I wrote a story late yesterday about how we had word that the next update for the IL-2 series was on its way and could arrive any day. That day has come already!

New content and fixes

The highlights of 4.706 are the arrival of the flyable Ar234 Arado jet bomber and the AI controlled B-26 Marauder. The later will appear in various career missions while the Arado gives us a very unique jet bomber experience for the series. The Ar234 was, after all, the world’s first production jet bomber albeit in limited numbers.

Bringing the Ar234 to life in IL-2 did mean adding some new features. The team have added a dive-bomb sight, reusable boosters, drag chute, an autopilot control system (unique to the airplane), and more.

Meanwhile the B-26, though an AI plane, is still modeled at a highly detailed level and it has a new 3D model for the gunners. These will eventually be used on other aircraft in the project.

Finally, the latest update also introduces the Bedford QL truck and tanker, as well as the LCA, LCM, and LCT landing craft types.

Battle of Normandy status

Today’s update also includes a mini-status update on IL-2: Battle of Normandy. It’s taken some time but the end of the project is nearly in sight as the remaining items have come down to just a precious few.

Battle of Normandy is getting closer and closer to that special moment – its release! Testing of the map and game modes will begin soon. New mission types are being created for the Normandy Career. Work is nearing completion on the last aircraft on the project list – the Me 410. All this is happening right now and the work is in full swing.

Exciting times for the series. Go and check out the patch notes here!