ED says no, I just said yes, testing the mod, for APKWS!

[TEDUCK]

APKWS is laser guided missile or rocket (it's sort of both, because it is based on hydra rockets). The advantage of that solution is that any aircraft able to fire hydra rockets may technically be retrofitted to fire APKWS. AH-64E is able to fire APKWS natively.

AH-64E block II that we have in DCS is not orignally equipped with APKWS, those missiles/rockets were not available when block II was introduced to the service. So it is lacking any features to properly define APKWS to the fire control system. This is however not so much of a problem, because APKWS is guided, so there is no need for a very precise ballistic solution. Seems like APKWS from my mod have to be fired in ground stow mode, forcing the launchers to aim straight ahead, instead of being elevated down.

There is no provision for laser code selection, 1688 is the default code for modded APKWS, IRL laser code may be set by the ground crew, but I don't know how to add the tab in the AH-64D kneeboard to set the laser code for APKWS.

Adding rockets to the Apache seems like not very straightforward process, so to do this quick I had to replace some existing configuration. I have decided to replace the combination of HE and illumination rockets. This is because I never use that combination, and also because I can have both MPP and HE APKWS variants loaded at the single launcher using the famous AH-64D rockets zone feature (allowing to select which one I want to fire mid flight).

Effects aren't bad. With proper launching technique, from correct altitude and with correct pitch, I am able to score >4 KM direct hits on enemy vehicles.

Keep in mind that this is quick and dirty APKWS mod, it requires changing of the weapon definitions in DCS so it will break MP compatibility, after more testing I am planning to release it.

EDIT: More testing. That's a fracking tunguska, at 9.6 clicks range, no way APKWS can make it, right?
Actually it made it! Altitude of above 3000 ft, tell you'r George to slide back in H-B mode (to get that extra superelevation), fire APKWS, wait about 10-12 seconds before lasing, watch it burn!
 

Edited June 4, 2024 by TEDUCK

[TEDUCK]

 

[Cydrych]

Props for trying it but are you aware of this?

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3334586/

[Gotchi]

Can you please share this mod with us? 

 

One that is mentioned by Cydrych: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3334586/ - is outdated

[TEDUCK]

Here you go.
Drop the file to CoreMods\aircraft\AircraftWeaponPack in the main DCS folder (not the saved games one). Remember to make backup of the orignal file, because this mod breaks MP compatibility.

Seems like it is no longer needed to always use ground stow mode for the launchers. I have adapted the mod to work with yesterday's update.

Mod features:
-Single player only.
-APKWS uses default laser code 1688.
-Both MPP and HE variants of APKWS available.
-Multiple possible payloads (4 variants, 2 for outer and 2 for inner launchers).
-Replaces least used configurations (the ones with smoke and illumination rockets combined with HE).
-Ability to switch between HE and MPP APKWS mid flight (using rocket zones).

My mod is not based on the one mentioned by Cydrych. It is made from ground up.

rockets.lua

Edited June 6, 2024 by TEDUCK

[Gotchi]

Great work! 

 

You should consinder uploading this as a user file in the download section: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/

This way many people will apperciate your work, as not many read these forum caves

[TEDUCK]

I have uploaded the mod, except that it is awaiting approval. Not sure if ED gonna allow for this to be approved

[CHSubZero]

Nice mod

Just one not-mod question related: which mod are you using to show the displays on the right side?

[TEDUCK]

It is not a mod. I am using viewports to export displays, then I overlay Helios on top of that for clickable touchscreen buttons.
Here Helios is not visible due to the way DCS handles screenshots. DCS by default allows exporting left and right MFD, when modded it allows to export virtually all displays in cockpit.
I am using just the MFD export, which requires no mods, just alternate screen configuration file that doesn't breaks any of the multiplayer checks. It is autogenerated by Helios.

Regarding APKWS mod, In the meantime ED have finally approved it in user files: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3338358/

Edited June 7, 2024 by TEDUCK

[EchoOneOne]

Mount it on F-16

[Avimimus]

So... how about the CRV-7 next?

[Jax_Lam]

Would there be a way to port this mod to the F/A-18 by replacing a similarly uncommon rocket type?

[Kurdes]

Please please please, can somebody port this mod to the F16?

Would pay a large coffee if someone is able to...