Eagle Dynamics have issued a new brief update which covers their progress on the team’s upcoming integrated voice chat feature and the upcoming Soviet Lavochkin La-7 for Digital Combat Simulator (DCS).
They say that work on the voice chat feature is continuing, and that the La-7 is “approaching the finish line”. Development is looking promising and a set of accompanying screenshots have been released, which are included below.
The Lavochkin La-7 was a Soviet fighter designed and produced during World War II. It was an improved version of the Lavochkin La-5, and primarily designed as a counter to the German Focke-Wulf fighter.
The aircraft first entered service in early 1944, and was used primarily as a high-altitude interceptor and fighter-bomber. It was highly regarded by the Soviets for its excellent manoeuvrability and versatility, and was credited with shooting down many German aircraft.
Despite its success, the La-7 was only produced in small numbers as production halted just a year after the first planes came off the line owing to the end of the war. Nevertheless, it remained in service with the Soviet Air Force until the early 1950s, and was also used by a number of other countries, including Czechoslovakia and North Korea.
The team at OctopusG, who are working on the La-7, have apparently put together one of the most complete simulations ever of the Soviet WWII warbird, and have used realistic reference materials to aid their work. Development is already complete on the trajectory and movement settings including mass-intertia, aerodynamic characteristics, the propellor and engine. Work continues on the compressed air system and control systems including yaw and pitch trimmers, fuel, hydraulic and other systems.
Although the 3D model is looking pretty good in the screenshots, the team say that work is ongoing on updating the model, and producing liveries including famous national colours and alternative history paintjobs.
Elsewhere in the DCS universe, the WWII Fighters sale is continuing until the 21st of May, giving simmers until next Sunday to bag a bargain. For users with the steam edition, the sale has unfortunately ended.
