Work by the Airplane Simulation Company on their rendition of the C-130J Super Hercules has been taking place mostly in the background but today it has been revealed that the aircraft is heading towards release and, as is customary, a pre-order has begun. Let’s have a look!
Transport time
The Airplane Simulation Company has been working on the C-130J for a couple of years now. First revealed back in 2022 after months of rumours, the project has been quietly churning away in the background with the dev team making periodic check-ins on their Discord community.
Features for the DCS module include realistic cargo loading, aerial delivery, the MOAB, voiced checklist system, first person loadmaster, detailed systems simulation, multi-crew support, as well as detailed sounds and visuals and comprehensive documentation.
Some of the features that really jump out are, of course, the ability to deploy the GBU-43/B MOAB (aka the “Mother of all Bombs”) which is the largest non-nuclear weapon in the US’ arsenal. The shared cockpit environment is another interesting feature as is the reveal that a third multi-crew position (presumably the loadmaster?) is planned. Another point about the loadmaster position is the ability to walk around in the cargo area and outside the aircraft performing the duties related to the cargo system. Interesting stuff!
The team report that core features like the flight model, engines, APU, electrical, hydraulic, fuel, and avionics systems are all complete. So too is the multi-crew system for the pilot/co-pilot and the MOAB is already up and running. They are now turning attention to the LOD (level of detail) system, adding the third multi-crew, vehicle airdrop system (in partnership with Eagle Dynamics), and damage model.
Post launch plans
It sounds like C-130J will be a relatively complete experience on launch (time will tell of course) but the team do have an interesting post-launch plan. They report that they will then turn around and develop the MC-130J. Here’s a little of what they had to say about it:
This variant, operated by AFSOC, brings aerial refueling capabilities, including player-to-player AAR in multiplayer. The MC variant also includes the AN/AAS-52(V) EO-IR pod, and a third crew station for the CSO, or combat systems officer.
All of that should be quite interesting. The request for a flyable aerial refuelling platform has been mentioned more than a few times so actually confirming it as a planned feature is exciting.
Pre-order options
The pre-order is now live on the Eagle Dynamics e-shop as you’d expect it to be with the introductory pre-order price of $55.99 USD (regular $79.99 USD). You can also pre-order directly from Airplane Simulation Company for the same price or converted to your local currency.
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