Leaderboard

**DCS: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior - Echo 19 partnership** Dear Kiowa pilots, It's been 3 days since the release of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior module and we've been closely monitoring community feedback. Thanks to everyone who is actively reporting bugs, we're already in the process of fixing any reported issues. We value your honest feedback. In response to our community's feedback on the sound quality of the DCS: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior module, we are excited to announce a new partnership between Polychop Simulations and Echo 19 Audio Production. This collaboration aims to elevate your simulation experience by integrating Echo 19's renowned audio expertise. Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of our collaboration with Echo 19 Audio Production. Thank you for being a valued part of our journey. Polychop Simulations

Operation Dixmude was first introduced to DCS via the Gazelle. It remains one of the best default campaigns in DCS to date. I intend to recreate the magic with the OH-58D Kiowa Operation Argonne Campaign. If you have played through the original campaign, you know why! The Kiowa working side by side with the Apache is a dream come true! There is even some L2MUMS action! The conversion is complete! Get it here! https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3338637/ While you are at it, feel free to try out my UN Pilot Hind Conversion. Another fantastic DCS campaign, originally made for the Huey! https://forum.dcs.world/topic/276057-un-pilot-mi-24p-hind-campaign-huey-campaign-conversion

I think your point about the external model is pointed perfectly. Can´t imagine anything else you can said about it, not yet writed here. Just please, with all my respect, could you move on?

I realise I've been looking at this entire thread the wrong way. All the negative critisisms in this thread is actually a strong endorsement for this model. I'm not hearing anything about systems missing, flight model being trash, etc. It's mostly pixel peeping. You'd think there'd be more to critisise. It's a bit like someone complaining that their new motorcycle doesn't have USB. Sure - for some people that might be the main thing, but for most others - it's a minor thing compared to everything else. If this is the worst thing to complain about, it means that everything else must be pretty smooth! Endorsement received! Now I'm looking forward to having some flights in this thing this weekend!

I suspect he considers it unflyable because his personal grievances with the Gazelle have not yet been addressed or some such nonsense.

People are funny... It is a customer's right to complain and ask for reiteration where it is due. It is very logical to ask for explanation when a module releases at $70, yet retains basic quality issues. Overall, the OH-58D is solid in terms of systems, FM and features. In terms of textures and sounds, those things are not bugs. They are apparently underprovided. If one looks at the complexity of AH-64D or any other module at that price range, then KW is both smaller (physically), far less advanced in terms of systems, and generally has fewer aspects to consider (integration of external DL and such - L2MUM is a good example here). If disagreeing with a thread, it's very easy to move on without responding, or feeling the need to express oneself. It is, thanks to demanding customers, that sound will get revised now. It also does point to Polychop taking a dangerous approach regarding quality-only-per-request. If better accoustics were initial plan, then they would be in it at release. Therefore, recognizing that the overall module is very good, but falling somewhat short of $70 in comparison to what you get elsewhere, let's hope that shortcuts in development will not be the new norm. To those who still disagree; your welcome! Free passangers benefitting off the diligence of others! Orherwise, if you are on the edge - don't worry, it's a good product, but it will truly shine when the above gets mitigated.

Happy Friday everyone. Although, every day is the weekend when you're retired. Thanks, Beldin, I was not aware of that line item. I was aware of it but didn't know the meaning of it. I will test it out to see how well it works. Beldin, you always have some inside DCS information. Good to know info. I will make that edit in future mods as well Eddie. Well, i need to test it first to see what distance works best. Great photos everyone. I worked those ships once in Japan. They handle pretty well. Powerful engines. I am finishing up the Bergamini FREMM Class Frigate textures. I think I've gotten the hang of Substance Painter texturing. As mentioned I'm keeping the textures simple because I have too many mods to work on. Next is the weapon animation and coding. It's been slow because of aches and pains but I keep it moving as much as I can.

I'm glad some improvements are coming. I hope the 3D model and high resolution textures will be included in the future.

No news on the Dambusters variant, still working hard on the standard one, that dambusters will probably be a post-release thing

I wanted to share with you the cake my partner made for my 35th birthday.

There are definitely some former-military-pilots-turned-youtuber who are in it for the views and to have their egos stroked basically. Casmo is not one of those people.

We had such a blast on our 3-ship yesterday. Slowly sneaking up to any kind of enemy through small villages and lofting Apkws for buddy-lasing birds was super rewarding. Sure there are quiet a few bugs to squish, but we did not encounter anything game-breaking.

This is already addressed and should be fixed in the next update, thank you.

Ну конечно да! Вы спросили и модуль все.

I played with a friend of mine who is certainly better than I am but we are close enough in skill that more of our fights end up in a draw where we run out of fuel over those which either of us are victorious. Some lessons learned in DCS so far: - With the Viggen, F-5E and MiG-21, the F-4E will generally beat them in a 2 circle - especially when clean, it's not even close. With missiles, it evens out more. - The Viggen, F-5E and MiG-21 have better 1 circle performance (especially the Viggen) but the F-4E is a little better in climbing turns since it can use that extra P_s and should strive to force the fight upwards. - The F-5 and Mirage F1 are the weakest of this plane set in terms of T/W and struggle a lot when the fight goes up. But all planes other than the F-4 gain a lot when in diving turns since they can pull more AoA without worrying about losing speed. This is a dangerous thing for the F-4 to follow. Really, ANY kind of scissors is a bad day for the F-4 against these planes except maaaaybe the Mirage F1. I still have to face the Mirage more to conclude anything. To summarize, it does seem that the jets are all close enough in performance that if neither pilot makes a mistake, they'll end up in a draw. At first this disappointed me but I'm feeling a bit better with this result because if you win - especially in BFM practice with another human - you were the better pilot in that engagement. If you're even then chances are someone will bingo first. Usually the F-4 but all the jets of the time have similar endurance. My next steps during online practice will be the following with the goal of making the best move possible even if it may not result in a win, and then maybe moving onto more risky and aggressive tactics. I'd like to avoid giving them good rear-quarter missile shots since rear-aspect IR missiles were the weapon of the era (please provide feedback where possible): 1) Remember to come into the first merge at ~0.95 Mach or ~550 KIAS whichever is greater a) Be aggressive whenever you have this excess energy 2) Focus on bringing the fight upwards in climbing turns and avoid the temptation to following these other mid-Cold War jets in diving turns or any scissors. Note: I suppose diving turns look a lot like scissors... Any thoughts on this? 3) When beating the enemy in a 2 circle, they will often tighten the turn if you're about to get a shot and then reverse as you overshoot their flightpath a) Try to prevent overshooting the flightpath by using a vector roll in the opposite direction to the turn, or a high yo-yo b) If the bandit sees you doing either and takes the opportunity to reverse, go into an oblique loop to force the fight into basically an egg-like, somewhat vertical 2 circle since they will be at an energy disadvantage.

Modeviewer impressions.

I can deal with the textures and animation modeling for now. Though I really hope they plan on refining them and adding a few more animations?! I just can't get past the sounds, or lack thereof, they're REALLY REALLY bad. The .50 arm and recock is ok, but firing it sounds like someone shooting vinyl siding with an airsoft rifle. Ground idle on ext view isn't too bad just kinda low and needs a little bit of bass, but internally sounds like a street sweeper truck. The in flight sound is just a disaster, it's like a car from the Jetsons, but with a dead cylinder. It's a fun little module, but $70 is REALLY HIGH for the mod. Hopefully they'll hear the community and it'll get the, Gazelle treatment.

I tested the ship distance code using 160 feet apart and below is the result. The USS Oak Hill altered course shortly but formed back up. Thanks, Beldin. I forgot to mention during Underway replenishment we used a Phone and Distance line. Where you would have someone on each ship communicating with each other. A photo of the PD line is below. There's Sailors holding that line during the entire UNREP operation. GT.distFindObstacles = 160

I bought the Chinook even though I knew it wouldn't come with many things. ED made it clear what will and won't be included at launch. I can't complain because I agreed to buy it in early access. Now, a product that was sold as complete shouldn't have a Minecraft-level 3D model. DCS is no longer in 2015, but in 2024 with high-quality models. You sound like a die-hard fan who blindly defends everything without questioning anything. The point is that it's not worth the $70 for an unfinished product. The point is that I felt cheated. Simple as that.

That's exactly the point. The meaning of "no EA" and full release is much more binding at full price. It's no wonder that some people simply expect more for more money. In another situation, they would probably wave their hand and wait for the problem or suggestion to be solved. You may feel that Polychop simply did not provide us the clear information about status and that it is more about earning as much as possible. Honestly, I would prefer such information, just honest information - "We tried to make the model as best as we could, you may probably find some things to improve at the beginning, as always, but because the production took so much time and cost us a lot, we decided to release it at full price. If you want to support our project buy it, if not, wait a few months for the all improvements". I think that such a short message before release would simply be more honest for us, than saying it's a final product, without EA (means free of bugs), which implies high quality and full functionality. I also think that the very model of publishing modules and maps for DCS has prepared us for this. For many years, it has been said that this is the period of EA, so this is how many things are explained - deficiencies, bugs, lack of a campaign or whatever. The holy grail is supposed to be "no EA" so everyone believes that this is already a high level. Of course, I keep my fingers crossed for further development.

I highly recommend you don't buy it. It isn't what you are looking for. The focus isn't on the rivets, and appearance of textures from 20-30cm away, which seems to be of utmost importance, to you. I personally prefer the focus on actual flying and working with the systems and especially the environment while I look outside. The cockpit is pretty decent. It looks very close to the real thing. Only issue that bugs me currently, is the L2MUMS doesn't export to a separate screen, only the MFDs content. The L2MUMS page doesn't. Lot if fun, flying a module that's combat ready (complete system wise).

Last night I flew a Kiowa instant action mission, all was good and right with the world. Then I flew a Phantom instant action mission and frame rates tanked. There's a price to pay for the very high level of detail in the F4. I'm finding that the Kiowa has hit a great balance between performance and shiny stuff, for me.

Flyable: 1. BO-105 PAH-1A1 2. BO-105 VBH 3. BO-105 HKP-9A AI: 4. BO-105 KLH (South Korean)

07 June 2024 Dear Fighter Pilots, Partners and Friends, We are delighted to announce the highly anticipated release of the DCS: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior by Polychop Simulations for DCS. This iconic helicopter guarantees an exceptional and highly accurate experience for both veteran and novice pilots. The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior is a versatile armed reconnaissance helicopter that has served in various military conflicts around the globe. Known for its agility, advanced surveillance capabilities, and firepower, the OH-58D has been a vital asset in recon and light attack missions. Watch the trailer! Join our community of aviation enthusiasts and pilots! Share your experiences, ask questions and participate in discussions about the OH-58D on our official forums and on social media channels. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we look forward to the amazing content you create with this new module. Thank you for your passion and support. Yours sincerely, Eagle Dynamics OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Now Available as Mission Ready Experience the ultimate in rotary-wing aviation with the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior for DCS. This meticulously crafted simulation brings the legendary reconnaissance and light attack helicopter to life with unparalleled accuracy and detail. Fly low through challenging terrains, utilizing the Kiowa Warrior’s advanced sensor suites, and weaponry to dominate the battlefield. With its authentic flight dynamics, interactive cockpits and realistic missions scenarios, the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior offers a deeply immersive experience for both seasoned pilots and newcomers alike. Whether you’re conducting reconnaissance missions or providing aerial support to ground units, the Kiowa Warrior delivers a truly thrilling tactical combat experience. Step into the cockpit of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior alone or in Multi Crew with a friend to share the adventure. The module features a highly detailed 3D model, complete with fully configured avionics, MFDs, and a working Mast-Mounted Sight. Utilise the Level 2 Manned-Unmanned System to view aerial drone footage, or scan the battlefield using the sensors of other Kiowa Warriors. Share targets with the Improved Data Modem or call in Remote Hellfire Missions with other Kiowa pilots to coordinate attacks. With a wide range of weaponry available including AGM-114K Hellfires, FIM-92 air-to-air Stinger missiles and laser-guided rockets, the Kiowa Warrior is prepared for any engagement. The OH-58D first flew in 1983 and was the result of the Army Helicopter Improvement Program as a single engine, four-bladed light weight helicopter. The Kiowa Warrior introduced the distinctive Mast-Mounted Sight (MMS) above the main rotor, and a mixed glass cockpit with traditional instruments and as such was the first helicopter equipped with MFDs. While the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior thrives in its reconnaissance role, making full use of its MMS and the Level 2 Manned-Unmanned System (L2MUM), in more recent conflicts it played a pivotal role not only in gathering critical intelligence but also in actively supporting ground troops through precision strikes on enemy positions, illustrating its adaptability and effectiveness in both reconnaissance and offensive missions. Armed with a vast array of weapons including the AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, a .50 caliber FN M3P machine gun, FIN-92 air-to-air Stinger missiles and a large selection of rocket types including laser guided Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior is capable of fulfilling a meaningful role by itself or by supporting other assets in DCS. Kiowa Warriors serving in the US Army took part in a number of operations including: Operation Prime Chance 1988 Operation Just Cause 1989 Desert Storm 1991 RAID 1989 - 1994 Peace Implementation Forces (IFOR) 1995 - 1996 Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom The US Army retired the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior in 2017 having accumulated over 800,000 combat hours. It continues to serve with the armed forces of Croatia, Greece, Taiwan and Tunisia to this day. Key Features of the DCS: OH58D Kiowa Warrior Realistic hand crafted flight model with high precision characteristics of this light helicopter in all ranges of altitude, temperatures and speeds for different weights, flight configurations and conditions. Highly detailed fully clickable glass cockpit with full VR support Can be flown single-player or in multi-crew with a friend Voiced pilot AI assistant Fully modeled armament and weapons systems, including the M3P machine gun, 2,75” rockets, AGM-114K Hellfire anti tank guided missile with four firing modes, APKWS laser-guided rockets, FIM-92 Air-To-Air Stinger system and the handheld M4 rifle with 6DOF functionality when used with VR hand controllers Detailed modeling of the entire electrical, fuel, hydraulic, pneumatic, SCAS and radio systems Full range of sensors and aircraft survivability systems including the Mast Mounted Sight with TV and FLIR cameras, Laser Rangefinder/Designator system, AN/APR-39 Radar Detector, AN/ALQ-144 IR Jammer, AN/AVR-2 Laser Detector, AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning System and Flare & Chaff Dispenser Rotorcraft Map System with moving map, digital elevation map, real-time display of navigation and target data Improved Data Modem that allows for Kiowa-to-Kiowa text messaging, target sharing and Remote Hellfire Missions Level 2 Manned-Unmanned System with its capability to display the video feed from a drone sensor or the camera feed of another player OH-58D Kiowa Warrior aircraft Full Night-Vision support with the helmet mounted Optical Display Assembly and gun-mounted IZLID laser pointer Data Cartridge for storing and loading mission data in a web-compatible format Advanced damage modeling and failures for aircraft systems and components Optional Pilot Display Unit heads up display Over 60 liveries including various US Army, Croatian, Greek, Taiwanese and Tunisian units as well as a number of fictional liveries from around the world The DCS: OH-58D Kiowa Warrior is now available for you to download. Enjoy! Thank you again for your passion and support, Yours sincerely,

Some pictures on the Internet suggest the possibility of mounting the M134 on a Kiowa. It would be fun to see this legendary machine gun on our helicopter

https://forum.dcs.world/topic/348848-whats-the-status/?do=findComment&comment=5454364

that's great they acknowledged the sound issues, but no mention at all of future texture and graphical upgrades. that's unfortunate. if they committed to releasing updated internal and external visuals in the future, that would probably tip the scales over for me to purchase it now in support, and knowing that it'll get better. but as of now there's a chance these are the final textures.

Can't speak for random youtuber. But Casmo is the real deal both Kiwoa and Apache. And he's been wounded in action. I've not seen anyone doubt his credentials.

Hi, we will have more information soon, everything depends on internal progress and QA checks. Team are working hard at the moment. thanks

Watching this video I see how much the Kiowa's external model is in pre-alpha.

Do you know what people's biggest problem is? Something is wrong and they do everything they can to cover up and sweep all the problems of the launch under the rug. Honesty is one of the most important values for people. If you read everything I wrote, you would know that I bought the Kiowa. Don't try to cover up Polychop's mistakes. Transparency is the best thing that exists between a company and its customers. This whole discussion would be resolved if everything was made clear. Polychop didn't say anything about it, either before or after. The right thing to do would be for them to come out in public and apologize and commit to correcting all the problems mentioned, but I highly doubt that will happen. I hope it does and I end up getting my ass kicked. I hope so! I'd rather be wrong and have a product that's worth the price. Do you know what Kiowa looks like? It looks like Cyberpunk 2077. It looks really nice in the trailer, but when you buy it and take a closer look, you'll find a lot of problems. If the product was sold outside of early access, then it should come complete. At least the exterior should have the same level of detail as the cockpit.

Mostly, yes. The things that people are complaining about are things that are not game breaking and basically superficial things - aside from some FM bugs in edge cases that I’m sure will get fixed sooner than later. PolyChop is doing very well cleaning up their tarnished reputation and deserves to be commended for that. I think the main thing comes down to ‘EA vs full release’. For a full release, people expected more missions included, better textures etc - that is understandable. The Mirage F1 for example also has low detail textures but far fewer people complain about that since it’s an EA module. When PolyChop asks the full price of a complete module people expect more. I can understand that, but in the end that comes down to semantics since I doubt it’s going to make a difference in the long run. The framerate in the F-4 is 25-30% higher than in the Kiowa for me

After the surprising first impression, I now rate the importance of: Weird reflective shine on metal switches. Drawn shoelaces on pilot/copilot Cartoonish .50 gunsound. And I find that all in all it is a damn fine flying machine. On day two I started to feel the love. Looking forward to this rainy weekend.

Ciao, come già scritto altre volte UH1 lo conosco molto bene, in quanto ci ho volato per 11 anni e svariate mila ore di volo. Reputo il FM del UH-1 un ottimo FM, aderente al 100% alla realtà, il discorso del Mi24 è proprio diverso, non solo vola alla perfezione, ma di da anche "sensazioni", come le da F4 phantom, ti da quel feeling in più che gli altri non danno e lo percepisci proprio, per quello parlo di eccellenza.

Almost. 1) correct originally, but at least -B and -D got boresight auto-acquisition later, separate from the cage mode 2) correct, I've found a couple of manuals that confirm this. note that F-4E pre-556 modification also had auto-acquisition same as F-4D (activated by a switch on the throttle) 3) mostly correct. CAA vertical scan came with digital LRU-1 modification of APQ-120 (along with programmable launch envelope) in late 70s. 'Our' CAA with the selectable corridors is from the 80s software upgrade "OFP005". I am still convinced most players would do better with the pre-OFP005 CAA mode. Just point the plane and press the button without switching back and forth to the wrong weapons. Would be a nice 'special options' check box.

Cheers. Have now been told personally by another RL pilot that they think it's the most realistic helicopter flight model in DCS! That's a very strong endorsement for me! That, and the endorsement from the complaints about exterior graphics are all the recommendations I need. (I figure, if the biggest complaints coming out are about external textures, then it must be a pretty solid module. If it had issues, there'd be more to complain about than that ). Looking forward to getting to know this bird this weekend!

Just had a fantastic flight, didnt look at an out side view at all ;), was too busy having fun with the fantastic flight model and systems, worth every penny

The snow has arrived

I only have about 2000 hours in the KW, but it seems true to life IMO. Great FM and the best I've seen yet on a DCS helicopter. Big thanks to PolyChop for not going down the ridiculous VRS path that other devs can't seem to get over. You don't fly around worrying about settling with power all the time. Second best model IMO. Only issue is the unrealistic VRS implementation.

I think that's kind of the idea. Military helicopters have assists ("easy to fly") so they can focus on the mission of putting warheads on foreheads. The 58D is a highly modernized/upgraded version of the Bell 206/TH-67 if you trace it's roots. Never was supposed to be a very complicated helo to fly. I fly the Bell 206 and 505 professionally IRL, and I am instructor-rated. Polychop's model feels the best of any sim Bell model I've ever flown without being in a full FAA-rated sim (and in some ways, this one is still better). Caveat, I've never flown the 58D, but this thing picks up and hovering/taxiing maneuvers feel spot on for every single engine Bell helo I've flown.

I do, I argue with those not adult enough to take responsibility for their own choice of buying it. We talk about 15$ max in difference. Not millions like some seems to think. The rivetcounting and search for breaches in fm is mind blowing. It’s like they bought it just for the fun of whining. I have abandoned most fb DCs groups because of these whiners and angry buyers. Truth is, many are crusaders looking for a just cause to fight a battle. This is not a chopper I expected to be my favorite, but it is growing on me. I will fly it and learn it and enjoy it hopefully. But I fly it like a chopper. Of course it got its flaws. Huey still got its flaws, who expected it to be without them? Anyone?

I won't argue about the price, but I bought it yesterday and I wish every Early Access I have paid for came as complete as this one. I'm not happy with the general EA enviorment and I wanted to reward Pollychop for their decission to aim as high as possible even knowing there will be a lot of work to do after release and I don't regret it. I din't have time to torture the FM or do the rivet-counting. Took it for a ride to get the feel, tried some hoover, basic gunnery and now I'm configuring it to my like and getting deeper into the systems and procedures. It feels better the more you get into it. I can't wait for the next flight.

From ORBX section, the planned Roadmap

So aside from the damage model all your gripes are visual? That sounds like a good release to me.

I thought the same thing. If Polishop didn't say anything, then it won't receive updates on the 3D model and Textures and the kiowa will remain as it is forever. I still have hope that Kiowa will receive improvements in 3D and textures.

Unfortunately not. I tried implementing this but was unsuccessful, it is not as simple to force the DCS camera position as I would expect it to be. However I have not given up so I hope I can find a resolution in future.

Yes I agree. This is not much of a problem in MP, but for the larger SP crowd it surely is disappointing. But in the end what is even more important is the amount of training missions available, and what they cover. And on that front, I have no complaints

I love flying this at night. Tempted to run the whole training regime this way if the files will let me.

We're working with a limited understanding of a limited DCS system. We are planning to have some discussions with ED and others to try and understand this area of the simulation better and what we can use to improve damage modelling.

I did this for everyone just so they felt better. LOL. I did however take the video down so it did not confuse anyone. I did not want to mislead anyone since there was in fact no issue with the exception of the retard flying the helicopter.