Simulated Aerial Combat Roundtable

[Banshee7]

If you are just curious about DCS and want to see if it is worth your time then don't spend any money.  Download the free base program and then the free A-4E mod (aircraft the instructors used in original "Top Gun" movie).  You will be able to explore pretty much everything DCS has to offer (air to air combat, air to ground combat, air refueling, carrier ops, land based airports, dynamic weather, and multiplayer servers).  The A-4E is just a step up from WWII as it has limited radar for ground use only.  The mod comes with a full manual that is available to read standalone or via kneeboard while in the game.

This is the route I was going to take!  I have zero experience outside of AH, so I know it's going to be a learning curve just to take off, fly, and land! I'm going to stick to the 51 for a bit.   Also have to learn how to map my X52.  But, that's what this summer is for.  Plenty of time to learn 

[AKIron]

When you add a new aircraft always go into the axis controls and unmap everything not needed. The game will by default make a mess of this every time. You do not want your pedals/throttle also mapped to pitch/roll/etc...

[edge12674]

This is the route I was going to take!  I have zero experience outside of AH, so I know it's going to be a learning curve just to take off, fly, and land! I'm going to stick to the 51 for a bit.   Also have to learn how to map my X52.  But, that's what this summer is for.  Plenty of time to learn 

Keep in mind that WWII aircraft require more piloting skill than later aircraft (just like WWI aircraft are harder to fly than WWII).  AH does give you some experience, but there is not as much warning when the aircraft goes into an accelerated stall.  There is more engine management with WWII aircraft as well.  AH does not really simulate tail dragger aircraft, so you will find taxiing, takeoff, and landings, more difficult.  It is nothing you can't master, just different.  Hope you enjoy the journey. 

[AKIron]

The German aircraft are the hardest for me. Remember to turn off the assist if you want a challenge, it's on by default. I don't think they had two seat trainers for these aircraft. Probably lost more than a few aircraft to new pilots.

[The Fugitive]

Im trying the "journey" as well. DLed the game.....man that file is huge! Got it started and installed. Not sure where to find the A6 and how to get that into the game. But, I have time and it is free 

[AKIron]

https://heclak.github.io/community-a4e-c/

OVGME is a handy tool to enable and disable third party mods.

https://youtu.be/szuppmcrmko

[CptTrips]

Just because I know it infuriates Animl....

Looks like PHUN.

[AKIron]

Just because I know it infuriates Animl....

Looks like PHUN.

Woohoo!

[CptTrips]

Woohoo!

I know.  Phinally, right?   

[AKIron]

[icepac]

Haven’t played a jet sim since the days of blackout redout blackout redout.

[CptTrips]

Haven’t played a jet sim since the days of blackout redout blackout redout.

Personally, I am more interested in the Kiowa and Chinook, but I know there are a lot fixed-wingers who have been dry humping this F-4 release.  Glad to see them get their toy. 

Now, about that Kiowa. 

I do hope that Puma can give it a try some time and Darkwood can interview him and get his SME opinion on how close Heatblur came to capturing what he remembered.  Of course a simulation can never capture sitting in the cockpit and smelling the fuel and feeling the Gs.  But how close did it get given what is possible on a consumer PC platform.  That would be an interesting interview youtube.

[Tumor]

The German aircraft are the hardest for me. Remember to turn off the assist if you want a challenge, it's on by default. I don't think they had two seat trainers for these aircraft. Probably lost more than a few aircraft to new pilots.

heh.. the 190s are the easiest of all the Warbirds (IMO)... although the A8 is a pig, just like everywhere else.

[edge12674]

https://heclak.github.io/community-a4e-c/

OVGME is a handy tool to enable and disable third party mods.

https://youtu.be/szuppmcrmko

Make sure you install in the correct folder.  Most issues are with this simple mistake.  OVGME is really good for installing different mods, but the A-4 mod all goes into one folder and does not replace any DCS files.  It is easily removed so OVGME isn't really needed for this one.

[AKIron]

OVGME isn't really needed but it's convenient. Especially for the more complicated core mods like the F-16i.