Operational Conversion Unit!

This sticky is to provide members with a run through of what you will need to fly online in Falcon 4.0 BMS, how to install and run the game, some config settings and any useful files/downloads you might need to ease your passage into the world of Jet Combat.

First off, you will need a copy (or original) of the original Microprose Falcon 4.0 CD - Note this is the original 1998 version, not the newer Falcon 4.0:Allied Force. They go on ebay for about a tenner, other sources are of course available.

Secondly, you need to register on the forums and download the BMS installer from the friendly guys at BMS here >

http://www.benchmarksims.org/forum/content.phphttp://www.benchmarksims.org/forum/content.php

You also need to download the 4 Updates from that site and follow the install procedure from this thread here

http://www.benchmarksims.org/forum/showthread.php?13273-How-to-install-BMS-4-32-U4

You don't need to install the original Falcon 4.0, but you need to put the disc in the slot (or point the installer at the original files) in order for BMS to install properly.

It might seem complicated, but if you have ever performed the Falcon 'dance' before, believe me it is a lot easier than it used to be

when this is done, you should have a Falcon 4.0 BMS 4.32 shortcut on your desktop.

Unlike the 'seat of your pants' flying of WWII, modern jet combat requires pilots to spend much more time 'in the office', i.e with your head in the cockpit.

To reduce the complexity of the number of operations, the HOTAS concept introduces the opportunity for us to use all those little buttons and gadgets on our sticks/throttles.

However as each person will have a different stick and setup, it is important that as a squadron we have the ability to operate our controls in a similar way without recourse to cumbersome and complex keyboard controls. The 3D 'pit' enables us to use the buttons and switches, and all 19 Fighter Squadron pilots should be able to find and utilise these buttons and switches quickly, or indeed to locate a control on your stick or throttle.

The Dash-34 document covers the controls as they appear on the actual F16 HOTAS, and pilots are required to be able to access the basic functions such as TMS/DMS, DGFT, Cursor, Uncage, MSL STEP/NWS, MRM, Radar Elevation/Range, COMMS and of course Fire/Pickle. Other useful controls to have on the stick are Trim, CMS (CounterMeasures) and SpeedBrake.

As many AA/AG functions in the cockpit require the use of TMS/DMS presses and mode selection, for ease of understanding during training it is easier for a trainer to say 'AG mode, left MFD should be FCR, use TMS down to select SOI, move cursor over the radar return and TMS up to Designate a target' rather than try and talk a trainee through keyboard presses to achieve the same result.

In a combat situation, the seconds saved by having these commands available on your HOTAS could mean the difference between misison success and failure.

other useful tools include

Weapons Delivery Planner -

http://www.weapondeliveryplanner.nl/

for excellent video tutorials, check out Krause's on Youtube - the most efficient way of learning how to do something in Falcon 4.0!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3E09AA94FF0EACEC

Avionics.

an excellent resource for learning all the terminology and avionics panels is here

http://falcon4.wikidot.com/avionics