This week’s DCS World Weekend Newsletter is devoted to the launch of Eagle Dynamics next DCS World module: the CH-47F! Here’s the details that you need to know about this new helicopter for the series.
The Chinook is coming soon
Teased a little over a year ago and shown off in a few DCS World status updates, the time is approaching where Eagle Dynamics will release their latest module. DCS: CH-47F is a modern take on the classic tandem rotor helicopter first introduced in 1962 and still in service today. The modern variants feature glass panel cockpits and modern avionics capabilities, night vision compatible displays, and an advanced flight control system.
Eagle Dynamics so far have focused on the modules detailed exterior and interior which includes a cockpit, cargo hold and gunner stations. They’ve also highlighted the module’s flight dynamics which its expected will continue a long tradition of being among the best in the industry when it comes to representing helicopters in all phases of flight.
What we don’t have is a complete feature list. While the CH-47F does feature gunner stations, the type’s primary job is logistical rather than direct combat. Will the module feature the palletized goods, fuel cells, and other logistical abilities out of the box? Sling loading, an already implemented DCS feature, appears to already be functioning so that’s a good sign. A full feature list is expected to be revealed prior to early access arrival.
Early access is scheduled to begin June 26 of this year and a 30% discount for early access purchasers is currently in place. That reduces its $69.99 USD full price down to $48.99 USD. Pre-order is only available through the E-Shop (and not on Steam).
Stormbirds 
I want it! I want it! I want it! 🙂
This and the C-130 are my the two modules I want the most. But I need to hear that ED and RB are back in bed together first. I’m not spending any cash until the uncertainty goes away.
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There’s not much been said except that things are being talked about privately.
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Impressive looking module. I am glad to see it coming to DCS, but probably not for me atm. I have too many purchased modules with which I haven’t gotten proficient.
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And that’s ok too! Even if you don’t fly it, others might be in multiplayer scenarios which just helps make it all feel that much richer.
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I wish I could be as sensible as you! I’ve barely touched my F-15E or Apache modules, but the Chinook? and the F-4? I have a problem…. 😀
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Many of us do! You’re not alone on that.
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I hear ya – there’s a lot of modules I’ve purchased but never really used much past the initial learning cold start ups, nag, and basic weapons management. Of all of the rotary wing aircraft the Huey is the one I most fly and that’s because it’s just simple – the Apache on the other hand just lost me as I didn’t invest the time in the systems elements.
still despite all of that I’ll probably end up getting this one to learn to fly (though it’s going to have to compete with the Phantom… I hope)
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Now THAT is a great idea for a Birthday present for ol’ Rap from Mrs Rap.
It’s in September so it may even be out by then to be able to FLY!!!
YeeeHAAA!!
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looks well done but probably a pass for me. There are so many modules not properly finished. The ww2 theatre is a mess with a jumble of aircraft from different times. The eagle which I bought looks like it’s on hold for ever now because of the razbam business.
they need to address the basics first.
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Hopefully we’ll see some good news on some of of those items before long. I am enternally crossing my fingers.
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I am excited for this, but my only disappointment as a WWII DCS fan is that the Hellcat was announced first but was beat to the finish line. Granted that they are building a lot more of a world around the Hellcat that is not needed for the CH-47, which obviously takes a lot more time, but it seems like ED has a relatively smaller team looking at WWII than any other model they are developing. Hope to see a faster pace of ED WWII development in the future.
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I’m trying to remember when the Hellcat was officially announced versus the CH-47. The CH-47 I think was shown off first but the Hellcat was hinted at many years ago.
I’m not sure what the distribution is on their teams.
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The first mention of the Hellcat I could find on Stormbirds is from September 2021 in a recap of an interview with Nick Grey I think. The Chinook I think was teased in the 2023 and beyond video which was also the official announcement of the Hellcat. So it’s definitely just appearances on how long they have been worked on and team size. Either way we are spoiled for choice and I look forward to both.
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Lots of choice for sure! I’d guess that both projects have been in the works for many years too.
Glad to see them both!
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If you look at your gallery image #3, this thing is going to be about as complex to operate as a 737! Like…there are honest-to-goodness FMC’s in there, paired with dual glass displays and an EICAS for the pilots!!!!
Add in the fact that it’s a whirlybird, and a decent argument can be made that it’s MORE complex than a 737…
I see a LOT of salt in the other forums about the “folly” of buying an unarmed logistics helo in DCS World’s (admittedly) limited logistics abilities.
As to logistics and ground AI, well, it’ll be the same as it is now. Which is far and away better than any other flight sim out there.
Having a bunch of helos in X-Plane (very good) and a couple in MSFS (adequate), and a few things that look like helos but fly nothing like them in P3D, there’s just no better rotary wing experience than DCS World. Full Stop.
I just wanna fly, and this is gonna fly just like all of ED’s other helos – VERY well. 🙂
eta: “Feature List”??? It’s a cargo helicopter with a few machine guns. What more do we need over what exists now…?
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I’m pretty excited about the possibilities here. I think when you fly other sims where there are not always obvious objectives you learn to make your own and the CH-47 will be a top notch flying experience. Absolutely!
I do want to see the full feature list but I think you’ve noted some of those features include what we assume is a full up FMC and EICAS system. Curious what else they’ve packaged in here!
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I’m sure the Ch-47 will be a good standalone module, once its fully released. I love the idea of it, but ED really has to invest in updating the environment that surrounds it. Well known, long standing basic issues impact especially helicopters in DCS. Notability the “all seeing” and overly accurate AI ground units. As its a dedicated troop/cargo hauler, the immersion breaking lack of troops being able to board should be addressed as well (including for other troop carriers). Given all the great work they have sunk into other aspects, hopefully they will shift priorities to play catch up.
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I’m hopeful on those items too. Benefit to a huge number of modules.
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I unfortunately echo the comments of others. Until the Razbam issue gets settled my wallet is staying in my pocket. I don’t really care whose fault it is there are just too many things starting to bother me about Eagle Dynamics after all these years. So many unfinished modules and so many modules which seem they were afterthoughts like Combined Arms. So many new maps coming our way but I have the latest Sinai map which hasn’t had a major update since launch. Not acceptable.
I’d have been chomping at the bit in the past for the new Chinook, Afghanistan map, Kiowa etc. but I think my time has come to just enjoy what I have until I start seeing some real change. The Dynamic Campaign was promised about 5 years ago now folks. I guess I finally grew up and I’m not so easily seduced by the new shiny which turns out just like the old shiny.
I hope Falcon 5 gets here soon along with Combat pilot. ED needs some competition.
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I still hope that the issue can be resolved and that we can see a satisfactory public statement from both parties that helps restore confidence. You’re not alone, certainly in the comments section here, of expressing some worry over modules.
In “defense” of the Dynamic Campaign, I do have to say that if ED brought it out even a couple of years ago I think it may have been received badly. It’s not just the Dynamic Campaign that needs to be done but so many supporting items from AI knowing how to traverse the terrain to performance optimization – some that we now have. More that needs to come. The core needs work which I think they recognize… its just taking a while!
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I’m very interested in how they are going to implement the FMC’s. Will it be fully functional? SID’s And Stars will we be getting Aeronautical charts and so on. Surely it wont be fully functional.
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