aerofly RC 8

Aerofly RC8 is a very good RC simulator with superb graphics that runs well on low-end GPUs. The aerodynamics are noticeably better than the previous version (RC7), and the aerobatic aircraft now spin and snap roll realistically. The graphics quality is superb, including the detailed aircraft models and extensive 3D scenery for FPV flying (complete with ripples in the sea). However my favourites are the panoramas, which seamlessly blend foreground 3D objects (including functional windsocks) with background photography, allowing you to fly in front of, or behind (or crash into) nearby objects whilst retaining an incredibly lifelike appearance. And you don't require much in the way of graphics hardware - it consistently achieves over 60 fps on my laptop's puny MX150 graphics card with graphics quality set to High, using Vulkan with high quality anti-aliasing enabled. Although additional models and flying locations are available in DLCs, I appreciate the fact that the base game still has a good selection of arcraft and includes something for everyone. There are basic trainers like the PT40, sport aircraft like the Adrenaline 120, scale aerobats like the SU29S, the Krill Spark pattern plane, jets, gliders, helicopters and quads. There are panoramic, multi-pano and 4D flying sites, including race courses. IPACS hasn't restricted it to only basic aircraft to force you to purchase a DLC, although of course the DLCs will give you a greater selection of aircraft and flying sites (and who doesn't want to fly a nitro Curare?). Multiplayer's a blast. You connect to a server on the Internet, choose a flying session, and then the other aircraft flying in that session are superimposed on your view, along with their sound. The only negative I have noticed is the quadcopter simulation. While it's fine for pottering around with the Mavic, the Vendetta race quad is quite unrealistic. Acceleration is too slow, the camera tilt is zero and and apparently not adjustable, the quad is too stable in aerobatic (rate) mode, it has a weird pendulum motion as though there is a large distance between the props and the C of G, and it tumbles wildly out of control if you pull the throttle right back (presumably because this turns the motors right off, but that's not how race quads are set up). Which is a pity because the 3D scenery would be brilliant for an FPV racing quad. I haven't tried helis or VR, but it's a great sim for fixed wing aircraft, and would be an excellent training aid.

Pros: 1 - Lots of airplane choices 2 - Very low system requirements, even for VR Cons: 1 - Flight model is very simplistic and "on-rails." Airplanes will basically fly straight up forever if you ask, and no matter how hard you crank on the stick nothing will ever stall or snap roll or do anything other than stay firmly glued to the rails. 2 - All the planes feel basically the same. I'd expect a jet-powered f16 model to feel different than a little OS1.6 trainer, but no. 3 - Doesn't look good. I think VR eye offsets are incorrect for the 4D scenery, so it looks wrong. Airplane models are very basic.

No EDF Jets, very limited selection of electric planes in general. If you are into big scale petrol/turbine planes then this game has a nice selection... but for RC pilots who want to practice flying EDF jets and other electric planes this sim is lacking. I think graphically, this sim is nicer than Real Flight 9.5... but the plane selection just leaves a lot to be desired

Sure, it´s a SIM game, but as a RC pilot this is RELY good tool to maintain you stick skill and improve your stick skill without the need to repair you loved RC plane IRL. This is even better than RealFlight 9 / 9.5.

Awesome Graphics and pretty accurate controls with the RC USB controller. Seems pricey to some, however think about the cost of buying a New RC Place due to a crash!! This is a great way to brush up your skills before taking to the Sky's with your real RC Plane.

I learned to fly RC around 1975 or so. Back then the only way to teach yourself was to bust balsa. Decided to get back in after 40 or so years. Needless to say everything has changed. Let's address some complaints others have had. Yes, the aircraft fly on rails more or less. All sims have this problem as it 's impossible to make a full fluid dynamic model of the atmosphere in real time with a desktop computer (yet). This will take you a good ways towards flying a real rc plane. However, the first time you go to fly you'll be faced with a new out of trim model subject to wind effects. I cranked up wind and turbulence effects to the max and I was not like the real thing. At least not here at the Michigan lake shore. I do very much enjoy this sim however and bought it because I was looking for a sim that seemed to have legs as far as future development goes. Uses OpenGL and Vulcan Graphics. RealFlight uses DX9 for gods sake. Realflight looks like some thing out of the Windows XP era. Use to do RC helicopters and yes, it is a bit easy compared to the real thing but try starting from scratch without the use of a sim. I only crashed my Helibaby once learning, nobody ever believed me. Multiplayer is fun however you may not be able to join if you do not have a flying field from a expansion pack. I still like Pica Sim better for it's choice, feel and locations for gliders as I'm mainly a classic balsa glider guy. I highly recommend this sim as a RC trainer, not as a computer game. Gamers will be loose interest quickly. I'm using a Radio Master TX16s Mode 1 with a USB cable. No dongle or adapter needed although there is a dongle you can buy from Aerofly that plugs in to a receiver. My impression was that Aerofly and Pica sim aircraft flew a lot alike and had the same feel. Go for it and maybe I'll meet you in multiplayer, my nickname is Fallout.

Just a fantastic tool/game. Was in doubt because I already own Aerofly RC 7 and a lot of sceneries and planes are the same. But after playing a while now I have to say that the quality is just excellent. Everything form the sceneries and the look of the planes but more inportant how the planes handle is great. The price may be a bit steep with the expansion packs but the sheer amount of content you get is worth it. Still with so many planes and helicopters I still miss some iconic planes. So should a dev read this and you're making another expension pack I would really like some more WW2 fighters from the Pacific theater.

This sim looks very dated. It's ok in flat screen mode, but the graphics engine looks ancient. Forget about VR. The aircraft loses all detail across the runway, let alone a hundred feet away. It's better than Real Flight for me because it offers more planes for the price and it works with my interlink futaba controller. But I really can't recomment it for VR play. The most annoying thing was some weird debug text that covered the top 20 percent of my screen. No idea how I turned it on, or how to turn it off. On the positive side, the flight modeling is quite good. So if you want to practice RC flight without risking a real model, it's a pretty useful. It just looks dated and is not very good in VR. (And I tested it on a Pimax Crystal, which has the clearest display of any consumer headset.)

Goes ok. Bit underwhelmed. Does the job but sure isn't fancy (stalls are like .. non existent. Where's the tip stalling which is a huge part of what I'm training for?). Not as realistic feeling as other sims BUT, you get stick time and get used to learning your orientation. Would opt for different simulator if I was purchasing again. Overpriced for what it is.