Su-33 worth it?

[Skeletybob]

Im fairly new to the game but really enjoy it and was thinking of purchasing some additional aircraft. I already like the su-33 irl but was just wondering is it worth the purchase in game because it looks like it is cheaply priced compared to other aircraft. So in short what is your opinions and is it worth getting?

[Insônia]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/249320/DCS_Flaming_Cliffs_3/

[spike2071]

I rarely fly it, so I can't speak to if it's awesome or not. But I'll point out that it's a "low fidelity" module, which is why it's cheaper than most other planes. Low fidelity means that major parts of the module (specifically things like the radar and avionics) are simplified. The cockpit is also not clickable. Basically, it's similar to the free Su-25T that comes with the base game.

If you have the Hornet or Tomcat and were thinking about the Super Carrier, the Su-33 comes free with the Super Carrier module (along with better graphics for the Kuznetsov). Otherwise, you could also take a look at the Flaming Cliffs package, which comes with multiple (7?) low fidelity planes for $50 or so.

Also, most modules are 50% off when there's a sale. I don't know when the next one is, but there's usually one towards the end of October.

In general, I'll say this about buying a module: go with the planes/helos that you like and are interested in. If you like the Su-33 in real life, then you'll like flying it in DCS.

Expect Macman to come in and tell you it's super awesome. :)

[Skeletybob]

@spike2071 does the super carrier module come with the aircraft shown in the vid or do you have to purchase them as well?

[spike2071]

Messaggio originale di Skeletybob:

@spike2071 does the super carrier module come with the aircraft shown in the vid or do you have to purchase them as well?

It only comes with the Su-33. The F/A-18 and F-14 and anything else in the video must be purchased separately. I wouldn't get the Super Carrier if you really only want the Su-33. It's $35 more expensive for 90% of features you wouldn't use.

[Skeletybob]

K thx

[SSerponi76]

Some users of this formum (the so called 'Shukoy band', leaded by MacMan) will tell you that Su-27/Su-33 are the best planes of this game. They are not, do not believe them.
As all FC3 planes, Flankers are an improved version of former LOMAC planes and hence they have a (very) low fideltiy avionics. Moreover, they have an almost none AG capability (despite the fact that they can carry bombs) and lack an effective BVR-capable weapon, which make quite hard to engage enemy planes face to face.

However, as all FC3 modules they are quite easy to learn and master (it only tooks you couple of weeks of studying manual and practice) and they can serve very well as "trainers" prior to move to one of the full fidelity modules of this game, smoothing the learning curve.

If you like the russian planes I whould suggest to pick Mig-29 cause it can carry R-77 missile and hence is a better BVR fighter or, since most of full fidelty modules are US/Western planes, the F-15C cause it will allow you learn some of the avionics concepts that you will find later in the FF modules (and it have a nice set of extra campaing you can buy later if you like).

Finally, if your budget allows it, then try buy the whole FC3 package (better if you wait for discounts or sales) instead of a single plane.

[SSerponi76]

Messaggio originale di spike2071:

It only comes with the Su-33. The F/A-18 and F-14 and anything else in the video must be purchased separately. I wouldn't get the Super Carrier if you really only want the Su-33. It's $35 more expensive for 90% of features you wouldn't use.

I agree, Supercarrier, as well as persian gulf map, is the perfect companion for F/A-18C and F-14C but if he plans to go for Su-33 then SC is not worth buying at all.

Messaggio originale di spike2071:

In general, I'll say this about buying a module: go with the planes/helos that you like and are interested in. If you like the Su-33 in real life, then you'll like flying it in DCS.

Agree (again), in the end what it realy matters is having fun.

Messaggio originale di spike2071:

Expect Macman to come in and tell you it's super awesome. :)

:-P

[Sizigmund]

If you can, just buy "Flaming Cliffs 3" DLC, because it consist of A-10A, F-15C, MiG-29A, MiG-29S, MiG-29G, SU-25 (not the free SU-25T), SU-27, SU-33 and J-11A (the chinese licensed version of SU-27 that can use R-77, shoot and forget missiles). All these planes have simplified avionics. Is it good or bad? I don't know. If you are not familiar with simulators, these planes are the best to start with. They don't require from you a long time to learn them.

About SU-33 and SU-27 specifically. These two are good planes, but as "S Serponi76" mentioned, they lack of "Shoot and forget" missiles. So you need to lock the enemy with your radar from missle launch, till missile hit. Take in account that missile can also miss and the enemy will shoot back. So it takes a long time to master air battles with these two. Air battles are much easier with F-15C. As for MiG-29S, it have the "Launch and forget" missiles, but it is not as simple as F-15C. I personally prefer the Russian planes. Learnng now the KA-50 helicoper. Flying mostly SU-33 and MiG-29S.

As for carriers. There is a two default carriers in the game, US and Russian. They are not as beutifull as carriers in "Supercarrier" DLC, but they are functional. So you can takeoff and land your SU-33 on default carrier.

[Captain Baldy]

I have lots of different aircraft from the Harrier to F14 to the F18 and KA50 but the one plane I seem to keep going back to for sheer fun factor is the SU33 (she is a stunner)

I also like to view my pilot in VR... Adds awe lol

https://youtu.be/RchB1Kc-t2M

[kalnaren]

They have the R27T and ET, which you can lock and shoot using IRST, fire and forget.

Yea, they eat flares and they’re not as effective as modern western Fox 3s, but people seem to act like if a plane can’t spam AMRAAMs then it’s not useful in BVR. You just need to *gasp* learn how to employ the less capable weapons.

[SSerponi76]

Messaggio originale di kalnaren:

They have the R27T and ET, which you can lock and shoot using IRST, fire and forget.

Yea, they eat flares and they’re not as effective as modern western Fox 3s, but people seem to act like if a plane can’t spam AMRAAMs then it’s not useful in BVR. You just need to *gasp* learn how to employ the less capable weapons.

Altough better than R and ER variants, T/ET R-27 range is too short to be really effective. Moreover, as you said, they looks to prefer hit flares than the target.
The problem is not *gasp* learning how to employ less capable weapons, but that with Su-27/Su-33 you actually have ONLY less capable weapon (apart for R-73 which is really good in short range).
In my experience as Flanker pilot (almost 45 hours in total) I found R-27R/ER usefull like an insult shout on the radio and R-27T/ET effective only against less maneuverable or unaware targets.

Going BVR engagements with them is like boxing with only one hand: surely you can still win, but most of the times others will use you like a punching-ball, at least untill you got skilled enough.

Basically the best strategy with Flanker is to get close as quick as possible (dodging Amraams in the meannwhile) and then use its superb maneuverability and R-73 coupled with HMCS to make a shoort work of the enemy.
This is why flanker pilot usually prefer to stay stealthy and sneak on the enemy back/flank.

Having the damned R-77 on non chinese version too whould be great for Ru pilots.

[van Leeuwenhoek's mustache]

@Skeletybob

If I were you, I'd get Flaming Cliffs 3 (you can wait for the next sale, if you want)

I also recommend that you buy DCS modules directly from the official website, not Steam.
https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/?PAGEN_1=4

[Sizigmund]

Messaggio originale di Soup Chewer:

@Skeletybob

If I were you, I'd get Flaming Cliffs 3 (you can wait for the next sale, if you want)

I also recommend that you buy DCS modules directly from the official website, not Steam.
https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/?PAGEN_1=4

If you play a steam version of this game and prefer to stay on steam, do not buy DLCs from official site, because they will not work with the steam version. But if you buy DLC on steam, you can always switch to standalone version from official site and add all of your purchased DLCs to standalone version.

[van Leeuwenhoek's mustache]

@Skeletybob

Yes, I should've pointed out that they're not compatible with Steam modules.

But I'm working on the assumption that you haven't bought any modules yet, so it's better if you buy the standalone versions (access to early updates + the money goes to ED & co + you won't have to rely on Steam)

[spike2071]

Don't forget the benefit of ED miles when you buy direct.

https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/support/faq/bonuses/