RF9 offers features not currently available in RF-X, like VR, Multiplayer, and Training Aids as well as new releases such as new airplanes and flying sites. If these and other features pique your interest, the Software-only version of RF9 is for you. Plus, it will work with your InterLink-X controller.
RealFlight 9.x is compatible with some VR headsets. At this time, the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive are known to work. For more information, please check the manufacturer's requirements for the VR headset you intend to use.
If you own a headset other than the Vive or the Rift which has worked with RF9, please let us know. We’ll be glad to look into adding this to the list of RF9-compatible equipment.
It is possible to use some goggles for FPV. However, they don't deliver the full, immersive VR experience that the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive offer.
Some FPV goggles include a video input jack, usually HDMI. If your computer supports it, you could plug in your goggles like you would any other monitor and use them while flying in RealFlight. This would give you a similar experience to flying FPV at the field. When using FPV goggles, RealFlight won't detect your head movement or display true 3D.
The challenge for RC simulators is to deliver a "true", complete environment. Unfortunately, the world is ultimately limited by the size and quality of computer monitors. VR eliminates that limitation. RealFlight comes to life. No matter which way you look, tilt your head, or move, RF9 will relay an exacting simulation of your environment. Take off, and a plane will disappear from view unless you turn to follow it accordingly. In the air, glance down to find the runway.
RF9 is built around DirectX, which is only available for Windows. Many customers report successfully running RealFlight on a Mac when they dual-boot into Windows with software such as Boot Camp. Any computer that meets (or exceeds) the System Requirements and is running Windows should run RealFlight.
Both are great systems and RealFlight 9 will look amazing with either. That said, we currently recommend the Rift for three main reasons: increased frame rate, built-in headphones, and lower cost. Both deliver a fully immersive experience that's unmatched by any other simulator on the market.
A: Only valid RealFlight 9 and 9.5 serial numbers, including those that came with DVDs or via digital download purchases, can be exchanged for the Steam key to update to 9.5S at no charge. Those with earlier versions of RealFlight will need to purchase RF9.5S to upgrade.
A: After successful exchange, you will no longer be able to use the serial number to activate new copies of RealFlight 9 or 9.5 (existing copies that have already been activated will continue to work).
A: You can only exchange a valid serial number once. After successful exchange, you will be provided with the Steam key on-screen and by email. Save this key in a safe place until you redeem it on Steam. The Steam key can only be redeemed once.
A: Some reasons an exchange cannot be completed include attempting to submit an invalid or incorrectly typed serial number, a valid serial number that has already been exchanged, and others.