This page of the DCS AH-64D Apache guide explains how to fly the Apache helicopter.
We give you tips on how to control the helicopter during flight and hovering.
We explain how helicopter controls work and how to use them effectively.
Basic information
Piloting a helicopter differs significantly from flying an airplane.
The first contact with the simulator and a flight attempt usually ends in a crash.
It will be useful to know how the individual helicopter controls work and what you should avoid doing.
It may be particularly difficult tomake the helicopter “hover”.
At first, it will seem to be as difficult a maneuver as air-to-air refueling with an airplane.
The last thing to remember is that Apache doesn’t like sudden and dynamic movements with the controls.
Slight, slow, almost anemic movements are key here.
Watch out for the engine torque!
This is the worst thing you’ve got the option to do!
The engine, trying to provide them with the proper rotation speed, begins to exceed its limits.
The first warning is when the engine readings are yellow.
It may then turn red.
You will also see the LOW ROTOR RPM message.
Np% should then show 101% again.
Any changes made with the Collective lever should generally be done slowly, calmly and without sudden movements.
This is ENDURANCE, i.e.
the time that the helicopter can spend in the air with the current fuel level.
In the example below, it is 2 hours and 1 minute.
The time varies dynamically depending on the Torque.
Sometimes following a race track is a better option.
Thanks to it, the helicopter rises up by “biting” into the air.
Power Levers
The engine power levers increase the engine torque.
For flying, you move them to the FLY position.
The automatic transmission should be moved to the DRIVE.
Further work takes place automatically, without the intervention of the pilot, unless a serious breakdown occurs.
How to fly Apache helicopter?
This is a bug in DCS World.
This function is under the AXIS TUNE button.
What is Force Trim Release?
It’s not realistic, but it helps to fly more steadily when using traditional center-spring joysticks.
It’s a good idea to assign it somewhere on the stick for quick access.
They are located in the game prefs and the SPECIAL tab for the AH-64D.
Opinions about which mode is better are divided so far.
Both solutions have their drawbacks.
By locking the INSTANT trim and releasing the stick to center it, the helicopter may change direction abruptly.
The key is therefore a continuous, gradual trim after making slight tilts throughout the flight.
Theoretically, the CENTRAL POSITION mode is safer.
Flying basics - Hover mode
Note - only the basics of helicopter piloting are described below.
Detailed instructions for taxiing, take-off and landing will be described in separate sections.
Ground Effect
Keeping the helicopter hovering low to the ground is made easier with the Ground Effect.
This effect occurs up to a height equal to the rotor’s diameter, in Apache up to approx.
47 feet and helps the machine stay in the air with less engine load and no rebound.
The effect works best on an even, hardened surface.
It is disturbed, among others, by high grass and objects under the helicopter.
How much torque will lift the helicopter up while hovering?
Press the PERF (Performance) button while in the default engine management screen.
This is a natural phenomenon due to the main rotor rotating to the left.
At this point, press the left pedal slowly to compensate for the effect of the rotor.
When the helicopter stops turning, it may start to drift sideways to the right.
You have to counter this by rolling the Cyclic stick to the left.
With the next minimal tilting of the Collective, the helicopter will begin to hover.
Rely on the HUD mainly at night.
A big mistake is to keep making corrections.
The helicopter will start to behave abruptly and unpredictably, making you lose control over it.
It is enough to tilt the nose forward a bit by moving the Cyclic stick in that direction.
Apache will start gaining speed.
Also press Force Trim Release to lock Cyclic in new “forward” position.
Consecutive dashes are every 100 feet per minute.
So remember to trim the position of the pedals as you move faster.
Otherwise, the helicopter will fly slightly sideways.
when aiming from the chain gun.
Position of the FPV somewhere completely to the side or even outside the HUD is quite normal.
Also, watch the vertical speed chevron on the right.
If it is above the thickest mark on the altimeter, the helicopter will be ascending.
Small consecutive dashes are every 100 feet per minute.
Watch the chevron indicating vertical speed.
Do not exceed a descent rate of 300 feet per minute below a height of 50 feet.
Similarly, you descend by pushing Cyclic forward, while keeping an eye on the Collective’s position.
When you’re satisfied with the setup and flight path, press Force Trim again to lock the controls.
Cruise mode
Pressing Symbology Select Up activates the “Cruise” HUD mode.
It adds the pitch ladder and barometric altitude known from aircraft.
The dashed horizon line changes from dashed to solid.
In practice, Apache pilots rarely turn on this mode because it makes the HUD too cluttered.
The basis here is a slow pace and a very gradual reduction of both values over the appropriate distance.
The basic rule is simple - pull the Cyclic towards you and reduce Collective a bit.
Also, place the reticle on the HUD below the dashed horizon line.
Be careful not to start descending and slowing down too quickly.
From time to time, you will have to lower the nose a little and then raise it.
The key is to take your time and do everything slowly.
The helicopter then loses its lift and begins to fall like a rock.
Adding power to the engines will make it even worse.
Before that, of course, you should slow down to the minimum speed and keep the stable altitude.
The Early Access will later get a special Altitude Hold mode.
The little circle next to it shows the position of the helicopter in relation to this spot.
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