As Air Combat simulations become more advanced, artificial intelligence
improves, flight modeling and flight dynamics become more realistic, the need for real
world fighter maneuvers becomes more necessary. Unfortunately, there is a void for the
flight simulation enthusiast when it comes to this type of information. There are a few
very good books that can help you learn some of this information, unfortunately they are
out of print, difficult to find, or difficult to read and understand.
"How to Live and Die in the Virtual Sky" is intended to fill
this void. Many years of flight simulation experience, testing of several air combat
simulations, and a great deal of research has been compiled here to teach the basics of
BFM or Basic Fighter Maneuvers. The only way to understand these lessons will be to
practice them. These lessons will center primarily on JET air combat. Many of the
maneuvers will apply equally as well to propeller driven aircraft. The fundamentals will
apply to both.
This information applies
to both computer run opponents as well as Human opponents. Many recent simulations have
very good AI (Artificial Intelligence) and can actually perform very close to how a
textbook flying human would react. However, when fighting against a human opponent, the
element of surprise is highly likely. Human opponents will execute maneuvers and try
tricks at all costs in an effort to survive. You must stay on your toes when fighting a
human.
Features:
- All 8 Lessons from How to Live and Die in the Virtual Sky articles posted on
COMBATSIM.COM
- NATO Alpha code
- A 44 page Dictionary of terms. This is a very comprehensive collection of terms you
may encounter while flying air combat flight sims. While it could never be complete, it is
one of the most complete selections I have seen.
- Real world weapons specifications of commonly modeled NATO and SOVIET Air to Air
weapons. This will give you a much better idea if the weapons are working as they should
and help you learn how to employ them better.
The book is 200 pages, has all of the color line drawings and screen shots
included, is spiral bound so it will lay flat on your table, and a full color cover.
