Respect for the manual writer

[Pizzicato]

I just wanted to give a quick shout out to whoever wrote the manual for the AH-64. I feel as though a lot of the earlier ED manuals were incredibly dry and full of ultimately useless technical info that would be more useful to mechanics and engineers than aircrew. 

The AH-64 manual, on the other hand, is written in a way that's much more practical and digestible, and which takes the time to explain concepts in a way that's engaging and player-friendly versus reading like a technical manual. It feels as though they've taken some good cues from Chuck's Guides.

Appendix A which concisely articulates the various different flows for pretty much every major action you'd want to take in the cockpit is especially useful and appreciated.

So yeah... awesome work, whoever put this together.

Edited May 31, 2024 by Pizzicato

[Flying-Kane]

+1

One of the best manuals out there. A lot of good illustrations and descriptions!

Thank you!

[Raptor9]

We're glad you find the document useful. We are in the process of converting the F-16 manual to a similar format and depth.

2 hours ago, Pizzicato said:

 It feels as though they're taken some good cues from Chuck's Guides.

Chuck is a valuable resource within the DCS community and he sets a very high bar for conveying knowledge about DCS modules. The author of the DCS AH-64D EA Guide might be a fan. 

[Pizzicato]

Ha! Great job, Raptor.

I think the key difference between the older manuals and the Apache manual is that the old ones just used to focus on "Here's what the system is and here's what it does." The Apache manual does that too, but also adds "...and here's how you use it, here's why you use it, and these are the bits that are most important to pay attention to." That additional context and the "decluttering" of the information by focusing on the most practical stuff is hugely helpful.

[Devrim]

14 hours ago, Pizzicato said:

So yeah... awesome work, whoever put this together.

Honestly, I wasn't aware of that. I thought it was one of standard DCS manuals. I'll give a shot. I'm curious.

[corbu1]

+1

The AH-64D manual is a really helpful tool filled with lots of informations. The implemented links makes it a joy reading it!!!

[JetCat]

19 hours ago, Pizzicato said:

full of ultimately useless technical info that would be more useful to mechanics and engineers than aircrew. 

Awesome! Technical info! There is no "useless" technical info only "interesting" and "fascinating" technical info. I have replaced all loading screens and menu screens with Apache maintenance photos yesterday to honour it´s openable maintenance hatches. And since finding out yesterday that the T700 engine also has a centrifugal compressor plus axial ones, flying the Apache feels even better. As awesome as the PT-6 turbine.

Here is a great video about an Apache maintenance simulator:

 

[Antix70]

There is absolutely useless technical information when it's never going to be employed within the game. This is a FLIGHT simulation GAME, not Technical Service Bulletin simulator where you must inspect your aircraft before flight, submit paperwork to maintenance for needed repairs and problem corrections.

You can honor the wasted efforts of openable hatches that no one actually playing the game will use all you want. All of the rest of us will be awaiting a feature complete module that follows the roadmap that was promised.

[Hootman9104]

With a new module I actually have those guides open as I'm configuring my control settings and setting up my Voiceattack profile at the same time. By doing that, and testing / pausing in the aircraft as I go, I actually learn a lot about the systems as I'm going along, before I even try to go out and do missions. Otherwise, I don't think I'd have the time or patience to print it out and sit down and read the whole thing. Might make some good crapper reading material though, that's about the only time I do any reading nowadays

Edited June 9, 2024 by Hootman9104

[sahararover]

On 6/2/2024 at 1:26 AM, Antix70 said:

There is absolutely useless technical information when it's never going to be employed within the game. This is a FLIGHT simulation GAME, not Technical Service Bulletin simulator where you must inspect your aircraft before flight, submit paperwork to maintenance for needed repairs and problem corrections.

You can honor the wasted efforts of openable hatches that no one actually playing the game will use all you want. All of the rest of us will be awaiting a feature complete module that follows the roadmap that was promised.

While I understand your frustration because the manuals are not tailored to your personal preference I would also expect a higher tolerance to disappointment as an adult. I believe you’re an adult.

Now, talking on behalf of others that do appreciate the efforts put into detailing the models and manuals with technical details, I don’t understand.

I personally love and appreciate the technical side of the simulation, even if not directly implemented in the game.

Edited June 9, 2024 by sahararover
Spelling

[Antix70]

@sahararover The 64 manual is tailored for the game and the function of the aircraft just fine. Exactly as the original poster is pointing out. They did a good job on this manual, by not including a bunch of useless information not required in order to learn the module.

The internet is full of a bunch of information for the technically inclined to geek out on all they want. There's no use for it in the module's manual. And in some cases, too much information on technical items can get a company in trouble due to laws against reprinting and redistributing that information in places it should not be shared. Just because you can find it on the internet does not give you permission to share it, or find it in a GAME manual.