Now the bomb load-outs are not as good as I would have hoped, carrying only the default loads and rockets. I feel that they could have done a lot more here by modeling their own custom bombs that the A-10 would carry.
The cockpit of the A-10 is really nice and also photo-real, but with a lot of "dead" space where there could have been switches and buttons. I would have liked to have seen a working HUD or maybe more gadgets in the 2D cockpit. The virtual cockpit (VC) is a real treat; I love to look around and you can have that feel of speed that you wouldn't get with a 2D cockpit. Again kudos here boys, I love the VC.
B-2
Being stationed here at Tinker AFB, I have to pass by the B-2 building daily, so it has become one of my more favorite military aircraft. Abacus's B-2 visually is stunning, very close attention to detail and movement of the control surfaces. I did however notice that when you are not giving rudder input the rudders will disappear? That is something I have contacted them about and hope to see fixed with an update.
I flew this aircraft mainly in FS2002 due to the fact that it just plain looks better in my opinion. But I did have to see what she could do with a bomb load in CFS2. Bomb load-outs again could have been made better if they had designed it with custom bombs. The load-out choices were ok, but not great. Then when I hit the spoiler key (/) I saw the bomb bay doors open up to reveal the bombs hanging like they would in a standard bomber. In the B-2 they are on a moving rail, which turns to release the weapons. I figure they wanted to save space on the model for the slower-end computers, but I would have liked to have seen a little more detail with the bomb bay. Ok moving on, I hit bomb release and the bombs started to release then disappeared, not exploding even though I could hear them fall. Another area that I believe they could look into with a patch.
I will not touch on the flight dynamics here because well there is a severe lack of information on them. So that's something that I believe Abacus did a great job on, with no info.
Moving on to the panel. Well the 2D panel could use more imagination. Right now it looks like something that you would have in a new Learjet rather than a strategic bomber. I think it could have been improved upon in this area. Now the VC also uses the same Learjet gauges but offers a nice look to the other parts. I think that if the gauges were fixed, if would really feel like you're on a B-2's flight deck.
F-15
Now here is the best part of the package if you ask me personally. I am a huge fan of the F-15 Eagle and Abacus has really captured the overall feeling and look of the F-15. I work on the flight line all day, and we get these jets in our station on a daily basis. I watch them do the Viking roll takeoffs and it's a sight to behold. This brings me to the flight dynamics. Overall the plane was very stable at high altitudes and high mach speeds. So if you're looking for an F-15 to ride on in Flight Sim or Combat Sim this is your jet.
The panel in the F-15 is very nicely done. Mostly photo real but has more functions than you would expect from a photo real panel. Very nice job here—almost makes you want to fly from the inside.
F-16
This jet is also one of my favorites. Abacus has done a great job on this F-16, although the exterior could maybe use some work. But there are many F-16 models out now, so you can just exchange the panel if you aren't satisfied with the Abacus F-16.
The panel on this one is like the F-15's panel. It has a good-photo real appearance and many functions. The virtual cockpit on this one will make you sick if you do too many rolls, or maybe that's just me? But anyway, great job here Abacus.
Flight dynamics for the F-16 are pretty sporty, just what you would expect from an F-16. Good stability at altitudes low and high, with a good steady mach.
Sounds
Well all I can say is, why didn't you guys have custom sound? This is the drawback form the program in my eyes. I am a sound nut, and with Lear sounds on everything, I wasn't very pleased here. Maybe a patch for the planes Abacus?
Scenery
Warbirds comes with good scenery for Diego Garcia which includes static aircraft and hangars. A real nice place to launch your simulated missions. It was nicely done with mostly default runways, and aprons, etc. A nice add-on to the package.
Final Thoughts
In all this is a package that's worth buying. And at $29.95 it isn't much of a dent on the wallet. So I suggest you go to your local computer software store and pick one up. You won't be disappointed.
