Datos extraidos de la entrevista en ruso a Alex Podvoisky (PilotMi8) (gracias por la traducción de Minsky en el foro de ED) sobre el modulo del Mi-24 Hind P que saldrá en el segundo cuarto de 2021.
Key moments from the above interview with ED's Mi-24P project manager Alex Podvoisky:
- Alex is an ex-military helicopter pilot (1200+ hours on Mi-8). Working at ED since 2011/12.
- "P" (П) model of the Mi-24 has been chosen because of the real Mi-24 pilot's requests. Also, the Mi-24P can be flown, and most weapons can be employed, from both cockpits.
- No movable "Ka-50 like" front cannon as seen on the Mi-24VP: the real one was imperfect, ineffective and not widespread. Pointless to recreate it in DCS.
- No UPK-23 gun pod (not installed on Russian Mi-24P's).
- No laser target designation: not suitable for this particular Mi-24 model. Optical only (with a very basic gyro stabilization, so it's gonna be challenging).
- Cockpit shaking due to rotor vibrations will be similar to Mi-8, but less pronounced (as on the real helo).
- A2A missiles (R-60) will be added "later". Another ED team is currently reworking all IR missiles in DCS, so they'll be able to spot any heated object - not just those airborne. This is required, since Mi-24s in Afghanistan were employing R-60s against ground targets.
AI co-pilot:
* Co-pilot will be deliberately made imperfect and human-like: it will have harder time spotting smaller and low-contrast targets, or those not in its direct eyesight. No "x-ray vision", instant spotting and dead-on locking.
* Co-pilot in the Early Access will be limited to basic assisting/targeting and enabling certain systems on pilot's request. Other features (like assisted startup, system checks and so on) will be added later.
* It seems that the AI co-pilot will not be able to land the Mi-24 on its own.
* Co-pilot's menu for the Mi-24 is not yet finalized. Devs are aiming at something similar to Jester/Iceman menu: radial, controlled via joystick's hat and TrackIR. Users will be able to change speed, heading, altitude, combat modes, and so on.
* Co-pilot's name is still a secret, but it will be a Russian one.
* No Jester-like jokes and banter: from Alex' own experience, there's no room for that in a combat or training environment. "On RTB - maybe... We'll think about it later".
* Co-pilot will be available in English and Russian languages at first (users will be able to add their own languages via mods).
* Co-pilot/pilot injuries will not be simulated: "we'll think about it later".
Available weapons for the Mi-24:
* Unguided rockets: S-8, S-5, S-13, S-24B
* AG Missiles: 9M114 Sturm (AT-6 Spiral), 9M120 (AT-9 Spiral-2 - later in the Early Access)
* Missiles: R-60M (coming later - explained above)
* Pods: GUVs (like on the Mi-8)
* GSh-30-2 (ГШ-2-30К) 30mm cannon
- Lipa ("Липа") jammer won't be implemented. Alex claims that this system is outdated, hasn't been installed on the Mi-24P for years, and is useless in DCS (don't have suitable threats).
- No President-S RWR/CMS complex for Mi-24 or Mi-8 (no data available). Only the basic ASO-2V dispenser ("АСО-2В").
- A combat campaign for the Mi-24 will be created at some point. No training campaigns or missions planned (at least not for the Early Access).
- In-cockpit (3D) NS430 is unlikely. Windowed (2D) version - "maybe".
- No night vision goggles: the chosen Mi-24P variant doesn't have them. Probably will be added later, but no promises.
- Onboard, Huey-like, gunners will be added "later". Devs don't think they're top priority.
- Regarding troops transporting/deployment: the Mi-24 team is not responsible for this feature, it's a core DCS thing. So, most likely, it won't be available on release (if available at all).
- Landmines. Technically possible to deploy them with the Mi-24, but this feature is not yet implemented in core DCS. Same stands for the Mi-8.
- Visual icing effects: again, this is a core DCS feature, and the Mi-24 team cannot implement it themselves. In other regards, icing will be similar to Mi-8.
- Autopilot system will be fully functional.
- DISS (doppler navigation system) will be fully functional, with simulated drift and drift correction.
- It seems that the Mi-24 will be very well-optimized: no Tomcat-like lags on first load, and, according to Alex: "60-70 fps on my laptop" (specs and DCS settings unknown).
- Apparently, ED's AH-64D is already flyable: Alex is flying one of the early builds, and he's quite enjoying it.
- Multi-crew for the Mi-8 in DCS: "Someday. I would very much like for it to happen".
- Bonus for those who read through the whole thing: multi-crew for the Mi-24 should be available on day one in the Early Access.