Digital Combat Simulator

History

The first module (though not until later referred to as a module) added to DCS was DCS: Black Shark (released in 2008) as a stand-alone simulation. Originally it was assumed to be add-on for the previous Lock On: Modern Air Combat series, but was deemed necessary to use a different engine.

The second module added to DCS was DCS: A-10C Warthog (2010). Released as stand-alone simulation program originally, it was one of the first native 64-bit flight simulations.

In 2011, DCS World was launched with concept of plug-in "modules". This allowed using previously stand-alone simulations in same scenario while sharing assets. DCS: A-10C Warthog was made available as plug-in module for it, while DCS: Black Shark became DCS: Black Shark 2 as part of an upgrade to the simulation.

In October 2015 DCS World was relaunched under the guise of DCS World 1.5 via a free update. 'DCS World 1.5' brings all the current aircraft, land units, and terrain into the new Eagle Dynamics Graphics Engine (EDGE) featuring DirectX 11.

In November 2015, DCS World 2.0 was released in open alpha format via a free update. 'DCS World 2.0' has the ability to add new theaters of war, such as the Nevada Test & Training Range. The Caucasus map is in the process of being updated, but is not yet compatible with DCS 2.0.

Features

DCS World includes a mission editor with Lua support and a campaign editor for user created tasks. This allows users to extend provided missions with content created independently from module publishers, or create their own unique scenarios.

Users of DCS World can host their own servers with user-made missions for co-operative and multiplayer missions with or against AI units.

Aircraft modelling in DCS

The realism of the aircraft simulation varies according to the type of flight model, the level of system modelling, and the style of cockpit.

The following terms and abbreviations used for different models of simulation are from Eagle Dynamics to describe levels of simulation within DCS World and its modules and may not be applicable to other simulations in same way.

Aerodynamic flight models

There are four aerodynamic flight models used in DCS World:

System models

There are two levels of system modelling in DCS World:

Cockpit models

DCS: Black Shark 2

A simulation of the Russian Kamov Ka-50 single seat attack helicopter, Black Shark was originally released in October 2008 as a stand-alone simulation, with the updated Black Shark 2 released in 2011 to upgrade the simulation, and to change it to an expansion module for DCS World. The Black Shark 2 module incorporates Eagle Dynamics' Professional Flight Model, the Advanced Systems Model, and presents the player/pilot with the full six degrees of freedom style cockpit.

The Ka-50's full selection of armaments are simulated, allowing players to adapt the helicopter to gunship, anti-armour, and bombing mission roles. It also employs a high degree of automation, including a complex autopilot system, the Shkval-N video targeting system, laser ranging and tagging for laser guided ordnance (Kh-25Ml and 9K121 Vikhr missiles), and a helmet mounted targeting system. These systems allow a single crew member to assume both pilot and gunner roles simultaneously.

The Ka-50's battlefield data link systems are also simulated, allowing players in a multiplayer environment to coordinate, and share targeting and navigation aircraft between Ka-50 helicopters, although data sharing between the Ka-50 and other Russian aircraft is not possible.

DCS: A-10C Warthog

Released on April 22, 2011 DCS: A-10C Warthog is a PC simulation of the Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II. This is the second aircraft in the DCS lineup, following DCS: Black Shark. DCS: A-10C Warthog provides a simulation of a modern fixed wing combat aircraft in regards to flight dynamics, avionics, sensors, and weapon systems. The player also has the option to play Warthog in "Game" mode for a casual game experience. Players can fly missions against a wide array of air, land and sea forces under AI control (or in some cases other players). Users can create and share their own missions and campaigns with the included mission and campaign editors, and fly with and against other people online.

This simulation is considered to be a "study-simulation" (in contrast to a more common survey-simulation) and has been highly rated for its realism and fidelity.

DCS: P-51D Mustang

The first title in the "Flying Legends" series released September 17, 2012. Developed alongside ED partner The Fighter Collection, DCS: P-51D Mustang offers both highly detailed simulation and easy-to-play "game" mode options for both hardcore and casual players. 'Simulation Mode' allows the player to control the P-51D just as a real pilot would, while game mode removes and simplifies most of the systems including the flight model, making for much more easier accessibility and flying. As with most other DCS World aircraft modules there is the addition of an interactive training system which puts you in the cockpit with an instructor that gives you step-by-step training instruction to fly the Mustang.

DCS: Flaming Cliffs 3

The successor to Lockon Flaming Cliffs 2 released April 30, 2013, Flaming Cliffs 3 (FC3) is the next evolution of the Flaming Cliffs series. FC3 features the F-15C Eagle, A-10A, Su-27, Su-33, MiG-29 and Su-25. While not as sophisticated as individual aircraft modules such as the DCS A-10C, FC3 aircraft provide an easy learning curve for new players and focuses on a broad range of aircraft, including air-to-air fighters and ground attack aircraft. FC3 adds a wealth of new features and improvements to previous versions of the Flaming Cliffs series.

Through continued support, additional content has been added via updates. These additions consist of high quality six degrees of freedom cockpits for the Su-27, A-10A, Su-25, Su-33, and MiG-29, replacing dated cockpits as well as Professional Flight Models (PFM) for the F-15C Eagle, A-10A Thunderbolt II, Su-25 Frogfoot, and Su-27 Flanker.

DCS: Fw 190 D-9 Dora

The second installment to the Eagle Dynamics "Flying Legends" series released August 19, 2014, DCS: Fw 190 D-9 Dora offers a detailed simulation of the German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighter aircraft including aerodynamic forces, cockpit interaction and various other systems within the aircraft. As with many of Eagle Dynamics modules, DCS: Fw 190 D-9 Dora was developed with assistance from The Fighter Collection, an organization dedicated to the conservation of vintage aircraft.

DCS: Fw 190 D-9 Dora has one of the steepest learning curves in the DCS franchise, owing to the difficulties inherent to piston engine aircraft and the lack of an instructor as present on the DCS: P-51D Mustang.

DCS: Bf 109 K-4 Kurfürst

Released on December 12, 2014, the DCS: Bf 109 K-4 Kurfürst module provides an intricate and complex simulation of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 aircraft. This module includes all applicable systems and provides an unparalleled simulation of the WW2 fighter on which its based. Many of the simulated systems will interact with each other during simulated air combat giving this module a distinct challenge while in the air.

As with its sister module, DCS: Fw 190 D-9 Dora, DCS: Bf 109 K-4 Kurfürst is a member of the "Flying Legends" series of modules and provides a worthy opponent for its in game counterparts, the P-51D and Spitfire LF Mk IX. The development of this module was supported by The Fighter Collection an organization that has helped Eagle Dynamics for a number of years.

DCS: Spitfire LF Mk IX

Released on December 16, 2016, the DCS: Spitfire LF Mk IX is the 4th plane in the "Flying Legends" series. The module has a fully interactive cockpit and a highly detailed flight model, along with all other relevant systems.

DCS: L-39 Albatros

The DCS: L-39 Albatros module was released February 19, 2016 to critical acclaim giving the Czechoslovakian jet trainer a new home within the Eagle Dynamics simulation. The L-39 Albatros simulation allows two players to take control of the aircraft owing to the tandem seating of the Albatros. This capability was new to the franchise and only after this point was it opened up to other airframes within the game. In the game as in real life the Albatros possesses a dual mission capability of training and the ability to carry a limited selection of ordinance.

The L-39 Albatros within DCS possesses many of the characteristics that make its real life counterpart so desirable as a jet trainer, such as favorable aerodynamic characteristics, low wing loading, and a decent thrust to weight ratio.

DCS: Combined Arms

Released in June 2012. DCS: Combined Arms gives the user control of ground forces during the battle. Players can use the strategic map to move ground forces, set artillery fire missions, and control the ground battle, as well as assume the role of a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) and designate targets for close air support aircraft, or directly control an armor vehicle or air defense weapon and engage enemy forces.

Combined Arms plays similar to real time strategy games, a first person armor warfare simulation, or alternatively the player can direct the ground battle from the cockpit of a DCS aircraft like the A-10C Warthog, Ka-50 Black Shark, or P-51D Mustang.

Combined Arms supports both single player and multiplayer gameplay. When in multiplayer, different players can take on different roles such as artillery commanders, tank commanders, pilots, JTACS, etc. All roles can be changed dynamically during the battle.

DCS: Admiral Kuznetsov

Eagle Dynamics is currently in the process of upgrading the Admiral Kuznetsov in the game to a higher standard. The module will have working elevators, detailed interiors, and will let the player walk around the ship.

DCS: USS Nimitz

Eagle Dynamics is currently in the process of upgrading the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in the game to a higher standard. The module will have working elevators, detailed interiors, and will let the player walk around the ship.

Nevada

Released November 30, 2015, Nevada is the first terrain module to be released and integrated into DCS World 2. The module features a large portion Nevada, and small parts of Arizona and California, providing a 600 × 610 km area of free to roam terrain. Iconic locations such as Las Vegas, Groom Lake military installation (known as Area 51), Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), Nellis AFB, and Lake Mead are featured.

Future improvements include adding Tonopah Air Force Base, airfields and landing strips in the central portion of the map, the National Training Center, improved grass, ground clutter, etc.

Nevada is the first terrain integrated into DCS World 2 that runs on the Eagle Dynamics Graphics Engine (EDGE), providing new particle effects, higher texture terrain support, unlimited world size, and DirectX 11 support as well as allowing up to four GPU's via Nvidia SLI/AMD Crossfire.

Additional technical features include clipmaps, terrain shadow projection, and the option to project a map on a globe surface providing realistic curvature of the Earth.

Strait of Hormuz

Originally scheduled to be release in 2016, Strait of Hormuz will be one of the first combat theater maps to be released and integrated into DCS World. The Strait of Hormuz terrain module will feature the countries Iran, UAE and Oman, providing a 390×390 km area of free to roam terrain. Iconic cities and locations to be featured include Dubai, Bandar Abbas, and islands Abu Musa and Greater Tunb, while featuring accurately rendered airbases in Iran, the UAE and Oman.

As with all other terrain modules such as Nevada, Strait of Hormuz will run on the new Eagle Dynamics Graphics Engine (EDGE).

Normandy 1944

Currently in development. Scheduled to release in 2017.

Reception

PC Gamer has reviewed the DCS: A-10C Warthog module with rating of 92/100.

Simreviews has reviewed the DCS: L-39 Albatros module with rating of 9.3/10.

Helisimmer has reviewed the DCS: UH-1H module with rating of 9.6/10.