A mini-update by Cobra847, a member of the Heatblur development team, on r/Hoggit several days ago has confirmed that Heatblur will be bringing a major update to DCS World in October. That update will include USS Forrestal as well as some F-14 updates. Even the AJS-37 looks set to get some attention. Here’s what we know!
Forrestal and more coming
Heatblur for a very long time now has been working on some companion content for the F-14. We’ve seen the release of the F-14B, the F-14A, and now another big piece of the content mix is on its way. The USS Forrestal carrier will provide a less modern, more historical option for F-14 pilots.
In the latest update, it was confirmed that the carrier will be coming in an update on October 14th. It was planned for an earlier release in late September but Heatblur were asked to push it back to the 14th.
Here’s what Cobra had to say:
Hijacking this post for a little mini-update 🙂
We’ve been working hard on a huge F-14 update which was slated to release with a special update for DCS on September 28th; but we’ve been asked to instead move this release to October 14th.
This update will include the USS Forrestal, JESTER LANTIRN and other major features such as -B EGT and various major Viggen features. We’ll do a full breakdown as we get closer and detail our plans for the roadmap beyond.
Cobra8472 on r/Hoggit
Jester LANTIRN will be a big feature update to your AI backseater who will now be able to better make use of the LANTIRN pod. If that means what I think it means, we should be able to work with Jester to target and put laser markers out for precision guided bombing without needing to hop into rear RIO seat in single player.
The upgrade to the F-14B’s engine display is also apparently coming with a new digital readout more common on that type. See this thread on the forums for a graphic of it in action.
Viggen updates
There are also Viggen feature updates coming. PBR exterior overhaul, ground radar performance attributes, dynamic tactical numbers, rebuilt collision models, improved pilot animations, custom exterior sound set and more are listed on Heatblur’s Public Roadmap.
Looking forward to the full breakdown as October 14 approaches. That sounds like it’s a long way away but it will be here before you know it!
Stormbirds 
One day I might just have to buy that thing. It really is gorgeous on the outside, but there’s something about the cockpit that turns me off. Just don’t feel the love.
Oh well, that leaves more F-14 for the rest of you.
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It’s a complex looking cockpit but after you spend some time in it I find it to be logically laid out despite all the controls.
Worth a look sometime! Try it for two weeks free.
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The Tomcat is such a fun plane to fly in DCS. I just love it!
As for the upcoming F-14 updates, I hope Heatblur will also add the in-cockpit pilot body soon for us VR jocks. While not a game breaker, looking down an empty pit in VR is a bit weird imo.
Last but not least, the Forrestal should make for a perfect companion to the latest F-14A campaign available in DCS – Fear the Bones (highly recommended btw).
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