Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends, 

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Matt Wagner, who left us on September 7th after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

I first met Matt back in 1995 when he joined SSI as a producer with the specific job of managing the blossoming relationship with our fledgling company. What began as a professional partnership grew into an enduring friendship that spanned three decades. Matt became a pillar of Eagle Dynamics as our Senior Producer in 2002. His passion and relentless dedication were fundamental to shaping DCS into what it is today, as he became the heart and voice of our team to the world.

Matt was loved and respected by everyone who had the privilege to work alongside him. His attention to detail and deep understanding of the subject matter endeared him not only to our team, but to the combat flight simulation community worldwide. All of you knew Matt, whether through his iconic videos, his tireless presence, or his genuine love for DCS. He touched all of us with grace and kindness.

During his illness, so many of you reached out with incredible generosity, raising funds to help support Matt in his battle for survival. Those funds went to vital use, bringing comfort and support to Matt and his family during their hardest days. On behalf of Matt’s wife, Kumiko, and all of us at Eagle Dynamics, we extend our profound and heartfelt gratitude to every person who contributed. Your kindness meant the world to him and to all of us.

We are devastated by his loss, yet amid the grief, we feel deeply privileged to have known him and to have shared in his journey by our side. Matt was a brave man; his legacy, his spirit, and his impact on our lives and our community will be remembered. 

I will miss his soft voice, our daily calls, and his joy for what he did.

Clear skies, my friend.
Nick

For mission and campaign builders: we have started updating DCS' older 3D static objects. They keep their original design, dimensions, and proportions, but now look more realistic, with seasonal textures and proper damaged states. Check out the progress below.

Coming in the next major update, DCS: Su-25T Operation Red Storm Campaign by Ugra Media drops you into Germany, 1984, as a Su-25T pilot in a fictional NATO–Warsaw Pact war across the Fulda Gap, over 18-story missions on the DCS: Cold War Germany map. Learn more below.

And in this week's community spotlight, we're featuring Hydra Squadron, a seasoned Latin American community with pilots from Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, and Uruguay, offering training schools and a professional flying environment. Check them out below.

Thank you for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely, 
Eagle Dynamics

We’re pleased to announce that work has begun on updating all of DCS’s classic 3D static objects. This is especially great news for mission and campaign creators, and we’re excited to share a first look at our progress.

Originally built for the Caucasus map and steeped in Soviet-era character, these objects are getting a visual overhaul while keeping their original spirit. You can rest assured that all existing placements in your missions will remain untouched, as the updated models preserve the same design, dimensions, and colour schemes. The real change is in the details: expect a noticeable boost in realism.

We’ve also added two practical upgrades. Each object now features both summer and winter textures, so your missions will look right at home whether you’re flying in July or January. Plus, every object now comes with a proper damaged and destroyed 3D model. No more mysterious craters; when a building takes a hit, you’ll see the results.

This is an ongoing effort, and more objects will follow. Stay tuned for further updates.

Germany, 1984. Tensions between NATO and the Warsaw Pact have reached a critical point, and what began as military confrontations and border incidents is rapidly escalating into open conflict across Central Europe.

Coming in the next major update, DCS: Su-25T Operation Red Storm Campaign is a story-driven campaign for the DCS: Cold War Germany map by Ugra Media, set during a fictional large-scale conflict in the Fulda Gap, one of the most strategically important regions of the Cold War era.

You take on the role of a Su-25T pilot with the 357th Separate Assault Aviation Regiment, stationed in East Germany. What starts with routine patrols and relocation flights gradually escalates into a full-scale campaign as the front line pushes deeper into West Germany. Over 18 missions totalling more than 10 hours, you will operate from multiple airfields across the theatre, supporting advancing ground forces, striking enemy infrastructure, suppressing air defences, and escorting operations in a constantly changing combat environment. Expect low-altitude strikes, emergency evacuations, and large-scale offensives in the Fulda and Frankfurt areas.

The campaign is built around a continuous combat environment in which each mission's outcome shapes what follows. A dynamically advancing front line, varied mission structure, and shifting battlefield are combined with detailed briefings, an authentic Cold War atmosphere, and a realistic pace of combat.

As a special bonus, the campaign includes two dynamic racing missions in the TF-51D. Set over Hamburg and Berlin, they offer a break from the intensity of the front and the thrill of high-speed flight over recognizable urban landscapes.

As the developers of the DCS: Cold War Germany map, Ugra Media built this campaign to make the most of the environment, geography, and operational potential of the theatre, from dense urban development to large-scale operations in the Fulda Corridor.

Key Features

• 18 story missions with a total duration of over 10 hours

• A large-scale fictional Cold War conflict inspired by real military doctrines and locations

• A variety of mission types: close air support, infrastructure strikes, air defence suppression, airfield attacks, and front line operations

• Dynamic front line changes throughout the campaign

• Operations from multiple East German airfields

• Detailed briefings

• A large number of voiced radio conversations and background radio traffic on the battlefield

• Operations by day, at night, and in challenging weather

• A Cold War-inspired mission atmosphere and structure

• Two bonus TF-51D racing missions over Hamburg and Berlin

Founded in 2020, Hydra Squadron has become one of the most seasoned Latin American communities in flight simulation. With pilots from Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, and Uruguay, they bring together enthusiasts who share a passion for flying, discipline, and teamwork.

One defining trait is that many members are active commercial pilots, trainees, or serve in real air forces, which naturally raises the standard of their operations. Authentic procedures, precise coordination, and missions designed with professional rigour are part of their daily routine.

Over the years, they have competed in events such as SATAC and SATAL, and they maintain a constant presence on servers like Contention Modern Warfare and Cold War, where they test their skills in dynamic, highly demanding environments.

For those looking to learn and refine their flying, Hydra Squadron runs specialized training schools for the DCS: F-16C, DCS: F/A-18C, and rotary-wing aircraft, where experienced instructors guide new pilots through their development. And because camaraderie is an essential part of their identity, they organize inter-squadron campaigns that strengthen bonds and keep the motivation to fly together alive.

If you're passionate about DCS, want a professional environment, and enjoy being part of a diverse and committed community, this squadron may become your new home. Head over to the Hydra Squadron Discord (https://discord.gg/2J4wbYedwX) to say hello.

With special thoughts and prayers for Matt and his family, thank you for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely, 
Eagle Dynamics

Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends, 

The Back to School Sale 2026[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com] is down to its final days, and there's still time to save 50% off all Eagle Dynamics-made products, with savings up to 50% from many of our third-party partners, before it wraps up on Steam and the E-Shop this week.

We're also sharing a development report from IndiaFoxtEcho Visual Simulations on the DCS: G.91R "Gina," walking through the flight model, engine, aircraft systems, weapons, and structural damage coming together as the small tactical jet takes shape.

And rounding out this week, we're taking a look at Vector Strike, a persistent dynamic campaign system built from the ground up on a native Rust engine, bringing large-scale territory control, logistics, and combined-arms operations to DCS servers.

Thank you for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely, 
Eagle Dynamics

Our Back to School Sale 2026[www.digitalcombatsimulator.com] is coming to a close soon: Steam wraps up on September 7th, and our E-Shop follows on September 9th, both ending at 15:00 GMT. If you have a module waiting in your wishlist, now is the perfect time to pick it up before the final bell. Enjoy 50% off all Eagle Dynamics modules, plus up to 50% savings on a wide range of third-party partner modules.

If you’re planning your DCS curriculum, we have some electives you won’t want to miss. Aspiring geographers can explore the frontiers of DCS: Afghanistan Map, DCS: Iraq Map, and more, mastering the art of navigation across challenging ridgelines, valleys, and airfields. For the history buffs, DCS: Normandy 2, June 1944, offers the chance to relive iconic moments in the cockpit of the DCS: P-51D Mustang orhttps://store.steampowered.com/app/411920/DCS_Spitfire_LF_Mk_IX/?snr=1_5_9__405, escorting bombers and strafing the beaches.

No matter which module you choose, there’s never been a better time to join the action. Don’t miss your chance to save!

Read this Development report by IndiaFoxtEcho Visual Simulations:Development of the DCS: G.91R has entered an exciting new phase. The project is no longer focused solely on individual features. The flight model, engine, cockpit systems, hydraulics, fuel system, weapons and damage simulation are working together as one aircraft.

IndiaFoxtEcho Visual Simulations’ goal remains clear: to recreate the distinctive personality of the G.91—a compact, responsive and remarkably versatile tactical jet that is easy to enjoy, but rewarding to truly master.

Flight ModelThe DCS: G.91R features a fully custom External Flight Model built around the aircraft’s individual aerodynamic surfaces. Wings, tail, fuselage, flaps, landing gear and airbrakes all contribute independently to the forces acting on the aircraft. This allows configuration changes, asymmetric loads and local damage to affect handling naturally.

The model includes progressive stall behaviour, wing drop, autorotation, spin tendencies, ground effect and transonic changes. Control effectiveness and aerodynamic damping evolve with speed and airflow, helping the aircraft feel light and agile without becoming artificial or predictable.

The result is a jet that communicates with the pilot. It rewards smooth flying, but it can also become demanding when pushed beyond its limits.

Orpheus Engine and JATOThe Bristol Siddeley Orpheus simulation has continued to mature. Engine response is influenced by altitude, airspeed, inlet conditions and pilot handling. RPM and Jet Pipe Temperature evolve progressively, while aggressive manoeuvres or poor inlet conditions can produce compressor disturbances, surges and flameouts. Abnormal operation is also transmitted through cockpit vibration, giving the pilot physical feedback before the instruments tell the whole story.

The G.91R/1B now includes a complete four-rocket JATO installation. The system has its own electrical controls, READY indication, ignition sequence, cockpit vibration and jettison logic. Each rocket contributes thrust from its actual location and orientation on the aircraft. Lighting four JATO rockets beneath a small tactical jet makes for one of the most dramatic experiences currently available in the module—and certainly one of the loudest.

Aircraft SystemsIndiaFoxtEcho Visual Simulations has also made major progress on the electrical, hydraulic, and fuel systems. Cockpit controls are connected to the systems they operate rather than acting as isolated animation triggers. Electrical buses, switches, relays and circuit protection determine whether equipment is genuinely available.

The hydraulic simulation now supports flight-control servos, landing gear, flaps, wheel brakes, emergency braking and accumulator-powered emergency functions. Loss of electrical power does not necessarily prevent a mechanical control from moving, but it may prevent the associated system from responding.

The fuel system now models the main tanks, pumps, transfer paths and supply logic, allowing fuel delivery to the engine to depend on the actual state and configuration of the system rather than on a simple global fuel quantity.

Normal and emergency operation are therefore becoming meaningful parts of flying the aircraft, rather than simple scripted events. Cockpit instrumentation has expanded alongside these systems, including engine, trim, flap, airbrake, hydraulic-pressure, fuel and flight-condition indications. Cold-and-dark and hot-start configurations also establish the aircraft's appropriate initial state.

Weapons with Period PersonalityWeapon development has concentrated heavily on the G.91R/1B, currently the most complete test platform. Its internal guns, bombs, podded rockets and externally mounted rockets follow their dedicated cockpit circuits, selectors and release sequences. Bombs can be released individually or together, while rocket firing supports single, automatic and grouped modes with correct left-right sequencing.

Ground firing is inhibited by the landing-gear microswitch, while selective, salvo and emergency jettison functions follow their own operating rules.

The Nord AS-20 adds an entirely different kind of challenge. This early manually guided missile requires the pilot to launch, visually track and steer the weapon all the way to the target. It is demanding, unconventional and extremely satisfying when everything comes together. The R/4 also retains its dedicated Sidewinder capability, while the PAN, R/1B, R/3 and R/4 continue to receive separate equipment and system configurations appropriate to each version.

Structural DamageThe structural damage model has progressed from preparation into active integration. Instead of relying only on generic damage thresholds, the aircraft tracks loads acting on important parts of the airframe. High-G manoeuvres, asymmetric stores, excessive speed with flaps extended and battle damage can progressively reduce structural integrity. Damage can therefore influence the aircraft before complete failure occurs. A damaged wing or control surface may change the way the aircraft flies, forcing the pilot to adapt and carefully bring the jet home.

What Comes NextThe next stage of development by IndiaFoxtEcho Visual Simulations will focus on the PHI navigation system and ADF, while further expanding the pressurization and oxygen systems. Development of the damage model will also continue, extending beyond the aircraft structure to progressively include the surrounding systems and their interactions.

The G.91 is becoming much more than a small vintage fighter. It is shaping into a lively, hands-on tactical aircraft with guns, rockets, manually guided missiles, emergency systems—and four JATO rockets waiting beneath the fuselage.

Looking for a persistent war where every sortie, strike, and rescue operation leaves a lasting mark? Check out Vector Strike, a dynamic 24/7 multiplayer campaign built to deliver hardcore tactical warfare without the server lag.

What Makes Vector Strike Unique?

• Engineered for Pure Performance: Forget the server stutters and lag spikes common in script-heavy campaigns. Unlike traditional servers that overload DCS with complex, CPU- and RAM-intensive Lua scripts, Vector Strike runs on a purpose-built external platform. By processing heavy campaign logic, AI tracking, and dynamic territory calculations off the main game thread, pilots enjoy silky-smooth frame rates, high tick rates, and uninterrupted flight even during massive multi-squadron battles.

• Networked IADS & Dynamic Air Defense Takeovers: SAM sites don't sit with search radars blaring. They share a live sensor picture across Early Warning networks, go dark to ambush intruders, drop emissions against incoming HARMs, and deploy short-range point defense to shoot down incoming ordnance.

• Capture & Repurpose: SAM sites are capturable tactical objectives. Soften an enemy site and insert ground troops via helicopter to secure it. The "Tech" troops then repurpose that SAM site to work for the aggressor. For example: If REDFOR captures a BLUEFOR Patriot battery, that exact battery instantly re-arms, links to Red’s EWR network, and starts locking and engaging Blue jets to lock down the airspace for the advancing frontline.

• Combat Search & Rescue (CSAR) with True Impact: Ejecting spawns a live pilot unit at your crash site. Rotary-wing crews can coordinate via the in-game CSAR menu, pop smoke, extract survivors under fire, and deliver them back to friendly airfields or FARPs to restore vital role-based pilot lives.

• Living Logistics & Frontline Conquest: Objectives only fall when ground forces move in. Interdict automated supply convoys, level enemy industrial complexes, sling-load supplies to forward FARPs, and air-assault infantry squads directly into contested zones to capture and hold territory.

• Cockpit-Integrated JTAC & Real-Time EWR: Coordinate seamlessly from the cockpit using intuitive F10 radio menus and chat commands to request laser designation, IR illumination, 9-line CAS coordinates, and artillery fire-for-effect.

Live Interactive Ops Dashboard: Plan your next sortie using the real-time web dashboard at https://vectorstrike.org, complete with live NATO tactical symbology, active threat rings, kill feeds, and detailed pilot leaderboards.

How to Join the Fight:Launch DCS World and search for "\[VS] Vector Strike | Dynamic Campaign PVP Modern" in the multiplayer server browser.

Join the Discord community at https://discord.gg/XyGkb3WAXS for tactical briefings and coalition comms.

Choose your coalition, grab a slot, and push the frontline!

Thank you again for your passion and support.

Yours sincerely,
Eagle Dynamics