Installation

requirements

computer (CPU)

Although a high-end "gaming" computer and graphics card are obviously more desirable to get a fully immersed player experience, DCS will run fine when allowing for the following requirements: DCS requirements.

controller hardware



Logitech Extreme 3D Pro	Thrustmaster HOTAS X

As we have experienced before, flying a simulator is more agreeable when we have a joystick, at least. A simple HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) would be even better. E.g. the Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X (above), that we used before..



HOTAS	Yaw axis control

🚩 Note: If you do not have separate rudder pedals in your cockpit setup, make sure your joystick or HOTAS is capable of controlling your rudder pedals / yaw-axis, as above!

Additional info / discussion: Sidestick or not?

sources

With regard to DCS all the required information and downloads can be found here:

DCS is free. For our purposes we download the standard DCS World version, so not the Open Beta. You can find the difference in the Technical Questions section.

DCS World comes with the Caucasus (Georgia, EU) map and two aircaft:

the SU-25T Frogfoot attack aircraft (NATO:"Frogfoot"); great aircraft, but not easy to operate,
the TF-51D "Mustang", in a peaceful configuration, which means no weapons, dogfighting or otherwise. Great to fly around in though!

However, additionally there are several free mods (modules or modifications?) available of which I recommend the following, ranked from less to more complex (links to sourcefiles):

The optimal choice would be the freeware SAAB SK60B by BAAS Dynamics since:

The SK60 is an extremely easy plane to both learn and fly, as it is only natural of a training platform. Everything from start-up to wheels up and landing is extremely easy to learn and proved to be quite an enjoyable learning experience, ... The only systems that require a bit more knowledge might be the GPS and the radios, but those are also simplified and quite straight forward in terms of the way they work.

And the SK60B, with excellent 3D and External Flight Model will be available for the Holiday Season 2022!

the aircraft folders, from the .zip files, should be placed in the following folder:
../users/(your user account)/Saved games/DCS/Mods/aircraft/
You may have to create the Mods/aircraft folder if this is your first.

🚩 Don't put 3rd party Mods in the regular DCS Mods folder, they will not work.