DCS World 2.9.11.4686 has arrived with the usual array of core and specific module updates. Some of the more notable ones include spotting dots, there’s an asset update for some aircraft and vehicles, plus there’s plenty of updates for individual modules.

Updates across the board

DCS World’s latest update has quite a lengthy list of updates. One of the big core changes pertains to spotting, something that the sim has struggled with over the years and is now making some additional changes.

Added a new Spotting Dots option which is replacing the “improved spotting dots” option. Improved spotting dots functionality which makes spotting dots independent from zoom FOV will be active all the time now. With new “Spotting Dot” setting you will be able to set: 
– OFF – to switch spotting dots off completely

– AUTO – automatic spotting dot size calculation based on monitor or VR hardware parameters (how it worked before)

– 1 pixel size spotting dots

– 2 pixel size spotting dots
Also this setting is added to the mission editor and can be enforced through mission.

It seems that the optional feature from before is now coming in to use more generally. Spotting has always been a challenging issue in combat flight sims with various issues weighing the argument in different directions. Implementing single and double pixel dots helps overcome a variety of complex scenarios from field of view settings to VR and screen resolution issues.

Another interesting core update is word that high fidelity 3D models for the B-1B, B-52H, S-3B (and tanker), SA-10 (S-300 SAM), M1A2, M1A2C SEP v3, MRAP MaxxPro, Centurion C-RAM have been added. These aircraft were already updated previously, however, they were somewhat lower detail than their preview models had suggested. It looks like we’ve been updated to the high fidelity options now. A slightly odd saga but happy to have the higher detail vehicles.

Another big update pertains to the DCS: F-16C and its ongoing flight model adjustments to better match the real thing.

Specific excess power. Based on user feedback, the difference in energy loss in the FM and E-M diagrams of instantaneous turn rates was noted. On the left edge (high angles of attack AoA >15 and low speeds below M<0.7), excessive energy loss (airspeed loss) was confirmed. On the right edge of the E-M diagram (M>0.7 and angles of attack AoA<15), there was noticeably insufficient energy loss. The left edge has been corrected, and energy loss has been reduced (closer to the reference points). Work on the right edge continues and will be resolved in a later update.

Another module, the DCS: AH-64D, saw significant flight model adjustments as well with refinements to the thrust of the main rotor in specific circumstances, a fix to the overly sensitive yaw and pitch controls in some circumstances, and even an adjustment and some special options for how VRS (vortex ring state) is communicated to the player.

There are also adjustments across the board for several modules including George AI and Petrovich AI (AH-64 and Mi-24 respectively) to prevent them from seeing through dense fog.

You’ll also see that DCS: F-5E Remastered has gotten some updates with updated LERX vapour trails, wingtip shake at high AoA, added animations of shaking cockpit elements, and the ability to open and close service hatch panels.

There are fixes and additions to the Mirage F1, C-101, South Atlantic, Kola, Supercarrier and others! There are no listed change notes for Heatblur aircraft, however, Heatblur have confirmed via Discord that they did have updates in and they will type up the change notes later.

Read the Eagle Dynamics DCS World patch notes here.