RC-AirSim Lite is a radio-controlled model airplane flight simulator that is available over at the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace. The simulator features realistic flight dynamics and aerodynamics, Doppler-correct sound, and 3D graphics.
RC AirSim comes in two versions. The free version, RC AirSim Lite, is ad supported, limited to only two airplane styles and flights are restricted to five minutes. The full, paid version will run you $2.99, is ad free, offers seven airplane styles and unlimited flights.
To read more on RC-AirSim, follow the break.
RC AirSim places the controls on the screen in a similar fashion to a dual joystick controller. In tapping the left and right sides of the screen a virtual joystick nob appears that will control various aspects of flight. The controls took a little getting used to and seemed overly sensitive. Either that or I just could fly an airplane worth a toot.
There are a couple of options available with regards to control layout. For example in Mode 2 (which is the default) the throttle (up/down motion) and rudder (side/side motion) are controlled by touching the left side of the screen. The Elevator (up/down motion) and Ailerons (side/side motion) are controlled by touching the right side of the screen.
Graphics are well presented and I have to admit it was fun seeing how long I could keep the airplane in flight. Sound effects were appropriate from the engine sounds to the sounds of your plane crashing into the ground. The airplane sounds will also fade as your plane flies further away and increases as it moves closer.
RC AirSim grows on you and if your into flying RC Airplanes, the simulator will give you a chance to experiment with aerial moves without risking crashing your real-life plane. While I liked RC AirSim, it's an acquired taste that might not appeal to everyone. RC airplane fans will enjoy it but those who lean towards flight simulators may feel as though something is missing. Luckily, there are two ways to try before buying; the free Lite version or the free trial of the full version.
You can download RC AirSim Lite (free) here (opens Zune) or RC AirSim ($2.99) here at the Marketplace.
