Sometimes we have those quieter weeks for DCS World Weekend Updates and then there are other weeks that are full of details and updates on anticipated projects. This is one of those latter weeks where we’ve got all kinds of confirmation and new details on DCS: MiG-29 and on the upcoming Afghanistan map. Let’s check out the details!

Confirming the MiG-29 variant

Eagle Dynamics confirms quite a few details surrounding the MiG-29 variant that they are doing for their high fidelity, DCS World edition, of the MiG-29. The news today confirms that it will be an export version of the MiG-29A that was supplied to Warsaw Pact countries. We knew before but they once again confirm that the aircraft will come with access to the R-27, R-73, R-60 missiles, as well as 50 to 500kg bombs and unguided S-5, S-8 and S-24 rockets.

Other systems include the SPO-15 “Beryoza” RWR, IRST, laser range finder, and the MiG-29’s helmet mounted sight for use with the R-73.

Export variants of the MiG-29 included the 9-12A for countries within the Warsaw Pact and the 9-12B for those outside of it. The 9-12A that we appear to be getting reportedly had downgraded radar and optoelectronic systems as well as older IFF transponders. These were delivered to East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland and Romania. No doubt Eagle Dynamics has chosen this model based on available resources and legal issues for some of their developers.

Today they have also confirmed what will be in the initial early access release and what will come later on. The initial release will come with the usual slew of features including a highly detailed aircraft model, cockpit, and in-depth study of aircraft systems. The flight model, already at PFM levels on the Flaming Cliffs 3 aircraft, will reportedly be retained.

The two bullets on their “at final release” list include the addition of an IFF system and the addition of a Ground Control Intercept (GCI) system. Both raise lots of interesting questions such as will the IFF system be non-existent at launch or simplified and then more sophisticated later? What kind of features will the GCI have and will that extent to other modules? Eagle Dynamics have often worked on core gameplay features through specific module developments and so it may be that MiG-29 is no different.

Afghanistan map coming soon?

Eagle Dynamics also talked quite a bit today about their DCS: Afghanistan map. Their development progress is both artistic and technological with the team reporting that they have spent special effort to ensure that buildings and notable landmarks in places such as Kandahar and Herat match appropriate local architectural styles. The map is reportedly being done in a 2001-2021 era complete with US/Coalition bases rather than as a 1980s Soviet era map as some had speculated.

The country is home to deserts and high mountain ranges and so apparently one of the technical challenges is ensuring good performance even with significant mountains throughout the map. High-resolution satellite imagery is being used but Eagle Dynamics are also ensuring that the map looks good at low altitudes.

We’ve also learned today that the map will encompass the western part of Afghanistan in early access. Notably will not have the large base at Bagram north of Kabul.

Eagle Dynamics community manager BIGNEWY confirms via the DCS World forums that the map will eventually encompass all of Afghanistan so what is being talked about right now is purely for the early access period.

It will be all of Afghanistan, the newsletter just goes into more detail about the portion for early access.

BIGNEWY on the DCS forums

The information included today indicates that the team are currently completing detailing of terrain features including rivers, roads, rocks, stones and other kinds of ground clutter. It ends saying that pre-order will be coming soon which suggests to me that we’re actually not that far away from an early access release. Should be interesting to see…even if it is another desert map! I’m keen to explore the areas depicted.

Sale and wrap up

DCS World’s Spring Sale is wrapping up on March 24 at 15:00 GMT so if you were thinking about buying something during the sale, you have a bit more time to check out discounted prices.

You can read about the sale, the MiG-29 and Afghanistan map right over here.