Fairey Gannet

The training missions for F-5 seem a little bit more basic compared to both L-39 and Mirage 2000C, but they are competent overall, and you will get to know the plane pretty well. They lack voiceovers, if you consider that as a factor. Now, in regards to training, Mirage's campaign offers a lot in terms of practical application of what you learned. L-39 has a very competent campaign, Kursant, that ties to airmanship training as well, though you have to buy it separately. I would say this - all basic training missions will cover all you need to know to operate your choosen plane. If you want more training scenarios, Mirage and L-39 will have an advantage over F-5, but I wouldn't say this is very telling: Mirage is more complex airframe, so you have a bit more to interact with, L-39 also has some systems F-5 lacks, mainly radionavigation systems. C-101EB/CC is very similar to Albatros in that regard, I would say - simple plane with lots to do, but also good training missions. No module you mentioned will let you down in terms of learning it, question would rather boil down to what airframe you would like to invest your time and money into?

Sorry for long waiting, I was away from computer. You are right, screenshot isn't really great. I will do some more when I will be able to, however problem was persistent throughout all sub-modes and antenna positions in A/G mode when in MP. (I am attaching new screeenshot in edit mode. Plane leveled on autopilot, antenna depressed. Terrain returns do not render in MAP mode on MP server.)

I am afraid the bug is back: as of today radar mapping works for me in SP missions (like Free flight on Caucasus), but it doesn't give terrain returns in MP.

So, I found my post from similar thread, dating January 19th, with links to Unofficial Roadmap. As of today, I checked and nothing really changed. Section states: F-5E Updates (in progress) (2022+) (PFM/ASM) New PBR cockpit New external Model flight dynamics modelling improved wingtip missile aerodynamics enhanced modelling effects of payload-to-airframe interference on supersonic drag Also, F-5E seems to be included in model preview for 2.7.8, dated November 19th, 2021. That's really all I could gather, and I don't think there was much news about it since last year. Unless I managed to miss something, which is totally plausible.

Hey, sorry for not being able to respond. Bit busy lately. So, let's break this down: 1. What I mean is airforces will fly fighters compared to trainers in a war scenario. Air Forces will fly an aircraft that can conduct ordered operation compared to aircraft that can't complete said goal. Missions vary, and choice of solving the problem will vary accordingly. Not every mission requires equal measure in tactical performance. Using your higher performance assets can be waste of resources and capability of your deployed force. And those are limited by nature, as in every high-tech enviroment. This applies to both platforms and weapons, by the way - that's why hunting supply trucks with Mavericks or cruise missiles isn't everyday thing. There are simply better uses for those weapons, unless, say, that poor truck is critical enough to be worth of very expensive weapon. 2. Better range; Better weapons; Better combat systems Very well, "better" - but than what exactly? Your own other platforms or those of your enemy? In the first case it is pointless by definition, because you are not fighting your own fighters, you are cooperating with them. And those of your enemy? In case of light attack you are also not fighting them, so their capabilities are somewhat outside of that comparison as well. Your platform and weapons needs to "be better" than its target. In our case, light attack needs to come on top when striking trucks and convoys, light armour, road blocks and checkpoints, camps, infantry, artillery pieces... If you want to engage those, you still need SAM-free zone and CAP above anyway, so it really doesn't matter that much what are you sending in - light attacks or multiroles with A/G munitions. Range, weapons or combat systems are just parameters telling you what your choosen platform can do and can't do. That's really it. 3. It depends on which fighter and trainer im comparing but a fighter jet's whole purpose is to fight Indeed. Fight with what? Fighters main role is to fight enemy attack planes and bombers, and of course other fighters - to establish air superiority and allow safe operations for other assets, be it ground or air ones. Yes, modern jets are multirole, and they are flexible in their missions. But again, it boils down to the task at hand. If you need to smoke firing position that gives trouble to your advancing troops, sending in jet fighter may be a waste of flight hours, engine lifespan, post-flight maintenance, a specialised pilot, money, expensive munitions and so on. May not be even worth sending light attack, if drone will do. And maybe not the fancy one, just loitering munition... Armies tend to solve problems at minimum cost and with maximal effect. Waste not. I am not writing that all to prove you wrong, because you are not. You are not right either, at the same time. Comparing hard factors alone rarely brings any relevant conclusions, because usually there is much more at play.

You use IFF interrogate command for this - it is dual purpose. When on the ground, it controls nose wheel steering, when landing gear is up, it is used to IFF radar contacts.

Maybe it is simply a function, where you can export DL contacts from the HSD sensor cone to the radar screen, when radar itself is set to silent? I don't know how it works IRL, but it would be an interesting functionality!

Well, another trainer, T-37 Tweet is a good example. In light attack/COIN variant known as A-37 Dragonfly. 22 losses out of some 250 delivered to Vietnam, 160k sorties flown. Not really stellar in terms of capabilities, yet it managed to have one of the best survivability ratios.

March, April, May even, it does not matter. Team said they are shipping full-feature module, so worst case scenario we will get 339A month(s) later, but it won't be stuck in EA hell for next X years. It will be a nice change of pace to pay full price and get full content. I am not thinking DCS here only, gaming in general seems to have that problem.

Yes, I left out documentation availability matter on purpouse here, as it is a limiting factor for every module during creation. I love unique an quirky airplanes too, as name suggests. Problem is, we don't have many modules, so if you will introduce something like that into DCS, it not only will not be unique anymore, but it will become new benchmark and (most likely) sole type representation. I guess more crazy modules could be introduced when we have basics covered - but then we both will be long dead! Besides, 21bis is actually pretty interesting case in that regard, choosing late variant doesn't really hurt. I would like to see some earlier iterations, though, no matter what the type, really. Can be 1st or 2nd 21 generation, something to represent enormous lifespan of the aircraft.

Well, it was first variant produced in large numbers, exported and licensed. When comparing to other DCS modules - sure, it is basic. Instead compare it to what was used in 1960, when F-13 was introduced. In that context it is more clear why F-13 made its mark in aviation history. To be perfectly honest, F-13, while less capable, was probably more on par with its counterparts in 1960, that the most advanced 21bis in 1972. On more personal and subjective note - I don't like "latest variant" policy. More or most developed plane of the family doesn't have to be always most representative or impactful for the type. And examples are many in DCS.

Truth be told, there is an overlap - TBF/M was retired in 1954 while Skyraider was introduced in 1946. TBM's used in Korea were, as far as I know, part of Marine Corps (HQ Squadrons 22 and 33) and COD operations. Not sure how Marines used them though, and that wasn't numerous presence. My guess is TBM was good enough for Korean War in terms of performance, but its niche shrinked and it wasn't representative type anymore. Anyway, I am not stating you are in the wrong, just bringing a curiosity. Besides - yes, we need "Spad".

Yup, same issue as with IFF cover, it just goes through the texture.

Yes, that seems fair. There are paid upgrades after all, and 21 shows its age here and there. Since it would be more than simple fresh coat of paint, I think it would be dishonest to expect that amount work to be done without any compensation.