Air Combat Sim

In this episode, we explore the C-130J DCS Module, diving into its development, features, and the unique experiences it offers. Scott "Roger" Chafian, Brian "Sunshine" Sinclair, Baltic Dragon join Matt Delaney to discuss the aircraft's history, its tactical capabilities, and the challenges Matt faced during the DCS module's creation. Matt provides a comprehensive look at what it took to make the C-130J a standout module in DCS.The Airplane Simulation Company: https://www.airplanesimulations.com/Digital Combat Simulator: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/Brian Sunshine Sinclair: https://www.3-wire.com/Baltic Dragon: https://www.baltic-dragon.net/C-130 EXPERIENCE NOTES:Blue Angels “Fat Albert”The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flight demonstration team operates a support C‑130J nicknamed “Fat Albert.” At airshows around the United States, Fat Albert opens the show with a high‑energy routine, demonstrating the Hercules’ STOL capabilities and surprising agility. The aircraft performs steep take‑offs, power climbs, tight turns and tactical descents. Until 2009, JATO (jet‑assisted take‑off) rockets added extra spectacle. Today’s Fat Albert uses modern six‑blade propellers and continues to thrill crowds.Several museums allow visitors to step inside or operate replicas of the Hercules:Hill Aerospace Museum (Utah) – Their “C‑130 Experience” turns a retired fuselage into an interactive classroom. Visitors climb into the cargo bay and cockpit, interact with real controls and experience mission scenarios such as hurricane hunting, Antarctic landings and Fulton recovery. The exhibit reproduces sights, sounds and vibrations, giving a taste of being on a missionAir Mobility Command Museum (Delaware) – Houses a C‑130E that visitors can tour on open‑cockpit days, with veterans providing guided walkthroughsMuseum of Aviation (Georgia) – Hosts an annual C‑130 Day where attendees explore a Hercules with former crew explaining systems.These experiences contextualise the aircraft’s history and allow people to appreciate the complexity of its cockpit and the scale of its cargo bay.Several aviation museums around the world display C‑130s and sometimes permit visitors to tour the interior. Notable examples include:MuseumLocationDisplay HighlightsHill Aerospace MuseumUtah, United StatesThe C‑130 Experience—interactive fuselage exhibit with mission simulations.Air Mobility Command MuseumDover Air Force Base, DelawareC‑130E walk‑through tours on open cockpit days, guided by veterans.Museum of AviationWarner Robins, GeorgiaAnnual C‑130 Day event allowing visitors inside a Hercules.Pima Air & Space MuseumTucson, ArizonaDisplays a retired HC‑130 used by the U.S. Coast Guard.Royal Air Force Museum CosfordShropshire, United KingdomHouses a former RAF C‑130K.Royal Australian Air Force MuseumPoint Cook, AustraliaDisplays a C‑130A, illustrating early Hercules service.Many other museums worldwide—such as the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, the Italian Air Force Museum (Vigna di Valle) and the Egyptian Air Force Museum—exhibit retired C‑130s. Visitors can appreciate the size of the cargo bay, the complexity of the cockpit and the wear from decades of service.

Baltic Dragon and RG sat down with the Flight Simulator Red Arrows team for a really fun and surprisingly deep conversation about what it takes to pull off their signature precision flying in the sim world. These guys don’t just hop in and wing it — they train, rehearse, and refine their routines with the same discipline you’d expect from a real display team. We dug into how they coordinate formations, what their practice schedule looks like, and what keeps them motivated to put in so many hours perfecting the craft. It was a genuinely cool look behind the scenes at a group that brings passion and professionalism to virtual aviation.https://discord.gg/jZuq7T792ahttps://www.youtube.com/@fsredarrowsltd

In this episode, we sit down with Grinnelli, Sunshine, Roger, Rob, and JNelson to talk about the in-development DCS F-100 Super Sabre module. The conversation focuses on what it’s like bringing the Hun into DCS, the aircraft’s defining characteristics, and how the team is approaching its behavior in the sim. Grinnelli discusses his experience being welcomed into the F-100 community and what he’s learned from the people who know the jet best. Sunshine and JNelson add a brief look at how the game engine handles some of the aircraft’s unique flight traits, and Roger provides historical context that helps frame the F-100’s place in aviation.It’s a practical, honest discussion about the aircraft, the module, and what sim pilots can expect as development continues. https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/https://grinnellidesigns.com/f-100/https://supersabresociety.org/ 

In this episode of our DIY series, we dive into the Open Phantom Project, a fresh initiative aimed at empowering flight simulation enthusiasts to create their own gear. Join us as we chat with the team about their diverse backgrounds, the project's ambitious goals, and the challenges they've encountered along the way. We'll explore the role of community collaboration, the use of 3D printing and CNC machines, and how DCS BIOS is simplifying cockpit building. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just curious, this episode offers a glimpse into the future of DIY flight sim gear. Tune in to discover how the Open Phantom Project is making cockpit building more accessible and exciting than ever.DiscordGithub

Join us as we delve into the impactful experiences of Reflected Simulation's Red Flag 81-2 Campaign. Discover lessons learned, and insights gained from navigating the complexities of red flags in various contexts.Reflected"s Campaignhttps://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/campaigns/f-4e_red_flag_81-2_campaign/Heatblur's F-4https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/phantom/Brought to you by Authentic Media (https://www.authenticmedia.io)

Join us as we delve into the impactful experiences of Reflected Simulation's Red Flag 81-2 Campaign. Discover lessons learned, and insights gained from navigating the complexities of red flags in various contexts.Reflected"s Campaignhttps://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/campaigns/f-4e_red_flag_81-2_campaign/Heatblur's F-4https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/shop/modules/phantom/Brought to you by Authentic Media (https://www.authenticmedia.io)

In this episode of the Air Combat Sim Podcast, Rob Grady and Scott “Roger” Chafian sit down with Greg Gál—better known as Reflected Simulations—one of DCS World’s most respected campaign creators.Greg shares how his lifelong passion for aviation turned into designing some of the most authentic and immersive campaigns in DCS, including MiG Killers, Red Flag 81-2, Wolfpack, Fear the Bones, Speed & Angels, and V for Victory.We dive deep into: • His research and planning process for historical accuracy • Working with subject matter experts like “Bio” and Paco • Balancing immersion, realism, and fun • Updating older campaigns with new DCS features • Why WWII and Cold War aircraft have his heart • The upcoming Pacific theater and his “docu-campaign” approach to the F-14Reflected on YouTube:  / @reflectedsimulations  Reflected on Eagle Dynamics: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.co...Reflected's Anytime Baby! Campaign Trailer: Anytime, Baby! F-14 Tomcat Campaign Announ...  

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Joe Genovese, a tech innovator and aviation enthusiast. Discover how Joe's lifelong passion for flying and technology led to the creation of Fox3, a platform that has transformed multiplayer hosting for flight simulations. Learn about Joe's unique approach to blending tech and aviation, and how Fox3 caters to enthusiasts who prefer flying over dealing with technical upgrades.Be sure to check out Fox 3 Solutions and use code “FlightSim” for 10% off any server and subscription: https://www.fox3ms.com/ #techinnovation #aviation #Fox3 #flightsimulation #JoeGenovese #dcs #f4phantom Brought to you by Authentic Media (https://www.authenticmedia.io)

🎛️ From Sim Fan to Sim Hardware Creator: Justin of OnYourTwelve | Episode 47In Episode 47 of the Air Combat Sim Podcast, Rob and Home Fries welcome Justin, the creative force behind OnYourTwelve on Etsy. Justin shares how he went from a passionate VR DCS flyer to designing and selling immersive, functional cockpit panels—one of the most relatable DIY-to-business stories in the community.They dig into:Justin’s journey from early panel tinkering to 600+ Etsy salesBuilding an F‑4E weapons panel and other aircraft interfacesThe tradeoffs between authenticity, usability, and affordabilityThoughts on VR headsets like the Pimax Crystal and G2Home sim rigs and why Justin went with SimFabDesigning custom PCBs and 3D printing with Bambu LabsProductizing your own gear vs. making one-offsPossible future modules for the F‑14 backseat and HornetAnd why the golden era of sim peripherals is right nowWhether you’re flying the Hornet, Phantom, or Corsair—this episode dives into the heart of modern flight sim immersion.🔗 Mentioned in This Episode:🛠️ Justin’s Store: OnYourTwelvehttps://www.etsy.com/shop/OnYourTwelve🪑 SimFab Cockpit Rigshttps://simfab.com🧠 DCS BIOS GitHubhttps://github.com/DCSFlightpanels/DCSFlightpanels📺 Reflected Simulations (Campaigns)https://www.youtube.com/@ReflectedSimulations🔧 Fox3 Sim Workshttps://www.fox3sim.com🎮 Community Mentions:🎥 Tricker’s YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@TrickerDCS🎥 CasmoTV YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/c/CasmoTV🌐 Baltic Dragon (Campaign Developer)https://www.baltic-dragon.net🤠 Authentic Media – Cowboy Timehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFRAt0yTBVXjWCfJDicOcsgSubscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the show—and don’t forget to check out our friends and partners in the sim community.