This week we have a few updates from Eagle Dynamics on a few different projects that the team are working on. One is the Mi-24P Hind which is making some progress and the other is a new AI model for the B-1B Lancer. Plus, we’ve got a new Open Beta with a small list of updates and one critical one. Read on for the details!
Mi-24 updates
Eagle Dynamics reports that the DCS: Mi-24P team has mostly been focused on the AH-64D project but they have still been working on the helicopter and that means that there are some new features coming to it. Some which look to be set to come soon.
First, the big news is that the rear compartment is apparently now finished. As well as being a potential troop transport, the rear compartment is also where a Kord 12.7 mm heavy machine gun can be mounted. Look forward to trying that out.
The other big news is that the R-60 integration is coming along. Originally it was talked about coming as part of an IR seeker update (Soviet Hind’s in Afghanistan used the missile in air to ground operations against vehicles!) but now it looks like the missile will be integrated first with the seeker update coming later. Look out attacking fixed wing fighters on Engima’s Cold War server… those Hinds are about to get a lot more dangerous!
Work is also going on with the “Greben” course navigation code and magnetic adjustment capabilities in the front cockpit.
B-1B Lancer AI
The other news this week is continued work on the model and animation for the B-1B Lancer. This is an AI aircraft (although wouldn’t it be cool if it became flyable?) so the visual updates are mostly for cosmetic effect but they are happening to the B-1 as well as some other aircraft.
ED made special mention to point out that this updated model is using the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) AN/AAQ-33. I’m not sure if this is purely for cosmetic effect or if it means that the B-1B will have enhanced capabilities as an AI plane (perhaps in a buddy lasing or weapons deployment role) but it is noteworthy.
New Open Beta with AIM-54 fixes
The latest DCS World Open Beta is out. The feature this is short but one notable item, enhanced seeker logic for the AIM-54 missile, is worth mentioning. F-14 pilots have been suffering reduced missile capability since last week and now this problem has apparently been fixed.
I have yet to test it myself but hopefully this will resolve the problems introduced previously.
Stormbirds 
Would love to see the B-1B made flyable. DCS lacks a big plane. It could be the C-130 or the B-1B or any of the number of others, but we’re definitely missing the fun of big plane management and takeoffs and landings.
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It’s rumored that the C-130 mod has transitioned to an official module. I will absolutely buy it (esp since there’s no high fidelity version available anywhere else!).
B-1 would be utterly fantastic with some Jester-ish AI to run the weapons. But yeah, I’d fly it just to fly it!
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I kinda like that if you want to do helo anti-air your best options are gonna be Red Air!
(I won’t fly Gazelle until they fix it – it’s atrocious)
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A flyable B1 Bone along with the F4 would make my simming life complete… loving the Hind btw!
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Well at least we know one of those is well on its way to launch! The odd rumour has come up over the years on a flyable B-1. ED may decide to tackle some other types of aircraft in the coming years seeing as the “teens” series of fighters has become so well represented.
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