This week’s DCS Word developer update comes with three items including a promotion of the Gladiator NXT WWII edition, an update on FLIR technology, and a S-3B Viking AI model update. Let’s have a look!
FLIR update
One of the core updates that DCS World has been aiming for over a very long period of time has been an update to the FLIR rendering system. Although ED has tweaked the system over the years, this new system is aiming to provide a far more realistic and detailed experience. Here’s part of what they had to say about it:
It takes into account how various terrain elements are rendered in the IR spectrum. This includes large masses of water, vegetation, asphalt and concrete that have high thermal retention capacities. These gradually heat up and cool down at different rates depending on the color and material. This leads to bodies of water and forests looking cooler during the day and at night time seeming warmer.
This together with some of the other previously mentioned features sound very impressive and should have a big impact on combat and scouting experiences where FLIR is essential. Have a look at these latest images which should be an important component of the AH-64D’s early access launch.
S-3B Viking model update
Not every AI aircraft is one that we’ll encounter up close all that often, but the S-3B Viking is one that carrier pilots in DCS have seen a fair bit of up close and that’s because one of its roles is as an in-flight refueling aircraft. Eagle Dynamics is in the process of updating the 3D model to impressive levels of detail.
In addition to being a support aircraft, the S-3B also has combat capability with external and internal hardpoints for bombs, rockets, and even the Harpoon anti-ship missile. Check out these images to see the 3D model as it reaches its completion. Texture work and DCS World integration will hopefully follow quickly.
VKB’s Gladiator NXT WWII edition
Eagle Dynamics are also doing a little advertising for VKB and their new Gladiator NXT WWII edition. With a KG12 inspired grip and WWII inspired throttle grip and control panel, this setup might be of interest for DCS WWII pilots (and surely IL-2 pilots as well).
It’s not yet for sale but VKB is planning to ship this very soon.
VKB has recently sent me a Gladiator NXT in a different configuration for review which will help give me some more insight over this configuration. I have unboxing, overview and full reviews underway so look for that content in the future.
Meanwhile, for the latest DCS World news be sure to check out all of the latest updates from Eagle Dynamics right here.
Stormbirds 
Disappointing VKB is releasing a WWII throttle when the modern combat throttle they been talking about for years in no where to be seen 😦
LikeLike
The TECS has been a long wait. This isn’t really a big release as its using the modular system that they are already selling and it’s just in a new bundle with a few different configurations.
There has been some movement on the TECS and it seems to have become a complex project. Will have to keep waiting to see what they do there.
LikeLike
Love that techno eye candy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You and me both!
LikeLike
“We Own the Night” is about to come to DCS, and in one of the most appropriate aircraft for it!
I used to see S-3’s on final all the time – they make the funniest “boooop” sounds as the pilot adjusts the power for stabilized final approach. (This is an aircraft I’d love to see as a module or a Mod.)
I wish ED would take an iterative process to AI model improvements, i.e., improve the 3D model over time so we don’t have to wait a decade between updates. The current “ultra detail” process means we end up with literally a handful of good AI models, and a long wait for the rest of the commonly encountered AI…
I’d still rather use a modern HOTAS with ww2 / GA aircraft. Anything that makes me pick up a mouse to click in the on-screen cockpit is to be avoided (esp in VR!).
LikeLiked by 2 people
I 100% agree. I would love to see more AI planes brought up to a “moderate” level, rather than 1 or 2 at an “Ultra” level.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah that makes a lot of sense to me. Recently Eagle Dynamics has really poured on the details to each of their 3D models. I’m not sure if all of its necessary but clearly their artists are going all out.
LikeLike