DCS dev update focused on AviaStorm Tornado

1–2 minutes

The latest DCS World Weekend news update is out and its almost entirely focused on AviaStorm’s in development DCS: Tornado. Here’s what we’ve learned!

Tornado in development

Announced back in September of 2022, AviaStorm has been busy working on a high fidelity DCS World level rendition of the Panavia Tornado. Part of the update gives us an overview of the Tornado design and its 50th anniversary before turning to the latest news on development.

The screenshots and dev diary tell us that the 3D model itself is nearing completion. This “first flight” livery is based on the P.01 D-9591 prototype. The module will eventually be aimed at recreating a 1989 Luftwaffe IDS version of the aircraft.

Meanwhile work is ongoing to simulate the aircraft’s flight characteristics (swept and unswept), recreating the RB-199 engines, modeling the electric and hydrualic systems, and simulated flight control surfaces. They are also busy modeling the Control And Stability Augmentation Systems (CSAS) which is apparently the current biggest task still remaining to get the aircraft’s handling correct and ready for testing.

Sounds like good progress. Read about it and some of the Tornado’s history here!

Eagle Dynamics are also reminding us that the deadline for DCS Screenshot Competition 2024 closes on the 23rd of August at 15:00 GMT. More on the competition here.

4 responses to “DCS dev update focused on AviaStorm Tornado”

  1. PaperPilot Avatar
    PaperPilot

    They seemed to have done a brilliant job on the Tornado. I predict it won’t be ready until the 2026-27 time frame.

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  2. beggyg Avatar
    beggyg

    I’m looking forward to the Tornado, and I will be getting it. But I’m kinda glad we have some time before it arrives. I’m still getting to grips with the Kiowa, the F-4 and, of course the Hook. It turns out being a little OCD makes your leisure time somewhat of a job! A fun job, for sure.

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  3. Urgent Siesta Avatar
    Urgent Siesta

    Tornado will be a GREAT DCS module.

    Not too modern, not too steam gauge.

    A little bit of fly-by-wire, but not so much as to make it feel numb.

    Still plenty to do in the cockpit, and you’ve got to learn to fly it well – just like the Tomcat.

    And it’s a STOL aircraft! (relatively speaking 😉 ):

    “In development, significant attention was given to the Tornado’s short-field take-off and landing (STOL) performance. Germany, in particular, encouraged this design aspect.[63] For shorter take-off and landing distances, the Tornado can sweep its wings forwards to the 25-degree position, and deploy its full-span flaps and leading edge slats to allow the aircraft to fly at lower speeds.[64] These features, in combination with the thrust reverser-equipped engines, give the Tornado excellent low-speed handling and landing characteristics.[65]“

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    1. ShamrockOneFive Avatar
      ShamrockOneFive

      I’ve seen a Luftwaffe Tornado do a STOL demo in the late 80s or early 90s. Was awesome!

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