DCS Black Shark

[pip12345]

[IMG]http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/img/Ka-50_cut.jpg[/IMG]
"[I]DCS Black Shark[/I]"

DCS Black Shark Facepunch Steam group!

[url=http://steamcommunity.com/groups/DCSBSFAC?][img]http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/1261/ka50cutfacepunchgroup.jpg[/img][/url]

[B]
[I]What is this?

[/I] [/B]"DCS: Black Shark" is a PC game of the Russian Ka-50 attack helicopter and is the first title in a new Eagle Dynamics and The Fighter Collection simulation series: [B]"Digital Combat Simulator" (DCS)[/B]. Following Eagle Dynamics' tradition of excellence, "DCS: Black Shark" will bring an even more realistic simulation experience than its predecessor "Flaming Cliffs". "DCS: Black Shark" will offer an unprecedented level of realism in regards to flight dynamics, instruments modeling, avionics systems, and weapon systems. The artificial Intelligence of ground vehicles and helicopters has been improved dramatically as well as weapon modeling. A new Mission Editor includes a powerful electronic mapping system that allows user to easily create missions and campaigns. A new campaign system allows the front line of the battlefield to move back and fourth according to your mission success or failure. Due to the increased flexibility of the DCS system, additional fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter add-ons will follow shortly.

[B][I]Is this a game or a simulator?

[/I] [/B]You can choose between 2 settings, Game (Arcade) Or simulation (realistic)

[B][I]What is a Black Shark?

[/I] [/B]A Black Shark is a Russian fighter helicopter called the KA-50.
It uses a targeting computer called "Skhval" to lock on ground / airborne targets and destroy them.

[I][B]Helicopter Dynamics Modeling

[/B][/I]Rigid body dynamics equations have been used to calculate the helicopter’s flight trajectory. In essence, this means that all external forces and force momentums are used to calculate a body’s position and rotation in 3-D space.

The Ka-50 airframe aerodynamic properties are derived from its sub-element parameters: fuselage, wings, tail, and landing gear. Each of these has its own position and orientation within the airframe local-coordinate system and each has their own aerodynamic characteristics. Each sub-element is calculated by independent lift-drag coefficients diagrams, damage degree influencing the lift properties, and center of gravity (CG) position and inertial characteristics. Aerodynamic forces acting on each sub-element of the airframe are calculated separately in their own coordinate system taking into account local airspeed of the sub-element.

Contacts with the ground and external objects are modeled based on rigid contact points system.

[I][B]Forces and moments applied to the helicopter model

[IMG]http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/img/technology/HelModelDesc_01.gif[/IMG]
[/B][/I]
X, Y, Z – axes of reference;
V – velocity vector;
Fmg – gravity;
FFUZ – aerodynamic force of fuselage;
FRW – aerodynamic force of right wing;
FLW – aerodynamic force of left wing;
FRS – aerodynamic force of right stabilizer;
FLS – aerodynamic force of left stabilizer;
FF – aerodynamic force of vertical stabilizer;
F1BL1...F6BL1 – resultant forces of blade elements;
T – resultant tractive force of rotors, T = [IMG]http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/img/technology/HelModelDesc_formula.gif[/IMG]

[I][B]Landing Gear

[/B][/I]Landing gear is modeled as separate gear arms, each consisting of a wheel and an asymmetric shock absorber. The nose wheel is self-orienting, based on acting external forces. Such a model allows for modeling of realistic behavior including the development of shimmy effects at high speeds. Retracting and lowering the landing gear can lead to CG repositioning. When modeling landing gear operations their kinematic properties, external and hydraulic forces are all taken into account. The result is very realistic behavior in all conditions.

[I][B]Damage Model

[/B][/I]The damage model is based on aerodynamic and rigid contact forces where applicable. Damages to airframe components, landing gear, wheels, sensors and devices are all taken into account. Any damage will affect the helicopter’s physical and functional properties and reposition the CG.

[IMG]http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/img/technology/HelModel_02.jpg[/IMG]
[I][B]Ka-50 damages in the game.

Rotor Model

[/B][/I]The Ka-50 Black Shark’s rotor model is revolutionary among helicopter simulators. It is based on a joint model of each blade with its own complex motion relative to rotor axis and flapping (horizontal) and hunting (vertical) hinges. Each blade is separated into multiple segments, each having its own air velocity vector based on its orientation, twist, and induced velocity at current rotor section. Induced velocity is calculated by solving the equations based on simultaneously application of motion quantity theorem and blade element method. All this produces natural helicopter dynamics such as conical rotor inclination in forward flight (oscillations in hover with fixed stick, cyclic stick input increasing accordingly to the airspeed), power excess after transition from hover to forward flight, ground effect (over inclined surface or close to ground objects), “vortex ring” phenomena, airflow stall from the blades, blades intersection (collision). In the case of individual blade damage, corresponding dynamics are naturally modeled as part of overall rotor model.
[I][B]
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Aircraft.
[/B][/I]
The primary innovation regarding AI aircraft in “Black Shark” is the inclusion of a new and improved Flight Model (FM) system. In previous Eagle Dynamics products such as Lock On, the AI-aircraft FM did not reach a high-level of realism. For example: animations were sometimes used to supplement flight dynamics equations; this would in turn lead to unrealistic flight behavior in certain situations like high angles of attack and departures. This absence of detailed angle of attack modeling and the influence of cross wind led to problems when AI aircraft attempting to land in a cross-wind.
[IMG]http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/img/technology/HelModel_21.jpg[/IMG]
[I][B]C-130 Cross-wind Landing.

[/B][/I]For “Black Shark”, the same Standard Flight Model (SFM) will be used for AI-controlled aircraft that was used for player-controlled aircraft in “Lock On”. This improved FM will provide much more realistic AI flight performance. Only the Advanced Flight Model (AFM) featured in the Su-25T of “Lock On: Flaming Cliffs” game ([URL="http://www.lockon.co.uk/"]www.lockon.co.uk[/URL]) is superior.

When using the SFM, the equations to derive aircraft motion take into account the unique inertial and aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft. The engine model uses the factors of thrust and fuel-burn rate to further determine aircraft speed and altitude. These calculations allow the SFM to model realistic flight characteristics of aircraft (acceleration, rate of climb, maximum altitude, maximum and minimum speed, turn radius, instantaneous and sustained turn rates, range and flight duration). When converting the “Black Shark” AI aircraft to the SFM standard, it was necessary to modify more than 50 aircraft!

With this advancement in AI aircraft flight dynamics, it is now possible for the AI to conduct more advanced flight maneuvers and combat tactics:
[LIST]
[*]The AI can now initiate climbs and descents at optimum airspeed by using automatic calculations
[*]Improvements to the level of mechanical control input in relation to airspeed
[*]AI aircraft are now able to perform cross-wind landings and takeoffs from runways and aircraft carriers
[*]AI aircraft now stay in formation in a more realistic manner
[*]AI aircraft now use more realistic means to jink and maneuver against threats
[*]Realistic speed limitations have been implemented
[*]AI aircraft now return to base in a more realistic manner when low on fuel
[*]Maneuvering in within visual range combat has been improved
[*]AI aircraft have better avoidance skills when attached from behind
[*]AI aircraft have improved accuracy when attacking with cannon and rockets
[/LIST]
These improvements also lead to more realistic combat between the player and AI aircraft.

[I][B]Black Shark World[/B][/I]

“DCS: Black Shark” operations will be based in the western Caucus region and will include portions of Russia, Georgia and a small part of Turkey. With Russia, special attention is paid to the Krasnodarskiy, Karachayrvo-Cherkesiya, Kabardino-Balkariya and Stavropol’skey regions. Some of this area will be recognizable from “Flaming Cliffs”, but “DCS: Black Shark” has added a considerable new amount of terrain, particularly much of Georgia. The “DCS: Black Shark” map is approximately 330,000 sq. km of ground and sea area.
[IMG]http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/img/technology/grnd_new_airports_map.jpg[/IMG]
Blue dots represent new airbases
The map includes a wide array of topography that includes plains, agriculture fields, forests, hills, mountains, streams, rivers, lakes and seas.

The detail of the terrain height map has been increased in “DCS: Black Shark” in order to provide a more realistic height field to fly over in a helicopter at low altitude. Given the nature of attack helicopter operations, having a detailed height map was a must-have. Large portions of the “DCS: Black Shark” terrain height elevation matrix contain twice the number of triangles that were used to create the “Flaming Cliffs” terrain.[I][B]

Where can I buy this?
[/B][/I]Its on steam for 40 dollars.
But you can get it on Direct2Drive way cheaper.
[I][B]
Screenshots:

[/B][/I][IMG_THUMB]http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/img/products/large/787a9319f724f17546d26ffee769e87e.jpg[/IMG_THUMB]

[IMG_THUMB]http://pcmedia.ign.com/pc/image/article/945/945520/dcs-black-shark-20090115035336052_640w.jpg[/IMG_THUMB]

[IMG_THUMB]http://www.simhq.com/_air10/images/air_325a_001.jpg[/IMG_THUMB]

[IMG_THUMB]http://image.wangchao.net.cn/bt/1245210442868.jpg[/IMG_THUMB]

[IMG_THUMB]http://www.nag.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/dcsbs02.jpg[/IMG_THUMB]

[IMG_THUMB]http://img3.immage.de/1404a1ka50blackshark2.jpg[/IMG_THUMB]

[I][B]Videos:
[/B]Rambo style convoy attack[/I]
[URL="http://www.facepunch.com/#"]View YouTUBE video[/URL]

[URL]http://youtube.com/watch?v=f8jNriuwyzA[/URL]

[I]Very long startup.[/I]
[URL="http://www.facepunch.com/#"]View YouTUBE video[/URL]

[URL]http://youtube.com/watch?v=oucXaEZG0vM[/URL]

[I]Very epic movie of the game[/I]
[URL="http://www.facepunch.com/#"]View YouTUBE video[/URL]

[URL]http://youtube.com/watch?v=RZjSI021j-c[/URL]

[I]Pro guy landing on train[/I]
[URL="http://www.facepunch.com/#"]View YouTUBE video[/URL]

[URL]http://youtube.com/watch?v=6WXDh4F0gdc[/URL]

[I]And the same pro guy landing on another train[/I]
[URL="http://www.facepunch.com/#"]View YouTUBE video[/URL]

[URL]http://youtube.com/watch?v=yC0F53Mx31g[/URL]

[U]:siren: If you don't like the game/simulator don't post.[/U] :siren:

[adadadsd]

Wait, so this is a game about one vehicle?

[pip12345]

[QUOTE=adadadsd;23467353]Wait, so this is a game about one vehicle?[/QUOTE]

Uhm yeah, Its more like a simulator.
If you get into the game you like it.
But you can skin your helicopter and thats fun.

[postcert]

That looks infinitely awesome, but I highly doubt I would be able to handle it.

[Frankiscool!]

I play this. Took me an hour to figure out how to start the damn engine for the first time.

It was awesome.

[pip12345]

[QUOTE=Frankiscool!;23468766]I play this. Took me an hour to figure out how to start the damn engine for the first time.

It was awesome.[/QUOTE]

Wanna play it with me a time?
I need a wingmate! :crying:

[Codemaster85]

my computer would have a seizure trying to play it. SO MANY SHADOWS!

[Nuky]

I've tried to play this game, but I couldn't :/ I like that all the buttons are clickable in the cockpit though :D

[Darkebrz]

If I had a joystick and a better computer, I would love to play this.
But I don't.

[pip12345]

[QUOTE=Nuky;23469942]I've tried to play this game, but I couldn't :/ I like that all the buttons are clickable in the cockpit though :D[/QUOTE]

Try doing the tutorials over and over again.
And if you can't figure out how to start the engine you can bind a button for auto start somewhere in the key configuration.

[zenith777]

I love flying the Kamov. I actually have printed out instructions on how to start up the Kamov because I can't remember it well and I don't want to cheat with that one command that starts it.

Anyone into modern flight simulators should also try out Lock On: Flaming Cliffs 2. It doesn't have as realistic cockpits as this but it uses same engine and has 9 flyable planes.

DCS:BS and FC2 owners can play together online, due to having online compatibility between each other.

Also due to not being very good with this yet, I always shit my pants when my wingmate warns me about incoming missile.

[NTripleOne]

Dear god I want this, but it's so expensive for a single craft simulator.

[pip12345]

[QUOTE=nige111;23471087]Dear god I want this, but it's so expensive for a single craft simulator.[/QUOTE]

Its really worth the money.
Unless you are the "Bah this is to difficult this game sucks" type person.

[ITokez]

when i get the game who wants to be my wingmate?

[jeimizu]

My favorite helicopter. Definitely going to buy this.

Does TrackIR work with it?

[editline]02:47PM[/editline]

Too bad my Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 got stolen.

Best joystick ever.

[TicTac]

Are there any profiles for the 360 controller?

Also, I was clicking random buttons in the cockpit and I somehow took off.

[Barnhouse]

Can you only fly one helicopter and nothing else?

This looks pretty awesome, I might buy it.

[Frankiscool!]

I can't wait till they come out with DCS: A-10. Its their next game i heard.

[editline]10:57PM[/editline]

[QUOTE=Barnhouse;23477839]Can you only fly one helicopter and nothing else?

This looks pretty awesome, I might buy it.[/QUOTE]

Yep, you can only fly the Ka-50.

[pip12345]

I'm on my Ipod touch right now so I can't quote. And Track-IR works with the game.

[Frankiscool!]

I remember one of the missions where you start out in a base on a mountain and you gotta go find some sort of rebels in the woods on the other side of this mountain. I would get to the near top of the mountain and just lose power. No matter what i did i couldn't bring my altitude over the top. Eventually my engine died and i started sliding down the mountain and eventually exploded. It was awesome

[TacError]

As it as good as Jane's Longbow 2?

I'm going to wait until they release their A-10 sim. I heard that it actually has interactive tutorials rather than a recorded demo video.

[Frankiscool!]

I don't know much about the game, i wouldn't mind having a little session with no enemies, just some target practice, and someone to talk me through some of it.

[Clanrat]

I'd like to buy this, but I need a better joystick.

[profan]

I think im buying this, arma2's helicopter flight modelling isn't that satisfying.

[Frankiscool!]

[QUOTE=Profanwolf;23483339]I think im buying this, arma2's helicopter flight modelling isn't that satisfying.[/QUOTE]

Arma II's flight anything is completly unrealistic. In order to crash land safely in Arma 2, you nose dive...lol.

This will satisify you, believe me.

[TheTalon]

DCS is also making an A-10 game like this as well, which is the one I'll be playing

[pip12345]

We should create a Steam group for this.
PM me if you want to make one and wanna make a logo for it.
I'll update the thread with the new logo and link if its done.

[Frankiscool!]

[QUOTE=pip12345;23489526]We should create a Steam group for this.
PM me if you want to make one and wanna make a logo for it.
I'll update the thread with the new logo and link if its done.[/QUOTE]

Get one started, and I'l join.

[booster]

If I even tried to start the helicopter i'd probablt kill myslef trying.

[pip12345]

[QUOTE=booster;23494654]If I even tried to start the helicopter i'd probablt kill myslef trying.[/QUOTE]

It toke me 3 hours to figure out the buttons.
And I still dont know what the half of it means.

And the Steam group is online!