Announcement

4 Oct
DCS: F-16C Viper is available now in the Early Access stage!

Why the F-16C

The Viper was the next logical extension to the F/A-18C Hornet. They both have a similar multi-role mission and share many of the same underlying technologies and systems. As such, we can be much more efficient by leveraging core technologies and features for both aircraft. The Viper is also cool aircraft that has been produced in massive numbers, with an equal number of fans around the world. It was a no-brainer. 

Release Trailer


Development Start

Every aircraft starts from the engine and flight model and follows by 3D modelling and development of all the systems. We started to develop the heart of the Viper in October 2018 creating the needed design documents and collecting as much information available to us. The main production phase started in April 2019 with many placeholder objects up to what you see now this will continue until the module is considered feature completed and can be moved from Early Access to release.

Development Speed

We have never developed a product so fast. Not only is this a testament to our amazing development team, but it also showed the value of creating core technologies that can be applied to multiple aircraft. The development of projects that are similar in tech will always help the speed of creating new tech. You can even see this in our WWII aircraft with similar engine types, and new tech for those.

Current Early Access Features

As development starts, a plan is put into place on what the key features will be required to make an enjoyable product in an Early Access environment. Much thought is always put into what will allow the most gameplay with features still to come. Even development of the Hornet, and what was most popular as it developed, as an example, the targeting pod. Of course, this is all based on how the systems tie together in development, and sometimes that can push much-requested features further out, you can see this with IFF as an example.

  • F-110-GE-129 turbofan engine

  • AN/APG-68(V)5 multi-mode radar

  • AN/ALR-56M Radar Warning Receiver

  • CCIP (Common Configuration Implementation Program) update

  • ALE-47 countermeasure system

  • Color Multifunction Display (CMFD) symbology, Horizontal Situation Display (HSD) format, and Head-up Display (HUD) symbology

  • Digitally TACAN and Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator (EHSI)

  • RWS, SAM, and ACM A/A radar modes

  • RWS, SAM, and STT air-to-air radar modes

  • BDU-33, GBU-10, GBU-12, Mk-82LDGP, Mk-82AIR, Mk-82SE, Mk-84LDGP, CBU-87 CEM, and CBU-97 SFW unguided bombs

  • 2.75” rockets

  • Helmet Mounted Cueing System (HMCS)

  • AIM-9L/M/P/X Sidewinder

  • AIM-120B/C AMRAAM

  • M61A1 20mm cannon

  • Litening targeting pod

New developments for the Viper

  • TWS and other A/A radar modes

  • Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS)

  • Link 16 Data Link

  • Identify Friend or Foe (IFF)

  • A/G radar modes

  • AGM-65D/G/H/K Maverick

  • AGM-88C HARM

  • AN/ASQ-213 HARM Targeting System (HTS)

  • GBU-24A/B laser-guided bombs

  • BRU-57/A Smart Rack

  • CBU-103 CEM and CBU-105 SFW Inertially Aided Munitions (IAM)

  • GBU-31/A and GBU-38/B JDAM

  • AGM-154A and AGM-154B JSOW

  • Integration of the JHMCS with the HARM Targeting System (HTS), Link 16, and AIFF

  • Night Vision Goggles (NVG)

  • ALE-50 towed decoy

What to wait for next?

  • IFF

  • TWS

  • Programs for CMDS

  • Autopilot (HDG SEL and STRG SEL modes)

  • INS setup and DED page

  • FM/FLCS/engine tuning

  • AA and AG mode missing indication

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