Some time has passed since the release of our last development update.  The Summer and early Autumn seasons are now gone, and during this time many things have happened.  So we figured it’s high time to give you some insight into our kitchen.

Starting with our beloved Fishbed, we are proud to mention that the end of this year marks the 5th anniversary since the release of this fabulous module.  Since the moment of its release, many things have changed within the module itself and the environment around it.  We have transitioned from versions 1.2 to 1.5, then onto 2.0, and finally to the current 2.5 build.  Each time it has demanded from us additional effort to make sure our module is compatible and can take advantage of all available features, brought by the transition.  And on top of that, a continuous stream of fixes and updates along with work on our new projects.  With 5 years of dedication and experience with this module, we continue our hard work and are ready to bring to you even more good things.

In the spirit of the above, we must admit that last year we’ve promised to bring you a number of updates to this module, both visual and functional, and we won’t let you down.  Our Lead Artist continuous his hard work with the MiG-21 external 3d model and cockpit.  Most recently he took some time to improve numerous details and objects such as the pitot boom with the DUAS-5M and PVD-18 sensors, fuel tank pressurization intake, nose cone, blisters on the bottom wing root covers and other areas.  As you’ve possibly noticed, some effects were also improved, including the afterburner glow.  Attention to the gun sight operation has been improved as well.

However, the most important feature to mention in our update and one that has been long awaited, is the one regarding SPO-10 “Sirena 3-M” Radio Warning Receiver update.  This important system along with the small indicating device placed in the cockpit, is responsible for indicating the relative direction of radar emission that is originating from ground, naval or airborne sources pointed in the Fishbed’s direction.  This device has been plagued with an issue preventing it from providing the pilot information about the direction of a threat radar emission.

We are happy to inform you that with one of the upcoming open beta updates, an adjusted SPO-10 system will be released.  Though this does not come without a quirk.  Our very limited capabilities to test such features in a closed test server environment, precluded its in-depth testing.  To speak more simply, we would like to ask you for help in testing it.  Since only in an open environment with multiple targets creating radar emissions, we can fully test the feature.  Thus, we kindly ask you to provide any feedback in the form of bug reports and post it into our bug tracker: https://leatherneck-sim.mantishub.io

The SPO-10 update will be released in a very unique manner.  In the Main Menu, upon entering the Settings tab specific to MiG-21bis module, you will now find a new option labeled as “Experimental Features” which upon activating, will switch to an updated SPO-10 version.  Users who do not wish to participate in this, should leave it unchecked, which will basically allow them to use the current and default version of the SPO-10.  This way we can ensure that users experience will not be harmed in any way, while we can gather all the necessary feedback and fine tune it for the permanent release.

As the Phase 1 fixes of the external model nears, we’ll be shortly releasing the updated template for artist to fix their liveries.  A simplified early 3D model edm will be included for use in Model Viewer.  With changes to the dorsal spine, tail, and pitot boom, many liveries will have misaligned camouflage patterns.

Moving on to another legendary Vought design, we’d like to show you a small preview of the cockpit.  It’s important to mention here, that some time ago we have discovered a great source of technical drawings and manufacturing documentation of the F4U-1, which made us notice several flaws in the original model, especially around, inside the cockpit.  Our Artists decided to take a few steps back and rework a number of objects, to ensure the very best quality of the module and user experience!  more is still to come!

Screenshots below are using placeholder textures as the cockpit is still a work-in-progress.

Furthermore, since we are attempting to recreate a very specific airframe series, namely No. 82378 and subsequent, it took us some time to find specific installations to this machine such as the AN/ARC-5 radio unit’s components, AN/APX-1 IFF, and the ZB Mark III Homing System.  Each of those has a specific remote control panel in the cockpit, different from earlier and later ones, demanding special care in modelling.

As research continues, we’ll forge ahead on the model is while simultaneously working on the flight model and on-board systems of the aircraft.

While we take a special care of MiG-21bis, we have also ramped up the development of the Vought F-8 Crusader.  By this point we have gathered a substantial portion of the aircraft’s primary and secondary documentation, such as Flight Manuals, Tactical Manuals and a variety of Supplements which will later be necessary for system coding and flight model development.

Furthermore, the work on the 3d model is progressing.  In order to speed up the process, we have decided in the Summer to expand our team.  Following that, we have recently signed a dedicated team of two fabulous artists to give our Crusader justice. At first, their focus is to produce a simplified model so that parallel work on coding can begin, while we also adjust the collision file (presented below) to ensure correct reactions in game environment. Once that chapter is complete, a work on highly detailed and final model can begin. Thus, we can say loud that we have top men working on it right now!

Our puke machine is not forgotten!  Our testers are working hard to pinpoint bugs that users are submitting.  As we collect the data, it helps our team develop a better solution to fixing the errors and we continue to work with Eagle Dynamics to find a solution.

So please continue submitting bug reports and don’t forget the *.TRK and DCS.log files!

As a reminder, be sure not to miss the DCS 2019 Autumn Sale which includes a whopping 50% discount on our MiG-21bis and 25% discount on our Christen Eagle II modules:

DCS: MiG-21bis
DCS: Christen Eagle II
DCS: 2019 Autumn Sale

This is a fine opportunity to add either or both of these aircraft to your own DCS World collection!

See you in the skies!