Random Thoughts

[Smokin1469]

Just some random thoughts I wanted to share about the F-4E module in general and specifically the MiG Killers campaign.

Just recently switched from a Logitech X56 to the Thrustmaster Viper stick.  What a difference.  The higher stick force and heftier stick makes it really pheel like I'm phlying a Phantom!  There is a much bigger difference when you turn roll aug off, the jet feels twitchy with it off and I didn't get that with the other stick.  Easier to maneuver and fly formation too.  I'm sold on it.

After about 3 weeks of flying the MiG Killers campaign exclusively, I went and re-flew some of the other missions that came with the module.  I found I really miss the interactive checklist, extra comm from Jester, comm from the bandits and flight lead etc.   Felt awkward to fly without all of the challenge and response checklists.

One thing they taught us in formation school was "never turn into the echelon".  If, for example, you're in echelon right formation, like you are coming back from the range on Event 9, you don't turn right unless you absolutely need to and then do so very gently.  I was thinking about this as we turned (right!) onto initial and lead and two smacked into each other, crashing both of them.  Art imitates life?

There were two times where if I were really in that first TopGun class I would have been responsible for shutting the program down. First was the 2 v 1 sortie where I flew myself and Jester into the ground.  With the emphasis on safety they definitely would have shut us down.  Second was on Event 11 "HAVE DRILL" where the bandit flew into the ground.  They'd cancel the program for sure after that! 

Any other random thoughts folks had flying the campaign?  I absolutely love it!

[Reflected]

Hey, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree whenever I fly the F-4 outside of the campaign, I miss the procedures, so I just go through them in my head

As for the AI, unfortunately its collision and terrain avoidance capabilities leave a lot to be desired, I've been bombarding ED with tracks, but no fix thus far. ( @[ED]Ben )  Fortunately I built the missions in a way that they don't get stuck if one or more of the AI crashes into the desert.

[MichaelJWP15]

I've been very much enjoying the campaign, though I am a very undisciplined air combat pilot! Even though I have the best intentions of sticking to the blackboard plan, within very few seconds I am throwing the jet all over the sky on the very limit of control and AoA. I have no real clue whether I am doing an egg, a half-cuban or a rolling scissors  

I play in VR with full HOTAS which is superb but I do find it very hard to glance down at my airspeed/AoA without losing sight of the bandit.

And yes, the AI crashes into the ground for me probably 3 out of every 4 fights. The algorithm doesn't seem to take the terrain into account so I really hope ED address this.