We’re going to see some changes coming in to the DCS: CH-47F in a forthcoming update as Eagle Dynamics expands the abilities of the Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS) which should, situationally, make the CH-47F easier to fly. Let’s have a look!

Chinook progress in flight model, damage model

The focus of this DCS World Weekend News update is the CH-47F. In it, we learn that recent development has been focused on DAFCS and specifically on a feature called Position Hold. It will provide for a stable hover reference that makes it easier to hold position – that sounds nice!

Another feature coming is the Translational Rate Command (TRC) mode which reportedly works with position hold to expand the available flight envelope.

This should put the CH-47F into an interesting category in terms of being able to fly and then hover in tactical positions that may be difficult to do so without the assists. I’m looking forward to trying them on and off.

Another interesting reveal is that the CH-47F is getting a damage model upgrade. Eagle Dynamics are now calling it the X-ray based model and they say its roughly comparable to the WWII aircraft system. Years ago they stated that the WWII system would eventually come to modern aircraft though the upgrade process seems to have taken a lot longer than many of us had guessed. Here’s what they had to say today:

We will also implement one of the most important additions for DCS for rotary-wing aircraft: The X-ray-based damage model. Much like what you have seen in our WWII aircraft, this system will simulate internal structures and component-level damage that raises the bar for helicopter survivability and systems damage modelling. Our team is actively working on this as a high priority.

The report also indicates that an updated rope and sling loading system as well as multi-point sling loading is coming to the CH-47F which will offer a greater range of logistic opportunities.

Other updates

Eagle Dynamics also took an opportunity to highlight Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum (PWAM) which they say hosts a number of aircraft that DCS fans would recognize. It sounds like their F-15C may be the source for 3D scans.

They are also highlighting RED FLAG EU online DCS community that recreates Red Flag exercises.

Read the full report here!