I remember waiting patiently (ok… maybe not always) for Heatblur’s long anticipated DCS: F-14 release to arrive and then it finally did and it has become a staple among many DCS users over the years ever since. Now the module has finally reached the stage where Heatblur is ready to say that it is leaving ‘early access’ and transitioning into a fully released module. That’s not the end of the story either so let’s have a look at what is coming and what is still planned.

New variant, new features, and new options

Heatblur have done a lot with DCS: F-14 since it initially launched. We started with the F-14B model in the early days and then the developer has steadily added more options and features including the F-14A, Forrestal-class aircraft carrier, missions and campaigns, updates to Jester AI, and the A-6E AI release as well. In the next update, Heatblur are intending to launch a bunch of long standing features and move the aircraft into the “released” category.

Some of the new goodies? The F-14A Export variant (primarily flown by the IRIAF) is a big addition with stripped down systems representative of that variant of the airplane. They are also adding the AIM-7E Sparrow, basic TARPS functionality, as well as a series of external modifications to represent different variations of the airplane including: glove vanes, early gun vents, ALQ-126 blisters, TCS bullet and round covers and external model support for aircraft not equipped with the TCS. They are also shipping new liveries!

One item not yet coming in this update is the planned Persian Gulf campaign.

Because the F-14 has received substantial additional content since its original launch, including further missions and campaigns such as Operation Reforger II, we decided to move the dedicated Persian Gulf early F-14A campaign to after release. We apologize for this change and understand that some of you have been looking forward to it. The decision allows the campaign to receive the attention, polish, and dedicated development time it deserves, rather than rushing it into this final pre-release milestone.

That seems like a fair tradeoff. Heatblur have tended to follow-up well with even their earliest modules and I’m sure a more polished campaign experience will be along in time.

This isn’t the end either as Heatblur are now working on the F-14B Upgrade (or BU) as a separate release from the earlier variants. With more modern digital systems, this variant should more closely align with the more modern offerings in DCS World and come a bit closer to the F-14D that so many have asked for.

Read the full report from Heatblur here!