A new Cold War-era DCS World module is on the near horizon! Grinnelli Designs DCS: F-100D Super Sabre prepares to launch with a pre-order and some release details. Even better, this looks like it won’t be an early access launch with a lot of missing features but rather a complete module. Are you ready to do the Sabre dance? Let’s check out what is coming.

Dance with a Super Sabre!

The Super Sabre is on its way to DCS World relatively soon and Eagle Dynamics have just opened up a pre-order campaign complete with a cinematic trailer to get everyone excited for the project.

Grinnelli Designs is the third party developer that has been working steadily on the project over the last several years and its great to see this developers first product come to fruition. Though this is their first product, some of the developers behind it are veterans of either other commercial releases or from the mod scene behind the sim.

Features include detailed exterior and cockpit areas supported by thousands of reference photos, photogrammetry, and laser scans of a real F-100D. External Flight Model (EFM) verified by real F-100 pilots. Era correct F-100D pilot model. Configurable gun cameras that can be outputted for review later. A customizable dash with custom gauge settings or randomized setup. Deep systems modeling for electrical, hydraulic, engine, as well as physical simulations of gauges, the RWR, brake fade, and more.

Grinnelli have seen fit to add both the J-57-P-21 and J-57-P-23 afterburner models with the older P-21 requiring longer light times, more frequent failures to light, and more frequent compressor stalls.

The module will also come with five training missions as well as instant action missions for both Caucasus and Marianas. A detailed manual will also be provided.

One unique feature that we’ve not yet seen in a DCS module? The zero length launcher which is a rocket mounted attachment for launching the aircraft from a standstill. It was an experiment aimed at what to do if runways were already bombed out and we’ll be able to get to experience that in the sim. Neat!

Handling and personal thoughts

Though significantly improved handling over earlier models of the F-100, the F-100D should prove to be an interesting DCS World module to fly. Earlier versions were lost (often with their pilots) in large numbers in what would be called the “sabre dance” in low speed, high angle of attack situations.

Part of the description includes some commentary on the challenging nature of handling the F-100.

Flying the F-100D Super Sabre in DCS is a demanding, hands-on experience that leaves little room for complacency. From managing its high-speed handling characteristics to understanding early-generation avionics, every phase of flight requires focus and discipline. In the DCS: F-100D Super Sabre, success comes from understanding its nuances, and this makes it a deeply rewarding aircraft to master for those up to the challenge.

Sounds interesting! I’m curious to see how its like to fly this aircraft. There are other Cold War era types like the MiG-21 which have some unique and challenging handling characteristics at some points in the envelope and mastering and dealing with them makes for some extra interesting flight sim experiences.

The F-100D should slot right into the Cold War era mix. Its mix of gun, bomb and sidewinder armament and basic but important systems will give it some fun and varied gameplay if Grinnelli have managed to deliver on the usual high expectations of a DCS module. It will likely be somewhat simpler and less complex to manage than a Phantom and that may hold some appeal for folks who are more accustomed to types like the F-5 but want something that can pack more armaments. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on this one.

Pre-purchase and early access?

No Early Access indications for the DCS: F-100 as far as I can see so it seems like Grinnelli are looking to launch this project feature complete or as close to that as possible. It will undoubtedly require additional patches post launch, as every DCS module does, but it does appear to be packing in all of the features planned for the module.

The module is priced at $59.99 USD regularly with a pre-order discount bringing that down to $41.99 USD. Right now you can pre-order from Eagle Dynamics. A Steam store debut will likely come a little later. Get more information about the project direct from the developers here.