20 Years of Military Flight Simulations on the PC by Leonard "Viking1" Hjalmarson reviewed at MiGMan's Flight Sim Museum

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A History of Military Flight Simulations on the PC
by Len "Viking 1" Hjalmarson

The Mature Years: 1997-2000
Jane’s released F15 by Janes in the summer of 1998 and set a new milestone for jet combat simulations. F15 by Janes sported the most detailed wingman and AWACS interaction yet seen. Flight models were outstanding, with the most detailed physics yet seen in flight. Team tactics took on new meaning, and the semi-dynamic campaign system created a highly immersive combat environment.

F15 Cockpit in F15 by Janes.

F15 by Janes was produced by Andy Hollis, who also produced the Strike Eagle line. Andy’s dedication to combat simulations was battle tested over the years, and F15 by Janes and Longbow 2 were both his products. F15 by Janes epitomized the well rounded "study sim", a simulation that was faithful to the small details of the F15 weapon systems and avionics, yet was also immersive and involving in a realistic combat environment.

The graphics of F15 were best on 3DFX, but acceptable without it.

Sometime in the spring of this year Mindmaker, Inc. released their Game Commander software, giving any PC gamer the opportunity of incorporating voice control in his favorite simulations! My first trials were with European Air War, and then F15 by Janes. I was stunned at the ability to simply say "drag left", or "drop tanks" and have my flight obey me!

EA released Israeli Air Force by Pixel Multimedia in 1998, finally retiring the US Navy Fighters engine. While Israeli Air Force had great multiplayer features and modeled a number of flyable aircraft, the graphics engine produced an odd shimmering effect that bothered some players.

GT Interactive published SIMIS Team Apache, Digital Image Design released Total Air War and iMagic released their iF/A-18E Carrier Strike Fighter. iF/A-18E Carrier Strike Fighter was acclaimed for its campaign system and flight modeling, but plagued with installation and graphics issues.

This article is copyright ThrustMaster and Leonard Hjalmarson. It may not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without permission.

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