Finally someone does the AH-64 again.

[oscar19681]

Just wanted to say I’m thrilled they will

finally do a AH-64 Sim again. After the  Janes AH-64, Gunship and Apache Longbow titles there wasn’t anyone making an Apache sim again. There was a sim called Combat helo which features the Apache, but this project got cancelled for the second time. So I’m Really happy to find out DCS finally went to develop the Apache for an Allready excellent platform. 

Edited January 26, 2021 by oscar19681

[Fri13]

It is painful to think Apache in full fidelity capability, compared to all those others that had simplified controls.

 

One does just need to look at the Co-pilot controls for targeting and weapons, and it is clear that one can't just bind any HOTAS combo for it.

 

How one develops it is small miracle.

[J.C.Wolf]

Apache Longbow brings back nice memories to my youth. Most of all the Gold version where you could fly Kiowa and Black Hawk, too. I'm absolutely thrilled that we're getting AH-64 and OH-58 this year.

[vigilante87]

19 minutes ago, J.C.Wolf said:

Apache Longbow brings back nice memories to my youth. Most of all the Gold version where you could fly Kiowa and Black Hawk, too. I'm absolutely thrilled that we're getting AH-64 and OH-58 this year.

Yeah! My first sim was Janes Longbow 2. To have two of the three aircraft coming to DCS is a dream come true! 

[dburne]

4 hours ago, vigilante87 said:

Yeah! My first sim was Janes Longbow 2. To have two of the three aircraft coming to DCS is a dream come true! 

 

I had the original Janes Longbow which was DOS version.

[Eldur]

Actually it was LB 2 with the 3 choppers, Gold only had the Longbow, but added the second campaign and some more in depth systems to the thing. I do have Gold installed in my DOSBox (which is why it's better than 2 today - it simply does run) and have been flying it within the last week since I wanted to revisit it. Makes me looking forward to the DCS module even more so now. Especially in VR it will be a blast, also having two guys in the same thing in MP... but also simply being able to use a HOTAS

[Rogue Trooper]

It is going to be weird sitting in the SIM pit of an Apache again.... especially in VR.... What a leap from where I started with Microsoft gunship!

Sitting in a pit that will be thoroughly modelled and 3 dimensional, with its vast glazing. It will be amazing.

I have to admit that I feel a little intimidated by the thought of such a massive technological leap in DCS choppers. It will require a total understanding of a very complex weapon.....

 

I think we need the manual now.

Edited January 30, 2021 by Rogue Trooper

[VpR81]

13 hours ago, Rogue Trooper said:

What a leap from where I started with Microsoft gunship!

Actually, Gunship! is from Microprose, not Microsoft

[Ratfink]

I'm very excited about DCS AH-64D, had always hoped to see this one day! I started my helo sim life with Apache-Havoc, Comanche-Hokum, Gunship! and enjoyed them all. Can't wait to experience the AH-64 in VR just to look around the pit and aim the chain gun!

[Robi Hobby]

The Apache Helicopter has fascinated me for a long time. In 1985 I started with Gunship on the Commodore C-64, and continued with the Amiga and Gunship from Microprose. 1994 was my first year with the PC 486 66Mhz 4MB. 1995 I worked in a Computer Shop and there I assembled Computers. With Jane´s Longbow & Longbow II, Apache Teams ... I bought everything an Apache was available as a Helicopter. I stayed with Jane's Longbow II for a long time and hoped that there would be a Tree patch. Then I was curious about Compat Helo (2011) Unfortunately nothing came of it. On YouTube I wrote comments that ED was developing it together with Richard from Combat Helo on the Apache Project. I am now happy that there are no more rumors and that in a few years I can fly the Apache Longbow in VR.
Apache will be my primary module!  

Edited February 2, 2021 by Robi Hobby

[Sinclair_76]

9 hours ago, Robi Hobby said:

The Apache Helicopter has fascinated me for a long time. In 1985 I started with Gunship on the Commodore C-64, and continued with the Amiga and Gunship from Microprose. 1994 was my first year with the PC 486 66Mhz 4MB. 1995 I worked in a Computer Shop and there I assembled Computers. With Jane´s Longbow & Longbow II, Apache Teams ... I bought everything an Apache was available as a Helicopter. I stayed with Jane's Longbow II for a long time and hoped that there would be a Tree patch. Then I was curious about Compat Helo (2011) Unfortunately nothing came of it. On YouTube I wrote comments that ED was developing it together with Richard from Combat Helo on the Apache Project. I am now happy that there are no more rumors and that in a few years I can fly the Apache Longbow in VR.
Apache will be my primary module!  

 

Wow talk about a flash form the past. I was lucky to fly with Richard in his online group in 1998. Can you confirm he's involved with this project? That would be awesome.

Edited February 2, 2021 by Sinclair_76

[Robi Hobby]

On the Combat Helo website, which no longer exists, the status development step was commented on by a " Richard " 
I just wrote on YT at ED that it would definitely make sense to work together on an Apache simulator. So ED wouldn't have to start from scratch. It was already clear to everyone that Combat Helo was nothing more. Some comments at Combat Helo had advised Richard to pass the project on to ED in order to revive it as a new module.

[Vantskruv]

@Robi Hobby Do not forget about Digital Integrations Apache Longbow, still the music, the feel, the sounds is imprinted in my central nervous-system. 

 

Edited February 3, 2021 by Vantskruv

[Robi Hobby]

Yes what were great times in the 90s. But now let's look ahead and see what ED is doing with the new Apache Longbow Module. I'm looking forward to it. 

[Sinclair_76]

If we're playing this game...

 

Edited February 3, 2021 by Sinclair_76

[DHesquire]

Team Apache was legendary!  Shoutout too for the 'Enemy Engaged' series of 'Apache/Havoc' and 'Comanche/Hokum'.  Still got the discs 

 

...speaking of Havoc...

 

...hmm, actually nah, I don't think Mi-28 or Ka-52 will make it into DCS now if we can't even get Black Shark 3 

[Robi Hobby]

Don't forget, there will never be such Packaging / Box again. @ Sinclair_76 Atari ST Wow     was that 1986?

I still have the bill from the Simulator. e.g. Jane's Longbow II bought in Media Markt in 1997 for 85,00 DM  German Marks.

[Doolz]

Ah the memories! I remember playing longbow online with my Dad. You had to type in their phone number and it would dial them directly - God forbid anyone would pick up the phone and lose connection mid game!

[jimcarrel]

Remember the "Magic" of going into a game store and seeing a new MICROPROSE title?! Janes Longbow, loved escorting tanks, providing cover in the Apache.

Edited February 3, 2021 by jimcarrel

[Sinclair_76]

3 hours ago, Robi Hobby said:

was that 1986

1988 or maybe early 1989. I was a huge fan of microprose.

[Eldur]

You simply can't drop all the old sim memories without having listened to this again:

 

 

I really hope c0ff will bring us a menu soundtrack with a similar vibe. That piece is a legend.

[Raptor9]

21 hours ago, Vantskruv said:

Do not forget about Digital Integrations Apache Longbow, still the music, the feel, the sounds is imprinted in my central nervous-system. 

 

You took me straight back to my teenage years; can't tell you how many hours I had that music playing between missions.  DI's Apache game was awesome, I still maintain a DOSBox install just for this game, Hind, and iF-16.  What a great era for flight sims.  "Alpha 95, clear for takeoff." "Comrade, Hind leader is clear to take off."

 

This is why I can't wait until we have Cyprus added on to the Syria map, coupled with the AH-64D module.  I can only hope we get a Yemen map some time in the future so I can fly off the Tarawa.  Man, the memories.

[M1Combat]

Thanks folks :).  Great thread.

 

That vid with the longbow sound track a couple posts up...

 

Super nice.

 

Yeah c0ff...  Do it up friend :).  Just like that :).

[CheckGear]

On 2/3/2021 at 1:24 AM, Robi Hobby said:

Yes what were great times in the 90s. But now let's look ahead and see what ED is doing with the new Apache Longbow Module. I'm looking forward to it. 

 

Team Apache was such an underrated game! It sacrificed realism for the managerial side of the game, which is what its appeal was. I loved dealing with the crew and ordering ice cream to boost their morale, at the expense of delaying spare parts and ordnance.

[Vantskruv]

I think I never played Janes Longbow 1 (I do not remember), but Janes Longbow 2 is also imprinted in my body as DI:s Apache. The soundtrack is amazing here aswell (credits end of video)!
It would be really cool if the campaign code, or missions, would be replicated in DCS. From sights and overview it looks amazing strategically and tactically.
In this video though, the player is flying a recon mission with the Kiowa, with an AH64D wingman, not too exiting though, just a long preview. 

 

Edited February 5, 2021 by Vantskruv