There’s quite a few items on the DCS World Weekend News Update this week and they focus on three key module updates for the sim including significant updates for DCS: F/A-18C, DCS: Marianas Islands, and DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark 3.

Hornet updates on the way

Eagle Dynamics reports that later in May, an update for the DCS: F/A-18C will be released that will add a number of key items to that type’s feature list as well as fixing some key bugs. Here’s the list:

• Addition of AGM-84H SLAM-ER
• RAID Single Target Track (STT) Mode and 1Look RAID Mode
• New, smaller flares
• Offset Aim Points (OAP)
• Updated HOTAS functions
• Fixed Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground radar issues
• ATFLIR and Litening Targeting Pod bugs have also been fixed
• Couple Autopilot mode bug fixed

On the list, some of these have been long awaited such as increased flare carriage and hopefully some definitive fixes to the type’s radar which has at various points during development been less than reliable. Looking forward to all of that!

Marianas nears open beta release

One of the key updates this week was news that DCS: Marianas Islands, a map we’ve been hearing about a lot recently, is nearing open beta release. This free map should be a great showcase of what the modern DCS World 2.7 engine is capable of and because its free, I can see a lot of people creating scenarios and making use of the map.

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It should be interesting to see how useful it becomes for both modern and WWII scenarios… and if a map based mostly on water with some islands offers enough flexibility.

Ka-50 Black Shark 3 progress

Eagle Dynamics is once again talking about the DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark 3 project. This update appears to be doing for the Ka-50 what the DCS: A-10C II project did for that module – an update with an enhanced model as well as some new features.

The report says that the 3D model is nearly complete and will start receiving texture work soon. The model for the integrated 2A42 30mm cannon is also underway. The update mentions an updated algorithm, soundscape and improved animations. Of the three, I’m not sure what the algorithm involves but the other two sound like worthwhile updates.

The dev update also shows the new IGLA wingtip stations giving the Ka-50 an air-to-air capability. It also shows development of the ABRIS missile warning system which should be able to identify incoming missiles giving Ka-50 pilots enhanced awareness. This system appeared to be a sticking point for inclusion earlier but it seems like Eagle Dynamics have been able to surpass that issue – perhaps with a suitably declassified implementation. In any case, it should add enhanced features making the upgrade worthwhile for a number of different reasons.

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For all of this and more, visit the DCS World Weekend News Update.