In FSX/P3D we have been spoiled by the Lotus Simulations L-39. One day, an unknown developer dropped her on our lap. One of the best aircraft then IMO and very innovative too. In FS2020, we won't have her as Mike disappeared from the radar a couple of years after but we have now three small jets the T-45, the MB339 and the G91.

What are your thoughts on these aircraft ? My touchstone is not much the beauty of the textures or whether the mirrors work. Not specially interested in a weapon option. My only touchstone  is : will the aircraft kill me  if I don't do the landing right😋 You catch my drift, flight modeling, inertia, engine spooling lag, slipperiness when descending, behaviour at low speed  etc

Edited August 26, 20214 yr by Dominique_K

The MB339 is very easy to fly and land. Its also a bit boring so I uninstalled it the other day. I'm waiting (and waiting) for the Just Flight T1/A which I have a feeling will set the benchmark for the small, fast military jet in MSFS. 

MB339 is probably the easiest to fly and the G.91 is by far the most difficult and will kill you if you do anything wrong (and it's extremely rewarding for that reason).

Personally at the moment I can't really recommend the T-45 as while it it is  well modelled that HUD is unusable because 1) Asobo aren't modelling HUDs properly so they aren't collimated and 2) it only works with TAA turned off.

So if you're up for a challenge I'd say the G.91 is the clear winner, just don't buy from the Marketplace (unless you need to to fly it on an X-Box) so you get the loadout options (the external loadout program also allows you to load position data into the PHI INS system).

Edited August 26, 20214 yr by Matchstick

I ‘be got all three and agree the Gina is the most involving.

The MB339 and T45 are trainers  and their forgiving handling reflects this.

Working out remaining fuel load is critical on the G91 approach as landing speed and attitude need to be adjusted accordingly.

I was in the same position and after various long thoughts I decided to get none of them. I found the most intriguing little jet in the new sim is this baby here. A real blast to fly and you have a real scenic view. Not to mention that you get the prop version and a float version (thats getting the new water effects hopefully soon) in the package  😉

Cheers

T.

Yes, the Cri-Cri is a lot of fun.

To answer Dominique's question, I have all three.  They are all good, but I find the T-45 the most boring to fly.
The T-45 HUD issue is strange.  I use TAA and the HUD in the new Tomcat is certainly no problem to look at.

I like the different repaints and the load-outs for the G-91, and it has character, but as stated by others, it can be a bugger on take off and landing (please read the notes on setting the correct trim - it needs a lot of attention in this area, or you won't get it off the ground! ).

The MB339 is easy to fly, but I don't go back to it very often for some reason.  

Edited August 26, 20214 yr by bobcat999

Don't count out the new little Ciproni C22J. Mikes L39 was the best in FSX and I too was spoiled. This little jet is a heck of a lot of fun for 9 Euros. Yes, there are a couple nasty textures, however for the price it is forgiveable. Flight model is great, sounds are great... give it a go. I am having alot of fun with it. Bonus, it has great visibility to enjoy the sim. 

Thank you all for taking the time. The G91 seems the one close to what I look for. And, also, how to resist to an aircraft named Gina ?  

BTW, had any of you the L-39 in P3D ?

 

2 minutes ago, Dominique_K said:

BTW, had any of you the L-39 in P3D ?

Yes, have lots of hours in it. My simpit has been custom programmed for it.

21 minutes ago, hs118 said:

Yes, have lots of hours in it. My simpit has been custom programmed for it.

and have you tried any of the military jets for  MFS to compare ?

T-45 has a great looking cockpit, with systems modeled to more detail than the DCS freeware VNAO Goshawk, but still has a few minor shortcomings. Flight model/AOA ("ball") flying is close but doesnt match #s from the NATOPS....MFD's have ugly incorrect font and misrepresent functionalities. The T-45 in real life lacks autopilot and RNAV capability, but the MSFS T-45 navigation systems are not faithfully represented to give you the same experience to really work the needles handflying IFR....which would improve the the MSFS version to something beyond just a joyride/3rd person just-for-fun jet. If that's all ya need, sure it is a pretty model and flies pretty good! Maybe with the TOPGUN DLC coming in November we'll get some cool carrier landing features. Would be great to setup meatballs and arresting gear ashore too.

1 hour ago, Dominique_K said:

Thank you all for taking the time. The G91 seems the one close to what I look for. And, also, how to resist to an aircraft named Gina ?  

BTW, had any of you the L-39 in P3D ?

 

G.91 is also the cheapest of the 3 giving you a little change to go towards the C22J 🙂

6 hours ago, Dominique_K said:

and have you tried any of the military jets for  MFS to compare ?

Honestly, have not been flying much in MSFS yet. Still too many issues for the type of experience I am enjoy. 

That said, I have all 3 you mentioned in P3D. Over 250 hours in the T-45C. Unfortunately, my assessment of the P3D T-45C is very similar to @Butterbar, that is, more form than function. The G91 (based on my P3D experience) is the one to try.  

PS I have the C22J in P3D too...love it! I may end up with that one too.

 

Edited August 26, 20214 yr by hs118

The G91 is not too bad to take off if you trim just right and wait for rotate speed before pulling back and flies beautifully once in the air.

Approach can a bit of a nightmare unless you get energy management spot on,  though once wheels are on the runway the drag shoot pulls you up pretty quick.

If you like gimmicky stuff, the non-marketplace version from Orbx/JF etc comes with a gunsight and an array of swappable ordinance and can even drop iron bombs that leave craters in the terrain. Though you tend to fiddle with the ordinance once or twice to try it out but not really bother too much after that.

Overall it seems a no compromises flight model with no dumbing down.

 

Edited August 27, 20214 yr by Glenn Fitzpatrick

Heads up. There is an MSFS model for the L-39 at simmarket today. Not looking very satisfying for those participating in this thread. Just wanted to note.