Heatblur Simulations

Heatblur Simulations is an independent specialist developer of high-fidelity military aviation modules for Digital Combat Simulator World and Microsoft Flight Simulator. Its work combines aircraft research, custom systems engineering and detailed digital asset production to recreate historical and modern combat aircraft for simulation audiences.

The studio emerged from an internal development team at Leatherneck Simulations in 2014, helped develop DCS: MiG-21bis, established the Heatblur brand in 2015, and formally separated from Leatherneck and Magnitude 3 LLC in March 2017. It now operates through a distributed international production model, with its commercial and legal operations administered from Poland.

Simulation development

Heatblur's capabilities include:

• Ultra-high-fidelity aircraft and combat-aviation simulation modules
• Custom flight dynamics, physics, radar, avionics, weapons and optical-targeting systems
• Advanced Systems Modeling and aerodynamic research
• 3D modeling, PBR texturing, laser scanning and photogrammetry of aircraft
• Audio engineering, digital distribution, DLC support and merchandise fulfilment

Its technical work includes the proprietary JESTER AI virtual copilot/Radar Intercept Officer/Weapon Systems Officer, which supports single-player operation of multi-crew aircraft; Crew Chief systems; the ANVIL simulation engine; and simulations of analogue electronics and hydraulic systems.

Selected work

Released modules include DCS: AJS-37 Viggen, DCS: F-14A/B Tomcat, and DCS: F-4E Phantom II. The company also co-developed the Microsoft Flight Simulator: F-14A/B Tomcat with IndiaFoxtEcho. Current development and collaboration work includes DCS: Eurofighter Typhoon with TrueGrit Virtual Technologies, DCS: A-6E Intruder, the licensed DCS: Dassault Rafale C, and an MSFS: F-16A project with IndiaFoxtEcho.

Heatblur serves the video-game and flight-simulation market with deeply researched aircraft experiences for PC and console simulation enthusiasts.