Hi allI'm a huge fan of both Aerosoft and Iris. I'm really keen on an F-16, but am interested in opinions on both products ? Pro's and cons would be useful. Particularly interested in a realistic (or at least convincing) flight model. Not too interested in peripheral systems modelling.CheersEric

I'd go for the VRS F/18/A Super Hornet. Incredible. Check it out. Watch in HD.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNsiLBRe-sA

Hi allI'm a huge fan of both Aerosoft and Iris. I'm really keen on an F-16, but am interested in opinions on both products ? Pro's and cons would be useful. Particularly interested in a realistic (or at least convincing) flight model. Not too interested in peripheral systems modelling.CheersEric

I only own the AS F-16 (got it reasonably cheap at Bestbuy), so can't compare the two very well. My understanding though is that they are both a fairly generic fighter flight model and typical of FSX performance aircraft, a fair bit overpowered.The VRS Super Hornet mentioned does have a beautiful flight model that matches performance data quite well, however it is also very in depth systems wise. So this may or may not be to your liking.

I'll second the VRS F-18. There's no other military plane out there that can touch it. The new IRIS A-10 is nice though too. :(

Hi , to answer your question, rather than try and send you to another sim or plane, I have both and can tell you the following:The aerosoft jet has a very nice looking, perhaps more "real" looking cockpit, with weathered switches etc. I cant really comment on flight models on either, as I have never flown a REAL f-16 !!! Howver, the Iris Jet has, within the confines of FSX a much beter depth of fidelity - you can for example do a full ramp start that takes about 10 minutes and there many more functioning switches that in the aerosoft jet. Also, the hud is much better in the iris version. Externally, bith look pretty good, with a great selection of liveries.If I had to choose one, it wouyld be the iris, especially as you can get the sound pack to go with it that really adds to the niceness. Cheers, MarkPs, there are loads of pictures of both if you follow the link in my sig.....

Yah, but the VRS F-18 for FSX DOES NOT have full systems modeling...

True, but to be fair they have done well within the confines of FSX (thinking lack of weapons, FLIR here), although I don't understand the lack of INS.Even Falcon 4 has several unmodeled or simplified systems...it seems radar systems in particular are challenges for sim coders given the large amount of classified data. If you're going for systems, the DCS A-10C (which is available as Beta now!) is your best bet. Even this has a few short comings systems wise (namely no full functioning DTS), but is the best we've got even at an early beta stage.

The DCS Hog rocks BIG TIME.

Hi , to answer your question, rather than try and send you to another sim or plane, I have both and can tell you the following:The aerosoft jet has a very nice looking, perhaps more "real" looking cockpit, with weathered switches etc. I cant really comment on flight models on either, as I have never flown a REAL f-16 !!! Howver, the Iris Jet has, within the confines of FSX a much beter depth of fidelity - you can for example do a full ramp start that takes about 10 minutes and there many more functioning switches that in the aerosoft jet. Also, the hud is much better in the iris version. Externally, bith look pretty good, with a great selection of liveries.If I had to choose one, it wouyld be the iris, especially as you can get the sound pack to go with it that really adds to the niceness. Cheers, MarkPs, there are loads of pictures of both if you follow the link in my sig.....

That's good info to have and i'm glad that someone was able to help him with his question rather than recommend a different plane than the two he was asking about or even a whole different sim.I wonder if the Iris F-16 has an actual landing light that works on the ground since the Aerosoft version has a landing light that doesn't actually project light onto the ground. I remember a lot of people asked Aerosoft why the landing light doesn't work on the ground and they said it had to do with the HUD.

I have both versions. I specifically favor the Iris model of the F-16D. Aerosoft models single seat F-16A and C, so if you have a preference between 2 seat and 1 seat model from the visual aspects, you might consider this as well.Additionally, the Iris provides a better depiction of weapon load icons associated with the selection menu of available aircraft. Not only do you see the livery of the available squadrons, you also can see what the default load is based on the small black/white icon for Iris. I just selected an F-16C from Hill AFB and the weapons load on the menu were not actually hanging from the wings after the plane loaded. In just a brief couple of comparison flights of both versions, I find more simulated switches in the Iris F-16D. For instance, if you want simulated oxygen regulator you get this in the Iris F-16D not in Aerosoft F-16C. Right-side annunciator panel corresponds to systems as well. in Iris, arming the ejection seat turns off the warning light as an example. There are a few other simulated switches, sounds, and effects that you might find other reviews on. In flight, I seem to recall the "C" after pulling throttle to idle, continuing to fly at a high speed and even gained altitude. With all same settings for the "D", the aircraft bled airspeed and descended significantly and even had "Betty" warned me of my altitude. In my opinion the "D" has more realistic sound. And similar to a previous post, I cannot judge aerodynamics or flight properties for this simulation. Please know that none of my comments are to degrade one or the other. I simply enjoy more simulated systems and switches in my aircraft.Good luck!Keith

I appreciate markturner's and flyerkg's reviews. Quick question for you guys: How is the FPS comparing the two? I remember reading a long time ago that the Aerosoft had better framerate than the Iris rendition. Is this correct? If so, is it a big difference or minor? Thank you!

Thank-you guys. I shall go for the Iris version then.CheersEric

Also, the DCS A-10 is arguably the penultimate combat simulator available

You're aware penultimate means next to last right? The DCS is indeed awesome though, been trying to learn it over the past week... I want that Thrustmaster controller set, but man $500 is steep!I think VRS did about as much as is probably possible in FSX btw - the sim doesn't even support combat and yet you can shoot at AI planes, fire HARM missiles at SAM sites etc, not to mention the crazy sophistication in the fly-by-wire system. It's the best FBW programming ever done in FS, easily. Something tells me sophisticated ground radar modes and stuff like that probably aren't even possible within the limitations of the sim.

I would prefer the Aerosoft F16, the Iris has no afterburner!

I would prefer the Aerosoft F16, the Iris has no afterburner!

PFL, if you are referring to effects, Iris F-16D does have afterburner. You have to lower the canopy lock in order to see the effects. It's the yellow lever on the left side.Keith

Thanks man, maybe I should read that manual!:(