A bunch of DCS World updates happening today and throughout this week including the start of a new autumn sale, some more words about the development on the AIM-120, and the chance to win some prizes with the VPC Online Timed Tournament. Let’s have a look!
Sale time!
The DCS World Autumn sale is on with the usual 50% off most modules and lower percentage discounts for some more recent aircraft and scenery pack releases. The Mosquito for example drops to $47.99 USD from $59.99. The Hind drops to $48.99 from $69.99 and Ugra Media’s superb Syria map gets a discount down to $41.99 down from $59.99. Not too bad at all!
No DCS World sale is complete without a fancy looking trailer so have a look at this!
AIM-120 development
Eagle Dynamics has been talking a lot about the AIM-120 recently. Although a lot has been done on this weapon throughout the year, recent changes to further enhance the realism and modeling for the weapon have also introduced some inconsistencies in performance if the reports from some virtual pilots is anything to go by. Others, on the other hand, seem to be having good luck with it so mileage is obviously varying.
A large update by [ED]Obi on the official forums details their multi-step approach to development of even more refined details for this important weapon system.
We are taking a step-by step approach to the development to be sure that we have each preceding stage operating as it should, before moving on to the next. The AIM-120 is an incredibly complex weapons system, and we need to take a methodical approach to it development, taking into account the many reports that we receive from our testers and Open beta customers. Any issues in areas of the guidance yet to be improved will become more apparent as previous stages are improved, and that helps us to pinpoint problem areas and ensure that they are addressed.
We look forward to bringing you further news on the continued development of the AIM-120.
[ED]Obi on the DCS forums
So, if you’re having challenges now, stay tuned as there is more work being done here.
VPC Online Timed Tournament
The Shadow’s Trophy Tournament involves racing helicopters along a time trial racecourse. The event is encouraging new pilots to give helicopters a try in this competitive environment while seasoned veterans can showcase their skills to peers. Qualification is currently taking place until December 5th and a semi-final is being hosted on December 11 with the final to follow on the 18th.
VIRPIL is offering some nice prices including a full helicopter setup for the first place winner so there are some nice goodies available.
More details are available on the VIRPIL Controls Forum!
Open beta out earlier this week
A big DCS World open beta released earlier this week featuring some notable updates across a diverse range of aircraft. Everything from the C-101 to the F-16 has seen some updates. Check out the full patch notes here!
Stormbirds 
Waiting for the Steam sale, probably another week. I’m really toying with buying the Tomcat, but this endless “only-15%” off on the F-14 makes it less tempting. I think it’s time to go to 30% off.
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Considering it reportedly cost them over a million dollars to develop the module and which is still recieving updates. Giving a 15% discount is pretty generous. Just sayin’
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I’m totally 110% bias as well, so consider that, but think about that team as well, they are doing this full time, this is their source of income and they are working on some other huge products, I would rather them price things for them to stay healthy than to lose them to financial struggles. I am not saying this is the reason for the pricing, but I can understand it if it was.
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That’s a really good point. We definitely want the expertise that Heatblur have brought together to continue on!
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It’s worth considering the F-14 from a value proposition as it does come with two variants (perhaps 2.5 by the time they are done), two scripted campaigns, and an aircraft carrier though everyone benefits from that which is a nice bonus!
So that higher price tag does get you some pretty good stuff. If you consider two pretty good campaigns valued at $9.99 USD each then that’s $20 right there that’s bundled in. Doesn’t appeal to everyone but there it is!
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I was talking with a 20-year F-15C and F-16 pilot at the Houston Airshow last month, and he said that the AMRAAM is actually rather unreliable, with a pk less than the AIM-7 Sparrow when going pitbull. Surprised the heck out of me, although it seems like which version of the APG-63 is installed in the particular aircraft is more influential on the missile performance than the missile itself.
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Yeah this has come up as a point of conversation quite a bit over the years. I’m no expert in this field but I have been lead to believe that the AIM-120A did have a lower PK while the B and C models we have in DCS World improved on that aspect.
It’d be interesting to have the A model to compare against.
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