Sludge,
Hey brother, here is my feedback:
The Sludge Hornet:
So I have been flying this bird for a while now and my muscle memory is best in this jet. I know the trim settings, how to anticipate deviations in the groove, and fly an
OK3 wire pass. For this reason it is still my main bird. Also in terms of HUD display/symbology, the two jets are identical (one thing I really do care about, accurate HUD). I also really like the trim and fuel gauge, I use this gauge the most besides the HUD itself. Since you have to trim the Sludge, this gauge is important, also I like trimming on the trim HAT (WH TM) like the real jet. I know I've brought this up before, but adding an alpha/trim display on the HUD would be nice. Talking to real world pilots, they set the alpha to 8.1 using trim, and the jet/FCS then does a really good job holding that alpha, allowing you to control climb/descent with throttle once trimmed.
Couple things on the FSXBA bird, that could be merged, maybe. It does a better job connecting to the Cat (even with small mis alignment), very smooth, no bouncing. Overall the gear contact points make for smooth taxi and landing. I don't like the auto flaps, prefer manual, but understand this is how the real jet works and allows the FCS to work in the BA jet. I like the CAT shot auto trim and behavior off the cat. Seems like it also slows down the CAT shot too, or at least my end speed off the Cat seems less. Like how the FSXBA bird makes large trim adjustments automatically when going from dirty/slow to clean/fast configs and vice versa. It takes some getting used to the FCS, but once you get it, it makes the jet really "easy" to fly. This is good and bad, since I kind of like flying the bird (making lots of small inputs on approach). The main thing I have a problem with is the autoflaps, I have landed a couple times with flaps up, not sure if I was out of the parameters or missed a setting, and there is no easy indication to see the flap setting (have to look down in the VC). The ATC feature is also kind of nice to have, although no self-respecting pilot would use it, right?
It would be great to get Mike's son to try them both out and give feedback on feel of the FCS and handling qualities.
Overall, definitely getting closer to producing the best sim hornet possible within the limits of FSX, great work by all teammembers on both jets! Keep up the work and continuing to blur the lines between the real world versus FSX flying.
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GOONIE