Today, Eagle Dynamics released the early access version of the MiG-29A Fulcrum, unleashing a new red fighter into the combat flight simulator DCS World.
While I say “red,” that’s likely a big reductive, considering that the MiG-29 has been in use in many countries, including NATO and its allies, so it’s really flyable on both sides.
It’s available on the developer’s store and on Steam, but you should keep in mind that the two versions aren’t compatible DLC-wise, so you should buy it on the store corresponding to the version of DCS World that you use.
The price is $63.99, but will change to $79.99 when the aircraft fully launches at the end of the early access period.
To celebrate, Eagle Dynamics also launched a trailer, which you can watch below.
If you want to see more, you can enjoy an overview of the cockpit, another video showing the startup from cold and dark and the take-off procedure, and one showing navigation and landing.
Here are the features you can expect.
- Fully interactive and highly detailed cockpit based on 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry.
- Highly detailed and accurately reproduced external model.
- Highly detailed pilot model with HMS.
- In-depth modelling of aircraft systems and equipment.
- Navigation System modes: POINT-TO-POINT mode for flying along a given route and flying to a programmed point; RETURN mode for performing a return to one of the three programmed airfields; LANDING mode for landing at both programmed and non-programmed airfields; and TRAFFIC RE-ENTRY mode for performing a re-approach to a programmed airfield in case of go around.
- Detailed model of the Gyro Systems with Fast and Long Alignment modes and onboard navigation equipment.
- The ability to program three airfields, three RSBN radio navigation beacons, and three navigation points during the mission creation phase and while flying the mission.
- Realistic modelling of the SPO-15LM “Beryoza” radar warning receiver and flare dispenser system.
- Fire Control Radar (FCR) with search and tracking modes for air targets that includes HEAD ON, PURSUIT, AUTOMAT, TWF and CLOSE COMBAT modes.
- Infrared Search and Track (IRST) and Laser Range Finder (LRF) with modes for air targets: INFRARED (IR), CLOSE COMBAT, HELMET, OPTICAL (OPT) and Boresight. LRF can be used to measure target range with automatic IRST tracking. LRF can also be used to measure slant range for ground attacks.
- Ground attack modes that include Pre-Designate OPT for use with moving targets and in windy conditions; Non-Pre designate OPT for use with stationary targets and in calm conditions; and TOSS when bombing is conducted with a 110-130 degree pitch angle.
- In order to expand the combat capabilities for a covert attack on an aerial target and counter electronic countermeasures, the interaction of the FCR and IRSTS/LRF has been modelled.
- The Kinematic Range Determination Method (KRDM) has been modelled for FCR and IRSTS/LRF. In the absence of target range data, this method provides precise range measurement.
- Basic Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) modelling.
- Early Access Guide.
- Interactive Training missions.
- Full Russian cockpit and localisation of avionics, cockpit and technical inscriptions in English.
More features will come with the final release version.
- Ground Control Intercept (GCI) command system.
- Full IFF modelling.
- Full Flight Manual.
- Campaign by Eagle Dynamics.
- Increased number of missions and liveries.
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 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 C-130J Hercules was also available for pre-order. On top of that, we heard about the Pacific Theatre of Operations 1944 Assets Pack.
The developer also provided a look at more content coming this year and beyond, including an F-15C Eagle and an F-35 Lightning II.
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.
