BeachAV8R Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 For our second mission in the Vergeev Campaign we are tasked with a unique dual-sortie mission. For the first mission we will takeoff, form up with a flight leader, and fly a familiarization patrol along the border with Georgia. Once that patrol is completed, we will return to base, refuel, then a second flight lead will take us up the valley to the north of Sochi-Adler airbase toward Krasnaya-Poliana. The early morning ramp is misty and dark as the sun is just starting to rise in the eastern sky. It still takes a bit of time for me to get the Ka-50 up and operating as I search for switches and verify the operation of systems. Fortunately, the flight lead will not commence the mission until I lift off. I immediately notice that neither the ABRIS or PVI-800 are preloaded with the mission waypoints which means I'll have to be extremely careful to keep the flight lead in sight at all times. I won't be able to fall back on my ABRIS moving map and operating so close to the Georgian border will require extra vigilance. Meanwhile other flights arrive and depart... Once I'm up and running I takeoff and hover at midfield and wait for my flight lead to commence the route. Flying formation in helicopters can be particularly challenging - definitely a hands on experience at all times. My flight lead is in an Mi-28 "Havoc". As we approach the border to the east I anxiously await the turn. I keep stealing glances at my ABRIS hoping the flight lead doesn't make a mistake. The summary text messages are only outlines of the much more descriptive voice communications coming from the flight lead. He points out checkpoints, interesting facts, local operational history, and tips. The recorded voice communications both to and from our helicopter is very well done. We reach the border and, as briefed, the flight lead turns northbound to parallel the border. As we pass the border outposts they check in and report seeing us or hearing us overflying. Flying formation with the AI Mi-28 is a challenging and fairly fatiguing. The AI is flying moderate nap-of-earth which results in fluctuations of speed, pitch, and altitude. Constant control inputs are required. Fortunately you can trim the Ka-50 for the proper speed (approximately 150 kph) and then make deflections of the controls until the lead settles down and then you are already in the proper trimmed state. After a few more waypoints we reach the termination of our flight along the border and turn back to base. As we approach the base my flight lead releases me and I know from the briefing to proceed back to my parking area on the ramp to refuel in anticipation of the next sortie. I land and request fuel - where I discover a bit of an incompatibility with DCS World. It seems that DCS World uses a different system for assigning airbases to friendly/enemy/neutral. When I check my F10 map, I can see that Sochi-Adler is defined as "neutral", which is (I think) the reason that I cannot get refueled. As time passes I wonder how to proceed to the next phase. I glance nervously at my fuel gauge wondering if I will have enough fuel remaining for the second sortie. I takeoff and hover, waiting for a signal that the second sortie has begun. My patience pays off and the second sortie begins after the first flight lead has taxied in and shutdown. Presumably this is to allow you enough time to take on fuel if that was working. I once again form up with a second Mi-28 and we head north-northeast toward the valley leading to Krasnaya-Poliana. I keep checking my fuel level throughout the flight, wondering how close it will be. As we proceed up the valley the new flight lead gives continuous updates of the operational history of the valley. The road is frequently used by supply convoys and it seems that the valley is frequently targeted for attacks. We pass a couple supply convoys on the way up the valley. The flying on this second sortie is MUCH more easy than on the first since the flight route is at a higher altitude and requires a lot less maneuvering up and down. For much of the flight I'm able to trim out the helo for 150 knots and make small adjustments with rudder and power alone, giving my cyclic shoulder a well needed break. The tension in my neck reminds me that helo flying is so much more different than fixed wing flying. Enroute we pass the burnt out wreckage of a convoy that had been attacked a few days prior. The flight lead gives a rolling narrative about the dangers of the valley. Cont..
BeachAV8R Posted March 25, 2013 Author Posted March 25, 2013 As we approach the turn-around point I keep a close eye on the fuel burn. I'm starting to feel confident that I'll have enough fuel to return to base provided we don't have any diversions. The glare heading up the valley is tremendous, almost making me want to squint! We need a sunglasses mod! Our two-ship team reaches the turn around point near the head of the valley. As we head back down the valley I keep my flight lead in sight. After all of the talk of attacks and ambushes I'm on high alert that at any moment an RPG will come zipping across my line of sight. The flight down the valley goes without difficulty though and soon the flight lead sends me off to land with some encouraging words and welcoming me to the squadron. I fly to my parking area and land, relieved that the mission unfolded without any serious problems. The fuel problem can be solved by just changing the base to "RED". I don't know if this can be done by users or if the developer must do it. (I will find out) If I look tired in the screenshot, it is because I am! For a non-combat mission these two sorties required a lot of concentration, precision flying, and attention. Total mission duration was 1 hr. + 42 min - quite a long time at the controls. The mission unfolded just fine - all of the scripting and actions performed wonderfully. I'm hopeful that the rest of the campaign will have imported just fine into DCS World, but it remains to be seen. I can comment that the radio communications and overall quality of this second mission are very good. I'm excited to see how future missions unfold. BeachAV8R 1
don_sangria Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 Very nice report! Thank you very much!! :thumbup: I will keep my eyes on your posts, i am already close to get that campaign as well.... :joystick:
Suchacz Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 (edited) Interesting reading :thumbup: ...but one little notice The flying on this second sortie is MUCH more easy than on the first since the flight route is at a higher altitude and requires a lot less maneuvering up and down. For much of the flight I'm able to trim out the helo for 150 knots and make small adjustments with rudder and power alone, giving my cyclic shoulder a well needed break. The tension in my neck reminds me that helo flying is so much more different than fixed wing flying. Edited March 25, 2013 by Suchacz Per aspera ad astra! Crucial reading about DCS: Black Shark - Black Shark and Coaxial Rotor Aerodynamics, Black Shark and the Trimmer, Black Shark – Autopilot: Part 1, Black Shark – Autopilot: Part 2
BeachAV8R Posted March 26, 2013 Author Posted March 26, 2013 Interesting reading :thumbup: ...but one little notice Good catch - way too used to knots and not kph..even though I know it means kph when I'm in the cockpit.. :D
Suchacz Posted March 26, 2013 Posted March 26, 2013 (edited) I know, that you know. But you know, nobody's perfect :smilewink: Good catch - way too used to knots and not kph.. I understand that, I'm in the oposite situation... :D Edited March 26, 2013 by Suchacz Per aspera ad astra! Crucial reading about DCS: Black Shark - Black Shark and Coaxial Rotor Aerodynamics, Black Shark and the Trimmer, Black Shark – Autopilot: Part 1, Black Shark – Autopilot: Part 2
dahui Posted March 27, 2013 Posted March 27, 2013 Pretty interesting! I will definetly check that Addon out, after im close enough with the weapon system :) But one thing is pretty wrong with the FlightLevel... Normaly FlightLevel 300 means 30'000ft. Flight Level 30 would be 3'000ft. Is this your "fault" or that one, from the Addon? Just for Info, it is not a huge issue... greetings from Switzerland!
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