Digital Combat Simulator (DCS), the DK2 Enabled Flight Sim

[ThreeEyes]

Digital Combat Simulator (DCS), the DK2 Enabled Flight Sim That Flew under the Radar at E3 2014

http://www.roadtovr.com/e3-2014/

Not much detail, but that it works with DK2 is great news for flight sim fans!

The company partnered with Oculus VR to present the latest version of their hyper-realistic simulator platform on the DK2; an early prototype demonstration allowed viewers to be placed in a selection of realistic recreations of extreme fight planes—their cockpits lovingly recreated and able to be experienced through the VR Headset.

This early glimpse at the new software build showed the promise of what ultra-realistic flight simulation in a VR head-mount offers. Though the demonstration did not have any ground-targets, or air combat, the flight model still put the DK2 through its paces.

[kojack]

On the serious side, the P-791 (the blimp thing above) is rather interesting. This was Lockheed's prototype for the LEMV program (Long Endurance Multi-intelligence Vehicle). It can stay in the air for 3 weeks at a time, hovering 6km high. It can be remotely piloted too (by a rift perhaps?). But they lost to Northrop, so the P-791 is being converted to a 20 ton lifter.

A simulator of hybrid blimp designs would be rather slow, but could still be interesting. Maybe a flight sim for people who can't handle normal flightsims in VR. Nice and slow with no ability to roll over. 🙂


I really like that Eagle Dynamics have jumped on the rift bandwagon so early. I hope Bohemia Interactive (Arma series) join in soon too.
(As long as Natural Point (Track IR) don't get involved like they've done in the past, they have a habit of taking competition badly. VR headsets with 6dof head tracking will make Track IR obsolete)

[alcyon13]

I really wonder if instruments/gauges are useable with the Dk2 resolution.
Even if you can lean to have a better reading, that could be really annoying if you can't be able to have a reliable data with a normal seated position.

Instruments form a pattern, when you learn to fly a real plane you learn to cross check your important instruments every few seconds, and it's crucial for every basic operation like turning, climbing, etc...

[Hadwell]

I would hope... they would allow you to adjust the field of view on the fly, like you currently can on 2d monitors... from what I've read, they've disabled it on the DK1, but since the DK2 has 6dof tracking, I'm assuming... if you can't read an instrument, you can just lean forwards for a closer look.

[kevinw729]

"Hadwell" wrote:
I would hope... they would allow you to adjust the field of view on the fly, like you currently can on 2d monitors... from what I've read, they've disabled it on the DK1, but since the DK2 has 6dof tracking, I'm assuming... if you can't read an instrument, you can just lean forwards for a closer look.

When I was given the demonstration a E3 I did exactly that in the FW190 - reading the gun sight information off the cockpit layout by leaning forward. I was impressed by the visual acuity of the simulation for the cockpit representation (both air frames). I am hoping that the next build will offer ground targets.

What would make it great would be a motion-base however!

[javdog]

"kevinw729" wrote:
What would make it great would be a motion-base however!

The Buttkicker Gamer (or larger) works remarkably well with DCS. I agree motion base is the dream, but the "bk gamer" can get you 80% there imho, right now quickly, easily, and affordably. And while the rumble of aircraft is nice, the shake of rotor blades in BlackShark and it's 2 turbines overhead, will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

[kevinw729]

"javdog" wrote:
...right now quickly, easily, and affordably. And while the rumble of aircraft is nice, the shake of rotor blades in BlackShark and it's 2 turbines overhead, will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Totally see your point @javdog - for affordability and convenience in a consumer sphere, motion is an "ideal" but not a necessity. But as I do not work in "good enough" immersion, but have to offer a superior experience...

...a butt kicker is not good enough - we need a strong motion experience:



I feel the same about VR - there is good enough, and then there is the "holy grail"!

[RiftFlyer]

To get over the issues with using a motion platform with the rift (platform movement mistaken for head movement) I decided to build something similar to the Bergison g-seat.

Here is my inspiration:

[snappahead]

Wow..that's pretty mind blowing.

[purifier82]

If you can't build one yourself and don't mind spending $2,500 on a commercial one, here's a review:

Third edit:the video embedding doesn't seem to work, here's the direct link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrsEI8Mq6_c&feature=youtu.be

[Cowboy10uk]

"kevinw729" wrote:

"Hadwell" wrote:
I would hope... they would allow you to adjust the field of view on the fly, like you currently can on 2d monitors... from what I've read, they've disabled it on the DK1, but since the DK2 has 6dof tracking, I'm assuming... if you can't read an instrument, you can just lean forwards for a closer look.

When I was given the demonstration a E3 I did exactly that in the FW190 - reading the gun sight information off the cockpit layout by leaning forward. I was impressed by the visual acuity of the simulation for the cockpit representation (both air frames). I am hoping that the next build will offer ground targets.

What would make it great would be a motion-base however!

I've just tried DCS Hawk on a DK1, yesterday at RIAT. While the instruments were unreadable the experience was incredibly immersive. Flying low level around the hills in close formation with another Hawk. The 3D cockpit really felt like it was wrapped around me.

May I ask in the Demonstration that you were lucky enough to do, was it a DK2 that you used and were the instruments readable and usable from a normal sitting position. Appreciate you had to lean in to read the smaller writing on the gunsight.


I'm just hoping that the res on the DK2, is fully usable in this.

Cowboy10uk