C-130 Hercules for DCS World Released in Early Access Alongside New Update

Today, Eagle Dynamics and Airplane Simulation Company released the early access version of the C-130J Hercules for DCS World alongside a new update for the simulator itself.

The aircraft is a payware module and can be purchased on Eagle Dynamics’ own store or Steam. As usual, you should be careful to get the version corresponding to your copy of DCS World, because they’re not compatible.

The price is $63.99 while the Hercules is in early access, but it’ll go up to $79.99 upon full release, whenever that may be.

The launch of the Hercules opens up some interesting options for DCS world, with promised gameplay based on logistics and resupplying.

Here’s an official list of features that you can expect right now.

• Authentic Cargo Operations: Perform realistic cargo loading, management, and aerial delivery procedures. Conduct precision air-drops and logistical support missions showcasing the aircraft’s capabilities.
• MOAB: Yes. Make some noise !
• Interactive, Voiced Checklist System: Fully-voiced, interactive checklists guide you through every stage of flight operations that enhance immersion and procedural accuracy.
• First-Person Loadmaster Experience: Explore your aircraft in a novel, first-person mode that allows you to walk freely inside the cargo bay and around the exterior whilst interacting with aircraft systems and cargo. A first for DCS.
• Fully Interactive Cockpit: The detailed cockpit is fully interactive and features modern digital avionics, HUD, and accurate instrumentation. Each switch and gauge operates exactly as it would in the real aircraft.
• Realistic Flight Dynamics: The aircraft is modeled to closely replicate real-world performance. Conduct low-level tactical missions, precision cargo drops, and strategic airlift operations with realistic handling.
• Detailed Systems Simulation: Essential C-130J systems including the AE 2100D3 turboprop engines, advanced avionics, cargo management and defensive countermeasures are accurately simulated with realistic damage modeling.
• Multi-Crew Multiplayer: Collaborate with fellow crew in real-time multiplayer sessions. Share cockpit responsibilities, navigation tasks, and systems management seamlessly as a team.
• Dynamic Missions: Fly diverse mission profiles such as tactical deployments, covert special operations, or humanitarian aid flights; all of which highlight the operational versatility of the Super Hercules.
• Outstanding Visual Detail: Experience detailed modeling of aircraft interiors and exteriors, realistic textures, dynamic lighting, and immersive cockpit design.
• Comprehensive Documentation and Training: Detailed manuals, interactive training missions, and checklists ensure a thorough understanding of the aircraft that is suitable for both newcomers and experienced aviators.

To celebrate the release, Eagle Dynamics also launched a trailer, which you can enjoy below, showing the Hercules in action.

You can also read the full patch notes for update 2.9.22.17790 directly from Eagle Dynamics.

DCS: C-130J by Airplane Simulation Company

Known issues:

• FARP crates will not spawn FARP if unloaded on ground. Airdrop unload only (Hotfix coming).
• MOAB and Crates visually glitch sometimes when leaving cargo bay in multiplayer (Hotfix coming).
• Vehicles that have been loaded into cargo, then unloaded can not be reloaded into cargo.
• In game manual does not resize correctly in VR. 
• Sound for AI C-130J aircraft can in rare situations not be heard 

DCS Core

AI (Ground, Air, Sea)

• Gun sound for the La Combattante IIa – fixed
• Crash during embarking to helicopters in some cases – fixed
• Maneuvering Instantly after weapon release in all cases has been tuned so AI won’t be doing that all the time now
• Helicopters do not perform vertical takeoff / landing even with the respective landing option turned on – fixed
• Caucasus. Senaki Airfield. Airplanes couldn’t park in parking space 33 – fixed
• AI wingman having erratic behavior if ordered to attack by himself – fixed
• When the follow command is set, the AI slows down to stall speed, for no obvious reason – fixed
• Ai aircraft ignore taxiways and go over water after landing to reach the parking on Kola map in certain cases – fixed

Weapons

• Implemented scaling of damage dealt to concrete structures depending on penetration depth. Detonations without penetration, as well as over-penetrating ones, will deal reduced damage.
• Reduced blast wave damage falloff intensity for map objects.
• Kh-41 anti ship missile. Exhaust trail position fixed.
• R-27 AA missile. Fixed issue when chaff RCS look excessive from missile point of view.  Fixed bug in target tracking filter that might cause missile miss even against moderately maneuvering target.
• BLU-109 warhead. Adjusted parameters.
• RIM-7 Sea Sparrow SAM. Old 3D model of missile replaced by new one with wing unfolding animation
• R-17 SCUD ballistic missile. Exhaust trail settings updated. Autopilot updated.

User Interface

• If coalition change lock is activated on a dedicated server there is no warning message when user changing coalitions – fixed.
• Added tooltip for coalition change block option icon in multiplayer server list screen

Mission Editor

• GUI error when trying to add task for static in some cases – fixed
• Occasional GUI freezes upon entering loadout editor – fixed
• GUI Error in TriggerZoneData.lua when trying to open a track in ME in some cases – fixed
• Cross ‘X’ in the warning window “Insufficient depth for the ship” works like Yes (changes are applied) – fixed
• Added search bar to the Triggers menu text fields with the ability to search by typing in item name
• Added monospaced font to script editing text fields
• Trigger “Cargo Unhooked in zone” changed to “Cargo in zone”, added additional conditions for checking coalitions. This trigger will work for cargo unloaded in this zone as well. 

Features

• Introduced cargo air drop with parachute feature
• Introduced vehicles transport as cargo and air drop with parachute feature
• Introduced FARP spawn from cargo feature (can be assigned as cargo advanced action, looking for your feedback for more FARP presets)
• Dynamic cargo items now add each item weight into the resulting cargo (note: there is still minimum cargo asset weight at start and minimum weight is dictated by it, although if you put in amount of items that are more than this minimum weight it will then reflect weight overall weight of the items instead of minimal weight of cargo “crate” itself).

Avionics

• Cockpit ADF logic changed to less frequent calculations to improve performance

Scripting

• Added function trigger.action.userEvent(…); Description: Singletons
• Added function world.setPersistencePassthrough( array_of_strings ); Description: Singletons

DTC

• MiG-29: Added Radio and ADF tabs.
• F-16 and F/A-18: With the new RWR DTC addition, when loading a DTC midflight or spawning in with the DTC preloaded will cause some threats to turn into unknown threats even when loading the default/no ME created DTCs.

DCS: MiG-29A Fulcrum by Eagle Dynamics

• General:
  • The option to select the language for the HUD/HDD and avionics has been fixed and improved.(Moved to a special tab).
  • TDC Speed when using keys very slow – slider added to special option tab.
  • Fixed: Engines sounds are not identical.
  • Fixed: Heating of the Pitot sensor.
  • Fixed: Power manipulations can break HUD symbology.
  • Fixed: The AEKRAN warning “No Boost” is misrepresented as “No Bust” in the simulation.
  • Fixed: Stepwise change of pitch angle at the ADI at low angular rotation speed.
  • Fixed: “Stow the boarding ladder” not working by the radio option.
  • Fixed: Snap views are not properly configured.
  • Added in Encyclopedia.
• FCR:
  • Improvement of antenna behavior during target acquisition and tracking (tracking became more stable).
  • Improved radar behavior in COOP mode.
• IRST:
  • Fixed: Track after going beyond the limits.
  • Improved  Scan mode for track in CC mode.
  • Improved Acquisition command to radar for CC, OPT and HELMET in COOP mode.
  • Improved  Acquisition command  when primary sensor  loses target in COOP mode.
  • Fixed:  When the grid is turned on, a freeze occurs.
• Weapons:
  • Fixed: AIR Start A2A missile Gyros not spooled up.
  • Fixed: bombs direction ring in Invis zone regime.
  • Fixed: Eliminate tremble of the Missile Trigger
• Navigation and Radio
  • Fixed: Course pointer (HSI)  and Steering circle (HUD/HDD) oscillations in RETURN mode.
  • Fixed: NS430 placement point is displayed in cockpit, when NS430 is disabled in special options.
  • Fixed: Wingman can’t obey order “Attack my target” and “Attack my enemy”.
  • Added radio commands F4 Radar, F6 Smoke, F7 Cover me, F8 Jettison weapon.

DCS: F-16C Viper by Eagle Dynamics

• Fixed: External tanks can be refueled when removed.
• Fixed: New F-14A-135-GR (Early) missing NCTR.
• Fixed: FCR GM mode designating ground point will “lock” on SAM in same azimuth.

DCS: F/A-18C Hornet by Eagle Dynamics

• Fixed: CBU-99 incorrect HT 500ft altitude value with FMU-140 fuze.
• Fixed: JDAM ripples too many (If the pickle button, and if held any longer than the time it takes to pickle 4, the sequence continues with the next 4 bombs on the SAME PP1 targets.
• Fixed: New F-14A-135-GR (Early) missing NCTR.
• IA missions, bomb fuze options added: SEAD IA mission (Marianas), AG Weapons Practice (Sinai), Desert Convoys (Persian Gulf)
• F/A-18C: Kola: Air-to-Air IA mission – correction of the position of a static S-3 aircraft

DCS: AH-64D by Eagle Dynamics

• Added FCR Terrain Profile Mode (TPM) Phase 1 – FCR page terrain profile shading only
  • Phase 2 will focus on C-Scope lines and obstacle symbols
• Fixed: George AI Pilot altitude reference switching error when slow and heavy.

DCS: CH-47F by Eagle Dynamics

• Added. CDU Brightness volume from keys and MODE SEL switch
• Added. Altitude Hold DAFCS Native mode
• Added. Three options for work with the Thrust control lever. Available at OPTIONS > SPECIAL > CH-47F >TCL BRAKE MODE
• Added. Hardware (joystick) axis position indication on thrust lever line in the Control screen
  • Please find full information how to use the TCL with magnetic brake release button on our forum: DCS: CH-47F Mini updates – DCS: CH-47F – ED Forums
• Added. Flight plan. Patterns and Procedures

DCS: Mi-8MTV by Eagle Dynamics

• Civilian liveries problem of overlapping board numbers – fixed

DCS: FW-190A-8 by Eagle Dynamics

• Fixed. Cockpit glass materials on the canopy and devices 

DCS: F-4E Phantom II by Heatblur Simulations

• RWR: Fixed and improved ALR-46 signal detection threshold
• RWR: Improved ALR-46 handoff (diamond) logic
• RWR: Fixed ALR-46 CTD with no contacts
• RWR: Added A-6 to the database
• Wear and Damage:
  • Adjusted wear-induced failure frequency (less frequent)
  • At repair (spawn or manual), if aircraft quality is >50%, worn components are replaced; they are less likely to fail in flight. >85% quality receives new replacement components with no initial wear
• Persistent Aircraft:
  • NEW: Added “Reload Aircraft” keybind to load the persistent aircraft after changing livery and/or tail number in-game via the Rearm menu
  • Fixed fuel tank and fuel mass initialization
  • Fixed persistent aircraft not saving in multiplayer after releasing the slot
  • Fixed saving to the correct livery and tail number after they were changed in-game
  • Renamed Mission Editor spawn option from “Random” to “Default”
• Fixed a rare CTD when spawning a low-quality aircraft
• Fixed a rare CEF crash when exiting the aircraft
• Fixed a rare Jester crash when he’s analysing targets priority
• Model: Fixed missing VOR light mesh
• Model: Updated external model/LODs: added individual args for Greek AUP
• Systems: ANTI-SKID INOPERATIVE light no longer triggers Master Caution
• Systems: Improved drag chute behavior during rollout
• Systems: Fixed fuel issue in neg-G and active-pause, and feed-tank-switch
• JESTER: Fixed “airspeed coming alive” call occurring too early at takeoff
• JESTER: Fixed delay and smaller issues with copying pilot canopy
• Weapons: Added MK-84AIR, SAMP-250 LD/HD, CBU-52, BL-755, BLU-107, BDU-45 to the Bombing Calculator
• Weapons: Added Dive Angle to TGT FIND in the Bombing Table (RCTRL+B)
• Weapons: Added fuze-options to BL-755 cluster bomb (thanks near_blind)
• Missions: New: Added several instant action missions for the Cold War map
• Missions: New: Added BFM instant action mission for the Cold War map by Sedlo
• Missions: NEW: Added proxy command 20054 for Jester AUX channel tuning (value 0.XX, where XX is the two-digit channel number; similar to the COMM channel command)
• Failures: Added left/right Flap Actuator Failure
• Inputs: Added keybind for “Jester Next Turnpoint”

DCS: F-14 Tomcat by Heatblur Simulations

• ALR-45/50: Adjusted strobe length formula
• ALR-45/50: Fixed reversed RIO volume knobs animations
• ALR-45/50: Fixed correlation being too precise
• ALR-45/50: Made MA/ML detection independent of band switches
• ALR-45/50: Updated database
• ALR-45/50: Added SA-11 track radar to database
• ALR-45/50: Fixed RIO lamps
• ALR-45/50: Fixed SA-6 lamp (RIO cockpit)
• ALR-45/50: Added SA-8 recognition
• ALR-45/50: Adjusted SAM strobe blinking frequency
• ALR-45/50 and AN/ALQ-100/12: Fixed and improved signal detection threshold
• AN/ALQ-100/126: Fixed audio logic for unknown radars
• ALR-45/50: Adjusted strobe length calculation for low power signals
• Added A-6 to ALR-67 library
• Made the TID magnetic info for Early A same as for Late A and B
• Added tanker comms keybinds for ARC-182 (fixes radio pre-contact)
• Fixed AI keeping wings swept on catapult (thank you, ED!)
• Fixed uncontrolled AI sweeping out wings when switching to controlled (thank you, ED!)
• Fixed uncontrolled AI spawning with wings over-over swept (remains issue with early-A)
• Added flaps and slats failures
• Updated chinese localisation
• Missions: New: Added several instant action missions for the Cold War map

DCS: AJS37 Viggen by Heatblur Simulations

• New: Added several instant action missions for the Cold War map
• Apparat 27: Added A-6 and early F-14 to database
• Avionics: Commanded course ind. and “distance indicator” show data for LB in “phase 1”
• Avionics: Switch from “phase 1” to “phase 2” now occur when actually flying over LB
• Audio: Appropriate audio is now output to “headphones”
• Fix for indicated course being flipped 180 deg.
• Updated manual

DCS Mirage F1 by Aerges

• The heading system issue appearing above 26000ft approx.doesn’t reproduce anymore.
• “Show/Hide Flight Stick” input command now correctly works in the F1BE rear seat.
• “Show/Hide Flight Stick” clickspot now correctly updates position when the stick is moved.
• Fixed TACAN REC mode not working in F1EE.
• The ALR-300 indicator on the ‘HUD only’ view was moved to the upper right corner.
• Minor: fixed typo in inputs (TAXY –> TAXI).

DCS: F4U-1D Corsair by Magnitude 3

• Stall exit improvements.
• Fixed propeller stream effects on vertical tail (improved taxi with side wind).
• Force feedback trim pitch fix.
• Tail wheel swing – WIP (urgent).
• Corrected fuel tanks drag.
• Japanese ground units, 25mm AA gun, corrected max distance (7500m -> 6000m).

DCS: Cold War Germany by Ugra Media

• Added 19 new airfields
• Added 8 Highway Strip
• Added 6 large cities
• Added 25 unique objects
• Changed RSBN and PRMG beacons
• Fixed taxiways at airfields
• Added parking lots for large aircrafts:
  • Gatow.
  • Tempelhof.
• Leipzig Halle Airport has been renamed Schkeuditz.
• At Hahn Airbase, the hangar door has been removed from the taxiway.
• The heading system at the Pferdsfeld airfield has been removed.
• The trees at the Herrenteich airfield runway have been removed.
• The size of hangars in Laage has been increased.
• Fixed visible joints of the earth textures.
• The position of the icons of SAM, radars and hospitals has been changed for more convenient use.
• The color of the fields on the GUI map has been changed.

Campaigns

DCS: F/A-18C Operation Mountain Breeze Campaign by Sandman Simulations

• Mission 2: Fixed LION 1-2 and 1-3 mission AIM-9X
• Mission 5: Fixed Russian helo crashing and Syrian infantry killed too soon. Safeguard added to ensure mission progress if flight lead fails to engage ground troops
• Mission 6: Fixed Syrian ships shooting each other once again

DCS: AH-64D The Four Horsemen Campaign by Fight´s On Simulations

• Mission 10: Fixed CH-47 not taking off and pushing to the hold

DCS: P-51D Debden Eagles Campaign by Reflected Simulations

• Skin updates
• In-game briefing visuals updated

DCS: P-47D Wolfpack Campaign by Reflected Simulations

• Skin updates
• In-game briefing visuals updated

DCS: P-47D Wolfpack II Overlord Campaign by Reflected Simulations

• Mission 5: Luftwaffe takeoff direction adjusted
• In-game briefing visuals updated

DCS: F-14A Zone 5 Campaign by Reflected Simulations

• Updated with the F-14A 135GR Early
• Wingman will take spread before g warm

DCS: F-14A Fear the Bones Campaign by Reflected Simulations

• Updated with the F-14A 135GR Early

DCS: F-4E MIG Killers Campaign by Reflected Simulations

• Airframe persistence added
• Mission 1 and 5: AI switched to level bombing for reliability

DCS: F-4E Red Flag 81-2 by Reflected Simulations

• Airframe persistence added

DCS: F/A-18C & DCS: F-14 Iron Tide Campaign by Sandman Simulations

• All missions: Minor changes to ground war calculation considering the effect of the air superiority situation.

DCS: A-10C II Outpost Campaign by Stone Sky

• Mission 12: Fixed a bug where the AH-64 would not take off from Al-Tanf.
• All missions. Change in radio communication function

DCS: FA-18C Aggressors BFM Campaign by Maple Flag Missions

• Missions FA-18C – BFM01 to BFM12 – Corrected flare spamming (on aircraft that had ME flare controls).  Adjusted wingman position to avoid collisions on landing.  Updated F-5, F-14 and F-16 models to latest version.

DCS: F/A-18C Inherent Resolve Campaign by Looking Glass

• All Missions. Datalink for all missions has been added and updated. Music STOP feature was not working, fixed.
• Mission1 – Some orders and follows are fixed. Incorrect audio triggers fixed (AAA warnings). Hard Mode improved. Recoveries fixed – wingman landing. Several minor issues were resolved.
• Mission 5 – barrel Bombs. RED Helos not taking off after DCS update – fixed.
• Mission 6 – vbieds. Echelon TACAN fixed in game. Updated (h3 tower frequency) Kneeboard. Updated mission PDF.
• Mission 7 – The Oil Business. Updated (h3 tower frequency) Kneeboard. Updated mission PDF.
• Mission 8 – Wingmans hummer bumps into a player on the runway. Wingman parking slot replaced due to bug.
• Mission 9 – Oil 3 convoys. Changed BDAS as CAS BDAS were calling player hits. CAS (Hammer44 & Warlord79) going to tanker instead of CAS – fixed. Manpads activate in Hard mode.

DCS: F/A-18C Operation Green Line by Badger633

• Mission 12: Bomber group flying into sea after launch fixed.
• Mission 4: AI Wing going AWOL, fixed.

DCS: F/A-18C Rise of the Persian Lion by Badger633 

• Mission 6: Remove vehicles from runway area.

DCS: F-4E Northern Defenders ‘Phantoms Rising’ Campaign by Flying Cyking

• All Missions
• Further polishing, including correction of subtitle misspellings and removal of remaining debug messages.
• Mission 05 – “Convoy Hunt”
• Added additional Jester voice-overs highlighting potential threats and suggested engagement tactics.
• Mission 10 – “Finland CAS”
• Added additional Jester voice-overs highlighting potential threats and suggested engagement tactics.

DCS: F/A-18C: Raven One Dominant Fury Campaign by Baltic Dragon

• Mission 1: fixed issue with Cajun not disconnecting from the tanker; fixed spelling error in one of the prompts. 
• Mission 2: updated frequency change prompts so you won’t miss some comms with the tower in the first part of the mission. 
• Mission 7: added information for player to wait for others to take off in order to avoid problems on deck; fixed missing pop-up giving opportunity for the player to engage enemy helicopter; fixed issue with Ravens not dropping bombs and doing crazy things in attack runs; updated pattern so they should be separated a little when running in; fixed issue with Nicky not landing on the boat but going back over the range; fixed wrong in and out calls when bombing. 
• Mission 10: fixed problem with F-14 blocking the deck during takeoff; fixed problem with mission not registering player’s landing. 
• Mission 11: fixed problem with script error message 
• Mission 12: fixed problem with the mission not registering comms change to STRIKE; fixed missing audio with Knight when player chooses AAR during RTB. 
• Mission 15 (short version): fixed problem with script error message at the beginning.

DCS: F/A-18C: Raven One Campaign by Baltic Dragon

• Mission 1: Updated mission and the briefing so that player can use weapon release button or Space Bar to fire simulated sidewinders on Saint; 
• Mission 2: Blade will RTB on player’s right wing and should kiss off normally for landing.

If you’re unfamiliar with DCS World, it’s a free-to-play flight simulator focusing on military aviation from World War 2 to the present day. It’s available exclusively for PC.

While the sim is free-to-play, it pretty much requires paid modules like the Hercules to be fully enjoyed, including aircraft, campaigns, and maps. That being said, Eagle Dynamics has a robust free trial program for said modules.

Recently, the MiG-29A Fulcrum has also been released in early access, while a new map for the Balkans has been announced.

If you’d like to read more flight simulation news, you can find plenty in our latest roundup article from yesterday.

If you want to go further back, we have a handy overview video of the major flight simulation news in the past week. You can watch it below. As usual, leaving a like and a comment and subscribing to our growing YouTube channel is extremely helpful.