With all the sales that Eagle Dynamics has been doing recently, there has been a certain increase in new players coming into the game to try out what DCS World is all about. Some will want to start with full fidelity modules, some others with Flaming Cliffs 2024. Both of these have their merits, but what would I personally recommend for a new player that does not want to mess around with mods?
This, to me, is a simple question to answer: The F-5E Tiger II. Having spent countless hours with it, I can not see this module in any other way than as DCS' premier training aircraft. This applies to both of its forms, be it the full fidelity module or the Flaming Cliffs 2024 version with its simplified systems. The F-5E stands on its own as one of the few true light fighters in the game, and one that is both docile yet hard enough to teach you every single fundamental principle that you will apply to any other fighter, be it of western or eastern design. We are talking about basic flight maneuvers such as take-off, navigation and landing with a supersonic jet. One friend of mine struggled to deal with faster aircraft since they had never flown one before in any game, which is why the F-5E provides the best platform to get used to "jet" speeds.
The same applies to combat maneuvering, with it being one of the most capable light fighters thanks to its amazing payload capabilities. Since it does lack any sort of advanced targeting computer for air to ground munitions, it forces you to learn proper bombing techniques and angles that are applicable to all other fighters. It makes you, as a pilot, a jack of all trades, but master of none, yet that is still better than being a master of one aircraft.
Without these principles, or by skipping learning them and going directly to full fidelity 4th generation fighters, you will be lacking crucial skills that a virtual pilot needs. Remember that we are not limited by airframe or era, so learning how to do things "the old way" will always be beneficial to you. It opens the door to so many other types of aircraft that you could be interested in flying.
Aside from its regular utility as a fighter, a notable aspect of the Tiger II is its simplicity. It is a fighter with a trainer-like cockpit design that allows you to visually separate each area of your instrumentation, and directs your eyes to all the correct places. There is a reason why the original F-5s spawned the now prolific and legendary T-38A/C Talon, the USAF's advanced trainer for over the past 60 years.
You will learn to keep your eyes in the cockpit, read your instruments, get warheads on foreheads and have fun while doing it. I could not recommend the F-5E enough. If you still don't believe me, then you have the free trial period available to you so you can try it out before buying it. That would be the smart way to do it.
About the writer:
Santiago "Cubeboy" Cuberos
Longtime aviation fanatic with particular preference towards military aviation and its history. Said interests date back to the early 2000s, leading into his livelong dive into civil and combat flight simulators. He has been involved in a few communities, but only started being active around the mid 2010s. Joined as a Spanish to English translator in 2017, he has been active as the co-founder and writer ever since. Twitter | Discord: Cubeboy
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