Since I'm cheap this is a great find, however, there is a lot to be desired if this was still payware. I have had the freeware A109 from Hover Control for a while and this was my first chance to do a side by side comparison.
Flight; Both handle about the same so no big surprises.
Models: While the A109 package has several different models, the MH-68 does have the dedicated Interdiction configuration with M-240. The Aircrewman also "mans" the gun when the door opens. The view from the VC at the AC's point of view is amazing.
Sound: Both are weak, so I added a third party package to make it "sound" better.
Panel: This surprised me the A109 is a freeware product but the panel is payware quality, with custom gauges both in the 2D and VC. The MH-68 is lets face it, subpar, too many default gauges no logic in placement, and point of view from the 2D is on the centerline not from the left or right seat. Essential engine and rotor instruments are missing outright. I have two solutions,
1 Alias the MH to the A109, may work but you lose the VC
2 Rework the panel with FS Panel Studio, more doable, if I do and it work I'll post the .cfg in another thread as it looks like I'll be using gauges from a lot of sources and won't know who to credit.
If this sounds like I'm being overly critical you may be right, but for a freeware item to offer more than a former payware, considder this, how would you feel spending money on one paint job, two models_ unique as they are_ and a sub standard panel and then finding a freeware with more to offer? This is in no means an attack, it's just my 2cents for the guys who have not used too many helos in FS9. Personally I was not interested when it first came out, it's too specialised to justify the cost, but I am glad to have it in my collection, operating online with two other Stingrays was fun and when someone came in with a Go Fast all the better.
FS Net pilots will have a blast with a 3 man crew in this, heck I'll even ride the gun. :cost1:
