Checking out the Viper

[C3PO]

Just grabbed the Viper in the free to use period …. really enjoying it. I had forgotten what a fairly basic platform it is in terms of cockpit layout / instruments design down to the MFDs. Will always have a special place in my heart though so will most likely purchase at the end of the trial period. Lots to learn - I had forgotten so much!

[skywalker22]

I flew it for the last time something like 20yrs ago in Falcon 4 pc sim. Indeed, I love this bird also. Its quite similar to his younger brother F/A-18, so working with DDIs makes things a bit easier. But as you said, lots to learn before mastering it.

Im also considering buying it.

Edited June 14, 2021 by skywalker22

[SFJackBauer]

If you have a HOTAS like the Warthog which has at least the Joystick identical to the F-16, the enjoyment is greater because you can map the buttons as in the real jet and follow the same workflow as the real pilot (as close as possible). Although I have modified my bindings a bit to be able to perform some things you would need to reach for the cockpit, like changing radar azimuth, bars, auto-pilot.

 

Honestly what I am mostly looking forward is some implementation of the data cartridge... re-configuring MFDs every single time I get in the jet gets old quickly.

[Munkwolf]

11 hours ago, C3PO said:

Will always have a special place in my heart though so will most likely purchase at the end of the trial period.

 

Depending on how special that place is for the Viper, the RealSimulator FSSB operates exactly like the side stick, where it barely moves and it goes off of force applied. It's expensive, but I see a nice system with a 3090 in your specs, so thought I'd mention it. It's so nice to fly the Viper with it.

 

https://realsimulator.com/fssb-r3-lighting/

Edited June 14, 2021 by Munkwolf

[SCPanda]

4 hours ago, SFJackBauer said:

If you have a HOTAS like the Warthog which has at least the Joystick identical to the F-16, the enjoyment is greater because you can map the buttons as in the real jet and follow the same workflow as the real pilot (as close as possible). Although I have modified my bindings a bit to be able to perform some things you would need to reach for the cockpit, like changing radar azimuth, bars, auto-pilot.

 

Honestly what I am mostly looking forward is some implementation of the data cartridge... re-configuring MFDs every single time I get in the jet gets old quickly.

 

4 hours ago, Munkwolf said:

 

Depending on how special that place is for the Viper, the RealSimulator FSSB operates exactly like the side stick, where it barely moves and it goes off of force applied. It's expensive, but I see a nice system with a 3090 in your specs, so thought I'd mention it. It's so nice to fly the Viper with it.

 

https://realsimulator.com/fssb-r3-lighting/

 

BTW guys, Winwing is releasing the Viper throttle this year.

 

[Munkwolf]

16 minutes ago, SCPanda said:

 

BTW guys, Winwing is releasing the Viper throttle this year.

 

I've been really impressed by my VKB stuff, and from that have been patiently holding out for VKB TECS... but the WinWing gear, like the previews of that throttle, have definitely been testing things. Almost ordered the Super Taurus recently because Hornet.

Edited June 15, 2021 by Munkwolf

[SCPanda]

58 minutes ago, Munkwolf said:

 

I've been really impressed by my VKB stuff, and from that have been patiently holding out for VKB TECS... but the WinWing gear, like the previews of that throttle, have definitely been testing things. Almost ordered the Super Taurus recently because Hornet.

 

I have also heard great things about VKB, but from the pictures I saw, isn't VKB sticks & throttle more fit to Russian jets? They look quite similar to the real HOTAS Russian jets use in real life. 

 

Since the Viper is my go to jet, I will probably stick to my Warthog stick and get the FSSB base when I have the $. Regarding the throttle, Winwing is probably the only manufacture that is making the Viper throttle replica. I know there was Cougar HOTAS but they are too old and you can only buy used one now. Honestly, I wonder why Thrustmaster hasn't released a high-end throttle after Warthog. Warthog stick is great but the throttle is not really something I would like. The major problem with it is the lack of radar altimeter knob, since it's a A-10 throttle. Would be nice if Thrustmaster makes a Viper or Hornet throttle replica in the future. 

Edited June 15, 2021 by SCPanda

[Munkwolf]

12 hours ago, SCPanda said:

I have also heard great things about VKB, but from the pictures I saw, isn't VKB sticks & throttle more fit to Russian jets? They look quite similar to the real HOTAS Russian jets use in real life. 

 

Yeah, the grip is modelled after Russian-style grips with the wheel brake lever and flip trigger, but there's enough hats/buttons where it's flexible and works well with anything imo. It's great having the brake lever and flip trigger when flying the Russian airframes obviously (can't wait for Virpil Collective to arrive.. it plus Ultimate should make a great pairing for the Ka-50), but finding good uses for them in other airframes, too. I use the pinky button as a mode-shift button, so in some US planes the brake lever becomes the nosewheel/ap-disconnect button. Or in the Huey, the brake lever is cargo release, and the flip trigger handles the pilot gunsight being up or down.

 

No VKB throttle yet, hopefully Soon(tm)/two-weeks. Imo the biggest thing that sets VKB apart is the dampers in the base. Afaik other bases don't have em, just springs. With the dampers turned up it feels buttery smooth.

 

All that said, and to stay on-topic a bit, the more I use the FSSB with the Viper, the more I'm finding I want to fly that over anything else.