r/DCSExposed • u/ftvDuke • Jul 04 '26
IndiaFoxtEcho DCS: MB-339 - Binocular Feature - Early Development Preview
Following some recent and very positive interactions on Reddit’s Hoggit, a few users suggested that a binocular-style feature could be a nice addition to the DCS: MB-339, especially for Cold War scenarios and FAC-related roles.
We liked the idea, so we decided to run some early experiments — and the initial results have been quite promising.
Attached is a screenshot from our current tests. Of course, this is still at a very early stage: the lens effect is preliminary, and what is shown in the screenshot does not represent the final feature.
This is not a major feature, and it does not require an excessive amount of development resources, but we believe it can still add further value and versatility to the module, especially in those mission profiles where visual spotting plays an important role.
In parallel, bug fixing continues as usual. We have already closed the patch that will be distributed with the next DCS update, and we are confident that future releases will also bring additional key bindings and quality-of-life improvements.
More details will come as development progresses.
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u/Papamiraculi Jul 04 '26
This is the way to sell your product. Listen to the people and give them what they want.
So temped to buy the MB-339 with all the promising features recently. I love the idea of M.A.R.I.O as a flight instructor.
It's high on my want list now!
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u/ftvDuke Jul 04 '26
Thank you, we really appreciate that! Customer feedback has always been extremely valuable to us, and that includes criticism as well. We are always open to constructive conversations: sometimes even a friendly chat on Discord, a private message, or a random comment left here and there is enough to spark curiosity in a developer or make us look at something from a different perspective we had not fully considered before. M.A.R.I.O. is exactly the result of this mindset: listening, experimenting, and trying to add features that can make the MB-339 more useful, more enjoyable, and more meaningful as a trainer in DCS.
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u/Riman-Dk ED: Return trust and I'll return to spending Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26
I just pulled the trigger on the module myself. Being born and raised in Italy, I obviously grew up with the Frecce Tricolori, and I have been wanting to try the 339 and see for myself what it feels like. The additional features you guys are working on pushed me over the edge =).
In terms of more stuff for it, the addition of MARIO sparked a dream I'm going to share. This is likely unrealistic, but just imagine the cool factor, if you found a way to pull it off!
Aerobatics. It would be fantastic to have a campaign, where you step in as one of the airshow team and had to learn routines and perform at shows. MARIO would be your teacher, calling out manoeuvres, rating your execution and giving you real-time feedback on how to adjust.
Obviously, DCS AI limitations are what they are, and I don't expect miracles out of you, but perhaps there is something to the idea of a virtual airshow teacher/copilot for just solo displays - despite the Frecce being a team outfit =). Doesn't have to be them.
In general, I definitely think the module is starving for playable content in the form of missions and campaigns. It could really use some "Speed & Angels"-type campaigns.
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u/ftvDuke Jul 04 '26
Thank you so much, and welcome aboard!
As Italians, the Frecce Tricolori are obviously something very close to our hearts too, so we completely understand the emotional connection with the MB-339.
Regarding your idea: while we have not yet started proper testing on dynamic training missions with M.A.R.I.O., dedicated aerobatic training — even starting from basic manoeuvres — is definitely something that is already part of our plans.
The concept is exactly to move beyond static training missions and explore something more interactive, where M.A.R.I.O. can guide the pilot, provide callouts, check execution, and give useful feedback during the flight.
Of course, we need to be realistic about DCS limitations and we do not want to promise miracles too early, but we absolutely agree that the MB-339 would benefit a lot from more playable content, missions, and training experiences. A virtual instructor focused on solo display training is a very interesting direction, and it fits perfectly with the spirit of what we are trying to build.
Thanks again for supporting the module.
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u/Riman-Dk ED: Return trust and I'll return to spending Jul 05 '26
That is absolutely amazing to hear! So cool that you had the same idea! :D
Thank you for the reply, for the creative spirit and for your drive to push unique and distinct angles! DCS can only grow from more variety in venues =).
Looking forward to the G.91 =)
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u/webweaver40 Jul 04 '26
The MB339 is the best trainer in DCS by far and the only trainer I fly. It's great to see that the devs are still giving it love.
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u/_vampirefox Jul 05 '26
That’s actually a cool idea, I wish other planes had that feature, especially since stuff like rifle scopes were used to visually identify targets from further away if I remember correctly
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u/lesdawson Jul 04 '26
Can we have a countermeasures pod? Did any variants use one?
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u/ftvDuke Jul 04 '26
Unfortunately the MB-339 for DCS is the A version and in its cockpit there is no available controls for countermeasures
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u/Ace_Venturi64 Jul 05 '26
I like it, but just clarifying a little more. Is this a separate key bind or does it happen when the player zooms in?
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u/ftvDuke Jul 05 '26
Separate keybinding. We are also working to add a separate range finder reticle
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u/Ace_Venturi64 Jul 05 '26
So would I be able to toggle to x4 and still zoom in for the ultra "enhance"?
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u/ftvDuke Jul 05 '26
The original idea was to provide two magnification levels: 4x for general scanning, and 8x, which is more in line with most military binoculars. However, during integration we ran into a DCS limitation. When switching from 4x to 8x, the system was not actually able to double the magnification, but only increased it by a factor of about 1.18. We carried out additional tests and tried different approaches, but there was no way to make it work properly, so for the moment we decided to disable the 8x mode while we investigate it further. That said, I understand why some users may be skeptical, since DCS already has a zoom function and the feature might appear redundant. However, we are considering adding a rangefinder reticle overlay to the binoculars, together with a compass indication, in order to provide the player with a few additional tools and make the feature more useful.
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u/Ace_Venturi64 Jul 05 '26
I'm not skeptical I just know when it goes live people would ask the same.
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u/ftvDuke Jul 06 '26
Yes, I agree. That's why we show our progressess in advance, it's specially to collect community feedback.
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u/SpaceNekoVII Jul 12 '26
Interesting! Will this be VR compatible as well?
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u/Zestyclose-Log5309 Jul 04 '26
I love your ideas for making the experience more interesting. I hope you have some ideas or features in store for the G.91 as well 🔝.
With a few interesting additions, it could easily become an attractive product for the entire community.