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What is DCS?

Posted By: citizen guod

What is DCS? - 06/11/12 06:54 PM

Posted by Matt "Wags" Wagner a little while ago.


What is DCS?

DCS stands for “Digital Combat Simulator”. DCS is a world simulation engine permitting the user to operate or direct a growing number of combat and civilian aircraft, ground vehicles and ships, from different historical eras and in different geographical locations. It is a true "sand box" simulation. DCS started with the Ka-50 and A-10C, but has recently grown to also include the P-51D Mustang and, with Combined Arms, a ground command and control tactical warfare component. Future products from The Fighter Collection and Eagle Dynamics in the DCS line are in development and will include third party products for the first time.

The overall "simulation operating system" is termed DCS World and is a free program that includes a free Su-25T for the player to fly. All DCS products will plug into DCS World as unique modules within the same software installation. DCS products will not be limited to aircraft, but will include maps, missions, campaigns, environment objects, weapons, vehicles and ships. We even hope to look into a train simulation component in the future!

Third party products to DCS are supported by ED and there are already several qualified 3rd party teams creating new aircraft that will plug into DCS World. In these cases we leave it up to the developer to decide the level of systems fidelity, but we do expect certain "DCS Standards" to be maintained such as detailed and accurate models and cockpits, mouse clickable cockpit controls, and 6 DOF view control. Third parties are provided access to our Standard Flight Model (SFM), which ED can assist to adjust and improve to suit the requirements. Given the extremely complex nature of our Advanced Flight Model (AFM) in DCS we are currently unable to provide a SDK for 3rd party use. However, 3rd parties are also invited to offer their own Flight Models should it prove to be satisfactory.

In parallel, we are also developing Flaming Cliffs 3 (FC3), which will also work within DCS World. However, Flaming Cliffs 3 will require an installation of Lock On: Modern Air Combat to be present on your computer. FC3 will probably be the last version of this critically acclaimed product line.
Posted By: - Ice

Re: What is DCS? - 06/11/12 07:22 PM

Hmmm... can they call it DCS World when it only comprises of the Georgia area?

And "Standard" flight model for all 3rd party aircraft? It's starting to go downhill from there... though I hope the bottom won't be too far. It'll still be a gorgeous sim, no doubt, but the flight model is one of the important things IMHO. Can you imagine driving a tank in the sim only to find out it uses an arcade driving model? Oh well, at least we start getting more aircraft, then I hope it gets further and further refined until it "graduates" to an advanced flight model and more accurate representation of the systems.

So unless a certain mod/aircraft comes with as much bells and whistles as possible (as many systems implemented, flight models accurate to published data, etc.) I think I won't be buying any more from this line until it matures a bit.

I hope DCS: Next follows more in the footsteps of DCS A10 though.
Posted By: Remon

Re: What is DCS? - 06/11/12 08:39 PM

DCS World doesn't mean that it will encompass the whole world, it's just the world of DCS. As for the SFM for 3rd parties, I think they've said that that's for now.
Posted By: piper

Re: What is DCS? - 06/11/12 11:46 PM

Originally Posted By: - Ice
Hmmm... can they call it DCS World when it only comprises of the Georgia area?

And "Standard" flight model for all 3rd party aircraft? It's starting to go downhill from there...


Ice, I'd look at it as a modern day IL-2 with all the goodies. And not much wrong with that.

Thanks for posting Doug, don't go over to the DCS site often. I like their business model. Open up their graphics engine.
Provide an SDK for "qualified" 3rd parties. Prolly keeping the advanced flight model for their own offerings.
(Carrier Ops - PLEASE!)

Clancy's Red Storm Rising will be put into play very soon.
Posted By: Nimits

Re: What is DCS? - 06/12/12 02:49 AM

Originally Posted By: piper


Clancy's Red Storm Rising will be put into play very soon.



That would be AWESOME!!!!
Posted By: Cadmium77

Re: What is DCS? - 06/12/12 06:35 AM

Nevada map is on the way

And I don't know about control of ships. I asked about Ticonderogas over at their forum and someone said no.
Posted By: Agiel7

Re: What is DCS? - 06/12/12 10:28 AM

What I wouldn't give for a DCS: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.
Posted By: Tom_Weiss

Re: What is DCS? - 06/12/12 12:51 PM

next in the series : DCS Lasagna Heat - a new module where Pepperoni Pizza troops battle the forces of Lasagna, forces bent on proving the superior taste of true Italian Lasagna over American style Pepperoni Pizza.
Posted By: AggressorBLUE

Re: What is DCS? - 06/12/12 02:40 PM

Originally Posted By: Tom_Weiss
next in the series : DCS Lasagna Heat - a new module where Pepperoni Pizza troops battle the forces of Lasagna, forces bent on proving the superior taste of true Italian Lasagna over American style Pepperoni Pizza.


It would still come with a 600 page manual.
Posted By: - Ice

Re: What is DCS? - 06/12/12 02:45 PM

Originally Posted By: Remon
DCS World doesn't mean that it will encompass the whole world, it's just the world of DCS. As for the SFM for 3rd parties, I think they've said that that's for now.
Lol, I know. Was just trying to be funny.

Originally Posted By: Cadmium77
Nevada map is on the way
It was "coming" since before release.

Originally Posted By: AggressorBLUE
Originally Posted By: Tom_Weiss
next in the series : DCS Lasagna Heat - a new module where Pepperoni Pizza troops battle the forces of Lasagna, forces bent on proving the superior taste of true Italian Lasagna over American style Pepperoni Pizza.


It would still come with a 600 page manual.
And people all over the USA will argue about the accuracy of the "Amercian" pizza!
Posted By: Rusty_M

Re: What is DCS? - 06/12/12 06:30 PM

Originally Posted By: - Ice
Hmmm... can they call it DCS World when it only comprises of the Georgia area?



DCS: Region doesn't have the same ring to it biggrin
Posted By: AggressorBLUE

Re: What is DCS? - 06/13/12 08:45 PM

Actually, the "world" issue raises a point:

Has an SDK been provided for third party development of maps? Imagine what the ORBX team could do for DCS...

Save for a brief vacation to Nevada, the LOMAC/DCS series has seen more aircraft than it has environments...


Also, I'm confused as to what encompasses their "basic" flight model. Does it mean both the Mig-21 and SU-25 are going to fly the same, or that programing an advanced fly-by-wire aircraft (think VRS Superbug from MSFS fame) is 'off limits' at this time? I'm fine with the basic flight model for now if it allows for more stable releases that make it to shelves faster. I figure ED will wait and see how the market responds before investing in more SDK development.
Posted By: Wazaza

Re: What is DCS? - 06/14/12 01:51 AM

The concept and structure of "sand box" looks very promising. Also, high-fidelity FM and cockpit operations with stunning visuals are also very welcome. Indeed, they are really good and fun to play with.

However, at least for me, the most disappointing feature is combat simulation. The name says its a "Combat" simulator. But, honestly, where is combat in DCS? There are bunch of machines with explosives but no combat-a game with tactical objectives and means.

I do not say it is poor just because it does not have dynamic campaign. Actually, well-written scripted campaign could be much better than poorly implemented dynamic one. For example, missions provided in A-10C were so fragmented that it's very hard to feel that I'm in the battle field. Mission creation for MP is just a joke. IMHO, if DCS stands for true "combat" simulator, focuses should be on that part rather than "world" part.
Posted By: Remon

Re: What is DCS? - 06/14/12 06:06 PM

Originally Posted By: AggressorBLUE
Also, I'm confused as to what encompasses their "basic" flight model. Does it mean both the Mig-21 and SU-25 are going to fly the same, or that programing an advanced fly-by-wire aircraft (think VRS Superbug from MSFS fame) is 'off limits' at this time? I'm fine with the basic flight model for now if it allows for more stable releases that make it to shelves faster. I figure ED will wait and see how the market responds before investing in more SDK development.


I don't think AFM and SFM have anything to do with avionics so as the SFM would a exclude a fly-by-wire plane. It's more to do with inertia and other physics that affect a plane in flight.
Posted By: HitchHikingFlatlander

Re: What is DCS? - 06/14/12 06:28 PM

Originally Posted By: guod
We even hope to look into a train simulation component in the future!



Finally!!!!! jawdrop We were just joking about this the other day!
Posted By: Goblin

Re: What is DCS? - 06/14/12 08:36 PM

Originally Posted By: AggressorBLUE
Actually, the "world" issue raises a point:

Has an SDK been provided for third party development of maps? Imagine what the ORBX team could do for DCS...


Man, I really hope so.

Originally Posted By: AggressorBLUE

... Does it mean both the Mig-21 and SU-25 are going to fly the same, or that programing an advanced fly-by-wire aircraft (think VRS Superbug from MSFS fame) is 'off limits' at this time?


The VRS Superbug is a perfect example of what ED will allow.

Originally Posted By: Matt "Wags" Wagner

However, 3rd parties are also invited to offer their own Flight Models should it prove to be satisfactory.
Posted By: mrskortch

Re: What is DCS? - 06/15/12 02:25 AM

Originally Posted By: AggressorBLUE
Actually, the "world" issue raises a point:

Has an SDK been provided for third party development of maps? Imagine what the ORBX team could do for DCS...


http://en.wiki.eagle.ru/wiki/All_about_land
Theres not a lot documentation out there for it, and it is all for the "old" terrain engine, but it exists. Hopefully the "EDGE" stuff will get an SDK.

Originally Posted By: Wazaza


Missions provided in A-10C were so fragmented that it's very hard to feel that I'm in the battle field. Mission creation for MP is just a joke. IMHO, if DCS stands for true "combat" simulator, focuses should be on that part rather than "world" part.


I agree with some of the A-10C missions campaigns, personally though I think the ones created for BS2 are far superior. But, how exaclty is MP mission creation a joke? The missions created for multiplayer are almost always better than the ones created for single player.
Posted By: QuickSilver

Re: What is DCS? - 06/17/12 08:35 AM

Train Simulator..... WOW. I never saw that coming. Might as well throw a Farm Tractor Simulator and a Street Sweeping Simulator in there while your at it......
Posted By: n4p0l3onic

Re: What is DCS? - 06/17/12 01:00 PM

portable public toilet simulator! biggrin
Posted By: Fevriul

Re: What is DCS? - 06/18/12 08:53 AM

Talking of red storm rising , being able to recreate the Dance of the Vampries Carrier mission or the Frisbees of Dreamland attack mission would be superb, although the frisbess is thoeretical aircraft , but to create it and then lead an attack against the radar aircraft would be brilliant
Posted By: Hawkwind

Re: What is DCS? - 06/18/12 09:51 PM

Must have a Zamboni simulator! whoohoo But the sound from its 30mm gun in the front better be as good as the one in DCS: A-10C
.... LOL
Posted By: piper

Re: What is DCS? - 06/19/12 01:05 AM

Originally Posted By: Fevriul
Talking of red storm rising , being able to recreate the Dance of the Vampries Carrier mission or the Frisbees of Dreamland attack mission would be superb, although the frisbess is thoeretical aircraft , but to create it and then lead an attack against the radar aircraft would be brilliant


Bring it on! Please...
Posted By: komemiute

Re: What is DCS? - 06/27/12 12:20 PM

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-...ridgeshire.html

Apparently Fighter Collection just re-fixed this.
Who's going to bet this is going to be the next DCS-Legend?

My fiver says so.
Posted By: Silver_Dragon

Re: What is DCS? - 07/10/12 11:51 AM

New versión available

Quote:
DCS World 1.2.0

Digital Combat Simulator World (DCS World) is a FREE, unified interface for all DCS products; you can think of DCS World as a simulation operating system. DCS modules that plug into DCS World can include aircraft, maps, ground units, campaigns, etc. Not only can DCS World include modules developed internally by Eagle Dynamics, but it can also include those by certified third party developers.

DCS World also includes a FREE Su-25T attack aircraft with missions and a campaign.

DCS World not only includes the Graphical User Interface (GUI) that ties all DCS products together in a single installation, but it also includes the global aspects of the simulation world that pertains to all modules. This includes such items at the Artificial Intelligence (AI), rendering system, mission editor, effects, AI units, semi-dynamic campaign system and audio environment.

Other items of DCS World include:
• News feed of DCS products and events
• Selectable wall paper
• Free updates to keep DCS World current

Download DCS World and the free Su-25T from: http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.co...os=137&lang=en

Changes since last version:
Fixed radio and trigger audio.
Rearm menu. If you do not manually clear the payload, the default loadout would be loaded. This is now fixed.
Training links for English version added.
Bunkered ZU-23 rotating 180 degrees after exit has been corrected.
Added sound support for modules via SND_add/del_wave/proto_path() API.
Fixed sound busy wait on streaming sources.
Challenger-2 tank bounding box correction.
Su-25T. Simulator crash after exit from damaged aircraft.
AI aircraft would taxi to the parking ramp and stop even if one or more player-to-aircraft jumps occur.
Adjusted digital filter code. Added two new functions to access new internal data.
R-60 missiles are now aligned correctly on Su-25T weapon pylons.
P-51D and A-10C. Two pilots ejecting from aircraft has been fixed.
Better security for IWorldNet::registerSerial.
Quickstart dialog bug fix.
Added Su-25T training images.
Debug input removed.
Installer pictures were exclusively of the P-51D. Fixed.
DCS World Uninstall menu said DCS-51D. Fixed.
The training descriptions for the Su-25Т has been added.
Removed serial number edit boxes from master dialogs.
GUI updated.
Removed A-10C text from "About" text.
Video player fixed.
Russian pilot and ATC speech were absent. Fixed.
Surface impact check by using collision model, double speed of integration after jumping to aircraft is fixed.
Access to external lights from avionics LUA Device.
Ejected AI pilot resulting in critical damage is fixed.
MP player loss was counted 2 times if damaged is fixed.
SAM's priorities has been tuned for Tunguska missile fix (bug with fast moving targets.
Trigger "GroupDead" may break if Group name contains a dot ".".
Adjusted life of hardened objects.
Molniya search radar type has been changed to MULTYROLE.
Neustrshimyi gun dependence has been disabled and angle limits have been tuned.
Tomahawk missile target assignment fixed.
Tunguska ATGM typed missile launcher gets target priorities as SAM.
Patriot system failed to engage aircraft at very low altitude. Fixed.
Chaparral rotation fixed.
Buk launcher constant invisible rotation fixed.
AI ATGM accuracy being too low. Fixed.
AK-100 PIDs is fixed.
Ground units aiming delay calculation fixed.
Adjusted roads.
Fixed gyro power source initialization.
Options panel redesign.
No sound when refueling on the ground has been fixed.
If ammunition amount on the warehouse is zero, only one SPPU-22 pod can be loaded. Fixed.
C-130 and IL-76MD no longer deploy drag-chute on landing.
Updated version on splash screen.
Oliver Perry FFG damage corrected.
Increased building damage levels by 10x.
Changed default FOV of Su-25T view from 80 to 90 degrees.
Improved grass clutter.
Unlimited resources shown as '0' in resource manager.
ALT-J for aircraft, enters aircraft and switches engines off and raises gear when on the ground. Fixed.
RALT+J crash when switching from KA-50 to SU25T. Fixed.
Fix a bug in Lochini taxiway.
Su-25T: Min and Max range carets for weapon delivery missing from HUD. Fixed.
Snapview saving was broken. Fixed.
Su-25T: Ventilator bracket disappeared when canopy closed.
AI fire at point broken for waypoint actions and triggered actions has been resolved.
Wingmen radio message "Rolling" is given on engine start up. Fixed.
"Airborne" radio does not include aircraft number to Message. It also uses the flight leads VO for all messages. Fixed.
Su-25T: Keyboard commands for Active pause and ALT-B briefing were missing. Fixed.
Dynamic weather defaults to high pressure anti-cyclone pressure values, showing the low pressure cyclone option. Fixed.
Su-25T: Right Cockpit panel texture was from the Su-25 and not Su-25T. Fixed.
Crash when padlocking terrain from within cockpit, citing edterrain.dll. Fixed.
Added option for "Allied Flight Reports" in Gameplay options.
AI helicopters ignored client aircraft in multiplayer. Fixed.
"Unit Inside Moving Zone" trigger instantly gave true even if the set unit wasn't inside the zone. Fixed.
Refueling and rearming did not operate consistently. Fixed.
Activating groups after a client joins and using "Visible Before Start", caused massive warping in Multiplayer. Fixed.
Town substrate floated above terrain near Sukhumi. Fixed.
Vazlani airbase hanger LODs were broken. Fixed.
Su-25T: Damage model was missing some textures. Fixed.
Mission Planner allowed editing of enemy unit triggered actions - enemy could be set to destroy themselves. Fixed.
SA-11 BUK group expended missiles very wastefully on the same target. Tweaked.
If the player RALT-Jed into an Su-25T, the flight model was very exaggerated in performance - flew like time was set to x2. Fixed
AI would at times fly into the ground to avoid missiles. Fixed.
New hardened aircraft Shelter model by Luckybob9 added.
Converted Communications Tower M model for DCS added.
Burnt out train model fixed.
Su-25T RWR bug fixed.
Su-25T gear up/down sound distortion fixed.
SPPU-22 gunpods made no sound fixed.
Su-25T HUD missing compass tape fixed.
Posted By: Silver_Dragon

Re: What is DCS? - 07/17/12 05:23 PM




future T-90 (only AI) on next patch (if applicable)
Not sure if playable on Combined Arms
Posted By: firbal

Re: What is DCS? - 07/21/12 01:57 AM

Here is the problem I am having with all the instructions flying around.
I already own both A-10 and BS2? So,how do you update them without having to buy them again? I can not find the latest patchs that will upgrade them.
Posted By: Nate

Re: What is DCS? - 07/21/12 02:15 AM

You don't purchase anything.

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/in...uct&lang=en

and then

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/in...136&lang=en

and

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/in...136&lang=en

Nate
Posted By: firbal

Re: What is DCS? - 07/21/12 03:00 AM

Never mind. I found it. The patchs were under Modules, not Patches under Downloads.
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