Is there a current flight sim that offers a B-17F or G?

[Blitzen]

While waiting for CloD Dieppe and its "E "model or Microprose with an "F" or "G" - doesn't have to be VR., but it should be nearly photo realistic, so I can take screenshots from any angle. Does the B-17 come stock with any of Microsoft's newer versions , or is there a third party version to download and fly? If so which product is recommended to go with which sim( available perhaps on the obliquus STEAM?)

[Lusekofte]

Yes search on steam there are some that might be decent enough for screenshots

[Blitzen]

21 hours ago, Lusekofte said:

Yes search on steam there are some that might be decent enough for screenshots

Not that I could find…I have seen a few 3rd party additions but not sure which version of Microsoft Flight sim they work with.

Microprose and CLoD will have B-17’s in their future but their introduction may be some ways off. In the meantime I’d like to find something else I can use…

[GasTeddy]

Aces High and even older Warbirds have both B17s.

[Blitzen]

35 minutes ago, GasTeddy said:

Aces High and even older Warbirds have both B17s.

Older means cruder than what I am looking for.

[LLv34_Flanker]

S!

 

DCS has B17G as AI plane. If you need exterior shots, good for that. WW2 assets required though.

[BOO]

The DCS B17 is a very good AI representation with a couple of caveats:

 

As Flanker points out its a part of the WW2 Asset pack - so its not free. In the sales its should cost around $14.99 but outside of those its toom much for what it provides. Dependent on the images you might also need a WW2 specific map for airfield based shots but the maps are not needed for the Asset pack alone to work. 

 

Secondly, despite this, the B17 doesnt come as standard with the latest  roughmet.specular texture features now incorporated in to game. So, as standard, aluminium finishes are a light gret colour. Some skinners have a work around for this included in their dowloads and Keefyboy (aka Warlord64) has kindly privided a simple lua alteration that works well with the standard skins (though some may look a little too poished).

 

Finally, there is a fault in template within one of the grime layers that doubles the effect on the starboard wing. In certain lights is this quite obvious on many OD skins with one wing noticably darker than the other.  

 

Getting the AI to do what you expect it to do within the mission editor is something of a dark art but the camera view options are good and easy to use once you get the hang. Overall representation/realism though is very very good with some nice post effect options in the set menu and depth of field (not used in the images below). 

 

 

Edited September 1, 2024 by BOO

[Lusekofte]

I have that asset pack. Never used it , like so many things in DCS. 
but by the pictures I seen on the interweb, it currently might be the best option atm. 

[jollyjack]

Eagerly waiting for the Cliffs version ..

 

 

Edited September 1, 2024 by jollyjack

[Blitzen]

6 hours ago, BOO said:

The DCS B17 is a very good AI representation with a couple of caveats:

 

As Flanker points out its a part of the WW2 Asset pack - so its not free. In the sales its should cost around $14.99 but outside of those its toom much for what it provides. Dependent on the images you might also need a WW2 specific map for airfield based shots but the maps are not needed for the Asset pack alone to work. 

 

Secondly, despite this, the B17 doesnt come as standard with the latest  roughmet.specular texture features now incorporated in to game. So, as standard, aluminium finishes are a light gret colour. Some skinners have a work around for this included in their dowloads and Keefyboy (aka Warlord64) has kindly privided a simple lua alteration that works well with the standard skins (though some may look a little too poished).

 

Finally, there is a fault in template within one of the grime layers that doubles the effect on the starboard wing. In certain lights is this quite obvious on many OD skins with one wing noticably darker than the other.  

 

Getting the AI to do what you expect it to do within the mission editor is something of a dark art but the camera view options are good and easy to use once you get the hang. Overall representation/realism though is very very good with some nice post effect options in the set menu and depth of field (not used in the images below). 

 

 

All I want is to be able to take screenshots of the exterior  in both wide angle ,closeup ,or non foreshortened views. I don't want to mission plan but replacing skins would be an option. At the barest minimum what do I need to buy and I assume download/ YES I am waiting CloD Dieppe and of course Microproses efforts in VR.

[BOO]

4 minutes ago, Blitzen said:

All I want is to be able to take screenshots of the exterior  in both wide angle ,closeup ,or non foreshortened views. I don't want to mission plan but replacing skins would be an option. At the barest minimum what do I need to buy and I assume download/ YES I am waiting CloD Dieppe and of course Microproses efforts in VR.

 

All you need to buy is the Asset pack. DCS is a free download and the Caucauses is a free map (as are the mariannas). Asset pack is currently $29.99 but wait for one of the frequent sales where it should drop to $14.99 or thereabouts (frankly, the price it should be).

 

The mission editor will also allow you to bring in AI and static versions of the fighters (P51, P47, Spitfire, 109K, 190D9 and 190A8) as well as some gound vehicles for some additional poses. If you want to put a B17 in the air, in the skin you want, doing what you want, the editor is the best option. Its really not complicated. 

[Lusekofte]

4 hours ago, Blitzen said:

I don't want to mission plan

 

4 hours ago, BOO said:

Its really not complicated. 

In order to get the view you want a ME is needed. The only free map you get is Caucasus but at altitude you got the sea and green and mountains if you wish. 
the ME is as easy as old IL 2 and Clod for just placing airplanes and get them to fly. 
 

[BOO]

@Blitzen DCS sale on - $14.99 for the asset pack.  Thats as cheap as it ever gets.