DCS: AH-64D Improvements

A long-awaited feature for AH-64D players is nearing release. Our DTC and AH-64D development teams have been working hard for many months to expand DTC to its first helicopter module. As the MiG-29, F-16, and F/A-18 modules initially paved the way for many DTC functions, the initial feature set for the AH-64D’s DTC is quite expansive, and in fact includes most of the module’s planned DTC features.

• 50 Waypoint/Hazard, 49 Control Measure, and 50 Target/Threat points
• 10 Routes
• 15 Battlefield Lines and 12 Engagement Areas
• 8 Priority Fire Zones and 8 No Fire Zones
• 10 ADF navigation presets, 10 COM radio presets, and 10 pre-composed text messages
• Pilot and CPG weapon settings, missile channels, and laser codes
• Customized RLWR threat table and chaff/flare programs

It is worth noting that the AH-64D DTC is actually capable of saving two separate “Missions” simultaneously, with each containing a unique 149-point database, 10 routes, 15 lines, 12 areas, 16 zones, and 10 ADF presets. This allows crews to upload data for follow-on or contingency missions following their primary mission. Alternatively, when operating across a large region like Afghanistan or Iraq, the aircrew’s assigned area of operations (AO) could be divided in half, with the corresponding Mission uploaded from the DTC mid-flight if the aircrew crosses from one sector to the other, thus overcoming the limited onboard memory for depicting numerous FOB locations, FARPs, or Named-Areas-of-Interest (NAI).

Further, the existing capability of the AH-64D’s datalink may be leveraged to transmit portions of these Mission files to other AH-64Ds in multiplayer gameplay.