DCS: AH-64D | Backseat FCR and Radar Hellfire

In this DCS: AH-64D video I’d like to offer an example of using the FCR with radar-guided Hellfire from only the backseat. I understand that most players will primarily be using the AH-64D from just the backseat. This video builds upon the earlier FCR videos like FCR controls. I’ll continue the series of more detailed instructional videos on the FCR, but this video is designed for those of you that simply wish to run-and-gun from the backseat while raining down Hellfire.
NOTE 1. Yes, we plan to allow George to engage with the FCR, but only after we complete FCR development.
NOTE 2. We will later add LINK mode that will slave the TADS to the FCR NTS.
NOTE 3. We will add the FCR to the reloading/refueling pop-up. This is currently planned for the January 2024 Open Beta update but is subject to change based on testing.
NOTE 4. As always, these videos provide a preview of an upcoming feature to assist you in understanding a new feature. Later, it is quite possible that the feature will change, and the feature functionality has changed. As much as I’d like to, I lack the time re-record these videos.
NOTE 5. You can also slew the HOCAS cursor over the desired target and depress to designate as the NTS. What was the NTS becomes the ANTS. Trying to designate an individual contact on the FCR page with the HOCAS cursor while flying at the same time is not recommended.
This video uses the DCS: Normandy 2 map that can be purchased from: www.digitalcombatsimulator.co...

[@MattWagner]

NOTE 1. Yes, we plan to allow George to engage with the FCR, but only after we complete FCR development. NOTE 2. We will later add LINK mode that will slave the TADS to the FCR NTS. NOTE 3. We will add the FCR to the reloading pop-up. NOTE 4. As always, these videos provide a preview of an upcoming feature to assist you in understanding a new feature. Later, it is quite possible that the feature will change, and the feature functionality has changed. As much as I’d like to, I lack the time re-record these videos.

[@hipgames]

Thanks for the entertaining video! I for one admire the stability you fly with.... you should see me flying in the Apache sir, like a wobbly balerina :)

[@MattWagner]

Practice and understanding trim for the win.

[@thecircusfreak5364]

Does the twist axis on your stick not return to center? I have no idea how you fly this thing stick only - it’s very impressive.

[@FierceFire14]

@@thecircusfreak5364 iirc trimming trims the pedals as well, so if he twists em correctly before trim its more doable

[@MattWagner]

I use an axis hat switch.

[@Zarma4074]

Nice to see ATT and ALT hold working again. Thanks for the video !

[@dennisbenderwhv]

I was wondering if I was too stupid but glad more people has problems with the hold modes

[@gubernator46]

Even without hold mode it just hovers perfect, there seems to be no wind in normandy ?

[@AndreiCeleste]

Love it! The Apache is my nr.1 go to Module right now. I love the Fire and Forget, sneaky and accurate, this will be amazing! Cannot wait for it :)

[@Zarma4074]

yea same. It can do anything and do it good (just takes time if far away)

[@PedroCarlosdoss]

1 go to Module right now

[@docogg50]

Wait wait wait…do you have a cat named Petrovich?!

[@BlackFoxFalcon]

The ALT and ATT Hold modes seem to be much smoother here. Every time I trim the Apache, it`s trimmed correctly. But when engaging the Hold-Modes, it violently maneuvers out of place and comes back erratically.

[@paladincubano]

ATT mode is broken right now, it is on known issues... I hope the fix it on the next update.

[@Rhinozherous]

Autopilot looks fixed in your version - very nice! It is awesome to see that the radar hellfires are very comfortable to use from the backseat!

[@MattWagner]

It has been adjusted a bit, the basic principles of FIRST being in trim before engaging a hold mode applies.

[@ivaniuk123]

You guys are my heroes with your ah64 sim development!!!

[@TrickerDCS]

This is some cool stuff 💪🏻

[@cptairwolf]

Discovered your channel a couple of days ago. You narrating skills are next level man, awesome videos!

[@streetmachine8211]

It's just... Awesome!!! So happy to see FCR being implemented now. Been waiting for this! Thanks!

[@geos569]

That looks awesome! Can't wait to play with this new feature. Thank, Wags!

[@hootman_hawk]

This will be the best update since release, I mean, it's what makes a Longbow a Longbow. Brings back fond memories of Jane's Longbow 2. I almost wore that CD out :) It also will make gameplay more realistic for me, right now I rely too much on "labels"to find targets. I've been playing more and more with the lowest label setting for realism (basically the red dot), but I still wander way too close many times as George just has a hard time finding them many times, and all too often by the time he finds them we're too close. Also, it gets a bit tedious forcing George to scan around all the time. I spend the vast majority of my DCS time in the 64, as a retired Blackhawk mechanic/crewchief/Inspector flying it brings back many memories, mostly good, especially in VR. Cruising along at treetop level in both terrain flight and NOE bring back the visual sensation to my brain, and the sounds of the engines, gearboxes and rotors bring back the audio sensation. I did 20 years, and still remember the distinctive sounds of flight, the whine of the input gearboxes of the H-60 over the crewchief seat, the engines, and the rotors. DCS does an awesome job with all of it. Sims of the past mainly just had a rotor sound, and not good ones at that. I can also still remember vividly the slightly sweet smell of JP-8 and how it smelled as I stood in the APU exhaust in the winter trying not to freeze, and the smell of the engine bleed air from the heat ducts in the winter, as I froze my ass off in the back due to poor seals on the windows while the pilots complained of being too hot up front just 2 feet away from me. Keep up the great work, and look forward to finally employing the Longbow as it is meant to be used.

[@hootman_hawk]

Also, a little off topic, if there are former H-64 guys they would know...I assume that the Apache has effective translational lift (ETL), which in the H-60 we called "The Sikorsky shudder", and maybe I haven't noticed it, but I don't think I've seen it in DCS. I'm not sure how that would be modeled, I don't use force feedback, but seems to me there should be a slight visible shudder and slight bit of rotor slapping as you move through it. Is it there and am I just missing it? In the H-60 you definitely felt it and heard it, especially with the troop seats metal latches vibrating against the metal troop seat suspension bar in the back.

[@SQUID_2259]

As simple as it was this was incredibly valuable for this module. While real world procedures would normally call for a CPG and a Pilot, this shows that you can still get your kicks as a single player in DCS with the AH-64. Thanks Wags!!

[@Glennovan]

Great video! Regarding future developments - more specifically George, is there any plans to implement a system where if George is CPG, he will actively scan the battlefield for targets, rather than having to constantly command him to scan specific areas using the helper AI menu?

[@sandman11]

An entire new level of awesome!

[@Topper_Harley68]

Did not know about the adjustable sunshield.

[@MattWagner]

Most do not.

[@espaanderman]

@MattWagner, something i always wondered and now you mention it, does it matter for the AI (for example during a night flight) whether you turn off the lights or not or are you spotted in a similarly either way? Thanks for all your hard work!

[@dancingcow8640]

I like this kind of video, for the people who don’t have all the time in the world, and just want the TLDR

[@BunialskiTrip]

Yess. New clip about my new favorite module. 1st heli and instant love.

[@jtormie7517]

Hell Yeah! cannot wait for this

[@Mesusir]

Great video as always. I prefer to do all the stuff from front seat, only to start heli I need to be in backseat.

[@jokerkd]

I love your work

[@Kevin-sg5xc]

This is insane and I can't wait for it.

[@asphelite]

You do make it look easy flying the Apache ^^ Nice job, lets see when yall drop the next patch

[@MattWagner]

Thanks, just a matter of practice and understanding trim/hold modes.

[@wilbuzllf5057]

Awesome! Already love chasing SA15's with the RF missiles in city environments, this will make it even more fun (or at least safer) 😀

[@cookie13spike]

wow awesome! the hype is real :) I never knew the sunshades could move.. how cool is this module! :D

[@UkDave3856]

Nice work 👏

[@mrpawno4955]

Would love to see those Hellfires splash their targets, guess ill have to wait till the patch drops :D

[@MattWagner]

The effect is no different that as is currently.

[@indianajon7980]

Hi Wags, stupid question. When you say 'action' the hellfire, is that the same as woz"ing it? Brilliant hovering by the way! Your knowledge and skills of all these modules is inspiring to see.

[@Raptor_9]

WAS=Weapon Action Switch "WASing"="action a weapon" by moving the Weapon Action Switch to one of the weapon select positions. "DeWASing"="de-action a weapon" by moving the Weapon Action Switch to the same position of the actioned weapon to de-select it.

[@indianajon7980]

@@Raptor_9 ace ta

[@Jimmybrianmike]

@@Raptor_9what are the keybinds for these from pilot perspective ? i have advanced missile bound but not sure what it does and how to DeWas the missile

[@towjam1]

Apache is my favorite module. I was stationed at ft campbell and saw those pilots do insane things with that bird. I am not even close to that good. At least when i hit trees there is not near as much paperwork.

[@Shiroko0516]

Thanks for great video! I wonder if we will get the asterisk page and button working? I think it’s useful when combat since there is no hocas for swapping displays.

[@LEAD-DISPENSER]

This thing is worth more an more every time you touch it can't wait

[@aaronwhite1786]

Great video as always, Wags! Looking forward to using the FCR from both seats...though I might need a 2nd Xbox controller. I'm starting to run out of modifiers and buttons.

[@martwint6]

This!!!! 😂

[@aaronwhite1786]

@@martwint6 It's at the point where if Winwing drops an Apache front seat setup I might buy it no matter what they charge...

[@ananghaaa032]

Is there away to show crosshair or TD box over locked target on ihads when using fcr instead of just hellfire constrain box?

[@papaznewbag]

Thank you for the videos Wags. Can you share any work being done to the FM, SAS, ATT hold?

[@MattWagner]

Worked well for me, but we continue tuning.

[@Aegeon100]

It'll be this airframe's superpower. I LOVE flying the Apache in DCS.

[@louispenn9253]

I had no idea you could move the sun shield!

[@slyderace]

1:15 WHAAAAT? I never knew this helo had sun shields! lol...mind blown!!

[@WillTimeAbility]

Matt, engaging ATT HOLD was very smooth. Does this mean that the mode got "updated" and stabilises the aircraft straight after the button is pressed? Thanks!

[@MattWagner]

Works well when first correctly for me when trimmed

[@docogg50]

You make controlling that bird look so easy!!

[@MattWagner]

It's all about working with the force trim system, not against it.

[@gubernator46]

Your hovering skills are absolute amazing!!! Even with my Virpil 180mm Stick extension and the hard springs, my hover results come not even close to the mastery you show in the video! May I ask what control setup you use in this video ?

[@MattWagner]

Please see my about page.

[@alexfrench3748]

Is it possible to slave TADS to FCR using an ACQ option or just using LINK (available later as I've read)?

[@OrionRox]

Am I in dream or the font text styles in IHADSS are different in this build?

[@ScreamingElectron]

Great video Wags. One question (and I'm not sure you've covered it yet): how long does the target history remain on the moving map after scanning? Can we scan, then move to a different firing position before engaging? Thanks for the great content.

[@MattWagner]

Accuracy will greatly suffer. This is discussed in the video.

[@ScreamingElectron]

@@MattWagner thank you!

[@btratemylegs.6342]

RAHHHHH HELLFIRE

[@auqanova]

thats an amazingly impressive radar system, are there any other aircraft that are planned to eventually be able to distinguish target type and/or engage several units in rapid succession like this, or is this feature exclusive to the apache as far as dcs?

[@MattWagner]

No, this is unique to the AH-64D.

[@spirosdelistavros2970]

in the back seat is it possible to move the fcr left and rtight? i tried it with arrows but nothing moved

[@MattWagner]

You probably only selected the FCR page, but you did not set the FCR as the Sight.

[@norman191000]

I cant make fcr on from pilot's seat. I do everything like Wags here, but from mission start, my FCR screen looks differently - there are no ZOOM or TGT buttons on sides, and it seems 'dead'. When wasing RF hellfires, the SAL remains and I can't do anything to turn it on. I managed to make it after switch to front seat, but no joy from pilot's perspective. Perhaps some pre-mission settings were different?

[@MattWagner]

It sounds like you did not select FCR as the sight. You can do so from the Pilot's seat collective, Sighting Switch Left to select FCR as the sight.

[@kornykidd0]

Am I remembering incorrectly that there is some kind of hud symbology that represented the relative height of the fcr on the mast? I feel like k remember this from Longbow2 and was meant to show how high you needed unmask for a bobup type of attack.

[@MattWagner]

I think you must be not remembering correctly. Not in the real aircraft, and I don't even remember in LB2.

[@JonBloor7]

That ripple fire is just ridiculous. I bet thats put a grin on your face a few times! 😂

[@Crytic_Music]

Can we set the primary of the fcr as our acq source?

[@nick4819]

How accurate are FCR's? Like, I get in the game it isn't going to show a false positive. But surely IRL, some random items could make the shape of a tank it's looking for and could misidentify random objects and say "Hey, here's a tank." Does this happen or am I just misunderstanding how it works? I'm only assuming it's looking for shape.

[@JoeTheSpaceGuy]

Apache OP

[@hotrod525]

Are the radar contact shown in the IHADSS ? Or it's simply on the MPD's and that's it ?

[@MattWagner]

Later with C Scope.

[@hotrod525]

@@MattWagner Thank you'

[@DOGosaurus_rex]

one quick question, will other aircraft with RWR get a radar alert if the apache is using its radar?

[@ascherlafayette8572]

yes, also, if you lock up an aircraft with the agm-114l they will get a missile launch warning

[@Hustler9g]

Will the FCR pick up civilian traffic vehicles in dcs? If you have a cluttered suburban area like on Nevada will it be able to find vehicles intermixed with houses (obviously with line of sight)?

[@ascherlafayette8572]

I think the prioritization system can filter out armor and weaponry among civilian cars. In real life I think that means the system won't target cars and trucks unless they're the only thing in the scope.

[@MattWagner]

They are filtered automatically

[@Hustler9g]

@@MattWagner wow impressive! thanks for the info 👍

[@dariuszmatt76]

I bet there is a different font used in IHADSS now? Or different style of the same font...

[@dancingcow8640]

Behold, we have become death, the guy that does the kill thingy

[@anlq1240]

Holicow, this is a truly serial killer.

[@cjspcl3498]

How can I deactivate FCR to use guns or other weapon

[@PedroCarlosdoss]

1 go to Module right now

[@haackhaack4217]

Wags thanks for this, any chance you can edit the description and include the key bindings ? Instructions videos without key binding references make it harder to learn ? Thanks!

[@MattWagner]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKWveqVuqa99esksi=0Bxm8Iq8sR-9HTFM

[@haackhaack4217]

@@MattWagner thanks, I don't see the 'missile switch action / deaction' binding in the other video ?

[@MattWagner]

Weapon Action Switch (WAS), Left as discussed in the Controls video, this video is about the FCR. Please see: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp7Nf52EedVjgKMsi=saPgZqO78a0bgxs1&t=1234

[@haackhaack4217]

@@MattWagner thanks

[@haackhaack4217]

nevermind was too far. But there is quite a bit of dialogue around the action/deaction. Great video, thanks for putting this together

[@giullep73]

and now is possible switch from cpg to pilot without lose the control..are the command synced??

[@MattWagner]

I just tested it after reading this, and I had no issues. Pilot to CPG and CPG to Pilot. Please ensure the aircraft is in trim and not mucking around the collective and cyclic before jumping seats.

[@MrGs500f]

Does the fcr also do a terrain avoidance thing in the ihads?

[@MattWagner]

That is a later mode, as stated, we'll start with GTM.

[@MrGs500f]

@@MattWagner thanks! I just didn't know if it was a real thing or not. You know how older games make stuff up. Like a durandal that shoots out like a missile.

[@solidsnakekillsu3783]

Jane's Longbow Gold but so much better love it

[@aquajay]

apache go brrr

[@99AudiMan09]

Does anyone know the effective range of the Radar Hellfires in DCS? Maybe I'm using them out of parameters which is fine, I just don't know what the parameters are. still learning. I seem to have mixed luck with them past 5k. The Laser Hellfires are pretty solid past 7k most of the time and have played around with shots at around 10k in a private test mission. Since the Radar Hellfires take a wider path due to Doppler Beam Sharpening for the Seeker, I wonder if this reduces the range? Note, I play a lot on Hoggit GAW where the winds are usually only around 100knots or so...

[@MattWagner]

8 km

[@99AudiMan09]

@@MattWagner Thank you for the reply. Always enjoy your videos and they have helped me a ton. More practice to be done on my part.

[@ascherlafayette8572]

Yeah I've found the laser hellfires will hit any stationary target within 9.5km

[@lucasvialpando3729]

Has a fix for attitude hold been addressed?

[@MattWagner]

Worked fine in the video.

[@ascherlafayette8572]

​@MattWagner does that mean it hasn't changed with this update?

[@romagnolo]

What do you mean by Cliffs Notes?

[@MattWagner]

A quick summary of pertinent points.

[@romagnolo]

@@MattWagner thanks! You guys are the best !!!👍

[@jontrout2010]

Stoked. That FCR looks like a wall hack 😆

[@TFT-bp8zk]

WAIT THE GLARE SHIELD MOVES!?!?!?!?!

[@Racketeerof89]

Will there be a feature to ripple hellfires with the FCR?

[@MattWagner]

Not realistic

[@Racketeerof89]

@MattWagner last question.. not sure if I heard in the previous video, but can the FCR be used to slave the laser, or is it purely for RF hellfire engagement?

[@MattWagner]

LINK will slave TADS (with laser) to the FCR NTS.

[@MrBJC3]

I really wish my 64d flew as smooth as yours ..i have watched several videos on trim ATT and ALT..Symbology and controls setup and followed all to the letter . I was able once for a few hours to fly and shoot sort of accurate, but my CP / G George AI does not work from the front seat when i use the cold start mission or any other time. It just wobblee and does what it wants and spins and rolls😢. I will just leave it alone for now and come back to it again later because its a pricey aircraft but currently not fun because something is wrong and im obviously not seeing the issue with it..with that being said i super duper love it and hope I can get some use out of it and not spend a whole day setting up my controls and it still doesn't want to work correctly. Pray for me and happy hunting to you all!😊

[@MattWagner]

It's the same 64D as yours, just a matter of how you fly it. Best to post a track file to our forum with the controls indicator visible so that we and others can diagnose where you are going wrong... probably not getting your head around the trim system correctly.

[@mscir]

How long before you issue verbal orders to an AI instead of dealing with menus?

[@RW-zn8vy]

Two weeks

[@TheSirBlackbird]

Quand ?, quand ?, quand ? :)

[@DaveGamingDCS]

Can the FCR do IFF of targets?

[@MattWagner]

LINK with TADS

[@matka5130]

no

[@DaveGamingDCS]

Thought so. Thanks for your quick response and I look forward to playing with all this myself soon! @@MattWagner

[@matka5130]

[@davidvandavidsen9568]

It would be great if there were FINALLY air-to-air missiles so that you could easily defend yourself against a KA50 or Hind 🙈 It sucks so hard

[@mayurmanudhanya934]

Hey @MattWagner Have you had you flown Airbus Sim Yet.?

[@giullep73]

its me or now does the apache now fly more stable?

[@MattWagner]

Quite stable when trimmed correctly. The problem I most often see though is players not trimming correctly and then trying to set ATT and ALT holds when first not trimmed properly trimmed.

[@PedroCarlosdoss]

@@MattWagner Can you do an advance video on how to trimme correctly then ?

[@MattWagner]

Many guys like Casmo and Bradmick have already done much better ones than I can.

[@TheVital539]

When DCS make the best COMBAT helicopter Ka-52? It will be so amazing I guess

[@Mark_Point]

George better bring his iPod. Otherwise he's gonna get bored.

[@MattWagner]

Most efficient for the pilot to be searching with the FCR and the CPG with the TADS.

[@britturbancic816]

What map is this?

[@MattWagner]

See pinned comment

[@Kifter1983]

Just need a 'simultaneously launch all missiles' button to make it that little bit more awesome! 💥*ahem* Albeit less realistic... 🤷‍♂😁

[@dampsok]

Death Blossom! ♥

[@alphapicturesentertainment]

Viper videos when? ))))

[@MattWagner]

Later this week.

[@v1ohno]

Wags made this for DDCS

[@HADESPAYLOAD]

This is going to help with survivability. We get exposed looking for the AD then a tank snipes you not the AD vehicle. Wags fires all those hellfires and we dont get to see the money shots?

[@Jafarnld]

It’s gonna be hilarious in 4YA servers 😂

[@scp-0962]

Two more weeks Wags?

[@MattWagner]

We’ll do our best.

[@ironmonkey720]

we have sun visors? WHATTT

[@MrBJC3]

No matter what i do the att hold nor the alt hold work and ive watched these guides and followed to the letter maybe my copy is corrupted 😮

[@MattWagner]

Not likely. Post a replay track file to our forum and we can determine where you are going wrong.

[@wolfa7081]

No more update video for hornet ?

[@MattWagner]

There will be.

[@wolfa7081]

@@MattWagner thanks

[@gmzlatekirby6539]

did not know it has a sun shield

[@alexfrench3748]

Backseat FCR > Backseat Driving

[@crazyhorse18]

Top👍👍=80

[@Eagle01ph]

Come faster please

[@Dyson_Cyberdynesystems]

Starting to have less respect for Nicholas Cage.. If the helo could navigate itself around there'd be no need for anyone onboard

[@orleansjunky4074]

Hopefully I don't get crucified. But have ed thought about a monthly subscription plan to get closed beta testing branch. Trying to come up with ways to generate money to hire more devs etc......

[@toddw6716]

Looks like George is getting a pink slip! his slow responses to engaging the enemy wont be tolerated anymore.

[@DonutCzar]

What map is this?

[@MattWagner]

Normandy 2.0