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DCS: F-4E Phantom II – A Legendary Fighter Reborn in the Digital Skies

The F-4E Phantom II is another Cold War Aviation Cornerstone that has been painstakingly modeled for DCS World by Heatblur Simulations. The required version for this aircraft in DCS World is 2.9.5 and above. This iconic aircraft, originally developed by McDonnell Aircraft for the United States Navy, became an immediate jack-of-all-trades for the United States Marine Corps and Air Force. Equally capable in most aspects, it soon found its way into the arsenals of 12 nations worldwide and is still in operation to date in some countries.

First flown in 1961, the twin-engine, all-weather, long-range supersonic capability of the F-4 Phantom II ranked it number one of all time among the most produced supersonic US military aircraft, with its production running from 1958 to 1981 at nearly 5,200 units. A symbol of power and technological prowess, this was no machine, but part of aviation history.

The F-4E variant features a whole host of advanced features available in DCS for the first time. Powered by two J-79 engines, each engine’s dry thrust amounts to 23,810 lbf and up to 35,690 lbf with maximum afterburner. The main systems of the aircraft include the AN/APQ-120 Radar Digital Scan Converter Group (DSCG) Weapons Release Computer Set (WRCS) The version of DSCG includes the AN/AVQ-23 Pave Spike targeting pod that allows conducting precision strikes using laser-guided munitions.

Unlike its predecessors, the F-4E is fitted with an integrated M61 Vulcan cannon that bolsters both its air-to-air and air-to-ground combat performance. It also has the ALR-46 Radar Warning Receiver, the AN/ALE-40 countermeasures suite, and the AN/ALQ-131 ECM pod for good self-defense mechanisms. The aircraft is allowed to carry early to modern-era AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-7 Sparrow missiles, further solidifying its position in terms of combat versatility.

The F-4E Phantom II by Heatblur Simulations was several years in the making, involving a combination of research, coding, and modeling. External and internal models came from laser scanning and photogrammetry from real Phantoms preserved in various museums. The External Flight Model was verified by real F-4 pilots and WSOs to ensure an authentic flying feeling.

Amongst some of the main characteristics featured within DCS: F-4E Phantom II:

  • Simulation of both DSCG and DMAS equipped variants, DMAS version to come in Early Access
  • Very detailed external model, made by using laser scanning and photogrammetry
  • New weapon models such as the AGM-45 Shrike, AGM-12 Bullpup, AGM-62 Walleye, AN/AVQ-23 Pave Spike targeting pod
  • Accurate 6-DOF cockpit, Heatblur FORGE elements to follow.
  • Detailed pilot and WSO models, with a character customization system coming during Early Access.
  • Real performance data-based EFM.
  • Systems simulation: AFCS, electrical, hydraulic, oil, and fuel systems.
  • Full multi-crew system: Two players can share the aircraft as a pilot and WSO.
  • JESTER AI 2.0: The updated AI WSO for single-player mode.
  • A simulated crew chief for added realism in the startup procedure, with a walkaround mode in Early Access.
  • Enhanced effects: overwing vapor, new procedural animations.
  • Very detailed AN/APQ-120 radar and ALR-46 RWR simulations.
  • Full digital manual and interactive tutorials.

The F-4E Phantom II has fought in many conflicts, such as the Vietnam War, the Arab-Israeli Conflicts, and the Cold War, while it has been in service to an innumerable number of countries belonging to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The unwavering determination of Heatblur Simulations to authenticity will ensure that this legendary aircraft is brought to life in unparalleled detail and fidelity, offering the aviation enthusiast the ultimate opportunity to experience what it is like to fly one of the most iconic fighter aircraft in history.

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