Tech refresh 2025: A-10 Tank Killer

This is a tech refresh article describing any changes since the original article 'A-10 Tank Killer: Running in DOSBox' was published. Since the original article the version of DOSBox Staging has changed from v0.80.1 to v0.82.0.

In addition, the expansion for A-10 Tank Killer v1.0 is now available.

A-10 Tank Killer Simulation Systems Module 1

An expansion in the form of an additional campaign was created for A-10 Tank Killer. Known as the Simulation Systems Module 1. It was distributed through the Dynamix BBS at the time and has since been added to the Internet Archive. This expansion is compatible with the version 1.4 patch.

The missions are identical to the second Western Europe mission set included with A-10 Tank Killer Version 1.5.

Installation

The contents of the zip archive should be extracted to a folder within the DOSBox hard disk folder. From within DOSBox the readme.bat file should be run to view the installation instructions.

If the game resides within the DOSBox C:\DYNAMIX\A10 folder the expansion can be automatically installed, otherwise the manual installation instructions will need to be followed.

Patching A-10 Tank Killer Version 1.5

These patches are not required for the cd release. However they may be useful for disk based releases. They may also be useful if A-10 is being run on period correct legacy hardware. All patches are available from the Sierra Help Pages.

A-10 Tank Killer Config

The CONFIG.EXE contained in this ZIP file will allow you to override the SmartStart installation and manually choose the options for your system. This is not a guaranteed fix, but it has been very successful.

A-10 Tank Killer Update 1 (a10patch)

This patch upgrades the game to v1.52b1. 

This patch contains a new joystick driver which corrects joystick problems, primarily those associated with using a faster computer (386/33 or better) with a game card that does not offer speed calibration. It also corrects problems seen when using certain mouse drivers.

A-10 Tank Killer Update 2 (a10click)

This patch will resolve the clicking sound that is heard on some systems when playing A-10 Tank Killer.

DOSBox configuration

The following is an updated configuration for DOSBox Staging v0.82.0.

[sdl]
host_rate           = vrr
presentation_mode   = vfr

[cpu]
core                 = simple
cpu_cycles           = 6000
cycleup              = 100
cycledown            = 100

[voodoo]
voodoo                    = false

[mixer]
reverb     = large
chorus     = normal

[midi]
mididevice = mt32

[mt32]
model       = mt32_old
romdir      = "D:\Midi\Versioned"

[joystick]
joysticktype                = 4axis
timed                       = true
swap34                      = true
deadzone                    = 0

[autoexec]
mount c "D:\Games\Dos\A-10 Tank Killer\hdd"

# specific to the release I use
C:
cd sierra\a10
call a10cd.bat
exit

The sdl settings are appropriate for a variable refresh rate monitor. They can be left as default or omitted for standard monitors.