This page of the guide to the DCS AH-64D Apache presents a list of Cold Start activities.
starting the engines and avionics of the Apache helicopter.
Here you will find a list of actions for the pilot and CPG.
We describe how to prepare an Apache helicopter for flight.
It is not necessary inDCS, although the machine status can be checked with the F2 key.
On the left console, turn the power switch from OFF to BATT.
All the controls in the cockpit will light up - the effect is better visible at night.
Perform a test of the fire detection system.
First, hold the switch in the TEST 1 position and listen to the messages.
Then repeat this with the switch for TEST 2.
The messages will also appear on the EUFD display.
On the right console, on the radio panel, set the master volume knob to 50 percent.
Set the SQL switches in the up position to avoid “static noise” from the radio.
Set the knob of the PRIMARY basic cabin light to the maximum BRT position.
This is a necessary step to boresight Helmet Mounted Display reticle later.
Turn on the APU - auxiliary engine necessary to start the main engines.
You will hear the startup sound first, then the indicator light comes on.
The message that the APU is on will also appear on the EUFD display.
After a while, the helicopter will “come to life”.
The MPD screens and the HDU helmet display will turn on.
Turn it off with the “I” key - for now it will only block the screen.
After powering the systems, you’ve got the option to start setting up the avionics.
First, it is worth checking the tuning of the navigation system.
Press the TSD tactical map button.
Then opt for UTIL function.
unlock the DOPPLER function.
The accuracy of the navigation tuning can be seen in the top window: POSITION CONFIDENCE.
White color indicates poor and inaccurate tuning.
In the meantime, you’re able to focus on other systems.
Press M to enter the main menu.
Press the button again to enter the DMS (Data Management System) page.
On the DMS screen, grab the WCA (Warning/Caution/Advisory) screen option.
Press RESET to clear all errors - colored outlines of messages will disappear.
Press the COM hotkey to kick off the radio screen.
To set the radio frequencies needed for the mission, press the MAN manual mode button.
poke the button of the relevant radio whose data you want to change.
The keyboard on the left side of the cockpit is for entering the frequency.
Enter the appropriate numbers and confirm with ENTER.
The next step is the fuel screen.
Press M to enter the main menu and then FUEL to go to the fuel management screen.
Activate the C-AUX function - the “Robbie Tank” additional fuel tank.
Press M again to enter the main menu.
Then select FLT to go to the flight screen.
Here you might change some options by pressing the SET button.
One of the functions is the altitude at which the low altitude alarm will activate - the LO option.
opt for corresponding button at the top.
Enter the selected value on the keyboard and confirm with ENTER.
Then be sure to turn on the radar altimeter by clicking on RDR ALT.
The dot will be filled up with color.
Go to the weapons management screen by pressing the WPN hotkey.
During Cold Start, the most important thing is to calibrate the HDU helmet sight.
Press the BORESIGHT button.
grab the IHADSS option.
Turn on the HDU helmet display by pressing the “I” key.
NOTE - in VR goggles, the calibration of the sight will probably not be very accurate.
This feature is not yet fully developed.
Unlock the artificial horizon by right-clicking the wheel and moving it down.
Use the mouse wheel to set the horizon in the center.
Time to start the engines.
In the panel on the left, hit the engine starter #1.
Monitor the engine’s status on the left MPD monitor.
Pay attention to the NG% value - keep an eye on it until it exceeds 20%.
When NG reaches 20%, move the engine #1 power lever to the IDLE position.
The default keys are RAlt Home.
Wait for the NG% value to stabilize around 66%.
Repeat the same steps for engine #2.
Put the starter in the up position.
On the second monitor, you should also turn on the engine control screen.
Press M to enter the main menu, then go to ENG.
grab the SYS function.
Wait for the engines to stabilize.
NG% around 66%, and OIL PSI below 70.
Slowly move the POWER LEVERS to the FLY position.
Turn off the APU by pressing the button and closing the cover.
Check the tuning status of the navigation system by pressing TSD and UTIL.
The green color of the text indicates that the system is ready.
Press UTIL again to exit to the main TSD map.
Release the parking brake (after doing everything in the CPG’s seat).
Turn on the HDU helmet display with the “I” key.
The AH-64D Apache helicopter is ready for taxiing (after doing everything in the CPG’s seat).
nudge the Master Warning and Master Caution controls to silence any alarms.
Adjust the volume of the radio with the PRIMARY knob and move the SQL switches up.
Brighten the main PRIMARY lighting on the left console to calibrate the helmet sight.
Press the WPN hotkey and then the BORESIGHT function.
Press the IHADSS button.
Turn on the helmet sight with the “I” key.
After that, press the B/S button or CURSOR ENTER on the collective.
Don’t give a shot to move it.)
Turn on the TADS targeting system screen by turning the switch to DAY (or NT at night).
It is much better to do this in a real camera image.
Go back to it with the G/S button.
Sometimes, on a sunny day, a regular TV camera can give better results.
Turn it on with the TADS Sensor Select button.
Prepare the radio frequencies on the COM screen and the MAN function just like on the pilot’s seat.
Return to the pilot’s seat with the “1” key.
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