Things are heating up for DCS: Mi-24P Hind fans as we rapidly approach the launch. I thought we were done with Hind news earlier when the quick start guide came out but now we have a new video from Matt Wagner and this one is very interesting for a few reasons. Let’s get into it!
Anti-tank missiles and Petrovich AI
This video is interesting for two reasons. First, it details how to operate the Mi-24 9M114 Shturm anti-tank guided missile. These are carried on the Hind’s pylons and are operated primarily by the forward pilot-observer. Their operation is essential for precision anti-tank attacks.
Second, to make full use of this weapon, you need your pilot-observer to use the missiles and here Matt Wagner shows us how to interact with Petrovich AI.
The AI can do a couple of things. First, it can fly the helicopter. So if you want to jump into the forward position and operate the systems there, Petrovich will take over control of the helicopter and fly it. You can command the AI to then fly to a designated spot or along a specific heading or altitude and it’s all controlled by a four way hat controller with short and long presses to achieve different functions.
You can also remain in the pilots seat and point to a target that Petrovich will then spot and engage either with your help or on its own.
The system looks impressive with appropriately minimalist graphical interface elements that don’t stray too far outside of the Hind aesthetic while remaining functional. I have to hand it to Eagle Dynamics for what appears to be a job well done here and I’m looking forward to trying it out myself and seeing what limitations it has.
Curious to know more? Watch the video!
More on ATGM’s
As mentioned, the 9M114 Shturm anti-tank guided missile was previewed in this video. According to the video description, a high explosive version of the Shturm will come later as will the more powerful 9M120 Ataka ATGM.
Maximum engagement range is apparently 4.5-5.5km on the Shturm so you’ll need to get in relatively close to make the best use of these weapons.
Stormbirds 
What a day. All ready to go !! (hope so)
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With the Petrovich AI I can imagine myself taking off then jumping to the front seat and giving orders like a little general! This is going to be so much fun.
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Thank god for the Petrovich AI, because firing those ATGMs from the front seat looks painful.
I’m curious if the AI gunner will fire rockets as well. Be cool to go fast and low and have the AI dump 100 rockets into the target while you handle the flying.
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good question, but I would think fixed armaments are more for the pilot-flying given the fine control needed to align the gunsight & target.
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Bought it. I’m so weak.
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Sorry for being an enabler!
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You are simply the worst!
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Seems to work well. I notice Petro is not so smooth on the controls for coordinated turns and such. Hopefully that can be ironed out (it’s difficult enough to damp out that bobble when I’m the one flying)!
And Holy Moly – you need to get CLOSE…!!!
Going to enjoy this bird, but survivability is gonna be very low in a typical DCS scenario… 😮
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Judging from the DCS Eshop page, it looks like she’s here!
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Hello. Its free to play now with the trial licenses
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It is indeed!
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