KwikFlight’s New Attack Helicopter: Hunter Brings Apache-Style Firepower to MSFS

The new KwikFlight Hunter is a twin-seat, Apache-inspired helicopter for Microsoft Flight Simulator that balances realism and accessibility with its custom-coded combat system, advanced avionics, damage modeling, and user-friendly flight model. Developed to push MSFS limits, it offers dynamic missions, integrated autopilot, and immersive audio captured from a real AH-64. While versions differ in combat capabilities, the Hunter promises an engaging, attack-oriented rotorcraft experience for sim enthusiasts.

A Closer Look at the Hunter’s Design

The new KwikFlight Hunter is a twin-seat helicopter inspired by the well-known AH-64 Apache. It harnesses the unique capabilities of Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) to introduce advanced systems, in-house developed avionics, and an entirely custom-coded combat environment. The developers involved have emphasized a balance between realism and accessibility, hoping to deliver an immersive attack helicopter experience for a broad range of sim pilots.

Unlike some high-fidelity military helicopter models of the past, the Hunter features a forgiving flight model with stability augmentation and an integrated autopilot. This encourages players of varying skill levels to focus on missions rather than wrestle too much with torque and rotor management. Even so, those who crave a taste of realism will appreciate how closely KwikFlight has tailored the flight envelope to mimic typical twin-engine rotorcraft behavior—especially in terms of engine handling and adjustable collective inputs.

Feature Showcase Video

Emphasizing Custom Systems

Bringing a “virtual Apache” into MSFS is no trivial task. The base simulator does not natively support advanced attack helicopter features, so KwikFlight built numerous add-ons themselves, including:

• Electrical Systems: APU, generators, and ground power are all part of the sim’s power-up sequence.
• Fuel Management: Automatic tank balancing ensures the helicopter remains efficient and stable in flight.
• Avionics & Autopilot: Multi-Function Displays (MFDs), a Keyboard Control Unit (KCU), and auto-hover and autopilot modes for heading, speed, and altitude.
• Combat & Damage Logic: Fully custom-coded weapon systems, complete with real-time damage modeling.

These developments allow the helicopter to function well beyond the usual limits of MSFS, so you can engage in dynamic air-to-ground scenarios without leaving your simulator. In effect, KwikFlight’s decision to go custom-coded for almost everything is what sets this package apart from more conventional add-ons.

Commanding the Battlefield with Combat Mode

A highlight of the Hunter is its exclusive combat system accessible through the iniManager version. Once armed, you can switch to cannons, Hydra rockets, or Hellfire missiles for varying degrees of firepower:

• Cannon (GUN): Simulates the real-world 30 mm chain gun. Capable of both bursts and continuous fire.
• Hydra Rockets (RKT): Rapid, high-velocity strikes with moderate damage.
• Hellfire Missiles (MSL): Guided munitions delivering heavy impact, especially useful for stationary or slow-moving targets.

Each armament is managed via cockpit controls or the custom Integrated Helmet and Display Sight System (IHADSS). The cockpit interface tracks your head movement, so you can visually pinpoint and target ground vehicles. Meanwhile, enemies can shoot back, escalating each mission beyond the typical flight simulation experience.

Immersive Mission Manager & FARP Operations

The Hunter’s Immersive Mission Manager, available only with the iniBuilds Store purchase, spawns dynamic enemy targets—both land-based and maritime. You can choose the number and type of adversaries, jump into an impromptu strike mission, monitor your aircraft’s condition, and avoid taking too much damage. Once you return to the Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP), you can rearm, refuel, and ready yourself for the next challenge. This loop of discovery, engagement, and rearming aims to keep players hooked while showcasing just how far the MSFS engine can be pushed.

“Our mission and weapons systems are completely custom-built, offering a new layer of immersion, interactivity, and tactical fun – never before seen in MSFS.” — KwikFlight

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Audio Collaboration with Echo 19

Audio authenticity plays a huge role in simulation, so KwikFlight joined forces with Echo 19 Audio Productions to capture the distinctive whir of rotor blades, the whine of the APU spin-up, and the clatter of turret fire. This collaboration included access to a real AH-64, ensuring every switch click and engine rev feels accurate. Coupled with the helicopter’s lighting and visual effects (including rotor downwash and flare effects), the entire experience is designed to make you forget you’re in a simulator.

Key Features That Separate the Hunter

• Accessible Flight Model: The helicopter is straightforward to fly, thanks to custom stability augmentation and autopilot modes.
• Full Cockpit Interaction: Both front and rear pilot stations are clickable, lending a realistic multi-crew vibe.
• Detailed Displays: Five MFDs with integrated weapon systems, plus the Electronic Up Front Display (EUFD) for communication and transponder details.
• Damage & Enemy AI: Enemies in the sim can cause direct structural damage, forcing unplanned landings and thoughtful mission approaches.
• Custom Animations & Effects: Articulated rotor and blade actions, as well as weapon impact visuals, help bring the battlefield to life.

Choosing the Right Version

While you can fly the Hunter in MSFS regardless of where you purchase, note that combat features, active mission spawning, and the damage system only come with the iniBuilds Store edition. If your goal is to fully explore an attack helicopter’s capabilities—with dynamic ground targets and real-time combat modeling—this distribution is the way to go.

For simulation enthusiasts who enjoy more routine helicopter flying or prefer a simplified environment, any version of the Hunter will still offer advanced avionics, an approachable flight model, and plenty of rotor-wing excitement. However, the custom-coded missions remain a significant draw for those craving immersion beyond standard flight operations.

Where to Go from Here

This new offering from KwikFlight is a prime example of how developers continue to innovate around MSFS constraints to deliver once-impossible features. If you’re looking for even more rotorcraft additions, you can explore our freeware MSFS helicopter section for additional free add-ons and see how these models compare.

Overall, the KwikFlight Hunter showcases an exciting step forward for combat-infused helicopter simulation on this platform. With a comfortable flight model and robust mission scenarios, it offers a new blend of approachability and complexity that appeals to casual players and dedicated rotorheads alike.

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We Value Your Thoughts

Have you taken the Hunter for a spin yet? Are the mission scenarios and combat elements living up to your expectations, or do you see room for improvement? Let us know your impressions in the comments section below—feel free to share tactics, ask for advice, and debate helicopter combat strategies with fellow simmers. We look forward to your feedback!