DCS Kiowa Warrior: Easiest DCS Chopper to Fly?

***left hand throttle is engine power/RPM, right hand is collective

I will say, this module brought me into dcs, i do fly helis in a lot of other games with my fancy joystick/collective setup, and in about 6 hours total i was able to setup my binds, pick up flying, landing, usage of the nav panel, and deployment of most of the weapons, ive not yet learned the hellfire admittedly, but the APKWS certainly does the job I need in most instances so far. I was always pretty intimidated by dcs, ive got a few other heli modules, but the ease ive experienced through this is inspiring me to finally learn those other modules once ive got this one down a bit more. Really cool game, im glad i finally got into it

Yesssss im stoked - just got a Kiowa for F day!!!! Cant wait to try it out

It really is. I own all the helicopter modules and so far it's my favorite.

Extreamly easy to learn and easiest DCS helicopter to fly, with Yaw and pitch damping enabled. But it's gone from, I'm not sure that I'm going to buy it.... to my number 1 helicopter, even replacing my favourite helicopters modules, the AH64D Apache and Huey!!! Simply love it. If you are on the fence, or not got into DCS helicopters yet, then the Polychop OH-58D Kiowa is a good-looking and fantastic module.

For learning helicopters in DCS, the best approach I've found is taking off and landing from rooftop to rooftop. There's four low buildings northwest of runway 33 at Gudata in Caucuses that's my training ground.

Thank you Prickly.

Easiest and for me and the most fun. Polychop did an outstanding job with the AI pilot. The KA-50 is stable but not very maneuverable and the Apache in my opinion is the opposite. I've had the Gazelle for almost a year and still crash 50% of the time taking off.😅

"Small moves Ellie, small moves."

I think… Cosmo’s video on Kiowa setup suggests one does not ‘really’ need an axis for the Kiowa throttle; as in normal use, apparently, you just set it to full (100%) and leave it! So, following his suggestion, have throttle bound to a three way, for Closed, Idle & Full 🤷🏻‍♂ As my collective is on a Warthog throttle; it helps by avoiding ‘inadvertently’ knocking my throttle whilst managing my collective 🤷🏻‍♂ (Until, of course, one wants to practice autorotations)

I wouldn't say it's the easiest, it only seems like it, because most of us have flown other helicopters in DCS before and that translates really well. What it has going for it, is its agility, while not being as squirrely as the Gazelle. At the same time handling closer to the Huey with the advantage of SCAS and modern avionics and not as heavy as the Apache, Hind or Mi-8.😊

First thing I ask folks having issues flying is “ did you turn scas on?”

I love your soundtracks ! Would you mind to share the artist ?

Is there a Trial period possible for the Kiowa?

It flies like a School Bus! Way too easy. 🤨

Easiest? Try the Apache, it'll put you to sleep it provides so little challenge.

The Blackhawk mod is the easiest to fly.

Most people even if they manage to fly just dont understand whats actually going on with the helicopter and looking to be told how to do everything, sometimes you just have to get a feel and understand it your self or you will always struggle. And stop flying the bad ones, that will just teach you bad habits... Go fly the bad ones once you learn a good one. Mi8, Kiowa, Hind, Apache... those four are all pretty good, never perfect but very good. The rest are either compromised or down right terrible. KA50 I'll say is good, but due to its own limitations, its so heavily dampened its just not a great experience even if its a good module. I can pretty much fly any of them in DCS, may need to get back in to some of them and fly more to get back in to it but I can fly all of the helicopters if I need to. Kiowa, Mi8 and Hind are my favorites, the Apache would be there too, main issue is often how much of a performance hog it is more than anything and I got a pretty darn good PC. "But but but the Huey...." I hear people say... the frickin thing flies like its gotten 6 bladed rotor system and 5 times the power... it went to being a bit underpowered to now being crazy. VNE is 110 knots... and this thing will easily push 140+... Kiowa cruise is like max 110 kts to be realistic and preferably 80 to 90 kts especially with doors off. About collective, its not needed at all. I run a X56 now, I've had X55 Rhino and Warthog as well... collective would be nice but then you have to relocate all of your controls and its just more money for little gain. I even flew helicopters without governor, works just fine!

You dont need to split your throttle haha You set throttle to 100% and youre done

It is quite easy to fly and really only has 3 weapons. It's fun but the novelty will quickly fall off. Don't think it's worth the $69.99 price.