RCU Review: Ikarus AeroFly Pro

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RCU Review: Ikarus AeroFly Pro More On This Product Research Airplanes Research Boats Research Cars Research Helicopters Research Engines & Motors Research Radio Equipment Contributed by: Erick Royer

1 RCU Review: Ikarus AeroFly Pro More On This Product Research Airplanes Research Boats Research Cars Research Helicopters Research Engines & Motors Research Radio Equipment Contributed by: Erick Royer Published: July 2004 Views: this Article PDF Review By: Erick Royer Introduction Getting Started Performance Screenshots Summary Dealer Information Official AeroFly Pro Retailer: Company Headquarters 4224 Pennywood Drive Beavercreek OH Exclusive N. American Importer: Admittedly, I am one of those RC fanatics that would rather be flying most of the time. Unfortunately, I don't get to the field as often as I would like. I find that most of my spare time is usually late at night, or when mother nature decides that she will not allow me to fly. Winter in New England presents its challenges when the flying urge arises. So what can I do? Flight simulators have been available for years and provide an ample cure for my desire to fly. The problem I have with most simulators is that the level of realism is marginal at best. Many depict the models as boxy shapes with unrealistic control responses. My entire outlook on flight simulators changed when I got an opportunity to use AeroFly Professional. I saw the ads for AeroFly Professional, and they claim world-class pilots use this simulator to practice. I remember thinking, "Sure they do. It must be an ad ploy." Let me tell you, this is by far one of the most realistic simulators that I have used to date, especially if you are into the large 35%+ TOC-type aircraft and TOC-type helicopters. Also don't be fooled by the lower price compared to other sims, this one has all the punch for the money and then some. Wolfgang and Roland Matt were part of the design team which assisted IPACS in developing this software. Both are among the worlds best pilots. A lot of thought went into the design of this program to give you superior flight realism. When you get behind the sticks of the large

5876 Enterprise Parkway Billy Creek Commerce Center Fort Myers, FL 33905, 239-690-0003 www.ikarus-usa.

It is that good! Ikarus Germany Im Webertal 22 78713 Schramberg-Waldmössingen, Germany 49-7402 - 929 190 www.ikarus.net Software Created By: IPACS, Germany www.ipacs.

More Videos Video 2 - Extra 300 Video Video 3 - Heli Video More amazing videos and info can be found on the home page of www.aeroflypro.

2 5876 Enterprise Parkway Billy Creek Commerce Center Fort Myers, FL 33905, Manufacturer: Giles or Cap 232 and begin to hover and torque roll, you have to remind yourself that you are on a simulator in front of your computer and not at a world class IMAC event. It is that good! Ikarus Germany Im Webertal Schramberg-Waldmössingen, Germany Software Created By: IPACS, Germany Click image below to watch Maarten De Moor fly the OMP Edge Hybrid. This guy can fly! More Videos Video 2 - Extra 300 Video Video 3 - Heli Video More amazing videos and info can be found on the home page of The minimum program requirements are: 100% Pentium II compatible processor with at least 800Mhz 128 MB RAM 160MB free hard disc memory CD-ROM drive OpenGL ICD compatible graphic card with at least 16MB (also read here) 100% DirectX compatible sound card Windows 98/ME/2000/XP with DirectX version 8.0a or higher A free 9 pin serial port (COM port) and a trainer output on your transmitter Supported Radios: JR, Futaba, HITEC, Multiplex, Airtronics, Graupner, Sanwa, Robbe Price: $139 for the Interface Version. $189 for the Commander Version. Far below some of the other high end sims on the market. Right now offers free shipping as well. I opted for both versions; one I gave as a gift, the Commander version I kept for when my son is ready to use it so he won't destroy any of my field radios. If you purchase the Commander version you get both the cables for your own radio and the Commander box. Notable Included Features: 2 player mode - 3D landscape - Contests - Fly VTOLS (Harrier AV-8) - Fly jets - Glider towing - Scenery dependant thermals - Glider soaring - Superb graphics - Autorotation - Flight recording - Smoke system - Use own radio straight to the computer - Edit aircraft parameters - Heads-up nav guides - Multi-cam - Pilot position change - Auto-zoom for better aircraft visibility - Aircraft follow view mode - Include own music - Flying around/into/on scenery objects - Unlimited horizontal flying field - Collision detection and restart - Breakaway damage from stress - Breakaway damage from impact Other Features Available With Free Downloads: Hundreds of free downloads - Create your own scenery - Create your own planes - Water landings - Bomb dropping - Banner towing - Control line - Object tethering - More Download English manual - PDF Download German manual - PDF Download French manual - PDF Quality Performance Ease of use Aerobatic ability Interface Version Commander Version

Features Graphics Realism Manual Price AeroFly Professional comes in two versions: Interface Version for your transmitter or the Commander Version that comes with a 5 channel RC controller.

There is a connector for JJR, Futaba, HITEC, Multiplex, Airtronics, Graupner, Sanwa and Robbe transmitters.

There are USB adapters available if you need to convert for about $15 on the web. Also there is a new dongle available for the new Futaba square type plug that you can purchase for $12.

3 Features Graphics Realism Manual Price AeroFly Professional comes in two versions: Interface Version for your transmitter or the Commander Version that comes with a 5 channel RC controller. Both versions let you use your own RC transmitter via a plug into its buddy box connection. The cable connects to the 9 pin serial port on your computer. There is a connector for JJR, Futaba, HITEC, Multiplex, Airtronics, Graupner, Sanwa and Robbe transmitters. The Commander controller has a dummy 2-stick conventional RC transmitter with single switch that plugs into your computer game port (15 pin game port). There are USB adapters available if you need to convert for about $15 on the web. Also there is a new dongle available for the new Futaba square type plug that you can purchase for $12. It will work with other simulators as well and is sold at with or without the sim. Your personal field radio connects directly to the computer Very realistic physics and flying characteristics. No other add-ons to purchase, hundreds of free downloads. 2 Player mode for training and glider towing. Great manual and support. More flying abilities then I have ever seen in any sim. Glider towing and soaring, bomb dropping, control line, contests and much more. Online play. Boxshot Hardware contents Multi language manual New toy for my inventory has arrived. Came complete with everything I needed to use my own radios. I own quite a few radios and the fact it came with all the adapters I needed really made me smile.

Very detailed manual Main cable and JR connector

The manual was very complete and very thick.

everything you need to know about the program.

I still have yet to this day had to break open the

Adding the dongle to the cable Direct to JR radios

If you have another radio you need to use the

The new version Futaba cable is sold separate.

Install free Expansion Pack 1 Although it comes with

However it freed my USB ports which most of my other

AFP now comes with the Expansion Pack Volume 1.

4 Very detailed manual Main cable and JR connector Extra dongle for Airtronics, Futaba, Hitec, Lexors The manual was very complete and very thick. It was translated in several languages but has everything you need to know about the program. AFP is very user friendly. I still have yet to this day had to break open the manual. Adding the dongle to the cable Direct to JR radios Add the dongle for other radios Everything was very easy to install. The default plug goes right into JR radios. If you have another radio you need to use the supplied dongle. The new version Futaba cable is sold separate. Plug in 9 pin serial connector Install disc 1 Install free Expansion Pack 1 Although it comes with a 9 pin serial adapter I was surprised. However it freed my USB ports which most of my other external hardware uses. AFP now comes with the Expansion Pack Volume 1. This used to cost like 40 bucks, but now they throw it in for free, gotta love it. Install latest patch Ready to run Startup screen Like most software you buy today it must be updated. The patch for the software can be found right on the homepage of Install complete, ready to run!

SCREENSHOTS Using AeroFly Pro When I first started the program, a really cool main menu screen appeared with a graphic containing a blueprint of

The first three buttons on the left allow you to choose the model that you wish to fly.

calibrate the system to your controller. Hovering at Alcatraz When you select "controls" a window pops up that shows you the available channels.

Also AFP automatically detects your computer radio inputs for mixing which to me was just amazing.

Like a kid in a candy store, I quickly chose the Extra 300 and pressed the fly button without any regards to setting up the program.

It is nice to know that I did not need to spend a lot of time to begin using the program.

5 SCREENSHOTS Using AeroFly Pro When I first started the program, a really cool main menu screen appeared with a graphic containing a blueprint of a model aircraft, a picture of a flying site, a couple pictures of model planes, and a coffee cup. The first three buttons on the left allow you to choose the model that you wish to fly. Other menu buttons allow you to change the scenery from the different flying sites included with the program, edit the aircraft and controls, and calibrate the system to your controller. Hovering at Alcatraz When you select "controls" a window pops up that shows you the available channels. You can adjust the ATV (travel adjust), servo reversing, as well as EXPO. Also AFP automatically detects your computer radio inputs for mixing which to me was just amazing. Dozens of helis, including this Fury Calibrating your radio has 2 modes, basic and advanced. Like a kid in a candy store, I quickly chose the Extra 300 and pressed the fly button without any regards to setting up the program. I was amazed that as soon as the program started, I was flying. There was no need to setup the program for my transmitter or channel reversing. It is nice to know that I did not need to spend a lot of time to begin using the program. Once I got a flight or two in on the Extra, I went back to the main menu and began to take a closer look at some of the other planes and flying scenery that the program offered. When selecting a new plane, a window pops up and you simply select the aircraft that you wish to fly. The program includes 35 different models including jets, helicopters, gliders, trainers, 3D models, warbirds as well as several flying sites. Breakaway crashes makes it more real Glider towing for 2 players

Aircraft editor screen will basically allow you to do anything that you can do on your real aircraft. There are dozens of parameters and settings to choose from.

AeroFly Professional gives you the ability to setup your simulator model to replicate your real model.

The AV8 Harrier is loads of fun MORE SCREENSHOTS* *Please note all screenshots below require free downloads to run.

AeroFly Professional supports up to 12 channels. A bar graph gives you a visual indication of the control positions.

The helis are extremely accurate in flight physics as much as or even more so then the fixed wing aircraft.

comes to flying the large TOC type planes and helicopters that perform 3D maneuvers.

Control line capability* If you are like me and find torque rolls to be one of the more difficult 3D maneuvers to practice with a real plane, then AeroFly

You can put your mind at ease knowing that if you make a wrong input, you will not be punching your expensive aircraft into the ground.

6 Aircraft editor screen will basically allow you to do anything that you can do on your real aircraft. There are dozens of parameters and settings to choose from. You can edit the aircraft in the program. You are able to make modifications to the dimensions, weights, engine, servos, gyro, torque and much more. AeroFly Professional gives you the ability to setup your simulator model to replicate your real model. I did not spend a lot of time in the this section because I really liked the way the models came with the program right out of the box. The AV8 Harrier is loads of fun MORE SCREENSHOTS* *Please note all screenshots below require free downloads to run. A calibrate feature on the main menu lets you match your transmitters stick and switch positions to that of the program. AeroFly Professional supports up to 12 channels. A bar graph gives you a visual indication of the control positions. Bomb drop on an RV* The hot key screen shows you which keys are assigned. The helis are extremely accurate in flight physics as much as or even more so then the fixed wing aircraft. Having flown several different simulators available on the market today, I can honestly say that AeroFly Professional is the most realistic yet, especially when it comes to flying the large TOC type planes and helicopters that perform 3D maneuvers. The planes and helicopters look, feel, and react as you would expect them to in real life. Control line capability* If you are like me and find torque rolls to be one of the more difficult 3D maneuvers to practice with a real plane, then AeroFly Professional is for you. The graphics are so realistic that you almost forget you are flying a computer simulator. You can put your mind at ease knowing that if you make a wrong input, you will not be punching your expensive aircraft into the ground. Before you know it you will be performing torque rolls, hovering, and waterfalls as effortlessly as you take-off and land. Aircraft orientation is always something that I find difficult to get used to on flight simulators, especially when you lose view of the horizon. AeroFly Professional does a good job keeping the horizon visible on the screen. One of the cool features on this sim is 2nd window follow mode. If you become lost just look to the other window it will give you a follow mode view and will line you right up with your track. Using the sim I've learned the more you use it the easier it is to find the runway. Formation flying, 2 player mode* Hundreds of downloads like this blimp* View follow mode as 2nd screen in the top right corner is a lifesaver. It will show where you are if you become disoriented.

I spent a lot of time flying the helicopters that are included with the program.

While I believe the program really shines with the fixed wing models, you will not go wrong using AeroFly Professional for helicopters as well.

Points of reference are from the ground, following behind the model, and even from inside the cockpit.

Something that could come in handy if moving into full scale aerobatics.

It allows you to practice your IMAC routines very easily. Split screen 2 player mode for contests like drag racing.

When you activate this feature, as your model flies through the air a colored ribbon is painted on the screen.

If your intentions are to practice freestyle routines, you understand how important it is for your airplane to be in specific locations at exactly the right times.

I remember watching a video of Quique Somenzini flying in the 2000 TOC. He has an engine fail about a minute into the flight. He changed engines and then flew it again.

7 I spent a lot of time flying the helicopters that are included with the program. Again, I was very impressed with how realistic the program simulated helicopter flight right down to the spinning of the rotor blades and smoke from the exhaust. While I believe the program really shines with the fixed wing models, you will not go wrong using AeroFly Professional for helicopters as well. Here is a great heli video that really shows you it's 3D capability. AeroFly Professional gives you the ability to change the view to which you see the model in flight. Points of reference are from the ground, following behind the model, and even from inside the cockpit. While the latter is not really helpful when practicing RC flight, it is pretty neat to see what "the pilot" would see when you are performing those wild aerobatic maneuvers. Something that could come in handy if moving into full scale aerobatics. New photo realistic sceneries with terra forming backgrounds* Missile firing capability* Ribbon tracing is one of the best features on the sim in my book. It allows you to practice your IMAC routines very easily. Split screen 2 player mode for contests like drag racing. Another interesting feature that I found very useful is the "ribbon tracing". When you activate this feature, as your model flies through the air a colored ribbon is painted on the screen. When you begin another flight, it too will have a ribbon painted on the screen, just in a different color. Why is this useful? If your intentions are to practice freestyle routines, you understand how important it is for your airplane to be in specific locations at exactly the right times. Once you fly the routine with the first ribbon, you can compare all future flights to see how close you are to the original. I remember watching a video of Quique Somenzini flying in the 2000 TOC. He has an engine fail about a minute into the flight. He changed engines and then flew it again. If you skip between the two flights on your VCR, you will be amazed at how precisely choreographed his routine was. This feature on AeroFly Professional will aid you in perfecting your routine! After using the program for an hour or so, I began to lose my edge and try some things that I would not normally with a real model. Of course when you push the limits of your abilities, a crash eventually happens. AeroFly Professional does a good job of setting your mind back on course. When you crash a model, the program shows it in pieces and even replicates that haunting "crunch" sound that we all dread. Bomb dropping B-47 on Aircraft Carrier* Dog barks when you get to close* Balloon popping is great for hovering practice. Pylon racing with the original Reno Racers in 2 player mode. New photo realistic scenery available*

8 There are several contests that you can fly to test and improve your flying skills. I found them to be very helpful, especially in judging how little control inputs are needed to get the model to react when flying "on the edge". Our local club only has one fun fly event per year. AeroFly Professional can get you to a fun fly 24 hours a day 7 days a week! Wings up on the Corsair* I believe that AeroFly Professional is a great tool for taking you to the next level in RC flight. If you are into Pattern, 3D, Helicopters, IMAC, Gliders, and even Jets, this program is sure to make you a better pilot. With Roland and Wolfgang Matt endorsing and contributing to the product, you know that it has to be great! I do not think you will find a simulator that excels in 3D as well as AeroFly Professional. As far as saving you from crashes on the field, I don't think that there is a better $139 that you could invest in this hobby to keep your RC planes and helis in 1 piece. noid was here Official AeroFly Pro Retailer: Company Headquarters 4224 Pennywood Drive Beavercreek OH Exclusive N. American Importer: 5876 Enterprise Parkway Billy Creek Commerce Center Fort Myers, FL 33905, Manufacturer: Ikarus Germany Im Webertal Schramberg-Waldmössingen, Germany Software Created By: IPACS, Germany

9 Comments on RCU Review: Ikarus AeroFly Pro Posted by: OK2Fly on 01/08/2010 problem with the interface cable when loading aerofly professional deluxe ver Posted by: oldokie on 01/09/2010 Profile Profile The comments, observations and conclusions made in this review are solely with respect to the particular item the editor reviewed and may not apply generally to similar products by the manufacturer. We cannot be responsible for any manufacturer defects in workmanship or other deficiencies in products like the one featured in the review. Page: 1 THIS ARTICLE OR CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT REVIEWS! Photo Manufacturer Product Summary Reviewed Tower Hobbies J-3 Cub With its distinctive looks, it is probably safe to say that the J-3 Cub is one of the most recognized and known airplanes in... 11/23/2015 RCGF 21cc Twin Cylinder Gasoline Engine RCGF, a Chinese manufacturer of gasoline engines, designs and manufactures engines specifically for 'the RC aircraft market /23/2015 RCGF 120cc Twin Cylinder Gasoline Engine RCGF, a Chinese manufacturer of gasoline engines, designs and manufactures engines specifically for the RC aircraft market. T... 11/23/2015 Seagull Models Maule Super Rocket 10-15cc ARF When Seagull Models announced that they were going to produce not just a model, but an ARF of the Super Rocket, I just had to... 11/22/2015 Hobbico Estes Proto-Z The Proto-Z is a Blast of micro-sized fun! It's the ultimate user-friendly drone- The fastest, easiset and most economical wa... 11/22/2015 Flitework Edge 540 The Flitework Edge 540 is an electric only ARF airframe with a generous wing span of 66.9" and also beautifully dressed up in... 11/21/2015 Seagull Models Steen Super Skybolt 15cc ARF Seagull Models introduced this biplane early on in 2015, and SIG mfg. had a pre-production sample at the Toledo Expo. That pr... 11/20/2015 ST Model Salto ST model brings us a fun aerobatic glider with the H101 Salto. The self-launch electric glider has no bad tendency and will b... 11/19/2015 RCGF 10cc Gasoline Engine RCGF, a Chinese manufacturer of gasoline engines, designs and manufactures engines specifically for 'the RC aircraft market /17/2015 Funky Cub 10-15cc Seagull Models ARF The new Funky Cub has some really cool attributes, borrowed from scale aircraft, that should add up to make it a great flying... 11/16/2015

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