DCS AH-64 Apache Guide

Fire Birds! DCS AH-64D Apache guide is a detailed description of the avionics systems and weapons of the helicopter. We tell you how to fly the helicopter and use all simulated systems effectively to complete the mission. We describe the controls and operation of the cockpit and CPG.

Last update: 14 November 2023

This guide and instructions for the DCS AH-64D Apache simulator on the DCS World platform is a complete source of information and description of the aircraft's systems and weapons. The content of this guide will help you learn how to fly in this realistic flight simulator from the Eagle Dynamics studio and use it effectively on the battlefield.. We give you some tips on how to fly the helicopter without crashing it. We also describe in detail the navigation and weapons systems.

Our guide starts with Basics, where we not only introduce the characteristics of the AH-64D Apache, but also explain the basic principles of piloting a helicopter. We describe in detail how to control the helicopter with cyclic, collective and anti-torque pedals. In the next chapters, we have included a description of the pilot's cockpit and CPG's (co-pilot/gunner) cockpit with all instruments and displays. We also explain how does George AI Helper, the artificial intelligence actings as the second crew member, work. Yow will find out what is the difference between "sight source" and "acquisition source".

In the Flight and navigation section, we advise how to find the way to your destination and to your home base. The guide explains the Cold Start procedure, and how to take off depending on the available space and weight of the helicopter. In the next chapter, we describe how to operate the TSD system - Tactical Situation Display, which is an interactive tactical map of the mission area.

The Systems and Sensors chapter explains how to use the most important TADS system for target acquisition and designation, and it will describe the FCR - Fire Control Radar when it becomes available in early access. Flying at night is a big advantage of the Apache, so you can learn how to use the PNVS - Pilot Night Vision System.

One of the most important chapters are those dedicated to the weapons systems. We explain in details how to use the M230 30mm Chain Gun, the AGM-114 Hellfire II laser guided missile and the 2.75' Hydra unguided rockets.

The guide is supplemented by the chapters explaining the system requirements, tips for achieving greater performance and graphics, as well as answers to the most frequently asked questions and problems.

• DCS AH-64D Apache: Begginer's Tips
• DCS AH-64D Apache: Basics
• DCS AH-64D Apache: Flight and Navigation
• DCS AH-64D Apache: Sensors and Systems
• DCS AH-64D Apache: Weapons Employment
• DCS AH-64D Apache: Minimum system requirements

DCS AH-64D Apache: Begginer's Tips

1. DCS: AH-64D Apache is an extremely realistic flight simulator. Don't expect to be able to fly, shoot, and complete missions as soon as you start playing it. Each stage, from starting engines, piloting the helicopter without crashing it, to using navigation and weapons, requires a lot of knowledge and learning.
2. In DCS: AH-64D Apache it is practically impossible to play with just a keyboard or joypad. To control the helicopter, you will need at least a joystick with a twist handle and throttle - a total of four analog axes. The best experience provides HOTAS - Hands On Throttle And Stick with joystick and separate throttle quadrant. Rudder pedals (called anti-torque pedals in helicopters) are also very useful addition to the home setup.
3. Don't expect to learn everything in one go. It is best to focus on the individual stages (e.g. take-off, flying with navigation, landing, using the 30mm gun, etc.). Once you master one, proceed to the next.
4. The list of keybinds in the Settings can be overwhelming, but the vast majority of the actions are only useful for those who have a cockpit in their house. However, when using a HOTAS set with a joystick, do not try to assign all the necessary keys immediately - there are simply too many of them. As in the previous point, it is worth focusing only on those buttons necessary to operate the system you are currently learning.
5. The controls of the Apache helicopter are extremely sensitive. The basis of success is make slight, delicate and slow movements with the controllers. Otherwise, the helicopter will loose lift and start loosing the altitude. More details can be found in the chapter: How to fly an Apache helicopter?
6. The Apache helicopter is a two-seater. When flying alone in single player mode, you can switch between the seats of the pilot and the CPG operator and use the George AI Helper, which is an interface with a command radial menu for the virtual second crew member. George can pilot the machine throughout the mission or search and destroy targets as CPG. You can also switch between posts freely, depending on the situation. A detailed description of how the AI works can be found in the George AI Helper chapter.
7. Use the active pause button (LShift LWin Pause by default). It will stop the helicopter in the air without the risk of crashing and, at the same time, allow you to use all buttons in the cockpit.

DCS AH-64D Apache: Basics

The Basics chapter of the DCS: AH-64D Apache guide contains a description of the basic concepts and principles of piloting a helicopter and the characteristics of the AH-64D Apache itself. The following pages describe the cockpits, explain the differences between the "sight" and "acquisition", and how the artificial intelligence can work as a second crew member.

1. Introduction
2. Pilot/CPG Cockpits and Controls
3. How to fly an Apache helicopter?
4. GEORGE AI Helper

DCS AH-64D Apache: Flight and Navigation

In our Flight and Navigation chapter, we have included information on the basic stages of a flight, such as Cold Start, takeoff and landing. We also explain the operation of the TSD tactical map system.

1. Cold Start - preparation for flight
2. Taxi and Take Off
3. GPS Navigation and map points
4. Landing

DCS AH-64D Apache: Sensors and Systems

The Sensors and Systems chapter contains a detailed manual for the main Apache on-board systems: TADS, PNVS and FCR radar. We explain all implemented modes and how to use these tools effectively. We have devoted a separate chapter to ASE (Aircraft Survivability Equipment) systems that help the Apache to survive on the battlefield.

1. Sight Source and Acquisition Source
2. TADS - Target Acquisition and Designation Sight
3. PNVS - Pilot Night Vision System
4. TSD
5. ASE - Aircraft Survivability Equipment
6. COMMS

DCS AH-64D Apache: Weapons Employment

In the Weapons Employment chapter, we have prepared a detailed description of the Apache's weapons. We present a list of available weapons and instructions on how to use them effectively against targets during missions.

1. AWS M230 30mm Chain Gun
2. AGM-114 Hellfire Missile
3. 2.75 "Hydra Unguided Rockets

DCS AH-64D Apache: Minimum system requirements

1. Operating System: Windows 10 or later
2. Processor: Intel Core i3 2.8 GHz / AMD FX
3. RAM: 8 GB (16 GB for "heavy" missions)
4. GPU: GeForce GTX 760 / AMD R9 280X or better
5. DirectX: 11
6. Disk Space: 60 GB
7. Internet activation required.

More information on this topic can be found on a separate page of our guide: Hardware Requirements .