Multizoned Rocket Pods

[Eldur]

I remember back in the day of the last AH-64 sim made by MP (not sure if Jane's LB had it as well), it was possible to configure the rocket pods to carry different rocket types as they've been cut into 3 groups that supposedly are wired accordingly so you can select one of the groups directly. The first was the outermost "ring" (12 rockets, usually HE), the second were the upper and lower rows on the center (4 rockets, usually MPSM) and the third was the middle row in the center (3 rockets, usually Flechettes).

 

Now my questions are: Is this actually realistic and if so, will we see it in DCS?

[NeedzWD40]

2 hours ago, Eldur said:

Now my questions are: Is this actually realistic

 

Yes. The AH-64 retains the legacy AH-1S/E/F rocket zone system, which is 5 zones spread across all four stations. A and B are on stations 1 and 4 (the outer 12 and inner 4); C and D are on stations 2 and 3 (outer 12, inner 4), and E is spread across all four stations (the center 3). Each zone can have independent settings for warheads, configuration, etc.

[CallsignPunch]

+1

[Bedouin]

Yeah so nice, i read it also the other day in the public available manual that ED are using for making the Apache (assuming the same one). But a really cool feature  Too bad we won't see the APKWs and the Hellfire R9X.. but no problem, we are getting the Apache thats making me smile anyway all day

[flanker0ne]

[Stratos]

I used that feature in Microprose Gunship! it was a great option, and hope to see it in DCS.

[Mad Dog 762]

Why no APKWS?  It would be a natural for the Apache.  No mods to the airframe, just a different rocket.

[Raptor9]

1 hour ago, Mad Dog 762 said:

Why no APKWS?  It would be a natural for the Apache.  No mods to the airframe, just a different rocket.

 

The APKWS wasnt tested on the AH-64 until 2014, and fielded in 2015. NineLine said the DCS AH-64 is based on a 2002 manual.

 

If that's true, than the Apache version in DCS would pre-date 2012, since thats when a whole new manual came out to replace the 2002 dated manual. This would be several years prior to the fielding of the APKWS for the AH-64D, and therefore wouldn't be accurate.

 

However, like the Stinger, I'm sure this will still be something that causes a lot of forum requests for the APKWS.

Edited March 6, 2021 by Raptor9

[Mad_Shell]

13 hours ago, Raptor9 said:

 

The APKWS wasnt tested on the AH-64 until 2014, and fielded in 2015. NineLine said the DCS AH-64 is based on a 2002 manual.

 

If that's true, than the Apache version in DCS would pre-date 2012, since thats when a whole new manual came out to replace the 2002 dated manual. This would be several years prior to the fielding of the APKWS for the AH-64D, and therefore wouldn't be accurate.

 

However, like the Stinger, I'm sure this will still be something that causes a lot of forum requests for the APKWS.

 

 

The newest clues suggest that we're in fact getting a more recent Apache:

https://forums.eagle.ru/topic/97330-dcs-roadmap-unofficial-no-discussion-here/?do=findComment&comment=4585956

 

That explains why we get MPNVS and MTADS

Edited March 7, 2021 by Mad_Shell

[Northstar98]

Even so, it seems like it's a 2007 Apache, which still predates when it was fielded by not a whole lot less than a decade.

Edited March 7, 2021 by Northstar98

[DaemonPhobos]

As much as I would love for it to have APKWS II, it wasn't an authorized weapon until atleast post-2012, 100% sure.

In theory, the system is plug and play, and according to flashcards, they are loaded a 6PD type rockets up to a maximum of 16 rockets in order not to exceed the launcher weight limitations.

[DaemonPhobos]

Also, I realized that it's technically impossible for it to be a 2002 apache.

The reference material they are using has info for operating both block 1 and block 2 apaches.

The first mention of MTADS provisions are from change 4, dated 2005, which is the date when the arrowhead system was implemented.

So, minimum is 2005, but I still believe 2007-2008 due to CMWS.

At that date perhaps we get the ASPI upgrade

 

 

[mhe]

On 3/14/2021 at 7:33 PM, DaemonPhobos said:

At that date perhaps we get the ASPI upgrade

What is an ASPI if you don't mind me asking? I have a lot to learn on Apache systems. 

[DaemonPhobos]

It means Aircraft survivability product improvement, a fancy name for a redesigned engine exhaust kit.

(There are some other minor differences, but it's mostly external)

if I got it right, this exhaust deflects the air upwards towards the rotor blades, therefore dissipating the heat and improving the aircraft IR signature.

In DCS it would be mostly cosmetic since there is no way to know the exact performance of the "sugar scoops"

 

 

[vigilante87]

3 hours ago, DaemonPhobos said:

It means Aircraft survivability product improvement, a fancy name for a redesigned engine exhaust kit.

(There are some other minor differences, but it's mostly external)

if I got it right, this exhaust deflects the air upwards towards the rotor blades, therefore dissipating the heat and improving the aircraft IR signature.

In DCS it would be mostly cosmetic since there is no way to know the exact performance of the "sugar scoops"

 

 

In a nutshell it reduces your heat signature by redirecting exhaust. Its an IR deterrent. 
Without ASPI
With ASPI

Pictures were from a google search

Edit: quoted the wrong message. Was intended for @mhe

Edited March 16, 2021 by vigilante87

[mhe]

Thanks gents, I learned something today. 

[Meathawk]

Am 16.3.2021 um 23:24 schrieb vigilante87:

In a nutshell it reduces your heat signature by redirecting exhaust. Its an IR deterrent. 
Without ASPI
With ASPI
 

 

Is the Disco-Light-Anti-IR Standard?

[Raptor9]

3 hours ago, Meathawk said:

Is the Disco-Light-Anti-IR Standard?

 

It's usually a good assumption that when a piece of military hardware is no longer used, that equipment has either reached the end of its life expectancy, is no longer effective, has been replaced by a different system, or was too expensive to operate or maintain.  Or a combination of those factors.

The specific reasons why and when the ALQ-144 is or isn't used are classified, as are most things that clue in to any countermeasure system specifics and their use.

[DaemonPhobos]

hace 3 horas, Meathawk dijo:

Is the Disco-Light-Anti-IR Standard?

It's optional, however, it will most likely be modeled to some extent in DCS since it's just an ON /OFF system.

As every ASE system in the aircraft, the IR jammer can be reprogrammed with different jam programs by an ASE/EW officer to defeat different threats, therefore, it's actual effectiveness would always be estimated.

 

[1stBEAST]

we Multizoned rocket pods