more time in the Ka-50!
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I had no idea it had released to the store. Interesting.
I did just buy the Ka-50 so maybe someday I’ll fly that. But I have some campaigns to finish first.
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If I buy a plane like the P-51D on Eagle Dynamics site on sale, does it link up automatically with my Steam DCS, or would I need to uninstall Steam DCS and install the standalone for the P-51D to work?
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So far as I know, you can’t combine the two and the DCS store and the Steam store are entirely separate. There was once a way to move between but I don’t think that’s a pathway anymore.
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As of last year, it was still possible to use “steam licences” on dcs standalone and I haven’t seen any news about it being changed. Using standalone licences in steam has never been possible.
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Good info! I had no idea that was still possible.
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I’m surprised this is still happening as the Russian law thing seemed like a Total no go. Good news.
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A bit of a reversal there which we may never know the story to. In any case, it seems like these features are now a “lock” and they are coming!
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