VS461

Hey, I got your point, but the situation is complex. Think out of the game for some moments, and you may find the usefulness and uselessness of the Hind in the game too. Sending them against a full-scale, multi-layered, integrated air defence? No responsible commander would do that. Anyway, what would be the task for a Hind? Cold War is over, but not many nations replaced the old stuff to 5th generation fighters and so on - defence budget is low for a lot of countries. They found out how to improve the capabilities of the old gear for "pennies" - installing NVIS, buying GPSes and later iPads etc. A government defines and re-defines its goals regarding defence and the military defines and modifies its doctrines accordingly. Then the branches, units will create and modify SOPs, TTPs etc. Of course, a good and continuous intel helps a lot. From the 90s, no one could imagine major tank battles on a European battlefield anymore. After 9-11, non-conventional warfare became the thing, so full-scale tactics needed to be thrown out of the window and on-station/on-call CAS/CCA became common in the two major battlefields. A Hind could and can do that out of the box - a radio, a 50k map and 2 pairs of Mark One sensors are enough for operations. Change some bulbs in the cockpit, install NVIS and an iPad and you are good to go for the vast majority of the missions with a well-trained JTAC. All you need is to think about your capabilities and weaknesses, know your enemy, modify your tactics and play accordingly. The Afghan "ragheads" (with 3rd party some help) did this in the last two major wars against world-class armed forces and literally "won" both. Well, sort of. When a big portion of the Iraqi air defence fell during the first HARM salvo in the first night of Desert Storm, it turned out that they did not read Jane's books have proper intel, they did not know the anti-radar capabilities of the US military. Some years later, a Serbian air defence commander managed to shoot down an F-117A - he knew the US RWRs and HARMs well enough to modify the SA-3 radar system's characteristics and made the stationary system portable to avoid getting killed - and he also learned how to identify a stealth aircraft on the radar screen. "Improvize - Adapt - Overcome" as Clint Eastwood says in Heartbreak Ridge. Out-of-the-box Hungarian Hinds managed to have "kills" during practice dog fights against USANG F-15Cs equipped with JHMCS and AIM-9Xs - if you can't see something, you can't acquire it. Also, do what works best for you. Here's an article about that, unfortunately you need to throw it into the Google Translator. Concerning DCS: I read the replies and, although I don't play multi on public servers, I understand the situation. Sending a Hind flight into a Viper CAP's killbox - not a good idea. But, if it is necessary, then let's suppress them. Let's send our own Vipers. Fly undetected - AWACS and AMRAAMs can't see through mountains. SA-8s and Shilkas around the target area on flat terrain? Don't go there until they are suppressed or eliminated. Hinds can be flown not only in a Cold War scenario - but you need to find the proper tasking for them. You need to know their capabilities too - including current DCS capabilities and weaknesses . And you need to support your mission with necessary assets - in the air and on the ground. And, I guess you need to find a good community to play with. Cheers! Andy

What I wanted to say is, that JTAC often has the handheld IZLID stuff to mark. I'm not saying that any infantry G. I. has it. What I say is, that in-game JTAC sorties should be able to be assigned as a handful of guys, perhaps on feet, maybe with a single and simple Humvee (not to mention a FAC-qualified SF group in the bushes), and they work with a handheld IZLID for sparkle or, for a precision strike, a designator on a small tripod, proned behind.

Thanks, it works. However, an IR mark is often made by a handheld laser by the JTAC wearing a monocular NVG, so this feature should work from the level of the "infantry M4" guy. PS thanks for moving thread to the correct section.

Hey, I created a sample night CAS mission, and I set the ground JTAC to mark my target by the IR pointer. Upon checking in, the JTAC says Type 3 is in effect and "no mark". According to the editor, LOS is not an issue, and with the Combined Arms module, I can paint that truck - for no reason in single player. And Type 1 or 2 would make more sense anyways. I copied the JTAC settings from the AV-8B Mav training misssion, except for the marking and the armament. Any ideas? I'm out of tips. Thanks! night cas.miz

Hi folks, I'm thinking about to get a little more serious again on DCS, after 10 years. I travel a lot for business, so I have some free time in the evenings while on the go. Currently I have a Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming laptop (i5-7300HQ, 1050, 8GB DDR4-2400, SATA3 M2 SSD) which runs DCS very decent (1080p, mid settings), but I fly only in a casual way, just having fun in single player, in FC3 or Ka-50, no heavy scenery, with a Logi Extreme 3D, no head tracking. This is what I want to change: more flying, more helicopter (I saw pics about Mi-24P), more precision strikes, go online again with friends. I also want to fly with a VR set. So, what would you folks suggest? A laptop again would be the best as an out-of-box stuff but not too much allowed for upgrades or OC. They are also expensive - maybe a used or refurbished one. What CPU/GPU/RAM combo would be the minimum for VR if talking about laptops? On the other hand, I can imagine a small miniITX cube as well but it would be bulkier, needs a keyboard, mouse and the flat TV in the hotel room. But it is probably cheaper and easier to upgrade/OC. Thanks in advance!

Black Shark and stuff on Windows 8 CP??? Hi guys and girls, it's been a while since my last appearance here... So, I am testing the Windows 8 CP on both of my rigs - the desktop and the laptop, and as live and primary and only OS. I can see that many power users don't like the new MetroUI stuff... where's my Start Menu etc... I don't want to start a flame war here, so for me, W8CP is just doing its job: working fast (faster than W7), working with only minor problems (as a beta), and working for FREE:D But the reason of this post: I want to buy a new laptop, and I decided to run W8CP on it. Will DCS:Black Shark run on W8CP? Does anyone have any experience, try etc. regarding the DCS:BS itself, the Starforce thing, TrackIR, Saitek, ModMan stuff etc..? Thanks for your help! Cheers PS.: for the thread author - the thread title is able to start a flame war itself... some guys and girls might want to try W8CP and and have own experiences...

Well, and simply imagine a vortex ring state during an IMC approach... loss of attitude sensing. I think AGL ain't a factor here... as my cdr said: dural rain happens...

Hi Bogus, sorry for chipping on the thread. I am flying Russian-made choppers without ILS, DME or VOR. We have only ADF stuff on-board with radio altimeter. So, we are practicing full NDB approaches, and preparing to do it everywhere according to the AIPs. If an aerodrome issues its approach procedures, it means that everyone who wants or accidentally happens to fly in, must follow these. If this aerodrome has a terminal and/or approach radar (or radar info), which they can use for separation either in IMC, the APP can vector evy aircraft on different flight paths if necessary: for example, helos don't need to fly "full" approaches and can be inserted into the gaps between fixed wing traffic. If I have to alternate to an int'l aerodrome with a big pile of heavy traffic in IMC, I'll probably be vectored although I know and can use the NDB stuff. But if our aerodrome has no terminal radar information, they can't ensure IFR separation. In these cases (which are far more often), every aircraft must follow the issued procedures. Either if I am with a helo or not, I must use my approach plates. These are developed for all the approach speed categories, so for helos as well. The APP can maintain separation by requiring mandatory reports over fixes, using holding patterns, altitude separation etc., so they can handle a Big Mac and a JetRanger in the same time. And one more thing: I heard a story about a, well, fixed-wingie commander who said: who cares about helos in IMC in this airbase? They can hover over the runway and descend below the clouds to the ground... No. A simple helo (no Doppler, no GNSS) has no instrument to get into hover in IMC, and even with these stuff, it is hard to maintain your hover within the clouds. Try it with BS but turn off the HUD. Helos also shouldn't decelerate under a specific airspeed during an IFR approach. Although they won't stall and fall down but the helo will be less stable around her axes (and unstable according to airspeed), more and more handjob :D will be necessary to maintain the attitude (and the approach path), and the loss of sensing your attitude often happens. Not a good feeling IRL... That means, in IMC, that helos have to be handled as a fixed wing stuff but with less airspeed. Sorry again for chipping on, but I think I should write these. Cheers!

Thanks, mate, I'll check them out. Cheers!

Hi guys, haven't been here for months... I have a question. I have a wireless USB keyboard-mouse combo. Is it possible to use a 2nd keyboard on PS/2 as another input device? I want to map the most used functions to the 2nd keyboard organized into groups (and signed with stickers/colors): weapon controls, PVI, UV-26, data link, AP etc.... A bit similar to a TouchBuddy stuff or the keys on the Thrustmaster MFD but much cheaper:D. The current state: the BS sees only one keyboard and, of course, I can use both with the default keyboard layout... Do you have any idea to make it a different device? Thanks in advance. Cheers!

The four OD green tubes are Sturm or Ataka launchers (and compare the ø 80 mm B8V-20 tubes with them, Sturms are ø 130 mm). Below the wingtips, they are Iglas (ø 72 mm). What I've just spotted (LOL, I uploaded this:doh:), and can't figure out, is that thing under the inner starboard pylon.

Hi, just found another A2A equipped helo: with her Iglas / Strelas (can't figure out), the pilot can get either Maverick and Goose:D I heard a story that in a country, far, far away, they equipped their Mi-24s with Iglas in DIY way: they, let's say, Duct-taped the missiles to the wingtips, and wired the missiles' control to the cargo bay with some "red button", and the flight technician's duty was to launch if he saw that the helo's noise was pointing at the target... Creativity iz evything:D Cheers!

Iraqis had Mi-25s which are Mi-24D export variants, and don't carry AT-6s but AT-2 Swatters. These ATGMs are far subsonic, and, although AT-2 has A2A capability according to the manufacturer, it is definitely only for slow moving/hovering, 10x elephant-sized targets:). OK, sometimes TOWs can carry some bad surprise... What I want to say is that this is a fake tale in this conditions. If I have to shoot at fighters, I'd prefer guns, think it's enough to scare away a fighter jock who picked at me. but if I can try it with my ATGMs, that means the fast mover still doesn't have an idea about me, so I shouldn't pick at it. One more word for the 5th reply before mine: a rotating screw over a helo can be a juicy reflective surface for Doppler radars if conventional metal alloy built, even in a hover. I think this is not tiring for most guys here (heading for FC 2.0:)), and anyway, the forum flow will determine it:D. By the way: Happy new year to evyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :drunk:

Not stupidity, if the jet pilot's task is to patrol over a no-fly zone (Northern/Southern Watch over Iraq), and to intercept/shoot down any aircraft, whether it's a helo or not. The 2 UH-60 loss by F-15s during Provide Comfort, in 1994 (apart from the sorrowful blue-on-blue): they did their job, cause they believed the helos are Iraqi Hinds... Another example, far from existing battlefields: GAI, in peacetime, in a suspected 9/11 case. Helo or not, someone has to stop her before she reaches the chemical factory...

I was lucky having a conversation with IRL F-15 pilots about chopper hunting. I refer to their 1 vs 1 experience. First, radar often doesn't get the helo if they are well-trained and stuck at the earth. Second, if the radar finds the helo, missiles often not (doesn't have all AMRAAM launch criteria, and Sidewinder's seeker head doesn't have the helo). Third, in close dogfight, if doing it in very close distances, like WW2 Spit vs Bf, the helo definitely has advantage, no question; but if the fighter makes attack-run-like maneuvers and makes the next turn from several miles and from the sun, he has to find the camo-painted chopper again, with his Mk 1 Eyeballs. Fourth, a helo vs fighter close engagement means many afterburner usage from the fighter at low level, while the helo doesn't use max performance and her fuel consumption is roughly normal - so fighter's playtime will decide. So, finding a helo and getting it - not an easy stuff, not arcade-like:no:, against trained helo guys (but AI helos...:D). But, let's be realistic: a successful helo A2A engagement against fighters means not to be found. If things go worse... well, training, playtime, numbers of opponents, possible relays in fighter side, EW environment, AWACS/C4I on one side, on both sides... many factors to take into consideration. And, for the helo vs helo, EtherealN has the point, if an own helo pilot has the chance to get the enemy's, he must know how to do it. Cheers! PS: can't wait FC 2.0:D

If the F-15 jock spots the helo... ... well, and if the helo jock spots the Eagle...

Hi, it will be a bit OFF, but look at the "Clear Tkvarcheli" mission (sorry if mispell). That situation is definitely not a sortie for a lonely 2-ship attack helo flight - definitely not what they were made for: without any intel info about enemy positions and size, without SEAD, without JTAC control, without FLIR to see thru the forest... well, not a sortie for any kind of ground or air forces but SOCOM guys. This mission is to kill 2 pilots deliberately if you try to fly it first time (this will be IRL-like) and don't know the most of the eny positions after your many attempts. My experience is if I can't spot the Avenger from max Vikhr distance, it's almost only collecting flight time before being shot down if I try to get closer. If I were IRL with this mission, and if intel had no info (N/A, or something in the briefing) about the threats, I'd say "F... off" and wouldn't take off and enter that valley of death. And, if intel did his homework, I'd have info about the AD in the village, and I'd say "F... off" and wouldn't take off until they get rid of it:yes:. I can imagine this mission for an A-10 or a fast jet with SDB-size guided munition AND with at least 3 JTAC control positions around the village. ON Why it's a problem if someone wants to dogfight another helo? Again, in Clear Tkvarcheli, sometimes a lil-bird-like insurgent helo appears and you have to kill her (although nothing to do with her, own AD does his job). And, what kind of missions were Ka-50s built for? Bastard:) US Navy used F-14s as Bombcats, S-3Bs with LANTIRN pod to find IEDs... New tasks, more tasks, same or lower budget... usual in this world. Imagine air policing, part of an air defence system in some after-9/11 cases (not classic battlefield air defence with Patriots and Tunguskas), in a restricted airspace, for example, during the opening ceremony of the actual Olymic Games. Combat helos? Why not, if that country has only these, with the fighter jets? Oh, and on the right panel I found some underslung load controls. If it is possible to carry loads, then she is built for it, and I want to fly such a mission:). Ch!

Hi, OFF, about challenges. I heard a story about a MiG-21 fighter wing somewhere in the Warsaw Pact; there was an unofficial competition between the pilots: who can (or dares to) land with the fewest amount of fuel? Well, the winner bailed out 3 clicks from the threshold... :D ON

Thanks guys! A good point making another profile. How couldn't I think on it:D? .lua: before my last OS reinstall I saved Players.lua not to lost my ~45 hours but after BS reinstall and players.lua update, I still don't have that hours, just my name. BTW it will be nice (and sad) to say my boss that I have more flight hours on Ka-50 in 3 months than IRL this whole year :music_whistling:.

Hi guys and girls, as I play with Black Shark, I started to make some fun movie and I need sunrise and sunset clips to make it more Hollywood-like. I saved a track from around 4:40 to 7:50 a. m. (with 10x time acceleration:)) standing cold on the ground in the dawn to make further clips and pics with Fraps. After it, I took a look on my logbook and this 3 hours appeared in my flight hours counter, shared between day- and nighttime. Hmmm... Not a major bug, and most people don't make same kinda tracks but I think it should be fixed. I'm on 1.0.1 Cheers!

Hi, no need for low weight, just stay coordinated and drop collective to 1°, you can either survive a 90° dive from a couple of angels - you can do much more than 409 kph ;) - as I had around 480-490. But be careful at pullout:D. Cheers!

OFF! 2 Vikhrs??? :shocking: As strong as an Abrams... well, those Skunk Works guys knew something...:D. ON!

There's an outside (well, similar to Mi-8's and Mi-24's) thermometer on the cockpit ceiling, however it is not simulated. I think it should be. Does ABRIS show temps according to its FPL? If so, if I deviate from plan, either in coordinates or altitude (!), this pure thermometer would be useful. IRL, in late autumn, winter and early spring, we often take a look on it as we change altitude by hundreds of meters. Cheers!

OK, I haven't started bother ABRIS deeply yet, but as I see it's high time to do something:D. Thanks

OK, didn't know it. Thanks! Btw, I've just made a quick check in G***** Earth, that coordinates seem to be better:). Cheers!