16 June 2023

Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends,

We are pleased to share our progress on the new F/A-18C pilot helmet and oxygen mask models which offer a much higher level of detail and fidelity. Be on the lookout for more updates coming soon and check out the Development Screenshots. 

Last week saw the first iteration of the updated SA-342 Gazelle flight model that was released to Open Beta. Although the update primarily focused on bringing the flight model up to DCS standards, this update also included an overhaul of SA-342L modularity, making this variant more versatile compared to the SA-342M variant. Please read the details below. 

Are you looking for a new challenge? Check out the ´Through the Infernô DCS server. This server offers you a place to improve your skills and compete against other pilots in a range of daring missions. TTI Discord Server.

Thank you for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics

F/A-18C

Development Progress

The development of the helmet and facemask models for the F/A-18C Hornet is nearing completion. The updated helmet is a new 3D model that also includes options for JHMCS, sun visor, and night vision goggles. The oxygen facemask has also been updated to be more representative of our 2005 F/A-18C Lot 20. Aspects of this will also benefit other pilot models, like the new upcoming F-16C pilot model.

SA 342 Gazelle

Development Report

The new SA-342 flight model, although still being tuned, introduces many new or reworked behaviors that include ground effect, flapback/blowback, retreating blade stall, density altitude, and ETL as well as a functional stability augmentation system.

The SA-342L is now equipped with a periscope sight, rather than the CRT screen, for reconnaissance and target acquisition; it is also now capable of carrying a variety of weapons including HOT-3 missiles, HMP400 .50 cal gun pods, the GIAT M621 20mm cannon, SNEB 68mm rockets, and Mistral ATAM replacing the previously available SA-342 Mistral variant. The cockpit layout will also change based on the loadout, and you will now have greater control of weapon configurations.

The SA-342 has also received numerous quality of life enhancements that include reworked sighting stability, various special options for trimming, and the ability to hide the collective and gunsight. 

A complete listing of SA-342 changes and fixes is available in the change logs of last week's DCS Open Beta patch. Please read the full changelog here.

Through the Inferno

Multiplayer Server

The Through the Inferno (TTI) project started as an effort to bring highly engaging, dynamic, and immersive PvE (player vs AI) experiences to DCS multiplayer and singleplayer. TTI regularly hosts many popular public community events. You can find more information about TTI servers, missions, events and more on the TTI Community Discord.

Please accept our apologies for the slightly lightweight newsletter this week. Most of our staff were on a team offsite. Next week should be more substantial...

Thank you always for your passion and support,

Yours sincerely,

Eagle Dynamics