DCS: AH-64D Laser Warning System

In this DCS: AH-64D video, we’ll discuss the laser warning system and how it warns the crew of threats that are lasing the aircraft.
It can detect laser threats from 360 degrees around aircraft, just like the Radar Warning Receiver. When a laser strikes the laser warning sensors, the laser is categorized as either a rangefinder, a designator, or as beam-riding guidance.
The laser warning system is integrated with the RWR as the combined “RLWR”, or “Radar/Laser Warning System”, and laser threats are displayed as “snowflake” symbols along with the radar symbols on either the TSD page or on the ASE page. When a laser threat is displayed, audio alerts will also warn the crew of the laser threat type and direction, just like the RWR.
• Rangefinders show as a snowflake with a box around it
• Designators show as a snowflake with a box around it and a dashed line to the ownship
• Beam-riders display the same as Designators but with a flashing box
Since the RLWR is limited to just 7 symbols of the highest priority threats, the laser threats will be prioritized along with the radar threats so that the most critical threats are displayed to the crew. This means that if a tank is lasing the aircraft with just a rangefinder while several radar threats are locked on to the ownship or launching missiles at it, the rangefinder may not be displayed if the number of higher priority threats is 7 or more.
A few more points before we see this in action:
• Rangefinders are considered Acquisition-level threats
• Designators are considered Track-level threats
• Beam-riders are considered Launch-level threats
This is how they are prioritized along with the radar threat counterparts.
We also understand that many of you are looking forward to the Fire Control Radar, or FCR, for the AH-64D. This is being done in parallel by our radar team, and they are making great progress. In fact, I’m sure most of you have noticed the previews. While it is not planned for the 2.9 update, it will not be long after it. We will first release it with Ground Target Mode, or GTM, and this will allow you to detect, track, and engage units. It will also tie into datalink capabilities of sending and receiving Priority Fire Zones and No Fire Zones between Primary members.

[@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.

[@mumblerinc.6660]

Thanks for the awesome work! On another note, simple improvement request: could you add the option to shut city lightning off in the mission editor? Currently setting the mission date to sometime during WW2 will have that effect (city lights go out all over the map to simulate dark out measures), but doing so in missions with modern planes causes issues since it disables GPS. It would be very much appreciated if there'd be an option somewhere in the mission editor to enable dark out conditions, so that it could be used in modern missions as well.

[@dietcoke759]

When I was a TOW Gunner we were taught to never laze aircraft because of this. Especially friendly aircraft. There were instances of guys just messing around with the TOW system and they would harmlessly lase a friendly helicopter that was nearby and it would pop flares and evade. I always wondered how it worked

[@leogibney]

@downloadpizza2547There are TOW variants that are laser guided as well.

[@captainedward8278]

@@leogibney There are no TOW variants with laser guidance. Wireless TOW's are guided via one-way low probability of intercept radio datalink, not laser.

[@dietcoke759]

@downloadpizza2547 Yeah pretty much. To confirm a target is within max effective range and to also call out the direction and range to adjacent friendly units. We make it a habit of just hitting that laser-rangefinder button every time we point it at something, but you gotta be careful when pointing it at active protection systems like the Shtora-1 or an RLWS-equipped aircraft like this

[@123TheCloop]

@@captainedward8278 the TOW ITAS literally has a a FLIR/NVD/Laser rangefinder as part of its kit, thats why it would trigger LWS systems, the missile its self does not have a laser emitter but the launcher certainly does

[@captainedward8278]

@@123TheCloop A laser rangefinder, yes, not to guide TOW missiles. None of them use any method of laser guidance.

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

As one or two others have noted: the FCR dome on the mast, but equally exciting the LWS and datalink systems, and more eye candy in the nifty looking decals and symbols, as well as the new grass and dust effects under the rotor wash. Right there folks, you're looking at the world's premiere Apache helicopter simulator. Visually incredible, and packed withan astonishing level of replication of a working Apache model in a civilian flight simulator.

[@daCHuNKY1]

Thanks ED!!

[@Impact117]

The rotor downwash moving the gras and the new dust is really a nice addition, glad to finally have that.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

These additions are always welcome and very much appreciated. One step forward at a time. The FCR is number one on my wish list, above the F-4 Phantom release, the Chinook, or even maps. The Longbow radar is what makes the Apache so dangerous in reality. And hearing Wags mention it made me warm and fuzzy all over. My favorite thing about major updates is not all the big ticket items, it's all the little small things that get added. New static objects, new AI aircraft and liveries, improvements to AI behavior that is not actually listed but still get implemented. Brilliant!

[@SsgtHolland]

The Apache team has really got the pedal to the metal. Great explanation as always, Wags.

[@CueDriver]

See Wags is not a super human. He takes hits like the rest of us. Great video Wags.

[@OzDeaDMeaT]

Sad about the FCR but grateful you told us it wasn't coming early. Saves us the disappointment when 2.9 drops, can't wait to play with all the other goodies in this new patch. Is there any progress on the Dev Q&A questions?

[@Mark_Point]

Like the blowing grass effects! Looks great!

[@MichaelMoellerTRLInc]

News about the FCR is the best news for Apache drivers there is. In fact it's so much better than hearing rotor RPM low, again and again.

[@AndreiCeleste]

Cool stuff! The Apache is shaping up to be my nr.1 go to Module this Autumn.

[@bulletstop100]

I can;t wait. I have over 150 hours logged in the aircraft and I can't get enough. Wags, thank you for these video's and for all your hard work!! Same for ED! You folks are awesome!!

[@silentone11111111]

I cant wait for that ground radar ! Nostalgia for Janes Longbow 2 :)

[@OjitosArt]

To be fair Waggs, the only thing i wish for the Apache its a more updated cockpit. I say this because i have a RTX 3070 and i have to low the graphics to play the Apache. Its the only module that goes under 60 FPS in my pc, so i wish you guys optimice it a little, im tired of running it at 40 or even 30 FPS unu Anyways, thanks for all the upcoming things!

[@skippersmg]

Im running a RTX3070 as well and play with most settings maxed out at 90fps on busy servers. The issue might lay elsewhere. What other components do you have?

[@OjitosArt]

@@skippersmg 32GB RAM, a good SSD and i7 9700K. Lot of members in the squadron where i am and somo of my friends have the same problem with the Apache. They have to low the graphics or run the Apache in 40 FPS

[@dudanvictor4203]

Dlss

[@OjitosArt]

@@dudanvictor4203 Yea, that will help for sure

[@Mesusir]

Great news. Thank you ED👍🚁

[@Ares200A]

Thy very much @MattWagner for this beautiful showcase and the great explanation at the end. We can wait, even if its hard😊

[@actinium2754]

So much Apache love! Lots of fun coming soon.

[@tuukka518]

Really cool, but how was the enemy able to lase you less than second after a pop up…. AI with laserlike reflexes…

[@MattWagner]

Oriented to me and on Red alert status.

[@tuukka518]

Yeah I get it, but still a bit longer random reaction time would be more immersive.@@MattWagner

[@wilbuzllf5057]

Love it! One of the most important updates to the Apache for staying alive!

[@griffin5012]

Keep up the AMAZING works Matt / Eagle Dynamics

[@IkeThe9th]

Wags, “Rotor RPM Low.” - Just as heads up. 😁 (looking forwarding to this update, thanks)

[@dampsok]

Excellent crash landing Wags! Save the data plate! We will rebuild her... faster, stronger than she was before!

[@griffin5012]

Matt, I have to ask - your not-so-recent podcast with Mover, Gonky and Wombat where the subject of Vietnam came up. Can you clarify - were you just answering within the context of “these are things we would love to complete”, or is this actually on the list of 'to do' maps (a long way down the road obviously)? People are suggesting that the technology to do a heavily vegetated landscape just isn’t there for the current DCS engine (pointing towards the difficulty that the Marianas map causes). People also suggested that "Wags isn’t the one to make that call. A Vietnam map is still complete conjecture., adding "The standard of “confirmed” is an actual announcement." - thoughts?

[@Quinareth]

Looking good! Waiting for RFI implementation video!

[@MattWagner]

forum.dcs.world/topic/318054-dcs-ah-64d-roadmap/

[@leoreaper3100]

Awesome content Wags, can’t wait to get into this whenever it comes out!

[@sandman11]

Great stuff. Thank you!

[@bobber117]

Vikhr are quite fast, and the proxy frag makes them pretty dangerous

[@fabriziocalovi5952]

2:44 FCR detect the tank

[@69shadesofyeezeezs47]

Do they really call it an asterisk "Snowflake" IRL? Did the Training manual writer lose all faith in pilots or something??

[@MattWagner]

Yes

[@dencuze]

Are there plans to add LRWRs to AI aswell? Would make more fun and engaging combat when dropping LGBs!

[@DOGosaurus_rex]

oh wow we getting the lws aswell? YEEES the hype intensifies!!!!

[@shadynasty69]

lol would love it if 3:54 Wags would just loose that calm, cool and collected attitude and is like "FUCKIN BULLSHIT NO WAY! SHOW ME THE GOD DAMN TACVIEW!"

[@BenderIsGreat_34]

"Aww maybe not." XD

[@FlyingVolvo]

A quick question, is it probable that the ground target classification part of the FCR be a part of the initial release in the indeterminate future as it stands right now?

[@MattWagner]

Yes, and you can even see this in the video.

[@williamjohnson9066]

its amazing that the aircraft auto-spooled a missile when the FCR populated the TSD page, another couple things I noticed, the rotor animation looks a lot nicer, and I noticed the patches on the helmet and shoulders of the aircrew at the end. Amazing work as always!

[@MattWagner]

It did not spoof the missile.

[@warthy4889]

​@@MattWagnerspoof

[@thecircusfreak5364]

@@MattWagneris DIRCM on the to do list?

[@MattWagner]

That would not be accurate for a Block II Delta.

[@orleansjunky4074]

Well done. But more stuff to press when I spawn lol

[@HansTheilLuiz]

Nice to see the Apache receiving some love from ED team! Keep up the good work! Btw, is there any news on how the work for the vulkan api is going that you can share with us?

[@FGCH03]

Great work Wags.

[@spirosdelistavros2970]

Dear Wags, are you still updating dcs for VR ? or do you need to start from scratch to have dcs become smooth in vr?

[@THEdanrugaming]

Sounds like the LWS works very similarly to how a RWR works, just with lasers instead. Who'd have thunk it

[@jellypowder3325]

Time to bring out your TPOD guys xD

[@therealCG62]

Would it be at all possible to get some kind of small UI element to indicate when a modifier is toggled on? I'm almost certainly going to have to use multiple modifiers to get all the FCR controls on my HOTAS setup, and it's something I found myself wanting with the strike eagle (though in that case, a UI element to show which of the backseat handgrips was the "active" one) as well.

[@kasrakhatir]

Today I saw Wags fail...

[@griffin5012]

Matt, I don't know if it is my exceedingly poor flying skills, but when trying to fly helos now in DCS, I'm finding rapid turning to left (not always) on take off / landing - even full right rudder sometimes isn't enough to stabilise. Has anyone else reported such an issue??

[@MattWagner]

Sounds like your yaw channel is over-saturating and you are not using the trim correctly.

[@griffin5012]

@@MattWagner Noted and thanks - I'll recheck all my settings

[@user-ry5sf4ic9q]

Apache requires dedicated Settings for non-HD mapping and reduced face counts

[@simonhouel1984]

That downwash effect looks nice ! What about that mix loadout of Hellfires ? Is that something incoming because I cannot remember seeing this already ?

[@MattWagner]

Both are new.

[@Verathuum]

If you had a beam rider on you, would there be any way to disrupt the laser, kind of like how you can deploy flares to confuse an incoming heat seeker? Or would the only defense be to attempt to dodge?

[@MattWagner]

Terrain mask would probably be your best option or engage it prior to put it on the defensive.

[@Verathuum]

@@MattWagner thank you!

[@mikeg2092]

Jink

[@tmting4942]

How much vertical degree coverage, I mean if get lased by a source from above.. like being targeted LGB strike.

[@dampsok]

Oh boy... I can't wait to laze my rotor boys from angels 20 just to let them know I'm watching them. :)

[@aplaceinthesky82]

how can I use the automatic rudder?

[@TomP-148]

Hmm different hellfires per pylon

[@ComdrStew]

FCR will make this a hidden killer, if you have cover.

[@MattWagner]

Yes, particularly with the Lima in LOAL mode.

[@lambdacalculus8316]

The pilot animation looks so cool! Can I climb in and out?

[@MattWagner]

You can climb out.

[@janithawikramasinghe6777]

woahhh is 2.9 the next update???? cant wait for dlss!!!

[@robihobby9490]

😎👍

[@MrVarry]

LOL @ "...or maybe not" 🙂

[@crazyhorse18]

Top👍👍

[@diabolesco]

niceeee!

[@TheSirBlackbird]

Le TADS peut s'aligner sur la source du laser ?

[@MANGO-md8yy]

now we just KA 50 to get thermal sights lol

[@cipher8048]

Y E S

[@JSpidey]

I can already see trolls painting a player Apache just to watch him pop flares and take evasive maneuvers lol

[@justinlovell9499]

Already happens when not calling their rifle shots

[@JSpidey]

@@justinlovell9499 Yes I know that but that's not trolling that's just not caring about friendly aircraft in the area. Now they'll IAT other Apache's and fire the laser to watch them freak out and pop flares. I admit it does sound funny.😂

[@WillTimeAbility]

Grass & Dust!!!

[@l8448-b5l]

Hey eagle dynamics How do I get a drone? And f22 I mean a license

[@MichalPlichta]

I'm wrong or Wags is shutdown for the first time in tutorial video! ;)

[@destrocrimson]

commmmmmmonnnnn 2.9 :)

[@StevieTheBush]

I know this is not the best plasce to ask but i am downloading Persian gulf and it got to 100.9% The unpacking phase doesnt finish I cleaned up the downloader i repaired it (long and short) and it doesnt finish the download

[@MattWagner]

forum.dcs.world/forum/520-bugs-and-problems/

[@aaronwhite1786]

Am I noticing mixed Hellfire loadouts on the rail?

[@MattWagner]

Yes

[@aaronwhite1786]

@@MattWagner Alexa, play "Wind Beneath My Wings"!

[@Uselessnoobcow]

They’re already in OB

[@aaronwhite1786]

@@Uselessnoobcow Huh, I must be behind on my OB update. I'll have to check that out. Thanks!

[@aaronwhite1786]

@@Uselessnoobcow Oh, never thanked you for pointing that out! I've got them now and it's the perfect loadout. Really a lot nicer than doing radar on one side and laser on the other, since it's easy to get off-balance that way.

[@WaffenCat]

Why cross is black on video?

[@MattWagner]

Shadow Play issue.

[@TheZabbiemaster]

When radar interferometer?

[@MattWagner]

forum.dcs.world/topic/318054-dcs-ah-64d-roadmap/

[@ghostlogan5299]

AH64D Need on/off SCAS

[@adiel220]

Will RFI ACQ be available ?

[@cipher8048]

RFI will be added later on

[@MattWagner]

forum.dcs.world/topic/318054-dcs-ah-64d-roadmap/

[@Hairysteed]

Wait! IT HAS A RADAR!!!!!

[@WaffenCat]

Please, change the cockpit door sound.

[@JSpidey]

.....

[@WaffenCat]

@@JSpidey Кроме точек нечего сказать? Звук у всех одинаковый. В жизни - явно не так.

[@JSpidey]

@@WaffenCat Sorry I only speak English.

[@WaffenCat]

@@JSpidey The doors sound in heli the same (50, 24, 64) - this is not the case in real life.

[@JSpidey]

@@WaffenCat I would imagine that would be extremely low priority on their to do list, if at all.

[@karapus785]

Второй лайк мой)

[@Sgubby]

I broke my spine just watching this.

[@agidotexe7167]

take a shot everytime Wags says laser lol dont actually u will die.

[@OliverMilas]

Have you guys seen the Chinook in the Background? - - Me neither

[@indyjons321]

Be very careful with what you divulge in terms of ASE limitations, Waggs.

[@MattWagner]

Everything in the game is based on open sources.

[@schoolio64D]

But did you die? 😉

[@MattWagner]

No, just messed up my back.

[@schoolio64D]

Oof.

[@qwerty85620]

ukrainian shows how laser defense systems can be easily defeated which is ka52 was easily shot down in war

[@doubleugly1594]

Is the 1200 round count on the AWS 30mm a new feature? Last time I had a chance to fly the apache it was limited to 300 because of the Robbie Tank

[@MattWagner]

No, it was added earlier.