To the best of my knowledge there are no campaigns for the Harrier. You can check the campaign tab on the DCS website to double check. Like most DCS modules it is still in Early Access, which means it is not quite feature complete. Still, it is a very solid module and the best simulation of the Harrier available, IMHO.
Generally speaking, third party modules are indepth "study sims" of the aircraft they are simulating. The tend to be hi-fidelity, simulating the weapons and systems available in the real aircraft. That said the Harrier is "systems deep" aircraft although not feature complete.
The truth is, if you like the Harrier and want to explore its capabilities on a simulation level then the module is a worthwhile purchase. I've enjoyed learning how to fly it and understanding its V/STOL limitations. My issue is that I have too many modules (my addiction) and have not taken the time to master it.
Talon,I've already watched that video,I was trying to gear myself up yesterday to purchase it. I do have CAP 2 but that's not an in-depth sim of course.
I think I'll pull the trigger on this,I don't have many high fidelity modules,just the A10-C and BS2.
It's a good module and Baltic Dragon has either completed all the training missions or is very close to it. The stuff that's not implemented yet can be a little niggling, but nothing that's a deal breaker, IMO. I enjoy it a lot.
Chucky, unless you reject totally the aircraft, do yourself a favor and pick up the F-14 too. In my 40 years of simming and 20 of flying it has been my best virtual experience flying this beauty. The flight model, the systems, having a RIO, all the different things I can drop/launch oh my !
Plus it has several 3rd party dynamic campaigns (search mbot dynamic campaigns and Cef adaptations), a great 3rd party scripted campaign, and is simply gorgeous. Not that I don't plan to buy the harrier too, but don't miss the thrill.
Thanks rollnloop. The F-14 is interesting but nowadays I do things on a budget and £48 for one aircraft is more than I'm usually comfortable paying. If it goes in a sale in the future I may be tempted.
The thing is,I'm more an FC3 sort of guy as in the past I've struggled to build up the enthusiasm to learn the high fidelity stuff. However,the Harrier is a 'plane of interest' to me and since Jet Thunder went AWOL I've been looking for some way of scratching that itch and CAP 2 isn't there yet (or ever will be,I'm not sure).
As rollnloop and others members have stated. The harrier is an exceptional module, especially with baltic_dragon's input and creation of the training missions for this module.
The harrier was my go to aircraft before I bought the F-18. As far 3rd parties go, if not the harrier I recommend the F-14. Either module is by far worthy of investment over the F-16. I've spend probably 10 hours in the F16 but that due to my personal choice. The Harrier is up there with the F-18.
If baltic_dragon was not involved in creating the training missions, I'd be steering you away from this aircraft. You won't be disappointed in your purchase. mdwa here has probably spent more time in the harrier than I have. His input would be highly valuable regarding a decision to invest in this module if he replies in this thread.
The cockpit is absolutely flawless, I've never flown a harrier so I cant compare or judge the flight dynamics.
This weekend I'm going to work through the training missions.
I did come across a campaign called Vulcan Forge by Sedlo,I will give that a try if training goes well.
Thanks for the replies chaps!
When you fire it up, report your findings or give it a review for the next person who comes here wanting to know if the harrier is worth investing in Chucky. I'm happy to post a link to this thread.
All so happy to plug 104th_Maverick's training video's such as the below
Not so f'n annoying as the distorted sound posted by the Grim Reapers. Seriously, I can only watch their crap with muted volume.
Harrier and F-14B are pretty much all I fly lately.
I don't have the F-14 but when I did test it, the sounds weren't muted. I can confirm the sound in either aircraft is not distorted like a grim reaper tutorial.
Now that there's a user made dynamic campaign for DCS, I am considering this module.
Anyone have a HOTAS Cougar Foxy profile for this jet?
Are profiles in DCS interchangeable between modules?
I've always had a thing for the Harrier, though I'm more of a fast mover kinda guy.
Control profiles are specific to each plane - it honestly wouldn't make sense to have them shared, as there are so many small control differences between the plans.
Hmm, this plane really has to take off empty if you want to do VTOL. Rolling VTOL is more viable, but for the most part, with a serious weapon load, VTOL is impossible. Still, very light and nimble to fly, and when at possible VTOL weight, the takeoff process is surprisingly simple and smooth.
I'm getting the impression that the AV-8b's role is more of a ninja/sniper airframe than that of a convoy crusher such as the F-16.
Funny enough, I never paid much attention to this jet back in the day. Looked really cool, but never spent much time reading about them--basically my maximum exposure is their usage in film, which is often inaccurate. Still, they maneuver quite well at low airspeed and the squirrely roll authority is a nice quirk.
This is an odd plane, to say the least. Seems very situationally special purpose such as: "Take out the emplacement on hill 32" or "waste jeep 5 in convoy just reported leaving warehouse."
I say these things as one who's spent who knows how many thousand hours in the Viper. Maybe they need to fit the harrier with hellfire missile racks and it can take on the role of an Apache, but with more speed and altitude. I haven't even attempted missile evasion, yet, though. No burner could be a bad thing.