TheFurNinja

More forgiving, gives great visibility, and all around allows the pilot more room for error (due to fighters having great flight characteristics). Personally I found the Su-25T to feel restrictive and I could barely generate SA out of it because of its cramped canopy. Its not the hardest thing to fly but its heavy and really doesn't wanna turn (though it is pretty stable), this makes it just all around a put off for beginners who want to explore DCS. The TF-51 is nice in the air but you almost need rudder pedals to takeoff and at low speed that crazy late ww2 prop torque really hits.

Some people here get joysticks from the goodwill or use old game controllers to play DCS. Not all buy a fresh JS just off the shelves. Not everyone can pay. And besides, why set up this monetary pay wall? What is the point? Does money define their skills, dedication, and character as a whole? Can't people with money be dumb too? (I know ive made my fair share of mistakes even now). Perhaps when they get money they will come back and pay for the better aircraft. Why not give people an aircraft that allows them multiple roles and a overall wider view of what DCS can be (and again without giving them something top of the line). And as much as I said the MiG-29 is easy to learn, its more about the intuitiveness of Russian Aircraft as a whole.The MiG-29A would be no more challenging to learn than the S. In fact it would be harder (No TWS-2, no ECM, limited to 2xBVR Missiles). This aircraft would actually be quite challenging in the multiplayer arena. You assume that we want instant gratification but in no way shape or form would this aircraft provide that. It would take time to learn how to fight in it and to develop your skills (as the limitations of the airframe are clear). In the end the A model falls up short, but not so short that it cant be used. This makes it a perfect beginners airplane.

You would imagine that it would come with an Anti-Lock Braking System to keep pilots from sliding off of runways and taxiways though. As much as you could apply pressure minutely with pedals a pilot can still misjudge the amount of pressure and that would end up with an expensive accident.

+1

And yes in that 80s setting this variant would be a good bit more capable, but it still lacks any sort of payload to sustain any BVR engagement past 1 target (or two if he is lucky), leaving him a sitting duck in the end. It is true as well, that with its new FM, cockpit, and 3d model it will be more popular. We will only see a rise in MiG popularity Regardless of that popularity this variant is still a lacking aircraft and can only sustain close in furballs. Wether you think this plane should be free or not is completely up to you guys. I just felt like sharing this idea to both make use out of this fighter that would both attract new people and that is still relevant throughout the FC3 environment (without giving them a top of the line 4th gen).

Whats interesting here is the amount of support for an aircraft that isn't used much at all, and is overshadowed by its more modern variant. As much as I would like this aircraft it just seems that the community deems it too strong (as much as I have personal reservations against such a claim) or too popular to pass up the capitalist opportunity (hey if there is enough demand just put a price tag on it, ED deserves good money for this amazing sim). My question is: How many of us paying customers of the FC3 pack would like the fly the MiG-29A against something like a F-15 for example? Because the point here is I wanted to see if you would mind giving out a plane that nobody seems to fly or talk about, but at the same time is capable of fighting planes like the F-15 or F-16/18. I tested it against 4xF16 AI with varying degrees of difficulty at low altitude. And though I did well, its because I knew very much what my weaknesses were (I even used some cheating F6 view) and after the first pair of ERs missed I just ran due to AIM-120s (which they had about 4x a piece). In the end I did not control this fight. My wingman died very early on and I was forced to run away and behind terrain, I then used VS and some OPT to surprise and engage the F-16s as they crested the hill to chase me. By the end I had to gun two of them down (they spoofed two of my missiles) and ran out of fuel. But if the community loves this variant so much they want to pay for it, then by democracy that is what we will do.

As did I, but why be selfish? Plenty of people would love a fighter to fly, even if it is low-end. We want people to come and enjoy our game. I would think we should share. But really do you fly the MiG-29A that much? Does the equivalent 5 USD mean that much to you?

This could also be an option truthfully, just something cheap to get people into the game. What do you think would be a good price? 5 USD?

Dont forget TWS-2, the ability to fire off 3 pairs of R-77s at 6 targets is quite attractive. :smilewink:

But what if we could convince ED? While it is true it gets the R-27ER, it is only a pair. Without ECM and more BVR missiles (we can count the %Pk of the ER being pretty low) it would be pretty unlikely that a MiG could get two BVR kills with this setup. From there he would be forced to close the gap while evading AIM-120s and other R-27s so that he can get a shot with the R-73. Personally I would see it quite difficult to close that distance gap without getting hit. This forces MiG-29 pilots to be stealthy in order to sustain any sort of sortie (something that cant always be done). And yet again I can still say the same for the Su-25T vs the Su-25A. I would think they chose the Su-25T because its enticing and more usable as a demo aircraft (as it gives you more things to do), but the problem I see is that not everybody wants to be an attacker pilot. Why not a basic level fighter? So I just came up with this idea to provide a basic CAP craft to give people just a taste of a good fighter while at the same time having limitations (Fuel, Payload, ECM, Flare/Chaff count).

I hope I dont come off a rude here, but... The Su-25T is quite powerful too is it not? It gets SEAD capabilities, the LLTV pod, KAB-500kr, Kh-29T, Vikhrs, Wingtip Jammers, and a IR Jammer. It can carry out precision strikes from high altitude and do CAS from low with a variety of weapons. It fills all the roles of a ground attacker (and is better technology wise) than the Su-25A that is in game. So why it is free and not the Su-25A? Again I chose the MiG-29A for this reason, its not a top level 4th generation fighter. I would say IMO that the MiG-29S would be too much though.

Not just Red, but Blue (for ukraine) as well! But as much as I would love it, I think that for an entry level craft this should be normal FC3 level as to keep the curve low. Perhaps another MiG-29? Yeah a low end block F-16 would also be a nice touch but this would be a start, right? Wasn't one of the 3rd party developers making a free heli? Or am I mistaken? In the end I think the more diverse the free list, the more people will want to come and enjoy our beautiful simulator.

[DISCLAIMER: This is not a demand, this is simply an idea of mine to make use of a "underdog" aircraft] So, with the upcoming PFM and new 3d model for the MiG-29: It is progressively getting closer to a finished aircraft. This brought me to an idea. Why not give the baseline MiG to the very hungry free aircraft crowd (and more importantly new pilots)? So lemme sell it to you For The New Guys 1.)This aircraft would be easier to fly than the Su-25T. It has superior Acceleration and Agility, allowing more room for error. 2.)Its multi-role, giving you a basic Fighter/Bomber package. 3.)Its durable (besides the current AFMs DM being crazy strong). The real MiG-29 is both durable structurally and systems wise, giving you redundant features like the HDD repeater. 4.)Gives you the ability to fight (while severely limited) against top of the line F-15s and Su-27s. 5.)It is used on both sides of DCS: Red and Blue. 6.)If using the radar, will not allow friendly fire (nothing more embarrassing for a new pilot). For the Rest of Us 1.)Would stimulate a larger community into DCS (at the very least a little bit). This gives you a healthy boost of new and eager pilots that would populate our servers. This will give people already integrated into the community all sorts of benefits from more threats to engage/avoid to more recruits into their squadrons (not to mention new squadrons forming). All in all the pros outweigh the few cons of perhaps friendly fire, Airport Accidents, etc (and really paid players are no better than free players in this regard, new is new). 2.)Though you can be engaged at the same ranges as a Su-27 with the MiG-29A. The MiG does not get any more than 2xBVR missiles, carries only about 15 flare and 30 chaff presses, no ECM, no R-77, a worse radar, and no TWS2 (it is worse in every category but flight performance). This is nowhere near enough to sustain a BVR fight against other fighters. 3.)Has the MiGs short legs, you will likely see MiGs from the rear more than the front. Again unable to sustain air-superiority. 4.)If using radar, will not allow friendly fire (which is one of the most frustrating things for a vet). Why the MiG-29A? 1.)IRL has been widely produced/exported. A free airplane emulates this real-world popularity. 2.)The MiG-29A has been made redundant by the MiG-29S. There is no reason to use or buy the MiG-29A. It has no advantages at all over the S (besides their similar flight performance). 3.)The MiG-29G would be far too limited and frustrating to a new pilot (as it cannot compete in any category against any other 4th gen fighter). 4.)Would take minimal development from the MiG-29S (as the template is already there, you just have to reduce certain parameters). Alternatives (with reasons against) 1.) Sell the lower end MiGs for a reduced price. This would add a paywall. (A paywall would reduce the amount of players playing the module, further making it redundant and useless). 2.) Make the MiG-29G free (reason against listed above). What do you guys say? Shall we put this plane to use?

Edit:Im going to turn it into a poll on the 1.5 wishlist.

I have an idea that perhaps should be turned into a post. So as we know the MiG-29s new 3d model and FM is just around the corner, making it into a well fleshed out plane for DCS. So I came to this idea and I felt that it could be brought to you guys. What about the MiG-29A being used as a third free airplane for DCS:W ? *Its a base level fighter with the S being the upgraded version. Its not the best fighter but still gets a good armament and is quite capable in the right hands. *IRL it has been widely exported in huge numbers (including NATO countries) and is a well known and popularized aircraft around the world. Being free would emulate that popularity *Its simple to learn but hard to master, perhaps making it easier for newer pilots to get acclimated to DCS and its learning curve while at the same time providing continuous challenge to master the airplane in combat. *Its multi-role. It carries simple A-G ordinance and can provide even more enjoyment to a new pilot (if he doesn't like the more dedicated and heavier Su-25T). I feel like it would bring more people to the game, giving them a free taste of fighter action without giving them a top of the line 4th generation aircraft. Still giving them incentive to buy better fighters and join the community. What do you think?

The point is that a Su-27 can fire, but a F-15 cannot. Having no ability to fire equals 0% chance of killing. As we all know that dogfight theory doesn't always follow through, and that the ER has a pretty pathetic hit rate at its Rmax. This makes situations where the F-15 can launch his higher hit rate AIM-120s. This still doesn't change the fact that the F-15 has to risk his life and plane to get that close (which your life isn't quite that meaningful in sim). From personal experience (I cant speak for everyone) in both 1.2 and 1.5 is that firing a pair of ERs close to Rmax ends up with a dead eagle before he even gets a chance to fire. Most of the time where I die is where I am surprised at moderate to short range with AIM-120s or AIM-9s and I cannot dodge them. But aside from that... Cant you just out maneuver a missile that is using termnial active guidance? By just moving out of the way? I mean really if anybody is losing lock in combat you can almost assume that their missile has been trashed. Su-27 or F-15 no different in that respect. Su-27 loses lock: trashed missile F-15 loses lock: can terminally active guide but you can just change paths and its trashed yet again. :lol:

Im actually getting really tired of the whole "F-15 is superior in a BVR Engagement" speil. So if I may ask, what makes the F-15 (with its AIM-120s) superior to a Su-27 with its ERs and ETs? Now I get that the F-15 has a much better TWS and also (when pitbull) can go full defensive as his missiles can track on their own. But what I fail to see is how an F-15, with its shorter range AIM-120s is superior to the Su-27s longer ranging missiles. This is because as the Su-27 gets the range advantage (kinematically), it fires first. Firing first means the F-15 gets two choices 1.)Run (trash the Su-27s Missiles and show a hot tailpipe for the Su-27s EO sensor) or 2.)Fly through the gauntlet of ERs so that he may get within range to fire a AIM-120. Which has no guarantee of hitting its target until the missile goes pitbull. So again I ask (because im genuinely confused), why is it superior?

Plus aren't all the more modern Su-27s fitted with 3xMFCDs and the offside EO sensor? That would require more than some reworking of the Su-27. That would require re-working the 3d model and the cockpit (the later almost entirely).

Oh silly me now that I look I can't find any!:doh: Im pretty sure I was mistakenlty thinking about proposed upgrades to the flanker D. But regaurdless the MiG-29K can and later Flankers can still carry R-77s. Still missing the Su-33s other equipment though. :(

+1 knows his stuff. Without the pitbull or it being actively guided at you by the host aircraft, you can just turn out of the missiles path and it goes dumb.

Sadly the Su-27S is not compatible, but don't forget it's little brother: MiG-29 (which can carry it). Lucky us though the Su-33 is about to be finished (flight model wise). I hope it gets its R-77s and TWS2 (among other features).

Given that they can get well within firing range, it does take time to pitbull. That is enough time to usually slam a few ERs into them.

Or in the case of terrain either hide and reappear or notch.

To clarify, you are having difficulties getting to launch range before they do? Because often if I find too many people fall into the belief that the Su-27 is a poor BVR craft when in reality it holds up extremely well at extremely long ranges. Never leave out the option of the long range. There are multiple things that define how the Su-27 can fight in the BVR and help or hinder. Here are some questions that may help... 1.)What missiles do both parties have. The R-27ER has about 20% better range than than the AIM-120 at equal altitude and speed (according to max launch ranges at best conditions). 2.)What missile do you have selected? You may just be selecting the R-27ET or R-73, neither of these missiles make good for a head-on fight (due to the limits of their heat-seekers). 3.)Launch position? If you have time try to get above the Eagles, you can further enforce your range advantage upon him. Also use speed to get a better launch, and proceed to slow down (flying off to the side as you hold lock) to delay the F-15 his ability to launch. 4.)Jammers on both parties? Jammers may by loud but they decrease the effectiveness of missiles as you get farther and farther away from the launch platform (never use Jammers when you are close, you make yourself easy prey that way). Use Jammers if you are beyond 45km at the start of the engagement (any less and you will quickly become to close to use jammers) 5.)How many of them are there? In your case two. This complicates matters as your SARH missiles dont allow you to fire on more than one target at first (thus the second one can fire on you as you deal with the first one). I would recommend that you find the close F-15 (if that is possible), get into range and fire as fast as possible (firing off a pair because of the poor hit-rate of the R-27E series at those ranges). There is a good chance you can down the first eagle before the second one gets too much time to fire. Again this is tricky and requires lots of practice with timing. In the end you want to 1.)Know your Missiles 2.)Enforce your Range Advantage 3.)Use technology at hand to better your chances of survival 4.)Equalize your odds as fast as possible Dont fall into the sterotype my friend, and also dont judge your skill fighting the AI (they cheat :joystick: ). Enjoy your time with this wonderful aircraft! Its flexibility and power allows you to be very creative with your approach to any fight and allows you to engage Eagles in almost any situation quite well. Thanks for reading, TheFurNinja

Also noted, I can hear the MW-50 Engage and is working on the motor. But it isnt registered on the gauge.