In this page of the DCS AH-64D Apache tutorial we describe how to use the 2.75 Hydra-70 unguided rockets.
We also show what using rockets in COOP mode together with a CPG shooter is all about.
guides
Last update:10 November 2022
This part of theDCS: AH-64D Apachesimulator guide presents 2.75 Hydra-70 unguided rockets.
We explain how to use the Rocket Cursor I-Beam to aim the unguided rockets from the pilot’s seat.
We also describe the COOP mode and using the rockets together with the co/pilot-gunner (CPG).
A typical distance for attacking with Hydra rockets is 2 to 3 kilometers.
It allows to achieve a quite good accuracy.
It requires to lob toss the rockets while pitching up the helicopter and it is very imprecise.
Rockets can be fired both while hovering and in flight.
Aiming at different distances is facilitated by the Pylon Articulation.
Alternatively, the loadout can be changed while in a mission and with the helicopter on a landing spot.
Just press LAlt + “apostrophe”.
The gunner designate and lase the target.
He will also see the Rocket Steering Cursor I-Beam - the same one the pilot sees.
Pylon Articulation - what is it?
Pylon Articulation is an automatically controlled angle of the pylon with rocket tubes or missiles.
This allows
Pylon Articulation can be disabled in theUTILsection of theWPNweapon page by enabling theGROUND STOWfunction.
This is a setting for a ground crew when loading the rockets.
The tubes are locked straight up, which can sometimes help you aiming during high-speed attacks.
The number below the bang out abbreviation shows the number of remaining rockets.
If only one punch in is loaded, you do not need to select anything.
Press the QTY (Quantity) button to go for the number of rockets per salvo.
The default is always 1.
The choices are 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and ALL.
The optimal amount for precise targeting is 2 or 4 rockets.
you’re free to select 24 or ALL for massed fires of area target.
Details of the various ways to use these functions are described farther in this chapter.
They do not work like the CCIP indicator.
It is important to set the ranging mode first (MAN or Auto) for the LOS Reticle.
Attacking with unguided rockets is usually carried out 3 to 2 kilometers from the target.
AUTO mode
AUTO mode is a convenient and universal method.
The I-Beam and pylons will continually adjust to the LOS Reticle position on the IHADSS display.
Press the MANRNG button.
pop in A on the keyboard and confirm with Enter.
MAN mode
Manual mode calibrates the I-Beam Cursor to a fixed range in meters.
On the IHADSS, theMx.xwill consistently show the set distance.
Note that this is not the distance to the spot where the LOS Reticle is currently pointing!
However, the IHADSS in this case might too cluttered.
Press the “2” key to move to the CPG’s seat.
Activate the TADS as an active sight.
On the TSD tactical map, activate theATK(attack) phase.
Arm weapons with theARMAMENT A / S ARMbutton.
Set the target point as acquisition source.
From the TSD or WPN screen, pressACQthenCOORD.
From the list of targets, punch the created pointTxx.
Just click onWPTHZto see the waypoint list.
Then fire the rockets.
Unguided rockets - Solo Mode
Prepare the helicopter for the attack with unguided rocket.
confirm you follow the previously mentioned checklist:
Locate the position of the targets.
Watch the distance to your target.
It can be affected, for example, by the force of the wind.
If the first salvo misses, make adjustments and fire again.
Note the info message about flight time of the first rocketRKT TOF(Rocket Time of Flight).
When the timer reaches 0, the rocket will hit the ground - or target.
it’s possible for you to get really good accuracy by making small adjustments.
Prepare the helicopter for unguided rocket attack.
Press the George AI InterfaceLEFT SHORTkey to activate unguided missiles.
Note theCOOPstatus on the IHADSS.
you could scroll the list of targets with the George AI InterfaceUP SHORT and DOWN SHORT buttons.
Select a target by pressing George AI InterfaceRIGHT SHORT.
The Cued LOS Reticle will move to that location.
CPG will confirm target tracking.
Focus on the IHADSS symbology.
Fly the helicopter to align them all in the center.
Place the LOS Reticle on the acquisition source marked with a Cued LOS Reticle.
When the target is within approx.
3 kilometers and the symbols align in the middle, squeeze the trigger.
The COOP mode is extremely effective, so you might expect a good accuracy.
Make adjustments if necessary and shoot the next salvo.
In multiplayer mode, the player in the CPG seat designate and lase the target with the TADS.
Simultaneous attack from several helicopters cause the effect of a massed artillery fire.
This method can also be used to toss rockets over a hill or other obstacles.
It will take a lot of practise to learn how to use this method effectively.
Good accuracy is possible but requires a lot of training.
You will need to use the second detent trigger called in control parameters GUN TRIGGER 2nd DETENT.
It is used to bypass this restriction.
Remember to assign a 2nd detent trigger in control controls -Gun Trigger 2nd Detent.
The attack is most effective with the maximum number of rockets in the salvo - ALL.
Locate the Cued LOS Reticle on the IHADSS which shows the target location.
Fly the helicopter so the Cued LOS Reticle is just under the Head Tracker diamond.
PressSYMBOLOGY SELECT UPto activateCRUISEmode on the IHADSS display.
The pitch ladder will be useful when firing rockets.
Maintain a straight flight path with the symbols aligned in the middle.
Watch carefully the range to target.
Don’t miss the 10 kilometers distance.
But the I-Beam Cursor has to be in the center, along with the other symbols.
At 30 degrees, squeeze and hold the Gun Trigger 2nd Detent until all rockets are launched.
you might view the flight path of the rockets on the F10 map.
Unfortunately, this time it was a miss, but just tens meters.
If the pitching helicopter up started a second earlier, it would probably be a direct hit.
Pylon Limit
Pylon Limit means that the Pylon Articulation system cannot work correctly.
This message appears when the LOS Reticle on the IHADSS is too far up or too far down.
Just look straight at the target or pitch the helicopter towards the target.
The I-Beam will also appear as a dashed line.
No Rockets
No Rockets There are no more rockets in the tubes.
This site is not associated with and/or endorsed by the Eagle Dynamics or Eagle Dynamics.
All logos and images are copyrighted by their respective owners.
