Two 1CGS IL-2 developer diary updates in one week is a bit unusual but we’ll take it! Today we’re learning about one of the Collector Planes that the developers are going to be making available for pre-order sometime down the road. This time its the Bf109G-6A/S. I’m sure there will be strong thoughts about this so let’s get to the details and then the thoughts.
More G-6
Announced today in the latest developer diary is the addition of a new variant of Bf109 to the series. We’ve already learned via a leak that an La-5F is likely coming and it looks to be complimented by this Bf109G-6A/S version.
There are an almost dizzying array of sub versions of the Bf109G-6 and in the IL-2 series we already have two base versions with several modifications that cover a variety of those versions except for one. The Bf109G-6A/S which is a high altitude modification of the earlier G-6 series (many were built as a G-6 and then modified during repair or refits to the AS) with a DB605AS engine. The biggest difference is in the supercharger which is a much larger one pulled from the DB603 engine.
The change in supercharger required a new engine cowling which will look very familiar to Bf109K-4 pilots. They share a similar streamlined shape versus the more awkward bulges you might be familiar with on some of the other Bf109G-6 and G-14 versions.
Multiple versions are planned according to the dev diary including:
- DB605AS engine working on B4 fuel (87 octane) with 1.42 ATA and 1435 HP takeoff power (1 minute limit)
- DB605ASM engine using С3 fuel (100 octane) allowing 1.7 ATA and 1800 HP takeoff power (around 3 minute limit)
- DB605ASM engine using С3 fuel (100 octane) with MW50 water-methanol injection system, allowing 1.7 ATA and 1800 HP takeoff power (up to 10 minutes time limit while there is water-methanol mixture left). In this modification the engine can take the takeoff power longer, but the downside is that the aircraft becomes around 100 kg heavier (MW50 weight)
Read the whole dev diary update right here!
More G-6?!
A bunch of you are probably already writing comments asking about why the devs might do another Bf109. I can understand that as it is the most numerous and well represented airplane in the entire IL-2 series.
To be fair, the Bf109 is the key fighter of the Luftwaffe from beginning to end and multiple versions does let us experience that historical development of this key type. There’s a tremendous difference between the Bf109E-7 and the Bf109K-4 and many of the sub versions in between help tell that story.
The Bf109G-6A/S does seem like a less needed addition with its lower altitude performance being sacrificed for high altitude performance. Certainly useful within the historical context and useful if you do find yourself cruising at 6,000 meters and tangling with equally capable high altitude Allied fighters. Will many find a use for it? Maybe!
I will say that Bf109 fans have been asking for this version of the 109 for quite some time. It and the Bf109G-10 frequently come up in conversation. Will that translate to sales? 1CGS knows how much they’ve sold of the Bf109G-6 Collector Plane and so if that one is any indication this one may also be a slam dunk. Even if it is another Bf109.
As always, I’ll be flying it and reviewing it when it comes!
Stormbirds 
IL2 has some beautiful moves to it, but to offer a 6th and 7th and 8th version of the same plane and try to sell it as a collector’s plane for $15 or $20, I think that shows a great loss of imagination on their part.
I don’t want to be too negative, but at what point do we get the Bf-109-G8TSRBGS-2 with increased tire pressure and a thicker seat cushion? Only $20. 😦
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It’s okay, I’m only going to get this if it’s part of a two-collector plane pack for $25.
Makes next to zero sense for them to charge $20 each for the Yak-9 and Yak-9T and $20 each for the Spitfire XIV and Spitfire XIV Teardrop canopy. Doesn’t matter if there’s a small geometry change, most people would prefer to buy them in a two-plane pack for $25.
There are more differences in the La-5 series 8 and the La-5FN than in the planes mentioned above.
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Some bundle packs would be good. Of course when these have gone on sale the prices have been really good. Some may not be worth full price for some but bring it down to $5-10 and then it becomes more appealing.
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Getting about time to rename the franchise.
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Yeah this has happened twice to the series!
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I could possibly understand the G-10 given the models extensive use on the EF but another G-6, really? The next announced collectors aircraft with be yet another Spitfire variant with the slightly modified wing area of 21.5 m2.
Canada thinks this is a loss of imagination. That’s not it, IMHO. This is an attempt at maximizing profit while exerting minimal effort as it will cost them next to nothing (existing 109 3d models/systems/see renders above) to develop. BoX has been headed this way for several years now and this announcement only reaffirms that the series’ problems are as much pragmatic as they are conceptual.
I’m not sayin’ that the developers are lazy and creatively bankrupt, but it sure seems like they’re well on their way.
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You might be right, maybe it’s just a quest for a quick buck. Bugs me that they are so stuck in their ways that they won’t make an F6F, for example, even though people would stand in line to buy it. I don’t care if the map comes later, the plane would be fun to fly, and that’s what it’s all about.
If I buy this new 109 – and I absolutely will not – it would be my tenth 109 variant in IL2. I like my planes as much as the next guy but that’s ridiculous. I mean, will there be an 11th and 12th variant? At this point anything is possible I guess. Just seems to be a massive waste of time.
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I suspect it will sell well while they retool for whatever comes next. IMHO, I think the series is in a kind of holding pattern unlike anything we’ve seen in the last several years.
Until we know what the plan is, I think some of these Collector Plane releases are sort of a sideshow.
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Personally, one plane variant the devs should make that nobody would contest the price of $20 would be the Mosquito IV Bomber variant. To my knowledge that plane has never been flyable in a high-fidelity flight sim before and it would be a great plane to have.
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I’d be completely on board with this. I’d love to see a bomber variant of the Mossie!
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Same!
We already have one Mosquito in game and a bomber variant would help fill in the major gap in the Western Allies roster (no flyable bombers)
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Best to take this opportunity to replace the KG stick with the correct model for all 109 variants and fix the cockpit graphics issues on older 109s.
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Well, lets see where this franchise is heading to. We still don´ t know about the big plan for the future. Anyways the choice of the G6/AS as a collector is appreciated by me, because it ads a historically significant plane to the Normandy and Bodenplatte single player careers. About half of the 109s fighting in the west 44/45 were AS planes, at least thats what I read from Mahnros Bodenplatte book. Can´ t blame them to go for low hanging fruits. It is a business after all.
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Yes, but wasn’t AS version designed against waves of B-17 and B-24 bombers?
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@Sunrise: Nope. The AS versions were designed to counter the allied fighter escorts. The germans called the units Hoehengruppen/Hoehenstaffeln. Their job was to detract the escorts to allow the cannon armed bomberkillers (190A8s and 109s with 20mm gondolas) do their job.
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Yes, but what this escort has been escorting?
I mean, we do not have any heavy bomber, there is no need for counter-escort fighter optimized to fly high. That was my point.
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I think you said that it was designed for use against the bombers 🙂
The broader picture is of course that there were efforts to make all German fighters more competitive at high altitudes as that’s where a lot of fighting was going on. We don’t have that aspect of the air war in the sim right now so it does have a more limited appeal.
That said, I suspect the economics of this offering as a business decision outweighs any of our thoughts on its use.
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English is not my native language so something could have been lost in tranlation. I meant I see another version of G-6 as easy cash grab cause even in the career mode there could be hardly any missions for them. My point was it was high altitue fighter.
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Very good info! Were the A/S 109s more frequently operated without the gondolas as a result? I’ve not been able to learn much either way.
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@Shamrock
“Very good info! Were the A/S 109s more frequently operated without the gondolas as a result?”
I´ ve never seen pics of them with gondolas, so I think yes.
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Fascinating! So definitely focused on the dedicated anti-escort fighter role.
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You content is Excellent. Your prices are less expensive than a burger at MacDonald’s.
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK GREAT BATTLES I PERSONALLY ENJOY EVERY ADDITION YOU CREATE.
I think you might take to heart the one or two that complain… personally, no one would let most of us within a football oval of these real airworthy WW2 planes let alone fly them. Here GREAT BATTLES let’s us fly all. Just consider the enjoyment a Great Grandchild would feel flying your Bf 109G6 a/s and being able to say “This is the actual model Great Grandfather flew in the war.
Something that really sold me on your game many years ago was the fact that tactics developed in game closely match tactics I read of from real WW2 pilots documented accounts.
So, a stunningly beautiful game of which I am proud to be a part of.
Merci Great Battles
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BattleLine Sturmovik 1946:
I do believe your company should implement a new gaming format.
This will included a RedLine superimposed upon rectangular
map which moves closer towards your enemy as you deduct successful sortie points from the initial starting point total. Teams consist of Nine player’s with three airbases for each team. The airbases located one behind the other then when the RedLine touches a enemy airbase then that airbase immediately becomes your possession till all three airbases belong to your team and your team declared the winner.
Then you can charge a SMALL FEE for teams to join a tournament with the top three teams receiving a predetermined prize of monetary values.
PUBG DO IT, DOTA2 DO IT
GREAT BATTLES LIKE WISE SHOULD…
Just Do iT
Call it
“BattleLine Sturmovik 1946” which you can then add to your other excellent projects. It will certainly lead the way as an AVIATORS Social Football Match
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This is the second time you’ve posted the same message here.
Two things:
1) I am not 1C, 1C Game Studios, or any other kind of game developer or publisher.
2) Don’t spam my site.
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Maybe I am mis-remembering, but did they not say 2 early war aircraft?
La-5F? Nah. G-6A/S? Vaguely tempted but am still disappointed in the company so disinclined to throw money until they get their backsides in gear and explain what is going on. The last livestream was vaguery to the point of confusing everyone.
Jason’s absence is palpable. The Russian psyche does not do transparency, even where it would be to their benefit.
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That’s how I heard it from the live stream and that’s how many people interpreted it as well but I suspect that the statement may not have come across the way they intended it to.
These are more mid-war than early. Maybe the early is in reference to a release in 2023? I’m grasping here…
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Well as a mainly ground pounder and occasional bomber pilot it certainly doesn’t float my boat. I have all the other 109s but haven’t touched most of them. The favourite is still the E-7.
Cheers.
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Hard to argue with the E-7… its such a classic!
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Agreed. The E-7 is pretty cool. That’s a 109 worth having.
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Well the current state of IL-2 kinda saddens me. In theory I have nothing against the 109 itself as a plane and I’m pretty sure that the majority of the German side players will love this addition but this feels like an easy cash grap for 1C. It is the third (when we don’t count the G-14) Iteration of the G6 and while she will remain probably the most different for now it is just temporary. Eventhough the G10 has no AS engine (to my knowledge) it will fullfill the same role and I’m pretty sure the G10 will come with the next late war installment. Those two will feel similar while the G6/AS will have less power compared to her more refined version, kinda like the G6/Late and G14 probably. And let alone the role for high altitude fighters in the game is basically non existent. A few jockeys cruise around 6.000 meters but not the majority. So another tool that doesn’t really enhance the gameplay experience.
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As I’ve said to a few others, I’m pretty sure the series is headed into a longer term support structure right now with a slower trickle of content as the majority of the team works on something new.
You’re right that the Bf109 fans are going to like this and judging by the comments I’ve read elsewhere. This will probably sell.
Fortunately we do have the IAR80/81 waiting in the wings for a more unique Axis airplane. I’m very excited about that one.
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Dont we already have an la5F with the modification of the engine on the normal La5 it make it an F no? Because from what i read the F is only the boosted engine and we already got it
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Sort of. With the La-5 Series 8 that we have, an engine modification turns it into an early La-5F with everything else the same. The definitive La-5F has its own engine cowling unique to it being different than both La-5 and La-5FN. It also introduces the bubble canopy.
Is it a major modification? By variety of changes no, but it did have a decent production run and the Kuban region was where it was deployed primarily.
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