Rounding up some news from the last few days from around the DCS community. We’ve got new pilot models for the F-16C and F/A-18C that Eagle Dynamics is developing, the F-4E soundtrack is out ahead of the launch of the module, there’s a new AH-64 feature video and a new community mod focused on the AH-6 is gathering quite a bit of attention. Let’s go!

New pilot models

Eagle Dynamics are developing new pilot models for the DCS: F-16C and F/A-18C. The goal with the new models is to improve the animation fluidity and add equipment and aircraft specific gear worn by F-16C and F/A-18C pilots in the mid-2000s according to the update.

From textures to animations, Eagle Dynamics appears to be aiming at even higher levels of fidelity with the pilot models. That includes accurate equipment and visual changes depending on if the pilot is using a helmet display (JHMCS or FLIR for example). They also want to add more realistic G force effects on the models and G suit inflation during high-G maneuvers. The models are intended to be seen in both third person views as well as in first person – I’m told this is particularly useful for VR players who don’t want to feel like they are a head floating in the cockpit.

Once the F-16C and F/A-18C are implemented, ED report that they will then turn their attention to the A-10C II module.

Read about this update here!

FCR Zoom and C-SCOPE feature video

Matt Wagner is back again with a new DCS World feature video. This time he’s showing off some new capabilities coming to the AH-64D in a future update. The FCR zoom lets you zoom in on a radar scanned area and more precisely pick out targets. Meanwhile, the C-SCOPE projects target positions on the eyepiece/HMD system which helps to further boost situational awareness in the attack helicopter.

Phantom pre-order and soundtrack

With the DCS: F-4E Phantom finally coming to flyers in the near future, Eagle Dynamics are reminding us that the 25% off pre-order discount will be ending really soon.

If the pattern holds from the past, we’ll see the pre-order discount disappear just after the initial release of the module while DCS flyers using Steam will get a brief opportunity to take advantage of

Meanwhile, the Meteor F-4E album “Of Ghosts and Thunder” has appeared on YouTube. This may not be the full official release as it is apparently a Vinyl recording but I expect it, like Meteor’s other albums, will appear on popular music stores and streaming services quite soon. It sounds fantastic so I’ll be sure to be throwing some dollars in Meteor’s direction as soon as I can!

Update: The soundtrack is up on Meteor’s website where you can also purchase the digital album!

DCS AH-6 mod is worth checking out

While some mods for DCS are fun to have, others really grab the attention as serious module efforts in their own right. The community A-4 project is a great example of several very impressive efforts by the community to bring some very interesting projects to the sim. The latest is the OH-6A by Tobsen and Eightball which replicates an OH-6A.

Not requiring other modules, the OH-6A is its own functioning aircraft in the sim and it comes with a basic cockpit setup, available minigun and rockets, as well as an optional door gunner. The OH-6A is a very basic light scout with minimal armament capabilities, no stability augmentation and no other real frills to speak of so mastering this little chopper should prove to be an interesting challenge.

Check out the GitHub repository here for install and module information!