Argh - why didn't I buy the Hornet before?

mazex · April 19, 2019

Thank you ED!

Been around since the original Su-27 Flanker (for Windows 95 ;)). My first flight in an Su-27 in that game is up there with my first takeoff with a Bf 109 in the orginal IL2. The feeling of an aircraft actually moving through air. Sure - it was relative as the flight model of the original Flanker naturally is crap by modern standards. But at that time - wow.

So - since we entered the DCS era I have unfortunately NOT had the same joy of the grand daddy Su-27 Flanker (and 2.0 and 2.5) where I just took off in an Su-27 for the joy of it. Full afterburners skimming the shoreline of Crimea...

In DCS we started off with the Ka-50 that never hooked me (dreaming of an Apache), and the A-10 where you sure have a wonderful module but if you go full throttle it feels like the seagulls have time to escape to safety. One agressive turn and all your speed is lost... And then when you added our old Flaming Cliffs aircraft for free that was nice but it was not that original feeling of "this plane is really flying at 20 degrees alpha where you feel the air resisting it". Have bought a bunch of modules and all the maps anyway (mostly to support the team) but did never spend any time with it as I did not get that "wow" feeling. VR got me flying a bit more but I lost it after a while again.

So - now I finally bought the Hornet after too long time and started a free flight over Caucasus. Inititally I thought I had "game mode" on as it went on rails - especially after the Viggen. Did a few turns at lower speed and started to understand how it works to get those nice contrails all the way along the leading edge.

An wow - now I have that smile on my face that I had the first time taking off in my Su-27 in the original Flanker. Full throttle with semi burnt kerosene sprayed all over the Black Sea shorelines. Seagulls and villagers fleeing in panic as I roar over the countryside, doing insane turns with full afterburners and 25-30 alpha just over the local town halls for the fun of it! And I love it!

This is what we need - Cadillac of the Sky... Horsepower!

P.s - sure you have more of those horsepowers in the FC F-15 or Su-27, but not the soul of the flight model in the Hornet. Sure - the FCS is making me feel like a king in the sky but I am OK with the traction control on "Sport" in a Ferrari as well instead of turning it off that the real race drivers do :) And you can force it to 50 degress alpha and beyond...

And an honorable mention to the Viggen module where you really get that "Full afterburner" kick, and it was the Viggen that actually got me hooked to buy the F-18. But unfortunately the trusty old 70:ies era Viggen cannot get that nice "hanging on the tip of my afterburner feeling" of the F-18. This is naturally realistic as it's thrust to wheight ratio is not up there with the Hornet and no fly-by-wire to assist my crazy turns ;) And one thing lacking in the AJ-37 is that A2A is just a failure of you plan and the growl of your Sidewinders is your only assist... I don't fancy having an F-22 where you are the king of the sky, but the Hornet feels like a potent enough multi role platform that can do most tasks well. Really looking forward to the F-16 to complement it now. And maybe a full fidelity F-15E...

Snowblind · April 19, 2019

actually, the viggen does have a rudimentary FCS, if you want to experience it tuned off, click the left green LED (i think it says SPAK) its on the same row as attitude and altitude hold (top left of the front dash)

be warned, its trying to kill you in this mode

Svsmokey · April 19, 2019

It was a mistake for ED to bring us the hornet . I've flown nothing else since its release :)

Harlikwin · April 19, 2019

Yeah, the hornet and its regular updates are the gift that keeps on giving. Can't wait for the ground radar and TPOD's. Then its gonna be real A/G killa.

FalconPlot16 · April 19, 2019

can't stop myself from flying hornet i think im an addict now

mazex · April 20, 2019

actually, the viggen does have a rudimentary FCS, if you want to experience it tuned off, click the left green LED (i think it says SPAK) its on the same row as attitude and altitude hold (top left of the front dash)

be warned, its trying to kill you in this mode

Yep - have tried that :) I was a bit curious about why it was on "by default" and according to the checklists as "spak" means stick in Swedish. And it really helps...

mazex · April 20, 2019

And if you would ask my wife - she would damn the Hornet Module if she knew that it was the F-18 that got me into ordering a full Virpil setup last night with the new CM2 grip, base, throttle and desktop holders. And this even though Fred41 a couple of weeks ago in the controllers thread posted a new firmware for the G940 that fixes most of the hysteresis on the throttle + other non stick axis. But with the Hornet (and VR) beeing so good I simply need more buttons and precision... Sigh ;)

But she does not know - and when the stuff arrives I will tell her a grey lie that it cost me EUR 300 (and not 900 with shipping + tax). She will be pissed off anyway :)

Gman109 · April 20, 2019

The last 3 modules that ED/DCS have released have been fantastic IMO, Mig19, F14, and the Hornet. All three are extremely well done, early access release have been great IMO.

tintifaxl · April 20, 2019

Wasn' the YAK-52 released after the Hornet? and the Christen Eagle II before the MIG19?

Top Jockey · April 20, 2019

Thank you ED!

Been around since the original Su-27 Flanker (for Windows 95 ;)). My first flight in an Su-27 in that game is up there with my first takeoff with a Bf 109 in the orginal IL2. The feeling of an aircraft actually moving through air. Sure - it was relative as the flight model of the original Flanker naturally is crap by modern standards. But at that time - wow.

So - since we entered the DCS era I have unfortunately NOT had the same joy of the grand daddy Su-27 Flanker (and 2.0 and 2.5) where I just took off in an Su-27 for the joy of it. Full afterburners skimming the shoreline of Crimea...

In DCS we started off with the Ka-50 that never hooked me (dreaming of an Apache), and the A-10 where you sure have a wonderful module but if you go full throttle it feels like the seagulls have time to escape to safety. One agressive turn and all your speed is lost... And then when you added our old Flaming Cliffs aircraft for free that was nice but it was not that original feeling of "this plane is really flying at 20 degrees alpha where you feel the air resisting it". Have bought a bunch of modules and all the maps anyway (mostly to support the team) but did never spend any time with it as I did not get that "wow" feeling. VR got me flying a bit more but I lost it after a while again.

So - now I finally bought the Hornet after too long time and started a free flight over Caucasus. Inititally I thought I had "game mode" on as it went on rails - especially after the Viggen. Did a few turns at lower speed and started to understand how it works to get those nice contrails all the way along the leading edge.

An wow - now I have that smile on my face that I had the first time taking off in my Su-27 in the original Flanker. Full throttle with semi burnt kerosene sprayed all over the Black Sea shorelines. Seagulls and villagers fleeing in panic as I roar over the countryside, doing insane turns with full afterburners and 25-30 alpha just over the local town halls for the fun of it! And I love it!

This is what we need - Cadillac of the Sky... Horsepower!

P.s - sure you have more of those horsepowers in the FC F-15 or Su-27, but not the soul of the flight model in the Hornet. Sure - the FCS is making me feel like a king in the sky but I am OK with the traction control on "Sport" in a Ferrari as well instead of turning it off that the real race drivers do :) And you can force it to 50 degress alpha and beyond...

And an honorable mention to the Viggen module where you really get that "Full afterburner" kick, and it was the Viggen that actually got me hooked to buy the F-18. But unfortunately the trusty old 70:ies era Viggen cannot get that nice "hanging on the tip of my afterburner feeling" of the F-18. This is naturally realistic as it's thrust to wheight ratio is not up there with the Hornet and no fly-by-wire to assist my crazy turns ;) And one thing lacking in the AJ-37 is that A2A is just a failure of you plan and the growl of your Sidewinders is your only assist... I don't fancy having an F-22 where you are the king of the sky, but the Hornet feels like a potent enough multi role platform that can do most tasks well. Really looking forward to the F-16 to complement it now. And maybe a full fidelity F-15E...

Interesting description, in several aspects it seems you've read my mind.

You also guessed it, regarding the "Cadillac of the Sky" I was going to call it the F-15, (although I've always been much more fond of the F-14.)

Which begs the question: have you already tried the F-14 ?

If you also appreciate Air to Air warfare and analog old-school systems, you would be marvelled with the Tomcat.

About the Hornet... well it has its qualities, outstanding maneuverability, JHMCS, modern cockpit, in the future a targeting POD... but it will never have the F-14 charisma.

Regarding the Viggen, you nailed it.

It really is a pity that the chosen variant is the Air to Ground one (AJ 37), and not the Fighter / Interceptor (JA 37).

That's why I didn't buy it.

In my view, for A-G there's Su-25, A-10, etc.

And firing A-A missiles without any HUD symbology to assist... meh, what a turn-off.

The JA 37 on the other hand, would have been (for me) so much more interesting, even with somewhat archaic avionics, i would be very interested to know them.

Edited April 20, 2019 by Top Jockey

mazex · April 20, 2019

Interesting description, in several aspects it seems you've read my mind.

You also guessed it, regarding the "Cadillac of the Sky" I was going to call it the F-15, (although I've always been much more fond of the F-14.)

Which begs the question: have you already tried the F-14 ?
If you also appreciate Air to Air warfare and analog old-school systems, you would be marvelled with the Tomcat.

About the Hornet... well it has its qualities, outstanding maneuverability, JHMCS, modern cockpit, in the future a targeting POD... but it will never have the F-14 charisma.

Regarding the Viggen, you nailed it.
It really is a pity that the chosen variant is the Air to Ground one (AJ 37), and not the Fighter / Interceptor (JA 37).
That's why I didn't buy it.

In my view, for A-G there's Su-25, A-10, etc.
And firing A-A missiles without any HUD symbology to assist... meh, what a turn-off.

The JA 37 on the other hand, would have been (for me) so much more interesting, even with somewhat archaic avionics, i would be very interested to know them.

We definitely think alike. The JA-37 would be much more interesting. They have said that it is in the pipeline, I guess it will be more work on the radar etc... But the AJS is fun as well!

And the F-14 is on my list when I have at least understood some on the Hornet and the Huey I just bought. Heard a lot of good stuff about the flight model feeling "alive", which is what I like a lot.

And my comment about "Cadillac of the sky... Horsepower!" was a quote from "Empire of the sun", where it refers to the P-51:

When referring to it - it was more the feeling of really powerful aircraft roaring by at low altitude, with throttles pushed past all detents... Kids screaming of joy from old ATC towers :) And in the F-18 I get that feeling - not in the A-10C ;)

But I fully agree - the F-14 or F-15 are much more P-51 divas of their era and more fitting for the Cadillac of the sky title! The F-18 is more of an Audi RS Estate of the sky... Not quite as fast as the real sportscars, but with nice trunk space and you can attach a trailer or a rack on the roof... And you don't need to send it to expensive service every other month :)

betatrash · April 20, 2019

https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=116893

+ RAZBAM

-F-15E (in progress) (2020?)

I was actually one of those who requested F/A-18 before it was even a thing. Bit I still don't own it cuz I'm saving for new hardware and Track IR. :)

mazex · April 20, 2019

https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=116893

+ RAZBAM
-F-15E (in progress) (2020?)

I was actually one of those who requested F/A-18 before it was even a thing. Bit I still don't own it cuz I'm saving for new hardware and Track IR. :)

That truly would be awesome. Can for sure see three Strike Eagles with full afterburners passing that kid in "Empire of the sun"...

I really think that A2G makes way more interesting scenarios. But don't like to have to run away with my tail between my legs because some old Mig:s are loitering near the target. So ground attack capable aircraft with fangs if a fight occurs really are nice. And the F-15E sure is one notch above the F-18 in that category. But then the F-18 has the whole Carrier thingy that will make me use both... And a block 50 F-16 in between them for variation of diet.

For some older Cadillacs, I would love to have an F4 on a Vietnam map. The F4 has "Cadillac of the sky" potential of the era...

Ahh - dreaming on in the direction if we would have a Vietnam map (which would be beautiful by the way)... We already have the Mig-19 and 21 for NVAF. We have the Huey and an AH-1 has been discussed? Toss in some Crusaders, Corsairs, Mig-17:s and we have a solid starting set with the F5 already in the stable as well. And maybe some Intruders that can fit other scenarios as well with the F-18 / F-14 in more modern scenarios... But I will most of the time be in my F4, passing boys screaming from wrecked ATC towers ;)

betatrash · April 21, 2019

Intruder is AI only

- F-16C Block 50 (Late 2019+)

- F-4E (planned) (2020?)

+ HeatBlur Simulations:

- AI Units:

-- Aircraft:

--- A-6 Intruder (in progress)

+ Magnitude 3 LLC:

-- F4U-1d Corsair (in progress) (2019+) (EFM/ASM)

-- Mig-21Bis (V2.0 in progress) (2019) (EFM/ASM)

- F-8 Crusader (in progress) (2021?)

Edited April 21, 2019 by betatrash

mazex · April 21, 2019

Thanks beta!

Looks like we only need that Vietnam map then for my dream to come true rather soon :) And I meant the A7E Corsair for Vietnam even though the F4U would be nice as well for WW2 / Korea. If there is work on a Crusader it makes that much easier. But I guess with a flyable A6 that would be OK, especially with me starting this thread regarding the fact that we need more Cadillacs of the sky and not F-150:ies ;)

A short summary by an ex Navy F4 pilot in Vietnam about the A7, A6 and F4 roles in ground attack missions:

https://www.quora.com/Carrier-wings-included-A-6-Intruders-and-A-7-Corsairs-in-Vietnam-which-appear-similar-in-capability-on-paper-How-did-their-roles-differ-in-Vietnam-When-were-F-4s-also-included-in-the-attack-role

Derailing in that direction, it really feels like the lack of maps is one of the other problems for DCS, and not an easy one to solve naturally with the detail level of DCS maps...

It truly would be great for DCS to have an auto generated X-Plane style low fidelity map of whole earth and then let us buy detailed maps like Georgia, Nevada etc... I think that really would boost sales and the possibility for third party developers to spend time doing civilian planes as well. And I think a lot of the X-Plane / FSX / P3d crowd would love to be able to actually fire a missile sometimes...

From a commercial standpoint, I think DCS would gain more on a "Auto gen" map of the whole world than more aircraft modules. Who would not buy a "Whole world map" for USD 49 or 59, even if it was lower res? And then get Orbx to do a high res for the ones who want that. On the low res we could have generic airfields for everything and no fancy landmarks. I don't need them when I'm on a strike mission and not sight seeing in a Cessna..

And it would for sure increase the attraction for new pilots to DCS.

Edited April 21, 2019 by mazex

Top Jockey · April 21, 2019

We definitely think alike. The JA-37 would be much more interesting. They have said that it is in the pipeline, I guess it will be more work on the radar etc... But the AJS is fun as well!

...

That I didn't know - looking forward to it !

betatrash · April 21, 2019

I meant the A7E Corsair

Woops, I meant the A-7 too, but wasn't paying attention when copy-pasting. :megalol:

And yea, it's just the Crusader. Would be nice to get the Intruder and Corsair too, but then again, I think we need more Russian planes like Su-34 for ground attack maybe. ;o

Edited April 24, 2019 by betatrash

Eldur · April 23, 2019

It was a mistake for ED to bring us the hornet . I've flown nothing else since its release :)

Literally... until Heatblur's Tomcat came up to the deck on the elevator...

nanucq · April 24, 2019

Done, took the F-18....and PG map...and M2000...I'm weak...:D

qcheck · April 24, 2019

F-18 Hornet is one of my favs!!! LOVE IT!

mazex · July 7, 2019

We definitely think alike. The JA-37 would be much more interesting. They have said that it is in the pipeline, I guess it will be more work on the radar etc... But the AJS is fun as well!

And the F-14 is on my list when I have at least understood some on the Hornet and the Huey I just bought. Heard a lot of good stuff about the flight model feeling "alive", which is what I like a lot.

And my comment about "Cadillac of the sky... Horsepower!" was a quote from "Empire of the sun", where it refers to the P-51:

When referring to it - it was more the feeling of really powerful aircraft roaring by at low altitude, with throttles pushed past all detents... Kids screaming of joy from old ATC towers :) And in the F-18 I get that feeling - not in the A-10C ;)

But I fully agree - the F-14 or F-15 are much more P-51 divas of their era and more fitting for the Cadillac of the sky title! The F-18 is more of an Audi RS Estate of the sky... Not quite as fast as the real sportscars, but with nice trunk space and you can attach a trailer or a rack on the roof... And you don't need to send it to expensive service every other month :)

Regarding the "Cadillac of the sky", Cadillac themselves obviously thought it was the P-38 in the October 1943 edition of Life Magazine at least ;) Found a bunch of old Life magazines in our hip Airbnb place in Chicago...

QuiGon · July 8, 2019

Have you tried the F-14 yet? It's the Mustang of the skies with much more thrust than your Hornet ;)

mazex · July 9, 2019

Have you tried the F-14 yet? It's the Mustang of the skies with much more thrust than your Hornet ;)

Nope, I realized that I have too many "unflown" planes at the moment ;) Decided to learn the F-18, Viggen and AV-8B before going to the F-14. And then I have the A-10, KA-50, Huey and all of the WWII accept the A8 gathering dust in a corner of my hangar :) And a shiny new Mig-15 on the back yard with the FC3 lot ;)

QuiGon · July 9, 2019

Alright then. Just asking, because I think the F-14 will fit the bold part in your opening post much better than the Hornet does. Well, except the high alpha thing, but lighting the burners, accellerate with brute force and cruising around the black sea is a much more intense experience in the good old analogue F-14 than it is in the digital fly by wire Hornet ;)

Emra · July 9, 2019

Hmmm. . .I just purchased the F-18 to show support. However, I am not enjoying the F-18 yet as much as the AV-8B Harrier. I never thought this would be the case. Maybe too much F-18 in the past, not sure.

I am sure the F-18 will sit well until I decide to fly it more down the road, but I find the Harrier far more fun and challenging. It also appears to be more more polished as of the latest update, which is understandable. I find the F-18 easy to fly and sort of boring in a way. Not sure why.

In the end though I imagine one can never know what they might like the most until they purchase all the modules in the end. . .Lol.

Cheers.

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Argh - why didn't I buy the Hornet before?

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