Janes AH64D Longbow 2: Tips Part II
by Leonard (Viking1) Hjalmarson
by Leonard (Viking1) Hjalmarson
Go to:
- Facing Enemy A2A Platforms
- Use of Wingman
- Damage Control
- Ground Threats
- General Cruising Tips
- Primary Target Procedures
Facing Enemy A2A Platforms
- Every 1 km or so when in enemy territory pop up a bit and scan for A2A targets
- Alternatively, order your wingman to A2A mode and to pop up and scan
- If bandits appear suddenly switch to A2A mode and hit F4 twice to go to padlock mode
- Deal with Hokums first since they carry A2A weapons
- Hinds and Havocs are heavily built and it may take two Stingers to destroy them
- If you spot an enemy helo at close range and then lose sight chances are he is over head
- With fast movers stay low and hover OR move directly toward the bandit to force him to increase his angle of attack
Use of Wingman
- Arm your wingman with stingers to increase his survival rate
- Use your wingman especially for softer targets and as a backup
- If you have to concentrate on targetting data in a dangerous spot order your wing to provide cover (CTL +)
- Use your wingman to Pop Up and Scan area when at your primary target (CTL 4)
- Don't send your wingman after grounded helicopters; other threats will take him out
- When approaching a well defended target area use the Stay Here command (CTL 9) and Hand Off Targets (CTL BkSp) until you get positioned and divide your attack and the enemies attention
- Ensure your wingman is within weapons range prior to Stay Here command
- Order weapon priority (ground or air) prior to giving Weapons Free command
- Use Rejoin Formation command when the target area is secure to keep your wing from wandering
- Your wingman is your best asset out there; use him!
Damage Control
- Tail Rotor - land and order your wing to engage targets then use AP to get home. Change waypoint to #1 and return the way you came
- Engine Loss - Return to the nearest FARP.
- If you are damaged and land and need to take off again you may need to re-engage the main rotor (R key)
- You can only use your fire extinguisher once, but use it when needed!
Ground Threats
- Prior to crossing the border ascend to about 200 feet to get a good read of the defensive positions
- If you get in close to a SAM site you can use guns because you will within their minimum launch range (Exception: 2S6)
- If you are fired on dropping very low will often break the lock
- The 2S6 also mounts guns and is deadly at all ranges
- Always take out radar sites first
- Destroy the tracking radar such as the Snow Drift and the launch sites become useless
- Activate radar and IR jamming when in a battle zone
General Cruising Tips and Use of Radar
- Use IHADSS Cruise for normal mode since it is relatively free of clutter
- Every two minutes or so activate air radar and do a sweep
- When terrain masking is unavailable deactivate radar for greater stealth
- Be sure your TADS is in FLIR mode for filter of ground clutter
- Learn to use radar scan adjustment for maintaining max stealth
Primary Target Procedures
- Use ATA radar mode to scan airspace for hostile aircraft.
- Assume your position at 6-7 km from the target.
- Acquire all linked targetting data.
- Identify all near threats and defensive positions for first attention.
- Set up for your attack. If appropriate position your wingman and then assume your own position.
Need more tips? Check out Corsairs' Longbow Rookies Corner
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Last Updated September 21st, 1997