@Metal-Muffin I can't comment on the other mods since the Tiger is the first one I have purchased but based on my 20-ish years of flight simming in general as well as being a licensed Commercial Pilot in the real world I agree with
@Snakey that the F-5E is probably the best 'introductory' aircraft going.
The flight model is, from what I know of the real world Tiger, pretty accurate, the systems are very well modelled, and it can go from initial flight training all the way through BFM, ACM, A2G and SES missions.
It teaches you to be an effective combat/strike pilot without all the gizmos and automation that come with the more advanced aircraft which I think could make for some laziness (caused by the extremely steep learning curves). It is a nimble little minx but she lacks what the fighter guys call specific excess power or SEP, it is very quick to lose energy when maneuvering, and very slow to rebuild it which makes fighting AI very tough.
It also has some striking skins, I really like the VFC 13 Splinter skin.
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I am using TrackIR 5/TrackClip Pro and still need to work on the curves, I strained my neck trying to check six during several engagements last night.
The new T.16000M-HOTAS I got is awesome, very immersive and pretty handy - tried it in SC last night and think I may move to a gamepad for EVA/Foot and could be almost completely HOTAS when in ships.
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Next step for me in DCS is to get smart on the multiplayer systems for DCS (Discord, SimpleRadio and the servers) and venture out into the wild world of sports that it can be - probably start with the Cold War and Formation servers initially - might even try to find a squadron to fly with.
I am also going to add the two campaigns for the F-5E and NTTR scenery, which are BFM and ACM training modules to help me feel better about my fighting ability (the AI is wrecking me).
My family has a long history with the Navy and Marines so I am going to stick with USN/USMC aircraft, will definitely add the Hornet for sure when it comes out, possibly the Tomcat (it looks awful complicated to employ), and am interested in the community developed A-4 Skyhawk as well. If/when the F-4 comes out I'll probably add it too since I have a soft place in my heart for the Phantom.
Get the F-5E, you won't regret it.
'Gimp