Alduin is the big bad of Skyrim, though now, apparently, he can be found flying over much more modern landscapes, thanks to a user who ported the dragon to Digital Combat Simulator.
The Fighter Collection and Eagle Dynamics Inc. teamed up to create an incredibly realistic free-to-play combat flight simulator, which is currently in open beta testing. Digital Combat Simulator: World was programmed to be a dynamic, realistic combat simulator in which players can pilot military aircraft, tanks, and more in just about any place in the world. Apparently, one fan was able to import the mightiest dragon in Skyrim into the combat simulator as a crossover mod.
This was apparently achieved by copying the 3D models and textures from Bethesda's model and applying them to one of the aircraft in DCS, most likely a small fighter plane. Alduin flies very funnily for a dragon in this game, his wings are stuck permanently open. A keen eye can spot further evidence that the dragon is more mechanical than biological: a jet plume can be seen emitted from his tail, which then begins trailing smoke after being riddled with bullets.
Alduin is a lot easier to beat with an airplane, and there aren't any giants riding along to help the dragon. Hot lead flies a lot faster and hits a lot harder than arrows, and the pilot doesn't have to get within striking distance. Instead, the combat plays out like any good dog fight, with Alduin zooming through the sky until the player gets him in their sights, locking on and letting loose with a hail storm of bullets on the mythic reptile. The creature then falls out of the air in a tailspin until it hits the ground and erupts into a ball of flame.
According to Reddit OP Fr3gat the warplane's targeting system was fully capable of locking on to the flying beast. "Yup," they said, "big flying lizards still reflect radar. Although you'd probably need a really sensitive modern cooled/imaging seeker to get enough contrast against background for a good track."
Although DCS: World is intended to be as realistic as possible, this simple demonstration may be a hint to Eagle Dynamics Inc. and The Fighter Collection that the fans of DCS are ready to stretch out their wings a little. The developer may want to consider making other, less realistic vehicles available in the game, such as the zeppelins in Bioshock Infinite.
Digital Combat Simulator is available in open beta testing for PC now.