In this chapter of the DCS AH-64D Apache tutorial, we introduce the TSD Tactical Situation Display system.
We describe the MAP, SHOW, PAN, RTE, BAM tactical map functions and how they work.
We describe following modes and functions: MAP, BAM, RTE, SHOW and PAN.
We advise on how to use a digital image of the battlefield.
NOTE : Map points management and basic navigation are described in separate chapter: Navigation and Map Points.
TSD - what is it?
Required keybinds
TSD Basics
Press the TSD hotkey to switch on the map screen.
A sort of mouse cursor is required to operate the TSD.
Alternatively, you’re free to press the Cursor Display Select button.
When you have the cursor on the TSD monitor, you’re all set.
Some of them are available only in the navigation or attack mode.
Press the SHOW button.
Icons of stored target points are visible by default, but the current route with waypoints is gone.
Press the CURRENT ROUTE button to display the route.
The THRT SHOW (Threat Show) button shows range rings around threat icons.
After enabling various types of map points in SHOW menu, the TSD screen can be very helpful.
RTE Route options
Routes are sequences of Waypoints or Hazards and Control Measures points.
Target points cannot be part of a route.
A route is not a typical flight plan like in F-16C or F/A-18C.
It helps to control number of aircrafts participating in the mission.
Press the ADD button.
The easiest method is to place the cursor on a point and press Cursor Enter.
Another way is to pick the POINT?
button and enter the waypoint number, e.g.
W06 on the keyboard unit.
After that check that the POINT option shows the number of the selected point and not “?”
Press one of the buttons on the right to add the new point to the route.
END is the end of the route.
It is always shown at the top.
Repeat the process for all the remaining route points.
Alternatively, pick the DEL option and move the cursor over the chosen map point and press Cursor Enter.
Note that the deleted waypoints are still stored in the system.
They can be used again for different route or DIRECT TO option.
You don’t have to zoom it in or out.
press the PAN option.
Now you might pan the map with the Cursor Controller.
BAM - Battle Area Management
Battle Area Management lets you create and manage battlefield zones.
It can be useful in complex multiplayer missions.
In the BAM mode, the map image is “frozen”.
BOX is a way of drawing (selecting) an area by marking two opposite corners of a rectangle.
Choose OPT - Auto and DR - Box.
pick the number of zones in #Z.
Move the cursor over the first corner of the area and click Cursor Enter.
Then move the cursor to the opposite corner - a dashed rectangle will appear on the map.
Press Cursor Enter once more to confirm the selected area.
The box will be automatically divided into the indicated number of zones.
A new ACT option will appear, allowing you to select one active PFZ zone.
Set the drawing method DR - LN.
Place the cursor at the desired corner of the area and press Cursor Enter.
Similarly, create the other sides.
After confirming the third corner, it will be automatically connected with the first point creating a quadrilateral.
With the AUTO function, it will be automatically divided into PFZ zones.
you might draw as many zones as set in the #Z option.
you’ve got the option to choose any drawing method - BOX or LN.
you could also switch between drawing methods and draw some zones as Box, and other as Line.
choose the OPT - MAN function and define the number of #Z zones.
grab the TRP mode and the size of the zone in KM (kilometers).
Move the cursor to the desired location and press Cursor Enter.
Four PFZ zones will appear around it.
Deleting PFZ zones
Press the DEL button.
Confirm by clicking YES.
Remember that all PFZ zones on the map will be deleted.
Each created area is a single zone.
you’re able to activate one or more zones at the same time.
pick the throw in zone throw in - NF and SEL - pick the zone number to be created.
From the list N1?
go for the number of the zone you want to create.
Use the BOX or LN method to draw zones in the same way as for PFZ.
Press the SEL function and the list N1?
to draw another zone.
The ACT option allows you to activate the selected zone in the SEL section.
Select MULTI option if you want to activate more than one zone.
Deleting the NFZ zone
The DEL function deletes the NFZ zone.
Contrary to the PFZ, not all zones are deleted, but only those selected by the SEL function.
Selected zones are marked yellow.
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