Apache Havoc
Strategy Guide

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Apache Havoc, a complex, subtle, often obscure simulation boasting an unforgiving "free form" style of gameplay. It takes some getting used but it is ultimately rewarding. Helicopter enthusiasts and true commercial helicopter pilots have enjoyed what currently represents the best single rotor flight model on a desktop PC.

This strategy guide assumes some knowledge of the basics of helicopter flight on the part of the reader. If more basic help is required then the Apache Havoc manual has a good description.

To get the best flying experience you are going to need three things:

• A lot of practice.
• A joystick, throttle and a set of rudder pedals.
• This guide (a little conceited perhaps)

This guide aims to provide insights into how the campaign operates, game mechanics, tactics, cheats and some information of how you can customise the simulation.

First a quick word about the world of Apache Havoc and the entities that inhabit it. The mission and campaign system of Apache Havoc is "re-active" - meaning that an action by one entity will often result in a re-action by another entity. Consequent actions by entities may in turn produce yet more actions.

For example, if an attack helicopter attacks a group of tanks, those tanks will radio for assistance. A nearby base will generate a retaliation mission for any available aircraft at that base. Depending on what resources are available, the mission may be assigned to attack helicopters or fighters. And so on and so forth...

This is a broad overview of how the dynamic campaign engine operates. There are many subtleties and mission types, most of which is covered in this strategy guide.

You, the pilot!

You play the role of the pilot in both the Apache and Havoc. The front seat CP/G (co-pilot and gunner) is there to take some of the workload away from you. His role is to identify targets and operate the countermeasures. However you can perform these actions yourself.

 

Basic rules for survival in helicopter combat:

• NEVER, EVER forget your stand-off capability.
• Never overfly dead targets. The one you missed will get you.
• Keep low and slow when expecting enemy contact.
• Leave the engagement area as soon as possible.

Dead helicopters shouldn't have unused countermeasures or wing mounted ordenance. Use 'em or loose 'em. Chaff bundles are no good to you once you have been shot down.

Once you initiate an attack at close range, carry it though and prosicute the enemy as *fast* as possible. Seconds really do count.

 

 

The Apache Havoc CD has a number of configurations for various kinds of joysticks and controllers. These are not installed to your hard disk and remain in the "JOYSTICK" folder on the CD.

Also included on the CD is a copy of Bob Church's freeware "CTFJ" joystick centering program (version 1.2) should your cyclic prove a little twitchy. Links to joystick template updates and new joystick configurations are given below.

Grey Edit Cluster Keys

Apache Havoc's' sensor mode keys use the six gray edit cluster keys (Insert, Home, Page Up etc.), some programmable joysticks have difficulty handling these. Thrustmaster joysticks can use press and release RAW codes to handle these.

Sticky Keys / Loss of Key Response

If you seem to experience a loss of key control when using programmable joysticks - try increasing the rate at which the joystick sends it's key commands using it's software where applicable. Thrustmaster programs can specify this using the RATE command in the program file. The loss of keyboard response is due to the joystick button RELEASE code being quickly overwritten by a new key PRESS code. So the keyboard can think that a modifier key such as SHIFT or CTRL or ALT is still being held down. Pressing and releasing these keys on the keyboard will restore normal keyboard operation.

For Thrustermaster joysticks, setting the RATE to 20 (20 microseconds) generates characters very quickly. The lower the number, the faster the setting.

 

"I Prefer My Own Configuration - What Commands Should I Program?"

Very much a matter of personal preference, given that most joysticks have some kind of HAT for view panning (as of version 1.1e the panning no longer snaps back to a target making it easier to use).

Here are my list of favorites (in order of preference):

• Weapon Cycle
• Air and Ground Radar Modes / IHADSS mode
• Flares (and or chaff)
• Cyclic Trim and Clear Trim
• CTRL and arrow key cockpit view stepping

Well there are more but the above represents the basic flight and survival commands you will need. If you can program a key series on one button then a single button that releases both a FLARE and CHAFF bundle will help you survive a lot longer.

Cyclic Trim is something that probably isn't seen as important - but it does have it's uses, it makes steady flying much easier. Trimming the input several times to adjust for wind or roll - or even just maintaining a hover really helps lighten the stick workload. That is what it is there for - real pilots use it, you can too.

 

1.31 Joystick Configurations

These are user constructed or updated joystick files...

CH Products

CH FighterStick with Pro Throttle by Christian Giroux (294k)

Microsoft

...

Quickshot

MasterPilot with Artwork by Richard Hawley (154k)

Saitek

...

Thrustmaster

F-16 FLCS + TQS by Richard Hawley (3k)

If you have a configuration that is not listed here then please forward them to:
Richard "Flexman" Hawley at flex@euronet.demon.co.uk