The Q4 developer update from Flying Iron Simulations is a juicy one coming packed with new details about their ongoing DCS project as well as laying out their next steps which will bring the A-7 closer to that all important initial release. Let’s see how the project is panning out!
Corsair II begins to take shape
Progress on Flying Iron Simulations DCS: A-7E Corsair II seems to be continuing at a good speed. The developer is tackling their first DCS World project but they seem to have many of the systems and features that they need to build a believable recreation well in hand.
Detailed in the update are a look at how they are using a computational fluid dynamics system to calculate the flight model and things seem to be going well. The update boasts that they are able to calculate details for the stall model up to 90 degrees of AoA – well past the stall regime. Cool.
Work on various systems is also underway. The AN/ALR-67 RWR, AN/AVQ-7B(V) HUD, Projected Map Display System (PMDS), AN/APQ-126(V) Forward Looking Radar all are in progress. The jet’s HUD and intergrated FLIR system are of particular interest as it will give the A-7 significant capability even in low light operations.
The team reports that their Phase 2 progress list is complete and that they are now well into Phase 3. Phase 2 included a lot of basic functionality so that is excellent to see. The team are now working on key avionics, weapons, and flight systems with the goal of having a functioning jet by Phase 4 so that they can test and gather feedback from subject matter experts.
If you have A-7 Corsair II experience, Flying Iron Simulations is looking to expand their pool of SMEs so be sure to reach out to them if you’re able.
Stormbirds 
The A-7E would be a great add-on to the new Forrestal-class carrier.
I am really looking forward to this unique looking plane and I hope we are going to see more planes from the same time period. And then, maybe some day, a fully fledged Vietnam map as the icing on the cake.
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SLUF was always one of my favorites growing up.
Considering how much I’m enjoying FIS’ P-38 for MFS, i’m sure this will be a great addon whenever they get it released 🙂
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Nice to see some of the classics being done at a top shelf level. In that light, it would be great to see the existing F-86 get a tune up in the graphics department.
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J. D. Webster (born c. 1956) is a game designer who has been a US Navy A7D Corsair II pilot, commercial airline pilot, and Air National Guard F-16 pilot. He’s designed numerous detailed tactical air combat and ground attack board games covering WWII, The Cold War, Desert Storm, Arab-Israeli Wars, etc. He may be reached on Boardgamegeek.com as user name jdakapluto
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