23vEW History (Condensed)

Honoring the real world Flying Tigers

 23vEW began 3 years ago as the 74th virtual expeditionary squadron flying the DCS A-10C exclusively. We grew and decided to expand into a wing in order to allow pilots to fly the F-16CM, F-15E, UH-1H, UH-60L as primary airframes. We’ve refined our training syllabus to include separate training tracks for UPT, IFF and Primary Airframe B Course for Hog, Viper, Eagle & Raptor drivers.

Our group started as the 74th virtual Fighter Squadron honoring the real-world Flying Tigers at Moody AFB. 

We’ve expanded since then into a virtual expeditionary wing and many of our pilots have learned multiple airframes so while our focus is the DCS A-10C II & F-16CM, allowing cross training on multiple airframes has greatly enhanced the fun factor for 23vEW.

What we do 

Attack, Rescue, Prevail!

23vEW is a group of DCS World pilots focusing on flying and fighting in the DCS A-10C II & F-16CM as primary airframes. Many of our pilots cross train in multiple other secondary airframes once they’ve achieved BMC/CMR status in the Hog or Viper.

Some of our pilots also choose to cross train on the rotary wing side using the DCS UH-1H, UH-60L and AH-64D primarily in support of CSAR training & operations but also in support of armed recon & CAS missions (the Apache has a synergy in target sorting, lasing and handoff with the Hog & Viper).

We periodically spend fun time flying time in the F-18, AV8BNA, F-14, F86, F5, P51, P47 and Spitfire when we have Retro nights flying both fictional and historical recreation missions. Other nights, we fly carrier patterns or strike targets in the DCS AH-64D. Retro night flying with BMC/CMR wingmen & flight leads who understand military flying basics (formation, comms, surface attack & BFM) is incredibly fun!

We divide time between training & missions continually enhancing our technical and tactical prowess on a variety of missions (CAS, CSAR, SEAD/DEAD, DCA/OCA, BFM, Armed Recon (Kill Boxes). Flying DCS World jets in a high threat environment takes ongoing practice to remain current (it’s a perishable skillset).

23vEW Culture

Our mojo

We keep our group casual but fangs out when we push to the jets (this is not Ace Combat arcade game – it’s a study level simulation). Our culture could likely best be described as a casual group of friends that are hardcore DCS Pilots continually learning & improving together in training and on missions. We keep life/family first and have had many members take extended breaks for work, family, military deployments etc. Common courtesy is the baseline – treat people right and everyone gets along… let someone know if you’re not going to be around and you’ll notice your slot remains when you start flying again.

23vEW Training Pipeline

Your path to virtual fighter pilot

We understand that not everyone has even come close to mastering a single DCS World airframe, so we try to accommodate a variety of skillsets (from new to experienced). The most common category of DCS pilot we get is able to fly and fight in their airframe but needs to learn formation flying. Learning formation is intimidating for many new DCS pilots, but it is an absolutely critical component of modern air combat tactics (enhanced SA, mutual support and firepower). We teach formation flying and maneuvering by doing (crawl walk run) and have taught many DCS pilots to fly formation comfortably.

Our training pipeline is broadly divided into 4 categories:

UPT – brand new DCS pilots who cannot yet safely takeoff and land (NOTE: We do NOT run UPT classes year round). Our UPT Pipeline is a highly condensed version of USAF UPT 2.5 (takes around 3-4 months) using the DCS A-29, T-45C, and F-5E

IFF – DCS Pilots needing to learn formation & tactical skills necessary to succeed in a wing. UPT Graduates start in the DCS F-5E while IFF new pilots have the option of doing IFF in their primary airframe.
B Course – DCS Pilots that already know formation & need to learn their primary airframe + corresponding SOP & mission tactics
BMC/CMR Pilots – DCS Pilots that already know formation skills + how to fly & fight in their primary airframe. We have an expedited in-processing for BMC/CMR pilots which simply covers our tech, SOP, Contracts & area FAM. BMC/CMR pilots are eligible after probationary period to begin training for section/flight lead slots & even leadership positions within 23vEW.

23vEW Currently has B Course training syllabus and capability for Qualified DCS Piots or 23vEW UPT Graduates in following DCS World Aircraft:
A-10C II
F-16CM
F-15E (when released)
F-22A
F-5E (Aggressor)
UH-60L (In support of our CSAR / CAS Operations + more)
AH-64D (in support of our CSAR / CAS Operations + more)

For all our new pilots, we do a FAM Flight that doubles as an evaluation flight to ensure new pilots are placed in the appropriate training category (UPT, IFF, B Course or BMC/CMR Squadron Transition).

We train 23vEW pilots on all aspects of flying based on USAF open-source documentation. There’s enough open-source USAF documentation on the A-10 and F-16 that we are able to efficiently employ these aircraft on very challenging missions working together with wingmen in flights. At the end of the learning road on each airframe is learning advanced tactics (once you can operate, fly and fight in the jet it’s time to run via 2 and 4 ship tactics!). 
 

23vEW New Pilot Skill Levels

To clarify experience levels for pilots that will be able to join in a B Course for a primary airframe, you should be able to perform the following (at minimum):

startup
takeoff
land
employ aircraft weapons (if not all, more = better)

If you have a basic understanding of your desired primary aircraft’s instruments / systems, we can take this skillset and build upon it teaching the necessary formation, formation maneuvering, SOP, Contract, Tactical & Technical skills needed to fight as a team on multiple mission types. We’ve learned over time that pilots unable to accomplish these tasks will struggle and constantly remain frustrated as they’re overwhelmed (bad situation for all involved).

Pilots who can accomplish everything above minus formation flying are encouraged to join us – we can get you there on formation skills. Keep in mind that formation skills are 100% essential for real world fighter pilots, and they are for us in DCS World as well. Formation is the basis of modern air combat tactics and provides extra Mk 1 Eyeballs to look for SAMs, Bandits, Targets, BDA, Aerial Refueling etc. (aka Situational Awareness or SA + getting gas) and equally important formation skill are a force multiplier (more canon rounds, A/A & A/S weapons + ability to keep pressure on a target). The USAF considers formation flying the perfect blend of aggressiveness tempered with precision flying needed to be a good fighter pilot.

Want to join us?

New Pilot interview a Discord channel away

If you’re interested in joining a group of DCS World pilots who can fly and fight well together in the DCS A-10C II + F-16CM + F-15E (When released) + cross train on other aircraft and fly fun flights on Retro Nights, feel free to join our Discord channel.

**Be sure to check in on the “new-pilot-check-in” channel – announce your intention to join 23vEW** and someone in leadership will coordinate your interview, FAM Flight & Orientation. Beyond your FAM Flight & Orientation – how far you go is up to you.