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MiG-29A Fulcrum
Development Progress
The primary MiG-29A development efforts are focused on the design of the external model and cockpit, avionics, and general aircraft systems.
The DCS: MiG-29A is our first cockpit based on photogrammetry. The cockpit reference aircraft is located in Aircraft Museum Kosice, and we greatly appreciate their generous assistance. The textures and geometry of the new cockpit have been reworked from scratch, using new technologies that include high-polygon models for baking-in normal maps. This new technique gives us many opportunities, whilst also presenting challenges.
We generated a huge number of photos and videos of the aircraft, and we completely reworked the external model as well. Based on reference photos, videos, and diagrams, we were able to include an exceptional level of detail for items like rivets, screws, and panel joints. The new normal map shows the structure of the aircraft skin materials, and the texture resolution was increased 400%.
A lot of work is being done on avionics, including the Optical Laser System (OLS), which is an important component of the MiG-29. Its main elements are the InfraRed Search and Track (IRST) system and a laser range finder. Most of the air-to-air targeting modes are nearly complete.
The gun sight of a 4th generation fighter is never a simple task, but during the development of the MiG-29 we have developed a complex simulation of both the tracked-target mode and the non-tracked, “funnel” mode. The gun sights have been significantly redesigned for a much more accurate simulation. A new mode has been added for engaging visually invisible aerial targets with the gun.
Weapon employment modes when engaging ground targets with rockets and guns at fixed and moving targets in the presence of wind are in active development. We still have to develop the basic bombing modes.
We have recreated the Fire Control Radar (FCR) architecture and the main modes.
After primary work on the OLS and FCR is complete, we will model the interaction between the OLS and the FCR.
The SPO-15LM radar warning receiver, also known as Product L006LM, has been completely rewritten for DCS: MiG-29A Fulcrum. The new SPO-15 uses the same physics-based approach as the SPO-10, but with greater attention being paid to its second iteration of directivity patterns for transmitting and receiving antennas. The latter being of particularly high importance to Soviet RWR designs due to the independent processing of an output from each azimuth sector antenna. Additionally, the database has been expanded, with each radar having a unique signature in terms of signal properties and with the properties themselves covering additional details.
Thanks to these improvements, the new SPO-15 can be modelled to closely emulate the algorithms used in the real system, and it simulates many of its real-life quirks and limitations. Pilots will find themselves having to pay attention to these limitations to utilize its full potential. These include, but are not limited to, non-linear range indications that will properly display the signal power, blinding by high power radars, and many cases of incorrect threat type determination due to limited resolution with which the signal parameters are measured. The depth and accuracy of the simulations will make it possible to say that the new implementation of SPO-15 in DCS will be the most realistic and detailed in the world of PC simulators.
A Mission Editor data programming panel is being developed for the navigation system. This will allow you to program the flight before the start of the mission and use this program in flight during the simulation. We are developing the MiG-29A INS and its interaction with the navigation system. Special attention is being made to the modes of ground INS alignment and its accuracy in flight. This will be affected by the mode of the alignment and the presence or absence of radio correction from the programmed beacon.
Work remains on the Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) system, but we'll release the core functionality of IFF at early access launch, and then continue to work on more advanced IFF features.
Aircraft systems are being added and refined to a deep level of functionality. This includes a new hydraulic system, procedures and physics of starting and shutting down engines, expansion and reconfiguration of automatic control systems, new modes are being introduced, and transients are being improved.
Merry Christmas
Happy holidays!
In the spirit of the upcoming Christmas holiday, we wish you calm winds, clear horizons, and treasured moments with friends and loved ones. May your hangars be full, your aircraft finely tuned, and your upcoming sorties filled with excitement and discovery. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your loved ones.
Thank you again for your passion and support,
Yours sincerely,
Eagle Dynamics