The DCS: F-14B(U) pre-order begins

Eagle Dynamics and Heatblur Simulations have dropped a ton of new details off today with their plans for the DCS:F-14B(U) add-on that is coming soon to DCS World. There’s a pre-order, pricing, and feature list for both this new version of the F-14 as well as updates to the F-14A/B that we already have. Let’s have a look at what is on offer.

Upgrade to the F-14B(U)?

Let’s do the upgrade route and pricing first and then talk about what is included. F-14B(U) is a “new module” in the sense that it is not part of the included updates for the previously released DCS: F-14A/B module. This is an add-on pack that is being sold either as an upgrade for pre-existing users at $49.99 USD on pre-order and $56.99 USD after release.

The F-14B(U) is, I would suggest, a response to community desire to see an F-14D module added to DCS World. While that even more modernized version of the F-14 was apparently out of reach, the modernized F-14B(U) was and it comes packing many of the same features.

The B(U) has new instrumentation in the cockpit with new VDIG-R and PTID displays, a much more modern HUD, and a new digital stabilization system to replace the analogue system. The F-14 is still reportedly a very hands on airplane but the digital stabilization system should make it a little easier to fly in some flight regimes. The upgrade gives the jet enhanced precision strike capabilities with the ability to deploy JDAM bombs including the heavy hitting GBU-31. It’s also got a new mission data loader and navigation system among other features added.

Updated cockpit and exterior art, new pilot models and helmets, JESTER improvements, pop-up manual and explain-me features help round out some of the enhancements. Heatblur weren’t specific today about those last few items but I wouldn’t be surprised if at least a few of those filter back to the A/B model.

Finally, Heatblur are including two new campaigns: Operation Reforger III using DCS: Cold War Germany and a new tailor-made campaign by Baltic Dragon to be added after release.

You can get it as the DCS: F-14 Ultimate Edition which bundles F-14A/B and F-14B(U) together if you haven’t previously bought the module. If you have then an upgrade edition is available. So, you can do the upgrade for $49.99 USD or $98.99 USD for the Ultimate Edition. If you’re new to the F-14 Tomcat in DCS, the ultimate edition is actually cheaper overall.

So, that’s a whole bunch of new systems and features, visual updates, JESTER updates, and…