F/A -18C VR first impression

OMG!!

So loaded up a takeoff instant action mission over Persian Gulf. First time I was dropped into the cockpit I was so blown away. This thing in VR is gorgeous! I mean drop dead gorgeous!!

So first I amazed myself by successfully taxiing to the runway, and taking off without breaking anything. Flaps up, gear up, and I was off sightseeing over the Persian Gulf. Had a little fun with the afterburners, and a couple of loops. Even made stomach a little queasy the first time, it seemed so real.

Made some low speed passes, checked out some exterior views - man that fly by sound, you gotta hear it - absolutely incredible!

So finally instead of hitting escape, I thought why not. Picked a nearby runway, and started an approach. Got below 200, down around 150. Flaps down, check. Gear down, check.

Lined up to the runway, and greased her in for the most part. I was stunned, at this first successful attempt.

At low speed this baby is very docile, especially with flaps down.

What a ride! And what a gorgeous bird!

Now to the meat, to actually start learning some of the systems and see where I can progress. I can tell you I am now highly motivated!

Great stuff dburne. Always love your posts. Looking forward to the Hornet in VR when I get home from work....especially the traps at the boat.

OMG!!

 

So loaded up a takeoff instant action mission over Persian Gulf. First time I was dropped into the cockpit I was so blown away. This thing in VR is gorgeous! I mean drop dead gorgeous!!

 

 

So first I amazed myself by successfully taxiing to the runway, and taking off without breaking anything. Flaps up, gear up, and I was off sightseeing over the Persian Gulf. Had a little fun with the afterburners, and a couple of loops. Even made stomach a little queasy the first time, it seemed so real.

 

 

Made some low speed passes, checked out some exterior views - man that fly by sound, you gotta hear it - absolutely incredible!

 

So finally instead of hitting escape, I thought why not. Picked a nearby runway, and started an approach. Got below 200, down around 150. Flaps down, check. Gear down, check.

Lined up to the runway, and greased her in for the most part. I was stunned, at this first successful attempt.

 

At low speed this baby is very docile, especially with flaps down.

 

What a ride! And what a gorgeous bird!

Now to the meat, to actually start learning some of the systems and see where I can progress. I can tell you I am now highly motivated!

Did the carrier come with it then?

Thanks guys, prepare to be blown away!!

Yes - the USS Stennis

The new carrier is available to everyone for free. Not just those that purchase the Hornet.

Wags, is there a tutorial for carrier operations? I mean attaching launch bar to catapult, raising the ramp, launching, etc?

Wags, is there a tutorial for carrier operations? I mean attaching launch bar to catapult, raising the ramp, launching, etc?

There are quite a few good videos on YT. See these for starters:

CI

Did the carrier come with it then?

Oh yes most definitely.

In fact just did my first carrier takeoff - it is an Instant Action mission. My first attempt was a success!

Other planes and helicopter hanging around was very cool.

Flew a couple circles and attempted my first carrier landing - not so good LOL. Ended up in the drink.

This is going to be so much fun!

Guess I should check out some of the carrier training missions lol.

Also really like some of the new controller categories in the controller setup menu.

Probably the next two training missions.

 

8- Carrier takeoff

9- Case I recovery

Thanks! Specifically, I meant what keys do we press to make those happen?

I feel that the refresh rate of the hud is going slow, anyone?

Can't wait .... to shot down several with my SU-33! :D

Amazing in VR, first time in and set myself up a little carrier take off, amazing. Ran into the back of the boat trying to land though.

*wrong topic, delete pls.

While I normally fly with trackir, I am very excited to pop on the rift and experience this after I get all the controls setup!

Echoing OP, seriously the best fun I've had in VR, it's one thing to read the manual and know what it can do, actually sitting in the seat and seeing it from that perspective and watching the HUD numbers and the world around you is a whole new level. Very much recommend for anyone with access to the hardware!

Yep! Really good in VR. I’m not well at the moment and had to stop due to nearly chucking up.

The cockpit is incredible and I really like the used look of the switches and the stick. Turning my

head to check 6 for the first time was breathtaking after seeing so many videos of this view.

Brilliant job. It’s gonna be a classic.

I am getting so close on my carrier landing, still hitting a little short which does not end well LOL.

So loving it, I know I will nail it soon.

I wonder what is up with the new "Debug" category in the controller setup menu for the F/A-18C?It has like Landing on Carrier, Restart mission, and Toggle Console?

Nailed 3rd wire on the first try!

LOL. Can't wait to try it out.

Congrats, Don! You really seem to enjoy the experience with the Hornet in VR. Sadly I have to wait until next week to enjoy her with the Rift as I have to work in the next days.

I was just wondering how the readability of the cockpit/screens is? And also how good the VR-performance (fps) is compared to other moduls? Any drawbacks because of the sophisticated cockpit?

Very nice! Had some trim issues, but worked that out by centering the axis curve and then it would trim. Also had to set up 40 TM MFD buttons and they work like a champ! All in all, very pleased.