The Next module to pick up?

[Gth]

So lately I've been considering getting another module for DCS, now that I'm fairly well versed on the A-10C (after finally taking the time to learn it after having had it since it was released) and I'm still not sure which one to go for.

 

My first idea was to go for the P-51D, because to my knowledge its on the same level as the A-10 quality wise but also introduces a happy changeup what with being such an old aircraft built for different purposes.

 

But then as I kept poking around I also became interested in the Sabre, as it is also apparently up there quality wise, but this time its closer to the A-10 in terms of what its used for.

 

So given these two ideas*, which do you guys think I should go for? I really loved the learning curve on the A-10C, but I'm also getting a little bit bored of bombing the crap out of ground targets.

 

* Should be noted that, much like Russian spacecraft, I find Russian aircraft to just be weird and of practically zero interest

[kontiuka]

Both fun modules. Have you tried the free TF-51? That will give you an idea of what flying the P-51 is like. I personally would tilt towards the Sabre just because I like jets. It is still beta but very fun.

[King_Hrothgar]

Well if you're going with US aircraft only, that does limit your options a bit at this time. The P-51D is decently modeled for just flying around, but DCS simply doesn't support WW2 combat at this time due to a lack of units, serious limitations in the damage modeling and the AI flight models. My recommendation on that is thus based on what you want to do with it. If you want to do virtual airshows and sightseeing, it's great, if you want WW2 combat, you're playing the wrong flight sim.

 

The F-86 is well made and though it suffers from the same damage modeling limitations the WW2 stuff does, it's less pronounced. Unfortunately, it is lacking 1950's content, so there isn't much to do with that either except battle MiG-15's and do a bit of ground attack against infantry. I've gotten more enjoyment out of it than the P-51D, but I find the MiG-15 the more enjoyable plane from that period so typically fly that instead if I'm in that kind of mood. It does have some interesting flight characteristics though. The handling can best be described as "different" once you get it above about mach .8. It will break mach 1 in a dive, but it's only semi-controllable when doing so. The hydraulic system is also a bit weird, you can apply elevator or aileron, but not both at the same time when at high speed. This makes high speed dogfighting a little trickier than it already is.

 

These are not your only two non-Russian options of course, there is also the UH-1, Mirage 2000, Fw-190, Bf-109K (190 and 109 have same problems the P-51 has) and the L-39 (Czech, not Russian). The UH-1 is a lot of fun. From a systems standpoint, I think it's the simplest aircraft in the game. But learning to fly it takes some time, especially if it's your first chopper. It also gets 4 mini guns and rocket pods which are a ton of fun against soft targets that don't shoot back too much.

 

The Mirage 2000 is a very typical western design, you should feel right at home coming from the A-10C. However, it's also far from complete. The radar isn't terribly functional at this time (no IFF or slewing) and the navigation system has yet to be programmed, but in a few months I think it might be your best bet.

 

The L-39 probably isn't what you're looking for, but it is worth a mention. It uses Russian radios and differential braking, and yet also uses very western looking controls for things like flaps, landing gear and many other bits. The L-39C doesn't offer much beyond virtual aerobatics (which is fun imho) but the soon to be released L-39ZA should be a proper COIN aircraft with a 23mm cannon and up to 64x S-5 rockets or 1000kg of bombs.

Edited February 10, 2016 by King_Hrothgar
just some more details.

[badaboom]

Why deny yourself......Get them both.You'll Love them:thumbup:

[MegOhm_SD]

Oh I have to disagree with the P51 opinion rendered here. The mustang is a blast to dogfight and there are multiplayer servers for that. Pretty fun to do bombing and rockets runs as well.

 

Who cares if we do not have the WWII map yet. It is coming along with period units and more planes. AI behavior is better. But I prefer to fly against humans. So judge for yourself.

 

The props are a different deal than jets. Every pilot should experience them. So be prepared to actually have to Fly rather than steer.

 

You will love the Mustang for what it is...but the F86 and Mirage are great too. If you were open to others, the Mig21 is also excellent and a joy to fly. You know there are English cockpit Mods out there right?

[Cibit]

Get a bloody helicopter for some real flying;)

[kontiuka]

serious limitations in the damage modeling

Can you be specific?

[empeck]

Go with A-10C. Because BRRRRRT. :)

[kontiuka]

Go with A-10C. Because BRRRRRT. :)

He already owns it.

[Gth]

Welp, from what I'm reading here I'm definitely sold on either going for the P51 or for one of the helis.

 

However, my issue with going with a heli is one, will my TM Warthog do well with flying one (I imagine it will because duh, but my only experience with a heli using that stick was with Battlefield, which doesn't even count lol) and two, how well will I do without rudder pedals?

 

With the A-10 I hardly ever needed rudder use outside of taxiing and foul weather (and even then), and for that I was just fine using my trim hat with a modifier. Taxiing isn't smooth, but it gets the job done without having to spend more money lol.

 

But with a heli, at least to my knowledge, you need to use your rudder pedals in order to fly properly. Or may be not, I'm not all that sure on that one.

 

Also, just to clarify on the Russian bit, its not the language barrier that puts me off, but just the general design of Russian based air/spacecraft. They just look weird and offputting to me. Like, the Soyuz, a rugged spacecraft no doubt, and the only still active manned spacecraft in the world atm at that, but man it looks so strange.

 

And the Russian planes are the same idea. I mean, why so much blue? lol.

[El Hadji]

In my humble opinion you will need analog rudder controls at one point or the other once your flying skills increase. It is almost impossible to make proper coordinated turns or controlled advanced maneuvers without using rudder input.

 

A common newcomer mistake (I know, since I did exactly the same...) is to think that rudder is used for turning and that having rudder pedals isn't really necessary other than for helos. The truth is quite opposite and once you learn how to control your rudder you get an advantage, especially when flying the WW2 birds.

 

Back to your question: I really think you should give the P-51 or perhaps the Messerschmitt a go. Yes, they lack a scenario and ground units but from a flying perspective they are awesome. I own all modules for DCS except the L-39 and they are all good in their own way. But I keep coming back to the prop planes again and again.

[King_Hrothgar]

The Ka-50's cockpit is a beautiful shade of black.:D

 

In regards to choppers, you will need a rudder axis. I flew for many years with just a twist stick X-52 Pro, it worked just fine so pedals themselves are not required. But given the TMWH doesn't have twist, you will definitely need pedals. This isn't just a matter of flying properly, you will not get off the ground without crashing unless you have proper rudder control. The same is true of the WW2 fighters.

[kontiuka]

^

He speaks the truth

[empeck]

He already owns it.

 

LOL, indeed. I misunderstood the question.

[snowsniper]

" but I'm also getting a little bit bored of bombing the crap out of ground targets."

 

 

 

for sure, go to mi-8. it will be a nice marvellous different experience.

[Oceandar]

How about FC3 ? Could be good diversion after tiresome click here click there A-10C, beside ED planned to upgrade Su-33 and MiG-29 FM.

 

Cheers

 

Only the dead have seen the end of war - Plato

[Cibit]

With rudder trim available in options the need for pedals becomes less acute and when my pair borked I used the slider on the warthog throttle. Black shark is less dependant on rudder inputs than Mi-8 or huey. Just so you can make a more informed choice.

Good luck with whatever you choose:thumbup:

[chev255]

With the A-10 I hardly ever needed rudder use outside of taxiing and foul weather (and even then)

I can assure you that the day I started doing coordinated turns on the A-10 (using rudder into the turn), I discovered a whole new level of performance as the plane bleeds much less airspeed while turning :thumbup:

Rudder pedals are definitely a must for non-FBW planes and for all choppers :joystick:

[Drag0nWIng]

The modules worked by ED official team are totally worth to have.

And 3rd party team...

Bst is excellent and Ln is good enough.

 

And for single module,

if you are the fan of modern time A2A, just buy the FC3;

if you are the fan of WWII, every fan fighter made by ED is worth to buy;

if you are the fan of rotor, UH-1 and Mi-8 is really outstanding;

if you are the fan of attacker, A-10c is the best fully modeled attacker over the PCFS, Ka-50 is the best attack rotor of all the simulator.

If you are very rich or a dcs super supporter, just buy all of module to support the develop team. However I don't have enough time to fly every module I've bought. Or just buy the module which you like that will save hundreds dollars.

 

And you know, the modern time aircraft prefer to have Hotas system,,, that you don't need to pay much attention on "click the wrong bottom" and you could pay more attention on your hostile during combat.

[Gth]

I can assure you that the day I started doing coordinated turns on the A-10 (using rudder into the turn), I discovered a whole new level of performance as the plane bleeds much less airspeed while turning :thumbup:

Rudder pedals are definitely a must for non-FBW planes and for all choppers :joystick:

 

The more I see people say this the more I start to wonder if I've somehow stunted my flying ability after flying without proper rudder controls for so long (Having flown since the first Microsoft Flight Sim release).

 

While I do certainly lose some degree of energy when I have to turn, I've never really run into a situation where it put me at a disadvantage or even stalled me. I ought get a track uploaded here and get a diagnosis on my flying cause now I'm really concerned :joystick:

[fastfreddie]

You really need to invest in a set of rudder pedals even if you go for a cheaper set (saitek). Your really missing alot with WWII craft, helos, and even the Sabre/Mig 15 if you don't have them. The German aircraft don't have rudder trim so even for straight flight you need to use them. Coordinated turns, hammerheads, etc all require some rudder input. Get a cheap set and fly the free Mustang if you have too or just get the Mirage.

[DieHard]

So lately I've been considering getting another module for DCS, now that I'm fairly well versed on the A-10C (after finally taking the time to learn it after having had it since it was released) and I'm still not sure which one to go for.

 

~~~~~~~~~~snipped~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

(re: Message #1)

 

Get 'em all! LOL! I got most of them.

 

I bought the Ka-50 1st when it was still an all Russian scripted lettering within the cockpit. I put that aside until the Engish mod came out, and bought the A-10C.

 

I sim flew only the Ka-50 for 3 years. I taught myself. One heck of a learning experience. I met Cooper (username), later on Devilman's server, Cooper is the guy to fly with to learn good habits quickly.

 

Lately been flying the WWII planes, most of the time the German planes because they usually are outnumbered by the Mustangs.

 

If you get a Mustang, fly with the Dogs-of-War squad in MP.

 

I spend 95% of my time on the Multiplayer (MP) servers.

 

I bought the CH Products gear of Fighterstick, Pro Throttle and Pro Pedals about 6 or so years ago when I was still with the Aces High sim, and they are still like new, about $450 for the three, then. I still don't use any deadzone. I planted them firmly down with Velcro tape on their bottoms to my home office desk setup.

Edited February 13, 2016 by DieHard

[firmek]

Please help an undecided to decide :) To help you help me I've done some research as also I've put together few criteria :).

For the moment I didn’t get much into multiplayer so I’m looking for a complete package, an interesting aircraft with an immersive campaign and training missions. This for the moment this excludes some great planes like Mig-21 and M2000 as they don’t have the campaign ready yet – if I’m correct about the status.

NTTR + A-10C/F-15C looks extremely interesting but I’ve been flying both planes quite a lot so I’ve started to think about something different for a change like Ka-50 and Mi-8 (for some reason I find Mi-8 more appealing than Huey). Which one would you recommend as first Ka-50 or Mi-8, or maybe I’m missing some other module with great campaigns. Also if I would finally find courage to get into multiplier with which one I would be more useful for the team?

[Sryan]

Please help an undecided to decide :) To help you help me I've done some research as also I've put together few criteria :).

For the moment I didn’t get much into multiplayer so I’m looking for a complete package, an interesting aircraft with an immersive campaign and training missions. This for the moment this excludes some great planes like Mig-21 and M2000 as they don’t have the campaign ready yet – if I’m correct about the status.

NTTR + A-10C/F-15C looks extremely interesting but I’ve been flying both planes quite a lot so I’ve started to think about something different for a change like Ka-50 and Mi-8 (for some reason I find Mi-8 more appealing than Huey). Which one would you recommend as first Ka-50 or Mi-8, or maybe I’m missing some other module with great campaigns. Also if I would finally find courage to get into multiplier with which one I would be more useful for the team?

 

 

MiG-21 has full campaign "stillness in time" by devs and there's a great dynamic campaign made by mbot as well. Ka-50 or Mi-8.. all about the preference. Ka-50 being an attack-helicopter with electronics and avionics you need to operate like an autopilot and targeting system, while the hip is more about throttle and stick flying. Since you seem to care a lot about campaigns, The hip has a campaign. The Ka-50 comes with 6 campaigns right out of the box, although 3 of them are chapters part of the same campaign. And there's that buyable "republic" campaign.

 

The Ka-50 is great for cooperative multiplayer with other sharks partially because there is a datalink system. Allowing you to share info on targets and threats.

[QuiGon]

About campaigns: The KA-50 has by far the most campaigns (it's also the oldest DCS module), but their quality varies. The Huey has IMHO the best and most immersive campaign. I don't know about the Mi-8 but it's from the same dev team (Belsimtek) as the Huey. The MiG-21 does have a campaign, but it's pretty broken and the only bad thing about this otherwise awesome module, but then there is MBot's Guardians of the Caucasus free dynamic campaign for that.

Also, have you tried the Enemy Within-Campaign for the A-10C? I can really recommend it. The same guy is also making the official campaign for the M2000 module.

Edited February 25, 2016 by QuiGon