DCS: AH-64D | Laser Spot Tracking

[@MattWagner]

NOTE: In addition to using LST to locate targets for self-designation and missile guidance, you could also set the PRI channel to the off-board designation source to allow that source to guide in the Kilo. It is not always permissible or desired to have an offboard designation guide the missile. Sometimes the JTAC may only want to designate the target for the purposes of identification, leaving it up to the shooter to guide their own weapon.

[@AlexKall]

Was about to ask that, thanks for clarifying that!

[@sloppydog4831]

Very interesting information. It is important not only to know the switchology, but how things should be employed.

[@sacha4080]

Was about to point this out. Thank you Matt !

[@xenimaging]

There has got to be an AI voice solution out now that can make the DCS voices (JTAC, wingman, LSO, ATC, refueler, etc) more natural. I think it would really improve the immersion

[@dapwn3ritswatido]

that would be wild to have Joe Rogan, Ben Shapiro, Alex Jones, Jordan Peterson, John 117 'Master Chief' and Jeffrey Steitzer (Halo Announcer) for my radio contacts.

[@davidoguns5427]

@@dapwn3ritswatido I would definitely go with Denzel Washington (blend of all of his characters), Dave Chapelle (as himself), Samuel Jackson (as Nick Fury), and Morgan Freeman (as Red in Shawshank).

[@dapwn3ritswatido]

@@davidoguns5427 good choices

[@ziepex7009]

i would want samuel jackson and his django voice yelling mean things at me

[@shagrat47]

David Attenborough as JTAC with a more "artistic interpretation" of the 9-line... "There behind the trees the 'Shilka' is lying in wait for its prey. Unaware of the Apache closing in on its position, while the JTAC prepares the laser designation on code 1586..." 😂

[@headears]

It's nice to see the apache getting more love

[@thomas_ger4098]

Every day, a video with a new announcement for the Apache! What a great week! I hope it continues like this. 😁

[@Tuuvas]

Thanks for making a video about this! Between the Limas and LST, the DCS Apache is becoming even more deadly than it already was! The only thing we need now is a Kiowa flying alongside us 😉

[@jubuttib]

I don't know about you, but I do want the FCR as well... =)

[@ImpendingJoker]

Well when the FCR is implemented the Kiowa becomes redundant. It's why they were retired RL. They just weren't needed anymore because the Longbows could do the job faster and better and share that data with their element in real time. As big a fan as I am of the 58D, it DCS by the time it comes out it will be completely obsolete. Had it come out before the Apache did or shortly thereafter, it would have been great because it would have been useful, but now with the 64D and drones, there is just not really a need for it. I guess you could fly without the FCR on all Apaches to give the 58Ds something to do but, then you are a losing a lot of utility from the Apache.

[@jubuttib]

@@ImpendingJoker You could say the same thing about many of the aircraft in DCS. But having both the Kiowa and the Apache with FCR gives you options on what kinds of scenarios you want to run.

[@jubuttib]

@@ImpendingJoker Not to mention that the Kiowa is more suited for light attack duties than the Apache (especially thematically), and with the current plans also including APKWS and Stinger capabilities, the Kiowa can prove to be a surprisingly versatile platform in DCS.

[@schoolio64D]

@@ImpendingJoker not why they were retired, and not redundant. Two different roles/missions.

[@actinium2754]

Loving this focus on the Apache lately.

[@Uploadvideoschannel]

my homebuilt TEDAC is ready to mess around with the Laser Spot! thank you and the team for continuing to make DCS the best that it is

[@Jonay1990]

That’s some super speed laser shifting going on.

[@MattWagner]

More of a case that one the first target is being engaged, the JTAC or other designation source has already moved on to finding/designating the next target. So, it has the shifted target ready to go.

[@alcmann]

Thanks for the upload. Appreciate the arrow cues on your videos to help out in learning the flow's and process.

[@LockDCS]

Cool JSDF skin!

[@MattWagner]

My favorite.

[@Stinger522]

Very impressive. Now snap on the Lobgbow radar and Stingers and we'll be set.

[@JSpidey]

No Stingers unfortunately. Not accurate for this version.

[@tooterfishTV]

An MQ-9A module would be awesome in multiplayer.

[@samivwow]

Wags from Eagle Dynamics talking over footage of CPG Wags working with controller Wags

[@sloppydog4831]

It is like that movie: "I want to be John Wagskovich"

[@indyjons321]

I can see it now… Apache + Kiowa teams dropping targets in valleys undetected.

[@Rhinozherous]

Apache is coming along very nicely

[@seranotutorials626]

what did we do to deserve TWO apache videos in one week from matt wagner himself😢

[@DoradoFever]

Apache has been getting a lot of love the past couple weeks. Glad for the helo fans. Hopefully, some Viper updates soon too.

[@Kifter1983]

Such an amazing sim and keeps getting better.

[@RafaPolit]

This is great. The "shift" message seems "too instantaneous". Like it doesn't leave room for a brain to react and process what has happened. Maybe a tad of delay would be more "immersive"?

[@MattWagner]

More of a case that one the first target is being engaged, the JTAC or other designation source has already moved on to finding/designating the next target. So, it has the shifted target ready to go.

[@skypickle29]

and I thought it was the AI's way of saying 'shak'

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

Nice showcasing of some extra voice-scripting there, Wags. You've been busy indeed!

[@MattWagner]

No extra voice scripting, all is stock JTAC dialog.

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

@@MattWagner Ah, okay. Will have to check that out!

[@RaptorTila]

it looked like the inital spot the TADS was showing was off the target a bit, was that just the view angles? is the the Apache taking over the laser spotting, or is the helfire riding in the remote laser from the reaper all the way in? and if yes, why did they all look like they were a bit off the target? Great video, and updates, thanks to the whole team for the awesome work!!

[@teun0het]

I think it’s just the JTAC locking a little off the target. I think DCS just models it that way. I believe the maverick also locks at the same location when tracking a vehicle

[@BullsEye72]

The LST is looking for the frequency stored in the preset B But both the hellfires and LRFD (your laser) are looking for the preset A (PRI/ALT are the settings for the hellfires). So that means that the hellfires in this video are locking the target spotted by our own laser

[@muammargaddafi2740]

Hopefully this also works in conjunction with George.

[@Timeintherack]

Damn that TEDAC looks real AF

[@schuylerhayes9283]

Nice camo Wags

[@spirosdelistavros2970]

can george also use LST? or is this only available for human gunners?

[@TacticsWithJoe]

It might be time to learn the Apache

[@Silver_Dragon_Minoslas28A27]

"MQ-9A Reaper over there" .... module confirmed xD

[@aaronwhite1786]

It would actually be pretty cool to have a virtual station to control drones with. Lasing targets for friends and sending the occasional Hellfire would be a blast online.

[@2xKTfc]

@@aaronwhite1786 Nothing you couldn't do in an A-10. The only difference is the shape of the missile, but a APKWS will take out everything except for MBTs.

[@MegaMoxica]

Nice! I've been doing this, sorta.. for some time, but not beeing able to track the laser. Hellfires hit the target nevertheless. Great fun with this new functionality. But; again you confuse me a little by lasing yourself. My point to this technique is to hide from the target after firing, while the Reaper does the lasing.

[@MattWagner]

It is correct Most often the target would be spotted and handed off for engagement with self-designation.

[@Topper_Harley68]

Sweet.

[@tmting4942]

finally a good 64 livery for official tutorials

[@matts2758]

will the dynamic campaign use this feature and have ground units directing you for support?

[@JonBloor7]

Hi Wags! Great stuff - are there any plans to add more functionality to George AI? Specifically lasing and storing targets (in his voice messages, but he currently does not), Using the Linear Motion Compensator/IAT/MTT and searching for targets himself? I understand he's a very complex guy, but these tweaks (especially LMC!!) would make him a lot more fun to use when flying solo. Thanks!

[@henrikoldcorn]

+turning on some of the bloody cockpit functions so when I get in I'm not blinded by everything

[@FlameBot]

The lasing guy has alien reactions. He says "shift" at the same milliseconds as the missle hits the targets. 😂 A short delay would be nice ❤

[@cre8ive34]

My George commands window have moved to the middle of the HUD since the last update. Any chance we can get a click and dragable window to move it where we want like rhe kneeboard?

[@86abaile]

How would you get the missiles to home in on the reaper's spot? Also is it explained anywhere how the primary and alternate channels are used?

[@mashedxpotats]

Missiles can already track off board lasers. You just set the missile code to the offboard source. I've guided plenty of hellfires from a hornet at angels 30.

[@MattWagner]

You'd need to set the PRI channel to match the Reaper designation. Please see the earlier video on the Hellfire re PRI and ALT. You'd only use ALT for ripple shots.

[@teun0het]

you can change the laser code that the hellfire is looking for in a similar manner as changing the LST code. just select hellfires, and click the desired laser channel (A,B,C,D etc) and select it as primary. now the hellfire will search for a laser spot with the code you just changed it to. About the primary and secondary channels, when selecting ripple mode on the hellfires, you can fire two missiles in quick succession. the first missile fired will look for the primary laser code, and the second for the secondary missile code (or other way around, depending on you settings). this allows you to strike two targets almost simultanously.

[@Alighierian]

You can set the LRFD channel to the JTAC's laser code, in this example 1678. After that, you can WAS the hellfire, and fire it once the target has been identified. (Alternate use: LOAL towards target coords, for example from behind a hill). Practical example: Own laser - 1588 Buddy/JTAC lase - 1678 WPN - CODE - FREQ, Channel A: 1588, Channel B: 1678 WPN page - PRI - B WAS Hellfire Have buddy/JTAC activate laser Look for active laser (helps if you know the area) Fire once constraints are met (large solid box for lock, ~1-9.5km range, depending on circumstances) PRI and ALT can be alternated in ripple fire, for example by lasing 1 target via your own code, and a second via the buddy/JTAC. with WPN - MODE set to RPL, it will then alternate the codes it has the hellfires look for.

[@norman191000]

would the laser from the reaper be visible at night as a long stroke from the sky? Or it is only typical for ground based laser spot equipment?

[@MattWagner]

I think you are mixing up with an IR pointer.

[@norman191000]

@@MattWagner So this is totally different laser than IR, stronger and of different frequency? Is this possible to track IR pointer from Apache? I remember I saw your video once where tracking was at night where the beam was visible, shifting and waving...

[@MattWagner]

@@norman191000 We have no viable reference data for the AH-64D IR Pointer device. I think the video are referring to has an IR Pointer designation from a JTAC, not the AH-64D.

[@ArkadiuszPL]

Not related strictly to DCS but can someone explain to me, why some AH-64's have this "handrail" under right side of tail and some doesnt? What is the purpose of it? Cant find any info about it.

[@Timeintherack]

It’s not a handrail, it’s a step

[@ianboys1000]

So now the Mission Builder can set individual laser codes for Drones/JTAC? Not all 1688? That'll be great.

[@orleansjunky4074]

Thank you

[@revorde4611]

Why do you keep lasing the target yourself after firing when you use LST?

[@MattWagner]

Because in this case LST is being used for acquisition and tracking for ownship engagement. You could also set up the PRI channel to the Reaper for offboard guidance.

[@Tholozor]

The LST code was different than the LRFD code.

[@Elysian_Angel_]

How would this work from the back seat with George?

[@ComdrStew]

That JTAC sounds familiar. 😁 Couldn't you just fire with the same laser code also?

[@FatherCommodore]

Im tossing dir and hi hellfires to jtac laser targets since release, whats the difference now? That you do it from cpg seat?

[@JSpidey]

Now we'll be able to slave the TADS to a laser spot quickly without having to use the SKR ACQ source. It's not so much about firing hellfires at targets as it is just being able to slave to laser designations.

[@FatherCommodore]

@@JSpidey thank you very much

[@mast3r-633]

do we have any word on APKWS rockets?

[@Raptor_9]

Not planned. They did not exist during the same timeframe as the variant simulated in DCS AH-64D.

[@dariuszmatt76]

So is this just for spoting targets? You need to fire your laser and continue to lase until hit?

[@MattWagner]

See pinned comment, please.

[@dariuszmatt76]

@@MattWagner Aaa, I get it now, thanks

[@pegasus.gaming]

Hey Wags! Carnicero here from Pegasus

[@toejam7606]

Nice, what a beautiful sim

[@mr_beezlebub3985]

I wonder if the Army's helo sims are similarly to this DCS module.

[@BSO_Actual]

Can we hit moving targets in multiplayer without having to guess wher eti aim the laser yet?

[@badnewsreport3835]

Yessss!!

[@Gunterlund583]

Wags why do you have to lase the target if the reaper is lasing.

[@MattWagner]

Please see pinned comment.

[@Elvinsilvester]

How soon! Great!!

[@MrFreakyTv]

Anything more coming for now ?

[@MattWagner]

Optional "Robbie" fuel tank is coming soon too.

[@MILSIM530]

Something is wrong on this video why Matt lasing before firing when the JTAC is lasing for him ? then I don't need the Jtac on this case lol

[@MattWagner]

The video is about directing the TADS to the designated target. Up to you if you want to self-designate for guidance or rely on the JTAC.

[@MILSIM530]

@@MattWagner My apologies I didn't mean to troll I was just a bit confused that's all

[@reubensammichenjoyer]

Any news on Vulkan?

[@MattWagner]

No, other than it is in active development.

[@jl9952]

Why only acquire target with laser and not shoot too with same friendly lasing?

[@MattWagner]

That is an option too, just depends on how you set up your PRI.

[@vigo4ever]

Flight model will be improved??

[@MattWagner]

The FM/SCAS will continue to be refined and improved, but it is already quite accurate and very easy to fly once you get your head around the trim. kzbin.info/www/bejne/omrXaXhqqqenp5Y

[@ay3demi]

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[@bartacomuskidd775]

im lost, did you get a bad spot frmo the reaper? and then lase the target yourself? I wouldve assumed, you could LST.. then go right to firing. What am i missing here?

[@SsgtHolland]

That's a nice skin!

[@MattWagner]

One of the AH-64 skin contest winners.

[@SsgtHolland]

@@MattWagner Justly so, it looks great!

[@xXE4GLEyEXx]

Will AA missiles come to the Apache? Winglet tip mounted or simply mounted heat seekers would be nice >

[@MattWagner]

That would be unrealistic for this version of the AH-64.

[@OICWSephiroth]

I think Matt means unrealistic for this version

[@killshot0597]

Yes, they've always said it our particular AH-64 belongs to the US Army which never used ATAS or any kind of AAM for their Apaches

[@xXE4GLEyEXx]

I see, oh well, I guess we will stick to the good old gun :D, a bit sad tho that we won't get it, tho mostly would only use them in PvP sessions as a little helper... I am one of those maniacs who enjoys taking in a Gazelle with Mistrals and then dying many times till I score one kill xD

[@HowIsAsh]

@@OICWSephiroth But merging 3 different versions of the ka-50 is realistic and balanced? What a joke. The devs themselves confirmed no such kamov variant existed, that they only added it because they wanted to. The double standards.

[@dusty3868]

want it now, so cracked

[@skykaptain007]

Radio presets?

[@MattWagner]

In this case yes, but you can certainly manually enter too using MAN mode.

[@SniperSal]

​@Matt "Wags" Wagner Is the ability to edit names of the preset radio channels coming in the next patch as well?

[@MattWagner]

Part of the upcoming Data Transfer Cartridge (DTC) function coming later.

[@joshburgin4379]

Does it ever feel weird hearing your own voice lines in game lol

[@toddw6716]

Matt, Is George going to be able to do that?

[@3rdworldgamer495]

Is it weird I can hear you breathing? hehe

[@ApplesinDuck]

Can we get the anime JGSDF skin?

[@FirstDagger]

I think only the AH-1S and OH-1 Ninja from Kisarazu received those promotional / recruitment liveries, there is a user skin with the Wakana Kisarazu character.

[@orleansjunky4074]

Hope it doesn't happen like that irl. You'd be dead already

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