Eagle Dynamics is readying the release of the DCS: MiG-29A Fulcrum full-fidelity module for DCS World and is now offering up a pre-order (with associated discount) along with new promotional materials as part of their DCS World Weekend News update. Let’s check out everything to do with the MiG-29 Fulcrum!
It’s nearly time to take the Fulcrum to the skies
DCS World fans have been calling for high fidelity “red team” aircraft for a long time now and Eagle Dynamics is delivering on that desire with DCS: MiG-29A Fulcrum. As I said in the lede, this is a high-fidelity DCS World module with more deeply simulated systems than what is currently sported by the MiG-29A Flaming Cliffs version.
DCS: MiG-29A is following in the footsteps of many DCS World modules by offering an early access version first with final release to follow after. Early access features include navigation, INS simulation, RSBN radio navigation, realistic modeling of the SPO-15LM “Beryoza” RWR, fire control radar and IRST, helmet mounted sight for off-boresight engagement with the R-73, ground attack modes and an early access guide among several other features.
Early access will also have a basic IFF system onboard with a more detailed IFF system coming later. It will also pick up the Ground Control Intercept (GCI) command system, a campaign, and additional missions and liveries.
As reportedly previously, the flight model of this aircraft will be essentially the same as the PFM (DCS World’s highest level of fidelity) on offer with the Flaming Cliffs version. Eagle Dynamics asserts that its still one of the most detailed flight models they’ve ever done. Some tweaks to the landing gear physics is reportedly the only difference.
Regular price for the DCS: MiG-29A Fulcrum is the DCS standard $79.99 USD, however, during the pre-order its going up for $55.99 USD.
No release date is currently set though they are reportedly still aiming to launch before the end of Q2 which ends June 30. Will they hit that date? Past predictions often suggest no but hope springs eternal.
Check out the pre-order here. Reportedly a pre-order for Steam users will be on offer once the team has a date.
Assessing the offering and other comments
Eagle Dynamics and early access offerings have had a bit of hit and miss over the years. The DCS: Mi-24P Hind for example came well equipped right from day one and gained new features at a slow but steady pace. DCS: F-16C and DCS: CH-47F felt rushed and unfinished by comparison with major features missing. Both have since gained relatively significant amounts of capability in the months and years after release but they have sometimes clouded the release.
Right now this one looks well appointed with what looks to be all of the weapons, navigation, and other supporting systems already in place for launch. We do lack a full accounting of what weapon systems will be in though the R-73 (AA-11 Archer), bombs and rocket pods, the aircraft’s internal 30mm cannon, and the R-27 (AA-10) have all been listed. There has been some debate in the community over which R-27 models will be available and if we’ll have access to the longer range ER and ET (radar and IR seeking) variants.
I have seen a few comments about a discount for owners of the Flaming Cliffs version. They aren’t offering such a discount and nor was I expecting to see one one. With the majority of the Flaming Cliffs aircraft having been replaced by a higher fidelity. Though they share a flight model, it sounds like everything else is going to be quite a different experience and the deep systems modeling is often the biggest (though somewhat unseen) features of any DCS module.
Finally, this is one of my most anticipated modules in quite some time. The MiG-29 has a mystique about it that I’ve always found interesting and its widespread use over the last 40-years with 39 different air forces encompassing quite a variety of users makes for some fertile ground for fun simulated scenarios. Should be an interesting one to fly.
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