This next journal is going to document a couple of things from a recent flight. First, I wanted to showcase the kinds of flights that you can have online with the C-47 in IL-2 Great Battles. Second, I wanted to show off that it is possible to conduct these flights without loss thanks to a couple of different factors. Third, to show off how cool it can be to perform some of these missions. Let’s go!

Onto the Dynamic War Server

Three of us were keen to give the C-47 a shot and so on we went to Finnish Virtual Pilots – Dynamic War server. This has been, for a few years now, one of the go to experiences for the IL-2 multiplayer community. This is a server that has something for just about any virtual combat flight sim pilot. Fighters, attackers, bombers, and even transport aircraft all have a role to play.

For a long time, the Ju52 and several specially kitted out twin engine aircraft fulfilled the role as transport aircraft. Each airbase has an approximately 30 aircraft supply limit. Lost aircraft due to accident or combat are gradually subtracted from the base until it has run out of airplanes. The only way back is to resupply these bases by landing a cargo airplane there.

Types like the He111, Pe-2, and A-20B function as stand-in transports delivering supplies enough for 10 more aircraft. The Ju52 was given special status being able to supply 20 owing both to its slower speed and its dedicated role as transport. Until recently, the Ju52 was available to both teams in this role. Now, with the C-47 in the sim, it takes its rightful place.

The Ju52 and C-47 also have another role and that’s deploying troops to the frontlines and thus bolstering the combat effectiveness of those zones. The long term effect boosts tank supplies on the front and can ultimately help move the front line in your team’s favour.

Mission to the frontline

Our first mission came with a difficult objective. Fly to the frontlines on the northern sector of the battle and deploy paratroopers within the designated zone.

Setting out from a rear base, we charted a course that took us north and east of the area that we intended to drop on. This took us away from more common target areas closer to the frontline and decreased the possibility of fighter interception.

Evading enemy fighters is an important aspect of the mission plan and we set out to achieve that by coming from a location and an angle that would see fewer aircraft and even fewer active patrols. Although this isn’t a foolproof method, it is a key part of the plan. And, as they say, if you fail to plan you plan to fail.

Next up, and quite serendipitously, we heard from a couple of people on chat asking us if we wanted an escort. We responded with an enthusiastic yes! As we flew our route we were joined by a joint strike mission comprised of a couple of Spitfires and a Mustang. All covering us on our way in before breaking off for other targets. To those who provided support, thank you! That was awesome and always appreciated.

Approach the drop zone, marked by red smoke, from the north, we split our C-47s up into a looser formation and then began the drop process.

If I were to critique our actions after, it would have been to slow up and get a greater concentration of paratroopers within the drop zone. We instead ended up with troopers forming a line that was a few kilometers long. A few troopers may have even landed in the water… ooops.

With the chat bar lighting up indicating a mission success, we turned for home at treetop level continuing to avoid enemy fighter patrols. Our escort, with their goals accomplished, set out to create havoc against the enemy.

Then we brought our aircraft in for a landing. This was a complete mission success with no loses, paratroops dropped on the correct location

Supporting the air force

After that, we flew a couple of shorter sorties adding supplies to our team. Here we had far fewer chances of encountering enemy forces although the threat always remains.

We flew a couple of resupply sorties before our time was out keeping all of our forward operating bases supplied and ensuring that our team could continue the battle unencumbered by a lack of aircraft.

You won’t score big points on the server, assuming that matters to you, but you do contribute meaningfully to the battle both ways. Its a fun way to play a supporting role without needing to be a fighter pilot and its just another example of the alternative roles that people can find themselves enjoying online.