I NEED to stop watching videos of the hook. I intend to skip this one because I have more aircraft than I need or actually fly in sim. Yet, ever time I see a video of the hook my credit card burns in my pocket. I can hear the Borg saying, “Resistance is futile.”
OMG, she looks so cool and seems to handle better than all the other DCS helos. I know it could be a demonstration of the pilots’ skills but still… I haven’t even gotten around to the Kiowa or Phantom and I’m dealing with a case of Gottahaveit syndrome. Help!
Despite all the issues she does have at the moment, once everything is fleshed out she’ll probably be the only transport chopper I fly in DCS whenever I feel the need for whirlybirds.
If you own the Kiowa, take it up for a spin. It is a very honest chopper that is very pleasant to fly. It might give you so respite from the burning wallet for a bit.
My review: don’t buy yet. The AFCS (or whatever it’s called in the Hook) isn’t done, so she doesn’t fly as well as she should. The nav systems are so incomplete as to be annoying, though what is there does seem to work. The dynamic cargo system is cool, and we’ll probably have that in the multiplayer missions very soon (if not already), but in that environment you’ll be relying on teammates to keep you safe because you’re a big, relatively slow target.
The externals are exquisite and I like how they’ve modelled the crew positions. But a lot of stuff (like the ramp controls at the aft station) don’t seem to be implemented yet, and no in-cockpit crew bodies yet so it’s a bit lonely.
When it’s complete, it’ll be amazing. Right now? I’m finding it a little disappointing. I’m sure it will improve.
Edit: and I second the recommendation on the Kiowa, and of course there are the free AH-6 and UH-60 mods to scratch the itch as well…
The chinook, even with the afcs only part modelled is so easy to fly, myself and @Freak had a blast side sliding, and going pretty much vertical…. When all the systems are complete it will be an absolute beast … the cargo system is also a new and interesting addition … I still have to try driving a humvee into the back
For anyone flying the DCS Chinook, 47Driver’s YT channel has a lot of insight how the sim relates to the real aircraft, what is working, and what is not.
I’ve been flying mostly rotary wing the last few months. UH-1, Mi-8, OH-58, Gazelle, and now the CH-47.
The Hook, definitely needs tweaking, and it’s early early access. But I’ll say this, I’ve never flown an easier bird.
Landing and takeoff are probably the easiest of any of the helicopters. Hovering is much easier than others.
I’m really looking forward to seeing the logistics fleshed out, and I think the CH-47 will really come into its own.
If you have money to burn and don’t mind early access issues, pick it up.
If you prefer things a little more finished, hold out until a few more features are added to it.
I’d rate it as a solid 68/100 early access. Wanted to give it 70, but there are still too many things not working on it. Wipers being a big one. Would be nice to be able to fly in the rain.
I’ve found the ka-50 easier to fly than the AH-64 or Hind, but those are the only ones I have. Of course, I spent over a decade in the 50 at this point so there is definitely a familiarity helping out.
Just an FYI for FFB stick owners, the trim system is functional in the Chinook. IE, the stick stays where you trim it and moves back to center when the trim reset button in pressed. It’s really cool the first time you experience it after flying spring centering sticks for so long. At least with my AB9.
It works well for the Huey too! The AB9, VirPil Collective and TM TPR Pedals seem to be a great combination for helicopter controls.
Incidentally, after several years of using my trusty Crosswind pedals, and then moving to the TPR’s, I can say that the TPR’s give me much finer input control both for the rudder axis as well as the toe brakes.
That’s just how I roll . There is nothing wrong at all with the Crosswinds, they are a fine set of pedals. I’m just saying that the TPR’s do give a noticeable difference in fine control.
I hear you… I think they are somewhat over-priced, but I don’t see myself needing another set of pedals for many years to come. Of course, I said that when I bought my Crosswinds too.
I’ve been salivating for a set of TPRs for years, but my CH pedals refused to die, and the price was outside my budget. Anyway, I ultimately gave in and got a set of Turtle Beach rudders. While they are an improvement over my CH, they are rather loud and feel a bit plasticky. When I saw the Winwing pedals, I started eyeballing them, but Virpil had to come out and announce their set. Now I’m in rudder limbo again.
On the other hand, there have to be FFB pedals in the works. With all of the kits out there, one would think that they are likely to appear soon. I just wonder how I am going to secure them.
I promised the Crosswinds were “expensive, but the last rudder pedals I’ll ever buy” 
. There is nothing wrong at all with the Crosswinds, they are a fine set of pedals. I’m just saying that the TPR’s do give a noticeable difference in fine control.
