DCS: AH-64D | Fire Control Radar Pages & Controls

NOTE. 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.
Map used: DCS: Normandy 2 Map
www.digitalcombatsimulator.co...
This is the second of several planned FCR videos.
You can find the text of the video here: forum.dcs.world/topic/280176-...
AH-64D FCR Introduction video: • DCS: AH-64D | Fire Con...
00:00 Introduction
00:52 FCR Controls
03:19 FCR Power
04:40 FCR as Sight
05:05 FCR Pages
07:46 FCR on TDU
09:03 FCR Scanning and Classification Symbols

[@MattWagner]

NOTE 1. 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 2. Regarding George / Flight AI and the FCR, once FCR development is complete, we will update both George and AI primary member commands to take advantage of it.

[@orleansjunky4074]

Well once you figured the final iteration. Add it to the trainer.

[@orleansjunky4074]

But this does show the apparent problem with not having enough staff to tackle the small things that make quality so much better.

[@michelestefanini5466]

you're saying that like it would take you 3 to 5 hours to do a video but you can easily screen record and show the buttons when the FCR will change and then upload it to KZbin. People will still applaude ypu

[@shagrat47]

He simply said, it might change and "he" will not have time to re-record a tutorial video... Which makes sense, as we will get a training mission and a chapter in the manual, once these things are final, while in-between a dozen KZbinrs will provide a multitude of tutorial Videos, as always. I am pretty sure the job description of Wags doesn't read "...and creating KZbin Tutorials".😉

[@xxSWxxNINJA]

Let's go!! Cannot wait for this! Ground Ai does need a lot of work though as well, infantry taking cover, vehicles actively evading etc. Small things that add to that realism. No point the aircraft being realistic if the environments you fight in are low fidelity, and I don't mean environment graphics, I mean the combat environment. Enemy AI on the ground is very low fidelity at the moment.

[@RW-zn8vy]

Exactly this!

[@coyoteeffect]

Enemy infantry AI after watching a 2,000lb bomb turn half the company into history/enemy tank AI watching the tank 15 feet away get absolutely creamed by a hellfire: 🗿

[@ShuRugal]

Vehicles do sort of evade. they do that whole "scatter when attacked" thing. They will actually move into cover if cover is available within a few hundred meters. I've seen them do silly shit like drive into hollow buildings and then get stuck when they try to find the road again to resume movement.

[@BuddySpike101]

True. The AI doesn’t even recognise trees. 😂

[@aarnoman1088]

This.

[@asphelite]

Honest feedback: Keep up the good work! I cant imagine how much effort it is to write all the scripts for the videos, but I appreciate you for it!

[@MattWagner]

My pleasure.

[@ernestwinslow7316]

The fcr targeting system makes the Apache so much stealthier. Ducking behind a forest or mountain and lobbing missiles would be devasting for the enemy assets. The depth of systems implementation for the Apache at this rate while a welcome development and shows the amazing capabilities of AH-64D is increasing the learning curve. So many systems to master.

[@EbonySeraphim]

Trees are collidable for aircraft, but they don't (didn't?) seem to create actual vision obstruction at least about a year ago. I have experience being shot at by completely occluded AAA.

[@robihobby9490]

Every time I see the little blue Dot that says "Wags" has a New Video, my Heart jumps full of Joy. 😊

[@JonBloor7]

Great stuff Wags. Appreciate you and the team's hard work. Getting Jane's Longbow 2 memories resurfacing. Also can't wait for the C-Scope function!

[@redl5705]

i was waiting nonstop for this since the last vid ! keep up the good work

[@PeterMatthess]

the apache was already complex enough. Here we go getting in over my head again! well done Eagle Dynamics. Raising the bar yet again

[@broworm1]

Thanks for going through all the controls before starting the video. Even though HOCAS cursor controls etc. are items which appear in other videos, this really helps to make this a comprehensive guide (even though things may change in the future). Thanks!

[@broworm1]

Timestamps are also amszing, thnx!

[@Clyberful]

I like the way this video is recorded. Concise and Systematically organized. FCR from could start till utilizing it in battle, Of course all your clips are helpfull but this one is recorded in such easy way to understand the systems.

[@Tepnox]

Looks like a game changer for future engagement with the Apache. This will be perfect to do this all by myself as pilot and let George just sit in his front seat - he is most useful that way ;D

[@actinium2754]

I've been dreaming of this type of complexity since Jane's AH-64D Longbow.

[@bulletstop100]

Matt, thank you so much for these videos. They make sure I jump in and can use the systems. It is so awesome to be prepared before the patch drops. Thank you and a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, yours and Eagle Dynamics. You folks rock!!

[@FuzzyKedama]

FCR LET'S GOOO!!! Getting super hyped for this. You guys are doing great.

[@shd4618]

Wags is flexing those n.o.e skills again. Very cool.

[@Mesusir]

OMG awesome just awesome can't wait🤤. You guys & girls doing great job👍

[@TheFoxYTB]

One reason why i love the apache is because how clean the displays are designed... For me its really simple and Informative were to get what i want Greetings from germany❤💙💛 nice video thanks

[@sabatheus]

Phenomenal work guys. I can't wait for this! FCR is going to be as much of a game changer in DCS as it is in the real world.

[@PluckyUnderdog]

Looking good, Wags. It's impressive how it stores, prioritises, and prosecutes targets. Will make using the RF Hellfires more fun. Hope you enjoy your Wombat/Delta funded trip to Atlanta haha!

[@SDsc0rch]

love these new camera / perspectives

[@blindflug6206]

Great! A long awaited feature is finally around the corner. I Hope this comes in the next openbeta patch

[@nicolasandre9886]

Thanks for this presentation 👍

[@kmcnelley1981]

I just remember when I was playing Jane's Longbow and Longbow 2 and moving forward into DCS Apache AH-64D FCR my first impression was "I got this, this is familiar, easy peezy". Reality is so much cooler and more in-depth; I am so freaking excited for this capability being simmed. So much gratitude to be able to use such an amazing platform. I was so happy with F/A-18C arrived, then the super carrier came along, then carrier ops comms, then Apache AH-64D and now the FCR. So much incredible awesomeness

[@wilbuzllf5057]

Amazing! Really really want this update now!

[@Red5.0931]

this is a huge force multiplier. thank you!

[@MichaelMoellerTRLInc]

Bringing the Longbow element of the Apache to the sim is what I've been waiting for. Such a massive upgrade to its capabilities and lethality.

[@RobXMusic]

Super Work! 😉

[@pinkfloyd7572]

This is some mighty fancy stuff.

[@anukuy]

That Top Hat moves finally!!!🥲

[@ianboys1000]

This will be so powerful :)

[@Fox3-Luck]

Excellent!

[@Topper_Harley68]

Better fire up the Apache module again as the FCR was the main reason i bought it in the first place.

[@smacman68]

This is probably the most important feature ever to be implemented for a module in the history of DCS. Because the FCR is what makes the Longbow so lethal. It was at 50% lethality without it. And even then it was lethal AF. Now? Whoa Nellie…well done Wags and everyone who made this possible

[@JSpidey]

Amazing 👏 Thanks Wags

[@MadDog11030]

Just wondering but in the future are there plans in the George as CPG menu to indicate which target has already been stored? At the moment there is no difference on the list of spotted targets and I feel with FCR this might be important.

[@shagrat47]

Love to try this out. 😂

[@guilhermebechtinger]

Thanks WAGS!

[@thorstenh1976]

Now it becomes a even more deadly weapon 😮

[@craigh1790]

The lawn is so well manicured. Who do you use?

[@aDutchy1975]

Wooohooo! ❤

[@matts2758]

Thanks big daddy Wags

[@CueDriver]

I can't wait to see the servers lag or crash. Reason for this will be from all the Hellfires flying at the same time.

[@markachivers]

Great work Matt, in RMAP mode will you model the raw underlay return?

[@chipwillis]

Holy smokes gonna have to devote a month to learn this haha.

[@crazyhorse18]

👍👍TOP

[@pizzachris]

🔥

[@fisadev]

Are the trees in this video the same than in the current open beta? They look way better than what I see, but it might be just my settings, hehe.

[@jubuttib]

Are you flying in Normandy 2.0?

[@fisadev]

@@jubuttib no, that must be it then!

[@jubuttib]

@@fisadev Possibly, at least! That map looks very good at low level.

[@stefanonapoli7282]

Unbealivable job as always. Thank you very very much. I was always asking myself, how can this radar distinguish military targets in a wide area of buildings, trees, various civilian installations and tools and so on?

[@Sonicthegoat21]

Great work with Apache it has came so far since release and its an amazing module, but I have a question I'm not sure if you can answer this question yet but will we be able to Remove/add the FCR eventually on the ground or will it strictly be a Mission editor option.

[@Rhinozherous]

Nice Data Cartridge page on the right screen..... Wondering if this is a hint :)

[@spirosdelistavros2970]

Matt need to promise us never to leave ED, not even in death

[@marduk1138]

❤❤❤

[@Zarma4074]

NEEEEEDDD !!!!!

[@inf3243]

Wow. How does the auto-classification of contacts work in the real thing? Do they have a big database of radar signatures of common tanks, vehicles, air defenses?

[@aviinl1]

As a pilot, I have no idea how front-seat stuff works.. How well integrated is George going to be with this, as this looks pretty dang cool to use (even from backseat/george)?

[@Tepnox]

As far as I understand, it is possible to use the FCR as pilot on your own (Matt says so in the beginning of the video, either one pilot/cpg can use the FCR at the same time). So the times are near,when you can do all the cool things as pilot (flying and shooting Lima Hellfires) and George just sits there and enjoys the view.

[@ascherlafayette8572]

The front seat is super easy to learn if you know the back seat

[@thebrain7441]

Nooooo! Just when I figure out everything in the current build!

[@richardhockey8442]

yet more stuff to learn for the front cockpit😆

[@Phvpark]

How the FCR auto classify anti-air ground unit from a tracked vehicle for example? and how precise de classification is? crazy tech.

[@MattWagner]

Processing of the radar return.

[@aaronwhite1786]

If I had to guess, the size/spin of the radar dishes probably provides a pretty massive radar return, since they are usually pretty big and often spinning on top of the vehicle. I do wonder if the system in real life would be able to differentiate between something like a Tor launcher without the radar going and just a standard AFV or APC.

[@AlexKall]

I just realised that I don't have enough buttons. 🤨 But it looks awesome!

[@dirkhoff1854]

Premium „Level Up“ 🤤

[@Zatracenec]

So cool. I also love this terrain. Trees look so great...what is it?

[@MattWagner]

See video description.

[@poochies0316]

Be nice to see these detailed trees make it into other modules 😊

[@andrewpollock6938]

I was looking for this comment. I saw those trees and was like wait.....that's not normal...

[@poochies0316]

@@andrewpollock6938 yeah I was like fcr ? Pffft … give us those trees !! Kidding I’ve been waiting for realistic fcr since LB2 on my trusty 3DFX graphics card circa 1996 ;-0

[@MattWagner]

The Normandy 2 map is a great map for helos.

[@doantuanduong]

Nice. Can the FCR scan and prioritize enemy helos?

[@MattWagner]

Yes, please wait for the next video on the FCR.

[@DanielSirqueira]

Will George be able to use FCR? Can I use it through the pilot? Thank You!

[@sandman11]

This! ☝️

[@jubuttib]

You can use it as a pilot. Edit: Or to rephrase, you should be able to do so eventually! No idea if you'll be able to do it right when the update drops.

[@btratemylegs.6342]

Rahhhhh fcr!!!

[@tmting4942]

ATAS & become Perfecto 👌🏻

[@polarbear4198]

hello again wags, long time fan of DCS, and i know you know what im going to ask, where is the kiowa? like 2maps 5 aircraft, 3 yrs of where almost complete, still love the game

[@MattWagner]

Sorry, but I cannot speak for our 3rd party partners.

[@polarbear4198]

no worries, i give ya sht about the kiowa all the time, i love the game, love the changes@@MattWagner

[@sniperwolfpk5]

Which map is used? The trees and grass are looking very good

[@MattWagner]

Normandy 2

[@DARTHMAUL1994]

Hey Wags! Will the radar show civilian units as well?

[@MattWagner]

It will show all placed units, it does not matter if military or not.

[@shagrat47]

Guess he referred to the "civilian traffic" generated AI traffic to populate the maps.

[@DARTHMAUL1994]

​@@MattWagner Yeah - to be more precise, I was thinking about 'clutter' civ traffic. GMT in f16 and fa18 don't show this as well. F15E models this tho, and it's a great addition in terms of usage of the GMT radar, wish all other modules had this as well.

[@MrFreakyTv]

Hey Wags! This is DTC spoiler ? 4:00 on right MFD, And do TPM mode come with inital release ?

[@MattWagner]

As stated earlier, just GTM at FCR launch.

[@vadderkraft8563]

this is going to be toooooo easy 😈

[@MattWagner]

Well, this is a big reason why we first essentially developed AH-64A-level systems first as a foundation if players wanted more of a challenge. Note too that FCR/Lima would not really work for infantry, buildings, and other structures.

[@vadderkraft8563]

@@MattWagner it be interesting in the videos what the limitations of the systems are, so Mission Builders can create challenges

[@jykozak]

Between auto-hovering courtesy of George the AI pilot and the Hornet's ACLS system, there's a lot of sandwiches being eaten during these videos.

[@SDsc0rch]

dang... army dudes got alot going on I'll just stick with jets lol

[@phil73805]

Will George be able to use the FCR?

[@Kiyodio]

Ive always been curious, why does the radar hellfire launch in such a strange pattern unlike the laser hellfires linear launch method?

[@MattWagner]

So the radar seeker can create a squint angle.

[@Kiyodio]

​@@MattWagnerah thanks for the quick reply, is that the same reason why you can't use the ground radar on the F18 when going directly towards a target then?

[@MattWagner]

@@Kiyodioyup

[@spirosdelistavros2970]

hello matt can you not put the wide narrow adn meduim zoom controls for the same switch? now we have to need a switch for tads n m w z , can we not use the n w m z just by one swith ( 4 hat ) that is for radar and TADS?

[@MattWagner]

Please use our forum here for such requests. forum.dcs.world/forum/782-wish-list/

[@spirosdelistavros2970]

@@MattWagner ah its ok Matt in the appache its the same they also have to 4 hats for this

[@spirosdelistavros2970]

@@MattWagner meant 2 hats for this

[@jed70]

Help... how do you point the TADS to the current FCR NTS contact? Tried the slave button without success.

[@MattWagner]

I’m creating a video about this.

[@jed70]

@@MattWagnerHero!

[@alexandrsavochkin9442]

Hi. What do you press in order to start scanning (9:40-9:45 on the vid)?

[@MattWagner]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKWveqVuqa99esksi=m6qTROOYp1Ez-eXl&t=131

[@dimathem4drussianmonster130]

can we use fcr with george AI?

[@Go0Ose1990]

hello my fcr donuts is empty if i follow this video ?? When make may donuts full ..

[@MattWagner]

It must be installed in the mission editor, but the option to load from the reload/refuel window will be added.

[@Go0Ose1990]

@@MattWagner I have fcr in top of apache 🤔

[@MattWagner]

Great, then that mission was created with it enabled.

[@serinusgranainobolborhynch868]

Tengo casi todos los módulos de DCS y finalmente compré también el AH 64. Y me alegro de haberlo comprado, es realmente un gran módulo e incluso consigo hacerlo aterrizar😅. Uno de los grandes problemas de helicopteros en DCS es la facilidad con la que caen en vórtice y explotan al tocar el suelo (no es nada divertido), el Apache creo que es mas fácil de aterrizar que otros y es un gran punto a favor del Gameplay. Este radar FCR es absolutamente necesario para hacer el módulo realmente divertido. Otro de los grandes problemas de DCS es la visibilidad, es muy difícil encontrar pronto los enemigos sin estar encima de ellos para que te destruyan...los enemigos controlados por la IA te ven a cuatro kilómetros y te destruyen sin compasión con su gran puntería y habilidad, ni siquiera los ves. Este radar te da una pequeña oportunidad de ver donde estan y poder defenderte y eso mejora la diversión. Es un simulador si, pero también es un juego, y como juego debe favorecer mas la diversión, alguna ayuda en este sentido es de agradecer (sin que sea tan extrema como poner etiquetas rojas a los enemigos ni botes de humo que quitan inmersión), por eso este radar será una gran actualización, muy necesaria. Es mi opinión como jugador, que aparte de disfrutar con el acercamiento a la simulación, quiero realmente disfrutar del Gameplay, es la asignatura pendiente de DCS...encontrar el equilibrio entre favorecer la diversión sin llegar a convertir el juego en un arcade. Saludos

[@Rhinozherous]

What can George do with the FCR?

[@MattWagner]

Please see pinned comment.

[@shinobi61]

New trees and grass?

[@MattWagner]

No, standard for the Normandy map.

[@shinobi61]

Oh looks great! Didn't try Normandy or warbirds yet :) @@MattWagner

[@sebastienguillem4878]

Nice video!! But what is this map??? Not caucasus not syria…🧐🧐🧐

[@MattWagner]

Normandy 2

[@sebastienguillem4878]

@@MattWagner thank you for you answer!!! And thank you for your job!!!

[@OMGFBBQWOOT]

What map is he using?

[@MattWagner]

Normandy map.

[@Dierly_]

The real question is, what kind of sandwich ?

[@michaeldenney2444]

Well, I’m out of switches and axis on my controllers now. 😢😂😂😂

[@TomP-148]

2 weeks

[@Wolfhound223]

WOW but I agree with@xxSWxxNINJA targets are quite dumb

[@kiwioz01]

? does not seem to work

[@MattWagner]

Working fine. Please post a video or track file to the forum so it can be determined where you are going wrong.

[@kiwioz01]

cheers mate CPG mode, FCR MSL rf selected FCR scanning , select HMD game will crash every time..posted on forum...@@MattWagner

[@iamdeer7467]

Can someone explain how the radar can difference a house for example from a stationary tank? Because I cant wrap my head around it. Also the F18/F16 "Ground Moving Target" radar mode can only see tanks that move at idk like 10 knots.

[@MattWagner]

It uses a millimeter wave radar and advanced processing to determine classification based on the detailed radar return. The -16 and -18 don't use millimeter wave radars.

[@sloppydog4831]

Millimeter wave radars are capable of detecting and tracking objects in the millimeter and centimeter scales. It uses a very narrow, thus focused, beam that can differentiate between the format of a vehicle and the background. In case of tanks, this narrow beam hits the tanks structure and the returns are very high, since tanks are made of metal and have a distinguishable format (tracked, turret, long barrel). However, it cannot distinguish between a Abrams and a T-72, for instance (or at least in the civil version of the information found online. If the radar can, then it must be hush- hush top secret). Buildings have a good return since they have straight corners, but radar waves are partially absorbed by materials like brick and concrete. Then very complex signal processing is used to make this classification and differentiation of radar returns. But the real magic happens when dealing with AAA and SAM threats, that by the format of the radar return, the system knows what is a ZSU (four barrels, tracked vehicle) from a SA-5, for instance (no barrels, radar, tracked vehicle). It process the radar returns, compares the data with a library, then you have a best guess, identification and classification. It all happens as shown in the video, very very fast, which requires a very sensitive radar sensor and a decent signal processing unit (all made with 80's technology 🙂 )

[@CoyoteGamingYT]

What is everyone using to bind all this. Xbox controller out of space lol

[@MattWagner]

VPC MongoosT-50CM3 Throttle Orion2 F-16EX Viper Joystick Combo (With Shake Kits)

[@CoyoteGamingYT]

@@MattWagner thanks for your response! I am currently using an Xbox controller for the TEDAC and I have a similar hotas setup as you! Are you binding TEDAC controls to your stick and throttle?

[@MattWagner]

Yes. Pilot = cyclic and collective controls, CPG = left/right handgrips.

[@99AudiMan09]

I...need...more...buttons...ahhhh

[@OrionRox]

This is great, however, I will officially run out of the HOTAS buttons after the FCR release. Perhaps I will grab an Xbox controller just for the FCR.

[@hexpulatwork]

What map is this on.... I don't recognize those trees.. Kola? or is it just on the channel / Normandy map

[@MattWagner]

Please see video description text.

[@hexpulatwork]

@@MattWagnerDang Normandy 2 looking really colorful! Thanks!

[@MattWagner]

Looks particularly great with the Spring seasonal textures and trees.

[@BlueSkiesVinny]

0:49 missile goes through tree without exploding. Is this a new change Wags? Or is it just the camera angle? Looking forward to the FCR!

[@michelestefanini5466]

can someone explain me why td does the apache drifts to the right and doesn't stay fucking still while i try to land/hover/ takeoff?

[@MattWagner]

No such issue here with proper flight and trim control.

[@jubuttib]

Most helis with the rotor spinning counter-clockwise require a bit of left-back cyclic to hover stationary. The torque from the rotor wants to spin the nose to the right, you use left pedal to keep it steady, this makes the tail-rotor push the tail to the right. The tail rotor and main rotor balance each other out rotation wise, but the tail rotor is still pushing the helicopter to the right, so you need to compensate with a bit of left cyclic. The Russian helis with a clockwise spinning rotor do the opposite, and tend to drift to the left, requiring a bit of right-back cyclic and right pedal. Not the Ka-50 obviously, since it has a co-axial system.

[@spirosdelistavros2970]

fcr range 8 km? really its 4.97 miles in this range you get already shot down before you even burst the radar once i think in real life the radar goes much further

[@MattWagner]

Yes, really. Feel free to send a strongly worded email to Lockheed Martin / Northrop Grumman.

[@spirosdelistavros2970]

@@MattWagner how do they do it in real life? that is really close its sooo dangerous

[@MattWagner]

Not sure I'd agree with 6-8 km being dangerous close for most battlefield conditions.

[@Clyberful]

​​@@MattWagner So real life the Apache stands no chance against the SA6 and fly in to a hotzone. Is there a logical reason why the radars were not adjusted to match these long distance weapons ?

[@MattWagner]

It was never designed to go against such systems. It seems that you may be confusing what it was meant to do with what it was designed to do.

[@redstoneking4677]

im guessing im first

[@user-fl7he1up4h]

first

[@user-fl7he1up4h]

fourth

[@bryanholland6987]

Not to be viewed on headphones. Any time he says a word with the letter "s", my eardrums explode.