Paul, that MiG-21bis is likely to be considerably more difficult to learn and operate than both the A-10C and Hip!
I find the A-10C a bit tedious, to be honest. Sure, it can be fun to fly, but wading through all the MFD functions in combat leaves me a bit wanting. It's simple enough procedure, but too much button-pushing for me. That's why I like the Su-25s and wish they had one to full DCS standard, rather than simply Flaming Cliffs type operation. I actually prefer flying the new A-10A in FC3 than the A-10C, for the same reason - no MFD button pushing
As for the Hip, I found that the easiest of the three helicopters to fly. I had a hell of a wild trip on my first training mission flight, when the thing jumped off the ground well before it was supposed to and my joystick was only just within reach, on the far edge of my desk. It was incredible that I managed to keep control and complete the mission successfully, landing in a field a km or so from the airfield. That was a panic - but great fun and satisfaction.
The Black Shark "Deployment" campaign was fun - but they made one or two things dependant on the model working perfectly, which of course it doesn't, and that can make things frustrating. For example, in one of the later missions, you have to fly over some very high mountain peaks to reach the target area, and you have to pay very close attention to your systems (especially temperatures). Every time I flew that part of the mission, I got systems warnings that didn't make sense, or didn't go away when I took the appropriate action. Always a different problem, too, so not consistent.
Then, when I finally made it to the IP, the rearming screen came up in front of me, blocking my view and I couldn't get rid of it, meaning the two enemy Hind gunships had an easy time shooting me down.
So it's a mixed bag due to these bugs, but when (if) they get it right it will be superb. The Su-25 campaigns are great fun, too, with some very nice scenarios, and always a challenge.
It's years since I flew any of the fighters, though - not much interest in air to air combat.
