Big changes are afoot for the DCS: SA342 Gazelle helicopter and a lengthy post by Polychop, the developers, on their Facebook page. This is the first big post from them in a long time and the huge list of changes to the Gazelle is likely to be welcomed far and wide across the community. Here’s what we know!

Revised variants, new features, more

One common thread line through the history of the Gazelle in DCS World are the numerous discussions and comments made about the flight model for the helicopter. While some found it adequate, others were pointing out deficiencies and nearly everyone was searching for ways to make the helicopter a fun and flyable experience.

The big change, mentioned in the change log, is that the flight model has been reworked and, if we read between the lines, has likely been brought down to its foundations and written all over again. Hopefully the new experience changes the modules reputation.

The new model reportedly includes retreating blade stall, ground effect, flapback/blowback, and engine surges with rapid collective movement in addition to an overall rework to the engine and flight modeling. That sounds encouraging!

Other features added include the use of PBR materials, revised cockpit lighting new optional tablet for navigation, new force trim options, implemented IFF panel, and raindrops on the windscreen. The other big news is that the type has seen the number of variants drop in favour of more flexibility within one variant. I’ll let them explain:

With this announcement we’d also like to reach out to all mission creators to emphasize on the fact that we’re trying to reduce the amount of Gazelle variants available in DCS World by essentially combining these versions. In the upcoming patch, the SA-342 Mistral has become redundant and is now only available as an AI aircraft to ensure mission compatibility. The SA-342 Gazelle has essentially been absorbed by the SA-342L which, in its now much more modular form, is able to be outfitted with the mistral ATAM system. We ask mission creators to be aware of this change and update their (multiplayer)missions accordingly. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The old versions remain in DCS World to stay compatible with older missions while new variants have taken their place for flyable editions.

All in all this is promising to be a significant change to the module and essentially a version 2 in scope.

The change log

Here’s the change log as published on the Polychop Facebook page. Be sure to follow them for future updates on the Gazelle and the long awaited OH-58 Kiowa Warrior.

Change log:

SA342 – Common to all

• Updated external textures to PBR standard
• Added raindrops on canopy
• Interior lighting and reflections updated
• Flight model
• Entirely rewritten FM
• Overhauled engine and rotor behaviours
• Updated mass and payload mass parameters
• Many new behaviours added or reworked (ground effect, flapback/blowback, retreating blade stall, density altitude, ETL…)
• Engine surge effect from rapid collective movement added
• Force Feedback support added
• Removed ‘Easier Controls’ special option
• Removed ‘Rudder Trimmer’ special option (replaced with new trim options)
• New trim options for cyclic and pedal behaviour when using ‘Force Trim Interrupt’
• None – has no effect
• Instant – trim position instantly set to current cyclic/pedal position
• Fade In/Fade Out – trim position will move to current cyclic/pedal position over short time period (<1sec) (also applies to ‘Trimmer Reset’)
• Applied upon Recentering – trim position will apply instantly only when cyclic/pedal position is recentered
• Updated controls indicator
• Red marker shows control position
• Grey marker shows trim position
• Autopilot markers removed for further consideration
• Updated/added network animations
• Implemented IFF panel (limited functionality)
• Updated autopilot system
• Airspeed/Altitude hold mode removed for further consideration
• “Auto-collective” removed for further consideration
• Added light indicators for auto-hover (CSV) and heading-align (ALV) autopilot modes
• Autopilot master switch will not engage/will disengage if pitch, roll or yaw SAS disabled
• Added smoke display system
• Smoke launchers can be equipped in the rearm/refuel screen
• Smoke launchers have a new input to toggle on/off
• Collective can be hidden by clicking on base of collective
• Added tablet navigation aid
• Tablet can be disabled from mission editor
• Tablet provides map, heading, airspeed and groundspeed GPS information
• Tablet is disabled / invisible in missions where the date is set to April 1994 or earlier
• Updated slip ball to be less erratic
• Fuel warning light now flickers if below 80L

SA342L

• Added new weapons:
• 2x/4x Mistral
• 2x/4x HOT3
• HMP400 gunpods (100, 200, 400)
• Selectable GIAT M621 20mm
• Replaced Viviane screen with periscope sight
• Replaced Viviane control panel with periscope control board
• Periscope provides two zoom levels
• Toggleable gyro stabilisation
• Selectable reticles for estimating distance
• Connected to ‘VIS’ mode on Artificial Horizon same as Viviane
• Pilot sight can be hidden by clicking on mounting of pilot sight
• AI controled aircraft now able to fire HOT3 missiles
• Added ground crew option to remove doors
• Added option to shoot multiple pylons if the weapon is from the same type

SA342M

• -Viviane camera code overhauled
• -Viviane multicrew synchronisation improved
• -AI controled aircraft now able to fire HOT3 missiles

SA342 Mistral

• Removed playable version (now replaced by SA342L)
• Removed Custom Cockpit options

SA342 Minigun

• Added special option to decouple minigun from head/camera view
• Added inputs for keyboard/joystick control of minigun
• Added inputs for mouse control of minigun
• Added clickables and inputs for minigun safety, sight power/brightness and IR laser