


                  PC Flight Simulators - Fact or Fantasy?


        It was not too long ago when the term "flight simulator" was a
    contradiction in terms when it related to personal computers.  By
    today's standards, the early flight simulators were nothing much more
    than games.  One could push the "up" key to go up, and push the "down"
    key to go down but that was about it.  No consideration was taken into
    account by the early software for the true elements of flight: thrust,
    drag, lift, and weight.  In addition, you really had to use your
    imagination if you wanted to view "graphics," and the engine sound
    coming out of your PC speaker sounded the same, no matter if you flew
    a prop or a jet.  Let the early days remain in the past!

        In 1984, two software developers came out with remarkably realistic
    programs that caught the eyes of anyone paying attention.  Microsoft
    released its first version of Flight Simulator, and MicroProse came
    out with one of the first combat simulations ever (aeronautical or
    not), F-15 Strike Eagle.

        Microsoft Flight Simulator simulated a Cessna 172 using realistic
    flight conditions, including wind, thrust, weight, lift, and drag.
    One was able to raise the landing gear and lower the flaps.  The
    graphics were remarkable for the time, even though they were only CGA
    (color graphics adapter) four-color.  Real airports in the major
    cities of the US were simulated, and some areas like Chicago and New
    York included the larger buildings of the town.  There were no
    "outside views" of the airplane until much later in Flight Simulator's
    history.

        MicroProse F-15 Strike Eagle was modeled after the US Air Force
    F-15E, first flown in July, 1980.  The F-15E is a duel-role aircraft,
    meaning it can take on opposing aircraft as well as attack ground
    targets.  F-15 Strike Eagle was considered "revolutionary" at the
    time, even though the flight model and graphics were terrible.  The
    main focus of the early simulator was the avionics package and weapons
    control system.  For the first time, one could lock on to an enemy
    aircraft with his radar, and fire a missile!

        Just a few years later, flight simulation programs for the PC took
    advantage of the breakthrough of those two programs, and software
    developers came up with some very fine simulations, which are still
    being used.  Graphics were being produced for the new EGA (extra
    graphics adapter) 16-color card, and those graphics really could give
    one the sensation of flying.

        Today, "flight simulator" is no longer a contradiction in terms.
    Your cockpit is laid out exactly like the "real" aircraft's, and in
    many cases one has to duplicate the exact procedures of a pilot in
    real airways.  Sound cards beep and whine just as audio warning
    signals do in real cockpits, and digitized speech can make one think
    he is really talking to a co-pilot or the air traffic controllers.
    Joysticks and rudder pedals provide realistic input for flying the
    aircraft, and photo-realistic scenery can almost make one nauseous.

        Advances in computer technology have helped the PC flight simulator
    industry in ways hard to imagine.  The computer program itself can
    make one believe he is floating around his room, but hardware
    additions have only served to enhance the breed.  Thrustmaster has
    released a set of controls that can only be described as "awesome."
    Their joystick (called the "Flight Control System") is modeled after
    the F-4 Phantom II's own stick.  There are five buttons on the device,
    including a "coolie hat," all which can be used to fire various
    weapons and help control your airborne vehicle.  The Thrustmaster
    Weapons Control System is patterned after a modern military jet
    throttle, and can be used to control how much power is being produced
    by the engine.  In addition, the WCS Mark I has no less than 7 buttons
    that control various functions of your aircraft's weapons and
    targeting computer.  Thrustmaster has also released a Mark II version
    of the WCS, of which the major feature is the ability for one to
    program each button to perform any function, making it usable by any
    simulator.  Thrustmaster's Rudder Control System works just like
    "real" rudder pedals, making it much easier to land your simulated
    plane in cross-wind situations.  The Thrustmaster system makes true
    "HOTAS" (hands on throttle and stick) possible, eliminating searching
    for the right combination of keys on your keyboard.  True flight
    simulator fanatics do not stop with Thrustmaster controls.  There is
    an assortment of devices that can make one feel like he is really in
    the pilot's chair.  Indeed, there are entire cockpits for sale, with
    helmets, chairs, and numerous other paraphernalia that can soothe the
    "fighter jockey" beast.

        There are essentially four different categories for today's flight
    simulators: Basic Civil, Advanced Civil, Basic Combat, and Advanced
    Combat.  Each category has its own unique signature, and each has its
    own following.

        Basic Civil just gives the basics of flight, nothing more.  There
    are no fancy graphics, there is no huge selection of aircraft to fly,
    there are no other aircraft in the "world" besides you, and hence,
    much of the fun is gone, too.  But, it is a good place to start for
    people who wish to become a "real" pilot someday.  The Basic Civil
    simulators can help one to learn his way around an aircraft's
    controls, and to master takeoffs and landings.  An example of this
    type of simulator is the SubLogic Flight Simulator II.

        Advanced Civil simulators do add all the fancy graphics, and all
    instruments on the panel do indeed work.  There are radio navigational
    aids, a trim wheel, landing lights, communication with the ATC (air
    traffic controller), other aircraft in your world, and the dreaded
    weather factor.  Everything about the Advanced Civil simulators makes
    one think he is flying in his own private aircraft.  An example of
    this category is Microsoft/Mallard Flight Simulator 5.0, or if you are
    interested in flying the "big birds" (airliners), SubLogic Flight
    Assignment: Airline Transport Pilot.

        Basic Combat adds the element of enemy forces to the flight regime.
    The flight model of Basic Combat flight simulators is usually minimal,
    just enough to be called a "simulator." Opponents during the combat
    phase are not very intelligent, but it can be a hair-raising
    experience for one who is not familiar or experienced with maneuvering
    within a combat climate.  Two examples of "Basic Combat" simulators
    would be MicroProse F117A Nighthawk (Stealth Fighter 2.0) and Velocity
    Jet Fighter II.  Both of these sims have superb graphics, and are good
    starting points for someone who just wants to add a little spice to
    his life.

        Advanced Combat is the term used to describe the pinnacle of modern
    combat flight simulators.  These simulators offer the best of
    everything: the best graphics, intelligent opponents, realistic flight
    models, modern weapon control systems, and hardware support for
    Thrustmaster controls and sound cards.  The radar scopes and displays
    within the simulated cockpit look and operate almost exactly like they
    do in the real aircraft.  The weapons you fire work only if you fire
    them within the specific parameters outlined by the real weapon's
    specifications.  Flying modern Advanced Combat simulators is a real
    challenge, and can leave one sweating at the end of a session.  Two
    examples of these types of flight simulators are Spectrum Holobyte
    Falcon 3.0 and MicroProse F-15 Strike Eagle III.

        The value of flight simulations is not simulated at all; it is
    real. The entertainment value is a high commodity in and of itself. The
    feeling that you are flying an airplane is very enjoyable! Graphics
    have become so stunning, just flying around and looking at the sights
    is an experience.  But the value of simulators goes beyond simple
    entertainment.  Flight simulators have evolved to the point where they
    can be useful for real flight instructors.  Learning the basics of
    flight on a computer is a lot less expensive (and less dangerous) than
    taking a student flying.  By flying Advanced Combat simulators, one
    can gain an appreciation of how much training and thought goes into
    today's modern military aircraft.  One can also gain a very real
    knowledge of the world's air forces by flying a combat simulator.

        The best recent releases of flight simulators are MicroProse Fleet
    Defender: The F-14 Tomcat Simulation, Digital Integration Tornado
    (being distributed by Spectrum Holobyte), and Microsoft Flight
    Simulator 5.0.  All of them represent the top-of-the-line of today's
    flight simulators, and it would be well worth the investment of
    purchasing them.  Tornado and Flight Simulator 5.0 are readily
    available at the "Mouse House." Fleet Defender is a very new release,
    and may not be in stores for a little while.

        The important thing to consider when purchasing a simulator is,
    "Will it challenge me?" and "Can it run on my machine?" If you have
    never flown or have very little experience flying a flight simulator, a
    Basic Civil or a Basic Combat simulator will do just fine.  However,
    if you do have experience with Basic Combat or Basic Civil flight
    simulators and do have a high success rate with such programs,
    something advanced should be in line for you.  The question of "Can it
    run on my machine?" should be answered by the box the simulation comes
    in.  Most have the "System Requirements" or "Recommendations" listed
    on the outside of the box.  Pay attention to them! It is not lying
    when it says a 386-33 is recommended! Anything slower than the system
    requirements will make your flight time less enjoyable than it could
    have been.

        The Landing Approach BBS in Muskegon (616-744-0772) offers many
    utilities for flight simulation programs.  Over 30 megabytes are online
    for downloaded.  In addition, tips and strategies can be exchanged
    through the message base.  CircuitNet's aviation and flight simulator
    conferences will be added soon, so one can receive information from
    all 50 states! There is no charge for the BBS, and it is online 24
    hours a day with a maximum of 14,400 bps without compression.

                              Tim Suckow, Sysop of Landing Approach
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