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GREAT PLANES REALFLIGHT 8
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum recommended system
(Note: Some graphical features might be disabled. Aerodynamic calculations will remain high quality.)
- Windows Vista, 7, 8, or 10
- Intel Pentium 1.0 GHz or equivalent
- 512 MB RAM
- 10 GB hard drive space
- DVD drive
- 3-D accelerated video with 32 MB dedicated video memory
- Full Windows DirectX 9 compliant (Shader Model 2.0 or better)
- USB port
Optimal system (for best graphical performance)
- Dual core 2.4 GHz CPU
- 2 GB RAM
- 3-D accelerated video with 512 MB dedicated video memory
- Pixel Shader 3.0 support
Multiplayer requirements
- Broadband internet connection
- Computer microphone for voice chat
Virtual reality headset
- Oculus Rift or HTC Vive (NVIDIA 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290 video card minimum)
InterLink-X controller
- USB port; compatible FM or FM selectable transmitter if using the Interface mode
RealFlight 8 brings back many of the things you might have enjoyed with versions of RealFlight from 7.5 and earlier, such as multiplayer capability and a host of challenges to test your flying skills. It also has system requirements that are less demanding compared with RealFlight X.
RealFlight 8’s most exciting feature is that it supports Virtual Reality (VR). With the use of a headset, VR provides a computer-generated simulation of an artificial image or environment in which players can interact. So what does that mean?
By donning either an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive headset, you are basically transported to the flying field, and all of the surroundings that you see in the headset are at the airport you selected. Turn around and you will see what is behind you, such as the pit area or clubhouse. Look down and see the ground and look up into the sky. When flying your RC aircraft, you track it by turning your head, just as though you are actually flying.
The headset has built-in headphones and provides positional audio. When I started my first flight experience in VR, my airplane was idling approximately 5 feet to my left and I knew it was there by the sound. I had to turn my head to the left to see it. As I taxied out for takeoff, I had the urge to call out my intention to take off.
The VR headsets are limited to 2160 x 1200 resolution, so objects that are relatively close to you look good, but when your aircraft takes flight and gets farther away, you will find it becomes somewhat distorted and not as sharp as when it is seen on your computer monitor.
The VR fun doesn’t stop there. You can also put yourself into the cockpit of aircraft such as a Russian Thunder Yak 54 and look around as though you are actually in the full-scale aircraft. From the cockpit view, you can look out over the wings or out of the upper part of the cockpit and see where you are headed while in flight. This adds a lot of realism.
When flying from the cockpit and executing many aerobatic maneuvers, I occasionally felt as though my brain
Flying while using a VR headset makes the simulator experience seem much more real and more natural, as long as you are comfortable wearing the headset. In my case, I am nearsighted and found that I need to wear my glasses with the Oculus Rift. My glasses fit inside the headset and work fine. A farsighted coworker uses his Oculus without glasses.
You should be aware that enjoying the VR experience requires that you have a gaming PC with a video card that can support the headset. You will have to purchase either the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive. My previous comment regarding the system requirements is only valid if you do not intend to take advantage of the VR support.
Beyond VR, RealFlight 8 is packed with challenges, including Air Race, Balloon Burst, FPV Drone Racing, Grapple, and Limbo. When starting a challenge, you can select your skill level from 1 to 3. To go beyond that, you must complete each level. By doing so, additional options or aircraft will be unlocked.
Multiplayer provides a great break from focused flying. Taking to the air for combat from the cockpit of a P-51 while using machine guns and rockets to take down fellow pilots is certainly a blast—no pun attended.
Depending on the time of day that you try multiplayer, the number of people playing might be limited. My testing was done at approximately the time the simulator was released, so more people are likely to be online now.
RealFlight 8 is loaded with more than 140 aircraft and 40 flying sites to provide users plenty of options. I am excited to continue honing my skills this winter and with
RealFlight 8 can be purchased for $99.99 for the software only, or for $179.99, which includes the InterLink-X Controller.
Hobbico: 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Ste. 1, Champaign IL 61822; Tel. (217) 398-8970; website: www.realflight.com.
AXi 3D Extreme Brushless Motors @ $305-$395 + S&H from Esprit Tech/Model, Box 360815, Melbourne FL 32936; Tel.: (321) 729-4287; website: www.espritmodel.com
Esprit Tech/Model introduces the newest additions to the line of AXi 3D Extreme brushless motors: the 5345 and 5360.
These motors offer integrated telemetry for a Jeti Duplex transmitter, and a special steel shaft that provides extra strength for extreme flights.
RealFlight 8 @ $99.99-$179.99 + S&H from Hobbico, 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite #1, Champaign IL 61822; Tel: (217) 398-8970; website: www.realflight.com
Classic convenience meets enhanced capabilities with RealFlight 8! Supremely realistic physics are back, with several software updates.
RealFlight 8 also features a simple, intuitive interface and game-like challenges, while multiplayer combat tests the best pilots in the world. Fly at detailed fields, day or night, and make the fields your own with FlexiField site editor. The 40-plus flying sites include an FPV flying site. Customize your aircraft and flying sites with the upgraded editing software that can accept more-detailed, high-definition models. There are more than 140 aircraft and roughly a dozen of them are new.
RealFlight 8 is also the first of the RealFlight simulators to be compatible with Oculus Rift and HTC Vive VR goggles, putting you in the cockpit. Fly using the Interlink-X controller that features 10-channel capability and built-in sliders to help drone pilots zero in their cameras, or use a game console controller. RealFlight 7 and 7.5, RealFlight Drone, and RealFlightX owners are eligible for a $20 rebate with the purchase of RealFlight 8.
Super Chief @ $172.50 + S&H from BMJR Models, Box 1210, Sharpes FL 32959; Tel.: (321) 537-1159; website: bmjrmodels.com
George Aldrich flew the Super Chief in the Senior division at the 1950 and 1951 Control Line Nats. The airplane’s design features, such as the airfoil-shaped vertical stabilizer and rudder, were incorporated into George’s famous Nobler design.
The Super Chief was said to be a significant improvement over the original Veco Chief kit, but the biggest differences were that the Veco kit had a thinner airfoil and the tail feathers and flaps were ³⁄₁₆ sheet.
The Super Chief had thicker, tapered, built-up surfaces to match the shape of the airfoil. It also featured a bubble canopy with colored silkspan for covering and a few coats of nitrate dope and a varnish-type fuelproofing compound.
The BMJR Models prototype kit features Polyspan covering, colored nitrate, and a top coat of Klass-Kote epoxy for fuelproofing. The 53-inch model is powered by a Brodak Manufacturing .40 engine using an APC 11 x 5 propeller and 5-ounce Brodak tank BH-552. It required 1 ounce of tail weight for proper center of gravity, for a final weight of 34½ ounces.
D-Series Digital Servos @ $16.99-$74.99 + S&H from Hitec RCD, 12115 Paine St., Poway CA 92064; Tel.: (858) 748-6948; website: www.hitecrcd.com
Hitec is excited to announce the addition of five new servos to its popular D-Series. All are programmable, digital, and offer incredible performance and precision with 32-bit, high-resolution, ultra-response technology and wide voltage operation.
The micro-size D89MW delivers solid power with a coreless motor. The slim wing D145SW has heavy-duty steel gears and provides instant torque and holding power for slim aircraft and glider wings. The sport class D485HW replaces the HS-5485HB and HS-5495BH servos and brings faster response and accuracy to various radio control needs.
The D646WP is IP rated with D-Series enhanced technology and is the successor to the HS5646WP servo. Finally, the low-profile D777MG servo evolved directly from the popular metal-gear HS-7775MG and HS-8775MG servos.
All are dual ball-bearing types except for the D485HW, which is top ball bearing.
Spektrum 4.3-Inch FPV Video Monitor with DVR @ $84.99 + S&H from Horizon Hobby, 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; website: www.spektrumrc.com
Spektrum has broken another barrier by offering a cost-effective FPV monitor featuring an integrated digital video recorder (DVR). Pilots can now record in-flight FPV footage straight to a micro-SD card, making video sharing from their favorite FPV aircraft simple, fun, and easy.
Perfect for models such as the Blade Inductrix FPV + or the F-27 FPV Wing, the monitor features a 5.8 GHz video receiver with 32 channels, including Raceband, and an all-in-one design with an integrated 1,800 mAh battery and receiver. An adjustable transmitter mount that works with most Spektrum transmitters is included, as well as a built-in sunshade to minimize glare and a USB adapter to charge the integrated battery.
For a more immersive experience, utilize the SPMVM430HA Headset (sold separately). Clip it in place and have a full-featured FPV headset with DVR at half the cost of those sold by other companies.
Great Planes PT-19 Sport Scale .46 GP/EP ARF @ $159.99 + S&H from Hobbico, 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite #1, Champaign IL 61822; Tel: (217) 398-8970; website: www.greatplanes.com
The PT-19 was used to train thousands of recruits during World War II, turning them into combat-ready pilots. Great Planes now gives you the chance to fly into the clouds with this iconic titan of the air with either gas or electric power.
Although the model is not a trainer, pilots with a little time in the air will love how the PT-19 handles. The fast, easy assembly gets this sport model into the air faster, and it handles even better than the original. A large, easy-to-remove hatch makes accessing the fuel tank or batteries quick and easy, while the ailerons are operated by individual servos and short, direct linkages to allow for fine-tuning aileron and flaperon mixing.
Parts for mounting a brushless motor and LiPo battery or glow power setups are included. A four- to five-channel radio with four or five servos is required. If using glow power, a .46- to .55-cubic-inch two-stroke or .70-cubic-inch four-stroke engine is required. Electric power uses a RimFire 32 42-50-800 Kv brushless outrunner motor, 75-amp ESC, and a 4S 3,000 to 4,000 LiPo battery.
AXi Radian XL Power Package. Components range from $6 to $85.50 + S&H from Esprit Tech/Model, Box 360815, Melbourne FL 32936; Tel.: (321) 729-4287; website: www.espritmodel.com
Experience the best by upgrading your E-flite Radian XL 2.6-meter sailplane with an AXi Radian XL Power Package!
This power upgrade includes an AXi 35 2826/12-30 sailplane outrunner brushless motor, Jeti Advance 70-amp Pro SB ESC, Aeronaut CAM folding 45/5/8mm spinner and 14 x 8 or 15 x 6 propeller setup, and a Jeti Pro Power 3S 3,300 mAh LiPo battery. An optional Jeti Programmer Card for the Advance Pro is available.
VQ 30cc DHC-2 Beaver Whistler Air 112-Inch ARF @ $459.95 + S&H from VQ Warbirds, Box 3512, Bryan TX 77805; email: info@vqwarbirds.com; website: www.vqwarbirds.com
The full-scale de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver is a single-engine, high-wing, propeller-driven, Short Takeoff & Landing (STOL) aircraft primarily used as a bush plane, but also for cargo and passenger hauling, and aerial application such as crop dusting. The armed forces have used the DHC-2 as a light utility aircraft.
VQ Warbirds now brings you the Whistler Air civilian Beaver. It is a great-flying 30cc-size ARF model that is gas, glow, and electric-power friendly! Featuring balsa and light plywood construction, the Beaver is fully covered in weathered details and has fiberglass cowling, prehinged and installed control surfaces, a two-piece wing with an aluminum wing joiner, a pilot, a rear door that opens and closes, and a big battery hatch for the electric version.
This 112-inch aircraft includes the fuel tank and all of the decals and hardware, as well as the spinner, engine mounts, aluminum landing gear, wheels, and plastic cover. A 26cc to 30cc gas engine or Boost 160 electric motor with two 22.2-volt 5,000 mAh LiPos, six-channel radio, and eight servos are required.
