Arma 3 Gets a Realistic Helicopter Flight Model With RotorLib

Arma 3, at its very core, is a game that focuses mainly on infantry combat. But as its developers strive for deeper and more involving gameplay experiences for all kinds of players, they plan to release the Arma 3 Helicopters DLC that draws knowledge they gained from Take On Helicopters and deliver new content and gameplay for helicopter enthusiasts. 

Using the RotorLib Flight Dynamics Model, the goal of the DLC is to add appropriate depth and breadth to helicopter gameplay. It’s due to release in the second half of 2014, and is available right now on the Development Branch of the game.

Here are the details straight from the developers themselves:

Right now on the Development Branch, the advanced flight model (FM) is available for all existing helicopters and, naturally, will be part of all future helicopters In Arma 3, too. We'd like to stress that it's strictly optional functionality and is, by default, disabled. However, you can switch between the basic and advanced FMs at any time via the 'General' section of Game Options and determine which version suits you more. Of course, with our community content creators in mind, there will be the possibility to enforce RotorLib functionality in scenarios (both SP and MP). Do you want to level the playing field? Want to create a hardcore helicopter mission for fellow enthusiasts? Or do you prefer a simpler flight experience? It won't be a problem!

The new FM is more complex, taking into account things like a helicopter's construction, the weight of fuel/ammo, wind influence, stress damage and much more besides. If you ever played TKOH you might notice that we omitted certain functions like maintenance, which, in our view, were not within the scope of Arma 3's implementation. Instead, we focused on the core: challenging but really enjoyable helicopter flight. Additional game settings are associated with the new FM, which can help to tailor your flight experience according to your skills and preferences. Of course, you can make your flight as demanding as is possible: switch off all helpers accordingly and show everyone that you are the bloody best pilot on the whole of Altis (and Stratis too)! It's up to you.

Looking at the details, 'Show Gauges' displays/hides a new set of instruments like variometer, windage, plus and other indicators necessary for safe flight (more details below). Enabling 'Rough Landings' makes the job of landing a little less challenging, as your gear/skids can sustain more forceful impacts. A similar helper is 'Stress Damage'. When disabled, your helicopter can handle, let's say, more 'acrobatic' manoeuvres without damaging the helo. And if you disable the 'Wind Effects' option? Then you don't have to care about those strong Altisian gusts. The final new option is 'Auto Trim', which, if enabled, automatically compensates for the effect of torque upon a helicopter's behaviour in flight – very useful (although not essential) for mouse & keyboard pilots!