We’ve been expecting this patch since August when Heatblur revealed that their Forrestal-class carrier was on the way in a planned October update. But this patch is so much more as its packed full of features and fixes for a wide variety of aircraft. The DCS: Mi-24 Hind, F-14 Tomcat and the F-16 Viper are among the modules with the biggest feature upgrades but there’s a lot spread out across the board.

DCS’ new carrier

Heatblur welcomes everyone onboard 1980’s era USS Forrestal carrier. This aircraft should be an ideal type to launch those F-14A, A-6, F-8 and A-7 sorties from. Even the modded A-4 Skyhawk should be well suited to the deck of this carrier. To celebrate, Heatblur has released the very cool trailer showing it off.

In addition to the carrier, Heatblur also added period authentic static carrier vehicles that can be used to populate the deck.

New core and specific module features

DCS World picks up a bunch of core feature fixes and some new features. The AIM-120 is notable in that it has gotten a significant overhaul of its tracking system with a new separate INS system with datalink support, a realistic gyro stabilized gimbal, and new seeker logic and filters. Very interested to see what impact that has on the the popular air-to-air missile.

There’s also new features for the mission editor with the ability to place various graphics on the map. Plus the mission editor now has a day/night indicator that will let builders more precisely set their sun and moon to suit the scenario.

The various modules are picking up new features too like the DCS: F/A-18C’s Auto-Throttle Control Approach Mode, the introduction of the 9M120 Ataka “AT-9 Spiral-2” ATGM for the DCS: Mi-24, various fixes and engine sound updates for the DCS: Mosquito, a new digital EIG for the F-14B, Jester LANTIRN for both F-14 models, and what looks like a significant overhaul of the F-14’s flight model.

It’s the F-16C that saw what was perhaps the most significant upgrade to its capabilities in some time. Added to the module is new A-G radar with ground map and sea modes, completed bullseye model, HMCS align feature and DED page, further tuning to the flight model, and the addition of the CBU-103.

Everything is covered in detail in the latest DCS World patch notes.