In the final hours of 2021, Eagle Dynamics has released their roadmap for early access release for the DCS: AH-64D. Some have been asking for an itemized list of what is done, what is still to come, and now we have one. Let’s go!

Priority items prior to launch

There are a bunch of items that need to be done before DCS: AH-64D is a go for early access. Although a bit delayed from the original plan, it is good to see what still needs to be done and what is a critical item for early access and what Eagle Dynamics plan to deliver after. In a post by Matt Wagner, we have a clear indication of what is done and what still needs to be done.

First, here is what is done:

• Non-SCAS Flight Model
• External model 
  • 3D mesh
  • Textures
  • US Army Skins
  • Animations
  • Basic damage
• Wipers
• Parking Brake
• Tail Wheel
• Back Up Gauges
• Search Light
• ARM/SAFE Conditions
• Master Caution and Master Warnings
• CMWS
• Cockpits
  • 3D mesh
  • Textures
  • Animations
• Battery Power
• External view Pilot and CP/G models
• Lighting
  • External
  • Internal
• Keyboard Unit
• TADS
  • TV
  • FLIR
  • Functions
• TEDAC
  • Left and Right TEDAC Grips
• IHADSS
  • All symbology modes
  • Lighting Control
  • FLIR Control
• NVS
  • PNVS
  • TADS
• NVG
• Sounds
  • External
  • Internal
• EUFD
• MPD Pages
  • TSD
  • FLT
  • FUEL
  • ENG
  • WPN
  • ASE
  • UTIL
  • COMM
  • VID
• AWS
• Rockets
• Laser Hellfire
• George as Pilot

Next, what Eagle Dynamics needs to do before release.

• Stabilator Flight Dynamics
• Hold Modes
  • Heading 
  • Attitude
  • Altitude
• Engine Start
  • APU
  • Engine Starters
  • Engine and Rotor Parameters (network synch)

• George Engine Operation (Engine and Main Rotor RPM)
• Cooperative Multiplayer Synching
• Initial Damage Model with Flight and Systems Effects
• George as CP/G
• UK and Dutch Skins
• Stores Jettison Panel
• Improve pilot animation
• Fix bugs with HI 
• UI Assets

• Wallpaper
• Module Icon
• Loading Screen

And finally, what will come after the early access release.

• Fire Control Radar (FCR) and Radar Frequency Interferometer (RFI)
• AGM-114L Radar-Guided Hellfire
• Inter-Flight Data Link System
• TADS Multi-Target Tracker (MTT)
• LST
• Laser Warning System
• New Rotor Animation Effect
• Radar Jammer
• Anti-Ice System
• Advanced Damage Modeling
• Additional liveries and livery template
• Full English (full list of languages is TBD)
• Campaign by Eagle Dynamics
• Auto-Rudder
• Pilot Models from Player View

The full list and this latest update to the DCS: AH-64D FAQ is available right here.