Eagle Dynamics’ CH-47F Chinook Launches into Early Access

Eagle Dynamics has released their CH-47F Chinook helicopter into early access for Digital Combat Simulator (DCS). The helicopter, which was announced in April, is being initially introduced in an early access period for the price…

Eagle Dynamics’ CH-47F Chinook Launches into Early Access

Eagle Dynamics has released their CH-47F Chinook helicopter into early access for Digital Combat Simulator (DCS).

The helicopter, which was announced in April, is being initially introduced in an early access period for the price of $55.99, with more features planned to come to the aircraft later as development continues.

As of today, Eagle Dynamics’ virtual rendition of the twin-rotor heavy lifter features a fully integrated digital cockpit management system and the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS), which the developer says combined will improve navigation and battlefield survivability. The hull of the CH47 is designed to resist small arms fire too, hence why we have seen it deployed to so many combat theatres in the real world, and this will be reflected in its performance within the simulated world.

The CH-47F is powered by two Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines, which can propel the helicopter to speeds over 175 mph, making it one of the fastest helicopters in the US Army. It can carry a maximum payload of 21,000 lbs (9526 kg), enough to accommodate an underslung tank or artillery piece. Range-wise, the CH-47F can fly over 400 nautical miles making it well placed for long-distance missions into hostile territory.

The Chinook is an iconic vehicle that has played a vital role in many famous military operations, from Operation Desert Storm where its heavy lift capabilities enabled the rapid deployment of NATO forces into Iraq, to Operation Anaconda where the helicopter’s ability to withstand small arms fire made it an invaluable asset for deploying troops in the Shah-i-Kot Valley. It is employed by many of the Western world’s most powerful military forces including the U.S. Army (its largest operator), British RAF, Canadian RCAF, Australian Army, as well as troops in the Netherlands, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, India, South Korea and Spain among others.

Although the DCS version of the helicopter is not yet considered feature complete, with plenty of new features to add as the early access period progresses, the developer’s feature list is still quite comprehensive at this stage. It is included below.

Early Access Feature List

  • 3D models
    – Highly detailed external and internal modelling, including cockpit and cargo hold.
    – Fully interactive, VR-ready cockpit.
    – Highly detailed pilots and animations (3rd person view).
    – U.S. Army Paint Schemes.
  • Avionics and other features
    – Unmatched helicopter flight dynamics that only DCS can provide.
    – Basic trim system and AI helper.
    – High-level Multi-function Displays (MFD)
    • VSD page.
    • HSD full/half pages with digital map support.
    • Engine and Power Train full/half pages.
    • Fuel full/half pages.
    • Flight plan summary page
    • WCA
    – Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and pilot-controller Countermeasures Dispenser System with chaff and flares
    – Common Missile Warning System (CMWS)
    – Integrated ARC-186 radio with Voice Chat.
    – Base night vision goggles.
  • Multi-crew
    – AI-side gunners equipped with M60D machine guns.
    – Base multi-crew for online games including pilot, co-pilot and two side gunner stations.
  • Cargo
    – Ability to load and unload cargo from the internal bay based on weight and volume.
    – Single-point sling loading.
    – Supporting the new DCS warehouse-to-warehouse cargo transferring feature.
  • Early access manual.
  • Quick action missions.
  • Training missions.

An additional list of the planned features to be rolled out during the early access period can be found in the Eagle Dynamics news release here.

FSElite will continue to keep you posted on the early access developments of this world-famous cultural icon of an aircraft for DCS!

More From:   Eagle Dynamics
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Matthew Kiff
Matt only discovered his love of flight sim with MSFS 2020, but has since made a career in aviation. As well as contributing to FSElite, he works as a flight data analyst, aiding pilots and operators worldwide in improving their flight safety.

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