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 
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