Apache - gun, hud and optics

daranz · Post by **daranz** » 2007-09-22 00:31

I have three suggestions for improving the Apache:

First, allow cannon targeting from within the gunner's cockpit without having to use the optics. In a real Apache, both pilot and the copilot/gunner have helmet mounted designation systems - their head movements are tracked, and the chain gun can be slaved to them. They can aim the chain gun with a crosshair displayed on a helmet mounted display. This can be easily reproduced by simply giving the gunner a crosshair and letting him shoot the cannon while in the cockpit view. I don't think it would upset the game balance THAT much, as the gunner would still need to use optics for zooming.

Second, a minor detail: The ORT, which displays TADS (optics) feed in CPG's seat in the Apache is green-black and not white-black monochrome, as in the game. The feed from the optics is actually recorded in black and white to tape, and that's why all those videos on liveleak and youtube are in black and white. I know this might seem like a trivial thing, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

Finally (and I think I suggested this before), could the vertical velocity indicator have its scale increased? I know that HUDs can be manipulated, so I was thinking it'd be useful if the VVI had greater sensitivity. As it is now, it barely moves most of the time. It'd be nice if it actually registered even the smallest change in altitude. This would, for example, make it easier to maintain constant altitude when slowing down, or flying backwards, when you do not see the ground. As it is now, you can drive backwards into the ground, and the caret on the VVI tape will stay one pixel below center.

That's it. Thoughts? Opinions?

pasfreak · Post by **pasfreak** » 2007-09-22 05:17

looks good. I'd love to see improvements to the game for realism

kf_reaper · Post by **kf_reaper** » 2007-09-22 09:37

i agrea with the hud would make flying that helo an little nicer not being able to see around like some of the other helos

jerkzilla · Post by **jerkzilla** » 2007-09-22 09:56

For the gunner's cockpit view, you mean like in vanilla?
The last suggestion would be pretty useful.
I'll also point out that there's a small glitch with the model on the right side of the cockpit in the pilots view, that keyboard with reddish accents.
And the control stick texture is a bit messed up. These may seem dead obvious but I remember seeing them at the end of the open beta.

Ragni<RangersPL> · Post by **Ragni<RangersPL>** » 2007-09-22 11:24

Helmet mounted display shows not only the crosshair but also the picture from nose mounted optics, thats why using Longbows gun in PR looks in the way it looks now.

daranz · Post by **daranz** » 2007-09-22 13:11

Ragni<RangersPL> wrote:Helmet mounted display shows not only the crosshair but also the picture from nose mounted optics, thats why using Longbows gun in PR looks in the way it looks now.

The Pilot in an Apache has a helmet display that displays the picture from the PNVS (Pilot Night Vision System). The PNVS consists of a thermal camera that follows the head movements of the pilot, allowing him to look around more naturally (although viewing everything from a point of view forward of the cockpit).

The Co-pilot/Gunner controls the TADS, Target Acquisition and Designation System, which consists of a zoomable thermal camera, a daylight (conventional) camera, and lasers for target designation. The gunner views the TADS picture via the ORT, which is the periscope-like device in the middle of the cockpit. He can also put the feed from the TADS on one of the MFDs, as can the pilot, as far as I know. The chain gun can be slaved to the TADS, shooting wherever the TADS points (with possible range corrections if the laser rangefinder is used). However, the chain gun can also be slaved to either the pilot or the gunner's helmet sight, allowing them to aim with their eyes and the HUD-like display.

In this video you can see the pilot wave the chain gun around without moving any of the optics

I haven't played Vanilla in ages, but yes, I suppose it'd be something like vanilla. Except, you would still have the cockpit in the way while looking around.

Ragni<RangersPL> · Post by **Ragni<RangersPL>** » 2007-09-22 13:26

All I wanted to say is that it is only a first person shooter and not a simulator. Generally I agree with you, "vanilla like" gunners crosshair should be added.

PS. Thanks for the video.

Petey · Post by **Petey** » 2007-09-22 14:49

well i just made a video of me testing the apache on 0.61

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Earz5eMm7Oc

Petey · Post by **Petey** » 2007-09-22 15:04

lol its on an empty server with just me and my friend