A little help for a newbie please.

[Nyxx]

Hi,

I have the F-18C and enjoying it very much. So far I have done all the training missions and feel comfortable with them.

I have done the Air to Air refueling mission and now can hook up first-time every time and fill up with no problems now. Landing on the deck is also np.

I see there are a lot of "missions" but only focused on the refueling one.

 

Question is what should I focus on now?

Is working through the missions best or go headlong into the included campaign, but I don't feel ready for that yet but wonder what route to take next?

 

What do you guys advise/suggest? :helpsmilie:

 

Thank you.

[DW2020]

I am pretty new to DCS also and tried a few missions then my buddy persuaded me to go onto a multiplayer server and I have never looked back and now dog fight regularly.

 

Every other night I go on an acrobatics server instead which is free flight for you to practise takeoff, landing and flight maneuvering ready for dog fighting and there are always very experienced pilots on the server willing to give assistance and suggestions.

 

You WILL get shot down loads of times but the first time you Fox 1 and splash the enemy is a helll of a feeling!!

[dawgie79]

Even though you don't feel ready, start playing missions/campaigns anyway. It's pretty much the only way you'll learn situational awareness, which is key in mastering the jet, and you'll learn using the weapons and sensors effectively while flying in a hostile environment.

[Hekktor]

All in all it it is a simulator. You can't do things 'wrong' unless you loose the fun doing it. As long as you have fun, you do stuff right.

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/index.php?set_filter=Y&arrFilter_pf%5Bfiletype%5D=3&arrFilter_pf%5Bgameversion%5D=&arrFilter_pf%5Bfilelang%5D=&arrFilter_pf%5Baircraft%5D=535&arrFilter_DATE_CREATE_1_DAYS_TO_BACK=&CREATED_BY=&sort_by_order=TIMESTAMP_X_DESC&set_filter=Filter

I have a ton of fun with some of these campaigns!

[Zyll]

You could also consider joining an online squadron to fly with other like minded enthusiasts like yourself.

[Creepy]

To echo previous comments, getting into the missions/multiplayer servers to get out of your comfort zone is the best way to face the fire hose of knowledge that comes with a new airframe.

 

The Hornet is a pretty complex aircraft with respect to all of the subsystems and getting them to work for you/do what you want them to. Chuck’s guide does a pretty good job of outlining the basics in terms of system setup for both A/A and A/G mission sets.

 

I would also recommend Tacview if you don’t already have it. It’s a great post-flight tool to help identify things to make you better/begin to expand your SA bubble.

[Nyxx]

Thank you all for your feedback.

I think I will start doing all the missions as you surgest as there seems a lot to learn there, then hit the campaign.

So much to learn....

[CBStu]

Do you have Persian Gulf map? That will more than double the # of supplied missions compared to the included Caucuses map.

[Nyxx]

Do you have Persian Gulf map? That will more than double the # of supplied missions compared to the included Caucuses map.

Yes, I have Nevarda and Persian.

[KittyVCAW-1]

practice your BFM, ACM and BVR tactics. Do lots of guns only fights to start out and learn how to turn. Once u are consistent in that move to IR fights and eventually the BVR mind games. All those 1v1 and 2v2 4v4 missions. Do them until you are blue in the face and get into PVP ASAP.

[CBStu]

Yes, I have Nevarda and Persian.

Good. I need to get Nevada at some point. I feel somewhat competent in the 1v1 and 2v2 training missions but those 4v4s are tough. I also like a couple of the combat missions but can only do a couple of them and last long enough to make it worthwhile. I hate going through the rearm, launch, join up w/ wingmen, get to the coast and get shot down. I do go back to an easier one after I get blasted the 3rd or 4th time. But I keep doing them anyway to try to learn.