The latest IL-2 developer diary is out – on a Tuesday no less! This one is wide ranging and it includes some new information that we haven’t heard about until now along with some updates on all of the latest efforts. This is a recap of everything that we’ve learned.

AI, maps, vehicles – and more!

More improvements to IL-2’s AI are coming which is likely music to many of your ears. ‘Improved formation logic’ will be coming in the next patch, however, the wording suggests that this it won’t be the last of the near term updates to AI. I have some high hopes to see more gradual improvements to things like the AI’s defensive flying predictability.

The map for Bodenplatte and the Arras map for Flying Circus continue to make progress. 1CGS is reporting that Bodenplatte’s first cities, settlements and airbases are done and the team is making progress moving across the map. It being the biggest in the series to date means that it will take time for the team to be done with all of that so we may still be waiting some time for this to finish. It’s also the first in IL-2 series to feature all four seasons.

The Arras map is also reportedly using some of the same city technology that the Bodenplatte map is using. Arras, Saint-Quentin, and Cambrai should very much look the part of 1918 France. No word on what ‘no-man’s land’ will be like but I know many in the community have expressed hopes for more varied and pitted terrain to show off the devastation of four years of war in this zone.

This update we get to see our second ground vehicle for Bodenplatte – German Sd.Kfz. 7/1 halftrack with 20 mm Flak-Vierling 38 AA gun. It’s quad barrel 20mm loadout should make for some harried ground attacks.

Aircraft status updates

The team is making progress on multiple aircraft right now too. Here’s a general sense of where each of them is at according to the latest update:

• Tempest Mark V – Flight model work in progress, visual model nearing completion
• P-51D-15 – Visual model nearing completion
• P-38J-25 – Flight model work in progress, visual model nearing completion
• M262 – Visual model done, flight model should be finished soon
• B-25D – Visual model nearly done
• S.E.5a – Nearly complete
• Albatross D.Va – Nearly complete

Before the end of the spring I expect that we’ll see the S.E.5a, Albatross D.Va and Me262 become available to players. Hopefully we’ll see the P-51D-15, P-38J-25, and the AI B-25D through the summer and into the fall.

The P-51D-15 was indicated to be next but we’ve known 1CGS to sometimes change order depending on the internal schedule so any of these could come next – I know multiplayer fans are looking for something like the Mustang and Tempest to add to the Allied line-up sooner than later.

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Of course, the Albatross and the S.E.5a will add to the aircraft available for Flying Circus. With their release, we’re down to just two more for Flying Circus before the aircraft list is complete.

Tanks and other stuff

Tank Crew is moving along as well. The Pz. Kpfw III Ausf. M. (rolls right off the tongue) has its crew being implemented now along with the M4A2. The PzKpfw. IV Ausf. G interior, sans crew, is also coming along.

New promo trailer for IL-2: Battle of Stalingrad

IL-2: Battle of Stalingrad is the first of this third generation of IL-2 titles and though it may be several years old now, it’s still a key piece of the IL-2 series history, and its still one of the most frequent entry points for new fans into the series. Enter HH Paulk and a brilliant new trailer highlighting Battle of Stalingrad titled “Join the Fight!” Check it out!