Razbam MiG-23 Flogger: The Most Important DCS Module in Development - Here's Why

[@Enigma89]

While there are some exciting modules coming out, I wanted to make this so people do not lose sight. This is the one that matters the most as it will fill a void and elevate the game more so than any other module. Give Razbam your energy 🙌 Special thanks to Super Entendard, Rossmum and Lucas for their help in making this video to validate some parts of the video.

[@eindummkopf2970]

I was already hyped for the mig-23 but now I'm more hyped

[@rawnukles]

I couldn't agree more. The most produced 3rd gen Red jet needs to be in the sim. I'm still butt hurt about how they put the MiG-23 on the back burner while they made the new F-15E that shoots all the same weapons and uses the same pods as the F-16 and FA-18 ....

[@clayblaze1327]

Will be interesting to see how it matches up to the F4 when that comes out too, definitely seems like a very interesting plane

[@nikolayyelesin3150]

@@rawnukles most of their paying customers are in the US, and I'm sure a release as big as an F-15 is going to make waves. This is all part of the vicious cycle they got themselves in, unfortunately. But it sure is good to see a healthy break from time to time!

[@burnttoast111]

The MiG-23 was a significant and important aircraft. My concern is that it was not a well-liked aircraft by pilots, compared to say the MiG-21, MiG-17, etc.

[@Baltic_Dude]

RIP MiG-23 you will be missed 🙏🏻

[@50percent_cool]

What? I’m new. why?

[@victormikecharlie1596]

​@@50percent_coolRazmbam is gone, from DCS

[@ivaniii9707]

My biggest issue with DCS is the lack of integrated offline content. I would love an actual dynamic campaign over more modules.

[@patrat6072]

I know you have to pay for them but there a a bunch of campaigns in dcs. I have been doing the f18 campaign. They don't go very quick while learning the airframe

[@Starmast3rmusic]

I would love a dynamic campaign in DCS. I know it's been said time and time again, but it really can't be overstated how good FalconBMS' dynamic campaign is. It's the one thing that adds infinite replayability. That being said, DCS liberation isn't a bad start. The AI and ATC needs a lot of work though.

[@smothdude]

@@Starmast3rmusic Yeah, I have been enjoying Liberation playing with a friend. But it definitely still needs work/more development (even on EDs side would help I'm sure). But as far as a campaign you can play through, its the way to go I think (and its quite easy to set up to play with a friend)

[@acrobaticfish]

It’s a general sim problem, too. I love what Microsoft is doing with MSFS 2024-actually focus in the mission.

[@old_guard2431]

More Russian planes, and cute kittens. (Not mutually exclusive, and the photographic composition analysis is both clever and relevant.) Introduced to Russian planes in IL-2. . . I love them and the Russians themselves (even while they are being led off in entirely the wrong direction by the Man Who Would be Emperor). You make a very strong case: how do you run a PvP combat server with a reasonable balance between the sides without resorting to the Gaigin or WarGaming “balance” of artificial tweaking of capabilities, or allowing both sides to play the same planes with some kind of IFF tag.

[@Null24]

The flogger is the module I am and have been the most excited for for a while. The reason I'm excited for razbam's f15 is because it means he gets to spend more time on the flogger. Edit: also excited for the su17m4 when that comes out in prolly 2024-2025 (sadly)

[@chukuma4760]

The mig23 is being made by one dude under razbams name because they bought the license to make it for him I believe

[@toast3976]

@@chukuma4760 Not quite. There's multiple people working on each active Razbam module, including the MiG-23. Overstratos is the project lead on the 19 and 23 because he approached Razbam with 3d models for each a few years back, but he was not the only person making either. Enigma has another video interviewing him.

[@kamraam1464]

You think Razbam is a single dude? 😂

[@chukuma4760]

@@kamraam1464 learn English bro, I said under razbams name 🤦

[@chukuma4760]

@@toast3976 I probably misremembered something, either way it's a different team of dudes and no other module work will effect those guys

[@grogjin1307]

"MFD Riddled plane" Was one of the biggest takeaways from this I got. The 1 person I have been able to fish into playing DCS with me is incredibly turned off by the glass cockpit BVR monsters. Enigma you're take on DCS is spot on. We need more late cold war fighters and specifically some good Russki tech. Like maybe the Foxbat :O)

[@Enigma89]

GLad it resonated

[@ell8711]

fuck yeah, foxbat would be awesome

[@mro9466]

The DCS community is completely obsessed with these 4th gen aircraft. Its exhausting.

[@airraid1266]

Foxbat would be super taxing for both sides tbh, they are slow (both the Foxbat and Foxhound are slow to accelerate despite their massive top speeds) bricks that would lose a turnfight to a B-52, plus MORE long range missile slingers....ugh.

[@Nyx_2142]

Cold War boomers/fanboys whine about everything "modern" is my takeaway. "Wahh! My era is best! Your flying iPad bad!1!" The doomerist bullshit over modern planes really shows that off too.

[@fabiolean]

If they ever release the Mirage III then I am going to buy all the French jets in DCS and just eat omelettes and champagne all day

[@VonGoth]

Omelettes du fromage... - Dexters Laboratory

[@jik294]

Me personally, I am excited for the MIG-23. I do plan on picking it up as I've been growing to really enjoy the CW era aircraft. The Mirage F1 is my favorite for CW, currently. Now what I'm really excited for is, the hopeful prospect of a MIG-27 variant coming out of the MIG-23. I'm told there are plans to eventually do a MIG-27 after the MIG-23 and I really hope that comes to fruition.

[@descentmvm]

mirage f1 is such a good module.. 4 modules in one.

[@Null24]

Haha funny gsh-6-30 go TP-P-P-P-P-P-P-blK

[@jik294]

@Null24 and then you dash falls off, all the electronics stop working, and your canopy goes YEET!!! Still more devastating than the GAU-8, though.

[@qboid4763]

This and the SU17 are instant buys for me. Razbam have made excellent modules, the MIG19 is top of my list, but the Mirage is a close second. Have you ever thought about running a Cold War scenario, early 1980's where the Reds have three times the aircraft of Bluefor? Ever since i read Red Storm Rising for the first time 30 years ago i have thought about the quality vs quantity aspect of that.

[@Db--jt7bt]

No. This has always been an issue with DCS. There aren’t enough players for that scenario, and when there are, Red often commits friendly fire. Also on Servers like 104th, it just takes a couple of Redfor F-15s or A-10s to confuse everyone.

[@crazygmanssimstuff]

Based on the current things seen on the cold war server, blue would be crushed...pretty easily. You could maybe try to make it more even and realistic by having the top players who go on the server only fly blue, and that would make a difference.

[@rickytarr8585]

I love the Mig-21. I don't know alot about Sukhoi aircraft apart from the SU-27. What is the difference between the Mig 21 and SU-17? They seem to look the same and have similar payload capability. I tried to Google but mostly got Warthunder forum results. I;m curious what the SU-17 offers that the Mig-21 doesn't? Not to be confrontational at all, I'm genuinely curious.

[@vektor8418]

@@rickytarr8585 the difference between Su-17 and MiG-21 lies in the purpose of these aircrafts. MiG-21 is an interceptor, plane made fight other planes. Su-17 is a strike aircraft (fighter-bomber). It created to perform ground strikes. That is the main diiference. Ah, also Su-17 has variable wing sweep.

[@vektor8418]

@@rickytarr8585 Su-17 carries more payload, equipped with devices that makes ground attacks more accurate, also it can launch guided AG armament

[@LFC0610]

I will for sure get the MiG-23 as soon as its available. But to me the most interesting plane they could develop is an Su-24.. Red really lacks a FF striker with some speed to back it up. Also multicrew side-by-side would be amazing.

[@Null24]

I'd personally love to see the su17m4 which I think is in development iirc, but last I saw it was getting whiteboxed and it will probably come out late 2025 or early-mid 2026 sadly

[@stoyantodorov2133]

Su-17 is in development. It doesn't carry as much as the Su-24, but it is supersonic and has a wide array of weapons including many types of smart munitions.

[@Whiskey11Gaming]

I'm not a big RedFor guy, but a Su24 would scratch a much needed itch more than an F111 would.

[@lucaallemann5941]

Yes i want that too

[@Lightning_Mike]

A MiG-27 would be awesome, too. Swing-Wing Soviet Viggen with the avionics of a Su-25T.

[@ДмитрийГордюшев]

Отец был техником на МиГ-23, а я будучи школьником бегал на аэродром к нему посмотреть на полеты и посидеть в кабине. Буду очень благодарен за его реализацию в DCS.

[@ThatSpaceKraken]

The flogger is probably my favorite combat aircraft ever built, I'm so excited for it to come to dcs

[@bazejs8084]

And we are having the most exciting variant, MLA which entered service 1979, with lighter airframe, even more powerfull engine and new R-24 missiles. It still had many compromises of original MiG-23 design, like poor visibility, manual wing swept control, limited situational awareness, but also uncompromised performance at any altitude, with fantastic acceleration, speed, zoom climb. With good pilot which learnet how to overconme its limitations and use strong points it will be dangerous machine.

[@ThatSpaceKraken]

@@bazejs8084 I think it will also technically be the fastest jet in DCS, MLA was capable of mach 2.4, it could go faster but the cockpit couldn't withstand speeds higher than 2.4

[@-Zevin-]

@@bazejs8084 So excited for this, no doubt in my mind it's going to be the most fun aircraft in DCS. It's going to make the F-14 feel like a large boat in comparison.

[@Lightning_aus]

It's Razover

[@dominicearley2388]

Totally agree. The only thing RAZBAM need to sort out is their dribble feed hype approach, a more Heatblur approach would avoid the community enthusiasm fatigue that they so often seem to generate from themselves. P.S the Su-22 will be equally important for all the same reasons. Keep up the good work.

[@peacefultyranny8981]

Yeah, it's sort of like the cdpr and cyberpunk 2077. In the end, cyberpunk 2077 was a great game. But it had a terrible lanuch. I do know that bugs cannot be avoided in dev, but I just hope that at least the aircraft doesn't need to go through a complete make over. Heatblur and Deka's way is definitiely a more popular appraoch for players. While unless razbam is suffering financially, I don't think delivering a product far from finish is a good way to do things.

[@ZaferToycu]

well now we dont even know if we will get this module lol

[@NikitaShirokov]

I want mig_23 so badly. I probably would buy f15e (and fly it like one two times; not really into blue force and modern day planes) just to support RAZBAM to stay in business at least till they release 23 ;)

[@Enigma89]

I will probably skip the F-15E. If I fly MFD planes, I would rather do it in BMS. With that said, I think having a multi-crew plane is a neat and unique thing and the Strike Eagle will let both people be a bit more equal in terms of workload vs the F-14 where it's very defined. Even though the F-15E is not my jam, I hope the launch is going well for them.

[@appa609]

​@@Enigma89 bms only has the F-16 though

[@apebble9740]

@@appa609 I belive that they added a F15C to BMS. You will have to fact check me on that though.

[@thurbine2411]

@@Enigma89 is BMS radar simulation better? What does BMS do better than DCS? I don’t know that much about BMS

[@krostouin]

@@thurbine2411 AI is way better, SAM are dangerous (IADS), Datalink, RWR, avionics menus. Flight characteristics for the F16 are closer to reality too, DCS F16 still is a joke in 1 circle fight, its energy retention is out the chart. Also, missile guidance in DCS is still broken, lot of delay in the interception trajectory. ATC, radio comms, AAR are also better in BMS.

[@OhItsThat]

I really really want a full fidelity F-105.

[@bazej1080]

With speed and altitude analog tapes. Awesomeness.

[@Kolobochok95]

Agree with this fully. The 23MLA fills a huge gap and also fits most maps we have historically since it was widely exported.

[@Madnot4]

I love my modern machinery, the technology is what first impressed me, like the HMCS on the A10 with its complex datalink systems and other buddy lasing shenanigans. So I've yet to try out cold war jets, but your insight is always so colorful it really allows me to peek in to your passion for the cold war era, if you will. This has me excited for a module I wasn't even aware was in development. Thanks again for your wonderful commentary and take care enigma.

[@termitreter6545]

Btw, if you wanna check out cold war, keep a look out for the F-4E Phantom. That thing is likely gonna be the early to mid cold war equivalent of a multirole plane, it should be pretty amazing.

[@Soggy-Soy-Toy]

Cold War era is when kids would go outside and play before 2000’s and modern jets is kids born today that don’t play outside. Modern is fun but Cold War is funnnner becuase you got some modern/late tech still being used

[@termitreter6545]

@@Soggy-Soy-Toy Counterpoint: The cold war kids made the current world. So if stuff is wrong, then clearly they screwed up and the newer generations have to suffer as a consequence.

[@mattstephen7494]

The Mig-23, followed by a modern-ish full fidelity Mig-29 is the most hyped I've been for any module. I didn't fully understand why I felt this way until you put it into words so perfectly. Great Video. Subbed!

[@jacob79001]

Totally agree with your thoughts about RAZBAM. The criticisms of that team have not aged well.

[@ironmax1308]

I'm really looking foward to the Mig-23 vs F1 vs F4

[@nooneno12]

The J-8ll should also be very welcome - it could also be considered an ad hoc stand in for the so far elusive Su-15.

[@Iceman_2005]

Ive always been a HUGE fan of any swing wing aircraft. The fact that the flogger is coming to dcs is like a dream come true for me. While i personally enjoy the more modern aircraft (for ground pounding at least) and im super pumped for the strike eagle, i really cant wait for the phantom and flogger. Getting proficient enough to fly competently in your cold war server is something i’ve been meaning to do for a long time, but none of the aircraft interested me enough to *really* learn them. But i know the phantom and flogger will be different. Keep up the great content!

[@therealCG62]

If the F-15E launches without any major issues, I think Razbam will have earned their place as "premium" module makers. They really have improved since the old days of guesswork avionics and announcing every single aircraft in existence as an upcoming module.

[@viktorthebird6115]

Of all the languages enigma could have chosen, dude chose to speak facts 😊

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

Fax!

[@XxDroxzxX]

This guy aint speaking any facts at all.. All i hear is an grown man crying about that "mfds are bad and cold war is cool" just bcs hes bored of mfds dosent mean everybody is. In FACT there are a lot of people who enjoy modern aircraft. Hes mainly advertising his server (wich is really good btw) but imagine how BORING this game would be with only cold war airplanes i really hope no developer take this as an viewing point that the whole community has bcs it ISNT. Youtbers dont speak for the cmmunity.

[@viktorthebird6115]

@@XxDroxzxX I understand your point. However he never complained about people liking mfds. He, just like myself and thousands of other sim pilots, just rather play inside the visual range :)

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

@@viktorthebird6115 I actually love both. But Enigma certainly has a valid point when it comes to that "there's nothing on the red side besides the Jeff" thing. The Cold War era will at some point have the MiG-23MLA, some Su-17/22 variant and hopefully even a full-fi MiG-29 9-12(A) and also an early Su-25 which would make it at least halfway complete. Even Deka is working on a J-8II instead of trying to make a J-10 or even J-20.

[@prague5419]

I absolutely must agree, sir. I have been an eastern bloc specialist for over 30 years now. I have always focused on being "the guy everyone else wants to fight", as that ensured I'd get invited to the party. /wink. I do have plenty of hours in western aircraft, but it's just a fraction of my time in MiGs and Sukhoi designs. Throughout the SP-X and BMS ages, I had an 8 to 1 kill ratio of F-15s vs my MiG-25, using interceptor tactics rather than allowing my plane to fail as a turning fighter. The Mig-23MF and MiG-25 constitute almost 1,800 of my 10,600 hours in sims over the last 40 years. The second someone, and I don't care who, creates a proper module for a 23 or a 25, sign me up. I'll be your OPFOR for years to come.

[@Enigma89]

thanks for the thoughtful response

[@Ereshkigal616]

On another note, my performance with the MT test is so far absolutely improved. Framerates and smoothness are now ridiculous. I hope it progresses quickly and the server side MT support comes soon. Adding more to servers and still having more performance helps build a real theatre of stuff going on. Applicable to nearly all MP servers. Can't wait for the Mig-23 though. Gonna be a real gem at minimum to have and use.

[@annezwart5083]

I've been looking forward to the MiG-23 for years! Can't wait 'till it reaches DCS. Razbam has had difficulties properly modeling their modules in the past, though I personally only experienced the M2000. It's a sublime module now... It's clear that they've learned a lot. I genuinely think their Flogger module will turn out to be amazing. Even if it might initially not be during EA release.

[@antoniohagopian213]

We need that Super Tucano

[@carlo_infar7034]

To complete the picture for cold war jets after the mig23 for ,reds ground pounding a su22 would be superb imo.

[@bazej1080]

It's coming already, but there is some information blockade so we still didn't see official announcement. It's being made by Octopus or Magnitude 3.

[@stoyantodorov2133]

I would like to add that the Su-22 is in development as well and will also be filling an important void. It will be by far the most competent full fidelity air to ground cold war aircraft for the red side.

[@peacefultyranny8981]

May I ask who is developing the Su-22 module? thx

[@stoyantodorov2133]

@@peacefultyranny8981 OctopusG

[@eatleadcobra]

Yo the intro to this video was spot on. Love the comparison to photo composition to a well composed game environment

[@capthawkeye8010]

I never realized-and now completely agree with the point-that ED's development model is very uneven. "Schizophrenic" is a good way to describe it. This has a lot to do with the nature of ED's chosen method of split development cycles where independent studios develop modules for the game as they like. Eagle Dynamics has been either unable or unwilling to coordinate the development of content for the game and while the plus side of this has been a steady conveyor belt of content at low cost-the downside is that the entire effort is uncoordinated. Based on the image presented-it is actually now really bizarre that we have the I-16 for instance-but not the Bf 110. We have the A-10, Harrier, and freaking Apache, but no sign of the Mi-28 or Su-24. DCS would prove a remarkable study for an economics major in school. The free market has decided what we will fly and just like any hidden hand- we have cornucopia in some places (Cold War fighters) but then big gaps elsewhere which are strange and troubling. On the one hand-if one sees DCS as primarily a Cold War flight sim-the presence of even these limited WW2/Modern metas are more than enough to present the logical start line and subsequent terminus of the development cycles that resulted in everything from the F-4 Phantom to Operation ROLLING THUNDER. Ie: the borders of the box are clearly defined and the lifecycle of military aviation in the 1960s-is clearly narrated from birth to death. The buffet for the 1960s is nearly complete (it's still missing certain entrees of the Warsaw Pact variety) with appetizers, and salads to start you off and deserts to finish the meal. On the other hand-there is little indication from the community that COLD WAR is where DCS should plant its flag and simply nod at other epochs with acknowledgement-and no more. Eagle Dynamics has not indicated that development of the game be limited on the 2nd half of the 20th century. But they have provided no direction either. There is clearly a favorite era-but it seems that this has been decided upon democratically-not by rationale and this is starting to become an issue. DCS has reached a point in development where it has so much to offer it's impossible to avoid talking about it's meta-how the modules and content developed so far interact with eachother. But we've got big dangerous holes in that meta begging for bridges but with nothing in sight-not even so much as a CAUTION LEDGE sign. Did you like playing the A-10A the other day? Cool, your curiosity in that airplane will be further rewarded by a review of what it came from (run some P-47 CAS missions) and what it grew up to be. (The A-10C). Did you like playing the SU-25? Well I sure hope you do because there's no sign of the IL-2 or Su-24 joining us anytime soon. This sort of thing is going to prove caustic in the future-not fatal I think-but unhealthy for the game in the long run. I've been pushing RAZBAM for years to take their MiG-23 module more seriously-out of entirely selfish personal subjective interest in that airplane-now we have an objective reason for why that airplane's absence is a serious one.

[@spacekraken666]

MiG-23 should be an interesting aircraft. It's not as old as many might think, it got a HUD, IRST, and not a bad radar too. Will definitely become a scary opponent for the F-4E. I'm very hyped for the Strike Eagle though. Wish we had Iraq map... just imagine how many different planes, old and new, would a Desert Storm scenario fit.

[@F-4E-58-MC]

Yo hold this Sparrow real quick

[@Cidrila]

Pretty interesting vid, Engima! I actually haven't thought about the distribution of modules across timeframes and sides before, and I do agree that the mig 23 will be super interesting. The cold war is in fact the future of DCS and it's pretty exciting to have it being expanded this much. I bet it feels way more exciting for you with the server being right in the middle of it! :) good time to be a DCS player. Oh, and side note, those are super valid points on razbam. Their focus on making their products better cannot be denied, it's good to see.

[@dcsheinlein]

You're speaking my toughts exactly here. The Flogger is my 2nd most anticipated module for DCS after the phantom. Most of the critic about razbam is due to the fact they are really bad at PR (Oversharing and generating to much hype etc)

[@Lena_Okami]

I keep dreaming of a Mig 25 or a Mig 31 module or both. I don't know what it is always had a soft spot for them even though their performance in dcs would be questionable honestly.

[@DaveyCooter]

Im looking forward to this a little, but im really excited for the A7 Corsair 2, too thats probably 2+ years out unfortunately

[@bazej1080]

They are making fast regular progress though. Flying Iron have great opinion as solid, responsible, top notch quality developer from other simulators they were working on before. This one particular module may actually be closer to release than we think.

[@DaveyCooter]

@@bazej1080 their work on the P38 in MSFS gives me hope for the quality of the A7 for sure

[@griffin5012]

Quite surprised you didn't mention the SU-17/22 by OctopusG - or has that FF module been binned?

[@Enigma89]

It hasn't been officially announced yet

[@ba-ba1193]

To describe development of the Mig 23 module is "glacial" would be a compliment.

[@Jimmystyles936]

The Mig 23 and 27 are similar, with the 27 being a ground attack plane. Both of those would fill the gap you describe. Having something quicker than a Su 25 for ground attack would be nice in your server. Great video by the way!

[@aikrassin]

The 27 has that totally badass gatling gun on it as well...

[@stoyantodorov2133]

In the same niche is the Su-17 which is already in development.

[@ayylmao8901]

​@@aikrassin a gun so powerful, it would literally tear the plane apart if you held down the trigger for too long.

[@airraid1266]

@@aikrassin a rotary cannon, but close enough, just be mindful of burst lengths, the airframe cannot take it.

[@nateweter4012]

Honestly this is spot on. The high fidelity Mig-23MLA and the SU-22M2 or 22M4 would be perfect additions. These, and high fidelity F-105D Thunderchief, A-4 Skyhawk and an Su-24 are the modules I want the most. I really could care less about more modern digital fighters, maybe the Eurofighter because of its prominence and history, but mid to late Cold War is where DCS really shines. We need a Vietnam war and Soviet Afghan War focus. That’s where I hope to see the next decade of DCS focused. The Mig-23, Su-22, Su-24 and 25, and a Mi-24V Hind, along with an Afghan map would add so much value $ potential.

[@c.g.262]

I would change two items. I would put the SU-25T in the BVR/Modern. Not FF but yes a good counterpart of the A-10C. I would also put the Flankers in the BVR/Modern. Historically they came too late to be cold-war, but they are nerfed by not having the proper R-77 missile that would at least give them a chance against the FF BVR/Modern western aircraft. Which actually widens the mid-late cold war gap even larger, and makes the MiG-23 even more important. (Again, good job!)

[@stewsaquarium1397]

I'm buying it. And also the F4. Your server has made it worth buying nearly all aircrafts in the server.

[@SGTJackMorgan]

I've followed DCS content for a long time now, and am finally set to get into the sim myself(pending delivery of my HOTAS), I couldn't agree more with you, the MIG-23 is sorely needed for exactly the same reasons you stated here. And I am saying this as someone that is drooling over the Phantom module more than anything else. Redfor ends up getting the short end of the stick so often that it does seem that PvP ends up with a lopsided feel, at least as someone from the outside looking in.

[@stephensanford5273]

"FIRST HOTAS" is how you should have said it. DCS is my favorite money pit. hotas, PC parts, more PC parts, head tracking or VR. Welcome to the community, brace yourself for all the money you'll be spending on a "free" game. But seriously welcome.

[@jubuttib]

9:40 'ish: There's two sides to that. I mean yes, it's commendable that Razbam has stuck with it and refined their planes, but also they should never have released some of them in the condition they were in. Things turned out OK, but for a long time they were deserving of their reputation.

[@bbmatthews2002]

Well-crafted, well-explained summary. Your chart on the gaps said it all. RedFor-FF is severely under-represented. I paused on the letter from ED. Good articulation of their business model and the drivers behind early release. I think more context around the development challenges - videos such as yours - are needed. Thanks for your work in pulling this together. Totally agree/support your argument.

[@FatherCommodore]

The most wanted module for me and any other Soviet era airframe, cant wait.

[@GregsAirplanesandAutomobiles]

Razbam is an excellent module maker and they did a great job on the Mig 19. I have high hopes for the Mig 23 module and I think you're right about it's importance in filling the big hole between the 21 and the 29. I would personally like to see more WW2 stuff. The European theater simply needs earlier versions of planes that are already in DCS in order to be a more complete sim. For example, we already have the 109K4, but we really need the more common G models as well as earlier Razorback P-47s and 51Bs. The 190A5 would really round things out giving us a full 1943-1945 sim instead of what we have, which is a 1945 sim with a few oddballs thrown in.

[@garrettchambers9005]

Though I agree there is a significant lack in redfor aircraft, I'm still excited for the chinook and the c130, getting some more dedicated logistics will also flesh out the capabilities of the game.

[@romagnolo]

Great video, as usual. However, I still don't get how the photograph lesson part (which is cool, BTW) is linked to DCS online equilibrium.

[@Enigma89]

The lack of using a rule when selecting modules, like not following the rules of thirds, makes the overall composition of the game (or in a photo) worse.

[@romagnolo]

@@Enigma89 aaah now I get it. They take random photos or chose random modules to make instead of focusing on a module to create to make the general picture better. Thanks!

[@flankana]

i feel like a large part of the problem with the modern era is the fact that there isn't really any redfor jets in real life that can be modelled with, other than the jf17, there only really being the j10 and maybe the su34 and su35, meanwhile bluefor has the f/a18, f16, f15, eurofighter, rafale, gripen and f2

[@franciscooliveira7384]

Beautiful aircraft, since i heard the news a few months ago, i knew it was gonna be an insta purchase for me, we are lacking full fidelity red/soviet aircraft in general, i hope all aircraft in game can one day become full fidelity because most of them are soviet and it would just feel more complete, this includes the A-10A and F-15C as well of course, maybe low fidelity should stay as a budget option. I hope in the future we can have planes like the SU-24, the MIG-25 and MIG-31 as well and maybe some bombers like the F-111 and F-117, until eventually big bombers like the B-1, Tu-95, Tu-160, Tu-22 and Tu-22M3. It wil take years but they are doing a good job so far and they're bringing new exciting aircraft to the table, in sum i guess i just want a few more soviet aircraft. Until then i'll enjoy what we have.

[@suecobandito8954]

I think you made a good case for the module. I’m of that era and remember it as part of the Soviet bloc inventory. I also subscribed.😊

[@Soundtrackzz]

I am excited for the 23. But saying that the Cold war is the only way forward and that they you should stop making modern planes, I think is bullshit. There are plenty of people that enjoy just co-op PVE or even single player and modern planes work for that. Also, everything doesn't have to be a NATO verse Warsaw pack situation. You can have a PVP server that has NATO aircraft against NATO aircraft and that's fine too.

[@AnthonyAdrianAcker]

I have been confused why I haven't found any info on KH-23 Missiles available. It seems weird that it's not available.

[@Slug24]

I mostly agree with all you say in the video, but PVP isn't everything, and the Mig29's and Su27's etc will contribute to the feel of the sim in my opinion. I look forward to the Mig23 if we ever get it. Razbam had a slightly negative annotation to their name from their FSX days, back then I knew them as big talkers and non delivers. With a million projects in development hell, announced years before they should have been even mentioned. Some of this has carried over to DCS, but I agree they have delivered and kept polishing with the projects they have released so far.

[@Enigma89]

They will help, my point of this video was really to say that if I had to pick one, what would have the biggest impact. A FF Flanker would be great but it would still feel really alone in that era. Either way, I do look forward to Razbam to delivering the Flogger.

[@Stubbies2003]

The addition of the Flogger will fill in gaps nicely as pointed out. I'd also like to see a MiG-25 Foxbat as a somewhat counter to the F-14/Phoenix setup. Yes the 25 will get it's butt kicked in a dogfight but it would mainly be for a different tactic given the airframe and the R-33 combo. Not sure if a MiG-31 would fit better in that gap for a redfor long range missile chucker but one of those two would be nice to see.

[@adanlindfield8229]

That exactly what I was thinking mig 25 and mig 31

[@madaxe606]

Brilliantly said - 100% agreed on all points. I'm less than a year into DCS, and I've been baffled by the flak that Razbam gets - I have both the Mirage 2000 and the MiG-19, and they're absolutely superb modules. I'm thrilled that the MiG-23 is going to be made by the same developer. The MiG-23 will be an instant purchase for me, for exactly the reasons you detail. I'm ludicrously excited for it! I'm also hopeful that an eventual F-4/MiG-23 matchup will encourage expansion into the Cold War era by the premier campaign builders. If we can lure some of the playerbase away from the SPAMRAAM-feedback loop we might be able to spur ED into developing more Cold War-era assets and engine improvements that could really make it the premier era for DCS. Well, that and a Vietnam map....

[@Javier-ov3hj]

I think this is a very reasonable and well thought out take on the module and razbam’s past work. Well said!

[@The_Dialect]

Always love your discussion videos. Looking forward to the MiG-23 & F-4!

[@ondrejs1741]

3:45 Chinese J-8 is also confirmed for redfor CW as far as im aware

[@mro9466]

ED: we might make a Tornado Everybody: wow cool ! Me: MORE MIGS PLEASE

[@Billy-sm3uu]

My impression of RAZBAM: 1. They do textures and modeling very well, and spend extra time working on the details 2. M2000C is excellent after French Airforce chimed in 3. Harrier textures and cockpit is stunning 4. Mig-19 is kind of ditched, Mig-19S variant only in 3D model stage 5. Their modules are usually buggy on release (M2000C was accelerating vertically when on burners) 6. They make up things about the module when there are no documents 7. In the early days, they like to throw around promises that many are not fulfilled today 8. They instantly jump in to "claim" modules without having a plan and team to start develop it 9. They prioritize on grabbing new money with new module releases, old modules haven't had attention for a long time 10. They do pretty well in revisiting previous modules, but the behavior is inconsistent and sometimes only the bare minimum I really think RAZBAM puts effort into their module making, recent updates showed how the Strike Eagle would be the most detailed module ever released. They also don't ditch their previous modules. But their priority has always been getting the most attention and module sales. (Dropping an incomplete Mig-19 to catch the F-14 rush) That's why they are not the best 3rd party to me. That being said, I appreciate every 3rd party developer that help build the game, and I hope the Mudhen gets RAZBAM a good reputation in the community.

[@Lambda420]

If they bring the flogger and the phantom I’m buying immediately.

[@Enigma89]

They are both coming!

[@Driftit]

Just starting learning the game. Flew around in the A4 for a bit. Amazing mod. Love the plane. I'm only really interested in the Cold War error aircraft. So I stepped up to M2000c which I really enjoyed learning. Looking at red planes I also noticed the gap. Even as a newb. The Flogger will definitely be a purchase for me.

[@TheIceGryphon]

As someone who looks at teams sizes and usually picks red because they are out number. I completely agree. Also allows me to have more blue targets because of team size weight so heavy on blue. Also Aggressors are fun.

[@skull6740]

I appreciate the effort that went into pronouncing изделие

[@kajetkawa6024]

Mig 25 / 31 would be awesome

[@aydincakiroglu1665]

@mehlm5941 25 declassified actually

[@miguelcolasmartinez6703]

Mig 23 and tornado are going to be great cw modules.

[@Cocokingable1]

Too bad we'll never see it until Raz and ED grow up. Better be refunds for all Raz modules if they pull out, thats 4 planes at about $200 USD that will become unusable

[@christophermcsherry2655]

Speaking for myself, I am more excited about the Flogger than the Strike Eagle (which I did buy in the pre-sale). I see to be drawn more towards Refor anyhow. I am loving the MiG 21, & Su-27 and that all I fly lately. I am excited for the cold war era and really cannot wait for the Flogger.

[@Kilosim]

This video has not aged well

[@MIIRBH]

Wait why

[@gyratingwolpertiger6851]

​@@MIIRBHif I had to guess due to the Razbam drama with them being the studio that was working on the MiG 23. I wouldn't say it hasn't aged well as the base principle holds true. We need something for red of this period

[@willielinks3865]

You miss the point that’s been know for a while around the community, free and opened source information. Wags and Nick Grey have talked about this a plethora of different times. There’s not a lot of open information on the modern (BVR) red side. They keep that information pretty secret while the opposite has a lot of POHs that are available on the internet.

[@Enigma89]

This is exactly why I think Cold War is the future of the game, they aren't allowed to finish the game in a modern setting.

[@matka5130]

that is exactly we need to embrace coldwar

[@srb972]

I love the mig 23 but i wish somebody would make a mig 25

[@sylvainhombourger2340]

An interesting next step would be a redfor two seater like the SU-24 or the mig-31 :)

[@kainan613]

As a new player and a tech nerd I do enjoy the MFD riddled modules quite a bit, but I can certainly see how a very experienced player would much prefer the uniqueness in different types of planes. Hope they manage to get more RED modules in to even things out just a tad.

[@bazejs8084]

Also two Cold War dedicated strike aircraft, Soviet Su-17M and US A-7E, are being developed for DCS.

[@ZarviroffSerge]

Yep, the 23 is an instant buy for me. I wonder if the docs for the Yak-141 are still out there. Wouldn't that be a cool toy to have. A supersonic VTOL, with R-77s, A2G and anti-ship capabilities, that was intended to be used from the Kuznetzov that's already in the game, roadbases capability. Oh, wouldn't that be cool.

[@bazejs8084]

Even if someone would declassify some documents Yak-141 has been cancelled together with fall of USSR in 1991, before being armed or integrated with any weapon system or sensors, so all combat avionics and sensors would have to be made up.

[@ZarviroffSerge]

​@@bazejs8084 141 is renamed 41M. Everything regarding the 141 was "acquired" by the US shortly after the dissolution of the USSR. That included all the assembled aircraft, partially assembled aircraft, spare parts, all the documentation. The 141 was undergoing government tests when that happened. So, there is really little (if anything at all) left to imagination about that aircraft. That is, if the documentation on it is still out there. If it is, it's in the US. And that means developing a DCS module from it shouldn't be much harder than developing any other module from docs. I think it'd be even possible to track down test pilots and get them to coop on the project.

[@NightshadeX85]

For middle of the Cold War I think the MiG-23 and Su-24 would be the best additions. A-A and A-G aircraft being mainstays of the Cold War RedFor. Problem with anything over the 2000s period is authenticity. How accurate can you make an in-service aircraft without it being questionable or getting anyone into trouble ? I think it's best to stick with well established retired aircraft because more knowledge about the aircraft is available and the powers that be really don't care for old retired aircraft.

[@maotseovich1347]

The early Cold War is not "the only playable era". It might be the best era for competitive PVPVE multiplayer, but it is not the only playable era. I wouldn't have several thousand hours in anything but the early cold war otherwise.

[@shaneduc]

I'm looking forward to the MIG-23, the F15E is the one on the top with the SU-27 as mod's i most istreted in. The Code Name Flanker Will be working more on the SU-35.

[@nomar5spaulding]

Starting to think this may have not aged well...

[@tionstav5799]

It aged well. MiG-23's necessity means ED chose death for the cold war scene.

[@blacktuesday7427]

The MiG-23 is one of my favorite aircraft of all time, I can't wait for Razbam to release the module!

[@Spicysauced]

Yeah the 23 will be an instant buy for me. Aside from all the logical points you made - it looks badass and I love it :) Do you plan on increasing the player limit on your server? Its gonna be very .. snuggly in there when the F4 and the 23 come.

[@fabiolean]

I agree the Cold War is the most interesting era that could be modeled in dcs. I’m more interested in late Cold War stuff though. As historically interesting as 50s tech is, I lose patience with the lack of capability easily.

[@BCooperArtMind]

An intelligent and succinct video that describes how I feel. The MiG-23, or 29, or something new that's RedFor, for heaven sakes. I'm so incredibly tired of American dominance in games, and DCS is no exception. I understand the security issues for more modern craft, but there really isn't any excuse not to have a balance of thirds in the Cold War time periods you speak of. I normally, and at times almost exclusively, fly RedFor. I love variety in my games, and DCS, as incredible as it is, sometimes feels generic and lifeless because it doesn't expand much beyond the strong Ameri-centrism it follows. Sure the A-10C II (which is my favorite American plane to fly), F-14, and the others are superbly well done, and fun to fly. I occasionally fly them for an hour or two, and then begin to feel the void that lives in the heart of DCS. I am of the "other" side, as well. I most love games that allow me to play all sides generally equally. For example, let's take IL-2 or Combat Mission games, where you can play any of the sides almost equally. DCS doesn't have that, certainly when it pertains to Cold War airframes. Come on Razbam! The MiG-19 and now the MiG-23...hell, yeah!

[@deadlyrubberduck]

Excellent video as always. I've been looking forward to the Mig-23 to fill that gap as you said. The red side really needs some love in the DCS Cold War Era and I hope the Mig-23 has a great release.

[@ullmannbh8958]

Not anymore pal 😔

[@catiline1470]

Cant wait for the flogger. F5 is still my only FF module and I don't plan on getting another until I really learn it by heart. Mig23 will be near the top of the list though

[@king-amir3401]

This didn't age well...

[@NuttyGore2039]

This is a question about your cold war servers. would it be possible to make a mission of sorts or an event to get new people in the server without groups, engaged with each other? its so hard coming in alone when everyone is already buddied up. Speaking out for al the newer players as ive seen them and myself struggle with finding wingmen

[@Enigma89]

No it is not possible because we can't force people to play on their own. If you want to play with people just join our discord and sit on voice. People will pile in

[@NuttyGore2039]

@@Enigma89 Thanks for the reply, Ill give it a try, im already a part of the discord! Im flying tonight so ill hop in a VC and see how i go

[@nicolask.jimenez5337]

The razbam take did not age well

[@hook86]

I get you like the Cold War, but saying there is no saving the modern era is hyperbole. There's plenty of ways to bring balance to 4th gen action. If it's not your speed, it's understandable, but abandoning it all together isn't the way to go. 4th gen sells, sales keep the lights on. You mentioned DCS wouldn't be profitable without EA, which makes sense, but it would have been long dead without those MFD ridden aircraft you may despise! Different folks, different strokes. I enjoy them all. I also agree Razbam does NOT deserve a bad rap, they have killed it and they always circle back and polish up older modules!

[@TheDegenerateLord]

This dude Egigma is the worst sort of human.

[@420noscopeyeetcannon2]

I plan on flying it for sure... learning about aircraft that are outside the mainstream is always a good time

[@Mark_Point]

I like your server, and I like cold war but the message that modern day is unplayable because you can't realistically simulate a red vs blue air war that has never happened is total rubbish. Me and my buddies have great fun in modern day co-op scenarios. M

[@Enigma89]

I would encourage you guys to check out BMS, you may really like it. Even though I like WWII and Cold War better, I really like flying the F-16 in BMS. Within the context of most of the players in this game being modern players, I think it is important that someone at least breaks ranks and voices the opposing view. Me saying that modern is not playable, doesn't allow people to not have fun in that setting.

[@Mark_Point]

@@Enigma89 No of course and I think you are a great promoter of the cold war scene and its a great community and server that you have built. Just recognise that others have fun elsewhere and some of us like MFDs and smart weapons too. I worry that if people with lots of influence spread this modern hate message it will negatively impact the future if DCS for modern aircraft. Also we can all bash ED a bit but as far as which modern airframes, I think they do what they can and they do it really well, they should get credit for this.

[@MalibuR1d3r]

I started flying in DCS 7 years ago. That was also the first time i read on razbams page, that they are planing to do a Mig23 and the F15E. The MiG23 is my most awaited module since 7 years :D

[@wash_out]

I think that was easily the most important piece of content in regards of dcs that I have ever seen. Subbed.

[@shadowfox549]

I might be in a minority here, but I believe (regardless if more redfor is put in) DCS shines the best as a PVE environment. Where all players are on the same side, coordinating in comms, and combating a high level AI. This is why servers like Gray Flag, PGAW, and GAW will/have always been more appealing to me than any PVP server I've ever been on. This is why I believe that DCS is fine with having as many bluefor birds as it has, among other reasons. That being said, dynamic AI/campaign is something I know we can all agree on that we need

[@Enigma89]

You should check out BMS.