# Quick Start Guide ## Getting Started The MH60 is a modern, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter equipped with advanced avionics, a sophisticated autopilot, and a Stability Augmentation System (SAS). These systems work together to ease pilot workload and provide a highly stable flight experience. Unlike traditional helicopters, the SAS automatically manages torque compensation — meaning **no pedal input is required during normal flight**. The Miltech Simulations MH60 package includes the three primary variants of the helicopter: * **MH60S (Sierra)** serves as a versatile Navy utility platform, ideal for cargo transport, SAR, and Vertical Replenishment. * **MH60R (Romeo)** is a frontline anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopter. It additionally performs Search and Rescue and VERTREP Operations. * **MH60T (Tango)** represents the U.S. Coast Guard’s airframe, specialized for long-range search and rescue, medevac, and maritime patrol missions. *** ## Configuring your Controls and Keybinds {% hint style="info" %} **Rotor Brake:** Keybind must be correctly configured, as otherwise it may interrupt the execution of other functions, or result in an incorrect activation. `ROTOR BRAKE` Configure keybind for press+hold (Input repetition must be enabled). You may also use `TOGGLE ROTOR BRAKE` to lock it into position (ON/OFF without requiring input repetition) {% endhint %} Out of the box, MSFS will map your default throttle, elevator, and aileron axes to collective, cyclic longitudinal, and cyclic lateral control, respectively. This is generally sufficient to get you flying. However, it is important that if you are used to flying other helicopters, the MH60 **does not make use of "Helicopter Throttle Axis"** and therefore you must keep it deactivated on your hardware. In addition, several mission and utility systems on the MH-60 require manual keybind configuration. These include: * **FLIR Turret Control** (Pan/Tilt – recommended to use a joystick hat or camera pan axis) * **Searchlight Control** (Pan/Tilt) * **Weapons Control** We strongly recommend reviewing the [Recommended Hardware Configuration](/miltech-simulations-mh60/product-information/recommended-hardware-configuration.md) and [Keybinds Guide](/miltech-simulations-mh60/product-information/recommended-hardware-configuration/keybinds-guide.md) *** ## Included Sceneries As usual in recent Miltech Simulations releases, the MH60 includes four detailed mission-oriented mini-sceneries. **KLDR** (San Diego Coast Guard Air Station, USA) supports SAR and maritime patrol missions. **LEPM** (Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, Spain) offers a confined outpost ideal for ASW training and Strait of Gibraltar patrols. **KCGK** (Kodiak Coast Guard Air Station, USA) provides a rugged environment for long-range SAR and patrol missions. **YGAD** (Garden Island Naval Base, Australia) is a Royal Australian Navy facility optimized for MH60R operations, including training and fleet support. *** ## Starting the Aircraft This is a simplified Start-up Guide for all MH60 Variants. For detailed procedures, please review the: [Normal Procedures - S, R, T](/miltech-simulations-mh60/product-guides/normal-procedures-s-r-t.md)
Power Startup * **Parking Brake** - SET * **Tail Wheel Switch** - LOCKED * **Battery Switch** - ON * **Interior/Exterior NVD Lighting** - AS REQUIRED * **APU Contr Switch** - ON * **APU Generator** - ON * **Flight and Mission Displays** - DAY/NIGHT AS REQD * **PRI and BU CMPTR PWR Switches** - BOTH ON * **1 and 2 EGI PWR Switches** - ON, Wait for Alignment
Walkaround and/or Remove Covers: In FS20 and FS24 Ported Builds: * **Wheel Chocks** - REMOVED \[KEYSET-Config-Chocks OFF] * **Exhaust Plugs and Pitot Static Covers** - REMOVED \[KEYSET-Config-Covers OFF] In FS24 Native Build: * **Walkaround Mode** - ACTIVE \[CTRL+C or click Door Handle] * **Wheel Chocks** - REMOVED * **Exhaust Plugs** - REMOVED * **Pitot Static Covers** - REMOVED
Instrument Alignment * **BARO Alts, Clocks, Stby Instruments** - SET/UNCAGE * **MD Systems Page** - SELECT/CHECK * **Cautions and Advisories** - ACKNOWLEDGE * **Fuel Quantity and Readouts** - CHECKED * **Radar Altimeter** - SET DH * **COMM/NAV/XPDR** - TEST/SET * **SAS1, SAS2, TRIM** - ALL ON, Caution Extinguished * **Stabilator Auto Control** - ON
Engine Start * **Engine Ignition Switch** - NORM * **#1, #2 Fuel Selector Levels** - XFD * **Starter #1 Button** - PRESSED * **PCL ENG 1** - IDLE * **Engine #1 Values** - WITHIN LIMITS * **Starter #2 Button** - PRESSED * **PCL ENG 2** - IDLE * **Engine #2 Values** - WITHIN LIMITS * **Engine Oil Pressures** - CHECKED * **Rotor Brake** - OFF * **PCL#1 and PCL#2 -** FLY * **Fuel Selector Levers 1 and 2** - DIR * **#1 and #2 Generator Switches** - ON * **Air Source ECS** - ENG * **APU Generator** - OFF * **APU Contr Switch** - OFF
*** ## Quick System Overview
Stability Augmentation and Autopilot The Stability Augmentation System (SAS) uses two redundant computers to counteract small, rapid oscillations (especially in pitch, roll, and yaw). This helps stabilize the aircraft and reduces pilot workload. Both SAS Computers should always be ON (#1 and #2 on the [SAS Panel](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/automatic-flight-control-system-afcs-and-stability-augmentation-system-sas.md#afcs-sas-panel)) TRIM Control should generally be ON (#3 on the [SAS Pane](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/automatic-flight-control-system-afcs-and-stability-augmentation-system-sas.md#afcs-sas-panel)l), especially if you have self-centering hardware. For more advanced users, review the options available in [Force Trim System](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/force-trim-system.md) Autopilot provides Speed, Altitude (BARO/RAD) and Attitude Control. It does not provide any heading control - No Heading Select or LNAV Modes are available on this aircraft. Automatic Hover and Crew Hover modes are available. Refer to the [Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and Stability Augmentation System (SAS)](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/automatic-flight-control-system-afcs-and-stability-augmentation-system-sas.md#afcs-coupler-helicopter-autopilot) section of this manual. **More information:** [Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) and Stability Augmentation System (SAS)](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/automatic-flight-control-system-afcs-and-stability-augmentation-system-sas.md)
Weapons The MH60 is equipped to carry and deploy a range of weapons and countermeasures depending on the selected variant. Please note that copies distributed from MS Marketplace do not feature functional weapons or flares. * Type of Weapons Available: [Weapons & Countermeasures Systems](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/weapons-and-countermeasures-systems.md#weapon-types-and-stations) * Loading Weapons: [Weapons & Countermeasures Systems](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/weapons-and-countermeasures-systems.md#loading-weapons) * Using Weapons: [Weapons & Countermeasures Systems](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/weapons-and-countermeasures-systems.md#arming-weapons-and-firing-procedures-hellfire-torpedos) * Deploying Flares: [Weapons & Countermeasures Systems](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/weapons-and-countermeasures-systems.md#deploying-flares) * Jettison Weapons: [Weapons & Countermeasures Systems](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/weapons-and-countermeasures-systems.md#weapons-jettison)
Communications The MH60’s communication system is equipped with dual radios, allowing independent operation of COMM 1 and COMM 2 channels. To operate the radios, you must first familiarize yourself with the Keyset: [Keyset](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-displays/keyset.md) To tune COMM Frequencies or XFER Frequencies: [Communications Systems](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/communications-systems.md#entering-comm-frequencies-xfer)
Navigation The MH-60 features a flexible and powerful navigation system designed to support realistic military operations as well as standard MSFS functionality. To operate the nav systems, you must first familiarize yourself with the Keyset: [Keyset](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-displays/keyset.md) * Entering Flight Plans * INSPlanner Cloud Sync: [Navigation Systems](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/navigation-systems.md#insplanner-cloud-sync) * FS24 Tablet Sync (via MSFS EFB): [Navigation Systems](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/navigation-systems.md#fs24-tablet-sync-via-msfs-efb) * MSFS World Map Sync: [Navigation Systems](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/navigation-systems.md#msfs-world-map-sync) * Manual Waypoint Entry: [Navigation Systems](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/navigation-systems.md#manual-waypoint-entry-via-keyset) * Modifying Flight Plans * Edit/Create Waypoints: [Navigation Systems](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/navigation-systems.md#edit-and-or-create-ftp-fly-to-point-flightplans) * Delete FTP Flight Plans: [Navigation Systems](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/navigation-systems.md#delete-ftp-flightplans) * Search Patterns: [Search Patterns Operations](/miltech-simulations-mh60/product-guides/other-procedures/search-patterns-operations.md) * Flight Plan back to Base: [Navigation Systems](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/navigation-systems.md#flight-plan-back-to-base) * Navigation Aids * VOR, TACAN, ADF: [Navigation Systems](/miltech-simulations-mh60/aircraft-and-systems/aircraft-systems/navigation-systems.md#navigation-aids)
External Sling Loads [Broken mention](broken://pages/Wj8IDkx4xxQUb9tK5amg)
Acoustic and Antisubmarine, Sonobuoy, Sonodipper [Acoustic and Antisubmarine Operations](/miltech-simulations-mh60/product-guides/other-procedures/acoustic-and-antisubmarine-operations.md)
Search and Rescue, Hoist [Broken mention](broken://pages/boyGQR0Z5TORNMjqyfQ4)
Mission System [Broken mention](broken://pages/DGeLNvgVbAKgx1fUwTeM)
Tail and Rotor Fold [Tail and Rotor Fold/Unfold Operations](/miltech-simulations-mh60/product-guides/other-procedures/tail-and-rotor-fold-unfold-operations.md)
Firefighting Procedures [Broken mention](broken://pages/NP9JFjf8SglzyVIGOWu2)
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