Flying the KA-50in DCS 1.5

[Lucid Nightmare]

I would have to completely disagree. ABRIS is one of the most if not the most useful piece of equipment in the KA50. People just don't bother with it, because they don't want to spend the hours upon hours that it takes to learn its features.

 

Reaper6

Would you be able to list some of these uses?

 

Just curious, as I am one of those people that hasn't bothered to study the ABRIS in much depth, because I figured it was just a moving map.

[Reaper6]

Would you be able to list some of these uses?

 

Just curious, as I am one of those people that hasn't bothered to study the ABRIS in much depth, because I figured it was just a moving map.

 

Well just to name a few...

*Entering multiple flight plans/ and switching between them

*VNAV features

*editing flight characteristics for digital HSI such as predetermined altitude and speed.

* searching for anything on the map by name(airports, NDB, towns etc etc).

*Converting coordinates for use with PVI( TGT points, FIX points, IP etc)

*searching engagement distances, or attack positions(ERBL)

*Using the digital HSI for navigation in poor weather conditions(if you input the info).

*search Satellite signals for ANY position on the map, useful in bad weather conditions.

*Knowing how much fuel you will have at a certain waypoint.

 

There really is too many to list. When I use to give instruction on the ABRIS it would last up to 2 months, 2 times a week for an hour each. It's not the easiest system to learn, but for me the most useful.

 

Reaper6

[StrongHarm]

From an old post:

 

Rather than using the ERBL, I like to insert a new waypoint or map point into the ABRIS as a reference. At first this took much longer than doing a quick ERBL or INFO, but now I'm so used to it that it takes no time. Plus you get perm intel on the map point like coords, time and bearing to target, elevation, range, etc. Take note that if you create a map point in the ABRIS, then translate it to a PVI NAV/TGT, when you select that NAV/TGT and uncage your shkval (turn on TV) your tracking cursor on your targeting system automatically moves to that NAV/TGT.

 

A practical use of this would be something I experienced yesterday. There was a SAM site equipped with a radar truck, so he was able to track, target, and eliminate me very quickly. I was able to identify the origin of the missile trail coming from a bend in the road before I ejected. Once I got in a new bird I pulled up my ABRIS and found that bend in the road on the map. I plotted course waypoints (manual p231) into the ABRIS that would take me 5km from the SAM site, but behind a mountain. I marked the SAM site on the ABRIS as an INFO type map point named 'SAM' (man p253). I saved the ABRIS info and made it active. I then pulled up the info point named 'SAM' and translated the coords into the PVI (man p319). I followed my ABRIS waypoints to the ingress area behind the mountain, initiated a hover, activated NAV/TGT 2, uncaged my Shkval, and as soon as I crested the mountain I was viewing the SAM site zoomed in on my targeting system. I was able to get a lock and release within seconds.

[Tumbleweed]

I would have to completely disagree. ABRIS is one of the most if not the most useful piece of equipment in the KA50. People just don't bother with it, because they don't want to spend the hours upon hours that it takes to learn its features.

 

Reaper6

 

+1

 

The ABRIS quite frankly scared the bejesus out of me at first. It looks so complicated. But now I've taken the time and trouble to learn about it and watch videos on how to use it I can't imagine how I managed without it before.

 

One of the most useful features I've found is where you can use the data link to plot out all the enemy positions. That alone is invaluable and allows for better planning and executions of tactics.

 

This video helped me a lot. The trick is not to try to learn everything at once. Pick a feature and learn it. Then move on to the next.

 

 

 

 

:thumbup:

[dburne]

Thanks for the tips guys, and the video Tumbleweed!

 

Ok so I am convinced I need to study up and learn more about the ABRIS and it's functions. Have been reading the manual and watching some of the producer note videos as well.

 

Going to keep at it, I am determined to get more familiar and comfortable with the systems and eventually get to where I can do some good campaign flying, and who knows maybe even build some of my own missions and campaigns someday.

 

I really appreciate all the help!

[dburne]

Well I have successfully made it through all the training missions now. Really enjoyed that last one learning about the PVI-800 and assigning targets to wingmen through the data link. I will probably do that one at least a couple more times to make sure I am familiar with all the switches to throw initially.

 

I will also need to do the advanced ABRIS training a few more times to get more of my head wrapped around it, certainly the most complex of the training missions I think. Still reading up on the manual in my off time as well.

 

I can smell some single player campaign flying maybe in the not so distant future now. Just want to be as prepared as I can be. Also look forward to someday dabbling in the mission builder as well...

[Fri13]

I watched videos from Frooglesim and Dslyecxi and I couldn't have done it without them. I'm very decent at flying the KA-50 now. After watching those video the two things that helped me most was learning that the autopilot wants to hold heading and screws you up so fly without AP when you can.

 

Do not disable AP channels other than Altitude Hold, the autopilot channels are not there fighting against you but really helping. Just use the trim. When you want to do a maneuver, press and hold trim until you are in attitude you want and then release it. AP will keep you going that way.

 

And if AP has different modes for attitude, like if you enable route following, it will fight against you, but you asked so. As well if you enable heading to Shkval targeting gate direction, it will fight you. But if you keep the attitude mode on, it will keep the angle you chose when trimmed.

You literally can fly hands off HOTAS then.

 

The second thing was everyone claims (even in the manual) that the KA-50 isn't affected by rotor blade torque because of its twin opposite rotors and you don't need the rudder to keep it straight. Completely untrue, you do need to use the rudder to keep it straight while in a hover and at speed.

 

No you don't if you know how to trim in the first place and you definitely need to use rudders if you fly without AP as everything affects to your flight profile from drag to your own input. The contra-rotating design really keeps the helicopter steadyan doesn't require anti-torque rotor like corrections, but if you let KA-50 get the inertial, it will go around because that, not because rotors would cause it, as those cancels each other out.

 

Example with UH-1 or Mi-8 the anti-torque rotor is there keeping you not rotating around but you need to control its blades angle of attack by pedals depending the speed and hover.

 

 

You can even easily hover without AP but if you have wind or any slight inertia to something, your aircraft will start going like bowling ball that gets little speed by external force....

[dburne]

I find the best way for me is to always fly with those three autopilot channels on ( altitude hold off), and make good use of the trim by holding it in whilst making my turns.

 

I have tried other ways, but always come back to this way. It just seems to work best for me. I have the trim programmed to the pinky button on my Warthog, it has become almost second nature to me now to use it.

 

I could see maybe in the future, as I continue to learn and get to where I can do actual combat, maybe at times in the heat of things making use of the FD button for quick maneuvering.

[StrongHarm]

There's no good reason to retrim 3 axis when all you want to do is change heading. Turn off heading AP, make your heading change, then turn it back on and you'll hold that heading. A lot of people will argue with me about that, but those same people have probably never tried the method. Turning off heading AP will not destabilize the bird... but holding trim to simply change heading takes a lot more effort. To be clear though, if I have to change heading AND speed simultaneously I'll use trim.

 

Try it.. you might be surprised.

 

DISCLAIMER: I'm not going to argue this point.. I've done it in two other threads and it's exhausting. Try it or don't... but I hope you do and I hope you find value in a new and better procedure.

[dburne]

Well I thought I would update this thread, just for anyone that may have been interested in my progress. I started this venture around 6 weeks ago, and after much reading, flying some training missions, much more reading, and much more flying training missions, along with playing around at the shooting range, I have now got to where I am actually flying some single missions.

 

I have been working mainly on the convoy hunt mission , and getting better at it. Have been successfully flying, scanning, saving data link targets and sending them to my wingman, having him blow some stuff up while I go off and blow some stuff up as well. Have been having a blast.

 

Now I still got a ways to go, I am cheating a little and playing with icons on for now and invulnerable, but am getting better and pretty soon should be disabling those as well. Last couple of times I have flown the mission I got through without a scratch, though certainly had some close calls.

I have even managed to fly back to my base, refuel and re-arm, and rejoin the fight.

 

I am getting there and it feels good to finally be able to fly some combat. Hope to be doing some campaign flying soon.

[Yurgon]

I am getting there and it feels good to finally be able to fly some combat. Hope to be doing some campaign flying soon.

 

Congrats on your progress. :)

 

Personally, at some point pretty close to where you are now, I decided that I would give the campaigns a go, and I think it was a good decision. I wasn't quite ready for it yet, especially as the Georgian Oil War campaign starts with some pretty tough missions (at the time, that was the only campaign), but going through the challenge helped me gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the KA-50 and its awesome systems. :thumbup:

 

For now, I'd surely recommend the Deployment campaign, which has great immersion and starts relatively simple, with an increasing challenge-curve. Some of the later missions are pretty hard, but overall it's a great campaign for newcomers and veteran pilots alike.

 

I never finished the Medvedev II campaign but as I recall it, it's pretty well done, though the insane wind speeds make some missions quite the challenge as well.

 

In any case, good luck with whatever path you choose. :smilewink:

[DieHard]

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.

 

(re: Message #1)

 

I taught myself about 80% competent, took me about a year flying everyday, mostly in various MP server missions. That was 4 years ago.

 

Then I met Cooper with the old Savage S-77th squad, now renamed:

========================

http://www.maddog-simulations.com/

 

Mad-Dog (Devilman) has probably the best custom online missions for the Ka-50 currently.

 

 

Another guy that is very good is Ajax with the 159th squad:

============================

http://www.159thgar.com/forums/index.php

 

Both these guys fly the Ka-50 exclusively.

 

Too bad Tyger's 74th squad is no more, he had great custom made MP missions for the Ka-50.

 

Come online in MP and join in.

 

In 2011 I found the Ka-50 hardcopy manual published in 2009 on Amazon.com and bought it. The cockpit then was Russian. The manual is English text with the Russian language instrument descriptions before the English cockpit came out. Just identifying what each switch and control did was a bear to learn. Now I have it mostly memorized, but not in Russian. Thankfully I don't need to think in Russian to fly this thing via Clint Eastwood's airdale movie.

 

The hardest thing for me to learn was forget about the autopilot and learn to fly this thing in Flight Director mode, freehand, go where you want. Then learn to fly it without the 3-amigos push-buttons engaged like what happens with extreme damage and rtb to get repaired, refuelled and rearmed.

Edited November 17, 2015 by DieHard

[Swordfish]

I find the best way for me is to always fly with those three autopilot channels on ( altitude hold off), and make good use of the trim by holding it in whilst making my turns.

 

I have tried other ways, but always come back to this way. It just seems to work best for me. I have the trim programmed to the pinky button on my Warthog, it has become almost second nature to me now to use it.

 

I could see maybe in the future, as I continue to learn and get to where I can do actual combat, maybe at times in the heat of things making use of the FD button for quick maneuvering.

 

I also fly with Heading off, makes change flight profile very easy

[dburne]

Congrats on your progress. :)

 

For now, I'd surely recommend the Deployment campaign, which has great immersion and starts relatively simple, with an increasing challenge-curve.

In any case, good luck with whatever path you choose. :smilewink:

 

Thanks Yurgon, I appreciate it!

 

Yes I am going to try the deployment campaign first, really looking forward to giving it a go.

[dburne]

(re: Message #1)

 

Come online in MP and join in.

 

I may eventually do that, want to get some more time under my belt first. I have purchased my first headset, so at least do have a mic now.

 

In 2011 I found the Ka-50 hardcopy manual published in 2009 on Amazon.com and bought it. The cockpit then was Russian. The manual is English text with the Russian language instrument descriptions before the English cockpit came out.

 

Yes I purchased the same manual some time ago and keep it here on my desk, I read and reference to it fairly often now. I had given the Blackshark a quick go way back when it was just BS1 stand alone, got frustrated and gave up on it. Glad I finally came back to truly learning it.

 

Thanks for the tips!

[SnowTiger]

I loved both Jane's Longbow 1 and 2.

Me and an online friend from the USA flew MANY 18 hour days over the course of about 1.5 years.

I still have the install disk(s) and Manuals and the parts to construct a Windows 95 PC. I have mulled this idea over MANY times .... I continue to procrastinate ! But the dream is still fresh !

[dburne]

Oh yes, I had both Longbow 1 and 2 as well, that is where my love of helicopter began.