News of the DCS: Black Shark 3 has been long overdue but we now have a great new look at this updated module that looks to be approaching completion. There’s also a new helicopter bundle with a pretty good price too so let’s have a look at that.
Black Shark… the third!
It feels like ages ago now that Eagle Dynamics announced plans to update their DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark project with a third iteration.
The updates to Black Shark 3 include a completely redone 3D model with more detail, more accuracy, and all of the latest visual effects and materials that the latest DCS World engine can support. It also includes modeling of some internal components as well which is apparently a first for a DCS module.
This update to the Ka-50 also incorporates some new features as well. IGLA missiles (typically used in MANPADS) are now available to be mounted on a new wingtip pylons.
There’s also a MWS (missile warning system) with IR and UV sensors that can spot missile launches. A missile launch warning will be displayed on the helicopter’s ABRIS display and the system can be configured to dispense flares automatically. Neat!
A new inertial navigation system has also been programmed for the Black Shark 3. The update goes into some details about filters and the use of multiple sources to help maintain an accurate position of the helicopter. This level of modeling is apparently new to DCS World and will apparently be used in the development of new aircraft.
The Black Shark Upgrade Program was also mentioned with existing owners able to pick up the helicopter at a reduced price. With the DCS: A-10C that upgrade was just $9.99 USD so we’ll have to see if Black Shark 3 gets a similarly enticing offer. Black Shark 2 will continue to function in DCS World for those who elect to stay with the older model.
A short video clip also lets us have a look at the helicopter in action.
Bundle pack
Eagle Dynamics are offering a new bundle pack with the DCS: Black Shark 2 and either DCS: Mi-8MTV2 or DCS: Combined Arms. The pack will give you a 50% off discount when purchased together with a price of $49.99 USD.
Learn about all of this and more over on the DCS World Weekend News update.
Stormbirds 
Yeah baby! I am definitely hot and bothered for this one. If this releases with 2.8 I will be a very happy camper.
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Excellent! I thought about you and a few others who I know are Black Shark fans. This looks like a good update!
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One particular buzzkill said the cockpit wasn’t getting any love, just the exterior and some systems. I hope that’s not the case.
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I don’t know if ED has confirmed anything there. The cockpit did get a substantial makeover already so they may elect to keep it although there will have to be minor changes at the very least to accommodate some of the differences.
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Seems like very minor upgrades…
…until you think about how they will fundamentally enhance game play. You can now go Air 2 Air hunting now instead of running and hiding every time you hear jet noise, and due to the extra pylons, won’t give up any overall capacity in armament or range.
Also great to see Eagle Dynamics continuing to mature advance / mature the base simulator by converting per-module features into core simulator API’s available to all developers.
That kind of foundation-building isn’t glamorous or fun, but it’s exactly the kind of “rebuild” that will pay dividends to everyone involved with the game (especially us end users!).
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Completely agree on both points. Ka-50 was already a potent option and now it will be even more potent!
And it is good to see them building out core technologies. It is, as you say, boring but it is important at the same time.
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Still patiently waiting for Mi-8 multicrew…
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Oh yeah for sure!!
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Really want to see a new cockpit in the Mi-8. Such a great module, but the cockpit needs a paintjob.
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100% agree. Wish they’d do it like Black Shark/Warthog and spruce up the cockpit.
IMO the exterior is good.
On another note, I keep seeing professional opinions (Casmo, et al) that VRS is over-modeled in DCS. Don’t know the facts myself, but I wish ED would figure out a good balance there between our lack of “full motion cockpits” and pure physics…
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I know a few folks who are in the know on helicopters and flight physics that say that DCS’ implementation is aggressive.
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How many Ka-50 still flying?!?
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I’m not sure. From what I can gather, only a dozen or perhaps slightly more were produced.
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Russia uses them, though the 2-seaters are replacing them (and getting shot down). Egypt has a couple of units.
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Recent report suggested – though not conclusively proven – that in a current conflict, a major Ka-52 operator (obvs. that is the 2-seater, but has significant overlap with the Ka-50) has lost more than 25% of its fleet.
Beware the MANPADS!
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I have read a similar and reasonably well sourced overview of fleet losses and it does seem that the Ka-52 fleet is sustaining heavy losses.
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Oh Finally some news i care about !! Cant wait to fly it !! Iglas, RWR oh man… I wonder if the Shkval gets a FLIR update ??
Really happy that we are getting news on this module, Thank you Shamrockonefive for sharing!!
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