This DCS AH-64D Apache tutorial page explains how to use GPS navigation.
We show how to create map points and the difference between LATLONG and MGRS coordinate formats.
We explain the differences between Control Measures, Targets, Waypoints, and Hazards points.
guides
Last update:06 July 2022
Navigation is a crucial part of every combat mission.
Finally, we explain the differences between LATLONG geographic coordinates and the MGRS military grid format.
There are two main GPS inertial navigation systems (EGI), to determine aircraft’s position.
There are many other markers the map.
Moreover, they usually do not indicate the home airbase, nor are located directly at the target position.
They only mark a sort of a safe route to the mission area.
In such conditions, it becomes crucial to have the best knowledge of the area of operation.
Information about targets is only a part of it.
Details such as the location of power lines, radio towers and other tall objects are also very important.
Various categories of map markers, distinguished by colors and icons, are helpful here.
All distance information on the IHADSS and the TSD map is provided in kilometers by default.
On the FLT screen there’s an option to change it to nautical miles.
In case you need it, the Keyboard Unit in the Apache also works as a calculator.
If you cannot see any route points, change the map scale and center the image.
Navigation indications can be seen on the IHADSS in modes: Transition and Cruise.
The direction to the active waypoint is shown by a small arrowhead facing up (Command Heading Chevron).
The current heading is shown in enlarged digits.
Turn the helicopter so that the Command Heading Chevron is in the center of the heading tape.
When flying towards waypoint, another indiction is a pyramid-like symbol called Navigation Fly-To-Cue.
It shows the exact location of the selected waypoint.
DIRECT TO points can be any points in all categories, except for Hazard category.
you’re able to set the DIRECT TO point in several ways.
grab the TSD map screen.
Then the RTE (Route) function followed by DIR (Direct To).
If there is no cursor on the TSD screen, it is on the other MPD monitor.
Another method is to select POINT> function,
enter the point number on the Keyboard Unit, e.g.
C52, W02 etc.
and confirm with Enter.
The third method applies only to points connected into a route RTE.
Just choose one from the list.
Corresponding indications will also appear on the IHADSS.
Not to mention the possible presence of hidden anti-aircraft guns.
All of these objects pose a problem or threat for a helicopter.
They are necessary when entering data into the TSD system.
Press the POINT button, then the ABR button.
you’ve got the option to scroll it with on screen arrows through 8 pages!
Information may also be provided in radio messages during the mission.
Hints on the coordinates types can be found further in this chapter.
Press RShift + K to display the kneeboard.
Press “[]” to search data page.
On the keyboard unit, enter the selected pointIDabbreviation according to the ABR abbreviation database and confirm with Enter.
For an airbase / landing site, these can be: AG, AL, FC, etc.
The keypad will displayFREE.
you’ve got the option to put any text that can help you to identify the point later.
The limit is 3 characters.
The next step is to enter the coordinatesMGRSorLAT / LONG.
Otherwise the data will be very inaccurate and show a different location.
The safest method is to bang out everything manually.
The CLR key clears entered text and the BKS works as Backspace.
MGRS data can be entered even if the keyboard unit shows LAT LONG.
If the entered data is incorrect, the text on the keyboard unit will flash.
Detailed information on obtaining coordinates can be found further in this chapter.
The last step isALTITUDE, which is the elevation above mean sea level in feet.
The system usually suggests the correct value here, as long as the coordinates have been entered correctly.
In a similar way you might add points from other categories.
go for the desired category: WP, HZ or CM.
The new WP point will be created on the map.
This is also done using the cursor and the CAQ (Cursor Acquisition) function.
They allow to quickly indicate the location of a point of interest to another crew member.
They don’t need to be targets.
These points cannot be edited.
On the TSD, pick the CAQ function and move the cursor to the desired place.
Press Cursor Enter Depress.
A white cross with the signature PLT will be created, if the point was created by a pilot.
The COORD function allows you to view a list of created points.
Terrain Points appear as T51-T56.
Then opt for STO option.
Press NOW to save the point.
A new point with a sequential number will appear under the Own Ship symbol.
A target point marked in red is created in the same way in the ATK phase.
It can be done only by the CPG - co-pilot/gunner.
If you began the mission with Cold Start procedure, check that that the laser is turned on.
This can be done on the WPN armaments page, then UTIL and LASER.
The circle dot must be full.
On the TSD screen, choose the active phase.
NAV phase will create Waypoint WP and ATK phase will create Target TG.
The point will be saved.
An appropriate icon with the point number will appear on the TSD.
Editing a point
The category and point ID cannot be edited.
you’re free to only change:
Mark the point to be edited.
Then hover the cursor over the desired point on the map and press Cursor Enter Depress.
Alternatively, if you cannot use the cursor, select POINT and then snag the POINT>Wxx.
On the keyboard unit enter the full name of the point to edit, eg.
W03 and confirm with Enter.
The selected point is shown next to the L1 button.
The selected point is shown next to the L1 button.
Press the DEL button.
Confirm the deletion with the YES button.
During the game, the coordinates are shown at the top of the screen on the F10 map.
On the F10 map the LAlt + Y keys switch between coordinates formats.
Therefore, each block of 5 digits of the coordinates needs to be rounded to 4 digits, e.g.
The required coordinates are listed under LAT LONG DECIMAL.
N 28 28.760 ‘E 57 50.241’
change to:28 28 76 and 057 50 24.
Nothing needs to be changed here, but the value in FEET not meters, is required.
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.
