More DCS goodies are a-coming

[J0hn]

Spotted a YT tutorial video for the UH-1H start-up that you might find useful:

http://youtu.be/tEweoCnIuPc

To be honest, it's so long since I flew it, I can't remember if it was that difficult to start or not, but there are lots of useful videos in general on YT, for all of the DCS modules and editor, as you've probably already found. I have a rather large reference library of such videos for several different titles.

Oh, on that note, I very much recommend the use of the mission generator in DCS World, it's an excellent utility and simple to use, unlike the full mission editor. That is simple to use for really simple missions of the kind I sometimes design (usually training and practice missions for myself) but gets extremely complicated to a simpleton such as I, when you get down to triggers and the like

[Erich]

[Erich]

Spotted a YT tutorial video for the UH-1H start-up that you might find useful:

http://youtu.be/tEweoCnIuPc

To be honest, it's so long since I flew it, I can't remember if it was that difficult to start or not, but there are lots of useful videos in general on YT, for all of the DCS modules and editor, as you've probably already found. I have a rather large reference library of such videos for several different titles.

Oh, on that note, I very much recommend the use of the mission generator in DCS World, it's an excellent utility and simple to use, unlike the full mission editor. That is simple to use for really simple missions of the kind I sometimes design (usually training and practice missions for myself) but gets extremely complicated to a simpleton such as I, when you get down to triggers and the like

I spent about 10 hours in the Huey this weekend. I love it, and after 10 hours can finally fly it without crashing

I'm not entirely sure how to set up even simple missions...I need to get into that. I'll read the manual this evening, but it certainly is all a bit more of a fiddle than good old FSX/P3D - although there is so much more to it.

[J0hn]

It's something I pieced together over the years. I started flying LOMAC: FC with an online squadron in about 2006 (Guards 159th Aviation Regiment) when they only flew the Su-25T and Su-33 for top cover.

I started playing with the mission editor to get some practice in. Designing that kind of mission is actually pretty simple - just to put an aircraft on the pan at an airfield, then place some relevant targets at various points on the map (a favourite to start with is the disused airfield south of Kobuleti. It's close enough that you arrive very quickly from Kobuleti, and you can return to get re-armed without having to fly miles to RTB).

It's a very distinctive cross-runway airfield, with no buildings etc (think the official name is Ochkhamuri) and makes spotting targets a lot easier, although putting trucks or similar off the runways can already make them more difficult to spot.

If you have a play with the editor, you can find most things without too much difficulty.

Just don't do what I did once. I put lots of vehicles and units into a big forest and when I took off to go and blow them to blazes, I couldn't spot a single one of them, even though I knew exactly which forest they were in! Also - may seem obvious but I've messed up with this - make sure the units you put on the map as targets are enemy ones! Otherwise you get virtually court-martialled!

I'm envious of you at the moment, anyway - I've had to stop taking some of my analgaesics and I'm unable to fly at the moment (operating the rudder is too painful). I've just reassigned the controls for my TM Warthog, after they went and changed the system (the rats). It takes an awfully long time to assign everything for all of the modules.

By the way - I have 90% of my website back up now - so please do have a read of some of my AARs from FC3 (in the Su-25) and Black Shark 2

[Erich]

Thanks for the info John

One question fro you...how do i set up an Instant (quick) Mission with any aircraft and ensure that they have no armaments/weaponry attached? Everytime i try to set the Su25T up at an airport using instant mission itis always carrying rockets and guns. I need to delve into the manuals. Just havent had the time enough yet.

Cheers
erich

[J0hn]

I don't think you can do that with the instant mission function.

You can always bring up the rearm and refuelling screen once you are on the pan, and choose a clean configuration.

I'll have a quick peek and get back to you if any different.

If you want to place a plane at an airport to fly where you want, it's very simple. Open the mission editor. Click on the aircraft icon on the left side. Choose the aircraft you want to fly from the drop-down menu at the top of the right-hand side. Click on the map at the airport you want to fly from. On the skill box, choose "Player" (it's in yellow type, at the bottom of the list).

Then either choose "Fly" from the menu at the top, or save it as a mission and then select to fly it from the missions list.

If you feel adventurous, you can select where to place the aircraft at the airfield, too. You can also set yourself waypoints, by clicking around the map straight after you have placed the aircraft at the airfield.

I'll post a screenshot a little later, showing where these things are Also, I can quickly make and upload such a mission if you tell me what you want to fly and where.

Remember - you can start absolutely any mission with your chosen aircraft and simply ignore the mission objective and fly where you like.

[Erich]

Thanks so much! I'll give it a whirl tonight. I think I need to put the DCS manual on my ipad and read it on the tube into and from work
I'll let you know how I get on. (I still havent been back to P3D). I think the only thing that might tempt me back anytime soon is Carenado's Hawker 850
Cheers
Erich

[J0hn]

Yes, DCS World and FC before it can be quite addictive.

Eric, I've put together a short video for you, to show you how to make a quick free-flight mission using the editor. You can find it on YouTube, here:

http://youtu.be/hsYqjgWGhlE

Have fun!

PS - email from DCS came:

We have a couple "good news" items for you today:

First, for this summer we have reduced the price of several DCS products. These include:
DCS: Flaming Cliffs 3 from $49.99 to $39.99
DCS: Combined Arms from $39.99 to $19.99
DCS: P-51D Mustang from $39.99 to $29.99
F-15C for DCS World from $24.99 to $9.99
A-10A for DCS World from $14.99 to $9.99
Su-25 for DCS World from $14.99 to $9.99

This applies to both our e-shop and Steam. We hope you take advantage of these lowered prices to complete your DCS collection.

Unfortunately, products on offer don't earn the rewards savings - but I suppose paying less adds up to the same thing.

[Erich]

Yes, DCS World and FC before it can be quite addictive.

Eric, I've put together a short video for you, to show you how to make a quick free-flight mission using the editor. You can find it on YouTube, here:

http://youtu.be/hsYqjgWGhlE

Have fun!

PS - email from DCS came:

We have a couple "good news" items for you today:

First, for this summer we have reduced the price of several DCS products. These include:
DCS: Flaming Cliffs 3 from $49.99 to $39.99
DCS: Combined Arms from $39.99 to $19.99
DCS: P-51D Mustang from $39.99 to $29.99
F-15C for DCS World from $24.99 to $9.99
A-10A for DCS World from $14.99 to $9.99
Su-25 for DCS World from $14.99 to $9.99

This applies to both our e-shop and Steam. We hope you take advantage of these lowered prices to complete your DCS collection.

Unfortunately, products on offer don't earn the rewards savings - but I suppose paying less adds up to the same thing.

John thanks much!

I followed your intructions last night in the mission editor. Worked a treat! I realised while setting up my flight how powerful the mission editor actually is. Loads of options! Thanks for your video also, I'll have a look at it this evening.

I bought the F-15C on the sale. Fun to fly but stragely I keep returning to the Su-25. It feels like you are actually flying. There is something quite different about the lumbering weight of the thing ....it feels heavy, but surprisingly manouvreable once in the air. I love it. In my opinion, the older, heavier, more underpowered jets are more fun to fly than the modern variety - although I can't wait for the Hawk.

[J0hn]

I keep returning to the Su-25. It feels like you are actually flying. There is something quite different about the lumbering weight of the thing ....it feels heavy, but surprisingly manouvreable once in the air. I love it. In my opinion, the older, heavier, more underpowered jets are more fun to fly than the modern variety - although I can't wait for the Hawk.

A man after my own heart!

I recommend trying the Su-25 campaigns - you do have to think hard about how you will accomplish the missions (and always use the rest of your flight to the maximum possible ) but they are great fun.

I have only ever flown the F-15C on familiarisation flights - never fired a shot in anger from one. It's not my thing, though I keep promising myself that one day I'll take a serious look at it. I did some co-op missions with a friend a few years back, in the Su-33, which were fun - but not something I'd like to do too often.

Ah - I just remembered - I helped out a lot of other new guys last year, by uploading my training documents for them. These documents are from the original Flaming Cliffs training missions which are no longer compatible with FC2 or 3, but the procedures are still over 90% valid for FC3. I still refer to them quite often when in an aircraft I don't use much. They are very simple and easy, quick reference when you are flying. They also include the Fighter Weapons School training.

Basically, all of the relevant narration is typed out, with screenshots of the parts referred to (HUD, etc) all labelled with the appropriate stuff. I use different colours and bold typeface for the assignments so that they are easy to find. Each topic has it's own chapter for each aircraft. It's a really good bit of kit to have handy. I have it printed out and put into a display book. I'll upload that to my Google account for you - and anyone else here that wants it. I'm sure you'll find it useful - especially with the Su-25 and F-15.

By the way - when you say you fly the Su-25, is that the A or T model, or both? (The A model is the one you have to pay for individually or in FC3 and the T is the free one with DCSW).