AH-64D Basic Course (DCS)

Topic outline

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  General Information

  The AH-64D is a complex and effective combat helicopter. Digital Combat Simulation by Eagle Dynamics has here implemented the Model D with tandem crew.

  This course is especially designed for those who do not yet have any knowledge of the AH-64D Apache. It therefore revolves around getting started with the simulation, the simplified processes and procedures for activating the necessary systems, as well as take-off and landing with this unique combat helicopter.

  Routine commissioning of the systems, as well as safe take-off and landing, form the basis for the actual flying training and extensive weapons and navigation training in the follow-up courses. The AH-64 is not easy to fly and the multiple settings of the avionics systems make it complex and confusing for the beginner. Therefore, in the basic course, we initially leave out everything that is not absolutely necessary for a new pilot to get safely into the air and back down again with the AH-64D.

  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the authors and tutors of this course. You can find them on the top right in the People block.

  Visit us on our Discord server to make contacts or to register for a workshop.

  • Further Source of Information Book
  • Course Downloads Folder
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  Technical Specifications

  Boeing AH-64D

  

  Parameter	Date
  Type:	Attack Helicopter
  Length:	58ft 2in (17.73m)
  Main Rotor Diameter:	48ft 0in (14.63m)
  Height:	12ft 8in (3.87m)
  Wingspan:	19ft (5,82m)
  Empty Weight:	11,387lb (5,165kg)
  Normal Take-off Weight:	16,500lb (7,480kg)
  Max take-off weight:	23,000lb (10,433kg)
  Maximum speed:	15kts (182mph, 293km/h)
  Rate of Climb:	1,460fpm (7,5m/s)
  Service Ceiling:	20,000ft (6,100m)
  Operational Range:	260nm (300mi, 480km)
  Engines:	2 × General Electric T700-GE-701C-Turbinen 1,890shp (1,409kW)
  Armament:	30-mm M230 Chain Gun

  Data Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_AH-64_Apache
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  Cockpit Instructions

  In this section, we will focus on the various areas of the cockpit and the instruments, including the various switches they contain. The AH-64D has two cockpits, one for the pilot and one for the CPG (co-pilot/gunner). In the basic course we are only concerned with flying the helicopter and therefore only the Pilot's Cockpit is described here.

  If individual functions are necessary for the basic course, we will deal with them in detail. Of course, this also includes the necessary settings for the AH-64D in the main menu of DCS, the keyboard layout and the setting of the different control axes. Later you will need multiple 4-way switches (Coolie-Hats) and buttons while in combat. For this Basic course, an ordinary joystick is sufficient, because you can program one Coolie-Hat, via modifications, to perform more than one function.

  The instruments and switches have been arranged thematically. Both screens on the left and right (MPD – Multi-Purpose Displays) are very eye-catching. Through them, the pilot is able to go deep into the systems and weapons control changing settings to match various situations.

  To simplify this part of the course we will split the cockpit into different sections. In the following chapters, we will describe the different settings of the cockpit in sequence.

  The focus of the course is the start-up, hover, landing and the traffic circuit, therefore we will cover all mandatory systems you need for this purpose. Everything else is covered in the advanced courses.

  • Settings Book
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  Standardized Procedures

  Standardized procedures help pilots to process all necessary steps in the correct order. Processing these standard procedures can take a few minutes in both reality and simulation and contains many single steps. In this course, we have simplified and minimized these procedures. Through that a relatively quick system-start is possible and you get very quickly into the air.

  The procedures from starting the engine through to reporting the Taxing are supported with pictures above the positions of the switches and levers. But basic knowledge about the structure of the cockpit is still very important for a practiced flow in the cockpit.

  To ensure a smooth process on the airfield, some standardized procedures are as well required. For example, calling the Towers (ATC) or the movement on the taxiway til the holding point right before the runway.
  

  In the single paragraphs of standardized procedures, you will learn everything from starting the systems til taxiing to the runway and from landing til shutting down the systems while in parking position. Once you mastered these procedures you will be able to apply this knowledge to many other helicopters.

  Especially start, hover and landing require some exercise. Usually, you need 10-20 attempts until the first success. In reality, you would probably be dead by now, but the simulation lacks some special senses. For example, you are able to fell the gravity and the smallest positional change in your pit of the stomach. This is very helpful in reality. If you have still problems after many attempts please do not be shy and contact us. We will probably gonna help you.