They Gotta make this sim fun

[Frostie]

When I have the chance to enjoy the F-16C with my friend's Cougar Hotas, I still have to use the mouse pretty frequently for mfd buttons and the icp. The only mission I could do with the HOTAS alone would be quick action air-to-air stuff. The idea of working all of the different mfd modes and submodes with joystick/throttle buttons doesn't make sense to me. How would someone do that? :huh:

 

In BMS once airbourne you don't need to leave the throttle and stick. DMS, TMS, pinky etc. do all the necessary switching on the MFDs for you, yes you can use the ICP to check flight timings, set up DL with other flights etc. set comm channels, adjust steerpoints and adjust CMs but most of this stuff should be loaded with the data cartridge pre-mission. A2G may may need some fine detailing but this is a matter of preference. Basically if your hands are off throttle and stick in combat then you're doing something wrong, this is where some claim hardcore is more difficult, they believe that because the pit is fully clickable then all those switches need to be pressed all the time which is basically incorrect.

[BSS_Sniper]

I'm with you on this. The playing field tends to be level and you have proper merged battles rather than spamming bvr missiles.

 

I have enjoyed flying on this server in both the mig and the f5.

 

I'm much more successful in the f5. I don't know what that says about me.

 

There are a few Mig21 vs F5 servers running.

 

I wouldn't say anything with that matchup is a "level playing field" given the huge advantage the F5 has with it's radar. They can scan out to 40 miles vs 30 km, look up and down as well as side to side.

[gavagai]

they believe that because the pit is fully clickable then all those switches need to be pressed all the time which is basically incorrect.

 

Come on, that is a straw man.:smilewink:

 

We're getting off topic now, but as to the question as to whether or not having every possible switch functional and necessary is more challenging, both sides of the argument are right. Air-to-air combat employment doesn't change much in an FC3 jet compared to the F-16C sim. However, managing your aircraft and just getting it off the ground is going to require a lot more study and practice with full switch, and how much more will depend on other factors (prior knowledge, etc.).

 

As for taking your hands off the HOTAS, sure, it is not preferable during combat (still necessary in a few places).

 

For me the clickable pit is just a love affair, I guess. I have to have it.:geek: