Respect to the Russian pilots

[-Ice]

Coming back to the SU-27/-33 from Falcon 4 BMS, I cannot help but admire the Russian pilots of these aircraft. In the Viper, the pilot has so much information available to him via the two MFDs but not so in the Sukhois. Heck, having to remember what bombs is loaded on which pylon? :helpsmilie: No such nonsense for the American pilot!

 

Another thing taken for granted is the Flight Path Marker, so standard in American fighters. I just realized that the Aircraft Datum only provides the pilot with aircraft orientation in flight.... it does not provide information regarding pitch or AoA at all. Landing without nav aids or PAPI guidance is very much like landing HUD-out --- the pilot has to "feel" for where his aircraft is heading and adjust, no HUD guides!

 

Then there's the A-G aspect. The SU-27/-33 comes equipped with the latest MK I Eyeball technology in finding ground targets and bombing is done by CCIP or "consent-release CCIP"... no nonsense about ground radar, no visual ID via TGP! Either find the target then come back in for a high-angle dive or come in low and hope that the speed of the aircraft can compensate for increased vulnerability to ground return fire. I guess the Sukhois don't do A-G at all if they can help it!

 

I've yet to try A-A, but I'm sure it'll present great challenges as well!

 

As for the flight characteristics, the SU-27/-33 is very responsive, but feels a little "wiggly." I find that I need to adjust, let the aircraft settle, then adjust again, and so on, otherwise I'm fighting the aircraft and PIO a lot.

 

Anyway, respect to the Russian pilots flying these aircraft. It's hard enough fighting in one, but when you have your hands full simply flying the bird.... OMG!!

[theChris]

yeah the current planes are quiet old and russians are known for their bad electronics during this time. It is definitely a good feeling when you are able to gain air superiority due to skill.

[Frostie]

Comparing a BMS Falcon Block 50/52 with Flaming cliffs Su27S is like comparing an iphone with a 20th century house brick phone. The F-16 is a multi-role aircraft where as the Su27 is primarily an Air Superiority fighter. In its upgraded form of Su35, Su30 and Su27SM it is a very modern A2G platform.

 

Take a look at a 1980's F-16 Block 10 cockpit and you'll understand when you compare it to a 21st century Su27SM below it.

 

 

 

 

Now have a look at a more modern Su27SM cockpit

 

 

How about an Su35.

 

[dooom]

man - thsoe birds above - the 27 and 35.... they would be a pit builders dream... expecially the Su35. Look at all those awesome glass panels.

[LexiconG2]

As above the Russian pilots have some of the best MFD's. in the world built from modren space flight technology. So they don't have the old school elements to bogg them down. Each country these days builds their fighters to compete with American standards and often other countries can exceed our US standards. The old school way also existed for American Pilots as well but as I said old school.

 

 

CJ

[-Ice]

Hmmmm.... okay.... so if there are newer "versions" of these aircraft available, then why do we only have old tech to play with? Or is this just because of FC3 being Beta? Or just because ED being ED?

 

Would love to fly an updated Flanker!

[159th_Falcon]

ED Already announced an DCS level SU-27SM.

They didn't say when it will be released though.

[-Ice]

OOooo, nice! I'd say about 2 years.... :)

 

If it's truly a DCS-level product, it'll be a good wait!