Veco provides freeware DCS World T-38A project update

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Freeware DCS World developer Veco Simulations has just dropped a new status update video detailing the latest work on their T-38A Talon project. The two seat jet trainer project is coming along although the team also have shared that they have seen their share of bumps in the road. Let’s see how things are coming together!

Updates on the Talon

The team had initially hoped to release something in 2025, however, its now March 2026 and of course it hasn’t come out yet. Common for payware developers and freeware developers alike!

They are now four iterations in on the external model and 3D scans of a real world T-38 revealed discrepancies in the scale of the aircraft and they are keen to get the details right. They’ve also shown off the cockpit model which is looking really impressive for a module of any status, much less a freeware offering.

The Veco Simulations team are also busy working through issues with the flight model and adding multi-crew support with the ability to pass primary flight control between pilots.

Watch the video for the full report!

15 responses to “Veco provides freeware DCS World T-38A project update”

  1. MaartenvB123 Avatar
    MaartenvB123

    Trainers rarely sell well as generally new players wont spend a sum of money when learning/trying out DCS.

    Having it be a freeware mod makes it the perfect tool to get a friend to learn the ropes. So kudos to the devs.

    ED should maybe look into making their existing trainer modules free aswell as it can get them more of a return in other modules sold due to new players latching on.

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. Urgent Siesta Avatar
      Urgent Siesta

      Agree, mostly.

      I’ve said for years now that they should make their own L39 ZA Albatross the free module that comes with the game. Not only is it a trainer, it’s an IRL light attack aircraft, too. Even has low end IR missiles and a gun for air to air training.

      It’s shocking that their “demo” plane is the Lo Fi Su-25T. While its a cool plane, it’s simply unrepresentative of the full potential of the game.

      Probably made sense back in the Lock On days, but no longer.

      it seems as if the 2 Week Free Trial program is their go forward plan. Which is a shame, really, because it’s tough to get anything accomplished in that time span.

      A Hi Fi dual control trainer like the 39 would be perfect for so many reasons (IMHO), especially the priority to attract new players and get them to move up the to the paid modules.

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  2. CanadaOne Avatar
    CanadaOne

    That looks great! Can’t wait to try it out. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

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  3. Urgent Siesta Avatar
    Urgent Siesta

    it’s interesting that the T-38 has become so popular with developers seemingly all at once after such a dearth previously.

    Just in the last few months, we’ve got one from Aero Dynamics (2, if you count the glass vs steam gauge cockpits), one from BlackBird (which is priced so low it’s a steal), and now Veco is getting closer to release as well.

    Before that…? Only the MilViz T-38A and C (which they devd for the USAF and managed to release for the public) released for Prepar3D years ago now.

    Having what looks to be a very Hi Fi FREE mod pending for DCS World is kinda icing on the cake! 😁

    TBH, I’ll probably continue to fly this mostly in MSFS, mainly due to the global map and ability to fly from IRL .mil training bases, etc.

    BUT, I’m certain I’ll enjoy Vecos as well – it’s probably going to be just too good to pass up.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. ShamrockOneFive Avatar
      ShamrockOneFive

      For the price of free, its worth checking out and if it lives up to the reputation it looks like they are developing… it will be VERY good.

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  4. PaperPilot Avatar
    PaperPilot

    Looks as good as an actual module. Well done Veco. You really should be an official third-party developer for DCS. Love to see it made into an official module one day.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. ShamrockOneFive Avatar
      ShamrockOneFive

      It may well be that they transition from freeware to payware developer with a future product. I think this is their proving ground and then if it goes well, they will have an established reputation. Just a guess.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. PaperPilot Avatar
        PaperPilot

        I hope you’re right. I would love to see them as a respected third-party developer for DCS World. The more there are, the more planes DCS can cover. What do you think could be their first aircraft module if they get official status? The T-7 would be a wise move I think because

        1. that is their expertise
        2. in real life it is a very common military trainer aircraft
        3. it could be used as a study-at-home tool for military pilots in training

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  5. JImbo Avatar
    JImbo

    Not mentioned in the article if it requires possessing any other modules to work. Is it layered on an existing a/c or is it an entirely new build asset?

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    1. ShamrockOneFive Avatar
      ShamrockOneFive

      Don’t know if that’s going to be a requirement.

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    2. Macpoedel Avatar
      Macpoedel

      They said in their initial anouncement that no other module would be required: https://forum.dcs.world/topic/352514-t-38a-talon-community-mod-by-veco-simulations/

      It’s why they picked the T-38A with steam gauges, so they could make it without the SDK.

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  6. jeff Avatar
    jeff

    Not Relating to Topic

    Heads up Shamrock La-7 for DCS is released

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. PaperPilot Avatar
      PaperPilot

      I am excited for ShamrockOneFive’s article on this too.

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      1. ShamrockOneFive Avatar
        ShamrockOneFive

        The moment has arrived!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. ShamrockOneFive Avatar
      ShamrockOneFive

      Thanks! I have caught up this evening 😉

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