Flight Sims |OT| Learning to Fly

Burny · Feb 22, 2018

Welcome to the Resetera flight sim(ulation)s OT - a place of discussion for all flight sim related topics for anybody interested. Due to the niche character of primarily PC bound flight sims on a console centric video game forum, it is a joint OT done by TheBonehead, Mengy (thanks for the subtitle) and me. The OT will give a non-exhaustive overview of notable available sims and flight sim related peripheral hardware, rather than going in depth on any specific simulation.

What is a flight sim?

For the purpose of this OT, a flight sim is any game or software primarily concerned with simulating flying of an aircraft to some degree of accuracy, regardless of the platform. While e.g. ARMA 3 does simulate various aircraft more or less accurately, it's primarily an infantry game and won't be covered here. On the other hand, Ace Combat is primarily concerned with aircraft, however it's an unabashed arcade game series providing a very much different experience from a simulation and won't be covered here either.

Flight sims come in all shapes or forms, but they all put you into the cockpit of a virtual aircraft that you'll have to learn and master to control. If the idea of hunting Messerschmitts in your Spitfire in 1941 during the Battle of Britain, flying a passenger jet from London to New York or rescuing people in a SAR helicopter, alone or in multiplayer with or against other people, strikes a chord with you, you might want to have a peek at what flight sims have to offer. The breadth of available sims offers experiences of varying degrees of realism and complexity, both suited to beginners as well as experienced and dedicated players.

Flight sims overview

There are a number of factors by which flight sims can be categorized:

Civil or military?
What types of aircraft and scenarious are covered?
What single player and multiplayer content is available?
How realistic and complex is the sim?
How demanding on the (PC) hardware is it?
What is the software's distribution model (f2p, one time purchase, base client with purchasable expansion modules)?

The following list should give an idea of how the listed simulations fit into those categories.

Military flight sims

War Thunder

Release Date: 2012
Developer: Gaijin Enterntainment
Publisher: Gaijin Enterntainment,
Platform(s): PC/PS4/XBox One
Price(s): f2p, premium subscription and vehicles available

War Thunder is a mostly match based free 2 play online vehicle combat game, allowing players to progress through tech trees of various nations to unlock more advanced vehicles, starting out just before the WW2 era and currently ending ca. around the Vietnam war era, including tanks, planes and ships. Its game modes are fragmented into water, ground and air based matches, which are available in "arcade", "realistic" and "simulation" difficulties. Having entered open Beta in 2012 with just the areal combat mode, the game carries over the arcade centric mechanics from Gaijin Entertainment's earlier games Birds of Prey/Steel and has since been expanded considerably. The 'arcade' and 'realistic' difficulties simplify controls and damage model for the mouse & keyboard or gamepad interface, but the 'simulation' mode provides a light flight sim experience, well suited for beginners and basic hardware. It's one of the few sim-ish games available on consoles at all and the current PS4 XBox One clients support cross play with PC (but not each other - thanks Sony!). The game has very moderate hardware requirements on PC and supports PC VR headsets.

War Thunder is F2P, but comes with the usual trappings associated with the model, meaning speeding up progression by means of premium subscriptions etc..

Rise of Flight

Release Date: 2009
Developer: Neoqb, 777 Studios
Publisher: 777 Studios, Aerosoft, ND Games
Platform(s): PC
Price(s): f2p/steam modules ~20$/store planes ~5$; regular discounts

A first world war flight sim released in 2009, initially developed by Neoqb which were bought by 777 Studios, RoF allows you to fly a variety of planes employed during the duration of the war, from single seat, single engine fighters to multi engine, multi seat bombers. It offers missions, campaigns, a career mode and multiplayer, including a multi-crew feature for multi seaters that allows players to take up gunner positions. The flight model is elaborate yet configurable, including engine management and extensive damage modeling, but it remains accessible due to the comparatively basic nature of the WW1 aircraft.

Hardware requirements are moderate by today's standard, but visuals also somewhat outdated compared to more recent sims. VR is not natively supported. Initially released as a standard one time payment software, RoF's client has since been released as quasi F2P software, available either through the official site or through Steam, offering three planes out of the box, while further planes are purchasable. For all campaigns other than the tutorial missions additional purchases are necessary, but the included planes can be flown in multiplayer as well as multicrew positions being taken without having purchased the respective plane. Both clients are compatible in multiplayer. Note that purchases don't transfer between the Steam client and the site's client, so you ought to stick to one client. The payment model differs, as the site sells planes separately, whereas Steam sells packs. Both shops offer regular summer/winter/etc. sales.

RoF's devs 777 studios are also developing the newer Il2 Sturmovik Battle of X, which is based on an updated RoF engine. They recently announced the expansion "Flying Circus", which will be part of the Il2 Sturmovik BoX client when released and offer a small set of RoF's planes as well as a WW1 map remade for the newer client and engine, also making WW1 fighters available in a VR compatible game. Once released, it will be the quasi successor to RoF, but will not offer all the content available in RoF.

The Il2 Sturmovik Series. The original title "Il2 Sturmovik", named after the Soviet Ilyuschin Il-2 ground attack aircraft, was first released in 2001 and centered around the eastern front in WW2. The series has since been expanded with additional releases spanning more scenarios, offering modern visuals and more sophisticated simulation. Three main subseries are available, offering choices from budget to "high end" WW2 flight simulation.

Il2 Sturmovik Great Battles Series (Battle of X)

Release Date: 2014
Developer: 1C + 777 studios
Publisher: 1C
Platform(s): PC
Price(s): ~50$ per modules (~80$ with 2 premium planes), ~15$-30$ for premium planes, ~10$ for additional campaigns

The newest entry in the Il2 series, developed by a cooperation of 1C Game Studios and 777 studios (Rise of Flight) after Cliffs of Dover development was stopped, was initially publically released in 2014 as "Il-2 Sturmovik Battle of Stalingrad". Based on the updated Rise of Flight engine, it has since been expanded and transitioned to a unified game client, serving as basis for various payed modules based on different WW2 battles. Scenarios and aircraft currently focus on the eastern front, offering a range of flyable single engine to multi engine fighters/bombers, as well as various single player campaigns + missions. Owners of any Battle of X module may participate in multiplayer missions on all maps, but are limited to their modules' aircraft, while multicrew for gunners is supported. Drivable tanks have also been introduced. The complexity of the simulation is configurable, but it is generally elaborate. Cockpits are not clickable like in Cliffs of Dover, but many of the functions are bindable and the cockpit controls/switches are simulated.

Being the most recent of the Il2 series, BoX is the visually most advanced entry of the series, while hardware requirements are relatively high. BoX offers native VR support. It's purchasable through the official site (any base module grants access to the unified game client) or through Steam (Battle of Stalingrad is the requried base game, everything else is expansion). Currently the Battle of Stalingrad, Battle of Moscow and Battle of Kuban modules are available, as well as some additional separately purchasable planes and campaigns. Modules are on sale regularily.

Various expansions to the Battle of X series are in the works and currently available in early access form, offering access to a small subset of their vehicles. A late war western front scenario, the "Battle of Bodenplatte", has been announced including American and British fighters as well as a tank warfare expansion "Tank Crew – Clash at Prokhorovka", expanding the roster of controllable ground vehicles with more German and Russian tanks. Lastly the "Flying Circus" (part 1) was announced, adding a number of WW1 planes and scenarios to the client, which may eventually turn it into a quasi Rise of Flight successor.

Il2 Sturmovik Cliffs of Dover Blitz Edition

Release Date: 2017
Developer: 1C:Maddox Games, Team Fusion
Publisher: Ubisoft/1C
Platform(s): PC
Price(s): ~23$

Cliffs of Dover Blitz Edition is the relabeled re-release of Il2 Sturmovik Cliffs of Dover. Originally released in 2011 after a long dev period, the game was the ambitious successor of the original Il2 Sturmovik by the original's developer 1C Maddox Games, notably omitting the eponymous Il2 Sturmovik, instead featuring the Battle of Britain and involved aircraft, build on a new engine sporting clickable cockpits and modern visuals. The release was however very late, severely marred by technical issues, fell short of expectations and ultimately led to the original developer ceasing support and development of the Il2 Sturmovik series. Which in turn led to the publisher 1C partnering with 777 Studios instead, to develop the next entry in the series, Il2 Sturmovik Battle of Stalingrad. That would've been the end of it, if not for the ambitious mod team "Team Fusion", who've been granted access to the source code of Cliffs of Dover and a share of the money earned by the game. They have toiled away resolving technical issues, reworking the game and adding content, culminating in the release of the relabeled "Blitz Edition". For anybody interested in the Battle of Britain, it's the best currently available sim about the scenario.

Recommended hardware requirements are relatively high and Cliffs of Dover doesn't offer native VR support. It's available on Steam and through the official Il2 Sturmovik site.

The Il2 site treats Cliffs of Dover as a separate series and a payed expansion focusing on the North African WW2 battles and developed by Team Fusion had been previously announced, but hasn't been released, yet.

Il2 Sturmovik 1946

Release Date: 2006
Developer: 1C:Maddox Games, Team Daidalos
Publisher: Ubisoft/1C
Platform(s): PC
Price(s): 10$/2.50$ during sales

Il2 1946, released as a standalone game in 2006, is the culmination of the original Il2 release from 2001 and its various expansions released in between, adding a number of semi-fictional what-if aircraft. It offers very wide variety of flyable WW2 aircraft from single engine fighters to multi engine bombers in nearly all combat scenarios, ranging from the battle of britain to the eastern front, the late war western front and the pacific theater, including carrier operations. Of all the Il2 series' entries, it sports the widest variety of content in terms of missions, campaigns, career modes as well as cooperative or PvP multiplayer content. The level of the simulation's complexity and damage model is very configurable, but despite the newer Il2 series offering more elaborate simulation, at full realism settings it is still a moderately complex sim. While technically very outdated, it has low hardware requirements for a sim as well. Il2 1946 is available through various digital stores like Steam and GoG and can be found on sale regularily.

Despite its age, Il2 1946 has been updated extensively with community patches by "Team Daidalos", also adding additional planes and content, releasing the last small patch in 2017. Very extensive content mods are available as well.

Honorable mentions:
Il2 Sturmovik Birds of Prey (PS360), Birds of Steel (PS360) Wings of Prey (PC)

Release Date: 2009/2012
Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
Publisher: 1C, 505 Games, Konami
Platform(s): PC/PS3/Xbox360
Price(s): ~10$

Being one of the very few sim(ish) games released on consoles, Il2 Sturmovik Birds of Prey is an exception to the rule and provides a number of WW2 scenarios, including the Battle of Britain and the eastern front. The PC port was renamed to "Wings of Prey" and switched publisher, dropping the Sturmovik title as did a later standalone PS3/XBox360 game "Birds of Steel" published by Konami. The games feature a more narrated approach to missions and campaigns while offering a much more arcadey simulation model, making them decent entries for beginner players. The PC release is available through Steam/digital stores and has moderate hardware requirements. None of the titles are available on PS4 or XBox One, but Gaijin Entertainment later released War Thunder, which is also available on the PS4 currently and will come to XBox One.

DCS World (TheBonehead)

Release Date: 2008
Developer: Eagly Dynamics
Publisher: Eagly Dynamics
Platform(s): PC
Price(s): f2p client, aircraft modules ~20$-80$, maps ~60$, campaigns ~10$

DCS ( Digital Combat Simulator ) World is a hardcore combat flight simulator, first released in 2008 that is still in active development. It is considered demanding on hardware being mostly CPU bound, so a cpu with a high single core frequency is recommended. It is comprised of extensible modules, such as maps; different aircraft from WW2 to modern day jets as well as several helicopters; modes; missions and a wealth of custom user created mods and content.

DCS in it's 2.5 release is free to play with the Su-25T and TF-51D Mustang planes and the Caucasus map available for free. Other maps are paid for and include Normandy which is suited to WW2 planes / scenarios and NTTR ( Nevada Test and Training Range ) which includes Vegas. Most of the planes use the advanced flight model, or a variation of it for externally produced plane models, which models kinetic forces on various points of the plane under various wind pressures; atmospheric conditions; landing gear extended etc. It also allows for realistic simulation of hydraulic, fuel, engine and electrical systems, so if hit by shrapnel for instance, the corresponding systems will be impacted and flight characteristics altered accordingly. Cockpits are realistically modeled with 6dof and almost every control is functional and can be bound to keyboard / hotas setup

Falcon 4.0 / Benchmark Sims

Release Date: 1998
Developer: Microprose Alameda, Benchmark Sims
Publisher: Hasbro Interactive, Retroism
Platform(s): PC
Price(s): ~7$

Falcon 4.0 was released to very positive reviews in 1998, offering a much applauded dynamic campaign and a faithful simulation of the F16. The struggling dev was however closed shortly afterwards. Throughout the years, an active community kept up maintenance and development of the game. As a result, the original game is still available through digital storefronts and ambitious community mods have significantly expanded its scope and visuals, while there are still active virtual squadrons playing the game's multiplayer. The Benchmark Sims (BMS) full conversion particularly adds new planes, significantly improved visuals and is available for free. Note that it requries Falcon 4.0 vanilla, not its addon (Allied Forces). Cockpits are functional and the simulation's complexity is high. Hardware requirements are moderate and VR is not natively supported.

Burny · Feb 22, 2018

Civil flight sims

Microsoft Flight Simulator X Steam Edition (FSX)

Release Date: 2006 (2014)
Developer:[/B] Microsoft Aces Game Studio
Publisher: Microsoft, Dovetail Games
Platform(s): PC
Price(s): ~25$

Microsoft Flight Simulator X Steam Edition is the Steam re-release of Microsoft's last full blown entry in the Flight Simulator series, originally released in 2006, before they shut down the series and developer. It was published in 2014 by Dovetail Games, who had acquired the rights from Microsoft and includes the original game's patches and expansions, while it drops GameSpy (now defunct) using Steam instead for its multiplayer functions.

The game includes a map spanning the globe with a multitude of airports, offers a wide variety of aircraft out of the box, includes flight lessons, missions, free flight and multiplayer also providing copilot and flight controller roles. It sports moderate hardware requirements by todays standards and there is no native VR support. While the game is not actively developed by Dovetail Games, many mods are available, free and payed, offering everything from visual upgrades to elaborately simulated new planes. FSX is not available as 64bit client, so addons may be memory limited.

Prepar3D (P3D)

Release Date: 2010
Developer: Lockheed Martin
Publisher: Lockheed Martin
Platform(s): PC
Price(s): ~60$ (watermarked student license), ~200$ (professional license)

Prepar3D is a continued branch of the the ESP (Enterprise Simulation Platform, also basis of MS' FSX) for which Lockheed Martin purchased rights. Based on this, they developed Prepar3D, selling it as a professional training tool, which was first released in 2010. Out of the box P3D offers a variety of civil and military aircraft (and one small submarine), elaborate simulation and a map spanning the globe, while faturing some compatiblity with FSX addons. Besides scenarios, the simulation also offers multiplayer. It's in active development and extensive free and payed addons are available. While it is explicitely intended for professional use, there's little stopping private consumers from buying a license. Since release 4.x, Prepar3d uses a 64 bit client, while hardware requirements are generally high. VR is natively supported.

X-Plane 11

Release Date: 2017
Developer: Laminar Research
Publisher: Laminar Research
Platform(s): PC, (Mobile version XP10: iOS, Android)
Price(s): ~60$

Wikipedia said:
X-Plane is a flight simulator produced by Laminar Research. A desktop version is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux, while a mobile version is available for Android, iOS, and webOS.[1] X-Plane is packaged with several commercial, military, and other aircraft, as well as basic global scenery which covers most of the Earth. X-Plane also ships with other software to build and customize aircraft and scenery. X-Plane also has a plugin architecture that allows users to create their own modules, extending the functionality of the software by letting users create their own worlds or replicas of places on Earth. This is further enhanced by the Scenery Gateway which allows user to share airports with other users and eventually the airports are included by default in the base product.

Hardware requiremenst are generally high and native VR support is available in beta state.

Aerofly FS 2

Release Date: 2016
Developer: IPACS
Publisher: IPACS
Platform(s): PC, (Mobile version: iOS, Android)
Price(s): ~60$

Initially released as early access game in 2016, Aerofly FS2 focuses more on flying than elaborate system simulation of its aircraft. It offers a flight school, free flight, a map containing the USA and a number of its airports (extendable with addons) and a sizeable selection of aircraft out of the box. VR is supported natively and hardware requirements are comparatively moderate, while visuals are also quite modern, as the sim is based on a more recently developed engine.

Others. The above list is by no means exhaustive - feel free to discuss any other flight sim here as well. If you want a simulation to be added to the OT, send me a PM, ideally providing a summary of said sim.

Burny · Feb 22, 2018

Peripheral hardware overview

There's no doubt that very talented and crazy individuals will manage to play about anything on a dance mat or on DK Bongos, but flight sims simulating aircraft are most comfortably and efficiently played with peripherals imitating an aircraft's controls. Here's a non-exhaustive overview of what is available and what to watch out for.

Joysticks & HOTAS. When simulating a plane's controls faithfully, it's hard to map all required axis to a gamepad or to mouse and keyboard, which is why a flight simulation is best played with a joystick + throttle + … A singular Joystick with a small throttle on the base and twist axis mimicking the pedals would be the cheapest entry into aircraft controls in a home setup. A HOTAS (hands on stick and throttle) is a combination of both, joystick and dedicated throttle. It's usually much more comfortable and effective, but also more expensive. The more dedicated Joysticks mostly lack the twist axis and require actual pedals . Some manufacturers sell their throttles and sticks separately, so mixing and matching is possible. This is an overview of (common) available joysticks + throttles, sorted in roughly ascending order by entry price.

Thrustmasters T16000M, (~50$). A joystick with twist axis, a rudimentary throttle and a number of buttons.

Thrustmasters T.Flight Hotas X, (~40$). Entry level HOTAS. Throttle and stick are tethered and not usable individually. Also available for PS4 ("Hotas 4") and XBox One ("Hotas One").

Thrustmasters TWCS Throttle, (~70$). A more dedicated throttle than the one from the T.Flight Hotas X. Sports an analogue pedal e.g. for toebrakes and a mini analogue stick e.g. for view control or space sims. Also available in combination with the T16000M as "Thrustmasters FCS".

(X52)

(X52 Pro)
Logitech X52 G (Pro), (~120-140$). Entry level HOTAS by Saitek (Now Logitech) available in normal and "Pro" variant, the latter sporting some metal buttons and a different finish but otherwise being the same HOTAS. More analogue dials than Thrustmasters TWCS (but lacks a proper analogue stick for the space sim crowd). Saitek has unfortunately gained a very bad reputation for unreliable hardware. Throttle and stick are tethered and cannot be used independently.

(Saitek)

(Logitech)
Logitech X56, (~250$). Compared to the X52, a more dedicated HOTAS by Saitek (Now Logitech), designed for twin engine jets/flight sims and space sims. The initial Saitek version shares the same reputation as other Saitek hardware, but Logitech have recently revised the X56.

(Figherstick)

(Combatstick)

(Flightstick)
CH Products Fighter Stick (Combat Stick / Flight Stick Pro), (~130$). Hardware straight out of the 90s. Many digital inputs, fewer inputs on the Combat Stick and and Flight Stick Pro variants. All lack a twist axis, but have a reputation to be very reliable. They offer physically separate mechanics for the X- and Y-axis. The electronics are outdated and its features puristic compared to newer hardware.

CH Products Pro Throttle, (~130$). Just as the CH sticks, straight out of the 90s. Reputation for reliability, many digital inputs and a mini stick (useful for space sims), but lacks a second throttle for modern two engine fighters as well as analogue dials. Electronics are outdated and its features puristic compared to newer hardware.

Thrustmasters Warthog, (~400$). Models the A10 Warthog ground attack aircraft's controls, offering correspondingly modeled inputs. Metal exterior, but plastic mechanics/internals. Throttle and stick can be bought separately. Lacks twist axis and can be considered the entry level for enthusiast hardware.

Virpil Mongoos-T50, (~370-400$). A new enthusiast offering from Eastern Europe based company Virpil (VPC). Stick's base features configurable metal mechanics and accurate contactless sensors. Base and grip can be bought separately and the base is compatible with the Thrustmaster Warthog's Joystick grip. Lacks an included twist axis and a twist axis adapter has not been released, yet. The base is designed for a dedicated mount rather than for sitting on the desk, although a desk based variant (WarBRD) has been announced. It's available in a left hand version.

Virpil T50 throttle, (price tba, release ca. end 2018). Announced for the end of 2018, constitutes an enthusiast option like the T50 stick. Models a twin engine jet fighters throttle, promising accurate contactless sensors and a multitude of analogue and digital inputs. A separate version replacing a 4way hat switch with thumbstick has been announced to follow the initial throttle's release.

VKB Gunfighter, (~350-460$). VKB, like Virpil is a relatively new player in the market from Eastern Europe. Gunfighter is their top end flight stick base, comparable to the T50 from Virpil, sporting configurable metal mechanics, accurate contact less sensors and compatibility with the Thrustmaster's Warthog grip by means of adapters. The base is available in desk based and mounted versions. VKB's own MCG (Modern Combat Grip) is available in several variants, offering different input configurations.

VKB Throttle, (price & release tba). Announced but ETA unknown. Simiarily to the Virpil throttle, it promises accurate contact less mechanics and is designed as twin engine fighter throttle with a number of additional digital and analogue inputs besides the main axis. It's supposed to be center of a modular system, extensible by additionally bought switch panels.

Yokes & Throttle Quadrants. Yokes fulfill the same function as a Joystick, but offer a much more relaxed means of input, better suited for long, accurate and slow turns with very slight adjustments, which makes them more attractive as input hardware for civil or larger aircraft. Throttle quadrants are throttles offering multiple throttle levers for more compelx engine management and or control of multi engine aircraft.

Logitech G Saitek PRO Flight Yoke System, (~200$).

Saitek throttle quadrant, (~70$).

(Flight Sim Yoke)

(Eclipse Yoke)
CH Products CH Products Flight Sim Yoke (~130$), CH Products Eclipse Yoke, (~200$).

CH throttle quadrant, (~130$).

Flight Pedals. A Joystick's twist axis is a convenient way to control an aircraft's yaw without an additional set of pedals. The more dedicated Joysticks often lack a twist function however, making pedals a necessity for comfortable analogue control of all axis. Apart from controlling yaw by pushing the pedals, they generally also offer analogue toe brakes controlling the landing gear's wheel brakes on the runway.

Thrustmasters TFRP Flight Rudder Pedals, (~90$).

CH Products Pro Pedals, (~120$).

Logitech G PRO Flight Rudder Pedals, (~140$).

VKB T-rudder pedals Mk.IV, (~250$). Lack the toe brakes, since russian jets apparently control wheel brakes with a lever on the Joystick (see Virpil's T50 and VKB's MCG grips). They're designed for easy desk use and can even be used comfortably with bare feet.

MFG Crosswinds, (~400$). Eastern European enthusiast gear, designed and manufactured by initially a one man company. Precise contacless sensors, wide heavy and solid construction using a sturdy compound material. Costly and associated with a sizable waiting period after ordering. They require a means of solid mounting or must be pushed against a wall, as the pedals resistance is notable.

Slaw Device RX Viper, (~550$). Like the Crosswinds, eastern European enthusiast gear produced by one person - Slaw. If it needs to be all metal, you're ready to pay even more than the Crosswinds hefty price tag and can wait... you may want to look at these.

Headtracking. One of the most important secondary controls in a cockpit bound sim is the camera, as the simulated craft follows its own physics and situational awareness requires the pilot to take in their surroundings, controlling the camera independently from the vehicle. Headtrackers allow you to control the camera by head movement, rather than by controller inputs, which frees up the hands to control more important functions.

TrackIR (5), (~160$). Consists of an IR camera on the top of the screen and reflectors or an IR LED array on the headset. Comes with its own software that simply has to run in the background and interfaces with most any simulation game, making the whole thing plug & play. Tracks head position as well as orientation and can therefore be used to lean in cockpits, which may be very valuable for combat sims. It's expensive, but the proven commercial quasi standard solution for headtracking. Build quality of the headset attachment is very flimsy despite TrackIR's price. Manuals for various DIY solutions can be found online.

EDTracker, (~20$ DIY build parts, ~60$ prebuild, ~100$ prebuild wireless). Born out of a DIY project of the Elite Dangerous community, it's a considerably cheaper alternative to TrackIR, based on gyro sensors and a magnetometer, which only track orientation, meaning it only offers X/Y/Z rotation. Acts as a joystick that has to be mapped to the respective ingame camera's axis. Doesn't require a camera on the monitor and is available in a wireless version.

Tobii Eye Tracker 4C, (~150$). As the name implies it tracks the eyes rather than the head, so does technically not constitute a headtracker. It promises to fulfill the same function however, including positional headtracking in its newest revision. It requires a bar on the monitor, but no attachment to the head(set).

VR headsets. Any VR headset is a considerable immersion booster, as it not only provides depth perception, but also includes headtracking, placing the player in the simulated cockpit. Newer sims have started to add native VR support, which is noted on the simulations' description above. For info on VR hardware and technology, refer to the respective OTs:

Additional peripherals. Flight sims invite you to go wild with peripherals and DIY projects, home cockpits, dedicated multi monitor or projector setups and whatever you can think of to increase immersion. There is a slew of dedicated peripheral hardware and software available, ranging from special throttles for multi engine planes, switch and instrument panels, mobile/tablet apps for simulating cockpit instruments or planning out flights to electronics you can use to build your own joysticks, throttles etc.. What may start out at a measly joystick on a desk, may end as a faithful rebuild of an aircraft's cockpit including original instruments, depending on your dedication, abilities and budget. Go wild and then come back here to show off and inspire others! All three of them. ;-)

Thread rules

No "sim wars". All flight sims' positive or negative aspects as well as individual aversions and preferences can be discussed. The line separating reasoned criticism from unconstructive trolling should not be crossed however.
All other forum rules apply of course.

Dubbedinenglish · Feb 22, 2018

Nice. Had to a clean reinstall of DCS with 2.5, but playing it after the controls are redone is much much better with the new map. Will post some screenshots when I get home

GeoGonzo · Feb 22, 2018

Cool OT, Burny!

I've been having trouble deciding if I want to get into any of these yet. After trying VR I have pretty much no interest in playing a sim without using the headset, but this complicates the controls quite a bit. It seems like the perfect solution would eventually allow both tracked hands AND using a physical joystick, right? (Also, full avatar body, please).

Burny · Feb 22, 2018

GeoGonzo said:
Cool OT, Burny!

I've been having trouble deciding if I want to get into any of these yet. After trying VR I have pretty much no interest in playing a sim without using the headset, but this complicates the controls quite a bit. It seems like the perfect solution would eventually allow both tracked hands AND using a physical joystick, right? (Also, full avatar body, please).

Thanks! :)

Admittedly, I haven't played anything with a VR headset, yet, but whether or not you'd have any trouble with the controls depends most likely on the sim and aircraft. Any of the 150-250€ level HOTAS should have more than enough mappable buttons and axis for all basic functions, so "blindly" operating your aircraft shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Where you'd be a bit harder pressed is in sims/modes/aircraft, that require very extensive inputs and control of all cockpit switches. At that point, a HOTAS doesn't offer enough inputs anymore. But maybe these sims offer solutions to that as well?

Mengy · Feb 22, 2018

Ah the Flight Sim OT is up! Great job Burny, looks wonderful.

I've been flying flight sims ever since the C64 days, in fact the Microprose game Gunship is why I bought the C64 in the first place. I couldn't even begin to count how many flight sims I own, I really should tally them up someday. I own every incarnation of Microsoft Flight Sim and it's by far what I have the most time and money into, but nowadays I've switched over to P3D as it's far superior even to FSX Steam. It ain't cheap, but it's so much improved over FSX. I'll post some pics in a day or two when I get the chance.

As far as a HOTAS goes I can't recommend a full CH setup enough. I have the Fighterstick + Pro Throttle + Pedals and they are sturdy, accurate, and just generally make flight control so much nicer. I used a Saitek X45 for over a decade and I'll never own a Saitek setup again, the CH is just so much nicer to fly with.

I see the OT doesn't mention the program Flight Sim Economy (FSE) at all for use with flight sims. I've been using it for over a decade now and I pretty much never fly FSX or P3D without it anymore. I'll try to write up a little piece about it to post here, as I'm betting many people have never even heard of it.

IbizaPocholo · Feb 23, 2018

Great op!

Burny · Feb 23, 2018

Thanks, Mengy. The third peripheral post could probably use a small section listing the most prominent software tools for flight sim gaming. Still reworking the OPs images to allow for nicer formatting and save some bandwidth... Civil sims to go. I'll also add pictograms of all the listed peripheral hardware over time.

Edit: The hardware pictograms are done and the sim screenshots reformated.

Burny · Feb 26, 2018

Playing old sims has some advantages... They're usually matured, provide lots of content out of the box, don't break the bank and run on mid range hardware. With a bit of fiddling, even the more exotic screen resolutions (triple screen in this case) are doable without a 3000$ monster of a PC. Currently playing Rise of Flight:

196C55CD6F43B93ECAA0E3D65AC9E2A3F42D5AF7

Provided one can stomach the outdated visuals. It's not DCS 2.5. The German campaign is dry as dust though. Fooling around with a friend online even on a training server on a map with training target spawning points of progressively more difficult opponents is overall a lot more fun.

Wotkar · Apr 22, 2018

Burny · Apr 23, 2018

Wotkar said:

What's the ETA for the DSC F14 module?

In the meantime, DCS 2.5 has finally been officially released and is available through Steam. That concludes the version clusterfuck they've had for far too long. If anybody is looking for a contemporary f2p combat flight sim (Su-25T and unarmed P51 included) on Steam, this would be a good point to give it a try.

Also, in the meantime Il-2 Sturmovik Battle of Kuban has been fully released and the Il2 BoX client has been updated to 3.x. Haven't managed to give it a try yet. Apparently, the dynamic campaign has been considerably improved.

And they're starting to show WiP images of the upcoming expansions:

Wotkar · Apr 23, 2018

Burny said:
What's the ETA for the DSC F14 module?

In the meantime, DCS 2.5 has finally been officially released and is available through Steam. That concludes the version clusterfuck they've had for far too long. If anybody is looking for a contemporary f2p combat flight sim (Su-25T and unarmed P51 included) on Steam, this would be a good point to give it a try.

my prediction would be hornet early access in may, persian gulf maybe in july with tomcat early access probably august/september

Mengy · Apr 23, 2018

Wait, DCS is getting an F14 module? Oh wow, I will have to buy that.

I wish they'd do an AH-64 Apache helicopter. I've honestly never liked the Ka-50. Not sure why, it just never clicked for me.

Wotkar · Apr 23, 2018

ah-64 apparently didn't happen in the past because of the 2-crew requirement. but the f-14 is a 2-crew. hype?

Burny · Apr 24, 2018

There's at least one other DCS module released with multicrew already, isn't there? The L-39 Albatros' module page says that multicrew is coming later, but I've seen streamers play it together iirc..

The OT will get shorter since Dovetail games have announced the closure of Flight Sim World, including removing it from sale:

DTG Cryss said:
Unfortunately, after many detailed discussions, we regrettably don't see a clear direction that will allow us to keep to the development time we'd want, alongside the player numbers we need.

I'll remove the corresponding section from the OT:

OT said:
Flight Sim World

Release Date: 2017
Developer: Dovetail Games
Publisher: Dovetail Games
Platform(s): PC
Price(s): ~35$

FSW was initially published as early access game and fully released in 2018. It aims to provide high fidelity viusals and aircraft and wheather modeling/simulation and is technically based on FSX for which Dovetail Games acquired rights, but constitutes an updated system like P3D, is however not designed to preserve compatibility with FSX addons, like P3D. Due to being a relatively new simulation, the available content is however still sparse. It offers lessons, missions and free flight in a handful of aircraft out of the box, while payed addon content is being added. The map includes the entire planet. It doesn't offer native VR support.

Wotkar · Apr 24, 2018

ah ye I forgot about the albatros. hype deflated.

Burny · Apr 25, 2018

Wotkar said:
ah ye I forgot about the albatros. hype deflated.

Not if they stick to what they originally announced. ;)

SWINOUJSCIE, POLAND - March 3rd 2015 - F-14A/B (A+) Tomcat coming to DCS World

Heatblur Simulations, in association with The Fighter Collection and Eagle Dynamics are immensely proud to announce the development of the F-14 for DCS World!

The F-14 Tomcat is a fourth-generation, twin tail, supersonic naval interceptor aircraft, developed for the United States' Navy VFX programme.
After it's debut flight in 1970, and subsequent fleet introduction in 1974, the F-14 became the primary fleet defense and air superiority fighter for the U.S. Navy.
The legend of the F-14 only grew after the hollywood smash-hit "Top Gun" - in which it was heavily featured.

Key Features of DCS: F-14A & B include:

Highly Accurate 6-DOF (Degrees of Freedom) Cockpit

Highly Accurate avionics and weapons system modelling - including the vaunted AWG-9 Radar system and AIM-54 Phoenix missiles.

AIM-54 Phoenix Simulation with a CFD based AFM

'JESTER AI' - A Proprietary AI System for fully voiced, dependable and smart RIO/WSO

Highly Accurate Flight Model - Based on Real Performance Data

Both -A and -B Model F-14's

Multiplayer Multicrew capability. Fly together as RIO and Pilot!

Animated Crew Members - Closely Integrated with JESTER AI

Highly Detailed External Model, Animations and Textures

Highly Accurate Aircraft System and Subsystem Modelling

One Free Theatre bundled with the Aircraft

Full, lengthy single-player campaign

Full Suite of Documentation, including game manual, quickstart guides, and more.

Fully voiced and interactive training missions, teaching you to fly and fight.

...and much, much more!

At Heatblur Simulations we strongly believe in raising the bar. We have never been comfortable with adhering to the status quo.
Currently we hope to complete development and enter BETA testing on the first version of the F-14 by the end of 2015. Subject to significant change.

For the Development Team, the F-14 will represent the culmination of years of experience and dedication.
Our passion is only rivaled by our ambition and we are pushing ourselves to be better than ever before.

So strap in and enjoy the ride, and get ready to experience the definitive F-14 experience.

Sincerely,
Heatblur Simulations

Three years ago... o.O Going by the mere bullet points, the module is supposed to be as extensive as a separate game though.

IbizaPocholo · Apr 27, 2018

Burny said:
The OT will get shorter since Dovetail games have announced the closure of Flight Sim World, including removing it from sale:

I'll remove the corresponding section from the OT:

Nooo!!!! i wanted that game for the xbox one :(

Burny · Apr 27, 2018

IbizaPocholo said:
Nooo!!!! i wanted that game for the xbox one :(

No idea if there was ever a realistic chance of that happening. I mean, War Thunder is available on PS4 and soon Xbox and features more widely appealing type of aircraft related things (fighters, tanks, guns, 'splosions), yet it still seems niche as heck. But Rock Paper Shotgun has some comments about its failure. Sounds like Dovetail games hasn't handled the thing too well. About profit margins for 3rd party addon developers:

Aerosoft's Mathijs Kok said:
Also the fact it was so Steam-based is problematic. Steam takes 30%, DTG wanted 30% so there was only 40% left for the publisher and developer. Compared to 95% if sold, for example, via aerosoft.com.

Wotkar · May 7, 2018

eggplant

it's happening

Deleted member 14927 · May 10, 2018

I'm looking forward to this

Plidex · May 15, 2018

What's the best flight sim for VR?

Burny · May 16, 2018

Plidex said:
What's the best flight sim for VR?

Even someone who's played all of them would probably be unable to give you a straight answer, unless you specify the question a bit more (Edit: regarding what you are looking for). In general: all that natively support VR.

Civil aviation? Arofly FS2, Prepar3d or X-Plane 11. The latter two are on the "hardcore" and hardware melting side of things apparently. Combat sims? DCS for more modern and limited WW2 aircraft and Sturmovik Battle of X for WW2 aircraft in general.

Plidex · May 16, 2018

Burny said:
Even someone who's played all of them would probably be unable to give you a straight answer, unless you specify the question a bit more (Edit: regarding what you are looking for). In general: all that natively support VR.

Civil aviation? Arofly FS2, Prepar3d or X-Plane 11. The latter two are on the "hardcore" and hardware melting side of things apparently. Combat sims? DCS for more modern and limited WW2 aircraft and Sturmovik Battle of X for WW2 aircraft in general.

Yeah sorry, my question was regarding the best VR implementation, I like all types of flight sims.

Wotkar · May 18, 2018

30th

IbizaPocholo · May 21, 2018

Wotkar said:
30th

Looks very good.

Burny · May 26, 2018

Plidex said:
Yeah sorry, my question was regarding the best VR implementation, I like all types of flight sims.

Can't answer it since I don't have VR, I'm afraid. But I'd like to hear how some things are solved in VR as well. E.g. how do sims with clickable cockpits and a myriad of switches work (e.g. DCS or P3D)? How does one control the switches with VR headset on? Are the motion controllers supported or is there another solution?

Anyone with VR experience?

Jackpot · May 27, 2018

Bad news on Flaming Cliffs 4

https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=3498252&postcount=125

the additional aircraft will be FC3 level version of existing modules

Instead of new planes they're going to spend time downgrading existing planes.

Wotkar · May 27, 2018

I'll avoid FC4 anyways if it's pre cold war planes. I'm really only interested in the circa 1970 and newer anyway. it sucks though, since FC3 is probably the best module you can buy for dcs.

Plidex · May 28, 2018

Burny said:
Can't answer it since I don't have VR, I'm afraid. But I'd like to hear how some things are solved in VR as well. E.g. how do sims with clickable cockpits and a myriad of switches work (e.g. DCS or P3D)? How does one control the switches with VR headset on? Are the motion controllers supported or is there another solution?

Anyone with VR experience?

Yesterday I tried the xplane 11 demo with my Rift, it's awesome.

You can use the touch controllers to use everything in a realistic way, if it's a switch you select it and do the flipping motion with the controller. It's very cool looking around the cockpit and selecting the different functions.

I'm not sure if you can use a joystick and the touch controller at the same time, I used the controller to move the yoke, which isn't ideal. I hope it's possible so I can use a joystick with one hand and a touch controller with the other one.

I'm thinking of buying the thrustmaster T16000 hotas. I'll try DCS then because I read it doesn't have the touch controllers implementation.

the_korben · May 28, 2018

Hey, just wanted to thank you for the awesome OT. I love simulation games (planes, trains, trucks, what have you ...) but flight sims were always dearest to my heart. After many years I finally decided to leave FSX in the dust about three weeks ago (opted for X-Plane) and also got back into DCS and heavily moded EECH. And I have Falcon BMS on my hard drive but haven't sunk any time into it yet.

I also finally got some rudder pedals a few days ago to complement my HOTAS and TrackIR and upgraded my PC -- so now at 34 I can finally live the dream that seemed so unreachable as a 12-year old, when I had to get along with an old-ass computer and no money for decent peripherals, pretending I was Tom Cruise firing my Sidewinders at 10 fps using a busted Wingman stick.

Still need to get those counter-measure systems ready in case my wife decides to shoot me from the sky for spending too much time in front of the "stupid PC" though ...

By the way: If anyone ever tells you that this is all a waste of time, tell them I got my job at a flight-planning software and research company, at least in some parts because of my sim experience. :D

NeonCarbon · May 31, 2018

Just bought the Aerosoft Airbus bundle for FSX, so plenty to learn.

TheMan · May 31, 2018

Who else has been playing around with the F18? Seems like an awesome plane. Too bad MP has been borked for me since 2.5, otherwise I'd hop into some of those MP events mentioned on hoggit.

Also? I reinstalled BMS again this week to give it another whirl. Control setup is much easier with the alternative launcher, think I'll stick with it this time.

Wotkar · May 31, 2018

I've been pretty much living in the f/a-18 last day. when they get the flight-model tuned better and some more advanced weaponry added it will be an amazing module (it already is).

Jackpot · Jun 1, 2018

Belsimtek said they've got the F-16C and AH-1S planned.

https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=3510410&postcount=144

Shame it's not the AH-1W. The S is rather old, especially if they pick the pre-20mm cannon version.

Burny · Jul 8, 2018

Since the thread moves very slowy, I normally refrain from posting news entry by some flight sim devs, but in the meantime some worthy updates have emereged.

War Thunder has entered early access on XBox one. Currently, entry requires purchase of a package from the Microsoft store and the F2P release date has yet to be announced. Also, XBox one has separate accounts from the PC, so progress doesn't transfer. Cross play between XBox and PC/Mac/Linux is possible, but not with PS4. Thanks a lot Sony! Since WT is pretty much a GAAS, I really wish they didn't require separate accounts for the consoles and kept all progress in a single account. Same as with the PS4 client, really. :-/

Il2 Sturmovik Tank Crew: Clash at Prokhorovka is planned to start early access in July with two additional tanks (KV-1, PzKpfw VI Ausf.H1 "Tiger"). Full release is supposed to be more than a year out. It's ground centered, by the flyers will get nice tank models to bomb, while tankers get modeled interiors:

Il2 Sturmovik Flying Circus has two planes ready for early access release this month, apparently. It seems they're migrating the Rise of Flight flight model 1:1 to the Il2 client and are slightly updating the plane models. Main draw should be having RoF content in the updated engine with VR support.

Burny · Jul 19, 2018

Some more new stuff...

Thrustmasters will release a high end set of pedals ("TPR"), apparently later this month. Looks good to me, but apparently it's on the very expensive side (~500€).

The early access phase for Il2 Flying Circus and Il2 Tank Crew has started. Both modules are purchasable now, albeit only the Spad 13 and Dr. 1 are flyable as well as the KV-1 and Tiger H1 are drivable.

Flying Circus/Tank Crew videos said:

Lastly, Eagle Dynamics are releasing a quasi Flaming Cliffs successor for DCS World at the end of the year - "Modern Air Combat" It's supposed to be available at a "great discount" for Flaming Cliffs 3 owners. They label it as a new game. Seems to be a collection of 14 aircraft with somewhat simplyfied controls and campaigns/missions for them. Limited parts of the Nevada and Persian Gulf map are included.

ED Newsletter said:
Modern Air Combat by Eagle Dynamics Coming this Autumn!
Developed by the same studio that brought you the wildly successful Lock On, Modern Air Combat (MAC) brings you one game with 14 unique combat aircraft to own the sky! MAC aircraft include:

F-15C Eagle. US air superiority fighter with 104 kills to 0 losses record.

Su-27 Flanker B. Russia's dominate heavy air superiority fighter.

Su-33 Flanker D. The Russian navy's carrier capable version of the Flanker B.

Flanker B+. The Chinese version of the Flanker B, with R77 active homing missiles.

MiG-29 Fulcrum A. Russia's widely exported light air superiority fighter.

MiG-29S Fulcrum C. The modernised version of the Fulcrum with latest weapons and defences.

A-10A Warthog. The USAF's massively successful 'flying tank', designed to kill ground targets.

Su-25A Frogfoot. Russia's primary ground attack and close air support jet.

Su-25T Frogfoot. A modernised version of the Frogfoot with enhanced sensors and weapons.

F-86F Sabre. America's iconic top fighter during the Korean War.

MiG-15bis Fagot. Russia's 1st generation jet fighter that opposed the Sabre over Korea.

F-5E Tiger II. The US light-weight fighter that has been operational since the Vietnam War and operated by over 30 countries.

MiG-21bis Fishbed. Russia's most successful fighter of the Vietnam war. A supersonic fighter that closely matches the Tiger II.

L-39ZA. A Czech designed, two seat trainer that was then adapted to a light attack aircraft.

Each aircraft's flight model, sounds, external model and cockpit is recreated to an exceptional level of detail and accuracy. Great care has been given to offer scalable gameplay that suits your personal levels and wishes. This includes intuitive and consistent keyboard controls between aircraft, selectable difficulty settings, option for more forgiving flight dynamics, and even the ability to fly these aircraft with just your keyboard.

As with Lock On and the Flaming Cliffs series, MAC is focused on east and west counterpart aircraft, and this includes such legendary match-ups such as the Eagle and Flanker, Warthog and Frogfoot, Sabre and MiG-15bis, and the F-5E and MiG-21bis. MAC is a blend of both east and west, and this allows you to re-fight historical conflicts from the Korean War to today, and to create your own "what-if" missions.

You can generate an unlimited number of missions using the Fast Mission Creator and Mission Editor. MAC also includes numerous instant action and single missions, as well as campaigns for most of the aircraft and is fully compatible with DCS World online! There are no limits to content.

In addition to the full Caucasus map, MAC also includes a limited part of our Nevada and Persian Gulf maps.

Key Features of MAC:

14 exceptional combat aircraft from the United States, Russia, China and Czech Republic.

Shallow learning curve with consistent key controls between aircraft, and easy to fly with just a keyboard.

Professional level flight models, but with option for forgiving flight dynamics.

Play instant action, single missions and campaigns for most aircraft in single player or fly online.

Supports Virtual Reality like Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Windows Mixed Reality.

Includes the Caucasus map and portions of Nevada and the Persian Gulf.

Purchase MAC aircraft individually or as a pack at a reduced price.

Flaming Cliffs 3 owners can purchase the MAC pack at a great discount.

Wotkar · Oct 7, 2018

Strikerrr · Oct 7, 2018

Wotkar · Oct 7, 2018

yeah that is some hot stuff right there.

IbizaPocholo · Oct 7, 2018

Strikerrr said:

Wow!!!

Mengy · Oct 7, 2018

Strikerrr said:

Yep, I'm gonna have to buy that for certain.

GeoGonzo · Oct 8, 2018

I'm very interested, but I'll wait till they have the tutorials in place.

Also, my CPU isn't good enough for DCS VR and I'm very bummed about it: Upgrading a CPU usually means upgrading the motherboard and at that point you might as well just upgrade pretty much everything since you'll have to put it together again anyway.

Wotkar · Oct 11, 2018

it would be kind of hilarious if the f-14b was more feature complete than the f/a18c even though it's not as advanced. eagle dynamics really taking their time with the hornet.

Megasoum · Oct 14, 2018

Hey guys... So I've been watching a lot of a local Helicopter pilot reality show lately which makes me want to play some kinda of Helicopter sim but I don't really know any?

The only ones I know are the DCS stuff but that is WAYYYYY too hardcore for me lol. Any good chopper sims available for beginners?

IbizaPocholo · Oct 14, 2018

Megasoum said:
Hey guys... So I've been watching a lot of a local Helicopter pilot reality show lately which makes me want to play some kinda of Helicopter sim but I don't really know any?

The only ones I know are the DCS stuff but that is WAYYYYY too hardcore for me lol. Any good chopper sims available for beginners?

Maybe?

Megasoum · Oct 14, 2018

IbizaPocholo said:
Maybe?

Oh shit I forgot I actually have that game already lol... Yeah I should check it out, thanks!

Now I remember that it ran like complete garbage when I first got it but I have upgraded my pc once or twice since...

Burny · Oct 24, 2018

Megasoum said:
The only ones I know are the DCS stuff but that is WAYYYYY too hardcore for me lol. Any good chopper sims available for beginners?

Seeing as they've added helicopters recently... War Thunder? Admittedly, the helis are in the bottom third of the combined arms tech trees and it's an entirely combat centered affair where you'll be driving a lot of land based vehicles. But overall I'd say War Thunder in terms of controls is about the best "sim light" experience you can have when looking for combat sims. General vehicle physics are mostly recognizable and very distinct in the vehicles, if not as realistic as they can possibly be.

Megasoum · Oct 24, 2018

Burny said:
Seeing as they've added helicopters recently... War Thunder? Admittedly, the helis are in the bottom third of the combined arms tech trees and it's an entirely combat centered affair where you'll be driving a lot of land based vehicles. But overall I'd say War Thunder in terms of controls is about the best "sim light" experience you can have when looking for combat sims. General vehicle physics are mostly recognizable and very distinct in the vehicles, if not as realistic as 5hey can possibly be.

Ah cool, I didn't know they added choppers... I will look into it

Flight Sims |OT| Learning to Fly

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