The iconic tandem rotor CH-47 is Eagle Dynamics next module set for release and it has, like virtually every module before it, attracted quite a bit of discussion and even a little controversy. Eagle Dynamics have released a FAQ in the last few hours to help clarify some items as the project moves towards release.
Clarifying what CH-47 will have
The age old debate, at least in DCS World circles, has always been on the tension between what is included at the start of an early access release versus what comes later. The DCS: F-16C came to us in a pretty rough state while the DCS: F/A-18C was a little better but definitely lacked quite a few features that were added later. These early access products took years to develop and often served as the testbed for systems and features that we more or less take for granted. It looks like DCS: CH-47F will probably have a similar trajectory.
What we’ve learned from the FAQ is that the helicopter itself will have features that include multi-pilot multi-crew while door gunner multi-crew will come later. The gunner stations can be optionally fitted with M60 or M240H guns too which gives us some options. Not mentioned in the FAQ but visible in all of the marketing materials is the ability to do sling-loading, a feature that has long been part of DCS World’s capability.
There’s quite a bit too that will be developed later on down the line. Eagle Dynamics report that they are in the process of developing a novel logistics system. Here’s two key lines from the FAQ:
We can say that we are developing a novel logistics system for the CH-47F that dynamically allows the player to determine what is loaded and unloaded from the aircraft based on weight and area. Whilst this will not be available at early access release, it is a high priority for the CH-47F and other cargo/transport aircraft.
We stated above we will be developing a novel logistics system for the CH-47 and other cargo/transport aircraft, when we have more details to share on what this will entail we will be sure to share.
Critically, these are pieces that will come later on and that has caused some to say that they will hold off on getting the module. From that, I think there’s two pathways to go with this module as we have a pretty good pre-order discount of 30% which looks to be giving us a reasonably capable module that has capabilities and capacities (on a feature for feature basis) similar to DCS: UH-1 or DCS: Mi-8. Buying in now risks waiting months or longer for the logistics system to emerge.
What we don’t yet have in the FAQ or marketing materials are some of the helicopter’s other systems. Will it have a full avionics suite from the start or will some features be added later? We’ve talked in the comments section here on Stormbirds about the type having what appears to be a full flight computer which is something of a premium system in civil aviation simulation. If that and the rest of the suite of avionics are fully functional in the CH-47 at release it’s already cleared an initial bar of capability. Hopefully we’ll learn more details soon.
Fun and purchasing
While Eagle Dynamics own logistics system won’t be in place at launch, many multiplayer servers and single player missions already use various scripting systems to give an approximate capability for types like the UH-1 and Mi-8. CH-47 will surely tap into that after its initial release too. Similarly, I’ve had quite a bit of fun flying logistics in MSFS with the A300-600RF freighter and the C-160 Transall and it has no logistics system at all. The joy was all in the flying.
That said it’s also perfectly reasonable that some of you are going to want to put off purchasing the module. You may have been excited by the possibilities before and may decide that now is not the time to jump in. That’s ok too!
The key piece is that you make your purchasing decision informed on what features are coming and what is planned for later. If you decide that what is on initial offer is enough, it sounds like CH-47 might be quite a fun ride. If on the other hand you want to see what and how long it takes to sort out a novel logistics system, you’re being perfectly reasonable to hold off and see.
The more features that we see confirmed, the clearer that picture will be over the coming weeks.
One more thing
The other thing in the back of my head here too is that this is part of a bigger picture that is emerging. Eagle Dynamics has been long working on their dynamic campaign system which they have mentioned logistics is part of that system. Presumably then, what they are developing at a tactical level for DCS: CH-47 is hopefully also tied into a bigger effort to make it so that when dynamic campaign finally arrives that it ensures that logistics missions are just as impactful as a SEAD/DEAD mission as an example.
CH-47 isn’t the only logistics oriented helicopter in the sim either. The UH-1 and Mi-8 I have mentioned already but we also know that a C-130 is being developed as well. Hopefully by the time that module emerges into a releasable state, it’ll be able to take advantage of the groundwork already laid by the CH-47. The optimist in me thinks all of this will be cool. But it’s admittedly not something happening right now.
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