This DCS World Weekends news update doesn’t have too much in the way of new things but there was some talk about the cargo functionality for CH-47 that included word that ‘Fat Cow’ and dynamic FARP operations are planned to come soon. Let’s have a look at what we know.

Fat Cow? And more cargo stuff!

I love the concept of what DCS: CH-47 offers but it is definitely a little rough around the edges. Still, I think its a worthwhile type of aircraft to bring to DCS World and I see the transport and logistics focused helicopter as not just a module to develop but a platform to develop core DCS World technologies that go well beyond the usual missile and gun slinging.

Something the US Army practices with their helicopter wings is something they call “Fat Cow” – as you probably guessed, it doesn’t really have much to do with any bovines.

This is a practice where a CH-47 can be used as a fuel source for other rotary wing aircraft. Bring a CH-47 forward with extra fuel tanks to act as a gas station. According to this article on the US Army website, a CH-47 can theoretically hold up to 2,400 gallons of fuel in external fuel tanks. The whole concept enables a rapidly deployed forward arming and refuelling point (or FARP) where ground forces may not be feasible. The other advantage is that they can deploy and then pack up rapidly – no doubt useful when you need to get in, get an operation done, and then get out.

Right now the new Dynamic Cargo feature is available but not turned on by default with the CH-47. More information is available in the Cargo System Guide. Meanwhile, we have some welcome confirmation that the system is coming to the DCS: UH-1H Huey, DCS: Mi-8MTV2 and the DCS: Mi-24P Hind.

Eagle Dynamics says that this Fat Cow and the Dynamic FARP functionality is coming soon and that we’ll be updated about the progress.

Other features such as dynamic cargo mass, weight/balance, and operational restrictions are reportedly on the way as well.

Read the whole news story here!