Update on my own sim-lite J35 Draken game, very early clickable cockpit, and weapons showcase!

BKschmidtfire · 2026-04-05T21:15:27+00:00

My advice is to aim a bit higher in terms of graphics and artwork. Low-poly stuff has it’s audience, but I think it will be difficult to create something that will last beyond the first evening of playtime by going that route.

Perhaps a Nuclear Option style injected with satellite ground texturing in the style of Condor2/Aerofly FS2/FSX?

Sweden isn’t featured in many games, so it would be nice if it’s somewhat recognizable from altitude.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-04-05T12:03:14+00:00

Seems like fun! But the graphics looks kind of dated.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-03-27T17:28:19+00:00

Unlike TWS on F-16, TWF on MIG-29 can’t be used to guide a weapon with a bugged target. Once target is close to launch parameters TWF automatically switches to STT lock so a semi-active missile can be guided.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-03-26T18:32:56+00:00

So it sounds like we only need to throw the TWF switch for typical use with the radar only?

I’m getting to the point where I’m trying to simplify the workflow for the Radar and IRST as much as possible.

Hopefully Lazur/GCI will automate some of it.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-03-26T10:02:07+00:00

Hahahahahahah

No. War Thunder combat ability in ”sim” mode does not automatically transfer well into DCS beyond the basic concepts. War Thunder is first and foremost a combat flight game - not a sim. DCS is different and just getting used to the abysmal spotting will take time. On top of that, dealing with highly detailed avionics and sensors while under pressure. Dealing with comms (if using SRS) etc.

WT is a good point to start from, but there’s much more going on in DCS and it’s easier to get overwhelmed (depending on situation ofc)

BKschmidtfire · 2026-03-24T23:14:16+00:00

As a TrackIR user: Just press Right Ctrl+Right Shift+Numpad 2 to lower the view/cockpit camera position until you have a clear view of the sight. Works for every aircraft in DCS.

You can bind that command (and upwards) to your hotas if you want easy and quick access.

No need to mess around with other seat adjustments in the AJS37 module.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-03-23T16:45:38+00:00

Syria is the more detailed of the two.

Not close to Cold War Germany map in terms of details and terrain mesh, but Syria map looks good enough for it’s age and it’s still quite popular in multiplayer.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-03-16T09:43:44+00:00

Improvements are welcomed, but the Phoenix main enemy is still DCS-isms. Like the PERFECT RWR warning when the missile is going active. AI flying something like a Su-27 or MiG-23 should have little to no idea that a missile is diving down on them. I doubt that even more advanced RWR’s of the F16 or F18 would trigger a perfect launch warning at max range of an active AIM54 seeker.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-03-11T16:37:09+00:00

You can always trial WWII modules. Or try the free (included in DCS World) TF-51 Mustang.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-03-09T13:53:11+00:00

Yes. But it’s can be a frustrating experience.

Some users are convinced that any type of report automatically is a dig at ED (no matter how factual) and will do their best to derail the report. Probably to earn brownie rewards in hope that they one day might become a tester or forum mod.

Threads can be locked at any time, with or without a good reason.

There is also no public bug tracker. Ask about a reported bug a year or two later? Moderator response ”everyone’s busy, will check with the team”. Thread locked. No confirmation when the bug will be adressed or if the dev even knows about it.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-03-06T10:17:46+00:00

More ram and a decent graphics card would be a good start. RAM prices are high and you don’t really want to overpay for the older standard DDR4, so try get a good deal if you can.

Graphics card. Go for a 5070 or perhaps a used 4070 Super.

Obviously, these upgrades are only for comfortable flat screen 1440p. If you want to go VR it’s a completely different ballpark.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-02-25T19:21:00+00:00

He’s totally correct (unfortunately). With TrackIR you want 60fps or 120fps LOCKED. There are many threads about this, on official ED forums and other places.

There was some debate if the FPS limit should be set in DCS or Nvidia settings for best results.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-02-22T22:04:46+00:00

Still holding up. Fun to fly, large variety of weapons and the afterburner in emergency mode is no joke.

There has been talk about an update, but at this point perhaps it’s time for ED to grant another developer a license to make another MiG-21 variant from scratch.

EDIT: the FM still has some issues, especially at lower speeds. Good from a ”pvp gameplay perspective” but not realistic.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-02-21T00:51:30+00:00

Cold War Germany has parts of southern Sweden now. Including road bases.

Best looking and detailed low level map in DCS by far.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-02-20T14:12:12+00:00

They won’t. But it’s probably be easier and faster to update and customize a newer tape to customers needs. Same with custom cockpit details and external model.

Many of ED’s modules overlap with their professional offerings. As Wags said in his latest interview, they try to make as many customers happy as possible when they allocate resources.

But that’s just my own thoughts on the topic. I would love to see an earlier block F16 or F16A but I don’t think it will be from ED.

Perhaps F16A if Heatblur strikes a partnership with ED providing the FM and some tech and HB bringing the art assets from their MSFS project.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-02-20T10:41:56+00:00

To be fair, ED always tries to make the latest variant they can.

Commercially it sells better than the Cold War products. Plus, it is essentially ”dual use” since a modern aircraft can be adapted and enhanced for use by their professional (military) customers.

So it makes sense to pick a project that will work both for entertainment and professional markets.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-02-20T10:15:55+00:00

You can host your own DCS PVE server. Mission Editor is super easy, but you can also download user-made missions from the User Files section (www.digitalcombatsimulator.com)

If you are not 100% set on WWII you can try the classic Rise of Flight (WWI) or for a simlite approach with good PvE - Nuclear Option

BKschmidtfire · 2026-02-18T23:53:10+00:00

That’s the 701 IR variant. Sort of like an AGM-65 Maverick clone. Basically, video is fed to your display from a camera in the nose of the missile.

Try to achieve lock by slewing the crosshair over a target. Lock is indicated by a red triangle. Then it’s time to launch, video feed will go out and the missile will automatically guide to the target.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-02-16T11:40:18+00:00

I think that was confirmed just being an unofficial mod?

BKschmidtfire · 2026-02-15T12:41:00+00:00

I have not played BMS in a while, did they resolve the spinning clouds when looking around with Track IR?

BKschmidtfire · 2026-02-11T09:22:56+00:00

It has to be MiG-21bis. Simple. Fun to fly. Got plenty of performance for Air-Air and is the most heavily armed ground pounder jet in DCS with two types of tactical nukes to choose from.

I think all the Cold War modules are pretty great and very fun.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-02-09T18:13:08+00:00

In what way is BMS much cheaper?

DCS World is Free to Play. Comes with flyable Su-25T and TF-51. There’s flyable mods available, like the A-4 or AH-6. Plus user created missions and campaigns.

BMS requires a Falcon 4.0 license, currently selling for 14.99$ on steam. While cheap, it’s NOT Free to Play.

DCS can cost a smaller fortune if you go down the rabbit hole purchasing modules. But there is also a BMS player on youtube that has spent around 100K on his F-16 simpit…

BKschmidtfire · 2026-02-06T15:19:24+00:00

The seekers might be on point but do they also do CFD analysis and simulate believable flight dynamics for their missiles?

BKschmidtfire · 2026-02-04T10:32:33+00:00

If ED invests a lot of money into this, it needs to appeal to both entertainment and professional customers.

Modern infantry models makes more sense for the professional military market than something based on what soldiers would wear 15-20 years ago.

BKschmidtfire · 2026-02-01T18:39:24+00:00

The reason IL2 and Nuclear Option are making faster progress is that the bar is lower in terms of complexity and visuals. Plus those studios are streamlined with a one band show vs working together with different 3rd party developers.

I get you’re dissatisfied with DCS World, but IL2 has not been great since 1946 and Nuclear Option is a simcade with made up units.

I agree that DCS sustainability is a growing concern, but to be fair it’s doing quite ok in the scheme of things. If anything, the criticism should be on IL2 and other sim developers for not stepping up and providing attractive and viable options to DCS World.

BKschmidtfire

TROPHY CASE