True to my word, I returned (twist my arm) and Pete grabbed me and again sat me down at a computer and immediately went straight back into the campaign as promised. We spent more time looking over the ATO and studying each mission.

Most F16s were only a small part of a bigger package. Some were being tasked as CAPs, GBU strikes, Escorts, and Battlefield interdiction. Many F16's were acting as Weasels for larger strikes. I knew this to be VERY accurate. With the retirement of the F4G's there are no dedicated Wild Weasels in the USAF. The Navy still uses the very capable EA-6B's (which the USAF now flies on loan for the USN) but they are few in number. The F16s equipped with LANTIRN (newer blocks) are left with the job.

Another term that requires definition is "fighter." These days ever military airplane jockey, whether he straps on a helo or a trash-hauling transport, thinks he's flying a fighter. "Fighter," in this book, will mean an aircraft whose mission is destroying other airborne aircraft... Regardless of the designation, as long as that aircraft is assigned to drop things in the dirt, its a target, not a fighter. Once it has jettisoned that air-to-mud stuff and goes looking for trouble, THEN it's a fighter. Robert Shaw.

This time, however, we selected a GBU strike and after taking in full afterburner, proceeded to the target area. By my own fault, both Pete and I were so anxious to get into the cockpit that I failed to see how much flexibility there was in selecting ordnance, deciding the number of wingmen, and assigning individual targets (for wingmen and other parts of the overall strike package) and other info that we have become accustomed to seeing in EF2000 and F15. A lot of the information was in the briefing and I saw option boxes but proceeded straight to the runway. I should have spent more time looking at the options, but at that time I was happy just getting to work with the simulation.

Once in the air, Pete proceeded to show me how to work the tracking for the GBU's, something I had never seen before on the F16. I can tell you that as expected, it was complicated. As we were flying we switched to the HARM targeting POD (we were also carrying 2 HARMS) and saw quite a few SA-6's lighting up on our expected path. As I stated, my wingman and I were part of a larger package. We had some other F16s dedicated as Wild Weasels, so I left the SAM hunting to them.

When we switched on the Air to Air radar (RWS) we saw A BUNCH of planes in the air; some were allied, some were enemy. Off in the distance I saw a TON of ground movement. Pete started talking and asked me to do some general looking, as there was something he wanted me to see.

As I turned the F16 from almost due north to a heading of 290 degrees, Pete started REALLY smiling. Off in the distance (about 15-20 miles away) I could see an actual artillery duel happening before my eyes! Pete stated that often times spotting a tank, truck convoy or artillery piece from 15-20 miles away is actually quite easy. He said that during Desert Storm they could spot vehicles moving up to about 30 miles away all the time!

As we pushed closer my RWR started to chirp and as I pointed my radar low (had to change my elevation to see the 2 MiG-29's closing on my position), I saw four planes charging in. Off to my right was a CAP flight of F15's who were closing to engage. Soon the MiG-29's had turned to engage BVR with the F-15's while two other planes closed on my position. Pete actually got a little ticked because he wanted me to fly over the artillery duel so I could appreciate the detail they had added to the ground war.

Click to continue . . .

Pete motioned me to continue on and not worry about the incoming planes. I proceeded and we pasted over the artillery pieces unabated. It looked AWESOME. I could see individual pieces firing and the explosions from enemy artillery as well. We had target ID tags turned on in the options, so I knew they were allied ground units we were flying over.

We decided to make a turn for the East to see what they were firing at when I realized that the two planes heading our way were Su-25's coming to bomb the allied artillery pieces I had JUST flown over! They flew very low and were about 7 miles distant when they passed a couple of miles West of me.

I told Pete I wanted to splash them so I made a quick Immelman and engaged the two Sue's with my Aim-9's, One went down with the pilot ejecting and the other took a hit, lost an engine and while appearing to be very unstable, started firing rockets at my troops! He died quickly with some 20mm fire to his rear and his plane exploded. Meanwhile my CAP F15's had downed both MiG's with AMRAAMS and were again back on course.

Pete motioned me to continue my flight toward the enemy ground units, which I did. As we came within 15 miles of the enemy units I could see tens of tanks, artillery, AAA and trucks all spread around. A few were still smoking from being hit by Allied artillery. It looked spectacular. I popped my brakes to get a closer look at the enemy units (I am sure they must have been wondering who the idiot was in my F16) and slowly "coasted" over the units.

As I came within 3 miles or so my RWR went insane! I had ZSU's lighting me up from all over the place and I personally witnessed about 6 SAMS (must have been heat seekers cause radar SAMS would have downed me LONG ago) zoom climb up to my airplane. Needless to say I went down in HEAVY flames. Pete started laughing and after seeing the amount of chaos that was taking place, I started laughing too. It was bad. =)

After I died came what I felt was almost the BEST part of what I saw (if you can believe it got better!) The debriefing had details for EVERYTHING. It was so extensive it was almost SICK. I only got a 5 second look because Pete clicked me out of the campaign (we had been there for about 45 minutes and others wanted to play too) and I was reluctant to ask him to take me back to it. I noticed options for who shot what, who killed what, what who killed, total ordnance expended, what ordnance was used to kill what, and tons more I could not see due to the gross amount of options offered. This was by FAR the most extensive debrief I have EVER seen; a sim enthusiast's dreams come true.

As much time as I spent with F4 I wanted a LOT more. It was a hard game to leave not only because there was more to see but also because of the sense of immersion the game offered. After all the time that people have speculated and moaned about Falcon 4 never coming out, I can confidently state that soon it will be in hand. Just as important, do not be afraid to get hyped on Falcon 4. From what I saw, it is all that and more. This may be the first time in simulation history that a company delivers on even the most ambitious promises!

On a personal note, I would like to thank Microprose for sponsoring the competition. Winning a trip to Hawaii is great, for sure, but the true pleasure was getting to know Pete and having the opportunity to fly Falcon 4 before others have that chance. Falcon 4 exists, it's majestic, and if you don't watch out, you will be seeking therapy to try and stop playing! Is there an antidote for this addictive new drug? I hope not! Thanks again to Gil, Angela, Kathy, Jennifer and Pete!