Cheeky Devlin wrote:What's a good starting off point in this? Not really played a flight-sim in decades and I want to give the HOTAS I got for Elite a work out on something different.
So the base 'world' is free to play, and you can pootle about in the TF-51D fighter or the SU-25 ... personally they are a bit boring so i'd jump into Flaming Cliffs 3 as it gives you the most choice out of all the modules or just buy the F15 as standalone as it is only $15 bucks.
FC3 :
https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/ ... _cliffs_3/F15 :
https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/ ... dcs_world/The beauty with the FC3 modules is the still have advanced airframes and behave realistically but the systems are simplified. its more about configuring your HOTAS with the right key-binds rather than memorizing where buttons are and what they do. That said, I find the the more in depth or "study sims" are very rewarding for that fact... they are more complex, yes. But you start off learning one system at a time.
I have tried to break down the 'professional' modules into tiers:
(All of the bellow have fully interactive cockpits, realistic damage systems and professional flight models)https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/Twin engine: complexity [easy]* F-5e tiger II
Twin engine: complexity [difficult]* A-10c - lots of different systems to get used to and will take time to get keybinds right
* F/A-18 - lots of different systems to get used to and will take time to get keybinds right
* F-14 - older airframe and will have some quirks with the flight model (pro is you get to be TOP GUN)
Why are these more difficult? only because of the vast amount of key-binds you might need. Also with these you get the benefit of having a split throttle HOTAS ( this isn't strictly needed but it does make it more immersive and you usually get more buttons / switches)
Because you have the X-52 perhaps look at single engine modules:
Single engine: complexity [easy]*L-39 Albatros - Nice and easy aircraft, cockpit labels in either English or Russian. Multiplayer support and is ideal for training but this is also the downside... not as fun for shooting stuff.
Single engine: Old school [ Propeller ]* bunch of WWII airframes - watch out here as they have realistic propeller torque which if can make take off and landing a bit difficult to get to grips with - can also lead to some unexpected situations in the air when you redline the engine for too long and end up stalling..
Single engine: Old school [ Jet ]* F-86 Saber - nice little jet, old school so weapons systems are a bit of a handful at first and very limited (Guns / rockets / 'dumb' bombs)
* MIG-15
bis - Same as above really, but labels might be in Russian
* MIG-21
bis - Same as above
* MIG-19 Farmer - Same as above
Single engine: complexity [difficult]*AV-8B (harrier) - Modern systems, so a bit difficult as there are a lot of keybinds. Fully interactive cockpit and the flight dynamics are unusual (VTOL)
*AJS-37 Viggen - Modern systems, also watch out, cockpit labels might be in Swedish...
*M-2000C - Modern systems, and again watch out cockpit labels might be in French...
Out of all the modules, I have:
A-10C
F/A-18
L-39
P51 mustang
Spitfire MK9
F-86 Saber
&
All the FC3 aircraft
on the list to get is the M2000, F14, and Tiger II
Tafdolphin wrote:Cheeky Devlin wrote:What's a good starting off point in this? Not really played a flight-sim in decades and I want to give the HOTAS I got for Elite a work out on something different.
On a related note, what does everyone think of the T16000m HOTAS? Currently using a borrowed Thrustmaster X and it's fine but I want something a bit more substantial.
Thrustmaster are generally okay, Personally I have their high end one and there were some teething problems with it (the throttle unit bricked under warranty) and some people report that the gimbals of Thrustmaster aren't always up to scratch.
used to have the X52 a long time ago it is was ace, just wanted an upgrade to split throttles ( oh one thing to note, if you are playing this game and find that your HOTAS isn't "flying right" ... check your trim. )
Check here on the ED forums and you will find someone with that stick, and who can give you help with key-binds:
https://forums.eagle.ru/forumdisplay.php?f=96