There are two John C. Stennis models in DCS World right now but it looks like Eagle Dynamics is merging these supercarriers together with DCS: Supercarrier owners getting some added features. This is a pretty interesting update for DCS World core content. Here’s what we know and how I think this is going to work.

Two carriers become one?

The default DCS World USS John C. Stennis carrier has been around since DCS World 2.5 released back in 2018. It was an adequate carrier experience that lasted us until 2020 when DCS: Supercarrier released and set a new bar for DCS World carrier operations.

Multiplayer since then has often had servers offering both a Supercarrier (one of the five represented) and the original default Stennis as well. This was fine, however, there are some problems with the older model. In addition to being less detailed (and not having any of the supercarrier features) it also has some problems that include the FLOLS not being accurately aligned and the size of the carrier itself being off. Enough to be noticeable and potentially problematic when the deck is full of jets.

Eagle Dynamics looks to be solving some problems here by merging DCS: Supercarrier John C. Stennis with the old one leaving just the higher detail model in its wake. Here’s what this week’s update had to say:

We have updated the 3D exterior model of the CVN-74 John C. Stennis aircraft carrier, and are pleased to announce that this update is completely free to all of you. We eagerly await your feedback. 

Ok, that’s good but it doesn’t tell us too much. Then things got a bit more interesting.

Replying to comments on the DCS World Facebook page, we hear some more interesting details from BigNewy, one of Eagle Dynamics’ community managers.

The new stennis is up to the supercarrier standards now regarding the model, and those who own the supercarrier will see more features added to the Stennis in the future. Thanks – Scott / bignewy

Another comment asked if we would see the deck crew appear on the carrier and that makes things really interesting.

In the future you will if you own the supercarrier. Thanks – Scott / bignewy

If I’m reading this right

So, reading into these comments just a little bit it sounds like Eagle Dynamics are giving us one USS John C. Stennis. If you own the DCS: Supercarrier module then you get the added functionality like deck crew, detailed radio communications, LSO, and the forthcoming Air Boss and Briefing room features among some others.

This is very cool in my mind because it brings together the Supercarrier experience for everyone without invalidating the added features that DCS: Supercarrier offers.

I still maintain that DCS: Supercarrier is one of the coolest modules that I own for DCS World. Every time I taxi my Hornet around on the deck and line up on the catapult with the animated deck crew I smile. When I get to salute and have the deck crew go through the motions and then launch me off the deck… well, I giggle. It’s just so good! And I’ve gotten my money’s worth from that purchase for sure.

Everyone who doesn’t have it will still benefit from a more realistic carrier experience than before and it will get them close but not quite to DCS: Supercarrier. That may even sell them a few more modules.

Check out the DCS World Weekend Update right here for more about the Stennis. Eagle Dynamics also has some comments about the DCS: South Atlantic map that I will be covering in a future update. In the meantime read my first impressions here.