EU battalion meet 2023

Really cool initiative from the BSD EU battalion to meet (for those who could of course) at the Duxford airshow this year. Looks like you guys had a good time! 

Awesome group picture!

From left to right [BSD] Fatalbert, [BSD] Gimbal, [BSD] Joose, [BSD] Nova, [BSD] Kruger,
[BSD] Dragonfly and [BSD] Molevitch. Of course booze was involved!

[BSD] Nova fully BlackSharkDen branded!

 [BSD] Kruger and [BSD] Nova chilling in a Gaz.

[BSD] Molevitch giving a tour of his absolutely mindblowing Mi24P simpit!

DCS Sinai Map available

Will this new terrain beat or even equal the now legendary Syria map in the heart of DCS helicopter pilots? It's a bit early to say. But it's here and available to download with a $10 discount for early adopters.

DCS: SA-342 Gazelle update news

A pretty amazing news on the gazelle side which should spark a new life into this great module:

With the release of the upcoming SA-342 Gazelle update fast approaching we will be updating you about what to expect in the first iteration of what started out as a flight model update over the next few days. Starting today by publishing the change log that we have accumulated so far. The change log is subject to change as even today we're still working on new features and fixes but should be indicative of the scope of this update. With this announcement we'd also like to reach out to all mission creators to emphasize on the fact that we're trying to reduce the amount of Gazelle variants available in DCS World by essentially combining these versions. In the upcoming patch, the SA-342 Mistral has become redundant and is now only available as an AI aircraft to ensure mission compatibility. The SA-342 Gazelle has essentially been absorbed by the SA-342L which, in its now much more modular form, is able to be outfitted with the mistral ATAM system. We ask mission creators to be aware of this change and update their (multiplayer)missions accordingly. We apologize for the inconvenience.

SA342 - Common to all

• Updated external textures to PBR standard
• Added raindrops on canopy
• Interior lighting and reflections updated
• Flight model
  • Entirely rewritten FM
  • Overhauled engine and rotor behaviours
  • Updated mass and payload mass parameters
  • Many new behaviours added or reworked (ground effect, flapback/blowback, retreating blade stall, density altitude, ETL…)
  • Engine surge effect from rapid collective movement added
• Force Feedback support added
• Removed ‘Easier Controls’ special option
• Removed ‘Rudder Trimmer’ special option (replaced with new trim options)
• New trim options for cyclic and pedal behaviour when using ‘Force Trim Interrupt’
  • None - has no effect
  • Instant - trim position instantly set to current cyclic/pedal position
  • Fade In/Fade Out - trim position will move to current cyclic/pedal position over short time period (<1sec) (also applies to ‘Trimmer Reset’)
  • Applied upon Recentering - trim position will apply instantly only when cyclic/pedal position is recentered
• Updated controls indicator
  • Red marker shows control position
  • Grey marker shows trim position
  • Autopilot markers removed for further consideration
• Updated/added network animations
• Implemented IFF panel
• Updated autopilot system
  • Airspeed/Altitude hold mode removed for further consideration
  • “Auto-collective” removed for further consideration
  • Added light indicators for auto-hover (CSV) and heading-align (ALV) autopilot modes
  • Autopilot master switch will not engage/will disengage if pitch, roll or yaw SAS disabled
• Added smoke display system
  • Smoke launchers can be equipped in the rearm/refuel screen
  • Smoke launchers have a new input to toggle on/off
• Collective can be hidden by clicking on base of collective
• Added tablet navigation aid
  • Tablet can be disabled from mission editor
  • Tablet provides map, heading, airspeed and groundspeed GPS information
  • Tablet unavailable / invisible in missions set prior to April 1994
• Updated slip ball to be less erratic
• Fuel warning light now flickers if below 80L

SA342L

• Added new weapons:
  • 2x/4x Mistral
  • 2x/4x HOT3
  • HMP400 gunpods (100, 200, 400)
  • Selectable GIAT M621 20mm
• Replaced Viviane screen with periscope sight
• Replaced Viviane control panel with periscope control board
  • Periscope provides two zoom levels
  • Toggleable gyro stabilisation
  • Selectable reticles for estimating distance
  • Connected to ‘VIS’ mode on Artificial Horizon same as Viviane
• Pilot sight can be hidden by clicking on mounting of pilot sight
• AI now able to fire HOT3 missiles
• Added ground crew option to remove doors
• Added option to shoot multiple pylons if the weapon is from the same type

SA342M

• Viviane camera code overhauled
• Viviane multicrew synchronisation improved
• AI now able to fire HOT3 missiles

SA342 Mistral

• Removed playable version (now replaced by SA342L)
• Removed Custom Cockpit options

SA342 Minigun

• Added special option to decouple minigun from head/camera view
• Added inputs for keyboard/joystick control of minigun
• Added inputs for mouse control of minigun
• Added clickables and inputs for minigun safety, sight power/brightness and IR laser

New Introduction flight video tutorial

A big thank you to Statua for refreshing our introduction flight video tutorial on our YT channel. This tutorial clearly explains the minimum requirements that we will be looking for from the new potential recruits. Rally nothing crazy if you took some time to open the manual of your helicopter of choice and spent a few hours training on your own before looking to join a squadron like BlackharkDen.

AI JTAC demo by ED

Not exactly something new (except the "Snake" which is really cool and new), but ED here is demonstrating an AI giving a 9 lines which is great, at least when flying alone or without OH support in MP. Now according to our current and former RW US army pilots flying with us, 9 line is not really a thing for helicopters as they are flying all the time in close contact and as such have a good situational awereness already. As such, the most complex coordination required, and that we are training for at BSD does not go beyond the 5 lines.

AI JTAC demo by ED

Not exactly something new (except the "Snake" which is really cool and new), but ED here is demonstrating an AI giving a 9 lines which is great, at least when flying alone or without OH support in MP. Now according to our current and former RW US army pilots flying with us, 9 line is not really a thing for helicopters as they are flying all the time in close contact and as such have a good situational awereness already. As such, the most complex coordination required, and that we are training for at BSD does not go beyond the 5 lines.

South atlantic map available

It's going to be hard to come after the Syria map when talking about RW operations, but let's wait and see with our own eyes, and most importantly, our missions designers eyes to see if this new South Atlantic map will inspire new and exciting missions and if it will stick on the long term. At least, the trailer is giving some longer than usual screen time to helicopters (granted, only the 64 when historically the Gazelle would have made more sense but maybe ED didn't want to feature a 3rd party module). Welcome to the new DCS map!

R-60 inbound for the Hind

ED promised it and they delivered. Well, they will deliver. The R-60 is coming on the Hind and it's more than just a new loadout with a bunch of new switches to play with inside the cockpit. Will the RW finaly be able to maintain some kind of air superiority without the support of FW?

She's here!

Screenshot by Dutch

A new helicopter for DCS is always a major event, because these are so rare. It's been many years now since the last chopper came out (Gazelle). So needless to say the excitement is huge at the Den! For those who are not yet flying with us, the wait is not completely over if you are willing to join and fly this beast as the deployment of the new platoons are on going and the priority is going today to the internal transfers (and there are a lot of them!). Once the situation stabilizes internally, we will accept external registrations again. Thanks for your patience and remember to register right now as the waiting list is filling up quick and we will take the new comers by order of arrival.

Screenshot by Fatalbert

First formation flight BSD

Screenshot by Shin.

News for the AH-64D Apache

Another set of screenshots of what looks like an already pretty advanced development of the AH-64D Block II (US Army 2002) model from ED. Early access pre orders are expected to open end of this Summer.

New Mi-24P video

Third video published  by Matt about hovering, taxiing and takeoff with the Hind. Sounds like Matt studied hard the fundamentals of helicopter flying in this video and took great care of flying her properly. 😁

Ka50 ready for a war

Dutch, one of our super talented pilot, just showed us his latest video, and this definitively deserves to be featured because it is beyond awesome. Check this out.

Operation Columbus

We had a great time last weekend with our guests AMVI from Italy and BlackSheep Squadron from France. A nice 20 helicopters operation along the Iranian coast with some nice coordination required for the final assault between transports, attack and scouts helicopters.

DCS Syria on short final?

Ugra Media and ED recently announced the short final for this map, DCS Syria, which will actually covers part of Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan. It's always challenging to guess what "approaching its final stages of development" really means in the mind of Ugra Media and ED since we have no idea how many stages it involves and the length of each of them. Our guess is that it will be certainly more than 2 weeks. Anyway, new screenshots emerged last week and needless to say that this map is likely to be on the first day buy  list of most of our pilots, just at the same level than what the Persian Gulf one was when it came out.

Among those screenshot, one intriguing one was this shot of Palmyra with installations definitively restricted to helicopters only (and eventually Harriers). This will surely be a place of choice for every chopper missions we will have on this map.

Operation Columbus

We had a great time last weekend with our guests AMVI from Italy and BlackSheep Squadron from France. A nice 20 helicopters operation along the Iranian coast with some nice coordination required for the final assault between transports, attack and scouts helicopters.

DCS Syria on short final?

Ugra Media and ED recently announced the short final for this map, DCS Syria, which will actually covers part of Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan. It's always challenging to guess what "approaching its final stages of development" really means in the mind of Ugra Media and ED since we have no idea how many stages it involves and the length of each of them. Our guess is that it will be certainly more than 2 weeks. Anyway, new screenshots emerged last week and needless to say that this map is likely to be on the first day buy  list of most of our pilots, just at the same level than what the Persian Gulf one was when it came out.

Among those screenshot, one intriguing one was this shot of Palmyra with installations definitively restricted to helicopters only (and eventually Harriers). This will surely be a place of choice for every chopper missions we will have on this map.

Razbam is teasing some 3D renderings

Razbam, after taking a share in the completion of the BO-105 module, is now teasing some 3D renderings of helicopters. Lately, a Sea King air frame showed up on their twitter account. 

It is kinda hard to say if Razbam is actually developing a full blown DCS level helicopter module of this chopper or just teasing some assets for their upcoming Falklands map. My guess is that is it just the latter. But it's just me.

Operation Barkhane H+0 Successful!

22 helicopter pilots and 1 ATC on BlackSharkDen dedicated server tonight! Thank you to Escuadron69 from Spain and BlackSheep Squadron from France for joining our operation Barkhane. Despite the few surprises from the latest DCSWorld 2.5.5 version, we all had a blast flying with you guys! All objectives were successfully completed and only a limited number of casualties despite the large number of aircraft in the sky and the amount of enemy hidden in the Zagros mountains. Watch out for Operation Barkhane H+6 that will take you over the Lut desert for some epic technical hunt!

DCS BlackShark module is not dead!

New trailer for the Black Shark apparently work is still going on to improve it with new graphical effects and rendering technologies according to a Facebook post by ED.

by Eagle_Rising

Exclusive CombatFlite preview by BSD

So we have been trying out for a few weeks here at BlackSharkDen the beta of the upcoming CombatFlite flight planning software that Viper39 has been working on for some time. Viper was kind enough to let us release a preview video here of his awesome software.

Thrustmaster reveals a new rudder system

Another beauty from Thrustmaster was revealed at E3 this week with the TPR rudder system. 15lbs of aluminum that, at least from the picture, shames all the other rudder solutions for DCS so far. Price might be steep though, but price is always steep for quality rudders, no matter what.

Belsimtek and Eagle Dynamics are merging!

Belsimtek and Eagle Dynamics are becoming one: Eagle Dynamics. Mi-24P and now AH-1S Cobra have been confirmed to be in the pipeline!

Belsimtek and Eagle Dynamics are merging!

Belsimtek and Eagle Dynamics are becoming one: Eagle Dynamics. Mi-24P and now AH-1S Cobra have been confirmed to be in the pipeline!

ED Release 2.5.2 Open Beta for Hornet

Not that we care much about the Hornet (well it is a cool aircraft to fly even though it still sucks and blows per definition), but the most important thing for us was the return of a working NVG in VR and the addition of a Nimitz class aircraft carrier. Some old bugs too are back like server crash when sling loading. Anyway, the new aircraft carrier was tested and approved by our pilots tonight after an exciting mission at the heart of Iran on the new PG map. This carrier have plenty of space to see a dozen helicopters landing on it and it really nicely modeled.

Bandar Abbas was pretty busy last night. Leeeeeroooooy Jenkins! 

UNIVERS RADIO 0.1.4.1 MA Available

Let's give it a chance again. I am sure most of the problems we have are coming from bad installations. New cool features:

• New voice server for ATIS or Radio stations
• "Disable plugin" button in TS3 allowing to directly disable UR Plugin.
• New cardoid effect range (I guess this is a more realistic way of simulating radio attenuation?)
• New NTTR topo data v2
• Normandy topo data

DCS UH-1H Flight test

A bit long but very interesting video about the DCS Huey being put to the test by a real pilot with a no compromise approach of this module. Lot of information about flight dynamics and about how realistic the DCS Huey is.

Busy day today for our training of the week.

1st High Command Strategic meeting in Atlanta

Eagle and BaD CrC (on the left) met in Atlanta this week to discuss how we would like to grow and mature BSD, giving a more formal framework to the pilots regarding training and procedures and make sure each of you guys enjoy flying missions at BlackSharkDen. We will share the outcome with you pretty quickly.

UNIVERS RADIO 0.1.4.1 MA Available

Let's give it a chance again. I am sure most of the problems we have are coming from bad installations. New cool features:

• New voice server for ATIS or Radio stations
• "Disable plugin" button in TS3 allowing to directly disable UR Plugin.
• New cardoid effect range (I guess this is a more realistic way of simulating radio attenuation?)
• New NTTR topo data v2
• Normandy topo data

High Altitude training with 229th

SIX from the 229th was kind enough to join us during our high altitude training yesterday and share his invaluable IRL experience with us. Always welcome SIX!

Eagle-Rising (down), performing a one skid landing at 19,000 ft.

Busy day today for our training of the week.

1st High Command Strategic meeting in Atlanta

Eagle and BaD CrC (on the left) met in Atlanta this week to discuss how we would like to grow and mature BSD, giving a more formal framework to the pilots regarding training and procedures and make sure each of you guys enjoy flying missions at BlackSharkDen. We will share the outcome with you pretty quickly.

Polychop simulations is teasing

"Little fun fact. The real life sister of the current 3D model I am about to finish has an exact tail rotor speed of 2381 rounds per minute. You think you know which one it is ?" 

Source: Facebook

Razbam going for a 53?

Spotted on Razbam facebook page.

UH-1H Accuracy check part 2

 Part 2 of the accuracy check for DCS UH-1H is online since June 21st. Another pretty long video, but very interesting nonetheless.

Belsimtek confirms incoming Mi24P

And another announcement from Belsimtek on the 14th of July. No availability date as usual but a huge impact on rotorheads community to foresee with this iconic multi role helicopter.

GSh-30K Cannon on high rate setting, anyone? 

Polychop simulations is teasing

"Little fun fact. The real life sister of the current 3D model I am about to finish has an exact tail rotor speed of 2381 rounds per minute. You think you know which one it is ?" 

Source: Facebook

Razbam going for a 53?

Spotted on Razbam facebook page.

RL2 trainings kick off!

Since the new training program has been deployed, we have seen a very good response from BSD pilots. Gizzy and Eagle, our now famous instructors are working hard at running check rides and fine tuning the tasks lists. We are expecting the first batch of RL2 missions approved pilots by week end. As soon as we are getting a reasonable number of pilots approved, we will start to setup combat missions for them only so we can only urge the remaining RL3 pilots to ask or register for a quick check ride if they want to keep seeing some combat action in the near future.

Last night's check ride with Ten Beers and Reed

The Huey is a nice simple and forgiving chopper for flight school so we are using it often for the basics, but you guys can fly whatever chopper you'd like to be certified on since some of the 1K tasks are aircraft specific. Gizzy is setting up the second part of the RL2 checkrides this weekend. If you are interested, register early since the number of pilots Gizzy can handle at the same time is limited and Summer holiday is coming soon.

Belsimtek confirms incoming Mi24P

And another announcement from Belsimtek on the 14th of July. No availability date as usual but a huge impact on rotorheads community to foresee with this iconic multi role helicopter.

GSh-30K Cannon on high rate setting, anyone? 

Polychop simulations is teasing

"Little fun fact. The real life sister of the current 3D model I am about to finish has an exact tail rotor speed of 2381 rounds per minute. You think you know which one it is ?" 

Source: Facebook 

Remembering D-DAY

Flying over Normandy on this special day of June 6^th, we had to stop over the "pointe du Hoc" near Omaha beach and remember...

Starway's Caucasus textures updated

You guys can now download the 2.4 version HERE.

1.5.4 Open Beta Update June 24th

Open Beta only. Hopefully, we should see this coming into final next Friday. In the interesting things for rotorheads, I noticed:

• Added the ability to place helicopters on the ground for the cold and hot start (ME): not too sure what that's actually mean. Can we start anywhere we want now instead of necessarily a FARP/Airport/Boat?
• Support of hot plug of input devices now
• Returned moon in the sky

UH-1H

• Some improvements and bug fixes for Sling load operations
• The hints now in Kneeboard (later it will fully be removed from screen)

DCS Mi-8MTV2

• Some improvements and bug fixes for Sling load operations
• The hints (about Weapon status, sling load status) now replaced to Kneeboard
• Now the ground crew can be called without setting an intercom, but opened Window
• R-863 in default is tuned on ME frequency
• Default position of the switch ДЕНЬ-НОЧЬ depends on the time of day
• Fixed failures in ME
• Added view on Cargo from pilot seats (LShift + LAlt + С), will tuned later
• Fixed mirrors status during mission start
• Parking brake fixed
• After Hot start:
  • pitot heating initialize
  • SARPP init state
  • Air Inlet Particle Separator System is initialize
  • GMC-1A already slaved
  • Human radio modulation changed to AM
• Tail Rotor Control Failure, repair fixed
• Add animation for Rotor Swash Plate and Anti-torque Rotor Hub.

DCS SA342

• Added SA342L model featuring Gun, Rockets, new camera with only daytime view, no NVG, rockets recoil to be corrected later
• Added SA342L separated manual
• Now both internal cockpit pilots bodies can be hidden using RShift+P key in sequence
• Corrected Flight Model in turns
• Corrected Flight Model in dives
• Corrected HOT3 missile to explode as soon as wire is cut
• Corrected Rotor torque behavior depending on speed
• Corrected pitch and roll stick sensitivity
• Corrected helicopter skids behavior at ground
• Now helicopter can land in grass
• Now external pilots bodies don't show when helicopter is set as uncontrolled in ME
• External copilot body is still visible when helicopter is set as static in ME, will be fixed later
• Corrected campaign missions to keep player current stage
• Corrected COMB warning at Alarm panel and manual accordingly
• Corrected Flares now reload when rearming
• Corrected Engine sound not to change while in Torque test
• Corrected Trimming with Magnetic brake
• Corrected wool wire to correctly reflect wind direction
• Corrected NADIR VENT parameter to display absolute direction the wind comes from
• Corrected SAS authority during turns
• Also from PolyChop thread:
  • Enabled custom cokpits
  • Added SA342M SA342L and HOT3 Russian encyclopedia localization
  • Corrected Fenestron behavior
  • Corrected Rotor pitch behavior
  • Corrected damages in flight due to over g
  • Target distance no more needed to get HOT missile launch clearance
  • corrected 1.5.4 displayed module name in main screen

A shot from last night's mission

Awesome mission tonight and I wanted to share just one shot with you guys during our low altitude night infiltration into enemy territory with the Gazelles. Full debrief available in the debrief room.

Click for the full size image.

DirtyFret's Mi8 HD cockpit now in light grey

After a fantastic job with the blue and grey cockpit, DirtyFret is offering us a light grey version he made from IRL photos. Now you can have your Mi-8 looking exactly the way you want, inside and outside.

Starway's texture DLC update v2 available

This update contains the following features:

• new 8K noise textures for all seasons
• new 8K mountain textures for all seasons
• new fields 
• winter textures for runways added
• adjusted trees
• new distance textures
• adjusted villages, roads, borders …

Download available HERE