30.03.2010, 02:20
I have to agree that our -51's are waaaaaaaay off in the flight modeling. Even the "new" ones, while somewhat better than the un-modded stockers, don't fly anything like a real Mustang. Then again it's not really supposed to be "just like" the real plane, is it, because it can't be. I would say that any of the planes in IL-2 probably do fairly well representing their particular strengths and weaknesses vis-a-vis the other planes modeled in the sim, and that I would say is precisely the intent. It does what it's supposed to in that regard. For example the Mustang's excellent long range cruise performance is well demonstrated in IL-2, as is the Mustang's requirement to keep the speed up at high altitude for efficient ram air recovery, or get left behind.
As for the handling, Mustangs handle really well regardless of the fuel state when compared to lots of airplanes....the LR-JET (s) with half-empty tip tanks come to mind....but for sure it ain't near as twitchy with the fuselage tank empty and you can bet its a better gun platform that way as well. Not that I'm an expert on all things Mustang, because I ain't. I've had a few opportunities to fly the damn thing over almost three decades of wishing I had gone to law school instead.
I will say that your control system is very important in IL-2. I started with a Logitech thingy that I was OK with. Then it broke. I replaced it with a Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X. Ginormous difference. I can only imagine the next level of improvement one might enjoy with a complete HOTAS Cougar setup and rudder pedals/toe brakes. Can't justify the expense right now with this economy, but if my HOTAS X goes "Tango Uniform" I'll be making the upgrade.
If you want the most accurate flight modeling X-Plane is the way to go. With enough $$$$ you can build an FAA Certified simulator around X-Plane and give FAR 135 checkrides in the darn thing. Sounds too much like work to interest me much. However, those with the power to change things might do well to compare how our airplanes fly, as compared to the available models in X-Plane, and maybe tweak a little here and there to bring them as close as possible.
If you want to have fun shooting your buddies down then IL-2 is tops in my book, despite its flaws. And, the IL-2 community keeps making things better all the time. I wouldn't be surprised to find some real improvements in IL-2 flight modeling in the not too distant future, but....
Right now what I want is cannon, folding wings and arrester gear on the FJ-2/3 Fury. And a Beech 18 (C-45) would just make me vapor-lock. Love that airplane. If you can fly a Twin Beech you can fly a manhole cover.
Cheers!
mach-overspeed
As for the handling, Mustangs handle really well regardless of the fuel state when compared to lots of airplanes....the LR-JET (s) with half-empty tip tanks come to mind....but for sure it ain't near as twitchy with the fuselage tank empty and you can bet its a better gun platform that way as well. Not that I'm an expert on all things Mustang, because I ain't. I've had a few opportunities to fly the damn thing over almost three decades of wishing I had gone to law school instead.
I will say that your control system is very important in IL-2. I started with a Logitech thingy that I was OK with. Then it broke. I replaced it with a Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS X. Ginormous difference. I can only imagine the next level of improvement one might enjoy with a complete HOTAS Cougar setup and rudder pedals/toe brakes. Can't justify the expense right now with this economy, but if my HOTAS X goes "Tango Uniform" I'll be making the upgrade.
If you want the most accurate flight modeling X-Plane is the way to go. With enough $$$$ you can build an FAA Certified simulator around X-Plane and give FAR 135 checkrides in the darn thing. Sounds too much like work to interest me much. However, those with the power to change things might do well to compare how our airplanes fly, as compared to the available models in X-Plane, and maybe tweak a little here and there to bring them as close as possible.
If you want to have fun shooting your buddies down then IL-2 is tops in my book, despite its flaws. And, the IL-2 community keeps making things better all the time. I wouldn't be surprised to find some real improvements in IL-2 flight modeling in the not too distant future, but....
Right now what I want is cannon, folding wings and arrester gear on the FJ-2/3 Fury. And a Beech 18 (C-45) would just make me vapor-lock. Love that airplane. If you can fly a Twin Beech you can fly a manhole cover.
Cheers!
mach-overspeed