So, yeah...
After some of the training flights:
Check! Lots more fun to be had going through the emergency procedures, too.
- Cockpit still looks like someone threw a bucket of buttons...
- ...however, the navigation system is surprisingly easy to use and "logic"
Yes, but don't be fooled by the auto-land. It is just a bobby basic approach coupler - no auto landing in it. Disconnect by "minimums" and hand fly or suffer the consequences of a violent porpoise
[*] and slam onto the runway.
- Landing is hard: more or less requires a shuttle-esque flare
Not
that hard, really, if you religiously respect landing weight and approach speeds, going by the speeds in the real world manual, not the one that comes with the add-on manual (there's an error there, I think, unless it has been corrected since the last time I looked). 270-280 kmh IAS at touch-down is about right, with SPS (BLC) active. Add 20-25 if you switch it off.
You
could get the real world manual at the Leatherneck site, however it seems not anymore since the release.
Overall, the first impression is very positive, even though it will probably get slaughtered by Eagles in air to air. Haven't tried weapons employment yet.
It
does get slaughtered. AWACS/EWR/GCI is an absolute must if you want a fighting chance taking it into combat with modern enemy fighters around. The
good thing is that it can still run away from them very effectively (I find!). :lol:
[*]Thinking about that comment, I thought porpoises were supposed to be pretty friendly... :shrug: