would not be accurate DCS F18 flight model

[lax22]

Hi,
The F18 was my first and for a long time only module in DCS.
I have been flying it a lot last year and enjoyed it immensely.

 

During the last Winter Sale I picked up the F14 and have been flying it exclusively over the last 6 weeks.

Yesterday, I went back to the F18 and all of a sudden, flying the Hornet feels like flying a spaceship because it's just so smooth and a bit lifeless.

 

I'm aware that the FCS/FBW prohibits the F18 from pulling some of the crazy maneuvers the F14 can do (including ripping off the wings).
However, I think that if ED would introduce just a fraction of the shaking and rattling from the F14 to the F18, the plane would feel much more "alive".

 

My question: Did any real F18 pilot (i.e. C.W. Lemoine) ever comment on how realistic the current DCS F18 flight model feels and what could be improved?

[5ephir0th]

FM on Hornet is still W.I.P

[Andartu]

1 hour ago, lax22 said:

However, I think that if ED would introduce just a fraction of the shaking and rattling from the F14 to the F18, the plane would feel much more "alive".

 First of, this is just my opinion and I don´t own the Tomcat. But from what I´ve seen in many videos and streams I am very happy to not have this to me exaggerated shaking and rattling in the Hornet. When I see it I always think how annoying this would be for me. 

And the Hornet does not feel lifeless at all to me. Also fly her slow and high AOA in BFM and you will see her shaking and rattling a lot.

[wilbur81]

1 hour ago, Andartu said:

And the Hornet does not feel lifeless at all to me. Also fly her slow and high AOA in BFM and you will see her shaking and rattling a lot.

I whole-heartedly agree. This is actually one of the reasons I prefer the Hornet to the Viper (I own both modules and love both jets). The Hornet's lack of an AOA limitation like the Viper's FLCS really makes the Hornet feel more organic in its maneuvering. With that said, the Hornet will always feel like it's 'on rails' compared to the Tomcat since the Hornet is full fly by wire. The fly by wire jets are just more stable. 

 

This is one reason why I so wish the F-15C would be done eventually (I have ZERO interest in the Strike Eagle and will not purchase it when it comes out in 3013 A.D. ) The Eagle's CAS makes it slightly more sophisticated in the flight control than the Tomcat-B, but more 'lively' than the Hornet or Viper...with the need to not yank and bank too hard.

 

But back on topic: The Hornet FM is really special and it is HANDS DOWN my first choice when it comes to the GUNZO fight... 350kts and slower it is a true champ in air combat. 

Edited February 4, 2021 by wilbur81

[wilbur81]

Here's some nice praise for the Legacy Hornet from an Eagle Driver, when asked by (the delightful host) Mike about the most challenging fighters (including the Viper, Rafale, Typhoon, etc.) he'd ever DACT'ed against... "Dozen" gives special attention to the Australian Legacy Hornets @ 3:47. For those on these forums that struggle against the Hornet in DCS in WVR, BFM... just know that this seems to be pretty close to reality. 

Edited February 17, 2021 by wilbur81

[Spurts]

Not the first time I've heard of F-15s and F/A-18Cs being a close match in the phone booth.