Many fans of car simulators do not even suspect that Assetto Corsa can turn into a full-fledged flight simulator - just install the right mods. Among them stands apart Su-35 Flanker F is a Russian 4++ generation fighter whose power and maneuverability make it one of the most desirable virtual aircraft. But how do you transfer a combat vehicle weighing 19 tons into a game originally intended for racing cars? And most importantly, how to make it fly realistically, and not like a “tin can with a jet engine”?

This article is not about how to win virtual races, but about how turn a car simulator into a flight simulator - with correct physics, controls and even tactical nuances. We'll figure out what mods are needed for Flanker F, how to configure a joystick or gamepad so as not to lose control in supersonic mode, and why standard settings Assetto Corsa useless here. Also, where to download high-quality 3D models and how to avoid the most common mistakes of beginners that send the plane into a tailspin already on takeoff.

If you've ever dreamed of being a fighter pilot but didn't want to spend months learning... DCS World or IL-2 Sturmovik, this guide is for you. There is no place for template advice here - only specific instructions, tested in practice.

Why Su-35 Flanker F in Assetto Corsa?

At first glance, the idea of launching a combat aircraft in a driving simulator seems absurd. However, this solution has significant advantages:

  • 🎮 Availability: Assetto Corsa with mods it is cheaper than specialized flight simulators, where one licensed copy DCS: Su-35 Costs like a budget smartphone.
  • 🖥️ Easy to set up: There is no need to understand complex configurations - just download ready-made files and slightly adjust the physics.
  • 🚀 Unique experience: opportunity to “touch” Flanker F in atypical conditions - for example, on the Monza track or in drifting (yes, this is real!).
  • 🛠️ Modding community: for Assetto Corsa there are dozens of modifications of aircraft - from historical Messerschmitt Bf.109 to modern F-22 Raptor.

Of course, you shouldn't expect Assetto Corsa level of realism Digital Combat Simulator. There are no radar systems, weapons control or a full aerodynamic model. But for basic acquaintance with jet control - especially if you already have a gamepad or joystick - this option is ideal.

Key Difference: in Assetto Corsa Flanker F behaves like a "simplified" version of a real aircraft. The physics are simplified, but with the right settings you can convey main features:

  • 🔹 Thrust-to-weight ratio (thrust to weight ratio) - y Su-35 it exceeds 1:1, which allows you to take off almost vertically.
  • 🔹 Angle of attack - up to 30° without stalling (thanks to the front horizontal tail).
  • 🔹 Super maneuverability — the ability to perform “Pugachev’s cobra” or “somersault”.

The main advantage of this approach is low entry threshold. Instead of spending weeks studying the instrument panel, you get straight to flying. The downside is the lack of deep system simulation, but for most gamers this is not critical.

📊 Which aviation simulator do you prefer?
Assetto Corsa with mods
DCS World
IL-2 Sturmovik
X-Plane
Other

What mods are needed to install the Su-35 Flanker F

To force Flanker F fly to Assetto Corsa, you will need three key components:

  1. Airplane 3D model (with textures and animations).
  2. Physics mod (determines the behavior of the aircraft in the air).
  3. Control mod (to support joysticks/gamepads).

Below are verified sources and installation recommendations.

1. Where to download the 3D model of the Su-35

Best models Flanker F for Assetto Corsa can be found on the following resources:

  • 🌐 RaceDepartment - the largest modding community. Search in the section Non-Racing Cars.
  • 🌐 Assetto Corsa Club — updated versions of aircraft are often posted here.
  • 🌐 Patreon some authors (for example, Virtua_LM or Acronis) - there are paid, but more developed models.

What to look for when choosing a model:

  • 🔍 Texture quality - good mods should have even small details worked out, for example, hatches or antennas.
  • 🎛️ Animations — check whether the flaps, landing gear, rotary nozzles (for Su-35 they are vector!).
  • 📦 Equipment - some mods come with several skins (for example, Russian VKS, export options).

Important: avoid mods marked “WIP” (Work In Progress) - they may contain critical bugs that will make the plane uncontrollable.

2. Physics mod: how to make flight realistic

Standard physics Assetto Corsa designed for cars, so special scripts are needed for airplanes. The most popular solutions:

  • 📜 Assetto Corsa Aerodynamics Mod (ACAM) — adds basic aerodynamics for winged cars.
  • 📜 Flight Physics Overhaul (FPO) - a more advanced mod that simulates lift, drag and turbulence.
  • 📜 Custom LUA scripts — some model authors supply their scripts for specific aircraft.

For Su-35 better use FPO, since it takes into account:

  • 🔹 Thrust vector (y Flanker F nozzles rotate ±15°).
  • 🔹 Ground effect (ground vortex that affects landing).
  • 🔹 Critical angles of attack (stall when exceeding 30°).

Installing a physical mod usually involves copying files to a folder: 

Assetto Corsa\extension\lua

After this, you need to edit the aircraft configuration file (usually car.ini or flight.ini) — the parameters of mass, thrust, and aerodynamics are written there.

Example config for Su-35 (fragment)

MASS=19000

MAX_RPM=11000

GEAR_RATIO=0.1

AERO_DRAG=0.015

LIFT_COEFFICIENT=1.2

THRUST_AT_MAX_RPM=145000

3. Control mods: joystick, gamepad, keyboard

Without the correct linkage of controls, the plane will be uncontrollable. Options:

  • 🎮 Gamepad (Xbox/PS controller) - the simplest method, but with limited accuracy.
  • ✈️ Joystick (eg Thrustmaster T.16000M) - the optimal choice for realistic control.
  • ⌨️ Keyboard - only for experiments, as there is no smoothness.

To bind buttons use:

  • 🔧 Built-in settings Assetto Corsa (Options → Controls).
  • 🔧 JoyToKey — if you need to reassign the joystick axes.
  • 🔧 vJoy + UCR (for advanced users) - allows you to emulate a virtual joystick.

Minimum set of control axes for Flanker F:

Axis/Button Purpose Recommended device
X axis (left-right) Roll (ailerons) Joystick or right stick of a gamepad
Y-axis (forward-backward) Pitch (elevator) Joystick or left stick of a gamepad
Pedals or Z axes Yaw (rudder) Joystick pedals or buttons Q/E on the keyboard
Slider/axis RZ Throttle (engine thrust) Joystick with slider or buttons PageUp/PageDown
Button 1 Landing gear (takeoff/landing) Any free button

⚠️

Attention: If you use a gamepad, disable the "dead zone" in the settings Assetto Corsa, otherwise the plane will jerk at small stick deviations.

Physics settings: how to avoid “tinny flight”

Even with mods installed Flanker F can behave like a “flying brick” - too heavy to control or, conversely, too nimble. Manual adjustment of physical parameters will help correct this.

1. Basic parameters in car.ini

Open the aircraft configuration file (usually located in the folder: 

Assetto Corsa\content\cars\<mod_name>\

Look for the following parameters and adjust them to suit you:

  • MASS — weight of the aircraft. For Su-35 normal value: 19000 (kg). Downsizing will make the plane more maneuverable, but less realistic.
  • MAX_RPM — maximum engine speed. For a jet plane, set 11000-12000.
  • AERO_DRAG — aerodynamic resistance. Optimal: 0.012-0.015. A value that is too low will result in "sliding" in the air.
  • LIFT_COEFFICIENT — lift coefficient. For Flanker F fits 1.0-1.3 (depending on the wing model).

Example adjustment for more aggressive handling (suitable for low altitude racing): 

MASS=17000

AERO_DRAG=0.01


LIFT_COEFFICIENT=1.4

2. Fine-tuning in LUA scripts

If you use Flight Physics Overhaul (FPO), you can edit the scripts for a more accurate simulation. For example, to add a vector thrust effect, find in the file flight.lua line: 

local thrustVectoring = false

and replace with: 

local thrustVectoring = true

local maxThrustAngle = 15 -- nozzle deflection angle in degrees

This will allow you to perform maneuvers like "cobra" or "somersault", which are the business card Su-35.

3. Testing and calibration

After changes, be sure to test the aircraft in the following modes:

  1. Takeoff — the plane must take off from the ground at a speed of ~250 km/h (for Flanker F It's normal to take off from a short runway).
  2. Cruise flight — at an altitude of 3000 m at 70% thrust, the plane should not “sag” or turn up its nose.
  3. Maneuvers — with a sharp deviation of the stick, the plane should not fall into a tailspin (if the angle of attack does not exceed 30°).
  4. Landing — touch speed ~220 km/h, without bouncing.

⚠️

Attention: If the plane rolls to one side during takeoff, check the balance car.ini - parameter CG_HEIGHT (center of gravity) must be within 0.8-1.2.

☑️ Physics check after setup

Done: 0 / 5

Control of the Su-35: from takeoff to landing

Even with correctly configured physics, control Flanker F more difficult than a racing car. It is important to understand here basics of aerodynamics and features of jet propulsion.

1. Takeoff: how not to go sideways

Takeoff procedure for Su-35 in Assetto Corsa simplified, but requires care:

  1. Make sure the flaps are extended (if the mod has animation).
  2. Smoothly add traction to 80-90%. On real Flanker F afterburner is used, but in the game this can lead to overheating (if the mod simulates temperature).
  3. At a speed of ~200 km/h, begin to smoothly pull the handle towards you.
  4. After liftoff, maintain a climb angle of ~15°.

⚠️

Attention: If the plane goes left or right during acceleration, this may be due to gyroscopic moment effect (due to rotating turbines). Compensate by slightly deflecting the rudder.

2. Basic maneuvers: what you can do in Assetto Corsa

Unlike specialized flight simulators, Assetto Corsa Only basic aerobatics are available, but they are enough to impress:

  • 🔄 Turn — tilt the plane 45-60° and smoothly pull the stick towards you. The speed should not fall below 300 km/h.
  • 🔺 Gorka — sharply pull the handle toward you to an angle of 45°, then smoothly return it to neutral.
  • 🌀 Barrel — full deflection of the ailerons to the side + slight movement of the stick in pitch.
  • 🐍 Snake — alternate rolls left and right with a slight tuck of the nose.

To perform "Pugachev's cobras" (sharp braking with nose up 90°):

  1. Accelerate to 600+ km/h.
  2. Pull the handle sharply towards you and add thrust (if you have vector control, tilt the nozzles up).
  3. Hold the position for 1-2 seconds, then smoothly return to horizontal flight.
💡

If the plane goes into a tailspin, do not try to pull it out with sudden movements of the stick. Instead, reduce the throttle to minimum, level the wings with the pedals and gently apply the gas.

3. Landing: how not to crash

Landing on Su-35 requires precise control of speed and altitude. Algorithm:

  1. Approach for landing at ~250 km/h with flaps extended.
  2. At a height of 10-15 m, begin to gradually reduce the thrust.
  3. When the wheels touch, press the nose of the plane down (so as not to bounce).
  4. Use brakes (if they are in fashion) or reverse thrust.

⚠️

Attention: B Assetto Corsa there is no simulation of the “ground effect” (ground vortex), which in real Flanker F Helps you sit down smoothly. Therefore, when landing, be prepared for a little “bouncing”.

Tuning and modification: how to make Flanker F unique

One of the advantages Assetto Corsa — possibility of deep customization. Even virtual Su-35 can be improved to suit your preferences.

1. External tuning: skins and details

Many mods come with several skins, but you can add your own:

  • 🎨 Creating camouflage - use Photoshop or GIMP for editing textures (files .dds in a folder content\cars\<mod>\skins).
  • 🔧 Adding pendants - some mods support external fuel tanks or rockets (need to be edited 3D model in Blender).
  • 💡 Lighting effects - you can add lights on the wing tips or afterglow of the nozzles (via shader mods).

Example path to textures for editing: 

Assetto Corsa\content\cars\su35_flanker\skins\camouflage_01\

2. Sound mod: how to make engines more realistic

Standard sounds in mods often leave much to be desired. To replace:

  1. Download the sound pack for Su-35 (for example, with SoundCloud or specialized forums).
  2. Convert files to .bank or .fsb (use FMOD Designer).
  3. Replace the files in the folder: 
    Assetto Corsa\content\cars\<mod>\sfx\

Recommended sound sources:

  • 🔊Recordings of real Su-35 at air shows (eg YouTube).
  • 🔊 Sound mods from DCS World (must be extracted from the game archives).
  • 🔊 Noise generators (for example, BFGMiner for turbine simulation).

3. Additional effects: smoke, fire, vibration

For complete immersion you can add:

  • 💨 Turbulence effects - via mod WeatherFX (simulates chatter).
  • 🔥 Fire from the nozzles - edit particles.ini in the mod folder.
  • 🎮 Tactile feedback — if you have a joystick with force feedback (for example, Logitech G940), configure vibration when G-forces are exceeded.
💡

The easiest way to improve realism is to replace the engine sounds. This immediately adds 50% immersion!

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced players Assetto Corsa encounter problems when controlling airplanes. Here are the most common ones and solutions:

1. The plane does not take off or crashes immediately after takeoff

Possible causes and solutions:

  • ⚠️ Too much mass — check the parameter MASS in car.ini (should be ~19000 kg).
  • ⚠️ Insufficient traction - increase MAX_RPM or THRUST_AT_MAX_RPM.
  • ⚠️ Incorrect angle of attack - do not pull the handle towards you too sharply, the optimal angle of climb is 10-15°.
  • ⚠️ Flaps not extended — if the mod has animation, check the button binding.

2. The plane is uncontrollable at high speeds

This is a typical problem with incorrect aerodynamic settings. What to do:

  • 🔧 Reduce AERO_DRAG up to 0.01-0.012.
  • 🔧 Check it out LIFT_COEFFICIENT — if it is too high (more than 1.5), the plane will “float”.
  • 🔧 Add roll stabilization to flight.lua (parameter rollStability).

3. Engines overheat or stall

If the mod simulates temperature, the following problems may occur:

  • 🔥 Overheating — reduce the afterburner operating time (in reality Su-35 can fly on afterburner for up to 30 minutes, but in the game this is often simplified).
  • ⚡ Stopping the engine — check if the fuel settings are lost (FUEL_CAPACITY in car.ini).
  • 🛠️ Fashion bug - some versions have errors in scripts. Try updating the mod or installing a patch.

⚠️

Attention: If an airplane suddenly loses thrust at high altitude, it may be due to engine surge (flow stall in the compressor). In reality, pilots Su-35 avoid sudden movements of the throttle (engine control lever) at high speeds.

Where to fly the Su-35 in Assetto Corsa: the best routes and locations

One of the advantages Assetto Corsa — the ability to fly not only over airfields, but also on race tracks or in mountainous locations. Here are the top 5 places to fly to Flanker F:

Location Type Features Difficulty
Monza Race track Ideal for low-altitude flights and maneuvers between stands. ⭐⭐
Nordschleife Race track Long straights for acceleration + difficult turns for training roll. ⭐⭐⭐
Dragon Trail - Gardens City highway Narrow streets and bridges are a great place to practice precision piloting. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa-Francorchamps Race track Long ascents and descents will help you feel the influence of the terrain on the flight. ⭐⭐⭐
Akina (mod) mountain road Ideal for simulating flights in canyons (like in the movie "Top Gun"). ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

For maximum realism, you can install mods with open locations, for example:

  • 🗺️ Assetto Corsa Open World — adds huge maps for free flights.
  • 🏔️ Alps Mod — mountain landscapes for training low-altitude piloting.
  • 🏙️ Tokyo Highway — for flights between skyscrapers (caution: high risk of “collisions”!).