DCS Discussion

[Skoop]

Best part about the new dynamic campaign is to muck around with it yourself in the editor and taylor it to your liking.  Much of this stuff coming in a built in packaged scenario is already available to the dcs editor elite in the form of lua scripting.  But the new system will open tons of new possibilities.  Not to mention a new map that has a recent real world conflict Adding to the immersion.

[hellfish6]

I am glad I started investing the time into DCS now. Once I get the Hind and the Syria map my nipples with be sufficiently hard to cut glass.

[Jarhead0331]

I'm starting to come around on the new monthly update cycle...its a good time to be a flight simmer.

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/news/changelog/openbeta/2.5.6.53756/

Introduced the new DCS: Syria Map by Ugra Media.

Introduced two new campaigns:

    DCS: F/A-18C Raven One Сampaign by Baltic Dragon
    DCS: Mi-8MTV2 Crew Part 1 Campaign by Stone Sky

DCS World

    R-27 missiles family. Reduced the value of the induced drag, increased lift. Lift to drag ratio now is more accurate and provides better performance against maneuvering targets, compared to AIM-7 performance level.
    R-77 missile. Reduced the value of the induced drag, reduced transonic zero-lift drag, increased the lift. Missile will better save energy, slightly increased range at low altitude.
    AIM-7 missile. Adjusted autopilot to fix guidance inaccuracy.
    DCS Scripting Engine. Shooting start/end events lack information on weapons - fixed.
    DCS Scripting Engine. Most weapon class functions fail on torpedoes - fixed.
    SA-6 Kub. Search-track radar still emits after the alarm state set to green - fixed.
    Runway still damaged after repair for bombs craters just off the edge of the runway - fixed.
    Dedicated Server. "Engage Air Weapons" has reduced functionality on dedicated (norender) server - fixed.
    MP. [LCtrl + F10] command allows the player to get position on map even in 'Map only' mode - fixed.
    The Schnellboot will evade a collision in a torpedo attack.
    ME. Neutral static objects are not in the targets list, but can be selected by clicking on the object on the map - fixed.
    Aircraft AI. Lead aircraft in tight turns can create physics problems for wingmen - fixed.
    MiG-25. When a plane loses a wing, missiles stay in the air - fixed.
    Air tankers with unsuitable refueling connectors for the player's AC will not react to the player's requests.
    Projected runway lights turn off as soon as the nose wheel is down - fixed.
    Implementing compressibility for pitot tube for Mach > 1 and turning it on for all planes.
    Tail wheel tuned for all taildraggers.
    GDR (East Germany) added as a country.
    MP. Now when server creation, the first (not last) mission in the list will be selected.
    Ships start a mission in motion even if they have set speed 0 in the mission - fixed.
    ME. AI aircraft. Added checkbox “AI off” for ground start.
    ME. It's possible to set a task for aircraft AIs to attack friendlies - fixed.
    ME. Improved auto naming of groups.
    When choosing a missile on the F10 map and switching to the F6 view to this missile, another missile is shown - fixed.
    MP. Cargo not synced correctly hangs in the sky after release, and can obstruct other helicopters in drop zones - fixed.
    Sling loaded Cargo phantom not destroyed by destroy() function - fixed.
    AI not using high drag MK 82 Snakeye below 1000ft - fixed.
    Helicopter wingmen fall through the deck when landing on the ship - fixed.
    Briefing window. Moving and scaling of large illustrations is adjusted.
    F10 map units coordinates are out of panel - fixed.
    ME. In advanced trigger options, if add an item by CLONE, then the content of the newly cloned item will not be saved - fixed.
    ME. Added View menu item with ability to switch between Imperial and Metric units.
    Added removing of precompiled shaders from previous version of dcs on Update.
    Ground AI. The vehicles do not turn smoothly, but along a broken line - fixed.

DCS F-14B by Heatblur Simulations

    NEW - Added 11 Quickstart missions for the Syria map.
    Included Supercarrier versions for Syria Quickstart missions.
    Added Quickstart Free Flight mission for the Channel map.
    Fixed scripting error in Time Trial missions.
    Updated AIM-54 countermeasure resistance probabilities.
    Fixed MLC Auto not using actual antenna elevation above horizon.
    Fixed keybindings not incrementing panel and gauge lights appropriately.
    Fixed RIO annunciator light intensities.
    Increased intensity of slime lights (= formation lights).
    Corrected roughness of intake ramps.
    Fixed broken normals on intake areas.
    Fixed unwelded vertices on engine nacelle.
    Fixed mismatch intake ramp color on default livery.
    Fixed incorrectly assigned textures on exterior gear doors and right wing.
    Fixed missing fuselage in cockpit view.
    Re-added normal map on TCS pod.
    Rudders will now detach with heavy damage.
    Increased size of fuel tank hitboxes to more closely match real life sizes.
    Adjusted damage model to be less “tanky” with direct missile hits.
    Improved aerodynamic damage effects.

DCS AV-8B by RAZBAM

    Sound missing for AI aircraft once airborne bug fix.

DCS MiG-19P by RAZBAM

    Fixed several typos in Russian cockpit.
    Fixed the frontal glass canopy mesh so it does not look like it is raining inside it.
    Small cockpit textures corrections.

China Asset Pack by Deka Ironwork Simulations

    Added WingLoong-1 UAV AI for China, Pakistan, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, United Arab Emirates, Algeria.
    Added AKD-10 missile for WingLoong-1, more weapons will be added later.
    Fixed HQ-7 LN no radar warning issue.

DCS JF-17 by Deka Ironwork Simulations

    Re-made 6 training missions (more will come later)
    Added new ground crew voiceover
    Added abs axis binding for:
        UFCP and HUD Brt knobs
        ACP COM1/2, TCN/ILS and MSL Vol knobs
        Сockpit illumination and AAR light knobs
            Note: dcs provides only 10 customized axis commands
    Fixed: SMS page: max bomb quantity for selection (determined by load setting)
        If more than 4 bombs mounted (i.e. 6), additional quantity 6 at OSB R5
        If less or equal than 4 bombs, only show quantity 1, 2, 4 as before
    Fixed: player must turn off all power supply to (un)install AAR probe.
    Fixed: player must open canopy to update DTC.
    Fixed thrust and wheel brakes axis command id (

    need to rebind your joystick!!!)
    Fixed UFCP_1 fallback viewport name.
    Added g-suit tube operation in auto start/stop script.
    Known issues:
        ED just changed AG radar render code, we need time to figure out how to make our AG radar EXP modes work again.

DCS SA-342 by Polychop Simulations

    Linked brightness of gun and mistral sight to weapons panel brightness rotator dial.
    Added support for NS430 Module implementation.

DCS C-101 Aviojet by AvioDev

    Video ON/STB/OFF switch in clickable cockpit is now conforming to DCS standards
    Fixed EB FD glideslope commands. It now commands correctly to follow ILS GS, independently of the speed of the aircraft
    Fixed voice-over of Sea Eagle missile training mission
    Fixed Sea Eagle missile training mission. Modified wingman task to be able to launch two missiles
    Enabled engine fire in failures list
    All failures repair works now. See extensive list below
    Fixed damage and failures repair issues:
        Now all EB engine-related failures are applied to C-101 (it was not the case previously)
        All failures related to engine are now correctly repaired. Engine start is now possible after repair
        Added repair of the following previously implemented avionics failures and unrecoverable states: landing lights burnout, landing gear lock override safety wire, cockpit depressurization, reset of landing gear emergency extension handles, gear/flaps stuck state due to overspeed, canopy fracturing (C-101CC only)
    Landing gear lever is forced now to extend position at repair
    Improved ITT indication (both needle and digits) when electrical power is cycled on/off
    Adjusted engine N1 and N2 pointers movement speed when electrical power is switched on/off
    Adjusted movement speed of voltmeter needle
    Fixed brightness of rear cockpit AOA indexer
    Fixed C-101EB takeoff mission. F-18 does not crash now
    Added SCAR Light Test Button functionality
    Fixed ERR light on SCAR Display Unit. It now blinks correctly and on both cockpits
    Added RAAF Roulettes livery
    Added “PITOT HEAT” caution light function
    Added pitot heat failure in Mission Editor
    Pitot heat korry light is now off when Mission Editor “pitot heat fail” occurs
    Added “pitot heat fail” repair
    Fixed logic of “pitot/static port blocked” failures in Mission Editor. Now those follow the same logic as the one of “pitot/static port blocked by ice” systems failure, i.e., it uses last known values of pressures, etc.
    Implemented pitot heat equation. Now it affects only the ability to reengage pitot heat on ground after about 17-15 minutes (depending on TAT) since enabled. To reengage pitot heat, wait for a couple of minutes until it cools down. Such electrical condition is very rare though
    Updated cockpit textures, including lighting
    Adjusted effect of alpha and beta on the computed indicated airspeed
    Fixed cockpit lighting of external model
    Added input_profiles_repairer.exe and corresponding readme.txt. This exe allows to recover old C-101 input mapping saved previously to Open Beta update 2.5.6.52196. Already correct profiles are kept untouched. Disregard the repairer output file
    Adjusted g-suit effectiveness factor (a wrong scale was being used)
    Modified "crash" button tooltip, added its activation condition for clarity
    Updated brightness control for the following lights:
        All cockpits: emergency pitch trim light, markers lights, ENG IGN light, CAWS panel lights, IFF test light, IFF reply light
        EB: ARN-127 freq digits, ARC-134 freq digits, ARC-164 freq digits, HSI digits
        CC: MPR light, telebriefing light, HSI/ADI digits
    Korry buttons and other signal lights without integrated brightness control change now their brightness with instrument and consoles lights dimmers
    Implemented landing gear red status lights (gear in transit)
    Fixed ILS frequency typo in Persian Gulf instant action hard landing mission
    Gear handle light brightness depends now on the instrument knob (dimmer) position
    Fuel lights are set to off (white bars) when fuel measurement CB is pulled
    CC HSI annunciator lights brightness is changed now with instrument knob (dimmer)
    Adjusted initial instrument/consoles knobs (dimmers) settings

DCS P-47D Thunderbolt by ED

    Cylinder temperature fixed
    Gas temperature for turbine is constant regardless of magneto off or fuel cut-off - fixed
    Aftercooler update
    Changed position and cover's texture of the guns. Fixed collision model
    Oil system update
    Fixed missing FFB shake
    Added landing light driven shak
    Reduced propellor disbalance effect magnitude

DCS Spitfire LF Mk.IX by ED

    Fixed interconnected left and central wheels damage

DCS FW 190 A-8 by ED

    Tuned the adjustable iron sight

DCS FW 190 D-9 by ED

    Replaced sagged valve springs

DCS Bf 109 K-4 by ED

    Added net sync for gun sight
    Tune up of hydro hoses damages
    Adjusted negative g oil cut out

DCS P-51D Mustang by ED

    Oil pressure fixed

DCS A-10C Warthog by ED

    Adjusted minimum value and curve for HUD-only and exported displays views brightness after bug: MFD's are dark on view Alt+F1
    CDU display brightness adjustment don't work - fixed

DCS F-18C Hornet by ED

    Added Doppler Beam Sharpened (DBS) EXP -1/2/3 modes
    Radar locks air target in AG mode, but HUD target box stays in default or last known position - Fixed
    ICLS is not stabilized. If ship rolls on waves ICLS bar swings together with deck - fixed
    TACAN Data not showing on SA page top left - Fixed
    Launch bar switch is down for player spawned on catapult - Fixed
    JDAM indication is crossed out on the HUD when the JDAM is not aligned - Fixed
    F-18C separate RWR indication is barely visible - Fixed
        RWR screen is now rendered to a texture
        RWR brightness is initialized according to the night/day condition (Sun angle at mission start)
        Adjusted RWR symbology material alpha, as well as the visual appearance of the font (thickness)
    Gun smoke is far too dense - Fixed
    Forced "Unrestricted SATNAV" option doesn't work - Fixed
    Laser CODE on SMS main page with Guns selected creating a conflict - Fixed
    GBU-31(V)3/B Fuze Error - Fixed
    AMRAAM midcourse guidance stops when the L&S is swapped with DT2 in LTWS - Fixed
    Designation in NAV or AG modes stops AIR Attack Radar range and elevation changes - Fixed
    Standby ADI turn rate indicator (adjusted turn rate needle) - Fixed
    AIM-120 Quantity on HUD Incorrect with Mixed Types Onboard - Fixed
    Autostart macros fixed with INS STD HDG Alignment - Fixed
    INS GND alignment never finishes if GPS is not available - Fixed
    INS alignment status display in HSI indicates 0.5 OK but INS alignment is not ready - Fixed
    Aided INS (AINS) position mode - Fixed
    Missing MPCD Display Controls
        Contrast control was added to AMPCD
        Also contrast control was implemented for L/R MDIs
    Added yardstick to FLIR page
    Added coordinate display for FLIR page
    Added north arrow to FLIR
    INS align display horizontal bar aligned - Fixed
    Hot start IFA not aligned properly - Fixed
    Hot start should have INS selector knob in IFA - Fixed
    FCS page glitch (Appear only on first page activation) - Fixed
    POS/ADC Caution Message is Missing - Fixed
    INS DEGD Caution Message is Missing
    Fuel overwrites WP name - Fixed
    Comm 1 switches from AM to FM on its own - Fixed
    Engine sound update (wip)
    Major external sound update
    Air-to-Air Target Range on Air-to-Ground HUD - Fixed
    AG radar. Infantry can be detected - Fixed
    AG radar. FRZ and SIL don't function properly - Fixed
    Maverick slaving after step- Fixed
    AG radar. EXP render issues - Fixed
    Toggle HUD Time Off with Landing Gear Down - Fixed

DCS F-16C Viper by ED

    TGP Litening:
        Added HOTAS Commands
        Added Cursor Zero (CZ) Mode
        Added Steerpoint Indication
        Added HSD Steerpoint
        Added Laser Range Indication
        Added Laser Code Indication
        Added Camera Pointing Azimuth
        Added DCLT option
        Added Time to Steerpoint Indication
        Added AA mode
        Added North Arrow
        Added Coordinate Display
        Added NAV Mode Slave
        Added Meter Stick Value
        Added Gray Scale
        HUD CCRP indication doesn't sync with on TGP selected target - Fixed
        LASER guided bombs Time to impact on HUD & TGP - Fixed
        TGP Slew changes Waypoint locations IN HSD - Fixed
        TGP can show -10ft of altitude - Fixed
        TGP CCRP selection drops empty waypoint coordinates to (X = 0, Z = 0)
    HUD AOA Bracket top and bottom to wide - Fixed
    Adjusted dim lights logic
    CMDS "CHAFF FLARE" message after takeoff - Fixed
    FLIR crazy brightness parameters at night - Fixed
    HSI Very dimmed at night - Fixed
    Master light switch is not illuminated - Fixed
    Countermeasures released below aircraft - Fixed
    Add NOT SOI label to formats that can be assigned SOI: FCR/TGP Pages
    Add Weapon Time To Impact (TTI)
    Add Time to Steerpoint Needed
    Add Israeli, Turkish Skins

DCS F-86F Sabre by ED

    F-86F Direction indicator knob animation corrected

DCS Flaming Cliffs by ED

    Su-25T Cockpit. Restored coloured glass. Corrected glass material. Added scratch texture on the canopy. Added rain drops on glass.
    MiG-29 Cockpit. Restored countermeasures counter. Corrected the speed indicator. Added scratch texture on the canopy. Added some textures.
    Su-25 Cockpit. Added scratch texture on the canopy. Added rain drops on glass. Corrected mirrors animation.
    A-10A Cockpit. Added scratch texture on the canopy. Added rain drops on glass. Eliminated gaps on the back side of the cockpit.
    MiG-29. The engine nozzle will open if the throttle is pulled back independently from the airspeed.
    Su-25T. The TV screen is transparent in HUD only view - fixed.

DCS Mi-8MTV2 by ED

    Eliminated gaps on some details of the cockpit

DCS UH-1H Huey by ED

    Fix of left side gunner sound

DCS L-39 Albatros by ED

    Gear indicator lamps don't work after a cold start - fixed

DCS Supercarrier by ED

    Super carrier figures only render in one eye in VR and the encyclopedia - fixed

DCS: The Channel Map by ED

    When the AI takes off from runway 3 of High Halden, they fail to see any units on the runway and crash into them - fixed

DCS WWII and Assets Pack

    Schnellboot sometimes incorrectly attacks the target - fixed
    Bofors 40mm erratic behaviour - tuned
    Flak 41 ignore buildings/scenery and continue to fire without LOS - fixed
    Tail wheel behavior tuned for all taildraggers

Voice chat

    Users can create their own rooms
    Crew intercom rooms autocreated now
    Mission makers can create additional coalition rooms via scripts system

Campaigns

UH-1H Argo Campaign by 373vFS Greg:

    Mission 1: Adjusted landing trigger conditions.
    Mission 3: UH-60 Follow conditions adjusted.
    Mission 4: Mission time/ Weather conditions adjusted.
    Mission 6: Mortar group trigger conditions adjusted.
    Mission 15: Apache start position adjusted/ Apaches shooting conditions adjusted.

The Museum Relic Campaign by Apache600:

    Updated skins of F-86F and MiG-15bis
    Mission 13 (F-86) P-51 takes off into back of CH-47 Chinook : Fixed
    Mission 6 (F-86) Typo in Situation Briefing: Fixed
    Mission 8.3 (Both) Wingman doesn't follow player : Fixed
    Mission 15 (F-86) Triggers for enemy escort and IL-76 tripping out of order: Fixed

F-15C The Georgian War campaign by Baltic Dragon:

    M11: Adjusted AI pathing to prevent issues causing some flights to crash before the player is aware of them

F/A-18C Hornet - The Serpent's Head 2 Campaign by Badger 633:

    Mission 01: AI aircraft actions adjusted, now guns only, earlier loss of immunity, triggers more forgiving.
    Mission 03: Fail state adjusted for unusual pilot routes, certain targets made more vulnerable, label enforcement removed.
    Mission 05: Fuel correction made to easy A2A option; info added to brief regarding min SAM standoff distance.
    Mission 06: Minor voice correction. Mission 07: Removed chocks note. Mission 08: Unusual responses JTAC corrected.
    Mission 09: Aerial photo in brief corrected. Mission 10 Simple A2A version: Correction to an important vehicle late activation.

Bf 109 K-4 Jagdflieger Campaign, F-86F Hunters over the Yalu Campaign, P-51D The Blue Nosed Bastards of Bodney Campaign, Spitfire IX The Big Show Campaign by Reflected Simulations:

    Fine tuned triggers
    Introduced interactive triggers
    Added better user guidance
    Campaign progression logic revised

UH-1H Worlds Apart - Spring 2025 Campaign by Low-Level-Heaven

    Fixed path finding issues in Mission 7 and 8

[mikeck]

God yes...I’d had enough of the weekly patches that broke more than they fixed. Not to mention that the errors would have been clear with any type of testing. So much better this way

And the new “Raven One” campaign!!!

[Jarhead0331]

The Syria map is glorious. It is absolutely a work of art and sets the bar extremely high for future terrain modules. Flying over Israel in a Hornet is just really damn exceptionally cool and cruising around in the cradle of civilization is just a really great sensation.  VR performance is also fantastic for me and things in my cockpit look very sharp. I feel like the last patch made a great boost in performance. Bravo Zulu!

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is going to have share my game time!

[Yskonyn]

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is going to have share my game time!

Along with your other hundreds of games! 

[Jarhead0331]

I got my Warthog throttle analog slew upgrade in the mail yesterday. Will hopefully get the chance to install it today!

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0011/5602/2282/files/Thumbstick_Install_Instructions.pdf?2

[Yskonyn]

That’s a solid upgrade, JH! I got one about 2 years back. Installing it is easy or hard depending on the length of the wire TM put in yours.
Mine was a little short and required some proper finnicking to get it connected to the new button.
Just take your time and be patient.

It’s been rock solid and the slew is much more comfortable with that one! I am sure you’ll enjoy it.

[Jarhead0331]

That’s a solid upgrade, JH! I got one about 2 years back. Installing it is easy or hard depending on the length of the wire TM put in yours.
Mine was a little short and required some proper finnicking to get it connected to the new button.
Just take your time and be patient.

It’s been rock solid and the slew is much more comfortable with that one! I am sure you’ll enjoy it.

Yeah...took me about 10 minutes to get it installed. Hardest part for me was getting the old slew out because its located on the far side behind the other hat device, so it was difficult to get a grip on and pinch the pieces that secure it in place. Other than that, a breeze. I tested it in the windows game controller settings, but have not tried it in game yet. The upgrade is a total no-brainer. The original piece is borderline infuriating. 

[mikeck]

First thing I did was Reenact the Israeli attack on the Iraqi Reactor...only deep in Syria. Flying 200 feet off the ground in an F-16 was incredible: the detail and the terrain is amazing. Little things like the vegetation that grows along small river banks and small undulations that just werent present in other maps. And then I got shot down. But damn

[Redwolf]

The Syria map is glorious. It is absolutely a work of art and sets the bar extremely high for future terrain modules. Flying over Israel in a Hornet is just really damn exceptionally cool and cruising around in the cradle of civilization is just a really great sensation.

The Syria map has Israel? All of Israel?

Where can I learn more about what it covers?

[Jarhead0331]

The Syria map is glorious. It is absolutely a work of art and sets the bar extremely high for future terrain modules. Flying over Israel in a Hornet is just really damn exceptionally cool and cruising around in the cradle of civilization is just a really great sensation.

The Syria map has Israel? All of Israel?

Where can I learn more about what it covers?

The product page in the official DCS store is a good start. If you dig a little deeper you can probably find more specifics.

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/terrains/syria_terrain/

This 600x500 km map covers much of the eastern Mediterranean, and includes most of Syria, Israel, and Lebanon. Areas of Turkey and Jordan are also included. Major cities like Damascus, Tripoli (Lebanon), Latakia, Tartus, Homs, Aleppo, Hamah, Palmyra, Haifa, Acre, Beirut, and Incirlik/Adana are created in detail with hundreds of unique landmarks. The geography is varied with a temperate western coastline, mountains and an arid desert landscape to the east of the landform.

Since the times of Ancient Egypt, Rome and the Ottoman Empire, large-scale wars were fought across these lands. Thousands of years ago these battles were fought with swords, spears and arrows, today these areas have become the theatres of grandiose mechanical warfare. In the 20th and 21st centuries, this map is home to the many conflicts including the 6 Day War, the 1982 Lebanon War, air operations over the Bekaa Valley, and the most recent operations against Isis.

With such a wide range of historic locations, airfields and targets, mission options are almost endless; all set in the most stunning and scenic environment ever made for DCS World.

Plans are also in the works to include Cyprus.

[JasonPratt]

F-18 "Raven One" Persian Gulf campaign, by the author of the Raven One series!

[Jarhead0331]

The Syria map is glorious. It is absolutely a work of art and sets the bar extremely high for future terrain modules. Flying over Israel in a Hornet is just really damn exceptionally cool and cruising around in the cradle of civilization is just a really great sensation.

The Syria map has Israel? All of Israel?

Where can I learn more about what it covers?

The product page in the official DCS store is a good start. If you dig a little deeper you can probably find more specifics.

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/terrains/syria_terrain/

This 600x500 km map covers much of the eastern Mediterranean, and includes most of Syria, Israel, and Lebanon. Areas of Turkey and Jordan are also included. Major cities like Damascus, Tripoli (Lebanon), Latakia, Tartus, Homs, Aleppo, Hamah, Palmyra, Haifa, Acre, Beirut, and Incirlik/Adana are created in detail with hundreds of unique landmarks. The geography is varied with a temperate western coastline, mountains and an arid desert landscape to the east of the landform.

Since the times of Ancient Egypt, Rome and the Ottoman Empire, large-scale wars were fought across these lands. Thousands of years ago these battles were fought with swords, spears and arrows, today these areas have become the theatres of grandiose mechanical warfare. In the 20th and 21st centuries, this map is home to the many conflicts including the 6 Day War, the 1982 Lebanon War, air operations over the Bekaa Valley, and the most recent operations against Isis.

With such a wide range of historic locations, airfields and targets, mission options are almost endless; all set in the most stunning and scenic environment ever made for DCS World.

Plans are also in the works to include Cyprus.

As a follow-up to the above, the Israeli portion of the map is relatively limited, unfortunately...it really only includes the northern extreme of the country directly to the north of Tel Aviv and including the area around Haifa. Would have been nice to have Tel Aviv and/or Jerusalem, but it is after all, the Syria map. Its still nice having several Israeli airfields to operate from, including Ramat David, Megiddo, Haifa international and Ein Shemer. 

[JasonPratt]

So they're using the Roman-era definition of Syria. 

(I understand the practical point, just seemed funny.)