DCS: AH-64D | TADS Part I

Questions? Please see the FAQ here: forums.eagle.r...
In this DCS: AH-64D video, we’ll talk about the primary sensor of the AH-64D: the Target Acquisition Designation Sight, or TADS. The TADS is divided into two sides: The Day side, located on the left side of the turret, contains the Day Television, or Day TV, Laser Range Finder Designator, or LRFD and Laser Spot Tracker, or LST. The Night Side, located on the right side of the turret contains the Forward Looking Infrared, or FLIR. All controls discussed in this video are found in Options, Controls, AH-64D CP/G.

[@MattWagner]

Lots of questions about controls. I can only speak for myself, but for the AH-64D, I use the Virpil Constellation stick and CM3 throttle with no problems. When in the CPG seat I have them mostly mapped to the TEDAC controls, and when in the pilot seat, they are mostly mapped to the cyclic and collective. Please see: forums.eagle.ru/topic/280176-dcs-ah-64d-mini-updates/#comment-4888214

[@swango1]

This is great news here. I was unaware that the pilot and CPG had different maps! I was starting to think how I'd be able to work all the systems in the Apache with one map...haha

[@Crytic_Music]

I was curious about the tads, i get the autoslew function, but is theres completely no ground stabilization optionality? Apart from using the acq source

[@eyemack]

Wags, there is more than one Constellation grip from Virpil. I assume you are talking about the Alpha.

[@Shrike200]

This is so military....I mean the 'nested' TLA's (three letter acronyms). So, we have the TDU (for TEDAC Display Unit), but TEDAC stands for TADS Electronic Display And Control, but TADS stands for Target Aquisition and Designation system. A three-deep nested acronym-fest. Love it!

[@michalkrw]

So: Target Acquisition and Designation System Electronic Display And Control Display Unit. Easy.

[@OLIV3R_YT]

LOL 😅

[@anthonymoloney3671]

Acronym inception!

[@sinepilot]

TADSEDACDU

[@kenevans7286]

I spent my 20 year Army career flying, fighting, and mastering the Longbow. It is an amazing aircraft with phenomenal capabilities. Mr. Wagner has done a great job breaking down the TADS for the hobbyist. There is an entire appendix in the operator’s manual (pilots commonly refer to this manual as the-10 pronounced “dash ten”) that lists and defines probably 100+ acronyms that pertain to this aircraft. I never bothered to count them all, but there’s a lot of them and we all knew them and spoke using the acronyms as normal communication since everyone understood the meanings. Most acronyms just became normal words to us.

[@tonicarrera9647]

Whilst I am sure Wags was talking about an intersting topic, initially I was just fixated on how damn good she looked

[@nunyabiz6952]

Same here, it's going to be crazy 👍

[@Chiboadh]

I was listening to the other ones startup sound😍

[@NR-qo1xn]

Join the club lol

[@devla]

Wags is a "he"

[@NR-qo1xn]

@@devla We're talking about the Apache here, not Matt.

[@CoyoteOne]

I know Wags is telling me very important things... But all I heard was: The TDL can slew the RTT on the STI function of the MPADS drift operational test. You can easily correct the side fumbling of the PNV within the FTR submenu. This allows easier use of the TAT system by the pilot OR the gunner by ways of modial axis controls. This in turn reduces the wear and tear on the prefamulated amulite panels. This is going to be so much fun :D

[@NR-qo1xn]

This is just incredible. Are we even talking Sims? This is a millimeter from being reality. I pre-ordered this amazing mod from the get go. Can't wait. Thank u ED. Thank you so very much.

[@yappydawg8985]

This is going to be an amazing module but watching these videos makes me appreciate the relative simplicity of the Hind. I am not sure I really have the brainpower or time to really make the Apache dance. I am still gonna try however.

[@LongTran-em6hc]

Same, I am about as bright as Forrest Gump

[@edgi55]

I second that! I can't wait for AH-64D to come out but now I'm realizing just how complicated it is and as you said it makes me appreciated too how simple the M-24P Hind is and like you I don't think I will have time or the brainpower to lear it all lol.

[@delayed_control]

This is why I wish we got an older Cobra instead, we'd have all we need for a cold war helicopter scenario, Cobra is the last missing piece now that the Hind is out. And Apache Delta is a modern aircraft that doesn't fit.

[@edgi55]

@@delayed_control Man you are absolutely right! I too have been dying for the AH-1 Cobra which as you said would be a perfect match for the old cold war version of the Mi-24P Hind in DCS. I'm not sure if DCS has it in their plans but if they don't they should.

[@fastindy]

If Jake Preston could do it, surely you can too!

[@sloppydog4831]

Now over to Casmo's channel to see his take on it.

[@MILSPECMOM]

This is why Eagle Dynamics is my favourite sim company. Their attention to detail is second to none and as Retired Military I appreciate the little things most civvies wouldn't even notice. Thank you for all your work! o7 xoxo

[@foilwhat]

Pew! Pew! Nice demo. The front seat looks more complicated than the F-14 back seat.

[@thecircusfreak5364]

Looks good Wags, looking forward to the startup video!

[@MattWagner]

That will probably be the last video before it drops.

[@오민호-g3o]

@@MattWagner Noice

[@brettreynolds6960]

@@MattWagner Couldn't have predicted that ;-) This coming Wednesday then........... 😛

[@CueDriver]

I have a very strong feeling we are all waiting for the start-up video.

[@rudelchw]

Thanks a lot for this more paused speech pace, it makes for much easier understanding for the non-native english speakers such as myself.

[@thorstenh1976]

I Love that "Iam outa here!" Car....😁 Beside this amazing introduction, as always! 👌

[@TheDisabledGamersChannel]

I am SO EXCITED and can't wait for this Helicopter, i just want to say thank you to everyone at Eagle Dynamics for creating amazing things like this for us, especially during this challenging covid mess and restrictions going on, great video Wags, you da man !

[@sloppydog4831]

As that guy from that famous movie would say: "we'll need a bigger commands spreadsheet"

[@dcdell2008]

If I can only safely take off, hover and land, much less learn the "HI-Tech" gadgetry of the this new AH-64D, I've be one happy camper just for that one task...lol...great video Wags...

[@Elysian_Angel_]

“This covers the very basics for today.” I already have a headache…

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

Good to know we covered the basics of the totally awesome designation selector, and can move into the more advanced boss mode stuff. Yep. I'm ready.... On a serious note, this was fabulous, like the sounds on startup. I might need to take two weeks off for DCS prep vacation.

[@kabel74]

Oh my ... we come a long way from the hey days of Longbow 2 way back in 1997. I might spend money to build a gaming PC and come back to flight simming for this :)

[@josephorr5175]

An amazing body of work. TY for the concise, calm description. I fear many will be put off by the complexity of the AH-64D. It is after all a complex helicopter IRL, and it seems you folks have done a lot of work to approach its functions / capabilities. I look forward to diving in and learning this module.

[@danvercillo]

This is the one boys and girls. She's going to be a beast!

[@GruntyGame]

Hung up my DCS wings about 9 months ago, but I still love watching Wag's videos.

[@silenoz111]

I've loved the Apache since I was a kid, played the original gunship on the zx spectrum, gunship 2000 on the Amiga, and Janes longbow series and loved them all. Obviously none of those games come close to dcs, and I can see me clocking up so many hours just learning this Apache. I can see me having many a late night...

[@cgjimeneza]

My time with the A4 will be nil.... cant wait until release

[@Sirrah81]

11:55 😂👍 I'm sooo gonna need interactive training missions for this module 🤯 Great stuff ED. I can't wait

[@RedKiteRender]

Fantastic video. Will we get any special controls options to ease button requirements? For example, An incremental increase / decrease zoom level, so we can bind this feature to one 2 position switch rather than needing a 4 way hat?

[@Crysinator]

That would be a great addition. As much "else" bindings as possible would be nice too.

[@cuttheloop]

Assigning a Modifier button is an option.

[@MrPhantom453]

Good idea!

[@colo97]

@@Crysinator exactly, "else" bindings are great, for example - Master arm button can be mapped to common hardware switch (like EAC on Thrustmaster Warthog throttle). Will be really helpful aslo for another modules like Harrier

[@shagrat47]

@@cuttheloop ...but not the solution, or answer to the original question. 😉

[@MetallicaMan172]

I was watching old videos about this beautiful aircraft last night. I'm so excited for this one!

[@TjW.]

New FLIR looks so good

[@threenineline1]

Im going to build a TEDAC button box now! Looks incredible, cant wait to fly my own with the team

[@AdrianFourie]

Tx for the vid Matt...love that 'Im outa here' moment.

[@streetmachine8211]

Looks fantastic! Once the manual is released I'm going to spend the nights reading it until I fall asleep.

[@parasim8653]

Never used Helicopters in sim before… these videos got me hooked though. I’m only just getting grips of the F/18..#brainonfire 😀

[@0BuLLeT01]

F18 is a great bird to learn, and I'm sure a lot of the ways things are done will translate well.

[@jamesclewett8934]

Same boat here. Friend and I are waiting for the Apache but after the delay we both bought the f18 to pass the time. My brain hurts daily trying to learn something new.

[@paulf1389]

I’m beginning to wonder if my humble Warthog hotas is going to be enough to enable all these functions…….lol. Thanks Matt, going to be looking forward to the next video

[@MattWagner]

It will be fine. Just bind TEDAC control to AH-64D CP/G and cyclic and collective controls to AH-64D Pilot.

[@commiccannon592]

@@MattWagner Will that allow flying once control has been taken in the front seat?

[@MattWagner]

@@commiccannon592 You really don't need flying control from the front seat, that would generally only happen if the pilot was incapacitated or eating a ham sandwich.

[@colinkelly990]

Was thinking getting Xbox controller as a supplement. But going back and reading Wags first post again it clarified a lot for me.

[@flex5002]

We just hope that Virpil Hotas team will release after a short time the AH-64D Apache Cyclic & Collective for DCS World.

[@CrashDriver]

RNLAF apache skin awsome. Lets hope the RNLAF Demo skin will be there also at release.

[@wheelwrightpl9429]

Nodding with understanding to this little nugget: "Usually the CPG will have control of the TAZ as a sight but the pilot could swept the TAZ as the MVS sensor to take TAZ control away from the CPG"😵‍💫

[@sandwich5344]

hello there, sandwich here from the Mi-24 gang... let's hope it flies as nicely as the Mi-24! :)

[@oldmanfunky4909]

Hotas button binding is going to be a challenge. Up,Up,Down,Down,LEFT,RIGHT,LEFT,RIGHT, B,A, and Start to lock target!

[@Husker5454]

“This covers the very basics for today” … Me : The fucking WHAT !?

[@guyfrunknown]

It's gonna be 🎵Longbow's to the left of me, Longbows to the right. Here I am. Stuck in the middle with you. George, I'm stuck in the middle with you! 🎶

[@Dreamshadow1977]

Looking forward to the module's release! Thank you for all the in depth videos.

[@chrisfullwood6643]

I like the statement “this covers the basics….. “. Good lord!

[@will6566]

the saddest part of the video, "thank you for watching". cant wait for more

[@mccornac9548]

You sound super tired Wags, don't forget to take some time off and recharge the batteries. Awesome job from ED

[@SimDeck]

Superb. This is going to be epic.

[@flightsimstuff5417]

@CasmoTV needs to start his own version of "Weapons School" for virtual squads; who then go forth and train others, etc, etc. Lot of buttons & knobs to play with. Love it!

[@johnnyjohnnyjohnnyyy8934]

Looking forward to this module and I wish Wags did tutorials for all aircrafts :D so relaxing to listen and learn

[@Rex-ii2yz]

So glad I was top of my class and got hawks, this is a nightmare. Cant wait to fly her.

[@M-28xD]

And by they way how you graphics look so much better than the rest of us.

[@MattWagner]

Same game. See About on channel for settings.

[@M-28xD]

@@MattWagner I'm not gonna lie. I have everything maxed out and it looks no where near yours.

[@macedk]

Also give Wags a medal for these videos ...you rock sir :)

[@JamesRussellJones]

Fantastic walkthrough, cheers Wags! Can't wait to get my hands on this.

[@TheCraigHudson]

Yea I am really excited to dump a couple hundred hrs into this I already love the individuality of each module the hind flies into own way the Huey shark all have their own feel.

[@SsgtHolland]

It looks amazing, guys! And the start-up procedure in the intro sounds very reassuring;) Matt, you sound exhausted. Is this the toughest module launch so far?

[@slyderace]

I just ordered a Virpil joystick with 3 HAT switches on it. It's going to be so useful for this module! XD I am so happy I pre-ordered this already :D

[@mikepatriot9963]

I need to watch again. After looking at all the visuals and hearing all the acronyms being thrown at me, started to sound like the adults on a Charlie Brown episode. I'm getting excited and worried at the same time. Excited it's almost ready, worried that I bit off more than I could chrw with this module. Any regret? HELL NO!! lol Definately an upgrade from the Jane's Longbow series.

[@davidbradley3227]

My brain melted when he said intro vid.

[@TrickerDCS]

Did you get a new microphone? Sounds good

[@youraveragejoe9298]

When does it not sound good. But when am i gonna get this apache

[@paulblair474]

Wags uses a different mic every video! It’s part of the fun!

[@theflyingfool]

Jeez, it’s going to take a lot to learn the Apache well enough to employ it properly... nice vid Wags. Can I add my voice to the request for “special for joystick” control options too! I think they will be a must.

[@aDutchy1975]

this is already dazzeling me :) It will be awsome to learn and multicrew

[@dustdevil3561]

Great Video Wags. Keep it up. Can't wait for this module.

[@MrScar88]

This is amazing. Thank you.

[@nunyabiz6952]

Looks so awesome can't wait! 😆👍

[@darker240syoutubepaloozachanne]

Nice Video! Hoping you getting well soon Mr. Wagner!

[@Redryder79]

Wags, you sound like you're getting over something. Hope you're well!

[@Zatracenec]

Awesome. This is gonna be hardcore. Unfortunately, I'm lacking not just hardware for processing power, but now for controls as well. :-D

[@UkDave3856]

I'm going to have to watch this again after release

[@LuftManu]

Thanks Wags! On another note- If everything is coming together, can we get the manual before the release like we did with the Hind?

[@uncleho2856]

ya for sure that control learning cerve is going to be on the A10-C levels

[@macedk]

Anybody but F-35 pilots are silent at this point ;) Thx Wags, you just reminded me that I'm old..... ;)

[@TheTig1234]

This is gonna be fun awsome video can't wait for more

[@wimwilms1424]

All I could say is TMS (to many shortages)😉. Thanks Matt!

[@nexus888]

My stream deck might come in handy with this helo to setup all the button combinations :)

[@bennperkins4006]

Is Wags okay?? Sounds off his game in this, hope all is well!

[@rhysgoodman7628]

Looks great, guys!

[@sterlingarcher4989]

Oh Wags, you tease - saw the thumbnail and almost fell off the sofa.

[@ozymandias7592]

Wags is love, Wags is life

[@CarstenDittrich2014]

Complex. Lots to learn - will be fun....and frustrating ;0)

[@romagnolo]

Is everything all right, Wags? You sound a little sad and quieter.

[@JoeTheSpaceGuy]

Poor man had to delay the Apache

[@MattWagner]

Head cold

[@romagnolo]

@@MattWagner Get well soon! We need you 100%!

[@Zarma4074]

@@MattWagner get well

[@selwynmurray8383]

Great job guys. Keep up the good work.

[@Duvstep910]

Keep up the good work ED🇯🇲

[@Zatracenec]

"Hey everyone. TADS here from Eagle Dynamics."

[@Pekins_]

These tutorials by Matt are really great but would be nice if you added subtitles cause the auto generated ones are really innacurate

[@erariot9015]

yayyyy another study to undergo xP

[@hvymtal8566]

That car knew what was good for em

[@Specter0420]

I hope ED throws in a free campaign or some other perk for those of us that pre-ordered last year.

[@MattWagner]

www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/ah-64d/

[@DoradoFever]

I mean you pre-ordered knowing the expectations of the pre-order at a discounted pre-released price sooooo...

[@Specter0420]

@@DoradoFever I pre-ordered with the expectation I would have access before Christmas. The next "release date delay" announcement has been pushed back to the end of March, sooo...

[@DoradoFever]

@@Specter0420 there was never an official date given, only target dates and everything has still said "subject to change" don't buy pre-orders at a discounted price and then your problem is solved and have nothing to worry about

[@Specter0420]

@@DoradoFever You're the only one worried here, worried that ED might do the right thing... Are you an employee? Missing the target dates you share with your customers before taking their money IS a problem. You failed, show ownership and make effort to correct. I'm hopeful, that is very different from worried. Read the OP again if you're still confused.

[@danbruce9294]

Thank you for the video !!!

[@MattWagner]

Welcome!

[@Slaw444]

Wags, you should consider to organise a holiday camps for whose willing to learn how to fly AH64D. I would like to sign up :).

[@jakubdabrowski3846]

I think the world meeting of DCS fans should be organized in Georgia, near Kobuleti. At the famous "X" airfield.

[@ghostdog688]

@@jakubdabrowski3846 poti airfield is very close to a large square lake - which is actually a nuclear waste storage pond. You may wish to use Tbilisi or Anapa instead (or, if you’re an F1 fan, Baku)

[@theraptorsnest5891]

Wow......pass the tylenol. LOL. Wags, this is simply incredible.

[@orlock20]

Imagine a SIM where learning how to operate the helicopter is nearly the same time as a real pilot.

[@mnieuwhof]

Yeah.... Ultimate system realism... and yeah two RNLAF Apaches!!!

[@tompis1442]

Please release this beauty!

[@franciscoborges9591]

Amazing as always❤❤

[@JoeTheSpaceGuy]

Be real with us Wags... Are we gonna have enough buttons with a regular HOTAS setup to fly this thing effectively?

[@mrcroa2564]

Yeah, it's going to be a binding hell...

[@Specter0420]

Modifiers are your friends.

[@Kathlanus]

@@Specter0420 Just added another modifier to my list. I'm now at three 😂

[@sabatheus]

If Your HOTAS is a VIRPIL Alpha grip and Mongoose TM3 throttle. xD

[@slow9573]

ED's masterpiece

[@TheOg1223]

looks so good

[@NavyGuy2OO7]

Its not nice to tease Wags! LMAO! Not a huge DCS help fan but I loved the Longbow series back in the day, looking forward to this release.

[@iainbradford4254]

Excited!!!

[@eliasfelixdasilva4197]

Muito obrigado por isso, Matt Wagner.

[@Royal8800]

This is awesome !

[@HeroOfTheDay16]

For anyone using headtracking and trying to figure out why your TEDAC keeps following your head even though your pressing the TADS button turn off the NVS sight switch then press it again the TADS image will be slaved to the gun and the gun only

[@stalhuth]

so many things to learn

[@SignumCruxis0]

Wags so excited, he's speaking so close to his mic... xD

[@TeambitDK]

Starting to feel I might not have enough buttons on my setup to master this vehicle 🤔😬

[@Robinblitz]

RNLAF skin?! Let's GOOOOO!