My Flight in Spitfire Mk IX ML295 – How Close Is My Home Simulator?

This summer I finally fulfilled a lifelong dream and flew in Spitfire Mk IX ML295. Having spent thousands of hours flying the Spitfire in DCS, and years developing my home simulator to try and replicate the experience as closely as possible, I finally got the opportunity to find out — just how close is it? In this video I share the experience of flying ML295 and compare it directly with my simulator at home — including the controls, force feedback, airflow, sound, vibration, takeoff and landing, as well as some of the things that simply can't be replicated in a simulator. ML295 also has an incredible history. She flew operationally during the summer of 1944, including from Bény-sur-Mer in Normandy — somewhere very familiar to me from flying on the Project Overlord server in DCS. There are also some much more personal connections for me. My grandad was responsible for getting me interested in aviation and engineering in the first place, while my great-grandad worked on Hispano cannons during the Second World War — the same type fitted to the Spitfire. This was genuinely one of the most memorable experiences of my life, and it's also changed the way I've set up and fly my simulator since. A massive thank you to everyone who made the flight possible. If you're interested in experiencing a Spitfire for yourself, visit Spitfires.com. ✈️ MY SPITFIRE SIMULATOR SETUP Below are the main components from my rig. Links are provided so you can check the latest pricing and availability directly: FFBeast Force Feedback Stick https://ffbeast.github.io/ Andre’s JetSeat (SimShaker JetPad) https://andres-shop.simshaker.com/jet... Buttkicker Gamer (Haptics) https://thebuttkicker.com/ Spitfire Histories Cockpit Side Panel https://www.spitfireflightsim.com/ SpitSim Controls (Custom Work & Enquiries) https://www.spitfireclub.co.uk/everyt... SRS Hurricane Wind Kit (Airflow System) https://www.simracingstudio.com/produ... Authentikit Cockpit Controls https://authentikit.org/ DOF Reality H3 Motion Platform https://dofreality.com/product/flight... PT Actuator Belt Tensioner System https://www.pt-actuator.com/product/p... 🎯 ABOUT THE SIMULATOR This rig has been developed over a number of years, starting from simple setups and evolving into a dedicated WWII cockpit experience. The focus has always been on immersion in VR, physical feedback through motion, haptics and airflow, realistic control positioning, and ultimately building something that feels right when flying. Having now flown a real Spitfire, I've been able to take that development another step further. I fly online with 142 Squadron on the Project Overlord server. A huge thank you to the admins and mission planners for the work that goes into creating and maintaining the environment we get to fly in. And to the lads in 142 Squadron — we've built some great friendships through this hobby. If you've got any questions about the setup, the flight or anything you've seen in the video, drop them in the comments. Thanks for watching, and if you'd like to see more of my flying adventures — both in the simulator and in real life — please like and subscribe. See you in the skies! #Spitfire #SpitfireMkIX #ML295 #DCSWorld #FlightSimulator #FlightSim #WW2Aviation