Recommend a plane for me FC3

[W1ndy]

Hi there. I'm new to jet sims and decided that if I can learn the

Su25T and all its quirks that I would spring the dollars for FC3.

 

Now I have never flown the planes in it so I would like suggestions as to which plane to focus on and learn first. I like to stay on one plane and learn it well.

 

I have and can fly the Ka-50 but it is a slow bake in the background while I learn fixed wing jets and their weapons. I also have A-10c and that is an even slower bake for later.

 

As the Su25T is mainly air to ground, I'm thinking a fighter - but I'm open to any ideas. I just have no idea what the planes in FC3 are there to do. (I could google it but I'd rather ask wingmen)

 

Any ideas welcome.

[Mohamengina]

the f15 is a good place to start

[BIGNEWY]

As you fly the SU25-t and the KA-50 you will find the transition into the Russain jets the easiest as the control, HUD and other interfaces are pretty similar to what you are used to.

 

But I would give all of them a go, that's the beauty of FC its aircraft a simple to operate :)

[W1ndy]

As you fly the SU25-t and the KA-50 you will find the transition into the Russain jets the easiest as the control, HUD and other interfaces are pretty similar to what you are used to.

 

 

Mm good point.

 

Googling around I see the Su33 is a naval version of the Su27 so the Su27 is a candidate.

 

Of the Migs the S version has more avionics - good or bad, not sure ...

 

Then the F-15 seems to be a classic must fly.

 

I think now the challenge is going to be transitioning to Air to Air from A2G of the other craft.

 

So my refined question is which plane will be easiest to learn A2A in ?

[Jona33]

Chances are the F-15 would be, it's certainly more advanced with a RWR that shows more detail, the radars good and the weapons are good. Personally I prefer the Russian jets but that's just because I like the Su-33 which is good fun to fly. (Carrier.)

[MadTommy]

I personally always preferred the Russian jets. Mainly due to their datalink capabilities allowing you to hunt with the radar off and therefore kill with IR seeker missiles without warning the very dangerous F15c.

 

Also the similarities between the Su27, 33 & Mig 29a/s make them very easy to switch between. The Su-33 can take off and land on carriers... making it the most fun and versatile. Especially considering it can carry rockets & bombs too.... great fun multi-role fighter. The Mig 29 in my opinion is best true fighter.. but it's low fuel capacity is a big hindrance.

 

Fly the Russian jets.. learn one and you have 4 different version to fly.

 

(unfortunately the F15c has got all the eye candy upgrades...:( )

[MadTommy]

Chances are the F-15 would be, it's certainly more advanced with a RWR that shows more detail,

 

Really? I don't think so.

[Pyroflash]

They all have their own advantages and disadvantages. What type of flying do you prefer? Do you like the ability to drop bombs? Do you want to be nimble? have good energy? Be able to get down and dirty? These are all important questions that will influence your choice of aircraft.

 

Something you should think about if you are serious though is joining a squadron. The earlier the better, as trying to re-invent the wheel by yourself is going to leave you with a LOT of bad habits when it comes to flying effectively.

[Jona33]

Really? I don't think so.

 

And I do. :D Far easier to use IMHO than the RWR in the russian jets. Plus the AMRAAMs have pixie dust on them. :D

[Pyroflash]

And I do. :D Far easier to use IMHO than the RWR in the russian jets. Plus the AMRAAMs have pixie dust on them. :D

 

Naw, basic function is still the same between the RWR's, but I dislike having to look down to see the one in the Russian aircraft.

[Frostie]

Really? I don't think so.

Russian RWR becomes useless when in lock range of a Patriot system or Tico, plus it's very limited when locked up by anything else. The awareness the F-15's gives is invaluable.

[Exorcet]

Given that you've flown the Su-25, you should find the Su-27 and MiG cockpits easy to understand.

 

Compared to the F-15, the Russian fighters are a bit limited in some areas. I fully agree that the F-15 RWR is much better. Wider field of view, it provides information on multiple contacts instead of being overwhelmed by the primary threat, and with time you can use it to judge distances (I actually have an easier determining range using the F-15's RWR than the Russian ones despite the lack of a signal power bar). The F-15 also has the longest missile and radar range, TWS, and a decent fuel supply.

 

The Russian planes do have advantages though. The biggest ones being radar datalink and EOS+ET missiles. You can, in theory, fly up to a F-15 from 100 miles away without even giving away your position. I've actually done something like that once with guns, though usually, you try to get close enough for an ET launch, which leaves no warning if done right. Up close, the Russian fighters are better, with more agility at low speeds, helmet mounted sight, and the R-73 which is much better than the AIM-9. The Flanker also has the largest internal fuel capacity, so it does not have to bother with draggy drop tanks.

 

I'd just go with whatever is your favorite plane. Just put in time to learn it and you'll be able to deal with anything.

[MadTommy]

Russian RWR becomes useless when in lock range of a Patriot system or Tico, plus it's very limited when locked up by anything else. The awareness the F-15's gives is invaluable.

 

The Russian RWR has an important feature not on the F15c.. indicating whether the threat is above or below you. And has the signal power meter. These are a great features. Making up for other mentioned shortcomings.

 

How does it become useless when locked up by a Patriot?

Edited September 23, 2012 by MadTommy

[Exorcet]

The Russian RWR has an important feature not on the F15c.. indicating whether the threat is above or below you. Personally this is a great advantage. making up for other mentioned shortcomings.

 

How does it become useless when locked up my a Patriot?

You get this in the F-15 by rolling. And maybe it's just me, but I find the threat elevation feature nearly useless. It does not seem totally accurate, and it only has 3 positions.

[MadTommy]

You get this in the F-15 by rolling. And maybe it's just me, but I find the threat elevation feature nearly useless. It does not seem totally accurate, and it only has 3 positions.

 

By rolling? Can you explain what you mean.

 

I suppose i was simply responding to the claim that the F15c RWR shows more detail over the Russian RWR which has two extra features, elevation and power signal of threat. But i suppose the US RWR does show power by its distance from the inner circle.

 

Clearly which is actually better is up for debate, personally i find them matched.

[159th_Falcon]

The F-15 also has the longest missile and radar range, TWS, and a decent fuel supply.

 

Your sure?

According to ingame encyclopedia;

AIM120C Range 65km and max MACH 3.5

R27ER Range 70km and max MACH 4.0

 

Seems to me the ER has a longer range right?

Assuming ofcourse the data in the encyclopedia is made in a way you can actually compare the weapons.

IE launched at same pressure altitude, same speeds and same closure range etc etc

[Frostie]

The Russian RWR has an important feature not on the F15c.. indicating whether the threat is above or below you. And has the signal power meter. These are a great features. Making up for other mentioned shortcomings.

 

How does it become useless when locked up by a Patriot?

The hi-low hemisphere threat indicator is a bust, it's almost always useless. And while the signal power meter is an easy read the F-15 can be read just as well with practice.

 

The biggest problem with the Russian Beroyza 'in FC' is that when you're locked by a long range radar, such as a Patriot, from nearly 200km away, you can not read any other signals other than closer locking threats. So TWS flying F-15's can approach and launch on you without you even knowing of their presence unless you see them on radar, in a packed environment with bandits at all altitudes and a wall of jammers this is an SA nightmare.

Even without the long range radar, being locked by one bandit reduces this SA drastically.

With an F-15 even when you're locked you have perfect SA on all radars around you and even know the type which sometimes can greatly help IFF issues.

[FLANKERATOR]

The Russian RWR has an important feature not on the F15c.. indicating whether the threat is above or below you. And has the signal power meter.

 

Signal power can also be monitored on western RWR : the closer the symbol is to the RWR's cross (center) the closer is the actual threat.

 

Moreover, Western RWR has a significant advantage over its Russian counterpart : It is capable of displaying several threats at the same time. SPO-15 displays only closest or most dangerous threat (Orange LEDs) and one secondary threat (green LEDs), plus when hard-locked, it just drops everything else even in the presence of another CLOSER threat , which of course is a dangerous flaw against TWS capable F-15's.

 

Russian RWR makes you feel comfortable but TEWS allows a way better SA.

 

EDIT : Frostie beat me to it :)

Edited September 23, 2012 by FLANKERATOR

[RIPTIDE]

Hi there. I'm new to jet sims and decided that if I can learn the

Su25T and all its quirks that I would spring the dollars for FC3.

 

Now I have never flown the planes in it so I would like suggestions as to which plane to focus on and learn first. I like to stay on one plane and learn it well.

 

I have and can fly the Ka-50 but it is a slow bake in the background while I learn fixed wing jets and their weapons. I also have A-10c and that is an even slower bake for later.

 

As the Su25T is mainly air to ground, I'm thinking a fighter - but I'm open to any ideas. I just have no idea what the planes in FC3 are there to do. (I could google it but I'd rather ask wingmen)

 

Any ideas welcome.

Fly them all!!! You'll pay for them so fly them! :thumbup:

[USAFMTL]

Why doesnt the F-15 have datalinking? They have had Link-16 since the mid 80's. What model of C are they doing here?

[Kenan]

^^The one without a datalink? :D

[GGTharos]

That's a feature that the F-15C's RWR should definitely have (any RWR with a relative altitude antenna will do it, and the F-15C does have that antenna), though I have my doubts as to whether such a thing will show up in FC3.

 

The Russian RWR has an important feature not on the F15c.. indicating whether the threat is above or below you. And has the signal power meter. These are a great features. Making up for other mentioned shortcomings.

 

How does it become useless when locked up by a Patriot?

[GGTharos]

By rolling? Can you explain what you mean.

 

Because the RWR's in LO/FC are not roll-stabilized, they display threat location relative to your wing plane. So if you roll, it will show you threat's relative altitude.

 

Clearly which is actually better is up for debate, personally i find them matched.

 

There's no debate if you understand SA. :)

[W1ndy]

What type of flying do you prefer? Do you like the ability to drop bombs? Do you want to be nimble? have good energy? Be able to get down and dirty?

 

 

Yes good question. I 'd say 'have good energy' is closest to what I like. I like to be able to out fly my opponent and then think about using weapons.

 

The big new thing for me is the weaponry - which to apply and how to apply them.

 

So it makes sense to stick with the Russians as mentioned so that the avionics are familiar and I can concentrate on flying the faster fighters.

 

From Ka-50 and Su25T I guess the biggest leap will be in handling energy and speed.

 

Looks like Su27 and Su33. Then the Migs, then last but not least the F-15.

 

( A lot of good learning already in this thread. Thanks ...)

[GGTharos]

Because, and AFAIK, the only jets with Link-16 were the 18 Elmendorf jets, at least until recently.

 

Why doesnt the F-15 have datalinking? They have had Link-16 since the mid 80's. What model of C are they doing here?