This week we moved the Open Beta version of DCS World to the Release version. Highlights include:
Improvements to the new MiG-29 flight model, engine performance, new pylons, and corrected M1.6 engine stall
Corrected FAB-250 pylon position
F-4E and C-130 Iranian skins
Numerous AJS-37 Viggen improvements, including landing gear and wheel brake adjustments
DCS: MiG-21bis and DCS: C-101 improvements
You can read the complete change log on the dedicated DCS forum thread
For next week's Open Beta update, we plan new Hornet features and fixes like the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), FPAS page, laser Maverick, and corrected air-to-air radar B-sweep.
The WWII assets pack continues to grow, and the next ground unit will be the M10 "Wolverine" tank destroyer. Based on a modified M4A2 Sherman tank chassis, it includes an open-turret with a 76.2 mm cannon. Produced by the US starting in September 1942, the M10 was the most important US tank destroyer of the war.
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A key aspect of modern air warfare is correct modeling of air-to-air missiles. We take this very seriously and have devoted new resources to further improving this. There are four fundamental aspects we are working on:
New missile flight dynamics
New autopilot roll, pitch, yaw damper and stabilization
New autopilot guidance and trajectory calculations
Modified seeker logic
We are using the AIM-7 as a "test bed" from which we will then move these improvements to other air-to-air missiles once we feel the technology is mature. We are currently testing AIM-7M with:
New missile flight model foundation using updated and more detailed aerodynamic data
Autopilot navigation system model
Missile guidance section and seeker
Here is a video that demonstrates the AIM 7 autopilot in a vertical test
Missile Flight Dynamics
This video demonstrates a new feature of the missile autopilot and flight model: stability and
control implementation. High altitudes and low air speeds provide low aerodynamic damping moments, and you can see missile motion in detail. Note the control surface deflections. The missile's autopilot dampens oscillations more quickly than with autopilot turned off.
This is just a test thought of the autopilot and aerodynamics of the missile. Naturally, air-to-air missiles are not designed for such low air speeds. In fact, the minimal IAS at intercept for an AIM-7 is about 700 km/h. At this speed, it's capable to reaching 5g's in less than a second.
Tasks in this area we're still working on includes the supporting math for thrust vectoring and refactoring/optimization.
Missile Autopilot
In regards to control systems and autopilot, we're working on:
Mathematical model of torque balance system (AIM-9-like missiles)
Inertial navigation system + data link for modern missiles
Сorresponding aircraft weapon systems
Almost every new missile needs its own autopilot type (based on common model)
Missile Seeker
For the guidance systems and seekers, there is a lot of work for the future. Building from the common math model, we will create detailed models for many seeker types.
When this effort is complete, we believe we'll have the most detailed air-to-air missile simulation in an entertainment product.
