jmig
SOH-CM-2025
I know this is a FSX forum. However, I would like to talk a little about a FS9 aircraft. The reason I am bringing this here in the FSX forum is that I believe VRS F-18 could be a harbinger of what we can expect next year in FSX. Vertical Reality Simulations has demonstrated to other military aircraft companies like A2A, Razbam and Alphasim what can be done in MSFS. Considering what was done by VRS in FS9 one can only imagine what can be done in FSX when all these heads come together.
The VRS FA-18E Super Hornet was released this week for FS9. A FSX version is promised, provided they make enough to warrant the extra work. I for one really hope they do. It alone is a good reason to reinstall FS9.
Recently, I have been flying almost exclusive the wonderful Aerosoft F-16. The Aerosoft F-16 in my opinion raised the bar on flight modeling and VC graphics. It is what I wish others would have made. The VRS F-18, in my opinion, is to aircraft systems what the Aerosoft F-16 was to VC graphics and flight modeling.
In the first of five (5) aircraft documents and three appendixes, Jon Blum stated that he wanted the F-18 to be the PMDG 737 of military fighters. I don’t own the PMDG 737. Nor have I ever flown it. However, I am familiar with it from my cockpit building buddies who seem to love the plane. Based on what I know of the PMDG 737 and real fighter aircraft, I would say he succeeded technically.
I was disappointed that Aerosoft left out most of the weapons systems and military functions from their F-16. Alphasim’s spokesperson has stated that weapons systems could not be duplicated within the MSFS environment. Vertical Reality Simulations has done just that.
Let me mention up front. If your idea of flying a fighter is “kick the tires and light the fire” save your money. Like the PDG 737 you will need to prepare yourself to experience the VRS F-18E. I had flashbacks of my own RTU experience as I read through the five manuals provided on pdf. Jon has duplicated half of the Dash-1 and parts of other manuals. All that was missing was the IP asking, “What do you lose with failure of hydraulic system one?” in an EP standup.
It takes half an hour or so to get FS9 ready for the aircraft. The aircraft has to take over FS9’s controls to provide the many function not found in FS9. So, you have to make some changes to the set up. It need only be done once, however. Your reward is an almost fully functioning array of radar and weapons systems.
The Aerosoft F-16 and Acceleration F-18 allow you to lock on to an AI aircraft. The VRS will allow you to lock on, get a tone and SHOOT light, and then blow the poor sucker out of the sky. Well, actually what happens is you see the missiles leave your airplane. You hear the explosion and the AI disappears from your radar. You really get a feel for the awesome fire power these weapons systems contain.
I flew one mission where I bombed two targets with GBU-31s. You can tell the difference when the weapon is released and later hear the explosion. From my first target to second, I had to add aileron trim to compensate for the added weight and drag on the right wing.
I then blew out of the sky two drug runners pretending to be a Bombardier and a Cessna Caravan with AIM 9s. On the bombing run, I had the Azimuth Steering Line (ASI) which I tracked the target through and released at the cue. For the AIM 9’s, I had an authentic growl in my ears and weapon release information displayed on the HUD.
You can also run into enemy SAM and AAA on these targets, which gives you an opportunity to punch out a few chaff bundles or release an ECM decoy (wish we had those in my day). Also, be sure an keep an eye on your working RWR scope. If not, you may receive damage and then you better know what you will lose with the loss of your number one engine and hydraulic system.
Yes, CAP pilots and mud diggers alike will find much to love with the VRS F-18E. It is reason alone to reinstall FS9.
The VRS FA-18E Super Hornet was released this week for FS9. A FSX version is promised, provided they make enough to warrant the extra work. I for one really hope they do. It alone is a good reason to reinstall FS9.
Recently, I have been flying almost exclusive the wonderful Aerosoft F-16. The Aerosoft F-16 in my opinion raised the bar on flight modeling and VC graphics. It is what I wish others would have made. The VRS F-18, in my opinion, is to aircraft systems what the Aerosoft F-16 was to VC graphics and flight modeling.
In the first of five (5) aircraft documents and three appendixes, Jon Blum stated that he wanted the F-18 to be the PMDG 737 of military fighters. I don’t own the PMDG 737. Nor have I ever flown it. However, I am familiar with it from my cockpit building buddies who seem to love the plane. Based on what I know of the PMDG 737 and real fighter aircraft, I would say he succeeded technically.
I was disappointed that Aerosoft left out most of the weapons systems and military functions from their F-16. Alphasim’s spokesperson has stated that weapons systems could not be duplicated within the MSFS environment. Vertical Reality Simulations has done just that.
Let me mention up front. If your idea of flying a fighter is “kick the tires and light the fire” save your money. Like the PDG 737 you will need to prepare yourself to experience the VRS F-18E. I had flashbacks of my own RTU experience as I read through the five manuals provided on pdf. Jon has duplicated half of the Dash-1 and parts of other manuals. All that was missing was the IP asking, “What do you lose with failure of hydraulic system one?” in an EP standup.
It takes half an hour or so to get FS9 ready for the aircraft. The aircraft has to take over FS9’s controls to provide the many function not found in FS9. So, you have to make some changes to the set up. It need only be done once, however. Your reward is an almost fully functioning array of radar and weapons systems.
The Aerosoft F-16 and Acceleration F-18 allow you to lock on to an AI aircraft. The VRS will allow you to lock on, get a tone and SHOOT light, and then blow the poor sucker out of the sky. Well, actually what happens is you see the missiles leave your airplane. You hear the explosion and the AI disappears from your radar. You really get a feel for the awesome fire power these weapons systems contain.
I flew one mission where I bombed two targets with GBU-31s. You can tell the difference when the weapon is released and later hear the explosion. From my first target to second, I had to add aileron trim to compensate for the added weight and drag on the right wing.
I then blew out of the sky two drug runners pretending to be a Bombardier and a Cessna Caravan with AIM 9s. On the bombing run, I had the Azimuth Steering Line (ASI) which I tracked the target through and released at the cue. For the AIM 9’s, I had an authentic growl in my ears and weapon release information displayed on the HUD.
You can also run into enemy SAM and AAA on these targets, which gives you an opportunity to punch out a few chaff bundles or release an ECM decoy (wish we had those in my day). Also, be sure an keep an eye on your working RWR scope. If not, you may receive damage and then you better know what you will lose with the loss of your number one engine and hydraulic system.
Yes, CAP pilots and mud diggers alike will find much to love with the VRS F-18E. It is reason alone to reinstall FS9.
Merry Christmas everyone!!