Helicopter Gunship DEX

Helicopter Gunship DEX is a tactical helicopter combat sim inspired by helicopter games of the late 1990s. You fly attack helicopters across large combat zones, manage sensors and weapons, and carry out procedurally generated missions that can unfold differently each time. The focus is on low-level combat and the sequence “Detect, Engage, eXfiltrate.”

Flight and combat

Choose between flight models ranging from Simple to Realistic, with adjustable settings that can make flying easier. The game combines physics-driven helicopter flight with realistic weapon loadouts, targeting pods and RADAR systems. You control both the helicopter and its targeting systems, designating and attacking mission targets; a co-pilot or gunner can help identify and spot targets, even when that role would normally control weapons.

Weapon loadouts reflect real-world helicopter capabilities, and you use systems such as SACLOS, laser and RADAR to detect, designate and destroy targets. Weapons range from modern fire-and-forget options such as the Brimstone to Cold War-era weapons such as the TOW, along with rocket pods, gun pods, bombs and door gunners. Missions use a deployment point system to keep engagements balanced and give older helicopters and weapons a role.

Missions and terrain

The random mission generator lets you set up procedurally generated engagements. Mission types include Strike, SEAD, Search & Destroy, Recon and Transportation. There are three combat terrains: Central Libya (100km x 50km), Coastal Norway (40km x 40km) and Lush Desert (40km x 40km).

Helicopters

Ten main helicopters are flyable, most with several versions:

• AH-64 Apache
• Lynx
• Gazelle
• AH-1Z Viper
• AH-56 Cheyenne
• RAH-66 Comanche
• Kiowa Warrior
• Mi-24 Hind
• Chinook
• MH-60 Blackhawk DAP

Difficulty and controls

You can adjust overall difficulty, including enemy strength, the density of AAA, SAM and MANPAD threats, enemy weapon damage and fuel use. Targeting controls can also be simplified. The game can be played from a first-person cockpit view or a third-person chase camera, and supports gamepads, HOTAS setups and mouse-and-keyboard flying. Controls can be rebound, and flight models offer options for both novice pilots and players looking for a more demanding experience.

TrackIR, OpenTrack and Tobii Eye Tracking are supported via TrackIR software. VR mode is available but is not fully supported.