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NOTE 1: Be aware that as we refine LCT and DAFCS and increase the aircraft's pitch, some performance characteristics such as attitude will change, such as less nose-down pitch in forward flight and automatically coordinated turns.

NOTE 2. This is a basic roll and start video based simply on the Early Access version. Elements will be changed and added, so a full video that matches the book will come later once all the pieces are in place.

NOTE 3: The DCS: CH-47F guide can be found here: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/downloads/documentation/dcs-ch47f_early_access_guide_en/

As you've probably noticed, I'm battling a summer cold, so please excuse my voice. Starting with the simplified startup video showing what's required to launch the hook in DCS when it was first released, we'll now discuss taxiing and two types of takeoff. As with launch, we'll just focus on what's required when launching for the first time in the game. For full, actual procedures, see the CH-47F manual.

Also, I'm sorry this video took so long after the simple, initial video. Before I could record this video, we wanted to improve the unique takeoff performance and characteristics to be more like the real aircraft. While there is more work to be done on that front, I think you'll find that hovering and taking off the Hook is a very easy aircraft to fly.

First, on the overhead panel, we activate the remaining fuel pumps and can turn off the fuel crossfeed switch. Note that although pressing button 3 puts you in the position of a flight engineer, this crew member's duties are all outside the cockpit.

For taxiing, the rear right wheel of the Hook is hydraulically driven in steering mode and the other rear wheel follows suit. This allows the helicopter to maneuver in relatively small spaces. The hydraulically driven wheel can be steered using the control knob on the center console in the cabin. This also allows much lower power settings, reducing rotor vortex when taxiing.

Before rolling, make sure that the brake pads are tightened and the parking brake is fully engaged. If we want to apply the parking brake, we must first press the brake pedals and then pull out the parking brake lever.

Make sure the SWIVEL switch is set to STEER and slowly raise the throttle (not called Collective in Hook) to initiate forward motion. Raise and lower the throttle to control the rolling speed and you can use the wheel brakes. In the game you can also adjust the cyclic pitch to adjust the speed, but don't overdo it as too much cyclic reverse could cause the rear wheels to come off the ground. Note that you wouldn't normally do this in the real Hook. To steer, turn the STEER knob. You may want to bind this control to a series of button presses or an axle. You can also lock the steering or let the wheels swivel freely. When you're done rolling, set the switch to LOCK.

For this lesson we will be using the instrument page. I have it displayed on my right display. In the middle is the Vertical Situation Display (VSD) and the Horizontal Situation Display (HSD). Below that is our skid/slip indicator, the radar altimeter is in the lower right corner, the barometric altimeter is directly above it on the right side of the display, and the airspeed is on the left side of the display.

When taxiing on all four wheels, make sure the Longitudinal Cyclic Trim (LCT) switch is in the AUTO position and the Digital Advanced Flight Control System (DAFCS) is in the OFF position. Just before takeoff, set the DAFCS to BOTH.
For a VMC start on a paved surface like ours, we release the brakes and keep the steering wheel and pedals in the middle while slowly opening the throttle. We start to roll forward, lifting all four wheels at the same time.
Push the Cyclic forward and set a negative pitch of five degrees. Release the force trim switch and center the Cyclic to steer this Cyclic. Note that you must keep the pedals pressed to steer your course.
Using cyclic pitch changes, you can set your airspeed and climb rate to about 500 feet per minute and adjust the thrust to the desired altitude. Use the pedals to maintain heading.

Once the aircraft reaches an altitude above 50 feet, trim it using a centered trim ball on the skid/slip indicator.

Taking off from a hover is much the same, but first make sure the LCT trim switch is set to AUTO and AFCS is set to BOTH. Move the stick back an inch and a half and center the pedals. Slowly pull back on power and input the stick forward before gliding back. Continue climbing in a hover. Once we add full LCT assist, this will be even easier. When you're ready, tilt the stick forward five degrees to gain forward speed, but add some power to compensate. Once you've achieved the desired speed and attitude, adjust the trim.

That's it. In the next video we'll look at how to land the hook.

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