Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Expanding the Envelope

Up to this point, Digital Flight Deck has focused on non-combat simulation. That’s been deliberate — but it’s probably time to at least open the door a bit.

Some FSG@ members are already using Digital Combat Simulator (DCS). It may not be your thing today — but it might be tomorrow. So why not take a look?

DCS in VR is a different experience entirely. Not incremental — transformational. You’re not observing the fight, you’re in it. And that changes everything.

I came across a video today that captures that immersion well. Worth a few minutes—if only to see what’s now possible.

A realistic VR DCS War experience?


More videos like this Tactical Pascale

And it’s not just DCS.

One of our members Jon B., a Vietnam-era F-4 driver, recently stepped back into the Phantom — this time in VR using Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.


His reaction? Grin, ear-to-ear.  Couldn't get him off the machine.

That’s really the point. These platforms are no longer just simulations — they’re experiences.

Need a little more convincing?  Do what we do.  Head on up/down to Extreme Flight Simulation (EFS) in Gurnee, IL.  Two DCS combat simulators, great staff and a lot of fun.  Don't forget to try their 737.  

And if reading is your thing, the Jan/Feb 2026 issue of PCPilot had a well written article on Military Jets in FS2024.

Of course, you can just load DCS up on to your computer - for free.  Either way, take a look!

Your thoughts,

Kenneth (Ken) Butterly, Founder

No comments:

Post a Comment

Convergence

Two established data sets. One reinforcing signal. The State of Flight Training 2026 from Redbird Flight Simulations  continues to describe ...