REQUIRED and RECOMMENDED mods and utilities

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Hedgehog
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REQUIRED and RECOMMENDED mods and utilities

Post by Hedgehog » Wed Jan 19, 2022 3:16 pm

As it's starting to get a little bit complicated, let's sort out what you must have installed, and then what you should have installed. Apart from the DCS sim package (Open Beta as of this writing);

(Note: references to 'purchase via DCS website' may, in some cases, be accomplished by purchasing from Steam. We recommend all content be acquired directly from DCS/Eagle Dynamics to avoid compatibility problems.)

REQUIRED

F/A-18C module.
Why: it is the squadron's standard airframe. Basic Qualification must be accomplished in the Hornet. (N/A for NFOs.)
How: purchase via DCS website.

Persian Gulf map.
Why: squadron campaign missions are flown on this map.
How: purchase via DCS website.

Syria map.
Why: squadron missions are flown on this map.
How: purchase via DCS website.

Nevada Test & Training Range (NTTR) map.
Why: squadron training is conducted on this map.
How: purchase via DCS website.

Super Carrier module.
Why: we are a naval aviation squadron.
How: purchase via DCS website.

Simple Radio Standalone (SRS) (FREE, though we encourage you to donate to the developer.)
Why: we use it for radio communication in the air.
How: http://dcssimpleradio.com/

VFA-41 F/A-18 Livery (FREE)
Why: because you're a Black Ace.
How: follow guidance HERE.

VFA-41 F-14 Modex Number Liveries (FREE)
Why: If you fly the Tomcat, you will get your modex number on your jet. Even if you don't fly the Tomcat, you need this to see squadron F-14s in missions properly.
How: follow guidance HERE.

476th vFG Range Targets (FREE)
Why: used for squadron range training.
How:
  1. Download the required Range Targets file here:
    476RangeTargets.zip
    (43.13 MiB) Downloaded 51 times
  2. Extract the downloaded file. You should end up with a folder called “476RangeTargets”
  3. Place the entire 476RangeTargets folder in your: C:/users/[username]/Saved Games/[DCS Build]/Mods/tech/ folder.
Civil Aircraft mod (FREE)
Why: There is lots of civilian airliner traffic on the range and in squadron missions. Without this mod, they will appear as some weird-looking generic aircraft placeholder.
How:
  1. Download Civil Aircraft Mod (latest version) from https://cam.em-key.de/download-2/
    While the above link is not working, click here for the current version: http://vfa-41.com/index.php?pr=Civil_Ai ... d_Download
  2. Once extracted, place entire "Civil Aircraft Mod" folder in your: C:/users/[username]/Saved Games/[DCS Build]/Mods/aircraft/ folder.


RECOMMENDED

Whichever Naval Aviation Airframes you optionally want to fly.
Why: Aircraft such as the F-14 Tomcat and UH-1H Huey are supported in squadron missions.
How: purchase via DCS website.

Military Aircraft mod (FREE)
Why: It's used to add various AI military aircraft on many multi-player servers, and occasionally on our range servers. Without this mod, they will appear as some weird-looking generic aircraft placeholder.
How:
  1. Download the Military Aircraft Mod from https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/ ... s/3307071/
  2. Once extracted, place entire "Military Aircraft Mod" folder in your: C:/users/[username]/Saved Games/[DCS Build]/Mods/aircraft/ folder.
A-4E Skyhawk mod (FREE)
Why: the airframe is available to fly at the range. Without the mod installed, you cannot fly it, and anyone else flying it will appear as some generic aircraft placeholder.
How:
  1. Download HERE
  2. Follow installation instructions on that page.
UH-60L Blackhawk mod (FREE)
Why: the airframe is available to fly at the range. May be used in missions to simulate the Seahawk. Without the mod installed, you cannot fly it, and anyone else flying it will appear as some generic aircraft placeholder.
How:
  1. Download HERE.
  2. The online manual is HERE.
Generic VFA-41 F-14 Livery (FREE)
Why: Makes non-player squadron F-14s appear properly, such as on the ramp at the range.
How: Follow guidance HERE.

Black Aces Ready Room mod (FREE)
Why: Just for fun. Comfy place to brief/debrief your training flight or kick back and relax in between missions. Currently only available at the Marianas Range.
How:
  1. Download Ready Room Mod file from here
  2. Once unzipped, place entire "Black_Ace_Ready_Room" folder in your: [username]/Saved Games/[DCS.openbeta]/Mods/aircraft/ folder
  3. The Black Ace Ready Room should then show up as a selectable Group/unit next time you join the range.
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Hedgehog
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Posts: 1077
Joined: Mon Nov 05, 2018 7:36 am

Re: REQUIRED and RECOMMENDED mods and utilities

Post by Hedgehog » Sun Jan 23, 2022 9:09 am

As a reminder, any DCS mods not listed above that you may decide to use are at your own risk.

They must not interfere with multi-player functionality!
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