The Ultimate Question -- Ext Views vs Locked Cockpit

[Splitter]

I think it's a matter of head tracking .

Without head tracking, the full cockpit is unrealistic to "me". Can't glance down at the instruments. Can't look out at odd angles.

With Wonderman view, it's also unrealistic lol. Being able to see enemies that should be covered by the engine cowling. Flying straight and level and being able to look down and around.

I gotta take the time to get a head tracking system.....

I have tried both methods of flight and, here is a weird little thing, it's harder to be a good shot without the cockpit. Maybe the difference is the reticle. I dunno, but I know I am more accurate with the cockpit on.

Splitter

[robtek]

No problem, one can decide: game today or rather simulation.

[Qpassa]

Diference between game and simulator.
I use locked cockpit always, except videos

[K_Freddie]

Only real men (women) have a hood over their heads..

..or shall we call it ... FULL REAL... da da da ..daaaaaaahhhhhhh
(wait for it)

[AKA_Tenn]

the only issue i have with external views is being able to switch to another teams aircraft, why bother having map icons off when u can just press ctrl+F2 and see exactly where the enemy is?

[ATAG_Dutch]

Originally Posted by robtek

No problem, one can decide: game today or rather simulation.

Precisely. Do what suits your mood.

[Chivas]

Off-line use whatever view system you prefer. In on-line war servers I much prefer a closed cockpit. All the outside views provide to much information about enemy movements which totally kills immersion.

[WTE_Galway]

Wonder women view reminds me too much of playing Wing Commander III back in the 90's.

[Azimech]

I always use the cockpit but in offline play I'm aware that the AI uses Omnivision so I have a disadvantage. Still, WW view has these ugly arrows and instruments and it feels like I'm playing an arcade game. Online I want cockpit only and I even use it if other players use WW. That's my loss, I shoot better with WW.

The tophat switch is usually enough for me but my Track-IR will be attached again in a few days because glancing at the instruments takes a bit much time.

I've always been about cockpits and dashboards. I have an old car with a beautiful dash. Why? Because after the road the dash is the thing you see the most.

In the future there will be more and more reason to use the cockpit as the airplane systems increase in complexity and the standard 6 aren't enough anymore. Manifold pressure, manifold temperature, CHT, RPM, oil pressure, fuel pressure, hydraulics pressure, ammeter, voltmeter, oxygen reserve, navigation, outside temperature, coolant temperature, turbocharger RPM, trim/cooler/flaps indicators and all the warning lights will all have an effect on engine/flight/systems/pilot performance. You can't fly successfully with complex management on without checking your instruments every minute. Switching between WW view and cockpit all the time would be very disorienting I guess.

One thing I dislike in IL2 1946 is the HUD engine overheat warning while flying full real. For the same reasons.

But hey, I'm primarily a gearhead, then a pilot.

[IceFire]

I've flown both and closed cockpit is a totally different experience than with externals available and/or "wonder woman" view enabled. Both are fun, both are challenging, and it's great that we can have our cake and eat it too with these features.