This Friday developer diary update from the folks at 1C Game Studios has proven to be quite the interesting post with some fantastic new images showing off even more progress on their cloud technology, our first Mosquito cockpit images, and a mystery warbird mention. Let’s talk about this!
Clouds improve
What we’ve seen so far with the new IL-2 cloud technology update has been mostly focused on what the technology can do. The looks have already improved thanks to having more localized weather phenomena but now we’re getting a look at what visual upgrades the technology can potentially bring to the table as well.
The visuals include more images of localized weather and rainstorms that affect just a specific area of the map rather than the whole thing. One image shows off what looks like a frontal boundary which may be largely for looks but still impresses me. Oh, and then, we have what appears to be a cumulonimbus or ‘anvil head’ storm system on display in at least two of the images. That is cool!
AQMG, P-51 and Mosquito talk
The AQMG (Advanced Quick Mission Generator) is making progress according to this update and should come in the next update. It will be joined by the Breguet 14.B2.
I’m very anxious to see what 1CGS has been able to do for the P-51B/C Mustang cockpit and word is that its nearly ready for the public to see but still needs a little work done on it first before they show it off to us.
Meanwhile, the Mosquito FB.VI (and XVII) continues to make progress. The type’s somewhat complicated cockpit arrangement has been done in 3D and is now awaiting texturing. Even without the textures, you can appreciate the attention to detail given to this aircraft.
Although it’s easy to draw comparisons to the DCS version which is now out, I for one feel a bit spoiled in that it looks like we have two brilliant takes on the famous Mosquito.
Mystery warbird? What?
The developer diary ends with a little tease. Jason has been doing research for new aircraft and apparently some of his research has borne fruit.
There has also been some good news with some research endeavors Jason has working on. If all goes well It may bring a new warbird to our skies. One that many of you have asked for. Stay tuned for more on that.
Speculation on the forums has run wild with mentions of various types of new aircraft (and a few good jokes in there too). I’m going to guess that the team has been pursuing some new twin engine options making a flyable B-25, B-26, or A-20 variant (the G has been asked for several times) all on the list as best guesses. Can’t wait to find out!
For all of this and more, visit the latest IL-2 developer diary!
Stormbirds 
I feel that this new plane will likely be an early war plane such as the MC.200, Hs-123, I-153, etc.
They more than likely have everyone that they need to make a flyable B-25, or B-26, or add than A-20G to the game, but don’t have the budget and people to make it flyable in a reasonable time.
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There were resources needed to be gathered for the interiors of the B-25, B-26 and A-20G which Jason said were potentially accessible in my last Q&A with him (now ages ago). So I wouldn’t rule any of them out.
Some early fighters like the MC.200, Hs123, I153 and others would be very interesting to see too of course.
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The mystery plane should be the La-7 or Yak-3. This gives us VVS fighters comparable to late-war German fighters we have from BoBP.
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Hi Stephen. Those choices seem unlikely as they would be logical choices for a future eastern front title. The Great Battles Series has always been very strategic about the aircraft that they include and right now neither of those aircraft have a historical scenario to fight in.
See my recent article on the future of the series to get a sense of what could happen with these two: https://stormbirds.blog/2021/10/11/a-look-at-possible-futures-for-il-2-great-battles/
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You posted, “I for one feel a bit spoiled in that it looks like we have two brilliant takes on the infamous Mosquito.”
In my dictionary infamous means having an extremely bad or evil reputation, shamefully malign, detestable. I’ve not read anything that would make me think the Mosquito was detestable.
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Not sure what possessed me to write infamous. The correction has been made 🙂
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Tell that to the Germans
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If it’s driven by research, it’s going to be a plane that was previously desired but short on documentation. That kinda knocks out almost everything Allied (esp US).
I personally am hoping a bi-lingual resident of Japan has become a rabid IL2 fan 😉
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I am as clueless as you are. 😊
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We’ll see what happens. IMHO I wouldn’t read too much into the research. All of the aircraft needed some and types like the Tempest and Typhoon required a visit to the UK by Jason to get the info needed.
It could be a less exotic warbird than we think but just one that needed some extra diagrams to be dug up.
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A twin-engine bird is quite the under-taking and the team has their hands full. I would suspect something closer to an A-36 or an early P-40 that can exist on current maps.
A Russian aircraft that entered service after Kuban wound-down has nowhere to fly and – unlike DCS – the BoX crew have normally been pretty exacting when it cones to aircraft vs. environment. Mind you, there is always s first time and perhaps it could be a link to the next title.
My money is on something missing from 1941-43 and not too complicated / time-consuming or possibly a link to the next BoX theatre, but with BoN still a long-way from finished I would be surprised at the latter.
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