Recent developer blogs from the 1CGS team haven’t really given us the kind of insights on longstanding projects that I’d hoped to see but this latest one redresses that a little bit by giving us a lengthier update on what is currently being worked on for the Great Battles series including some good news about the IAR, info about the CG-4 glider, and Flying Circus too. No news on the new series yet. In the meantime, let’s dig into the latest.
Flying Circus Vol 3 R.E.8 and map update
The conclusion of Flying Circus Vol 3 development is coming up quickly and we have a few new details. First, the final aircraft in the set is in development with the R.E.8 two-seater and reconnaissance/bomber aircraft is set to arrive in the second half of December.
The other big update is that an enhancement to the Flying Circus map, covering all three volumes, will also be coming with five seasonal variations. Those are spring, summer, early fall, late fall, and winter. Attached screenshots show off the different variations.
Work will continue with the update saying that they will be doing the remaining, land based, Flying Circus aircraft in the next volume. That includes aircraft like the Sopwith Pup and 1-half Strutter as well as the Albatross D.III and Fokker E.III.
IAR and WACO CG-4 coming too
The next update is also bringing with it two more WWII aircraft with the long awaited IAR80/81 project finally coming to fruition. This project has been in the works for a couple of years now with a third party and I’m looking forward to finally having a chance to fly it in the sim. To the developers credit, it appears that this iteration of the IAR will include virtually all of the significant modifications to the type covering IAR80 through 81c.
Then we have a bit of an oddity for the series and one that I think might offer an interesting experience. The WACO CG-4 is a glider and one used on a few high profile operations including during Operation Overlord. The aircraft model was created by Ugra Media (they are back to calling them Yugra again in the text) and 1CGS have done some programming too that makes the cable work. Even in multiplayer!
It is also interesting that in the multiplayer mode, full interaction will be possible: one pilot will be able to fly a C-47A “Skytrain” and the other a towed glider. There will be a lift cabin as the main cargo hatch, a braking parachute, and different types of cargo: general cargo, jeep, and paratroopers with weapons.
I know that won’t excite some combat sim pilots but I’m interested in trying that out and finding out what kind of experience is possible. I have a few friends that are already looking to find several of us to get a massed flight together…so it will be interesting to see what kind of experience this will offer and how it will be priced.
No pre-order is available yet on the glider but the IAR-80/81 remains on pre-order for now.
Stormbirds 
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