What aircraft modules are available in DCS World?

DCS World includes two free flyable aircraft—the Su-25T and unarmed TF-51D—then offers paid modules covering modern fighters, Cold War jets, Second World War warbirds, trainers and helicopters. Major choices include the F/A-18C, F-16C, F-14, F-4E, A-10C II, AH-64D and Mi-24P.

DCS aircraft module list by type

The official flyable catalogue spans full-fidelity aircraft with clickable cockpits and simplified Flaming Cliffs aircraft. The list below covers the established aircraft families and excludes announced products that are not yet flyable; new releases and temporary changes in sales availability may alter what appears in the live shop.

Some purchases contain several variants rather than one exact airframe. The F-14 module, for example, covers Tomcat variants, while the Mirage F1 product represents a family of variants. Flaming Cliffs may be sold as a bundle or through individual aircraft products, depending on the storefront.

Which DCS World aircraft are free?

The Su-25T and TF-51D are permanent parts of the free DCS World installation. They are not time-limited demos: the Su-25T is an armed attack aircraft with simplified cockpit interaction, while the TF-51D is an unarmed, clickable-cockpit Mustang trainer.

The paid Su-25 in Flaming Cliffs is a different Frogfoot variant, and the armed P-51D is a separate module from the free TF-51D. Our guide to the free DCS installation and starter aircraft explains what can be flown before buying anything.

Which DCS modules have clickable cockpits?

Almost every aircraft outside the Flaming Cliffs range has a clickable cockpit with individually modelled systems. The free TF-51D is also clickable; the free Su-25T and the Flaming Cliffs aircraft are not.

• Full-fidelity modules model cockpit switches, sensors, navigation equipment, radios and weapon procedures in substantial depth. Many also support cold starts and aircraft-specific failures.
• Flaming Cliffs aircraft use common keyboard or controller commands for many functions. They are quicker to learn, but their switches cannot generally be operated with the mouse.
• Early Access modules are flyable products whose systems, missions or features may still be unfinished. Check the implemented-feature list rather than assuming every real aircraft function is present.

A mistake we see constantly is treating similarly named products as interchangeable. The full-fidelity F-5E, F-86F, MiG-15bis and MiG-29A are distinct from their simplified Flaming Cliffs counterparts; owning one does not automatically provide the other unless a specific bundle says so.

Do aircraft modules include maps, carriers or campaigns?

An aircraft licence normally covers the aircraft and its supplied training or mission content, not every terrain, carrier, campaign or historical asset needed for third-party missions.

• Aircraft can generally fly on the terrains included with the core simulator, but a separately sold campaign may require a specific paid map.
• Naval aircraft such as the F/A-18C and F-14 can use standard carrier functionality without an enhanced carrier package. Extra deck operations, communications and carrier detail may require separate content.
• Second World War aircraft do not automatically include period maps or ground-unit asset packs.
• Training missions vary considerably between modules. A detailed aircraft does not guarantee a full campaign or instruction for every weapon.

How should you choose a DCS aircraft module?

Choose by mission, systems depth and era rather than by headline performance. The aircraft you are prepared to study and fly repeatedly is usually a better purchase than the one with the longest weapon list.

1. Pick the mission first. Choose the A-10C II for methodical close air support, the F/A-18C for carrier-based multirole flying, the F-16C for a fast land-based multirole fighter, or a helicopter when low-level flying and hover work are the attraction.
2. Decide how much cockpit work you want. Flaming Cliffs suits players who want simplified systems. Full-fidelity modules suit those who want to learn start-up procedures, sensors, navigation and aircraft-specific weapon employment.
3. Check the required controls. Modern fighters reward a HOTAS with several hats and modifiers, while helicopters benefit greatly from precise throttle or collective control and rudder pedals. Every aircraft can be rebound, but awkward controls can make a suitable module feel needlessly difficult.
4. Verify the edition and live sales status. Confirm that the module appears for the account and storefront used by your installation. Steam and standalone licence handling is not fully reciprocal; our comparison of DCS editions and module licensing covers the practical differences.
5. Use a trial where one is offered. Trial eligibility and conditions can vary, but a short test reveals whether the cockpit workflow and performance suit you better than videos or specifications can.

For a first full-fidelity purchase, our beginner-focused aircraft comparison narrows the list by workload, mission type and learning curve.

Free community aircraft, liveries and missions provide more options, but they are mods rather than official aircraft modules; dependencies, system depth and multiplayer compatibility vary. Our DCS aircraft add-ons and mission library separates that community content from the simulator’s commercial module catalogue.