Real Fighter Pilot Flies F-16 Aggressor in Combat Simulator Dogfight

Fighter Pilot dogfights Chinese and Russian fighter jets in DCS. Support this channel by becoming a patron: / maxafterburner
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[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Hey everyone! Thanks for watching if you can’t tell I’m working on my DCS skills lol. Let me know if you like this video and I’ll make more. Also check out Patreon for way more content like this 😊

[@ProGamer-gc3wv]

I watched your video when the F-15E Trailer was revealed. You are the F-15 guy, how come you fly with the F-16? I was waiting for some new videos with the F-15, to see if Razbaam did a good job and how it feels. Sadly it seems you dont like the F-15E? If i remember, you have one video with the F-15E after it was released, but it was a short video and that's it? Come on, we need some entertainment from real F-15 Pilots

[@MrWpns24]

I want to offer you the chance to try flying with our Virtual Fighter Wing on BMS, everything is 100% realistic with in-depth campaigns and also Tactical Engagements to polish certain skills like BVR and AAR. You won't regret it sir

[@ProGamer-gc3wv]

@@MrWpns24 100% realistic? This guy flew the F-15 in real, what are you talking about? BMS looks crap, i don't care how accurate it is, it is still a game which try to simulate the F-16, so calm down.

[@MrWpns24]

@@ProGamer-gc3wv tell me you're a DCS fanboy with telling me you're a crappy pilot that lacks the realism of flying a combat simulator that's only positive is it looks "better" and a flight model similar to ace combat.... 🙄🙄🙄

[@Bryan-cd9cl]

​@@ProGamer-gc3wv🎉 totally agree with u bro..i was expecting a real professionnal coments about the insane job of Eagle dynamic

[@estronaut7233]

Your spacial awareness is nuts! I've never watched a pilot play this but it's crazy to see you analyze target behaviors and truly almost just KNOW where they're gonna be. Very cool man!

[@immortaldev1489]

always cool seeing pilots fly DCS, thanks for the content!

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

You bet!!

[@matto9734]

Good pilots forgetting about their fuel load... ;-)

[@immortaldev1489]

@matto9734 it's not that big of a deal lmao, he's not in an irl sortie, and probably didn't know his initial fuel load because its likely a pre-made mission

[@Callsigntitan]

You need to get into VR man. Makes a whole difference

[@Nathan-vt1jz]

Agreed.

[@MochaMan97]

But you can only play for so long in vr

[@UnfocusedRacing]

Agreed. Best upgrade for DCS or any games that supports it.

[@UnfocusedRacing]

​@@MochaMan97depends. If you get motion sick then yes. I use to but built up a tolerance. Now I can go all day.

[@Topper_Harley68]

@@UnfocusedRacing Never experienced motion sickness so i can wear it to it starts to hurt somewhere on my head.

[@TheLonelyViper]

am i imagining it or is he instinctively doing the breathing techniques when he turns :D

[@itslife1399]

I noticed that too haha.

[@DeBattousai]

It become habits and die hard once it stuck in your mind and body

[@jairflores17]

I came scrolling just searching for something like this comment

[@nzKnut]

Watching the reflexive head tracking (obviously based on your real flying muscle memory) is really interesting.

[@aperron88]

Im just seeing this today. Happy Thanksgiving everyone to anyone that sees this lol. But damn man im an army vet OIF 07-09 and we relyed on our air support the 2 times we had to call for it. This guy isnt playing a game, hes feeling every movement. Such a cool video Sir! So much respect for our men and women whoprotect the skies. Thank you for your service. 1 team 1 fight 🇺🇸

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Awesome comment! Happy Thanksgiving and stay tuned for another one of these releasing tomorrow morning.

[@cobblerama]

"I don't think most fighter pilots will go to heaven" LMAO 🤣

[@BrunoBarata78]

Will be glad to see you using a TrackIR. I think you will find it easier to use, but for ease of use I'd recommend increasing the sensitivity compared to what you are using now (with FaceTrackNoIR I'm guessing?). It probably won't be intuitive to you at all, but HeadTracking isn't quite the same as actually being there and never will be, and I think once you get used to it, you'll appreciate the comfort and reduced eye strain of turning you head one way and not having to turn your eyes back in their sockets to keep view of your screen.

[@jaromirandel543]

Definitely. TrackIR or any alternative. Like Delanclip, e.t.c... IMO the IR clip is the most accurate and with best response.

[@craigdavies4682]

@@jaromirandel543 Never jump into any sim without it. Once you have your settings dialled in for your system its a click away :) I find it so very intuitive.

[@WatchMysh]

Couldn't he just increase the sensitivity/extrapolation of the face tracker? With trackIR you still have to move your head.

[@BrunoBarata78]

@@WatchMysh yes of course. What o meant is that he will enjoy better quality of tracking. But the rest it was a reminder that he might want to twerk those settings anyway, because if he uses the default ones he's head strain might be similar to what he was doing here.

[@WatchMysh]

@@BrunoBarata78 ok, thanks. Thought I missed something. :) Did you try v2 Trackhat face tracking with their ir cam? I don't have a TrackIR to compare but it seems to work very well and better than the other face trackers relying on webcams/phone I tried. Would be interesting to hear some thoughts from someone owning both devices.

[@foobee2]

Have you tried VR? With the newer headsets out now (Varjo Aero, Pimax Crystal) the resolution is basically human eye accurate. I use the Aero, and I can't imagine trying to fly on a flat screen. It really does take the simulator to a whole new level. Even on my old Rift S it was miles better than a flat screen. The spatial awareness alone is a game changer, even beyond the immediate immersion. You really should give it a try if you haven't already.

[@kylrean3891]

Agreed. I just got the new Quest 3 and it's lightyears ahead of the originals. HIGHLY recommend VR, no matter which you end up going with.

[@montrose699]

I have been flying in DCS in VR since the CV1 and am now using the Crystal. I could never ever go back to TrackIR as good as it is its just no where near the same

[@getsideways7257]

It's called 'a monitor'. Those two things you have inside the bucket are also "flat screens". Either way, not everyone wants to have THAT on their heads for prolonged periods of time, not to mention the thing doesn't support HDR.

[@mikeserds2333]

@@getsideways7257 Dafuq is your issue? All he asked is if he has tried it.

[@kelvinhopes8410]

@@getsideways7257Proper attitude issue lol

[@grimblegromblethegnome]

Yes lots more of this kind of content. Any time you can lend your expertise and first hand knowledge of flying, dogfighting, running missions, whatever, it's extremely interesting and entertaining. Thanks!

[@rmack9226]

There's literally zero expertise in this video. He should never be below 200kts in a fight. This is literally horrible dogfighting.

[@jaydeveas2930]

I think i saw you “G” grunt. & is refreshing to see an honest post; not only vids of being an ACE.

[@airsent11277]

It looks cool and all but it takes forever for something to happen. My uncle was a pilot during the Vietnam era. I was good enough in school to actually get in if I wanted to but it was not like what I was thinking and what we was being told so thank God for him straightening me out

[@nuclearhominoidea]

yeah but imagine having your own plane and flying through the clouds.

[@wraith444]

I have no idea if this is correct behavior or not, but in DCS the radar will wake up when you switch ACM modes after selecting the dogfight override.

[@hiei5040]

You're correct , Can confirm it's working as intended. Radar is paused upon entering Dogfight Override . You need to use TMS to select various ACM modes

[@NBC_NCO]

The g forces must be intense sitting in a stationary chair. I'm guessing this is muscle memory taking over ?

[@42grath]

It's fascinating watching your flying after having watched GS for so long and his methodology for the F-16 within DCS. Not saying one is fundamentally wrong one way or the other, just very different approaches considering how slow you fly vs his methodology of staying around 350-450

[@TheLinguistic08]

Muscle memory reacting to the G's experienced in real flight based on attitude.

[@BlackHornetSim]

"The ocean has a 1 for 1 kill ratio" hahaha thanks for the laugh, that was great!

[@StelAndre]

Is the energy loss of the F16, as you maneuver, realistic enough? I think in BMS the knots kinda remain higher while maneuvering. I find DCS behaviour in the F16, being kinda more extreme in energy loss while you take hard turns. I mean that is what supposed to happen I guess, but.. it feels very severe. What are your thoughts?

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

I do feel like there is a little more than normal energy loss in DCS but it’s really hard to tell since my stick moves and the real viper stick does not. So onset of G is harder to control in the Sim. Great question btw 🫡

[@SackyX]

Set yourself a track ir recentering button up on the joystick, that way if you look down, hit the recenter then look back up you won't put so much strain on your neck. It also will make looking around much easier.

[@XaOcWAR]

Its fun to see how he get ready for over G on reflex

[@BikeAndNatureMotovlog]

Watching a Real Pilot is so amazing... and I have zero idea what going on. lol

[@Remy-vn2bc]

been waiting for this one!!!!

[@dusty1-183]

Tms up to turn radar on during dogfight mode. Tms down if you want verticle scan.

[@dracon501]

Got to love him breathing through the tight turns like it was real.

[@brockoala2994]

You might want to adjust your headtracker's sensitivity so you don't have to turn your head so much. Also putting the screen closer helps, or use a bigger screen.

[@llamathrust8646]

In DCS, TMS Down clears the no RAD in dogfight mode.

[@mcdjay]

i was gonna say TMS up turns it on but i guess its down. I haven't flown the viper in a while, been honing my AH-64 skills. That thing is a different beast to fly all together.

[@Racer0ne0ne]

TMS any direction puts it back into a radar mode@@mcdjay

[@LoudandProudBSE]

Cant all be perfect... except me. Yep hes a pilot. Legit.

[@iamenergizer9766]

I feel like having a VR setup would make this even crazier to watch!

[@keithlowery9708]

Heck yes more DCS please 🤙🏻

[@spooky1259]

You and growling sidewinder should do some dogfighting!

[@jameskester7745]

That would be sweet, thinking F16 vs Mig29 would be cool

[@user-iu6sd8su3e]

@@jameskester774516 vs 27

[@rmack9226]

Why? He's terrible. Turn fighting in a 16 at 130kts is baaad. I can't believe he's posting this.

[@jameskester7745]

@rmack9226 I think he's still getting used to it. Pilots have been known to have a hard time on DCS because of no sensation of speed and Gs

[@taylorwhiting5732]

I agree with James. I spent countless hours on forza which helped me become skilled at the wheel.. having not touched the game for a long time and being a wheelman I can attest that those missing elements gave the same feeling.

[@annonnymous-z8t]

Amazing! Do it more and more!

[@navyao]

Yes sir, keep 'em coming! Personally I enjoy watching real sticks fly DCS and give their opinions.

[@TheoreticalApex]

Always so cool to see real pilots flying DCS. Gotta get a VR headset man. It is a DCS game changer!

[@Freediver_72]

I’m sure Ryan would enjoy the RealSimulator Force Sensing Stick, or the WinWing version.

[@tinkerscustom9568]

What software is this that you are using? There is head tracking too?!

[@ChronicViper]

You sound very calm and clear at 9Gs.

[@earlthompson6212]

Thanks

[@hiei5040]

IT'S Modelled CORRECTLY ( I know you're a viper pilot so idk how you forgot this) The DOGFIGHT OVERRIDE mode automatically pauses your radar and changes the HUD to offer cues for guns and Aim-9 use. It's designed that way as to not give away your position with a giant RWR warning. A simple TMS flick will enter the ACM modes + Instantly reactivate Radar. it's only paused , a simple flick of tms turns it back on in any of the ACM search modes ! Like you said "We can't all be perfect" 🤔 😜

[@RW-zn8vy]

Very well could be because he flew as a thunderbird for one so not much combat in the viper or two it’s been changed throughout the years.

[@jamesgornall5731]

Its OK, breathe, calm, breathe, take a xanax

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Yeah agreed but that is not working on my TM probably pilot error!

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Aye aye captain I’m on it 🫡

[@hiei5040]

@@MaxAfterburnerusa LOVE the content , keep it up ! You're a lucky man to have tamed this beast , us virtual pilots can only dream !

[@apkawa]

You need a long center stick like VKB Gunfighter mcg pro. like MiG-29 Airplane control stick/ACS; We named it "roos")) you will feel a big difference in comfort and convenience of control .

[@brycenewkirk3915]

Need to TMS up to get the off bore radar sight while in DGFT mode

[@chrisknoblauch270]

This was a fun watch.

[@d.tim1989]

I always presumed everyone wore some virtual reality headset. Never playing DCS the game looked amazing. Now I see how awkward it is. Moving your head while keeping eyes on a monitor looks strange. Is this how everyone plays DCS? Thank you for filming this. When I watch ‘growling sidewinder’ he literally looks over his shoulder at jets, how would he still be able to see the monitor?

[@DallasGraves]

I bet that stick was difficult to get used to considering how tight the F-16’s stick is IRL.

[@TehButterflyEffect]

One of the things that really bugs me about the "realistic" jet simulators like this one is how they handle power to weight ratio. Modern jets (or even old ones like the F16) either are very close to 1:1 or have a positive power to weight ratio. But the sims make them fly like heavy dogs.

[@Chris11249]

When you're pulling G's and creating all that air resistance, you're gonna bleed of speed no way around it man. Weight of the plane can be a lot less important than the air resistance sometimes--you can see even when his plane is pointed straight down he's not speeding up because he's pulling back on that stick for all its worth. That's why "unloading" works so well, you remove most of the air resistance on your wings and the rest of the plane

[@topfeedcoco]

Good stuff. I was wondering if you ever DCS against Growling Sidewinder?

[@Mr.Sinister84]

Awesome. Funny how you kept instinctively wanting to turn your head to keep sight of your enemy lol

[@authorified89]

He has a camera that tracks his head. By moving his head he is moving the ingame camera.

[@andrewjhollins]

The video game effects of Over-G, where everything just gets kinda dark... how does that compare to real life? Does your vision actually darken?

[@junioraltamontent.7582]

I was wondering that too. If some of those turns the game makes him ease off on would be something that in a sortie or heated aggressor dogfight he would eat and keep going.

[@DeltaV64]

Hey, I feel like you could use some remapping on the track ir. It looks a bit too uncomfortable while you are looking up.

[@d3us3xmach1na5]

Track ir is great but you definitely need to tweak hose sensitivities.

[@christopher7952]

Your incredible pilot!!!

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Yo thanks! More to come 👍👍

[@StudSupreme]

It's extremely evident from this vid that anybody who goes up against the USAF in aerial combat is really, really, REALLY going to wish they'd instead decided to call in sick that day..... ;-)

[@otanguma]

Yea, need to adjust the curves on the Track IR so you don't have to strain your neck so much.

[@AlphaPackBoi]

You should do some dogfighting videos with growling sidewinder and his buddy longshot I think that would make for some good content.

[@askmeaboutarcticcats]

Be cool to see you and Growling Sidewinder do a colab on DCS!

[@lukethedrifter8302]

Dude fighter pilots go to haven. God knows it's hard to be humble when your perfect in every way. 🇺🇸❤️⚓

[@jamesgornall5731]

Whats the hotas setup you have? The stick and throttle look boss, all youre missing is a VR helmet

[@Hardcover_Pilot]

Looks like a Thrustmaster Warthog.

[@jamesgornall5731]

@@Hardcover_Pilot oh those are so sweet, maybe in a few months...

[@Hardcover_Pilot]

@@jamesgornall5731 Honestly if you're saving up for a HOTAS anyway, I'd suggest going for the VKB Controllers NXT EVO Premium joystick and STECS Standard throttle. It's less expensive (going off Amazon prices) and frankly they give you more bang for your buck.

[@Rosaslav]

All I see is two pilots flying in circles around each other… This is why I don’t fly planes on Warthunder as it is so abstract to me:-/

[@russd3985]

Why not take the 9x off slave to bore. Also hitting the acm mode selector will turn rad on and off

[@bigafro7657]

Hey man! love the video but I wanted to ask as a fighter pilot how realistic is DCS compared with flying an F16 in terms of controls and aircraft maneuverability?

[@TehButterflyEffect]

Not very. A real F16 has more power and is more maneuverable.

[@j0xx02]

If you want the most realistic flight dynamics of an F16, you should fly in BMS. DCS is not bad, but BMS is much better for flight model.

[@nicolas140783]

hei Max, You have to modify the response curve of your track IR so that the virtual pilots move his head more than you do... else you are always going to lose sight cause your move is limited.... Also, get a VR headset if you want real fun....

[@imtroublesome]

This man knows wtf he is doing you can see it, good jesus ...

[@StratOCasterMIJ90]

Gang-Gang, he doesn't need VR goggles, y'all need to go outside. ;)

[@AlphaGatorDCS]

sorry man, I didn't realize the Tobii would be so difficult for streaming. TrackIR will be MUCH better!

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

All good man! I will be getting TrackIR up and running soon. Either way thanks for the Tobii you’re awesome.

[@andersbonde5185]

Hi Max! Awesome videos you make, please keep doing them. But I want to ask if you could / would share your Thrustmaster bindings? And also do a video on you setup of your controls. Would like to know hwo a real pilot would setup this Thrustmaster stick and throttle.

[@RW-zn8vy]

Pretty sure thrustmaster all ready comes pre bind, but either way just match the real controls to the replica

[@hummingbird9149]

@MaxAfterburnerlife how do you feel about the recent FM change, where they reduced the G-onset rate (pitch rate) of the F-16? Feels very sluggish in pitch now, and slow to put on the Gs.

[@Distant_INC]

The ocean's KD is actually insane.

[@achaosg]

I bet as a real pilot its annoying as hell not being able to free look around to view and steer towards the target. I have used TrackIR in the past with games like Aces High, but its just not the same.

[@93362F]

Ahoj Maxi. Jak hodnotíš realističnost DCS. Jak je to blízko realite létaní s Viperem?

[@dynastygaming1374]

How much do your eyes hurt after this? 😂 the head movement with what seems to be a static monitor just seems insane

[@bruces3613]

Yeah a more experienced opponent would have anticipated another climb for altitude positioned for a shot as you came slow over the top. Kid pilot most likely.

[@alibadawi3398]

How's the head tracking experience for you? I'm considering it

[@jimrussell4062]

The F-16 BURNS through flares in DCS since the default is set to eject so many at one time.

[@onzkicg]

wow dude is that an 80” tv? cool!

[@Dwight511]

You need to adjust head tracker sensitivity you're turning your head way too much it doesn't seem comfortable lol

[@blakewardUS]

Yup, still needs some fine tuning. HOTAS components seem a bit far away as well but could be cam angle. Head and eyes in my opinion should only point as far as edge of screen not beyond.

[@drewbocop]

What is that setup he is using? Is there a list somewhere? I don't really know anything about the simulator community other than your basic budget stuff.

[@cshader2488]

You need to try VR my dude

[@peagee4518]

fell asleep waiting for him to catch him....oh well

[@joet7760]

The difference between a real fighter pilot and non real is if you look, his head turns in the direction he moves

[@AB-ez4rm]

I bet it's weird to take those sharp turns and not feel the g forces.

[@ishi02]

Is it me or is he instinctively doing breathing techniques? I can see the g force face when he is turning the jet lol

[@chriskoch9375]

You should dogfight Growling Sidewinder

[@michaelbartley9572]

So in a f16 you don't get enough fuel to fight and have to fight right off shire or carrier and do a few turns run out of gas and crash. Please tell me this can't be like real life.

[@CaptainBiggles.]

TMS up will get rid of No Rad symbol and put boresight on the HMD

[@squareded]

it is really fun to fly jets like that but what gets me every time in that game is how your eye need to be like a literal tracker .

[@UWfalcin]

you get a feel for it eventually but it will still always be hard to spot

[@skepziev2565]

why don't you use vr headset or does it work it vr headset?

[@Lambda420]

The df mode switches work a lot better on open beta. Make the switch. I’m really surprised you didn’t get the circle in youre hmcs.

[@croeternal]

Am i the only one that notices like muscle memory trying to breath while pulling g-s

[@sodabamahmoodi5693]

Did you know?!! Iran paid for 170 f16 but didn't received it from US, and the money haven't returned 😅

[@sodabamahmoodi5693]

Yep

[@famlrnamemssng]

I think the US has done far worse to Iran *cough* Iran Air Flight 655 *cough cough*

[@bdevastation3609]

CAN YOU DO A VIDEO OF YOUR SIMULATOR SETUP?

[@Devastator89x]

try this with a VR headset! its awesome

[@Devastator89x]

@@GrindSultan why? It looks and feels like you're actually in the cockpit, you don't have to tilt your head funny like he does you just look where you want.

[@joshtheking1772]

I tried that at a buddies house and I was hyped to try it and it was fun for all of about 2 hours. After that, I just stopped playing it. Couldn't get interested in it again. It was always circle, circle, circle, circle, circle and it got boring.

[@dev1360]

Having owned both, I find the Grass Monkey Simulations tracker better than the TrackIR.

[@omon316]

Hey NO RAD, press TMS forward short!

[@droneforfun5384]

I hope you got to shore it looked like just a short swim, ❤

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

Hopefully no sharks! lol

[@droneforfun5384]

@@MaxAfterburnerusa trick is to swim towards the shark under the surface. works every time

[@Bassora29]

Why don't you use a mirror above your head to see the monitor?

[@sspnlgaming7844]

why arent you using a vr?

[@damoncoombs9307]

Would to see him go up against Growling Sidewinder.

[@MaxAfterburnerusa]

That would be fun!

[@itistheway6893]

Somebody buy this man a Quest 3

[@jaype331]

use a 60 inch tv helps the most