BS at night

[krafen73]

What are the real capabilities of the BS at night?

Can you find out, point the sensors and destroy objects at dark?

[Stretch]

With the use of NVGs the Black Shark can still be a formidable weapons platform. The main limitation is the Shkval, which of course is a daytime-only targeting camera. However, the Shkval is not an Achilles heel, and I assume trained Ka-50 pilots can use their eyes and their allies to locate and destroy targets even at night.

[STP Dragon]

How-to Operation Umbrella [ENGLISH]

 

You start the mission in complete darkness!

Your first challenge therefore is to find the switches for batteries and cockpit-lights.

Depending on the contrast-settings of your display, this can be quite difficult.

Therefore the necessary hotkeys to activate them via keyboard will be in the mission-briefing as well as they are shown right after the mission starts.

Battery 2x [L.Ctrl - L.Shift - E]

Cockpit - lights [R.Shift - K]

 

After that you should be able to see the switches you need and can start up your Ka-50 normally.

As soon as you are ready for takeoff you should adjust your instruments and displays for the night mission.

 

- Activate the NVG and increase brightness as much as possible. You can do that by turning the knob directly behind the cyclic.

 

- Deactivate the cockpit- and instrument-lighting, so you can see them with your NVG.

Once that's done the HUD will also be clearer, as there are no longer reflections from any in cockpit lighting.

 

- Switch the HUD to Night-setting or tune down brightness until the remaining greenish reflections on the HUD are gone as well.

- You also have to tune down the brightness of the ABRIS with the tuning knob at the lower left of the ABRIS.

After adjusting this setting, you should be able to read the ABRIS with your NVG.

 

- Activate the Shkval and look at the landscape around.

Adjust the contrast to achieve a setting that allows you to see as good as possible.

The right turning knob behind the cyclic can be used for that.

 

After these adjustments you should be able to see the surrounding terrain as well as the cockpit instruments.

You should also be able to detect and ID your enemies.

 

You've got S-8OM Illumination-rockets attached to your pylons.

They can light an area of 4-5 Km.

You have to fire them 20 degrees upwards into the night sky.

It will then travel for about 6-7 Km, deflate a chute and sink slowly to ground.

 

Be advised, though, that you have to deactivate your NVG before utilizing the S-8OM,

because their light is so bright, it will blind your NVG and you won't be able to see anything, especially through your Shkval.

If you deactivate your NVG though, the cockpit will be dark again.

So be sure to switch on cockpit lighting again.

 

Over the battlefield, it's advisable to switch between both settings according to the situation.

If it's dark all around, switch lighting off and NVG on.

If an S-8OM has been deployed, switch NVG off and cockpit lighting on.

 

Okay, let's start with the mission description.

Once you managed startup and take off, you can fly towards the target area.

You should stay low over the treetops, so the enemy radar won't be able to get a lock on you.

Just before you reach the Umbrella-Radar-stations you'll see a ridge where you can take cover.

From this position you can slowly pop-up and scan the area.

Move your cursor directly on the marker on the ABRIS.

This way you should quickly find the targets.

It's advisable to first destroy the three Strelas and three Shiklas.

You primary target of course is the large antenna as well as both S-300 radar-installations.

Note: You can't lock up targets in completely darkness (TA).

You have to manually lead the Vikhrs to the target by decreasing the size of the target-box as much as possible

and keeping them manually on the target until impact.

 

Once you destroyed the radar-installation and all three of the Umbrella-installation and it's defense, you can advance cautiously.

Illuminate the area behind the radar-installations.

There's a restricted area, so keep your eyes open for checkpoints.

Additionally, 20 Shilkas are scattered over the area, 5-7 are triggered randomly.

 

If you don't find any more enemies, you can decide to make a quick high-speed pass.

If there are enemies remaining, their tracers will be easily visible in the darkness.

 

Inside the restricted area with the checkpoints you'll also see an enemy camp with tents that will have some surprises for you.

Once you cleared your way through, you're almost at the main target.

The base should be already in range of your illumination-rockets.

Stay alert - there are three Strelas located in the area that will engage you from distances up to 6 Km.

 

Your top priority is the T-80 tank division, nicely lined up targets, but you will need a lot of Vikhrs, so you shouldn't just waste them.

Once all T-80 have been destroyed, your mission is accomplished.

[krafen73]

Ok, thank you, I will try,

[Xxx]

You could also have a look at the u Tube film here:-

 

http://youtu.be/lUHNKaQPp2I

 

:thumbup:

[krafen73]

Ok, thank you.

I tried, but I was unable to find any target in the darkness.

The illuminating rokets of the Ka50 are pretty useless, couse their short duration, but maybe with some training I will be able to use them better.

I saw that the best option is to have a trigger with the illuminating bombs, dropped from 1000m, they can hold illuminating for about two minutes, multiple drops can hold more, and I can search and destroy this way.

 

I didnt saw all the video, just only half (10 minutes) and I saw he used dropped illuminating bomb too. I'm fascinated about night flight, but for this the Kamov needs some help from the outside, it is possible to do, anyway. If she had the mercury pod like the Su-25T.... it would be another story....

 

Thank you very mutch

Edited April 12, 2011 by krafen73

[Xxx]

The U tibe mission was scripted with the "package" that included SU25's dropping the "illumination "bombs". Just set a trigger when your Ka 50's enter the area. ( Its like you would call them in, if BS had the facility!)

 

The mission editor allows you to simulate that RW feature! When they drop the illuminators be ready with the off switch on you NVG, or you will be blinded!

 

Its possible, if you set up your cockpit properly, to fly it in darkness. The NVG ( with JuJuMans, NVG mod) is a good tool. More challenging without the air support, but possible. Set the contrast as described in the previous posts.

 

Oh and darken your sim pit:thumbup: I too like the challenge of night missions, in a non-FLIR attack helo!

 

Have fun.

[krafen73]

I have some more questions:

 

1)After some tryes, I feel more confortable flying instrumental without NVG (for takeoff, landings and taxi the landing light is very good). This let me the option to use the HMS to point the Shkval when illuminating bombs come into play. I cant see far away targets anyway with the NVG. I use the "cockpit full lights" (the CKPT LT switch to the left back panel). This cocpit light make me more visible for the enemy? (just like exterior lights)

 

2) For realistic mission build, the illuminating bombs, in RW, are only available to aircrafts or even artillery can fire them?

[Xxx]

I have some more questions:

 

1)After some tryes, I feel more confortable flying instrumental without NVG (for takeoff, landings and taxi the landing light is very good). This let me the option to use the HMS to point the Shkvalwhen illuminating bombs come into play. I cant see far away targets anyway with the NVG. I use the "cockpit full lights" (the CKPT LT switch to the left back panel). This cocpit light make me more visible for the enemy? (just like exterior lights)

 

2) For realistic mission build, the illuminating bombs, in RW, are only available to aircrafts or even artillery can fire them?

 

You are brave flying at night without NVG! Without the flare/bombs for illumination you only have the stars;)!

 

Have you set the Night Vision Cockpit Lighting ( RSHIFT + K) on the right lighting panel?

 

 

"When using night vision goggles (NVG), it is best to use this setting to provide reduced illumination compared to the general cockpit lighting panel. You may further wish to adjust the brightness of the NVGs to maximize cockpit clarity. Night vision brightness adjustment is done with the "ЯРКОСТЬ ПОДСВЕТА ПРИБОРЫ" (Brightness instruments) knob on the lower part of the control panel. "

 

With no other "air package" available, I would just carry the S80's and the Vikhr, your gun is very good at night also!!

 

 

"The S-8O and S-8OM are used for illumination of the target area. On impact they emit 2 million candles of visible light for 35 seconds."

 

Ingress target area slowly, acquire all targets with the Shkval and NVG, put them into your ABRIS, then designate your wingman to attack them as groups. Finally, launch your S80's and deliver your attack. When you have taken out the AA threats, clear out the area with guns and your wingman!:D:thumbup: