Heatblur Simulations has revealed several upcoming updates for their DCS F-4E Phantom II module, with a focus on new feature development after spending much of last year on bug fixes and core codebase improvements.
According to Heatblur, a major addition coming next month is JESTER modding capability, which will open up the AI backseater API to the community. This extensible, modular SDK will allow users to override and extend almost any part of the JESTER AI through LUA scripting, enabling the creation of new routines, mission content, or campaign elements. Documentation for this feature is already available on the Heatblur F-4 manual website.
Another upcoming addition is character customisation. The initial implementation will offer preset options, with future iterations allowing pilots to customise each preset or create custom configurations with specific flight gear. Heatblur states this system will eventually be ported to their F-14 Tomcat module as well.
The update will also introduce visual elements and associated functionality, including the “Dogbone” gun camera and customisation options for different national variants of the Phantom. These include the external refueling probe used by Israeli Phantoms and antenna configuration options. Heatblur notes that where feasible, these visual options will be functional rather than purely cosmetic.
Development has also begun on “Jester Pod,” giving Jester AI the ability to use the Pave Spike targeting pod in single-player missions. Heatblur expects this feature to be completed in April, though it may appear in a later update. The F-4 Paint Kit is also nearing completion, which will allow users to create custom liveries more easily. A new decal layer system is being added for simplified customisation of aircraft modex numbers and markings.
Finally, as part of their ongoing development roadmap, Heatblur will be introducing features from the DMAS upgrade package to the Phantom. The Digital Multimode Avionics System was a significant modernisation program that replaced analog systems with digital components in the early 1980s, enhancing the F-4E’s navigation accuracy and weapons delivery capabilities through improvements to the radar, HUD, and computer systems.
Coming Soon
- JESTER modding support and open API
- Character customisation system
- “Dogbone” gun camera implementation
- National variant visual options
- Jester AI operation of Pave Spike targeting pod
- Paint Kit with decal system
- DMAS upgrade package
