22 January 2021

Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends,

As the world navigates an ever-changing new norm of virtual learning, delivery and drive-by birthday celebrations, our customers have relied on us to stay informed, connected and entertained. Now, more than ever before, our customers around the world have found inspiration and value in the breadth and quality of our products, which impacts their lives in big and small ways everyday.

We would like to share a development report on our DCS: F/A-18C Hornet. We are currently working towards an impressive update, new features will include Ground Moving Target (GMT) and SEA radar modes. This update will also include new defense systems and the Transmit Designate (TXDSG) option on the Situational Awareness display, as well as greatly expanded defensive systems like countermeasure programs and electronic warfare capabilities.

Our third party partners are working on new and exciting campaigns that we plan to release in the coming weeks. They will provide you with excellent immersion and will test your skills.

Thank you for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics Team

F/A-18C

Hornet

An issue where RWR Contacts displayed on the wrong azimuth has now been resolved. We fixed an issue where moving the TDC caused the radar beam to stick. We also fixed a JSOW A/C manoeuvre error that caused a miss.

Fuel Low BIT has been added, as well as auto-lase for the GBU-24 Paveway III. We are planning for these features and many more to be released in the next update to DCS World Open Beta 2.5.6.

Check out the In Development Screenshots.

F/A-18C Hornet

Development Progress

Ground Moving Target (GMT) Radar Mode

Locating ground targets can be a difficult task, an important tool that can assist you is the Ground Moving Target (GMT) Air-to-Ground (A-G) radar mode. When enabled, this mode detects moving ground units and allows you to designate them for tracking. Note that GMT will not detect stationary targets.

Instruction Video: Ground Moving Target (GMT) Radar Mode.

When paired with the AGM-65F Maverick and laser-guided bombs, GMT can be a useful tool for detecting, tracking, and engaging mobile targets.

SEA Radar Mode

Whilst the general MAP Air-to-Ground radar mode has been available for some time, we will soon introduce the SEA A-G mode. This mode allows the radar to detect and track ships out to 80 nm. This is particularly useful for engaging ships using the AGM-84D Harpoon anti-ship missiles with specific range and bearing targeting. SEA mode can also be interleaved to display MAP ground returns.

Instruction Video: SEA Radar Mode.

When a target has been designated in SEA mode, the targeting pod can also be slaved to the target.

Defensive Systems Update

We are pleased to announce several new defensive features planned for the next update. These include the addition of Semi/Automatic (S/A) and AUTO expendable countermeasure programs, the Airborne Self-Protection Jammer (ASPJ), and jammer effects on the radar.

Instruction Video: Defensive Systems Update.

Transmit Designate

We’ll be adding the Transmit Designate (TXDSG) option on the Situational Awareness (SA) display. When enabled, it allows you to transmit suits to ground designation points and Launch & Steering (L&S) targets for flight members and friendly aircraft on the same Link-16 network.

Instruction Video: Target Designation (TXDSG).

Additions

Highlights

As well as the substantial push to complete the Hornet’s new features, we would like to mention a notable addition:

Handy Wind Bulk Carrier

A new civilian ship equipped with a functioning helipad for:

• DCS: UH-1H Huey
• DCS: SA342 Gazelle
• DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark 2

F-5E Tiger II

The headwind and tailwind anomalies have now been fixed.

Mission Editor

AI escort aircraft not engaging targets correctly issues have been resolved.

DCS World

We have added more realistic cockpit sounds when using weapons. The F-10 Ruler in VR and multi monitor mode has now been fixed. The SA-2 Guidance has received a necessary accuracy improvement. Also, user created ground units now shows in white in F10 view.

You can expect these minor fixes and many more additions to be included in the next Open Beta 2.5.6 update planned for next week. We are incredibly optimistic about where we’re heading, and we believe that the opportunities for developers and the creative community are endless, as are all the positive and meaningful benefits to our customers.

Thank you again for your passion and support.

Yours Sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics Team