DCS World Training Mission: Texas Helo Range (2/3)

In a previous post, we introduced Texas Helo Range, a dedicated rotary-wing training facility located just south of Kandahar Airfield. This post focuses now on the range’s internal structure: its targets, attack profiles, and the specific considerations that come with operating low in a confined and live-fire environment.

I. Target Layout and Types

Texas Helo Range is a dedicated live-fire gunnery area tailored for rotary-wing operations. It supports the employment of fixed-forward weapons, door-mounted crew-served guns, rockets, and guided munitions within a controlled and tactically realistic environment. The range is divided into two distinct firing sectors: the northern "Bowling Alley," reserved exclusively for gun runs, and the southern "Rocket" sector, designated for the use of rockets and precision-guided munitions such as Hellfires.

Detailed targets map.

The gun target array consists of four fixed positions (TGT 1 through TGT 4) located west of the prominent central mountain. Mandatory fire directions fall between 110°(T) and 140°(T), funneling all firing directions toward the natural backstop provided by the mountain itself. This terrain feature serves as a ballistic containment measure, ensuring that errant rounds are safely absorbed within the range perimeter.

General view of Texas Helo Range.

Rocket and missile targets (TGT 5 to TGT 7) are situated east of a smaller hill mass in the southern sector. These targets are aligned for westbound engagement, directing all forward ordnance into the open desert. This configuration minimizes the risk of off-range impacts and enables safer employment of higher-energy weapons with longer time of flight.

Two dynamic targets are also present.

• TGT 8, labeled “PAX,” simulates a dismounted infantry group that moves along the ridgelines and slopes of the central mountain. Depending on lighting and terrain, visual acquisition can be delayed or obscured, requiring coordinated spotting and careful control of fires. Gunners must remain aware of the slope geometry and avoid high-angle overshoot across the peak.

• TGT 9, a mobile HILUX pickup, moves in a circular pattern around the southern mountain at varying speeds. When engaging moving targets, strict attention to the published attack headings and weapons parameters is essential to maintain range safety.

Pictures of Texas Helo Range targets.

All targets are configured to respond within the MOOSE range script framework, offering hit detection and post-flight analysis through log files.

II. Recommended attack patterns

II.1 - Guns Patterns

Gun employment at Texas Helo Range is concentrated in the northern sector known as “Bowling Alley.” This area has been developed to support fixed-forward fire and door gunner training within strict safety boundaries and defined attack directions.

The first run for all aircraft should be initiated from the center of the range, directly overflying the range tower, where the JTAC and Range Control Officer (RCO) are positioned. This flyover is both a procedural check-in and a visual cue to mark the beginning of the firing sequence. From this point, aircraft are to either turn left toward TGT 1 and 2 or proceed right to engage TGT 3 and 4.

North targets: TGT 1 & 2, more particularly designed for right side gunners.

Targets 1 and 2 are configured for south-to-north gun runs. These alignments are optimal for right-side door gunners. Conversely, Targets 3 and 4 are intended for north-to-south approaches, supporting left-side gunner employment and coordinated strafe patterns along the southern flank of the mountain. No firing is permitted outside the designated attack headings, and all other approach profiles must be explicitly cleared by the Range Control Officer prior to execution.

South targets: TGT 3 & 4, more particularly designed for left side gunners.

Regardless of the target, all egresses are to be executed westbound, across the open desert. Crews must account for the height and spacing of the sand dunes when transitioning back toward holding or reattack patterns. Poor altitude judgment during egress can result in terrain conflicts, particularly in low-light conditions. Also, stay within boundaries of "Bowling Alley" area, since other traffic might be transiting southbound towards "Rocket" area.

Note that the terrain between the central mountain and the Red Desert is visually complex. During NVG operations, this confined corridor becomes especially deceptive, with flat light and texture blending increasing the likelihood of spatial disorientation. Pilots are cautioned to brief terrain features in advance and exercise strict crew coordination during night sorties.

Pattern integrity, directional discipline, and constant awareness of terrain are critical for safe gunnery operations at Texas Helo Range. The layout is efficient and combat-relevant, but leaves little margin for complacency, especially when multiple aircraft are flying low and fast through a narrow corridor of fire.

II.2 - Rocket and Missile Patterns

"Rocket" area is designated for employment of rockets and guided missiles. TGT 5 to 7 are arranged east of the small southern mountain, deliberately positioned to face west. This configuration enforces a westbound final attack heading, ensuring any errant rocket or missile that overshoots the target continues into uninhabited desert terrain. This layout provides a generous safety buffer and makes the Rocket Area particularly well suited for training with heavier ordnance such as Hydra rockets and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.

Entry within "Rocket" area should be done from the northeast corner, in order to benefit from the maximum downrange. The attack can be done either from a static position, or by flying towards the targets on a 270°(T) heading. Egress to the south is recommended in order to deconflict with traffic exiting the range on the north of "Rocket" area.


Rocket area is designed for stand-off or high-energy weapons employment.

Special caution is advised during Hellfire employment, especially when using lofted trajectories. Time of flight and target motion must be taken into account to prevent target loss, overshooting or impacting unintended terrain features.

Note: the overall Texas Helo Range design can supports a wide spectrum of engagement geometries, but all non standard profiles should be briefed beforehand with other users in order to avoid friendly fire. In any case, it is strictly forbidden to fly East of "Bowling Alley" and West of "Rocket" in order to remain out of the lines of fire.

Conclusion

As for Tarnak Range, in an upcoming post, the mission file will shared, along with the complete PDF documentation, and Tacview / CombatFlite overlays, providing all the tools necessary to plan, brief and debrief.