If you’re a fan of the P-47 Thunderbolt I think you’re going to have a lot to like about this next update for IL-2: Great Battles and the latest IL-2 developer diary details a lot of what 1CGS is doing with both the new P-47D-22 coming to the sim as well as the P-47D-28 that is already present. Here are the details!

Appreciating the new P-47D-22

Early access for Battle of Normandy kicks off with the introduction of the P-47D-22 which is expected to come in just a couple of weeks now. This latest developer diary is the clearest indication yet of just how complete this aircraft now is with what appears to be a finished cockpit and plenty of new skins. Let’s have a look at those first!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Notably, the P-47D-22 with its razorback design is actually faster with Han filling in some interesting details for us here.

It is interesting to note that while Razorback was an earlier model than D-28, it has a bit higher climb rate and significantly (+27 kph) speed at emergency engine mode. To a degree, this difference comes from a different propeller, but mainly it was caused by the dorsal spine. Bubble canopy, while being vastly superior for offering a much better view, creates flow swirling behind them. Dorsal spine fairing increases the lift-drag ratio of a plane.

Han on the IL-2 developer diary

The P-47D-22 is coming in the next patch and 1CGS have even announced that it will be integrated with the Bodenplatte Career mode as many older D-22 models soldiered on into 1945. So you’ll be able to have a single player experience here right away – if you own Battle of Bodenplatte.

From high octane to flight model refinements

Now that we have the eye candy out of the way, let’s have a look at both the new P-47 as well as the changes that are coming to the P-47D-28 as well.

First, it looks like 1CGS has taken the time put into the P-47D-22 to further refine the flight model. For those who have noted the much higher than expected lift provided by the flaps to others who have had concerns about control effectiveness at different speeds, it looks like 1CGS has made another pass at this aircraft which will hopefully result in a more accurate experience – and potentially a more satisfying one too.

They have also taken the opportunity to add in a new high-octane boost option. This is not only for the P-47D-22 but also for the D-28. That should provide some added power and stay in line with some of the other high-octane or high boost Allied fighters and connect with the history of the P-47 which was often ‘hot rodded’ by squadrons and individual crew chiefs.

Here are some of the notable changes:

• Flap effectiveness reduced especially beyond stall angles
• Aircraft won’t stall as unpredictably and will buffet first
• Aileron affected by ram air effects earlier but load increase comes on more smoothly
• Elevator load at high speeds reduced

The overall effect, according to 1CGS, is an overall better match to reference data for the fighter. I know a lot of you are going to want to read into exactly how these will affect the P-47 and how it will affect both P-47D-28 and D-22, however, I think a lot of these effects are subtle and it will take some time flying both of these to really feel the difference in all circumstances.

1CGS does say that the changes should better match the heavy weight of the P-47 (it is, at empty, a 10,000lb fighter after all). I initially was worried about that, however, the weight of the P-47 is a complex thing that both has positive and negative effects on the aircraft. Getting that right and getting the right feel may be a complex process. We’ll see how it ends up appearing in the end but I am optimistic that it will make the P-47 a more satisfying aircraft to fly. For fans of both DCS World and IL-2: Great Battles, it may be interesting to see how it compares with the P-47 over there as well.

Early war German pilot update

We’ve also got a quick look at the newest pilot model to join the series. An early war German pilot in winter. Looks great!

You can read the full developer diary for the extra details.