I recently had to buy a new computer, and I was looking for a new game with nice graphics that my old PC couldnt run. Enter Digital Combat Simulator - DCS for short - and their combat flight sim games.
I read the reviews of Black Shark (built around the Kamov KA-50 single seat attack chopper) and, although it received high scores everywhere I looked, it always got 'steep learning curve' applied to it. Its a video game dammit - how hard can it be?
Hard.
As it turns out, Black Shark is a
true helicopter simulator. Built with the help of Kamov themselves, everything about flying this remarkable helicopter appears to be in the game. I downloaded the manual, which as it turns out is nearly a
600 page pdf file. Although it explains in depth the science behind flying a helicopter and details what every single switch in the cockpit does, it does very little in explaining how you
fly it.
Just last night, after about 5 hours, I was finally able to start the engines by memory (about a 30 step process of flipping switches and checking all gauges), taxi out to the runway, and take off. On occasion, I was able to fly around a bit, but every time, I managed to crash in a blaze of fiery glory.
On my last attempt of the evening, not only did I manage to take off, but also attempted to land back at the airport. I bounced off the runway and flew into a building....hey, at least I got a controlled crash right????
So, anyway, here are some pics from the first 5 hours:
On approach to the Admiral Kuznetsov (no picture, but I crashed into the island shortly thereafter)
Engine started, taxied to the runway!
Cockpit view, and shortly after takeoff
A typical ending
A couple more cockpit shots. 95% of the switches, levers, and buttons have a function.
Finally, a couple beauty shots
