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Flying the KA-50in DCS 1.5


dburne

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DCS 1.5 has absolutely blown me away, the graphics along with the greatly increased performance with my rig, has been a very pleasant surprise for me.

 

I have been trying to learn the Black Shark, and have picked up where I left off in 1.2. Mainly for now doing free flights around the airfields and getting more comfortable with the chopper.

 

Initial impression with 1.5:

 

The chopper handles better, especially the trim - I use the central trimmer position trimmer option, and previously in 1.2 it would behave somewhat erratic for me at times. Like holding the trim and letting go, sometimes seemed to just not take at times.

It has become much smoother and reliable for me in operation in 1.5, and it handles very well.

 

Sound: While it still sounds very good, seems like it lost a little " oomph" in the rotor sound, that deep resonating sound the rotors would make especially in external view. Still sounds good, but I kind of miss that deeper sound. Not sure if I am explaining that very well or not.

 

Now that I have more time on my hands, I need to dig in and actually learn navigating and combat in this thing. With 1.5 here, no doubt DCS is where I am going to be spending the majority of my flight simming time now.

Don B

EVGA Z390 Dark MB | i9 9900k CPU @ 5.1 GHz | Gigabyte 4090 OC | 64 GB Corsair Vengeance 3200 MHz CL16 | Corsair H150i Pro Cooler |Virpil CM3 Stick w/ Alpha Prime Grip 200mm ext| Virpil CM3 Throttle | VPC Rotor TCS Base w/ Alpha-L Grip| Point Control V2|Varjo Aero|

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If you've not read the manual, I'd highly recommend it. I was in the military and read a lot of pubs. This one emulates the structure of the real thing pretty well. The key is to look beyond the dry format and embrace the knowledge sync. I've personally read the manuals for each of EDs modules multiple times. I even play the manual with text to speech, on top of ambient techno in my office.. I'm slightly embarrassed to admit. After skimming through the manual completely once, you form a foundation for learning the content by using it as a reference in the future. That's why if you walk up to any U.S. Military barracks in the world, you'll find the highly competent devouring military pubs.. aviation, tech, specops especially. You create the foundation in your mind, then expand and evolve through practical application.

 

Anyway, RTFM mate.. it works.

It's a good thing that this is Early Access and we've all volunteered to help test and enhance this work in progress... despite the frustrations inherent in the task with even the simplest of software... otherwise people might not understand that this incredibly complex unfinished module is unfinished. /light-hearted sarcasm

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Lol, maybe that is what I need to do. I can take off, fly around , land, very competently now in the Ka-50. I just have no clue how to navigate and use the weapons systems. I really want to learn this stuff, so I can load up some SP campaign flying, as that is what it is all about for me.

 

I will admit, I had previously started reading the manual but it seemed rather overwhelming. Heck I even ordered the printed manual back in the original Black Shark days when it was available.

 

I am trying to work my way through some of the built in training, but maybe a break and doing some reading might be the thing to do right now.

 

Thanks,

Don B

EVGA Z390 Dark MB | i9 9900k CPU @ 5.1 GHz | Gigabyte 4090 OC | 64 GB Corsair Vengeance 3200 MHz CL16 | Corsair H150i Pro Cooler |Virpil CM3 Stick w/ Alpha Prime Grip 200mm ext| Virpil CM3 Throttle | VPC Rotor TCS Base w/ Alpha-L Grip| Point Control V2|Varjo Aero|

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I would read the manual all the way through even if you're overwhelmed and don't get it. That's the purpose of tech pubs. It gives you a foundational understanding of nomenclature and subsystems, so when you're in practical application it will at some moment click. Read it through, then use it as a reference guide later and skip around as you encounter questions.. your brain will lead you to the answer in the reference material. This method is very effective in the U.S. Military. I got only 6 weeks of training to work on ejection seats.. the most complex non-electrical device ever made (it's more than just a rocket under a chair.. nearly 400 operations need to be perfectly timed to get the seat clear and chute deployed within 4sec after actuation.. and keep the pilot alive who's going 600mph within 3seconds, pulling 20Gs). I was pretty intimidated, but then when I went out in the fleet and put it into practical application, I found that the information was brewing in my head just waiting to get out... thanks to the tech pubs.

It's a good thing that this is Early Access and we've all volunteered to help test and enhance this work in progress... despite the frustrations inherent in the task with even the simplest of software... otherwise people might not understand that this incredibly complex unfinished module is unfinished. /light-hearted sarcasm

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Will do thanks guys, will try to spend some time reading over the next few days. Hopefully I can eventually get my arms wrapped around it!

Don B

EVGA Z390 Dark MB | i9 9900k CPU @ 5.1 GHz | Gigabyte 4090 OC | 64 GB Corsair Vengeance 3200 MHz CL16 | Corsair H150i Pro Cooler |Virpil CM3 Stick w/ Alpha Prime Grip 200mm ext| Virpil CM3 Throttle | VPC Rotor TCS Base w/ Alpha-L Grip| Point Control V2|Varjo Aero|

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Sound: While it still sounds very good, seems like it lost a little " oomph" in the rotor sound, that deep resonating sound the rotors would make especially in external view. Still sounds good, but I kind of miss that deeper sound. Not sure if I am explaining that very well or not.

 

I thought I noticed this too - especially in the external view the low end of the sound is missing to my ears anyway.

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Cockpit Spectator Mode

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yes I have noticed the lower bass sound drop off too... but I have gained a clarity to the sound that is nice, I think there is a gain in complexity as well as dynamics, but I could simply be hearing this due to the removal of the lower end weight or lower end scale.

 

I rarely listen externally... probably mostly through the open door, so I can not really comment here.

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The KA-50 problem is mastering the flight controls. Flying the damn thing is much more difficult than operating all navigation and weapons systems.

 

My advice is, read the bare minimum of the manual so you know how to start up and take off. Than practice flying, trimming, level turns, combat turns, start hover, avoid vortex ring state, avoid over speed/rotor destruction, landings, etc...

 

After you feel confident in your flying skills, than learn how to blow up stuff.

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Lol, maybe that is what I need to do. I can take off, fly around , land, very competently now in the Ka-50. I just have no clue how to navigate and use the weapons systems. I really want to learn this stuff, so I can load up some SP campaign flying, as that is what it is all about for me.

 

I will admit, I had previously started reading the manual but it seemed rather overwhelming. Heck I even ordered the printed manual back in the original Black Shark days when it was available.

 

I am trying to work my way through some of the built in training, but maybe a break and doing some reading might be the thing to do right now.

 

Thanks,

 

If you need any instruction I would be more than happy to help. I use to do a lot of classes for people on the forums, from Basics all the way up to advanced. I have been flying the KA50 since BlackShark 1 first came out, and I would like to think I am proficient in all the systems. So if you need someone to show you the ropes I would be more than happy to help. Reading the manual does help a lot, but for me I know I learn more "hands-on".

 

Reaper6

"De oppresso liber"

 

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My advice is, read the bare minimum of the manual so you know how to start up and take off. Than practice flying, trimming, level turns, combat turns, start hover, avoid vortex ring state, avoid over speed/rotor destruction, landings, etc...

 

 

I am at that point now, can handle taking off, flying around , landing , hovering all without any problem. Currently reading through the manual now as I can and hopefully will be able to tackle navigation and weapons before too long.

 

Thanks,

Don B

EVGA Z390 Dark MB | i9 9900k CPU @ 5.1 GHz | Gigabyte 4090 OC | 64 GB Corsair Vengeance 3200 MHz CL16 | Corsair H150i Pro Cooler |Virpil CM3 Stick w/ Alpha Prime Grip 200mm ext| Virpil CM3 Throttle | VPC Rotor TCS Base w/ Alpha-L Grip| Point Control V2|Varjo Aero|

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If you need any instruction I would be more than happy to help. I use to do a lot of classes for people on the forums, from Basics all the way up to advanced. I have been flying the KA50 since BlackShark 1 first came out, and I would like to think I am proficient in all the systems. So if you need someone to show you the ropes I would be more than happy to help. Reading the manual does help a lot, but for me I know I learn more "hands-on".

 

Reaper6

 

Many thanks for the offer Reaper, I will certainly keep in mind and may be in touch as I go!

Don B

EVGA Z390 Dark MB | i9 9900k CPU @ 5.1 GHz | Gigabyte 4090 OC | 64 GB Corsair Vengeance 3200 MHz CL16 | Corsair H150i Pro Cooler |Virpil CM3 Stick w/ Alpha Prime Grip 200mm ext| Virpil CM3 Throttle | VPC Rotor TCS Base w/ Alpha-L Grip| Point Control V2|Varjo Aero|

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Been loving it, a lot. My only gripe is the lack of the awesome new heat-haze from the exhaust.

 

I assume that's intentional, though, given that most attack helos have some form of heat reduction measure.

Reformers hate him! This one weird trick found by a bush pilot will make gunfighter obsessed old farts angry at your multi-role carrier deck line up!

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If you've not read the manual, I'd highly recommend it. I was in the military and read a lot of pubs. This one emulates the structure of the real thing pretty well. The key is to look beyond the dry format and embrace the knowledge sync. I've personally read the manuals for each of EDs modules multiple times. I even play the manual with text to speech, on top of ambient techno in my office.. I'm slightly embarrassed to admit. After skimming through the manual completely once, you form a foundation for learning the content by using it as a reference in the future. That's why if you walk up to any U.S. Military barracks in the world, you'll find the highly competent devouring military pubs.. aviation, tech, specops especially. You create the foundation in your mind, then expand and evolve through practical application.

 

Anyway, RTFM mate.. it works.

 

I retired out of a special operation unit in the army. I promise you no one is reading pubs. lol

I9 9900k @ 5ghz water cooled, 32gb ram, GTX 2080ti, 1tb M.2, 2tb hdd, 1000 watt psu TrackIR 5, TM Warthog Stick and Throttle, CH Pedals

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My experience with the black shark module has been fun. I picked it up during the sale.

 

Long ago when I was a kid, I played the old Janes AH-64 longbow a lot. I remember at the time thinking flying a helicopter seems easy, I bet I could do it no problem. I had no idea why people said helicopter flight was so difficult.

 

Then I tried the KA-50 and found out why. Looking forward to finishing learning to fly this thing.

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I hear ya, I have many fond memories of Longbow, both 1 and 2!

Yes, the Ka-50 is a whole new level. Big time.

Don B

EVGA Z390 Dark MB | i9 9900k CPU @ 5.1 GHz | Gigabyte 4090 OC | 64 GB Corsair Vengeance 3200 MHz CL16 | Corsair H150i Pro Cooler |Virpil CM3 Stick w/ Alpha Prime Grip 200mm ext| Virpil CM3 Throttle | VPC Rotor TCS Base w/ Alpha-L Grip| Point Control V2|Varjo Aero|

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I hear ya, I have many fond memories of Longbow, both 1 and 2!

Yes, the Ka-50 is a whole new level. Big time.

I did fly the Longbow also. My god have we come a long way with the graphics :)

 

I will fly the Ka-50 in 1.5 for the first time now :thumbup: Looking forward to a nice single player mission.

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If you think the KA-50 is difficult to fly, pick up the UH-1 module and all your problems will be solved.

Lyndiman

AMD Ryzen 3600 / RTX 2070 Super / 32G Ram / Win10 / TrackIR 5 Pro / Thrustmaster Warthog HOTAS & MFG Crosswind Rudder Pedals

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I retired out of a special operation unit in the army. I promise you no one is reading pubs. lol

 

Constant training and improvement is no longer a priority? In my day if you weren't doing it you were learning to do it better for the next time you do. Is mediocrity being pushed down into the ranks by the current administration? Please elaborate.

It's a good thing that this is Early Access and we've all volunteered to help test and enhance this work in progress... despite the frustrations inherent in the task with even the simplest of software... otherwise people might not understand that this incredibly complex unfinished module is unfinished. /light-hearted sarcasm

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Lol, maybe that is what I need to do. I can take off, fly around , land, very competently now in the Ka-50. I just have no clue how to navigate and use the weapons systems. I really want to learn this stuff, so I can load up some SP campaign flying, as that is what it is all about for me.

 

I will admit, I had previously started reading the manual but it seemed rather overwhelming. Heck I even ordered the printed manual back in the original Black Shark days when it was available.

 

I am trying to work my way through some of the built in training, but maybe a break and doing some reading might be the thing to do right now.

 

Thanks,

I got the KA wayyyy back when. I was very intimidated by the chopper an also DCS being my 1st ever flite sim. Over the years an with the rewards of learning the A-10C I applied some of that structure(later) towards the KA50 ie readin, watching tutorials, doing the training and practice,practice practice. I'm by no means an expert but I can fly the heli an somewhat fight it which is way better than the nooby sitting in the cockpit I was wandering"what have I gotten myself into" all those yrs ago. Way worth the time invested, an yes the heli is awesome in 1.5.


Edited by Call911
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