Another Superb Effort! | Got Friends - Grumman F4F Wildcat Review | Microsoft Flight Simulator

[@twotonemurphy]

A superb effort by Got Friends and a superb video showcase. Excellent work mate

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thank you very much once again, sir! The aircraft is indeed another triumph from Got Friends and I’m really glad you enjoyed the video : ) Much appreciated and all the best to you!

[@r4microds]

Steller review as always ITBS! Watching it with the team, making some final tweeks in these final weeks up to release. Fuel start bug already resolved! Cheers! - GotFriends Developer Mykrode

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thank you very much, sir! I hope you found the video fair and that it proved to be of use. I think I made myself pretty clear during the video but, the Wildcat is undoubtedly another excellent effort from the Got Friends team : ) Many thanks for all of your hard work (and allowing me to take a look at the F4F). All the best!

[@NthgToFear]

I can't wait for this. Huge fan of WW2 aviation and will pretty much buy any warbird that pops up.

[@Guerry-3]

You are a man after my own heart!

[@artswri]

So great to have another prop warlord in the sim. I'm enjoying the fg-d1 (and struggling to tame it). This f4f seems like it will be even more fun! Will be picking it up soon. Thanks for another clear and info-filled presentation! Enjoyed it as I always enjoy your videos and narrative.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Cheers Art! It is indeed brilliant to have another nicely detailed warbird within the sim. It’s pretty hard to pick the FG-1D and the F4F apart, at least in terms of enjoyment factor but, the Wildcat will certainly seem like a pussycat once you have gotten used to the Corsair haha XD My pleasure as always! Many thanks : )

[@InCar-se7jb]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations I'm another advocate for Military Aircraft in MSFS. I get a lot of enjoyment from just cruising along in Flying Iron's Spitfire Mk.IX & BF-109G - the Engine sounds are excellent. To be able to go anywhere in the World is a huge positive. I'm looking forward to recreating real missions in Blackbird Simulation's SR-71. No, there's no Combat involved, but there's also no issue like small map areas - an important aspect when you're covering a mile every 1.5 seconds...or faster.

[@KyleCowden]

You are right about the wing fold. They were manually folded/unfolded in a ballet of deck crew lifting it off the locks and letting the inertia from the drop assist in swinging it into its mating points. Added in Edit: The F4F wasn't particularly "beaten" by the A6M. The were inferior in the climb and in turns but could dive faster and could take a ton more punishment. When the F6F deployed, it was the perfect storm. It was faster in level flight, had a climb close to the A6M but could leave it in the dirt in a dive. It had more guns and could carry more ordinance. So a superior/more advanced aircraft, hitting the theater with seasoned aviators at a time when the IJN was throwing *EVERYTHING* at the fleet but their "everything" wasn't as experienced as it was going into the war. Thus the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot. The F4F had a 6.9:1 k/d ratio. The F6F was *_19:1_* ! The perfect storm going into the Japanese islands.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

I thought so Kyle; I seem to recall seeing a Kermit Weeks video in the Wildcat and from memory, the ground crew had to help with the wings. That being said, I think I did also recently read that early models of the aircraft actually had motors (which were later removed to save weight) - I could be wrong on that though. I’m certainly no expert when it comes to WWII fighter tactics, even less so when it comes to the Pacific theatre but, I think it would be fair to say that superior tactics (and maybe piloting) allowed the Wildcat to beat the Zero, as opposed to the F4F’s raw performance (whereas the Hellcat was much more able to compete on its own terms)? I did read a short excerpt from a Zero pilot, who emptied his machine guns into an F4F, only to pull up behind the aircraft thereafter, baffled that it hadn’t fallen out of the sky haha. Thanks as always for your info! All the best : )

[@pythosdegothos6181]

The little details like the reflections on the windscreen and canopy panes is so nicely done. The sound is pretty good too, though perhaps more wind sound is needed. I think the only gripe I can see is that prop hub not really blurring with the rest of the prop. I LOVE the gear animation and function (overall I have been impressed how all the WWII grumman retracts simulate the manual landing gear of the time (the stock Goose has this feature too). The other issue i would say is the lack of "boom" when the bombs go off ("No boom today. Boom tomorrow. There's always a boom tomorrow." (little Babylon 5 reference there :P ). This though looks a nice addition from Got Friends.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Indeed Pythos, Got Friends have included a lot of nice little details with the Wildcat. The prop disc and hub could be better, I agree and I very much felt the same about the bombs; I don’t know whether it’s even possible for Got Friends to add sounds there but, I was so tempted to add some sound effects during editing (but I knew I’d then be accused of “misrepresenting” the product haha). I’m afraid I’ve not watched Babylon 5, so the reference was rather lost on me XD Cheers for your thoughts! : )

[@dillank3240]

You did a great job of this initial look! I appreciate and share your enthusiasm for warbirds in the sim. I think they do have a place here despite not being a combat simulator. I am a little sad that the Xbox marketplace won't allow the guns and bombs. Those are pretty neat! This aircraft looks like an easy decision to buy for me. I am quite fascinated by the early campaigns in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea. This aircraft is a perfect fit for me to explore the area within the sim. The Hellcat is another of my favourite aircraft in the sim, and I think it will be interesting to fly them both to compare them. I hope Got Friends or Flying Iron make a Zero or KI-43 Hayabusa as a foil for this, the Hellcat, the P-40 or even the P-38 Lightening too. It's about time for that! As a final note, I love the airfield you picked for this demonstration. Again, it's not available on Xbox, at least I don't think it is, but it certainly has the right feel for this aircraft.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thank you very much Dillan, I’m glad you enjoyed the flight! It’s always nice to come across fellow warbird enthusiasts, as they aren’t nearly as prevalent in MSFS, as they might be in perhaps DCS, IL2 etc. I would love to see a decent Zero and as you say, we pretty much “need” one at this point haha. The featured airfield should be available on the console, it came as part of one of the World Updates (I forget which one, I’m afraid) - the ICAO code is in the video description. Happy flying and all the best! : )

[@Bilbo1968]

I love the gun camera view - IDK if it wasn't available in the early access version as you didn't show it but its my fav camera view on any aircraft LOL

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Dave, Haha, the gun camera was available for the preview build and I had meant to show it (but then totally forgot). As usual, it’s a really nice little touch from Got Friends. I’m glad you’re enjoying the Wildcat! Happy flying and all the best : )

[@Squirel]

I'm not a fan of warbirds in the sim, but that's just me. Having said that, this Got Friends offering is almost enough to convert me. It seems to be a reasonably authentic, fully featured aircraft at a very reasonable price.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Fair enough Squirel; I think I’m the opposite - if I could only fly one aircraft type in the sim, I think it would be warbirds haha. Perhaps you can pick the F4F up in a sale one day and then, no doubt you’ll be converted : P All the best : )

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

I’m really glad you’re enjoying the Wildcat TOPGB! “Horses for courses” on the weapons, I suppose; I can very much see where you’re coming from and personally, I never make use of the munitions when I fly these birds in MSFS (except for the purposes of review), but I still think it’s nice that the option is included (for those that want it). As you say, these aircraft are still flying, so they aren’t strictly only aircraft of war any more; I like to appreciate them in the same way one might appreciate a classic car, I suppose haha. Happy flying and all the best! : )

[@davidgoddard594]

Looks very nice. The only thing that I see wrong is the bombs on the wings are way to big for what a wildcat could carry on outer wing. I believe they were usually 100 lb bombs. These look like 250 or 500 pound bombs. These could be carried on inner pylons where long range fuel tanks are in this model. Maybe this will change in the main release.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hello David, I did wonder that myself, but didn’t know enough about WWII munitions, to make comment. According to the information I had on hand, they should be 100lb bombs and I agree, they look rather too big for that haha. I don’t know whether anything has changed with the release version of the aircraft. . . Cheers, all the best!

[@vizzieizzy]

This is by far one of the best aircraft in MSFS. They did an amazing job on this warbird. One of my go to flyers.

[@ErikFigueroa]

Gotfriends never disappoint. :)

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

So far, that certainly seems to be true, Erik! : )

[@ysteinRnning]

So excited for this! Spending the wait flying my other warbirds.

[@mikecoffee100]

If I were a designer I'd be afraid of your reviews being very honest, however that would also make me make a better product. Another Exciting video as usual Thank You. Hope You are doing well .

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha well, you must be onto something there Mike; as the channel has grown, I actually seem to receive fewer and fewer requests from devs, for this sort of thing XD I don’t think I’m ever unfair about with my critique though, I certainly try and keep things balanced / constructive. . . Credit to Got Friends; they actually *asked* everyone to be critical during these preview videos, such that they could have the Wildcat polished up for release. Very commendable and that attitude really shines through in all of their work! Cheers again : )

[@mikecoffee100]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations as they say in the USA keepin it real .

[@philgreen815]

Excellent review ! Must try this in VR as I absolutely love the old warlords.

[@garethdyos8018]

Got Friends really are a class leader!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

I think that’s a fair statement, Gareth; Got Friends output to date, has been both consistently excellent, as well as very reasonably priced : ) Cheers, all the best!

[@urgentsiesta7606]

For $20, I don't even have to think about it - definite Must Buy :) Flight model with NPS+CFD+SBS is a ("THE"?) killer feature of this warbird - I don't think any of the other warbird addons have all 3... Frankly couldn't care less about the droppable bombs & firing machine guns in MSFS. There are other sims much better for that. I DO like the drop tanks, tho :) Two negatives stand out to me: 1. No Wildcat ever had a 6000 fpm climb rate (in the stall segment) and given the short & extra heavy no-flaps take off, I suspect that airframe drag is is way too low, and/or thrust is way too high. Would LOVE to see that addressed at some point. 2. The engine sounds are utterly anemic. In fairness to Got Friends, this seems to be the case with MANY aircraft in the sim. For e.g., here's a real Wildcat at an airshow: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3qogYWohbWWedE Night and day. But again, given the MANY positives and low price, this is well worth the $$.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha, well quite, US; for $20, one can let a few things slide here and there ; ) I’m the same; personally, I’m not too fussed about guns and bombs, though I still always think they’re a nice feature to have, for those that want them (and it also opens up a wider range of scenarios / cinematic options for future videos). I don’t know about the climb performance, but I do know that there was a pretty stiff headwind down the runway for the takeoff (about 20kts, if I recall correctly). Either way, Got Friends are usually very good about updating / improving their products. The internal sounds were decent enough (I thought); the external sounds could be better (particularly during the flyby) but, as you say, almost nobody is getting this spot-on in MSFS currently (unfortunately). . . Anyway, happy flying and all the best! : )

[@gotoguy69]

That rain looks amazing!!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Doesn’t it Marc! MSFS isn’t always perfect, but it can look truly brilliant at times : ) Cheers, all the best!

[@noah_dpk]

A few Wildcats have been fitted with Aerobatics smoke IRL, so technically is true-to-life dependant on the circumstances haha

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Ah, fair enough Noah, I stand corrected then haha. Awesome! Cheers and all the best : )

[@mikecoffee100]

Another Exciting video as usual Thank You. Hope You are doing well .

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thank very much Mike, glad you enjoyed it! All good on my end, thanks - I hope the same is true for you. Cheers : )

[@845SiM]

Very much a top tier developer, never had a bad plane from gotfriends.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Very true, 845; Got Friends output has been consistently pretty excellent to date : ) All the best!

[@pauka13]

Strange mix of a General Motors FM-2 and a Grumman F4F-4.... They should really decide what variant they want to represent before making the final model.

[@gotfriendsmsfs]

As per our flight manual, the 3D modeling represents the F4F-4 Wildcat. During livery creation we decided to add multiple Martlet 1, F4F-3, F4F-4, and FM2 liveries in order to give thanks to the heros who flew them.

[@liamyt2029]

Hey man, kind of late to the party but how do you film the bomb effects from the ground? I tried using the replay tool but it doesn’t show, are you using another software like skydolly?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Liam, I record my flights using this 3rd party recording tool (flightsim.to/file/8163/flight-recorder); it’s not perfect but, it generally works well for things like this. I hope that helps? All the best : )

[@jaysmith4302]

Lovely video as usual. I've seen the Wildcat performing at airshows. I sounds like a coffee grinder. Now I don't know about you, but I would be very nervous performing any maneuvers that load up a wing that's designed to fold. What if the Grumman engineer forgot to oil his slide rule that day?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks very much Jay, happy to hear that you enjoyed the flight! Haha, I have often thought the same re the wings. I guess, many things can be designed beyond average human comprehension though; all those cylinders furiously working away up the front - it’s baffling that the engine can last even 5 minutes : P I suppose, when you have a Zero on your 6, you quickly forget about any possible design deficiencies of the aircraft and put all of your faith in the boys at Grumman haha. Cheers, all the best!

[@richardparrott7192]

Absolutely LOVED that clip opening! I do find that Got Friends = Go Buy = Great Flying so I bought it and have not been disappointed. An amazing full-featured aircraft! Great review!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thank you very much Richard, I’m really glad you enjoyed it (and that you enjoyed the review in general)! At this point, I think it’s fair to say that Got Friends have really positioned themselves as one of the best addon developers for MSFS - consistently excellent and consistently pricing their addons more than fairly. Great to hear that you’re having fun with the Wildcat! Happy flying and all the best : )

[@joshshorland4597]

Awesome flight, I have a question though, not about the plane but about your sim settings, I always use live weather but the sea is always flat like glass with no waves, if I start tinkering around and adding wind layers then sure I get some waves, but just curious, do you use live weather or do you have to play around with wind to make the sea actually look like the sea

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks very much Josh, I’m really glad you enjoyed the flight! It depends on the video / situation; sometimes I use Live Weather, sometimes I don’t. In this particular case, I was using a weather preset and did indeed add some wind layers in order to get a little bit more texture over the water. I hope that clarifies things. All the best : )

[@joshshorland4597]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations awesome that’s great to know, I will start playing around with wind layers! Thanks

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Cheers Josh, you’re most welcome! : )

[@roberthemingway7691]

A Class Product from them, and a class review from you. Kudos my friend🎉

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Absolutely, Robert; Got Friends have done a really nice job with their Wildcat! Thank you for the kind words re the review - very much appreciated : ) Cheers and all the best!

[@JBAlternate]

Looks great! It's one of those aircraft that makes me wish Microsoft would release a new Combat Flight Simulator.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha, I know exactly what you mean JB; it seems quite a lot of people (myself included) would be keen for a new CFS title but, sadly Microsoft / Asobo seem to have no interest in creating such a sim : / Cheers, all the best!

[@JanStrojil]

This is super exciting, the collections of warbirds for MSFS is really impressive. Are there any of the big WWII bombers coming?

[@acnumber7]

Avro Lancaster by Aeroplane Heaven

[@JanStrojil]

@@acnumber7 Thank you! 🫡

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

I 100% agree, Jan; it’s really great to see such a plentiful collection, of pretty highly-detailed warbirds within the sim! As acnumber7 points out, Aeroplane Heaven are currently working on a Lancaster (it’s looking beautiful in their progress screenshots!) and in true MSFS style, I believe there is also a freeware dev currently working an another Lanc haha. Cheers, all the best!

[@ysteineker7001]

Thanks. Wildcat is my favorite WWII radial. Radial is all about sound, and I find the Spartan W7 much better than this one. - IMO the bf109 is still the best WWII fighter in mfs2020

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

You’re most welcome, Øystein! The Wildcat is right up there for me, also. I found the aircraft sounds to be decent enough (particularly internally), though a bit weak in the flyby. I haven’t tried the Spartan W7 myself and would probably agree, the BF-109 is probably still the “king” overall, although the F4F does have some nice / unique touches. Cheers, all the best!

[@JDAeroVR]

Outstanding!!! Need to get my Yorktown class carrier models done!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Ooo, that would be great, James! Best of luck with the work. Cheers : )

[@davidh7280]

Good effort. Don't think the armoror would fit the bombs to folded wings though?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hello David, I suspect you’re 100% correct; the loading was probably an “error” on my part although, I wanted to show the wing fold animation and not be installing the bombs after the fact (so a little bit of “artistic licence” was used, for the sake of the video). Got Friends have indeed done a very nice job with the Wildcat overall - especially for the price! Cheers, all the best : )

[@cptairwolf]

Just a bit of info for Got Friends if they are reading this... The F4F (as most ww2 fighters of the time) would lurch upwards as soon as heavy loads were dropped as a result of the wing load decreasing severely and suddenly). The pilots would often account for this by keep forward pressure on the stick while releasing. Awesome video review!

[@gotfriendsmsfs]

We have modeled Drag and Weight on the airframe for payloads. Cheers

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks very much AirWolf, I’m really glad you enjoyed the video! Hopefully, Got Friends have sufficiently addressed you point there; I didn’t notice much of a lurch but, presumably, as they’re only 100lb bombs, the reduction in weight and associated pitch up, would be less significant than one might encounter with heavier munitions onboard. . . Cheers and all the best! : )

[@andrewbennett2582]

Great video and nice review of the aircraft. But boy do the clouds look terrible here. So unrealistic!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Cheers Andrew, I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Yes, MSFS tends to take a somewhat “cinematic” approach with its rendering. The bands of rain looked pretty good (I felt) but, the clouds are rather overly dramatic. As with any sim, the visuals in MSFS can be a bit “hit and miss” but, it’s still the prettiest (if not always the most realistic) sim that I’ve come across to date. Many thanks for watching! All the best : )

[@Mauleflyer100rv]

A great review as usual. Flat out the only reviewer worth watching if you want a true review.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha well, thank you very much for the kind words Steve, thoroughly appreciated! I’m really glad that you enjoyed the flight and continue to find the content a decent source of information : ) Cheers and all the best!

[@monostripezebras]

a lovely aircraft

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Indeed MZ; overall, Got Friends have done a really nice job with the Wildcat! All the best : )

[@TheSDB13]

I didn't think Wildcat's had weapons racks that far out on the wings

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

I don’t profess to be an expert, SDB13 but, I agree that it looks rather odd. I haven’t been able to find any pics of a loaded Wildcat (which somewhat makes sense, given how little ordinance the aircraft actually dropped during the war) so, can’t confirm whether Got Friends have the configuration correct or not (though I suspect they did their research). . . Cheers, all the best : )

[@RoadRashHD]

I would love to see another new Combat flight simulator come out again

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Likewise, RoadRash (and apparently, quite a few other MSFS users feel the same way)! Sadly though, it doesn’t seem as though Microsoft and / or Asobo are motivated to rekindle the franchise : / Cheers, all the best!

[@normanbyrne9868]

Great job, great review!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks very much Norman, I’m really glad you enjoyed it! Cheers for watching and all the best : )

[@gregj3139]

weather addon or default? I thought storms had been removed?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hello Greg, A weather addon effectively, yes. I was using SoFly’s “Weather Preset Pro”, which just uses MSFS’ default weather system, but offers up some nice weather presets, as you can see here. I hope that clarifies things. All the best : )

[@OutCastDB]

Hello again. Thanks for the detailed review, It was concise as always! If you would not mind, I would like to know if I might be able to convince you to allow me a copy of your Trackir profile? I mostly fly in VR, but your profile seems to top all I've tried to make myself, and I do occasionally like to witness the great scenery and make videos while in 2D. Thanks again. D

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hello OutCast, Thanks very much, I’m glad you enjoyed the flight! My TrackIR profile is actually available over on Flightsim.to; just search “Into the Blue” and you should be able to find it pretty readily. I hope that helps. All the best : )

[@OutCastDB]

Thanks, much appreciated!@@IntotheBlueSimulations

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

You’re most welcome! : )

[@AboutOliver]

I love your videos, man!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thanks very much Oliver, it’s really great to hear that you’re enjoying the content! Cheers and all the best : )

[@cheshirepiper9254]

What a beauty

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Indeed she is! : )

[@reason6835]

Another great video from the world's best sim pilot! How do you think this compares to the FlyingIrons F6F Hellcat?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha! I’m sure I don’t deserve that accolade but, I’m happy to take it until things are proven to be otherwise, Reason : P Thanks very much though, I’m really glad you enjoyed the video! Ooof, that’s a tough question to be honest - there’s very little to pick apart between the two addons. I still haven’t had a chance to fly the release version of the Wildcat, so I can’t make a direct comparison but, I would say the Hellcat has better engine / failure modelling and better flight modelling in terms of engine response, it’s a more powerful / capable airframe and perhaps also has slightly better sounds overall. The Wildcat has a few more features (namely the weapons), feels really nice in flight and is easier to takeoff / land, it also feels slightly more “alive” (I think thanks to the vibration animations). It really is basically 50/50 though, so I’d say it’s probably best to simply chose which ever aircraft you have more of an affection for generally. Not a very helpful answer, I know haha. I hope that does help a little bit though. Cheers again! : )

[@reason6835]

No, that was a very good, honest answer and very helpful. Thank you! I think I’ll go with the Hellcat when the time comes just based on my appreciation for it. Historically speaking, the Wildcat seems a bit inferior and the “easy” flight model is a turn off for me. I prefer a more challenging, realistic feel. Thanks for your help! Love the vids!

[@MrSunlander]

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?????? I've been waiting for ages! Still, I can spare a few moments to watch this review.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha! Well, I do hope you’re now enjoying the Wildcat then, Mr Sunlander! Like you, I was waiting for the F4F since it was announced and overall, the aircraft did not disappoint. Happy flying and all the best : )

[@MrSunlander]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations Now, if they'd give us a period pilot, eh? Cheers!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Indeed! As I mentioned during the review, it would be even better if Got Friends gave us an avatar we can use with every aircraft (as they have with their furry companion), as MSFS is sorely lacking such a pilot model. Cheers!

[@anjinsanx44]

Great video n tutoreal! Thx

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thank you very much, Anjinsan! I’m really glad you enjoyed the video / fount it useful. My pleasure and all the best : )

[@anjinsanx44]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations welcome!

[@del80y]

How did ypu assign the cannons to a button? I cant find the cannons on msfs configuration menu. So currently only works via the button on virtual joystick... which is pretty inconvenient. Thanks

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hello Del, There’s no cannon assignment in the MSFS control menu. I believe the F4F’s manual details the keybinds you will need to assign but, from memory, I think it’s “set pedestal lights” for the guns and “toggle cabin lights” for the bombs. I hope that helps. All the best! : )

[@NewAnticFlying]

Where do you edit your videos and how do you make your voice sound like a pilot

[@AYVYN]

This is very cool. Better graphics than DCS, but no combat unfortunately.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

I imagine that combat will eventually be modded into MSFS, AYVYN - there seems to be so much demand for it (though, I doubt any such combat will ever rival the likes of DCS, or IL2). Cheers, all the best! : )

[@31terikennedy]

The 100lbs bombs looked like 500.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi SAK, They do indeed look rather sizeable for 100lb-ers haha. A few others have mentioned the same but, I don’t recall having seen any clarification from Got Friends (so, I’m not really sure on that one). Cheers, all the best!

[@31terikennedy]

Liked your video.@@IntotheBlueSimulations

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Thank you very much, SAK! Much appreciated : )

[@flightmasta]

which airfield are you located at :)

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Marty, It’s Pingelap airfield (PTPN), included with one of the sim’s “World Updates” (I forget which one, I’m afraid). I hope that helps. All the best : )

[@tedwaetford]

Waiting patiently for your TBM850 review. Don't take notice of anyone else's.... 🙂

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha! Well thanks very much, Ted - very kind of you to say. If you can hold off for about another 1hr, I should have just the video for you ; ) Cheers!

[@tomsear1]

Ah, the atoll of complete achromatopsia !

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha! There was indeed a bit of that going on, Tom (and yes, I did have to google achromatopsia) XD All the best!

[@wingcommanderjetson5660]

Yay! New video.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha, thanks very much WCJ! I do hope you enjoyed it : ) All the best!

[@braveheart1985]

Did you get the TBM 850 yet itbs? :D

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

I did! I think I was somewhat forgotten about for the preview rounds haha but, Just Flight have been kind enough to send me the final product, for review. I should have video up within the next hour or so ; ) All the best!

[@Taocat1]

A link to the product's page would be nice. 😏

[@en0n126]

There is no product page yet. It will be on the Got Friends website and the MSFS marketplace, though the marketplace version will not have the bombs & guns as Microsoft does not allow it.

[@rogerrees9845]

Great presentation thank you.....Roger

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

My pleasure, Roger! Thank you very much for watching, I’m glad you enjoyed the video : )

[@1234vws]

Do you talk like in that in RL?

[@stevennagley3407]

Aircraft needs way more weathering, the only weathering I see is on the rudder peddles and floor board, and that blue is way too deep, have you ever been to a museum and seen one of these aircraft in person? There are plenty of details I can give a thumbs up but definitely need a touch up of weathering I’m also a modeler and texture artist and this aircraft is lacking little weathering hopefully they’ll have a texture file to edit

[@dillank3240]

I wish the Hellcat had included one clean livery like this.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hello Steven, I would agree, that the blue is probably too deep and perhaps rather too “polished” but, it’s not my areas of expertise, so I generally prefer not to comment on such things during a video (people can see for themselves and draw their own conclusions). I’m not sure that I have ever seen an F4F in the flesh, actually - maybe once at Duxford. . . I’m pretty sure Got Friends will provide a paint kit for the aircraft, so someone should be able to offer us a slightly more “beaten up” Wildcat haha. Cheers for your thoughts, all the best!

[@majorborngusfluunduch8694]

The dark blue paint scheme is from the FM-1/2 models of the Wildcat which served in the late war period when the Hellcats were flying and fighting.

[@Flyboy_Gospel]

Why is the prop feathered prior to start? It shouldn't be.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

That’s what it called for in the checklist, Flyboy. I don’t know whether or not that’s accurate to the F4F, but I have come across other radial-engined aircraft, where this is the procedure (the T6 Texan, for example); I believe it has something to do with the oil in the prop governor during the startup (though I can’t remember the specifics off the top of my head). I don’t think the prop was feathered though, rather in the fully-coarse position. I’m no expert though haha but, that’s my understanding. . . I hope that clarifies things a little. All the best : )

[@Flyboy_Gospel]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations I was just curious. I am an aircraft mechanic and have cared for a few radials. Just looked odd.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Ah, well you probably know far more than I do then haha! I totally understand and I hope my reply didn’t come across as “terse”, I was just trying to explain the rational on my end : ) Cheers!

[@Cleetusvandamm105]

It is procedure for some radials, If I remember correctly you pull it to course pitch before shutdown so that oil is scavenged from the propeller hub, as oil temp rises on startup you move it back to fine pitch @@Flyboy_Gospel

[@piotr6152]

Kupiłem samolot wczoraj w wersji xbox. Niestety ma błędy. Nie widać pilota w kabinie w widoku zewnętrznym, pomimo wielu prób różnych konfiguracji. Na mapie pojawiają się zdublowane samoloty duchy. Ktoś ma podobne problemy?

[@stahlwolle8342]

Never ever did they fold the wing with that bomb attached to it

[@jasonjanise]

Why don't I see a pilot from the external view?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hello Jason, I would assume, that you need to enter a pilot weight in your weight and balance settings / select the pilot via the aircraft options (I don’t remember exactly how this is done with the F4F). Otherwise, make sure you have a pilot model selected, via the “Misc” tab of your in-sim settings. I hope that helps? All the best!

[@rev2522]

where can I purchase this airport?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

HI rev, There’s no need to purchase the airport, it’s available for free within the sim. It’s Pingelap airfield (PTPI) and is included with one of the World Updates (I’m afraid I forget which one). I hope that helps. All the best! : )

[@rev2522]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations Thanks for the reply! I'll take a look now, Keep up the good work I love your channel

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

You’re most welcome! Thank you very much for the kind words; much appreciated and all the best : )

[@GB-tc4hr]

How does one fire the guns?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi GB, I believe the F4F’s manual details the keybinds you will need to assign but, from memory, I think it’s “set pedestal lights” for the guns and “toggle cabin lights” for the bombs. I hope that helps. All the best!

[@GB-tc4hr]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations Thanks for the help I bought it and also want to do some historic roleplaying in the pacific

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

You’re most welcome! Happy flying : )

[@GB-tc4hr]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations I coded the right keybind to the guns, and they're not firing, any advice?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi GB, Did you charge the guns (handles on either side the pilot’s seat)? I’m not sure the addon requires it but, since yours aren’t working. . . Otherwise, did you purchase the Wildcat from the in-sim Marketplace? I’m afraid weapons etc aren’t included with any Marketplace purchase. I hope that helps? Cheers again!

[@MrJp990]

Compatible with ai autopilot?

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi MrJp, The short answer would be “sort of” haha. I did a quick test flight; the aircraft took off (though the takeoff was a little haphazard) but, didn’t seem to be able to land again at destination. If you just want to cruise around, the F4F seems to work OK but, otherwise I wouldn’t really recommend trying to fly the aircraft with the AI autopilot. I hope that helps. All the best!

[@MrJp990]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations I’m only asking because I only do long distance flights, so I handle the takeoff and landing, but sometimes I need to get off my lazy butt and do something, and I don’t want to pause the flight. Thank you, friend!

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Haha! It should be alright for that, then. My pleasure! Happy flying and all the best : )

[@sheila9358]

Enjoy the outside views

[@jasond7978]

14:37 Beaten by the zero? The f4f won that battle 5.9:1

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Jason, Sure, I did say “beaten in terms of performance” though. I’m by no means an expert but, I gather it was US tactics that beat the Zero, rather than the F4F simply outclassing its opponent (though of course, it did have certain strengths vs the Japanese fighters). I hope that clarifies things a little. All the best : )

[@zebrataurus7453]

LoL C'est pas un avion c'est une fusée !

[@michaelheely]

If it wouldn’t be the ugliest warbird it would be interesting for me but it just looks so boring compared to all the other good warbirds

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

I do know what you’re getting at Michael; the Wildcat does have a slightly “utilitarian” look to it but, I’ve always found the aircraft quite visually appealing for exactly that reason. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I suppose ; ) All the best!

[@michaelheely]

@@IntotheBlueSimulations absolutely agree. I forgot to say „imho“ :) I am into special planes like the PC-6 while other would call it ugly. The landing gear of the wildcat alone reminds me of ww1 landing gear. The hellcat from flying iron is technically great but doesn’t warm my heart and as such is pretty uninteresting to me compared to the other warbirds. It all comes down to personal preference:) Cheers

[@Ricardo-eg3wn]

B - grade aircraft due to lack of engine power management. Warbirds don't run on emergency war power indefinitely without overheating. There are real world consequences for doing so. A lot of nice features but this is not flying iron, or milviz quality. my standpoint is... they can keep it until they model realistic power settings. by the book. The engine needs to fail if the aircraft is overheated. I feel like developers are skimping on the basics. I don't know if its ignorance or just laziness. I'm not impressed. Flying iron is dropping the fw190 and an unannounced twin engine. Both of those should be on par... Sim skunk works is debating on developing an Italian war bird... that may be a hit or miss. Those engine limitations effected the performance of these aircraft in combat. You had about 5 min of emergency war power before you had to slow down. If miss managed, it would get you killed. Quality over quantity. My advice to Got Friends... complete the aircraft to the best of your ability and double the price.

[@IntotheBlueSimulations]

Hi Ricardo, I can’t speak for Got Friends regarding the Wildcat, but their Wilga has engine damage / failure modelling, as well as included visual effects. It would be fair to assume that the same functionality *may* well be added to the Wildcat (if Got Friends haven’t done so already). Again, this was an early-access preview of the aircraft but I agree, engine wear and tear is a nice feature to have, especially on the warbirds. Cheers, all the best!