Decisions, Decisions...

[Hunter192]

Hey Guys,

 

Im looking to buy a new module for DCS, I currently have A-10c Warthog.

 

I like the look of the P51 Mustang but I also like the LockOn: Flaming Cliffs 3

 

Which one is best? I am slightly confused about FC3 as it says I need a previous version so would that require buying Lock On: Modern Air Combat then FC3?

 

Still deciding which one to go for but thought I would come here for you guys who may have the modules to give me a few ideas.

[Meatwod]

I have all of the modules. P-51 is very much like A-10C without any avionics, just pure stick rudder flying, so imagine flying the A-10C a little faster and with only a gun and your eyeballs. The cockpit is very well made and getting airborn takes a little getting used to since there is no computer help in this baby.

 

FC3 has one thing in common with P-51 and that is speed. Everthying happens in 3 seconds rather than minutes. For the A10C you loiter and pick off targets at your leisure. In the Eagle, you have to have your SA on full or it's bye-bye in no time. The lack of advanced avionics makes combat a little simplified, but the combat tactics are just as they would be in the real thing.

 

A missile is a missile. If you spent any time learning how to defend against SAM, then you have no problems handling the air-to-air variety. However, the launcher is now chasing you at 700 mph.

Edited February 13, 2013 by Meatwod

[Hunter192]

P-51 is very much like A-10C without any avionics, just pure stick rudder flying, so imagine flying the A-10C a little faster and with only a gun and your eyeballs.

 

Hey Meat, thanks for the quick reply!

 

That is exactly what Im looking for as Im struggling to learn the A-10C Weapon System..

 

I want to go fast and blow some sh*t up at the same time, not spend most my time trying to pick a profile and figure the difference between CCIP & all the others. I am still going to learn about the A-10c but I also want something I can jump in and go do a mission no bother.

 

I think I will try the Mustang first then maybe progress onto FC3.

[MadTommy]

That choice is really horses for courses, impossible for someone to say which is better.

 

FC3 you get 5 or so aircraft type, allowing several different roles to be played, allowing you to take part in a combined battlefield environment, playing SEAD, Air supremacy & ground pounding with A10c & BlackShark. FC3 is obviously lower fidelity than other DCS modules.. but more accessible. (easier to get into with limited time)

 

With P51 you get the finest, highest fidelity WWII single plane sim, but presently you don't really have much to fly with or against set in a similar historical era.

 

Personally i'd get both..:) But if i had to choose it would be FC3.

Edited February 13, 2013 by MadTommy

[Hunter192]

Hi Tommy,

 

Would I have to buy LockOn: Modern Air Combat then FC3 or can I just buy FC3 and it will work?

 

Thanks

[Frostie]

Hi Tommy,

 

Would I have to buy LockOn: Modern Air Combat then FC3 or can I just buy FC3 and it will work?

 

Thanks

Yes, you need Lockon: Modern air combat to be able to install FC3.

 

Judging by your quote of just wanting to fly fast and blow stuff up then i'd highly recommend FC3, you can blow all measure of stuff up in a variety of different aircraft all with different characteristics. Though bear in mind the cockpits in FC3 are not clickable and the avionics are not as complex as a typical DCS module.

 

Compared to DCS: P-51, FC3 has a hell of a lot more depth for you to experience and enjoy. But make sure you purchase DCS: P-51 at a later date because it's simply awesome as a learning experience and don't forget DCS:BlackShark too.

[Hunter192]

Hi Frostie,

 

Where can I purchase LOMAC & FC3? On the DCS Website it says "Pre Purchase" ?

[Pyroflash]

FC3 is a pre-purchase with open beta access (They are still making major changes to it), so you are in the right spot. You can download and install the current FC3 release like any other module.

 

You will, however, need to first install lockon modern air combat, which you can order from: http://fighter-collection.com/cft/tfc-flight-sim-shop-europe/

 

under where it says: "Lock On Air Combat Simulation".

[The_Pharoah]

I'm struggling to learn the A-10C Weapon System..

 

mate, I'm going through what you are but I've gotten to a position where I"m happy to go online. However, I highly recommend:

 

1. that you purchase a HOTAS joystick (eg. x52)

2. that you download and use a DCS A10C profile (I use SF Jack Bauer)

3. and that you learn one weapon system at a time - I've downloaded lots of single training missions from here for the A10 which helps me practice. I then jump onto youtube and watch eg. AGM65 for noobs or something, then go back into the game and do it. You'll then get the hang of what to do and which buttons do what.

 

I can tell you, my first AGM65 kill online was AWESOME!!! It was a Tunguska as well so even better. Its about a challenge and once you beat it, you get a bigger high than flying a P51.

 

Oh and I recommend getting FC3 - you can practice on the SU25T first.

[Krebs20]

I recommend the KA-50 unless you have something against helicopters.

[Python]

This is a question no one can really answer, I doubt you would be disappointed by either choice. DCS: P51 is the finest prop simulator available, however its uses within DCS world are limited for now, if you happy to simply learn how to fly it or dogfight other mustangs and what not you will have a blast. FC3 will satisfy your need for speed until a fighter module comes along. It is a more watered down experience than a single aircraft module of course but that doesn't mean it is any less exciting. The FC3 F-15c has provided some of my most enjoyable flying moments in DCS: World, it is worth the price for the glorious f-15 cockpit alone and there are more on the way. It comes down to this, Buy whichever one you want most.... and then try to save for the other ;) it is worth noting that the price of FC3 will increase when it is finalised so you may want to pick that up first.

 

 

Edit, needing the original lock on is a pain but not the end of the world.... £1.50 on ebay and thats after a 20 second search so i guess there are more. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LOCK-ON-AIR-COMBAT-SIMULATION-/190796781944?pt=UK_PC_Video_Games_Video_Games_JS&hash=item2c6c5fd978

Edited February 14, 2013 by Python

[seikdel]

I'm a Shark pilot, and if you've never flown rotary, you won't find a friendlier airframe. Combat employment is also a complete joy: park yourself in a safe position, rifle off a dozen extremely powerful pinpoint-accurate ATGMs, perhaps make a strafing run with a volley or two of rockets, then RTB and rearm for the next run.

 

I haven't flown the A-10C, so take the following with a grain of salt: compared to the Hog, the Shark takes a lot more work to keep in the air, but once you figure out how to fly her without letting her flip over whenever she feels like it, combat employment is a breeze.

 

If you want to stick with fixed wing, I'd suggest something different: learn to fly the Su-25T first. It's a solid mud mover, it's much easier to operate (because it's FC3-fidelity, not DCS), it's still fun to fly (AFM), it has avionics that are adequate for target search and acquisition, it can do SEAD, and best of all, it's free. If you enjoy the Toad, chances are you'll enjoy the other FC3 aircraft as well.

[MegOhm_SD]

Actually, you have more than just guns in the P51...you also have rockets and dumb bombs...

 

Sure you can Dogfight other P51s..Better to fight other humans as the P51 AI are just aliens right now..but you can also Dog Fight the SU25T...I have had some great dogfights with the SU25T AI. Nice shooting down Choppers too... Best you get both. :thumbup:

 

We build our missions to include all modules including CA...usually we will start in the F15 and gain air superiority, then go to work with the A10, KA50 and P51. There has been more than one 4 hour mission in this scenario.

Edited February 14, 2013 by MegOhm_SD

[MadTommy]

Hi Frostie,

 

Where can I purchase LOMAC & FC3? On the DCS Website it says "Pre Purchase" ?

 

Lockon for £3-£5

 

There is no DRM / security on the lockon disk.. so wherever you can buy an original disk you should be golden. You don't even need to run it or patch it or similar, just install it, then install FC3, then you can delete LockOn.

 

And on another comment.. BlackShark should be considered, great sim. (complicated & hard but rewarding)

[Irregular programming]

Lockon for £3-£5

 

There is no DRM / security on the lockon disk.. so wherever you can buy an original disk you should be golden. You don't even need to run it or patch it or similar, just install it, then install FC3, then you can delete LockOn.

 

And on another comment.. BlackShark should be considered, great sim. (complicated & hard but rewarding)

 

I would definitely recommend black shark 2. FC3 is kinda fun but not very interesting, the p51 is very fun to play and learn but it lacks a game behind it.

[Helios]

Black Shark 2. Just learning how to fly it properly is incredibly rewarding. Figuring out how to effectively use it in combat brings that to yet another level. IMHO in order to fly it you'll want a decent HOTAS, pedals, and TrackIR or similar.

[karambiatos]

Black Shark 2. Just learning how to fly it properly is incredibly rewarding. Figuring out how to effectively use it in combat brings that to yet another level. IMHO in order to fly it you'll want a decent HOTAS, pedals, and TrackIR or similar.

 

actually the black shark needs a cheaper setup than the A-10C, all you need is a joystick thats around 50 euros, good key mapping, and centralized HMS mod, though trackIR makes it much easier and more fun

[Helios]

actually the black shark needs a cheaper setup than the A-10C, all you need is a joystick thats around 50 euros, good key mapping, and centralized HMS mod, though trackIR makes it much easier and more fun

 

That setup would indeed have a lower price point, but you have to recognize you also do not get the same experience.

 

A decent HOTAS based setup is already a compromise compared to the real thing. I feel I get a reasonably realistic experience having an inverse-mapped throttle playing the role of collective - though it's not a vertically moving lever, the concept of "pull" mentally translates into "lift". Having a spring-loaded joystick functioning as cyclic works well enough, though it does not offer the fine control of a long-stick helicopter cyclic, nor proper real-life trim centering effects. Using pedals to control torque feels natural, and it is conveniently done with the feet without interfering with cyclic control inputs while having to work with "twist grip rudder" or that kind of workaround - though spring-loaded pedals means annoying "trim centering" constantly needs to be performed. TrackIR means being able to look around, though I have to use a slider on the throttle to manage "zoom".

 

For me, a major part of the experience and immersion with BS2 is being able to fly without the hardware getting in the way. Pilot workload is hard enough as it is without having to also struggle with managing cyclic, collective and rudders using only the right hand - or not being able to use my head to look around. My recommendation would still be, if planning on playing BS2 and budgets can be prioritized to invest in a decent HOTAS, pedals, and TrackIR, go for it. It makes the game that much more fun, and it will continue to add to immersion for every flight sim you'll be playing.

[SFAL]

I must agree with Helios...

This is my experience:

went and bought BS1 and a stick http://reviews.logitech.com/7061/302/logitech-attack-3-joystick-reviews/reviews.htm

 

managed to play game mode with this and even game would be a chalange.... so....ebayed a X52Pro abd after 2 weeks i could fly the shark without crashing.... and also managed to map my HOTAS to preform 85% of the needed controls...1 year went by....

 

Then out of the blue i looked up force feed back systems.... and came across the Logitech G940

so again ebay...and i got lucky and got a £120 offer for a NEW system...(this was after the London riots khmmm) so i got it...

 

The diffrence between the X52 and the G940 is light years... The trim system get a new deffinitaion an dwith the pedal i could do manuvers that i tought i wasnt able to do....

 

SO if u have a chance to go for the G940 and a trackIr do it... you wont look back and all the sims that are on the way will be a yoy to fly...

as soon DisConectSimulator get its fix for the network crashes....well i think my girfriend will leave me :)