CybrSlydr

Never saw it until my parents had it on VHS. I'm 34 now, so I was young when it came out. LOVED that movie - though despite that, Iron Eagle was the one that got me into airplanes and made me want to be a pilot.

Thanks! I'll have a go at this as well.

Thanks for the links - off to see how to install all of it!

I'd like to build a mission in the Caucuses that gives me a practice range of various ground targets. What I'd like from you folks, since I'm not very familiar with the map, is suggestions on locations. Some parameters are I'd like it to be close enough that I can place a carrier so I can utilize my F18 but also near enough a base that I can use my A10C and any other future aircraft I purchase. I'm not asking how to do this (that'd be a question for the mission builder forum) but asking you folks where a good place to put this would be. Thank you!

Well, I went and did what I typically do - instead of doing something cheap and simple, I spent money. lol I almost went and got the F-14 pre-order ("Well, the F5 is only $30. But I could get both the F5 and Mirage for $60. If I'm going to spend $60, I could just get the F18. But if I spend that much, for only $10 more, I could get the F-14...") but held off for now. I got the F/A-18C module. So far in the training missions, it's pretty straight-forward. I'm finding it easier to pick up than the A10 or easier because OF the A-10. Even managed to land it on the carrier - first attempt was a wave-off but managed to put 'er down successfully on the go-round. I think when I get paid on the 1st I'll pick up the F5 and/or Mirage. Thanks folks. :)

No, no it did not. lol And having been in the military, you realize just how "Hollywood" that plot really is.

Man, those two movies were HUGE in my childhood - Iron Eagle being what made me want to become a pilot (adore the F-16!) But I have to give the soundtrack to Top Gun, hands-down. Talk about iconic! Kenny Loggins baby!

The Polish Airborne soldiers my unit worked with in Afghanistan were absolutely awesome people - freaking tough as nails too! Wouldn't take shit from anyone - when doing a clearing op in a village, they found a cave and were exploring it for weapons caches. Local ANA commander told them nothing there, let's go elsewhere. Polish AB Commander looked at him and said, and I'll never forget this as long as I live: "We leave when I say we leave. If he doesn't like that, tell him, 'Durka-durka'" and walked off. LMFAO Loved those guys.

I was considering just buying both since they're both on sale for $30 - but then I thought, if I'm going to spend the $60, why not just get the F/A-18? How much of what I know from the A-10C is transferable to the F/A-18?

I'm familiar with their works in FlightSim X over at SimOuthouse - I have no issues with the quality of their work.

The Mirage looks even faster and more agile with the modern avionics.

I'm currently at the point where I can successfully employ the Instant Action mission weapons on the A10 about 80% of the time without needing to live pause. I can do things like set weapon parameters in the stores control pages and lase bombs/engage Mavericks, rocket/gun employment. Navigation and comms are not quite my thing yet. My interest in BVR and avionics is the desire for a more... "complete" fighter (not that the modeling isn't complete, just that it has the capability). I will be playing 99% solo. CCIP/CCRP with a flight path marker seem like the absolute least I would want from a plane - hence why I'm looking at the Mirage (and my desire for the F20 over the F5 - lol).

Well, this is disappointing to hear. I had standalone but switched to Steam.

F5E or Mirage 2000? I love the F5, one of my fav looking planes. However, its lack of modern avionics is a turnoff. Same with its lack of BVR. That's why I'm thinking Mirage - looks easier to pick up than say... the F18. I currently have the A10c. Thoughts?

The OP's post is why, despite my love of the design and look of the plane, I wish they'd gone with the F-20 Tigershark instead. Much more capability as well as more modern avionics.

I would adore a Tornado - those low-level terrain following, high speed bomb runs... Makes me all excited. I think I'm going to get the F14 with my Christmas money

I'm sort of in the same position, just minus the Warthog. I have an old X45 still, but it's losing it's center and it takes up a lot of space. For instance, I have the A10 module and it's an absolute bear trying to fly the thing because for one: it won't stay centered and two: the rudder is a rocker switch on the throttle. I also have a MS Force Feedback 2, which I adore. It's got a twist rudder and a little throttle in just the right spot. It's also a smaller footprint. However, it's old and the FFB doesn't work anymore as the plug in the base has come unsoldered or something and won't work. Otherwise the stick works great - but have you tried flying a plane with a limp stick (no jokes, please lol)? It's tiring and hurts! So, aside from grabbing another FFB2 off eBay, what sticks would you suggest? I don't have the budget for the Warthog flight stick or HOTAS from Thrustmaster. I'd prefer something with a throttle on the base rather than separate. And something DURABLE - optical sensors preferred as this FFB2 still doesn't lose it's center. Thanks!