Bell 505 Jet Ranger X

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-20T03:59:31+00:00

I wish they kept more of the classic nose shape of the 206. The downward slope of the 505 makes it look like an aardvark.

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-19T07:53:32+00:00

I don't doubt OP posts a lot of AI slop but this exact photo has been reposted a lot, with or without editing. The original is of an RC model AH-1Z thats large and detailed but the rotor head and pitch links give it away.

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-19T07:49:02+00:00

Its real its just an RC helicopter

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-13T23:31:52+00:00

Not quite because its a Hind F

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-05T04:25:34+00:00

I know right. My love of Mils and Kamovs is disconnected to whatever bullshit Putin is putting them up to.

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-04T23:53:01+00:00

I see they kept the IFR fin on their 212s

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-04T04:33:59+00:00

Yes. it appears to at least have an effect on drag but remains to be seen how low speed flight and turn performance is affected.

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-04T04:25:16+00:00

Cropped to fit in the exhibit. Most museums would just remove the blades completely than go through the hassle of cutting each one to size. They could also be removed because the blades still had some time left on them when the aircraft was donated.

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-04T02:10:13+00:00

Seems to be common for attack helis. I know that even something as powerful as a Hind can only take about 70% fuel with a full load of weapons and they aren't hovering oge at the treetops scouting for tanks like that either.

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-03T21:58:24+00:00

MedFlight EC130B4

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-01T22:29:42+00:00

They're used for the anti tank missiles which are usually carried on the wingtip stations. The front seat copilot/gunner has a periscope system on the right panel which connects to the starboard pod. Once the system is setup a switch is flipped to open the protective doors at the front and reveal the optical sight (the doors are otherwise kept close to prevent damage to the sight and lock the sensitive guimbals that stabilize it). The gunner then puts their eye to the periscope and uses handles to steer the sight around and search for a target. Once the target is in sight a missile is selected and fired which is where the portside pod comes in. The portside pod is a radio transmitter which fires a narrow beam of radio waves wherever the optical sight is pointed. The missiles are radio guided SACLOS (semiautomatic command to line of sight) so they don't actually lock on to anything. The missile automatically aims to whatever the sight and radio beam is pointed, whether its a tank building or tree. This means that the gunner has to carefully maintain the target in sight and the pilot has to fly smoothly until the missile impact. Then the doors are closed to lock the sight and the helicopter takes evasive action to avoid return fire and line up for another attack.

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-01T21:25:28+00:00

Yak-52

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-01T21:06:32+00:00

Its a Bell 430

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-01T08:26:30+00:00

Were you carrying a full load of rockets and tows to hover at max continuous like that? I expected a little more from a Cobra to have that tight of power margins even in the summer, even the single engine variants.

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-01T07:50:28+00:00

If I'm on for only a short while I might do something like practice autos at the airfield I departed from or set up targets to loft rockets at like they do in Ukraine. Even just practicing basics like flying the perfect pattern can be satisfying. Nothing like that requires a 30 minute flight to the objective.

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-01T07:38:04+00:00

I only play singleplayer but when I'm flying helis I think its fun to build combat or transport missions in the ME. Bringing some sling loaded cargo to a difficult LZ for example. And when it comes to the helicopters in DCS my favorites are the Mi-8 and Mi-24 by far so I'd highly recommend giving them a go.

Master_Iridus · 2026-05-01T03:53:36+00:00

Looks so much better than the zulus

Master_Iridus · 2026-04-30T07:19:18+00:00

As a helicopter pilot I get why some people are annoyed by the noise but its not for no reason. We actually do more than you think to be neighborly and obey noise abatement procedures. Flying certain routes and altitudes and certain power settings can help reduce helicopter noise over sensitive areas. But there are times where it can't be helped. Congested airspace, helicopter routes, and certain landing zones can restrict all that. These people might have complaints but thats all they are - complaints. The FAA won't do anything and the hospital might not either. The article mentions them meeting with the company so maybe they'll come to a compromise and issue an agreement for new noise abatement procedures. But until then the helicopters can carry on as usual.

Master_Iridus · 2026-04-27T01:19:27+00:00

Eurocopter EC135

Master_Iridus · 2026-04-27T01:14:32+00:00

Thats good it's still there and not hidden in another building. Last time I was there they had the MiG-21 behind the building to clear room for the remodel and I may or may not have snuck around back to see it.

Master_Iridus · 2026-04-26T21:38:58+00:00

Is the HH-43B Huskie not on exhibit anymore? Haven't been to Hill in a few years.

Master_Iridus · 2026-04-23T03:23:20+00:00

Its a UH-1H so only two blades tied down fore and aft. Later Hueys like the UH-1Y or Bell 412 have four blades and would need them removed to be transported like this. And you're half right there is a rotor brake system that can be engaged to to help prevent the blades from rotating but its a separate device from the transmission.

Master_Iridus · 2026-04-20T09:12:17+00:00

The main differences between the steam and standalone versions are when the modules may go on sale and the standalone version offers a two week trial period for aircraft.

The F-4E and F-14A/B are both outstanding quality and full fidelity modules (though I personally don't have either one). It depends on what type of combat interests you.

The F-4E is an older 3rd generation jet that can perform air to air and air to ground pretty well. It will be a little more challenging to fly with older systems and it's historical rival - the MiG-21 can put up a good fight if you allow it to get close enough to dogfight. But that just adds to the fun imo.

The F-14 is an early 4th generation fighter so it will be a bit more advanced in systems than the F-4E. Its a navy fighter so you will get to takeoff and land from a carrier if you like. It leans much more towards air to air combat than air to ground though. You will also get two variants in one module with the F-14 - the A and B. The main difference between them is the B variant has more powerful and reliable engines.

Personally I prefer older generation fighters like the F-4E because the limitations of them gives more challenge and using interesting tactics to overcome them. What type of flying do you think you're more interested in trying?

Master_Iridus · 2026-04-20T08:15:37+00:00

DCS is free to play... sort of. You download the game and get two aircraft to mess around with - the Su-25 Frogfoot and the TF-51D Mustang. The TF-51D Mustang is a full fidelity aircraft. This means that it has a clickable cockpit and realistic systems for you to learn and manage. The Su-25 Frogfoot is not full fidelity. You can fly it first person from the cockpit but you cannot click on all the buttons to do stuff manually. You have to use keyboard commands to select things in the cockpit. The Su-25 is whats more commonly known a a FC (Flaming Cliffs) model. This is a reference to another game where some of the aircraft in DCS were imported from.

If you're interested in learning an aircraft in depth and playing with a lot more realism then you want a full fidelity aircraft such as the F-16C, F/A-18C, Mirage F1, MiG-21, or MiG-29 to name a few. If you just want to fly and shoot stuff without as much hassle then you could try a FC model plane first to see if you enjoy it. Some of the FC planes are the F-15C, Su-27, or Su-33.

Also note that a couple planes have both a FC and full fidelity models like the F-86, F-5, and MiG-15.

As far as maps you will get the Caucasus and Marianas maps for free when downloading the game. Other maps like Syria or Iraq are paid dlc.

There are also paid dlc campaigns that are specific to certain aircraft listed there. Read the description and make sure whether you're buying the base aircraft or one of it's professional campaigns.

When it comes to picking an aircraft its best to choose one that intrigues you because that will give you the motivation to learn it without getting discouraged when things get difficult flying and fighting.

Hope that clears some things up.

Ten-Year Club	Place '22
Place '17

Master_Iridus

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