Chuck_Owls preview of the DCS Hornet EA is a good read:

https://www.mudspike.com/dcs-f-a-18c-hornet-early-access-preview/

I'm amazed at how even in EA, it's already an outstanding module packed with features.

I'm sure people will moan and groan over it just being an early access, but I'm with Chuck on this; I'm fine with only being given the "incomplete elephant" at first, considering I can't eat the whole thing at once anyway.

Looks like he's drank the ED Kool-Aid with the "walk before you run" mantra, which is fine probably if you're coming from Ace Combat and the Hornet is your first full fidelity simulator. But what about those that come from the F-15 and can do A-A in their sleep and are wanting some A-G action without losing the pointy-nose aspect of their aircraft? What about those that come from the A-10C and are wanting some A-A action but not FC3-level avionics and are limited to just the AIM-9 Sidewinder and the AIM-7 Sparrow? What about those coming from BMS and a multi-role fighter and want some carrier ops but don't want to lose their combat capabilities?

I don't mind having an "incomplete elephant" at first just like I don't want to have entree, main, and dessert all at once when eating out. However, I expect all three within a reasonable timeframe, ie, all during that evening at some point. This is very likely not going to be the case for ED. How long do you "walk" with limited A-A capability and dumb bombs before you can "run" with AIM-120s, JHMCS, TGP, LGBs, JDAMs, HARMs, etc.? I bet people will be tired of "walking" and ED won't have any of the "running" anywhere near ready. I'd love to be proven wrong though!!



I wonder who starts up a combat flight simulator and moans that the circuit breakers aren't functional? Way to push the boundaries of simming, ED!

So, guys, what do you want? Dynamic campaigns? Patches that don't break things that were previously not broken? Fixed missile characteristics? More toys to play with in your purchased modules? A program that works with 4GB-8GB RAM? Nope! We want working circuit breakers!!



I hate to break it to you, but the A-10C had this in 2010. Heck, you could make a whole new flight plan from scratch inside the cockpit!



Sorry, but if you're calling this multi-purpose, then so is the Su-27/Su-33 and the A-10C. The Su-33 is also a naval aircraft to boot! What the Hornet really, really brings to the table won't be seen for at least a few more months or even years.

Sounds like A-10C level simulation but not done.

Then doesn't that make it NOT an A-10C level simulation?

Come now ice, you know that eye candy sells. Who cares if nothing else works.

Digital iCandy Simulator??

Ice, dude, you're so jaded...I been in the simming gig since circa 1985 with Hell cat Ace on the Amiga and even I'm not as jaded as you, brother. The Hornet is going to be AWESOME

lol Boomer, Ice will be by shortly to let us know why the F 18 is not awesome.

I'm jaded with ED, yes. Simming, no. Currently flying FSX again just to experience Rod's tutorials Enjoying my time in FSX, XP11, BMS, and struggling with taxiing on a taildragger in IL2! I dare not connect my HTC Vive and fly XP11 as I'm afraid I may never look back!

I have no doubt the Hornet is going to be awesome. What's coming out today isn't the awesome Hornet I want to fly. I look forward to that day and to be able to join you guys in the virtual skies



See above

It's May 30. What happened to the Hornet release?

don't spend too much time with FSX - move on to P3Dv4+REX3D, it is simply awesome, really awesome.



and me with my landings

I don't have P3D, I opted for XP11. I don't really have much add-ons for FSX, I think I only really had OrbX stuff and even then, I wasn't impressed. I'm only playing FSX to replay Rod's tutorials I wish there was something like this for XP11 as well but I don't think there is.

you should give it a try - I moved from FSX to P3D when they released 2.0 and it never disappointed, but one only has so many free hours available and if you have XP11 you are not wasting your time

Servers down ... Forum down ... In Germany we say: "Läuft!"

DCS 2.5.2.17978 Update 1 for Open Beta

DCS F/A-18C Hornet is available in the Early Access.
Added CVN-74 J.C.Stennis aircraft carrier.

DCS World

Added scripting functions for airbase parking data (true/false parameter).
Group list immediately shows changes which user made in unit panel
Airlifted troopers will not ignore point and radius zone of embarking.


DCS Flaming Cliffs

Su-27. Slat indicator will works.
Su-27. Fuel level gauge fixed.


DCS UH-1

Added new Instant action missions for Persian Gulf.
Player aircraft will be able to born on the ramp of carrier.


DCS MiG-21Bis by Magnitude 3 LLC

MiG-21Bis now works in the Persian Gulf.
Corrected Russian text on the T-10 indicators and radar lights.
Corrected radio channel numbers and Russian text on list.
Corrected material attribute on mirror.
Added raindrop effect.
Corrected materials on LOD4 causing objects to be invisible.
Corrected UVs on tac-numbers.
Added DPRK 2016 livery. (Based on #42)
Added Slovakia livery by Jack.


Campaigns
L-39 Kursant - updated missions 2, 8, 9.
A-10C Shturmovik - Updated mission 7.


Known issues that will be fixed ASAP
AJS-37 Viggen. Broken landing light.
F/A-18C. Missing fuel tanks textures for High Visibility skins.
F/A-18C. Fly over waypoint Time on Target causes DCS crash
CVN-74 J.C.Stennis: Left side elevator hasn’t collision model

I ended up buying the Hornet. I missed the discounted pre-purchase price, so I bought it at the full $79.99 price.











Just joking, didn't get the Hornet. Figured the above would give some people a stroke though.

We'll see how it goes over the next few months. I assume they'll be quicker than most 3rd party devs, but it has been a while since ED released an aircraft module hasn't it?

It's got enough functionality to start you on learning how to fly it. You can do BFM with it as well, and a bit of BVR.

Let's see mudspike actually publish an honest review of an EA.....Publish my Hawk review thread or link at least a link to it with a nice write up over at mudspike.. at least mine was honest and not watered down to suck in and 'buy consumer's" .