Virtual Wing / Squadron

[SUBS17]

Yeah I think FS is not really the ideal platform for doing things the way it should be done as far as virtual squadrons working in MP however there are a few sims in development which could allow companies like FS dream team to consider creating addon quality payware aircraft.

Eagle Dynamics DCS 3rd Party Support Packages

In an effort to better support 3rd party development of Digital Combat Simulator (DCS), Eagle Dynamics has created a set of plug-ins that will allow 3rd party developers far greater capability to modify and add to DCS. Current plug-in support includes:
Physical Cockpit Interface Package (PCIP). This package provides support to cockpit builders and allows them to more efficiently, and with great depth of capability, to port systems simulated in software to their physical cockpits. This includes support to various projection systems. PCIP will be made available to all after the release of DCS: Black Shark.
Terrain Builder. This plug-in to 3DSMax 7 allows developers to create new terrain maps (elevation, texturing, and object placement) that can be used within DCS. Creators of such terrain will be required to enter a contractual relationship with Eagle Dynamics and allow Eagle unrestricted use of the terrain in its commercial products with due credit to the developer. This will not preclude the developer from releasing their content independently if they wish.
3D Model Builder. This plug-in to 3DSMax 7 allows the creation of animated, 3D objects that can be used to populate DCS. Models of sufficient quality may be integrated into DCS.
6 DOF Cockpit Builder. This plug-in allows object builders to create new 6 DOF cockpits that can be assigned to DCS user-created aircraft.
External Flight Model Linking. This software package allows the linking of 3rd party flight dynamic systems into DCS to control aircraft.
GUI Source Package. This package includes sources codes to allow the developer to create their own GUI screens, Mission Editor, Campaign Editor.

With the exception of the Terrain Builder, these 3rd party support packages will be available to qualified developers after the release of DCS: Black Shark. Those qualified developers with experience developing terrain may contact Matt Wagner at matt@fighter-collection.com to discuss DCS terrain creation. Qualified developers will be determined on a case-by-case basis, and this will generally be based on the developer’s experience level in developing applicable content.

Regarding all 3rd party generated content, Eagle will be granted unrestricted use of such content that meets necessary quality standards; however, this will not preclude the developer from releasing their content independently (see items 2 and 3 below). 3rd party developers will retain ownership of their content.

Content created with these tools may be released in one of three ways:

1. Content that meets Eagle Dynamics quality standards may be directly integrated into the later DCS software packages. This will allow a consistent level of quality.

2. Content may be released at no cost to consumers as unofficial add-ons. Such content will be “player beware” in regards to quality.

3. Content generated for DCS using Eagle plug-ins may be released as official pay-ware DCS add-ons but a small royalty payment to Eagle Dynamics would be required to help finance the development of additional 3rd party tools. Such content would not be integrated into the DCS entertainment product but could be used for our non-entertainment commercial products.

Also, in the coming weeks we will open a new, private forum for official 3rd party developers. This forum will allow such developers to share ideas, talk with Eagle staff, and discuss their projects with their peers.

Further details will be made available after the release of DCS: Black Shark. Until then, note that all the above is subject to change.
__________________
Matt Wagner
Producer, TFC/Eagle Dynamics

It'll certainly be interesting when some of the companies doing combat aircraft addons for FSX realise that they can fully model the aircraft in DCS hopefully they'll look at making DCS addons. And it'll do combat in MP along with all the other gadgets like data links etc. The thing is though that the aircraft would have to be very high quality to be a DCS addon.

[TheRipper]

I just hope that one day, they'll make a sim with the multiplayer coding of LOMAC, the realism in terms of weapons, and FM's of F4AF and the ultimate expandability and graphics of FSX all rolled into one sim. I think we'd all be on the same level if that happened

[Aeroman]

BTW I think these guys probably use FSX
http://vusn.org/main/

One of the requirements for joining the vUSN-->

FS2004 installed and operational (FSX is not supported)

[SUBS17]

I just hope that one day, they'll make a sim with the multiplayer coding of LOMAC, the realism in terms of weapons, and FM's of F4AF and the ultimate expandability and graphics of FSX all rolled into one sim. I think we'd all be on the same level if that happened

Yeah DCS is made by the same guys who did Lomac hopefully they'll be releasing an A-10C sim next year and at some stage a DX10 upgrade. They are pretty much the top as far as MP, FM and weapons are concerned as their last sim was an A-10C for the USAF. There is also FighterOps although that might be a few years away and LP is working on something as well.