Rockets are Secretly Easy | DCS AH-64D Rockets explained

Forget all the other stuff- focus on the Line of Sight and the range source. This stuff is easier than it looks.
#DCSWorld #AH64D #Apache
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[@ralfidude]

Man, I just realized that those who do not have a head tracking hardware are NOT going to be able to enjoy a lot of parts of this awesome helo. Thanks for the explanations!

[@CasmoTV]

Yeah TrackIR will be a damn near requirement.

[@aaronwhite1786]

I'm definitely going to have to work on fine tuning it too. Right now it can be a little tough to hold it on a specific spot, so I'm going to need to play around with the sensitivity.

[@paull35]

@@CasmoTV I would assume it will also be be pretty amazing in VR, have you had the opportunity to try it?

[@CasmoTV]

I haven’t tried it, I should. The other guys have and say it’s great.

[@paull35]

@@CasmoTV awesome. To be honest I don’t use DCS that often, have always struggled to find the time to get the most out of it. That said I love flying helicopters in sims, the Huey is great I am hoping the Apache may drag me into the sim and take me back to those endless hours of playing Janes Lowbow 2 😎

[@megakillen13]

Wags: Breaks my head. Casmo: Hold my powerpoint.

[@utley]

Honestly that wasnt confusing at all. If I can understand that (and Ive eaten crayons for a living) then anyone can understand it...unless if you're air force or something.

[@YodaWasSith]

Air force is banging the instructor(s), they get a pass no matter what. It's coast guard who couldn't figure out the point-and-shoot thing.

[@SubBrief]

Good info, well explained. +1 for Whiteboard and PowerPoint.

[@brandonb9239]

very cool info. The army in me kept saying "that diamond is not lined up center on the 0". military OCD ;)

[@lukass.larsen1156]

Thanks, Matt’s videos are great but sometimes a bit confusing. Your videos are always a great follow up

[@CookieAntonio]

Thanks for posting this Casmo, especially even before the release of the Apache to make an easier explanation, you’re really going above and beyond. Side note: I was binging your videos just as you posted this, as I recently saw your post about rockets about 14 hours ago hoping you would post. Phenomenal timing 😂

[@sasquatchycowboy5585]

You a godsend for this module. I really really wish ED had hired you to do the training missions. Were you ever an instructor? If not the Army missed out.

[@CasmoTV]

I did my share of teaching but never officially “in the cockpit” except for some younger brats I might have shown a trick or two.

[@sasquatchycowboy5585]

@@CasmoTV So OJT type stuff. They missed out. I've had my share of instructors over the decades. Everything from aircraft maintenance to SCUBA. I firmly believe it's a talent. You have it. I'm sure there are a lot of young, airman? What to hell do they call flying soldiers? That have benefited from that OJT.

[@bigskill80]

Thank you, big time. What Wags usually do is vomiting acronym that are familiar just for Aviation afecionados, you make it simple for people thank you big time. :)

[@YodaWasSith]

@@bigskill80 Remember to download the manual, I'm not sure that it was available at the time of your writing this, but it is now. All the acronyms are easily learned and the missile system is explained fairly well. I've been studying it like mad, and watching videos if I get lost on something. The manual is really the best source of information right now.

[@JamesTyranski]

Also seems Wags did an additional rockets video today demonstrating exactly what you said here. I understood that video so much better as he was explaining after watching this one.

[@Zenarei]

Thanks for making this video, Casmo! This cleared up all questions I had after Wags' video on the rocket employment. I really appreciate your explanations and discussions of the Apache's systems, as well as your engagement with the DCS rotor community. Can't wait to fly the Apache!

[@actinium2754]

I'm so incredibly glad you decided to make a channel and help out this community. I really appreciate the time and work you put into this in order to make the process of easing into this aircraft easier.

[@chrisfullwood6643]

Having flown the Apache for a couple of days now, this little video…. Makes the rockets make way more sense now. Thank you!

[@CasmoTV]

Easy right?

[@chrisfullwood6643]

Shooting rockets. Totally easy, Hitting something, let’s not get bogged down with the details of who hit what…. Lol

[@mihkeltoomet213]

Thnx Cosmo! You made more clearer now. I had, first time, some difficulties to understand Matt's video about it. Cheers!

[@rikuurufu5534]

I have an even more intuitive explanation for how to use the "I Beam." It works like a Turn Coordinator or Turn/Slip indicator; you "Step On The I" to aim at the target just like you would "Step On The Ball" to coordinate your turn in an airplane.

[@snotcycle]

this TBH

[@ivaniuk123]

Your video makes perfect sense after playing DCS apache for a little bit and learning the aircraft symbology on the IHADS. I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn before watching your video.

[@PaulHumphries68]

Explained in layman's terms, just how I need it. Learned so much already from your videos, thanks for taking the time in putting them together!!

[@Dexter01992]

With all respect I have for Wags, in the rockets video he really made it look confusing. Especially since anything he was shooting at had nothing aligned on the HMD on all passes and yet he went saying "rounds on target". I was like "Uhhh- what? Was that really where he meant to shoot? How is this system supposed to work?" This video made things way clearer. Thanks a lot!

[@StrongHarm]

Matt is great at creating mystery when he interacts with the end user. He understands that a lot of us value the "study sim" aspect... I think it's because he does too. He always demystifies the subject eventually. His rocket vid had its intended effect on me, like when he left CCIP out of his first vids on the Warthog back in the day. I thought "woah, I've got a lot to learn" and I was excited. He's like a good DM hehe.

[@MrPhantom453]

I'm glad you posted that. I thought it was just me that didn't get it after watching it several times. nothing seemed to be lined up to me.

[@MrWhiteladder61]

I agree, in Wags video I couldn't work what symbol he was aiming with and then he said at one point "place the extreme right of the hmd tracker on the target". Great Wags...er why are we doing that exactly?

[@exiletsj2570]

@@StrongHarm Maybe he just did a shit tutorial, happens to the best of us.

[@snatr]

The one thing I took away from this video was that the rocket cursor is only guiding us laterally. I was sure it was how the pod was getting its range. That helped a lot! Thanks 👍

[@Delta2Echo]

Like others have said - thanks a lot for posting this, man. Appreciate you taking the time to simplify this stuff!

[@godseykj]

I got a few minutes into Wags video and gave up. This video was greatly appreciated. Simple yet effective. Wags should link to you're videos as a reference. Thanks for keeping it simple for us simpletons.

[@aaronwhite1786]

Can't wait for the Apache content with you getting hands on recording time! Your Ka-50 stuff and general tactics have been awesome, but getting to see combat advice from a real world Apache pilot is going to be awesome!

[@joenelson7045]

Good content as always Casmo, Thank you for the straight forward explanation, it helped to clear it up for me.

[@themaddychannel9281]

Your a great instructor, better than most. You put it into perspective and I would say you make it easy to process and retain!!!

[@TheIrishFatty]

So well done. Love the simplicity of the explanation. Thanks again for your coaching today. I'm getting it but it def takes practice!.

[@lukejordan9670]

This answered pretty much every question I had about wags video, thanks.

[@mcbookie3680]

This sounds crazy but I literally went out to Best Buy and purchased a tablet for the sole reason of having guides and your videos up when I’m learning this monster.

[@MrPhantom453]

Yeah, I was thinking I needed the same thing, especially when working through all those screen pages.

[@sloppydog4831]

Casmo, thank you for this. The way you explained, saying that the aircraft talks to the pilot, and tries to help to make it easier to hit the target makes all sense. It is very different than the other choppers where you have to do all the work; in the Apache the chopper is doing half the work and the pilot has to make the other half.

[@lukew2031]

This, Casmo, is the most valuable piece of the AH-64D rocket training. Thanks for the PPT as well. Super easy!

[@talonfox3956]

Nicely done Casmo! Very often if 1. the aircraft is in trim, and 2. it is pointed at the target, the rocket steering cursor is generally aligned with the target as well. The purpose of the symbology is to help the pilot point the aircraft at the target.

[@henrikoldcorn]

Nothing makes sense while I’m just sat here passively watching videos - but this definitely seemed much clearer than Wags’ video! Thanks!

[@jameshewitt8828]

Honestly having not touched the real apache in 4 years now (ex apache technician) I've never been more excited about it lol. This is such a awesome addition to DCS, incredible fidelity. Certainly enough detail to keep you in love with the most badass helicopter out there

[@PhantomMark]

Thank you for detailing this more clearly, I was trying to superimpose the rocket cue on the head tracker symbol, made it super hard trying to put one on top the other :) This makes much more sense !!

[@revenger681]

This was the simplest and easiest to follow tutorial I've found. Thank you very much for this video.

[@kenhelmers2603]

I really like hearing and seeing different perspectives on things :) Thanks Casmo

[@wizard0357]

The aircraft is talking to me and its saying thank you Casmo!

[@Sinni64]

Was a little bit lost after Wags´ Video, but your Video helped me a lot as always.

[@0BuLLeT01]

Another great explanation. Much appreciated Casmo.

[@nathancathey4282]

Thanks for posting this. It something to start getting my head around.

[@tonicarrera9647]

Another fantastic video. Wags is good, but I understand more about this particular method of firing Rockets now, and although you say 'I know it is confusing' etc, that whiteboard example really made it a lot easier, for me at least, to understand Thank you Casmo, as always

[@paristo]

Wags told you the law. Casmo presented here the theory. That is big difference if someone wants to understand, instead just do as told without knowing why.

[@jasonbrackstone]

Really love the videos. Been a massive help in learning the basics of this great aircraft. Thanks

[@velamenradicum]

fantastic work mate! thanks a lot!

[@AlexKall]

That made more sense, for some reason when I saw wags video (very good, I'm just dumb) I thought the I-beam was the where the pilot was looking which made everything else very confusing, thanks for the explanation!

[@vzfhv3c516]

Thx Casmo, that make much more sense now.

[@SpaceGaucho_]

this cleared it up for me. thanks!

[@matthewfortino175]

Thanks Casmo, very helpful

[@bleeckertb]

your information was clear and easy to understand, almost like you have done this before

[@tanakalight]

This channel is going to be huge when module launches :)

[@TomP-148]

Good stuff. That was a fast 9 minute video

[@Tailspin07]

This is way better explained than wags, I couldn't understand why the rocket cursor/steering cue was always in different places and he was still hitting targets. Now it makes sense, it's not a crosshair, its just a basic indication.

[@CasmoTV]

To be fair for Wags, it’s a lot to try and explain when you are just learning it yourself.

[@Tailspin07]

For certain and didnt mean to cast shade or disrespect, the man is a treasure

[@zloychechen5150]

Thanks, Casmo, this makes a lot of sense.

[@KnudsenSK]

Make sense. Very helpful. Thank you Sir

[@mikesolyom6884]

This was a very clear explanation, thanks. Also, as a special request could we get Casmo George to say "The aircraft wants you to succeed"?

[@CasmoTV]

DLC only $19.99

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

Just gimme a "20% cooler" line... :)

[@TrickerDCS]

Paint me like one of your French girls

[@CasmoTV]

I’ll be there in a few weeks 😏

[@MrLuckyluke187]

great explaination , I'm a new sub

[@frogisis]

So my understanding is that the difference from CCIP is that you're aligning the I-beam purely with other symbology in the cockpit as opposed to a target outside, and that it works because that other symbology has itself first been lined up with a target.

[@srslywtfcl4p404]

This was very well explained!

[@CasmoTV]

Thank you.

[@timme9206]

Great explanation, Casmo...even for an (German) air force guy😄. Thanks! So looking forward to get my hands on that thing 🚁✌

[@robertspivey46]

Damn good info thanks, Casio.

[@BerkBerkinson]

This made perfect sense

[@JSpidey]

Good stuff

[@robk5943]

Well done!

[@MrMekakoopa]

Well explained

[@captaininsano564]

Outstanding Thanks....

[@pascalb2062]

super!!! Tnx

[@AmTomtom]

Crystal clear 🍻

[@JamesTyranski]

Great explanation with only a whiteboard.

[@TjW.]

Good explanation, seems petty simple.

[@dannyd7714]

Thank you!!

[@zombieseatingu]

Thanx

[@BigBeniBoy]

Hey Casmo, could you please maybe make a vid on how to best do single player while using George. Cheers

[@RKW1138]

So when heading to the range do all the crew shout WASSSSUPPP!!!! Budweiser style?

[@wesleycline9278]

Hi Casmo, I have a question regarding the FPV. In the latest rocket videos, the FPV is way out to the right of the head tracker when the helicopter is in trim. Can you please explain this? In your previous video when you explain the HDU in flight, the footage from the real apache shows the FPV moving around close to the head tracker when the helicopter is in trim, which makes more sense to me. Thanks for all the great content.

[@CasmoTV]

It’s gonna be off of center cause… Helicopters. It’s a little farther right than it should be right now but it’s still not something I haven’t seen irl.

[@SsgtHolland]

Always love the whiteboard, thanks Casmo! Is it fair to say that the I-beam just has to be solid and azimuth centered, either with the LOS or the cued LOS? And does that mean that when you use the nav method for distance, you don't use the LOS to aim but just line up the I-beam with the cued LOS?

[@CasmoTV]

Basically correct. 🤘🏻

[@tomshackell]

"And does that mean that when you use the nav method for distance, you don't use the LOS to aim but just line up the I-beam with the cued LOS?" I would imagine you would very much still need to use the LoS to aim. For a start using nav for distance wouldn't affect the horizontal steering at all: you'd still need to use the LoS to line up horizontally. Even with the vertical part if the LoS is a long way vertically from the point you are using for distance the rockets could still go a lot long/short of the target due to parallax error.

[@CasmoTV]

@@tomshackell depends on which LOS. he said cued which could be your NAV point.

[@SsgtHolland]

@@tomshackell That's what I was wondering. But given the fact that your LOS does not aim the rockets for azimuth and the I-beam only becomes solid with good range, parallax should not be a problem? As the range is calculated in nav from the target, your LOS would not override the range information when aiming vertically? (I love this module)

[@tomshackell]

@@CasmoTV Right, that makes sense. But watching Wag's rockets video when he's using COOP mode he's firing onto the point designated by the CPG but he's still steering the I-beam relative to the LoS reticule right? Not the cued LoS. That's what he says he's doing and he's only firing when the I-beam is aligned with the LoS reticule. If I've understood correctly the I-beam is always shown relative to the LoS? If so the LoS is still used "for aiming" it's just not setting the target point.

[@richardhockey8442]

Automatic ranging: does the fire control computer have access to an elevation map so it can calculate the difference in elevation between your aircraft and the target and then the slant range (lacking any direct information from a TADS/PNVS elevation and azimuth plus laser range)?

[@CasmoTV]

Not in this model no

[@sir_quacks5543]

The D model uses a flat earth calculation fir autorange (Triangulates rangr using your head angle vs. your AGL altitude.) Also, the sim probably gives you a way more accurate range than the actual helicopter does. Otherwise, this is a pretty darn good explanation of NORM rockets. Most guys shoot rockets with a NAV range (2nd technique Casmo described) so the range info to WP is more accurate.

[@heefie8659]

Great explanation. So when you are done shooting if you want to go back to nav ranging do you just push the same B6 button and then "N" "Enter" on the keyboard?

[@CasmoTV]

No. You have to set your acquisition source to a NAV point to get that back up.

[@heefie8659]

@@CasmoTV thanks

[@JTACRIFLE]

Nice! would be cooler with APKWS but I understand RW is having more difficulty because they don't have a lot of kinetic energy behind the missiles like FW does. Great video. Thanks!

[@CasmoTV]

We shot APKWS from Apache. It’s just a matter of date availability.

[@JTACRIFLE]

@@CasmoTV Can you confirm in real life or DCS simulation? I've only used it with OV-10. Thanks for the quick reply and I've only just discovered your content!

[@CasmoTV]

@@JTACRIFLE in the real. My unit was firing them in Syria and guys before that in Mosul against ISIS. they are… effective lol.

[@JTACRIFLE]

@@CasmoTV Awesome. Thanks for the clarification. I went back to the discussion thats date a few years ago. I want to be careful that I don't mislead anyone. Trying to find documentation but yes, effective with a distance caveate. 5km ish for RW and over 10kms for FW with the extra push behind the rocket. Thanks again.

[@MrPhantom453]

Thanks Casmo, that helped a lot. I also have another question. In Auto range mode I understand that the avionics does a Pythagorean range calculation based on the aircraft's height and pilot's angle of view to the target. This calculation assumes (and works best) when flying over relatively flat terrain between the aircraft and target. My specific question is: In Nav range mode, does the avionics obtain the targets height from GPS/ NAV system height data to make the range calculation (thus making it better in undulating terrain), or does it still use a flat terrain Pythagorean range calculation? Thanks.

[@CasmoTV]

Should be exact if the terrain data is installed. I think that’s accurate for this model.

[@indianajon7980]

I wish Ed would let you use your own footage as you explain these things that much simpler. I love Wags and I live watching his vids and listening tohis dulcet tones but for some reason his apache series is just bouncing off my brain without getting in. Not sure what I would do without the Casmo translator but reckon I would be alot more anxious and alot less excited than I am.

[@michaeldenney2444]

This is better, I was confused when Wags was putting the right edge of the head tracker on the target rather than the HMS. So if a target was designated as the acquisition source by making it a target point, it would be the same concept, you just need to line up the rocket I beam with the acquisition cross, have a correct range and a solid rocket cursor, and fire, right? No need for the head tracker diamond?

[@CasmoTV]

The head tracker is a solid technique because of alignment and yaw, aerodynamics, yada yada… but better to start with the basics. I personally never used the head tracker with rockets but I see the wisdom with it.

[@VRTrucker]

Thanks for the explanation Casmo. As automatic does all the calculations on the fly what sort of scenario would you use manual range instead?

[@CasmoTV]

Maybe in sloping terrain would be a good use for it as the A calc would be off.

[@VRTrucker]

Thanks Casmo

[@Sven2157]

What about the vertical of the rocket cursor? How do you aim the cursor?

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I have flown almost nothing but fixed wind aircraft in sims. Now that I am a noob Apache pilot, trying to tell my mind that my weapons are not fixed to the front is a daunting task. I have to keep telling myself that the aim point of my gun is where I am looking, not in the direct front of the aircraft. Very disconcerting. But the more I do it, the better I get. Practice is the name of this game

[@jetfrostgaming]

SO! Question on this with the CPG mode, say the CPG waas'd up the rockets and the pilot has to fly to line up the I beam. Is it still slaved to his helmet sight, meaning he has to line up the pilot sight, TADs marker and I beam? Or is the I beam now slaved to the TADS?

[@CasmoTV]

Your LOS and I beam

[@omwdunkley]

Thanks for this, well explained! Maybe I missed it, but what does the vertical motion of the I - beam signify? Does it move with your head/pitch/range/articulation? Thanks! Probably obviously when flying oneself:)

[@CasmoTV]

It does but only a Bit and I think it’s more a function of keeping it within your sight line. It doesn’t really help you for an engagement.

[@omwdunkley]

@@CasmoTV Thanks!

[@RailsAndAles]

Great explanation, but one follow up question. You mentioned that the computer will do math to figure out your range to target based on the angle of your HMD. I'm assuming it's solving for a triangle? Is it able to take into account when the target is at a different elevation than the ground below the helicopter? For example, if I target someone down in a canyon will it use a laser to get the range? Or does it really not even matter at these ranges?

[@CasmoTV]

This version does not account for terrain slope sadly.

[@dafox0427]

Were you a warrior guy that moved to 64s? can't help but notice your logo.

[@Zarma4074]

Very interesting. Just a question (not rocket related) were you using "nm" or "km" in active duty ?

[@CasmoTV]

Depends on what I’m doing and who I’m talking to.

[@Zarma4074]

@@CasmoTV ok so changing the aircraft config as you needed it.

[@silentone11111111]

Why is the direction of flight indicator always way over to the right. Is the chopper crabbing to the right even when the ball is centered?

[@CasmoTV]

Cause helicopters and aerodynamics.

[@dishdoggiegaming7254]

Do the rockets have a red Glare? Will we have the kind that will be Bursting In-Air? Will we get any proof in the night that our Flag is still There?

[@ryandavis9879]

Honestly, this is why I give you money every month. This is keeping me from reading :D

[@CasmoTV]

And I appreciate it!

[@KeyboardWarrior101st]

Hey Casmo, I have a question. How do the Kiowas aim their rockets? They supported us more often than you guys because of the altitude and since watching some of your videos I have been wondering about that. From a grunts perspective it's cool to see what you guys were dealing with up in the air.

[@CasmoTV]

I spent more time in kiowas than apaches. We used fixed rockets only. So aim with the eye.

[@KeyboardWarrior101st]

@@CasmoTV Cool, I appreciate it.

[@jasonirby3382]

BTW, brilliantly simple solution.

[@Im_TheSaint]

What is the helmet sight good for, if I'm using nav range? I can't possibly wish to engage a different target than my waypoint with nav ranging. And if I'm engaging my waypoint, doesn't that mean I just have to align my plane? Range and target already pre-determined. No need to sight anything.

[@CasmoTV]

It’s not that’s why I didn’t teach that 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Im_TheSaint]

@@CasmoTV than you for your reply cosmo, I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying there is no purpose to the sight with nav ranging?

[@CasmoTV]

@@Im_TheSaint if you have NAV range just line up the direction.

[@jayphi4095]

Waow. Finally I found the ultimous good explanation that make sense based on obvious physical element but that were very badly explained in the manual without multiple reading….a drawing is better that 2 pages of writing …congratulation and many thanks to you

[@GTRNights]

"Guys I know it's confusing..." Actually, no. No, it's not. I'm totally tracking. Thanks a ton!

[@CasmoTV]

To some people it is and continues to be.

[@Johnwilkinsonofficial]

ah the whiteboard. ommmmmmmm 🧘‍♂️

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

Casmo drawing on the whiteboard is just like Ward pulling up his training aids :D

[@Elysian_Angel_]

Thanks for making these videos. The way you explain it, it’s not complicated/confusing at all. The problem though, at least for me, is that I have a lot of problems with Wag’s accent. So when he’s explaining stuff that’s completely outside of my frame of reference (the number of new symbologies/acronyms in a short timeframe), it makes things more complex than they really are. To me, Wags (and also the other person who’s doing in-game voiceovers for instant-action missions in DCS) sounds like he’s always talking with a hot potato in his mouth. You on the other hand, are very easy to understand 🙂

[@Urfir3d]

Thanks! This seems fairly simple now. Only concern I have is keeping the HMD on target when using trackIR. Is it possible to designate a target from the HMD, then have it hold in place and slew as necessary using the HOTAS? Similar to the A10, F18, etc? I think with TrackIR, it might be easiest to get it close then switch to a hotas driven marker

[@CasmoTV]

Nope.

[@Urfir3d]

@@CasmoTV womp…. Guess I’ll see if there’s a way to do a hot key to dampen TrackIR settings. Maybe precision mode.

[@sebast0409]

@@CasmoTV Is there no way to make a markpoint or something of that sort with the hmd?

[@CasmoTV]

@@sebast0409 not in this version but later models yes. That being said you can slave the TADS and store a point that way.

[@sebast0409]

@@CasmoTV thank you :)

[@GatAppTechnologies]

Does the Apache have any auto-hover autopilot?

[@CasmoTV]

Very much so

[@reillybrangan2182]

So is there any form of normal CCIP type sighting?

[@CasmoTV]

Not for rockets, not in the fighter jet sense.