Operating system request

[migman29]

A modelling friend who is an Ex-RAF Hercules driver has asked me for the following info.

She wants to set up a flightsim for her Air Cadet Squadron(she's their C.O)that has most of the modern-ish
RAF stuff on it(as she say's"The Sim definitely needs Albert, Jetstream, Dominie, JP5A, Tincano, Grob 115, Hawk...").

She'd like to run three screens(doesn't do things by half),but hasn't really a clue about simulators(apart from the big ones the RAF use).

She asks could you gents recommend a computer fitted with the required bits for the job and which Fs better for
her requirements please.

Ta.

[Airspeed]

Bit puzzled...according to our dear friend "233SQN", all the ATC squadrons were being given FSX Steam and suitable hardware. (July 2015).
As for the specified aircraft, those not included would simply be acquired as we all do, selecting either freeware or payware.
Which "Tincano" does she seek? Dimitri, Eleonora, or Vittoria?
Sorry to sound a bit techy (I am no techy), but an "operating system" is windows 7, 10, etc., not the simulator itself.
I think that the C.O. should look in the cupboards, or talk to some of the officers who have been involved with the squadron for at least a few months, and discover what happened to their allocation of goodies.

[Ascoteer]

Actually I am the person involved.

While we did receive a basic 'Glider Sim' disc back in 2014 that will run on a Laptop, it doesn't offer the flexibility, nor meet the training needs, that I require. Furthermore, the idea that all Air Cadet Sqns were given PC based Flight Simulator Hardware and Software in 2015 is utterly untrue. Indeed it is up to individual Sqns to generally fund and source their own resources (this is what we have 'Civilian Committees for) since outside of certain activities such as Flying and Shooting, as well as the issue of (some) Uniform, the majority of Air Cadet Organisation (ACO) activities no longer fall within the Defence Budget.

The problem for me (a qualified retired RAF Pilot and Instructor) is that I know little to nothing about PC 'gaming'.

Ergo I am looking for advice as to what hardware to buy, and what software to run.

My plan is that, having taught the Cadets the basics of Pilot Navigation (1 In 60 Rule, how to apply wind to a plan, how to fly corrections to track such as Standard Closing Angle (SCA) and New Track Reference Technique {NTR}) they can then go and plan NAVEXs and then fly them in the sim thereby practicing the techniques learned. Initially in still air at Medium Level, later with forecast winds, later still at Low Level (including IP to Target runs).

I want a variety of aircraft, both those flown by the ACO (Grob 115, Grob Viking), as well as stuff I am familiar with (C-130, Dominie, Jetstream, JP5A) upto and including current RAF trainer types such as the Tucano and Hawk. The reason for this is that having aircraft of differing speeds shows up why you might use NTR (slow aircraft) or SCA (fast aircraft, threat avoidance). I want aircraft that I have flown for real because Cadets like the idea of 'competeing' with Ma'am.

[migman29]

Hello Mike.

Did they really?,not sure whether she knows that or what.

I see now I was being a little vague(Operating System),but I still run XP with Fs2004,so I'm not
altogether sure what she'd need to run a three screen system you see.

I know pc's have come on in vast leaps and bounds over the last few years,but I'm not sure what system specs/requirements
she'd need to do that.
I suggested Fs2004 for the flightsim itself simply because there is a vast amount of resoursce out there for 12 years after it's
inception.

[Jon.M]

Hi Mark, how's tricks?

Sorry I can't help with your question as my system's only slightly more advanced than yours. Good to see you're still about though.

Jon

[migman29]

Jonny Murno,hells bells .

Yes mate,I'm fine thanks.

Nice to see you floating about still too.

[TSR2]

Hi Guys / Ladies,

Paul might be the best person to help with this as I know he has a similar setup at his ATC SQN. In reality your looking at a reasonably spec Windows 10 PC and running I'd suggest FSX (of some flavour, probably Steam edition).

Best to have two or 3 hard disks. One for the operating system, One for FSX and optionally a separate one for the scenery, but this isn't essential. An Intel i5 processor would probably be suffice, but an i7 would perhaps give more scope. Again, as it would be FSX, you wouldn't be able to realistically use any more than 8GB of RAM. The tricky question is the graphics cards. I have a multi monitor setup, but I only use two, and if I'm honest, really only one when I use FSX. The two I have run quite happily from a single graphics card, but I suspect you'll need two cards to run 3 monitors, as most cards only support two monitors on each card. You'll definitely want a card(s) that uses the NVidia chips rather than ATI. Sorry I cant be much help on the multi monitor setup.

[DaveB]

I'm sure I've seen some newer graphics cards with 3 outputs but the cost may well be prohibitive. It certainly is for me! Is it worth buying a 'triple head to go' unit for the sake of a third monitor Paul is definitely the chap to contact

ATB
DaveB

[Kevin Farnell]

Ascoteer, firstly, hello and welcome to the forum - nobody seems to have said that yet .

There is a huge wealth of knowledge here, regarding all things based on PC flight simulation. Whether that be PC set up, software tuning, aircraft available (freeware/payware) or any number of other topics.
Reading through your post, I agree with Ben that FSX-Steam Edition would probably be best suited to your needs. Depending on your budget, it may be worth forgoing the 3 screen set up (at least initially), in favour of a good yoke/stick system along with a set of rudder/brake pedals.
Many of the aircraft you mention, are available in high quality with fully functioning systems, but some are payware and prices can be high.
As a former cadet (CPL Farnell, 425 ((Aldridge)) SQN - 1977-1983 approx.), I would be more than happy to share any info that would help both yourself and your cadets in getting a flightsim operational (as I'm sure would many other members of the forum).
Please feel free to ask any questions - we don't bite.

I'm now reminiscing about my cadet days - flying in 'Chippies', aircraft recognition competitions, camp at RAF Wildenrath and my annual favourite - Dining in Night.

Regards

Kevin

[Airspeed]

Hello Ascoteer
Welcome from me too.
Sorry that my information did not agree with your actual situation; perhaps 233SQN over-simplified matters here last year. I only repeated what he said.
Hope there are no hard feelings about the "Tincano" joke. I love targetting typos!
I agree with the advice given above, in fact, others have confirmed my comment about the availability of aircraft. FSX Steam is definitely the cheapest way in, and it is not inferior to "ordinary" FSX.
Rather than spending up on multiple video cards and screens, if I was starting from scratch, I would be taking a close look at VR goggles. I'm not fully up with current prices, but a comparison should be made with your potential supplier.
Goggles run off one port, one card, and eliminate many of the restrictions of screens, not to mention the space requirements.
I would also agree that pedals and a yoke or stick are essentials.
I'm sure that you'll have more questions as you progress, and we are always happy to contribute our opinions.