by Leonard "Viking1" Hjalmarson

  Time for a quick tour through F18 simulations over the past two years. In 1997 Graphic Simulations released a much anticipated follow up to their successful Hornet 3.0: Hornet Korea. . At the time it was an incredible simulation, with astonishing graphics and the best clouds ever seen on a PC.

Cockpit from Hornet: Korea

Virtual Cockpit from Hornet: Korea

Then in the middle of 1998 iMagic released if18 Carrier Strike Fighter. This simulation was based on the Super Hornet and featured a fully dynamic campaign system, a solid mission planner and some great gameplay. The carrier based interface was also very nicely done.

Cockpit from iF18 CSF

Full Cockpit from iF18 CSF

Click to continue

Digital Integration's Super Hornet is looking very, very good and will feature avionics considerably beyond iF18, not to mention a populated deck! The initial release in the UK lacks the dynamic campaign and COMMAND mode, which will follow later in a GOLD release.

DIs Super Hornet

DIs Super Hornet: GMT Mode

JANE'S F/A 18 will be the prettiest Super Hornet simulation to ever hit the stands, with volumetric clouds and advanced lighting effects. Furthermore, it will feature simulated weather including a rolling, pitching deck. JANE'S F/A 18 uses a semi-dynamic campaign system and the Skunkworks have taken an unusual approach to the cockpit, with the first fully clickable 3d cockpit ever.

JANES F/A 18 Cockpit

JANES F/A 18 Cockpit

Join a discussion forum on this article by clicking HERE.