Earlier this week, the dev branch received an update that imports RotorLib (aka, the Take On Helicopters flight models). This was like Christmas for me, as this is easily my most anticipated "sim" of the year. NoE flying with realistic heli physics and A3s interaction with ground troops? Sign me up!
Notably, EVERY default heli now has it's own "advanced" flight model (the original FM's are now called "basic" flight models). Each heli has it's own unique traits too, a nice touch and shows that BI is taking this seriously.
Even better, the AFMs will be available to ALL A3 players, even if they don't choose to purchase the forthcoming "Helicopters" DLC.
I've started a thread in the A3 section with more info:
http://SimHQ.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/3991018/Re:_RotorLib_Integration_Is_av#Post3991018
In short, If you're hungry for a combat helicopter sim, and are "blacksharked out", now is a great time to jump into A3! No, the systems aren't anywhere near where what you get with DCS, but I feel the immerse graphics and opportunity to interact with ground troops makes up for that. It also makes it easier to "swing roll" from different classes of Heli, without having to keep all the systems knowledge in your head.
All that said, onto the screenshots!
These are from the "Pilot Rescue Helicopter" mission available via steam workshop. It throws some errors as I'm currently using Dev branch (which tends to break a lot of the more advanced add-ons), but it still gets the job done. This "mission" actually randomly generates missions to complete at various points on the map, such as SAR, troop extraction, and troop extraction. You can choose what level of enemy AA and CAS you want,time of day and weather, and enable/disable varying levels of mechanical failure. It was already pretty fun with the BFM, but the AFM takes it to a whole new level! Below are a few pics of a rescue mission for a downed Comanche crew. (sorry for the UI being in the shots, it's hard to take pics in A3, as you can't pause and shoot).
