Dunkdd

This, As someone who has only discovered this world out of a nostalgia and desire to go back to things that made me myself in my prime, I have been amazed at how extremely dedicated some people in these forums are to learning the world of a 64 pilot. I would absolutely not be surprised if a lot of these users had the oral knowledge to pass an advanced course oral portion of a check ride. Maybe not some of the tactical stuff, laser detractors and cherry ice calls or whatever, but systems probably. To realize that these are hobbiests, who are doing this for fun, is really mind blowing and impressive. I can't decide whether to applaud the efforts involved or scold them for not using that dedication to something more philanthropic or something, but to each their own. I guess knowing how many guys are sitting in flight companies, eagerly anticipating their ETS date, or hoping clouds roll in to cancel their afternoon flight hour because they didn't study the ECS system like they were supposed to, it just makes you realize that the grass is always greener. I can't explain pointedly enough how much the Army rips the enjoyment and fulfillment out of what was expected to be a dream career. Thats no reason to not enjoy a hobby. If it makes you happy, and obviously there was something I must have loved, because I am here worrying about clarifying things for people who I don't know, for no other reason besides the fact that I am A type (as all pilots) and I hate hate hate incorrect information given off as fact by anyone, especially those pretending to know what they are talking about. Its not really stolen valor to pretend to have been a pilot, but it is certainly obnoxious and irritating. There is no such thing as a Sniper/Medic who works as an SF team leader and is also a dog handler specializing in EOD, just as there is also no such thing as an AH64E Instructor pilot who is also a Harrier pilot and Warthog Pilot. If someone is telling you they fly multiple airframes in different branches they are not being honest. Thats a random side note not directed at anyone in particular. Although admittedly I have not seen every aviators ORB and there are always shadowy figures who operate out of everyone's sphere of awareness. Though I find most of those individuals spend about as much time on DCS forums as they do playing dominos at an outdoor market in Cuba. Cheers.

Also, speaking of costs. Longbow missiles are often used as training missiles for pilots firing a live missile shot in training. During training at JRTC or NTC units will often get a few live missiles to use on a couple new PIs and they will typically do a TADs handover where the TADS is used to designate the target to the missile. It is too close to witchcraft for me to legitimately explain and nothing is worse than someone trying to espouse info in which they are not sufficiently knowledgeable. If there is enough interest I will look it up or call someone to explain it again, it has been a long time.

Longbow missiles have been used in combat in anger via US flown AH64Es out of Mosul against armored vehicles being operated by ISIS numerous times. Cost be damned. I don't know how to prove authenticity without getting dramatic so hopefully this is sufficient-

Its called an WSPS (pronounced wisspiss) Wire Strike Protection System. Mixed reviews whether or not it actually would work or does work. Consensus would be it doesnt hurt and if it clips a wire successfully then its worth it. I personally don't know anyone whose hit something with it. I have heard stories both successful and unsuccessful and neither have been confirmed in anyway, so I leave it there. source- personal experience.

This is probably something that happens a lot, but I was a 64 pilot for about 9 years and was kinda curious to know if there was anyone I could reach out to? Basically if they had practical questions? I know there is probably enough public info around (including -10 being available online, etc.) that it shouldn't be difficult to get the skin looking correct. I am more curious about if they need any help verifying proper sound tones, voice tones (betty), what happens in the HDU when various hold modes are activated/released? I just know those aren't things that you can really look up very easily and for someone who spent time flying the aircraft it makes a huge difference in realism to hear the right "altitude low" from the right calm female voice as opposed to some random "pull up" or "low altitude" in some British dudes voice... I tried for a while to find the "Beedle-beedle" noise and the "Betty" voices prior to this with no luck. I know you have a lot of good rules about posting links and sourcing material so I won't say anything more besides if there are any practical questions I would love to add my info to a resource list if there is such a thing. Sorry if this is redundant, just trying to help if help is cared for. Thanks. Attached are redacted credentials