Dev Blog #86
Greetings, comrades!
As promised earlier, today we have a substantial dev diary dedicated to our plans for the coming year across the entire IL-2 series. To provide a clearer overview, we have prepared a Roadmap for the second half of 2026 and the first half of 2027, following the same format as before.
As promised earlier, today we have a substantial dev diary dedicated to our plans for the coming year across the entire IL-2 series. To provide a clearer overview, we have prepared a Roadmap for the second half of 2026 and the first half of 2027, following the same format as before.
In 2026, as well as in the beginning of 2027, new modes and major expansions will be introduced to players.
By the end of 2026, the Korea combat flight simulator will receive a training mode and multiplayer leaderboards. Development of the Odessa and Leningrad: Siege and Liberation expansion will also conclude by the end of 2026.
In Q1 2027, the Deck Ops expansion will be released for Korea. It will feature five new carrier-based aircraft and an Essex-class aircraft carrier.
In the Great Battles series, three expansions will be released in 2027. The first expansion — Bombers — will mark the series debut of player-controlled multi-crew bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. In the first half of 2027, the P-47 Thunderbolt and P-39Q Airacobra collector planes will be added.
All expansions will be available on the official IL-2 website and on Steam. Exact Early Access and full release dates will be announced later.
Now, let's take a closer look at each major expansion.
By the end of 2026, the Korea combat flight simulator will receive a training mode and multiplayer leaderboards. Development of the Odessa and Leningrad: Siege and Liberation expansion will also conclude by the end of 2026.
In Q1 2027, the Deck Ops expansion will be released for Korea. It will feature five new carrier-based aircraft and an Essex-class aircraft carrier.
In the Great Battles series, three expansions will be released in 2027. The first expansion — Bombers — will mark the series debut of player-controlled multi-crew bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. In the first half of 2027, the P-47 Thunderbolt and P-39Q Airacobra collector planes will be added.
All expansions will be available on the official IL-2 website and on Steam. Exact Early Access and full release dates will be announced later.
Now, let's take a closer look at each major expansion.
IL-2 Sturmovik: Bombers is one of the riskiest expansions we have ever created for Great Battles. The reason is that creating a bomber for a combat flight simulator is a very difficult, costly, and lengthy undertaking. On average, a bomber requires 4-5 times as much work on the most complex part of the aircraft's visual model – the cockpit. The exterior model also requires, on average, twice as much effort as that of a fighter – a bomber's engine nacelle alone is usually comparable in complexity and detail density to practically the entire forward fuselage of a single-engine aircraft.
Long ago, when we were creating Operation Bodenplatte and Battle of Normandy, along with two AI-controlled twin-engine medium bombers for them – the B-25 Mitchell and B-26B Marauder – you asked us, "Could they ever become available to players?" We replied, "Yes, it may be possible in the future. At the very least, we are building the exterior 3D models so they can later be further developed for use as player-controlled aircraft." And we did not mislead you – that is exactly what happened. Time passed, and circumstances allowed us to allocate all the resources required for this work.
But that did not seem like enough to us. If we were going to do it, we were going to do it on a grand scale!
We decided that two American medium bombers for the Western Front would not be enough, so we chose to develop two more player-controlled twin-engine aircraft. The A-20G-25 Havoc is an extensive development based on the A-20B Boston model from Battle of Kuban, while the Fw-189A-2 Uhu is a completely new German twin-engine reconnaissance and artillery-spotting aircraft. Let us take a closer look at all four aircraft. Although we have previously shown our progress on them, you will now be able to see just how far we have advanced.
Long ago, when we were creating Operation Bodenplatte and Battle of Normandy, along with two AI-controlled twin-engine medium bombers for them – the B-25 Mitchell and B-26B Marauder – you asked us, "Could they ever become available to players?" We replied, "Yes, it may be possible in the future. At the very least, we are building the exterior 3D models so they can later be further developed for use as player-controlled aircraft." And we did not mislead you – that is exactly what happened. Time passed, and circumstances allowed us to allocate all the resources required for this work.
But that did not seem like enough to us. If we were going to do it, we were going to do it on a grand scale!
We decided that two American medium bombers for the Western Front would not be enough, so we chose to develop two more player-controlled twin-engine aircraft. The A-20G-25 Havoc is an extensive development based on the A-20B Boston model from Battle of Kuban, while the Fw-189A-2 Uhu is a completely new German twin-engine reconnaissance and artillery-spotting aircraft. Let us take a closer look at all four aircraft. Although we have previously shown our progress on them, you will now be able to see just how far we have advanced.
Fw-189A-2 Uhu
Fw-189A-2 Uhu, or "Rama" ("Frame") as it is better known on the eastern side of the front. This German tactical reconnaissance aircraft had a twin-boom configuration and was powered by two air-cooled inline Argus AS-410 engines with highly distinctive automatic propeller pitch control mechanisms featuring an additional impeller on the propeller spinner.
The aircraft was used extensively by the Luftwaffe on the Eastern Front, while it was not used in the West. Its crew consisted of three people – a pilot, an observer, and a gunner. The observer could fire from the upper gun position, equipped with an MG-81J machine gun in a mount broadly similar in operating principle to the one used on the Ju-88. The gunner fired from a conical tail mount fitted with a twin MG-81Z machine gun. By rotating the entire cone, which formed the tail of the fuselage, around the longitudinal axis, he could move the firing sector to the most convenient position.
In addition to its reconnaissance role, for which it could be equipped with a camera, the aircraft could perform strike missions and was fitted with four hardpoints for aerial bombs weighing up to 50 kilograms. Another notable feature was that the Frame was quite capable of active defensive air combat. Thanks to its large wing area and low weight, it had a tight turn radius and a short turn time. Two forward-firing 7.92 mm MG-17 machine guns could be used against aerial targets.
The aircraft was used extensively by the Luftwaffe on the Eastern Front, while it was not used in the West. Its crew consisted of three people – a pilot, an observer, and a gunner. The observer could fire from the upper gun position, equipped with an MG-81J machine gun in a mount broadly similar in operating principle to the one used on the Ju-88. The gunner fired from a conical tail mount fitted with a twin MG-81Z machine gun. By rotating the entire cone, which formed the tail of the fuselage, around the longitudinal axis, he could move the firing sector to the most convenient position.
In addition to its reconnaissance role, for which it could be equipped with a camera, the aircraft could perform strike missions and was fitted with four hardpoints for aerial bombs weighing up to 50 kilograms. Another notable feature was that the Frame was quite capable of active defensive air combat. Thanks to its large wing area and low weight, it had a tight turn radius and a short turn time. Two forward-firing 7.92 mm MG-17 machine guns could be used against aerial targets.
А-20G-25 Havoc
A-20G-25 Havoc – this will be a highly versatile aircraft, as it will be represented in a wide range of variants. The base aircraft will have the forward bombardier's compartment faired over, with a battery of six .50-caliber M2 machine guns installed in that space, as well as a powered twin-gun Martin turret. The lower "dagger" gun mount will now carry a heavy 12.7 mm machine gun instead of the rifle-caliber machine gun fitted to earlier versions of the A-20.
Such an aircraft lacked a bombsight and could either perform low-altitude strike missions or carry out unaimed bombing from high altitude. In the base configuration, the aircraft will carry American bombs, while Soviet bombs will be available in the Soviet Lend-Lease variant. We also decided to add a "glass nose" variant housing a bombardier's compartment with a Norden bombsight. This version will represent the A-20J modification.
Such aircraft usually served as leaders for formations of A-20Gs without bombsights when bombing was carried out on the command of a bombsight-equipped lead aircraft. On this aircraft, four nose guns were removed, with two retained on the sides of the cockpit, as on the A-20B.
The long-awaited Soviet torpedo-bomber modification will also be available. In the Soviet Union, the aircraft was fitted with racks for torpedoes and heavy bombs, while the rear lower "dagger" gun mount was replaced by a navigator-bombardier station equipped with an OPB-1 bombsight. In other words, this torpedo bomber could also serve as a level bomber.
Such an aircraft lacked a bombsight and could either perform low-altitude strike missions or carry out unaimed bombing from high altitude. In the base configuration, the aircraft will carry American bombs, while Soviet bombs will be available in the Soviet Lend-Lease variant. We also decided to add a "glass nose" variant housing a bombardier's compartment with a Norden bombsight. This version will represent the A-20J modification.
Such aircraft usually served as leaders for formations of A-20Gs without bombsights when bombing was carried out on the command of a bombsight-equipped lead aircraft. On this aircraft, four nose guns were removed, with two retained on the sides of the cockpit, as on the A-20B.
The long-awaited Soviet torpedo-bomber modification will also be available. In the Soviet Union, the aircraft was fitted with racks for torpedoes and heavy bombs, while the rear lower "dagger" gun mount was replaced by a navigator-bombardier station equipped with an OPB-1 bombsight. In other words, this torpedo bomber could also serve as a level bomber.
B-25C/D Mitchell
B-25C/D Mitchell – a twin-engine medium bomber used extensively by the United States and Britain on the Western Front, as well as by the Soviet Union on the Eastern Front. The game will feature the base American configuration, with available modifications allowing it to be converted into the variants used by Britain and the Soviet Union. These modifications primarily concern the bomb armament, but also the sighting equipment. The American and British configurations will be fitted with a Norden bombsight and 250, 500, and 1,000-pound bombs of American or British models, respectively. The Soviet configuration will be equipped with an NKPB-7 bombsight and FAB-100, FAB-250, and FAB-500 bombs.
B-26B Marauder
B-26B Marauder – another twin-engine medium bomber used extensively by the United States Army on the Western Front. Overall, the aircraft corresponds to the AI-controlled version created earlier, but detailed, high-quality interiors have now been recreated for every crew station.
The aircraft had a crew of six: two pilots in the cockpit and a gunner-bombardier with a Norden bombsight and a machine gun in the nose ball mount. The rear compartment housed a gunner-flight engineer in the upper powered twin-gun Martin turret, a gunner-radio operator who operated two waist guns in hatch-mounted pintle mounts, and a tail gunner who operated a twin-gun mount using a hydraulic control system.
The pilot could fire four forward-facing machine guns installed along the sides of the forward fuselage, which can be removed as a modification option. All the aircraft's machine guns were heavy .50-caliber M2 Brownings. Unlike the Mitchell, the Marauder carried its bomb load internally – its central bomb bay could hold 250, 500, 1,000, and 2,000-pound bombs with a total weight of up to 4,000 pounds. Thanks to its more advanced aerodynamics and better engine performance, the B-26 was faster than the B-25.
The aircraft had a crew of six: two pilots in the cockpit and a gunner-bombardier with a Norden bombsight and a machine gun in the nose ball mount. The rear compartment housed a gunner-flight engineer in the upper powered twin-gun Martin turret, a gunner-radio operator who operated two waist guns in hatch-mounted pintle mounts, and a tail gunner who operated a twin-gun mount using a hydraulic control system.
The pilot could fire four forward-facing machine guns installed along the sides of the forward fuselage, which can be removed as a modification option. All the aircraft's machine guns were heavy .50-caliber M2 Brownings. Unlike the Mitchell, the Marauder carried its bomb load internally – its central bomb bay could hold 250, 500, 1,000, and 2,000-pound bombs with a total weight of up to 4,000 pounds. Thanks to its more advanced aerodynamics and better engine performance, the B-26 was faster than the B-25.
All four aircraft will be integrated into Pilot Career for all the countries mentioned above. Corresponding historically appropriate squadrons will be added for them, allowing players to use their new aircraft on two fronts.
Korea: Deck Ops is the first and quite substantial expansion for our new combat flight simulator Korea. IL-2 Series. It includes five new aircraft that all share one defining feature – they are carrier-based!
F9F-2 Panther
F9F-2 Panther – a carrier-based jet fighter-bomber built by Grumman, with an exceptionally interesting airframe configuration. The engine air intakes are integrated into the thickened wing roots along the leading edge, while the aircraft's fin blends smoothly into the fuselage without forming a clearly distinguishable joint line.
Another curious detail is that the elevators and ailerons were mounted not on conventional hinges, but on piano hinges, which is rather unusual in aircraft construction. Interestingly, the Panther was fitted with an engine similar to the one used on the MiG-15 – the Pratt & Whitney J42-P-8, which, like the Soviet RD-45 and the later, heavily redesigned and improved VK-1, was a version of the British Rolls-Royce Nene with a centrifugal compressor. The aircraft was equipped with reinforced landing gear, an arresting hook, and folding wings – everything required for carrier operations.
The aircraft was armed with four forward-firing automatic 20 mm M3 cannons with a rate of fire of up to 800 rounds per minute. These cannons fired a fairly powerful 20 mm shell similar to that of the British 20 mm Hispano cannon.
In addition, the aircraft could carry up to 2,800 pounds of bombs on eight pylons. Interestingly, the wingtip fuel tanks were not jettisonable, but could be removed in the field. Another interesting fact is that Neil Armstrong flew the Panther during the Korean War.
Another curious detail is that the elevators and ailerons were mounted not on conventional hinges, but on piano hinges, which is rather unusual in aircraft construction. Interestingly, the Panther was fitted with an engine similar to the one used on the MiG-15 – the Pratt & Whitney J42-P-8, which, like the Soviet RD-45 and the later, heavily redesigned and improved VK-1, was a version of the British Rolls-Royce Nene with a centrifugal compressor. The aircraft was equipped with reinforced landing gear, an arresting hook, and folding wings – everything required for carrier operations.
The aircraft was armed with four forward-firing automatic 20 mm M3 cannons with a rate of fire of up to 800 rounds per minute. These cannons fired a fairly powerful 20 mm shell similar to that of the British 20 mm Hispano cannon.
In addition, the aircraft could carry up to 2,800 pounds of bombs on eight pylons. Interestingly, the wingtip fuel tanks were not jettisonable, but could be removed in the field. Another interesting fact is that Neil Armstrong flew the Panther during the Korean War.
F2H-2 Banshee
F2H-2 Banshee – a twin-engine carrier-based attack aircraft built by McDonnell. Interestingly, its engines were fully integrated into the wing roots. In this case, they were Westinghouse J34-WE-34 engines with axial compressors. The wing planform also looks quite distinctive, somewhat reminiscent of the technology depicted in comic books of that era. The twin-engine configuration was considered a highly successful solution for naval aviation, since the aircraft could continue and complete its flight after one of its two engines failed.
The Banshee was armed similarly to the Panther – four 20 mm cannons and up to 2,000 pounds of bombs and rockets on eight universal pylons. Unlike the Panther, the Banshee's wingtip tanks were jettisonable.
The Banshee was armed similarly to the Panther – four 20 mm cannons and up to 2,000 pounds of bombs and rockets on eight universal pylons. Unlike the Panther, the Banshee's wingtip tanks were jettisonable.
AD-4 Skyraider
AD-4 Skyraider – a postwar, single-engine, piston-powered carrier-based attack aircraft built by Douglas. The most outstanding feature of this aircraft is undoubtedly its engine. And that is no exaggeration – this is not simply an engine, but the Wright Cyclone 3350, a variation of the monster fitted to the strategic B-29, except that on this version the famous duplex turbocharger was replaced with a more traditional single-stage, two-speed supercharger.
The engine's outstanding output of 2,700 horsepower allowed the aircraft to carry a standard bomb load of 9,000 pounds and up to 10,500 pounds in an overloaded configuration. Its forward-firing armament consisted of two or four 20 mm M3 cannons. Another interesting feature was the excellent forward and downward visibility provided by moving the pilot's cockpit forward to the area of the wing's leading edge, so the wing did not obstruct the view in that direction. With its rather brutish appearance, the Skyraider can be called the living embodiment of the old aircraft design maxim: "Anything can be made to fly if you have a powerful enough engine."
The engine's outstanding output of 2,700 horsepower allowed the aircraft to carry a standard bomb load of 9,000 pounds and up to 10,500 pounds in an overloaded configuration. Its forward-firing armament consisted of two or four 20 mm M3 cannons. Another interesting feature was the excellent forward and downward visibility provided by moving the pilot's cockpit forward to the area of the wing's leading edge, so the wing did not obstruct the view in that direction. With its rather brutish appearance, the Skyraider can be called the living embodiment of the old aircraft design maxim: "Anything can be made to fly if you have a powerful enough engine."
F4U-4 Corsair
F4U-4 Corsair – the best carrier-based fighter at the end of World War II. It first entered combat in the Battle of Okinawa. Just as the F-51D Mustang was called up by the ground forces, the veteran Corsair was also called up in large numbers by the Navy and Marines for the war in Korea.
Here, too, aircraft were pulled out of storage and ferried across the ocean. Lieutenant Guy Pierre Bordelon achieved five aerial victories in the fifth version of the Corsair, becoming the last piston-engine ace in history. The aircraft was armed with six forward-firing .50-caliber M2 Browning machine guns, or, in a modified variant also represented in the game, four 20 mm M3 cannons. The aircraft had two center-section racks capable of carrying 1,000-pound bombs, as well as eight additional hardpoints under the outer wing panels for rockets and smaller bombs.
Here, too, aircraft were pulled out of storage and ferried across the ocean. Lieutenant Guy Pierre Bordelon achieved five aerial victories in the fifth version of the Corsair, becoming the last piston-engine ace in history. The aircraft was armed with six forward-firing .50-caliber M2 Browning machine guns, or, in a modified variant also represented in the game, four 20 mm M3 cannons. The aircraft had two center-section racks capable of carrying 1,000-pound bombs, as well as eight additional hardpoints under the outer wing panels for rockets and smaller bombs.
FB MK.11 Sea Fury
FB MK.11 Sea Fury – a British carrier-based fighter-bomber built by Hawker. Other countries of the North Atlantic Alliance also took an active part in the Korean War, though on a smaller scale than the United States. And here, of course, we are talking about Great Britain.
At the start of the war, British air forces primarily flew combat missions in the Sea Fury. A British pilot model will, of course, be developed for the British aircraft. If the subject proves popular, a future expansion devoted to the British Commonwealth's participation in the Korean War may also be possible.
Speaking of the Sea Fury – it is a postwar aircraft equipped with a powerful 2,500-horsepower Bristol Centaurus XVIII engine. Given the British aircraft's lower weight compared with the enormous Skyraider, this combination of engine and airframe gives the FB.11 an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. The aircraft was armed with four British 20 mm Hispano cannons, comparable in performance to the American M3s. The aircraft could carry two 1,000-pound bombs and was also equipped with six rocket hardpoints. It could carry up to twelve unguided 60-pound RP-3 rockets when mounted in two tiers.
At the start of the war, British air forces primarily flew combat missions in the Sea Fury. A British pilot model will, of course, be developed for the British aircraft. If the subject proves popular, a future expansion devoted to the British Commonwealth's participation in the Korean War may also be possible.
Speaking of the Sea Fury – it is a postwar aircraft equipped with a powerful 2,500-horsepower Bristol Centaurus XVIII engine. Given the British aircraft's lower weight compared with the enormous Skyraider, this combination of engine and airframe gives the FB.11 an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. The aircraft was armed with four British 20 mm Hispano cannons, comparable in performance to the American M3s. The aircraft could carry two 1,000-pound bombs and was also equipped with six rocket hardpoints. It could carry up to twelve unguided 60-pound RP-3 rockets when mounted in two tiers.
Essex SCB-27A
All these beauties are carrier-based aircraft. And, of course, they need the deck of an aircraft carrier to fully experience every aspect of their handling and combat employment. And then it takes the stage – a 274-meter-long, 40,000-ton, 154,000-horsepower American maritime leviathan.
It is an Essex-class aircraft carrier in its postwar SCB-27A modernization configuration. In this configuration, the turret-mounted 127 mm dual-purpose guns and 40 mm Bofors guns were removed, while rapid-firing automatic twin 76 mm guns were added. As a result, the ship was armed with eight single 127 mm guns, fourteen twin 76 mm mounts, and eight single 20 mm Oerlikon automatic cannons.
The ship was also equipped with advanced radar systems that allowed it to monitor the airspace at long ranges around the clock and coordinate aviation operations. The ship's enormous hangar, extending from bow to stern, could accommodate up to 80 aircraft. To raise this entire armada to the flight deck and return it below, the Essex was equipped with three aircraft elevators, also known as lifts – bow and stern elevators on the deck centerline, as well as a side elevator on the port side. The hangar had numerous large side openings for ventilation and other needs, but all of them, including the elevator opening, could be closed with roller-shutter-style doors. The power plant propelled this monster to a speed of 32 knots, which also significantly improved conditions for carrier aviation during takeoffs and landings. The aircraft carrier was also equipped with two bow-mounted hydraulic catapults, while the modernization added an escalator lift for the pilots, its shaft clearly visible on the starboard side of the ship beneath the island superstructure.
The ship was also equipped with advanced radar systems that allowed it to monitor the airspace at long ranges around the clock and coordinate aviation operations. The ship's enormous hangar, extending from bow to stern, could accommodate up to 80 aircraft. To raise this entire armada to the flight deck and return it below, the Essex was equipped with three aircraft elevators, also known as lifts – bow and stern elevators on the deck centerline, as well as a side elevator on the port side. The hangar had numerous large side openings for ventilation and other needs, but all of them, including the elevator opening, could be closed with roller-shutter-style doors. The power plant propelled this monster to a speed of 32 knots, which also significantly improved conditions for carrier aviation during takeoffs and landings. The aircraft carrier was also equipped with two bow-mounted hydraulic catapults, while the modernization added an escalator lift for the pilots, its shaft clearly visible on the starboard side of the ship beneath the island superstructure.
HO3S-1
HO3S-1 - an AI-controlled helicopter. A "naval" rescue variant from the Sikorsky S-51/H-5 helicopter family.
It made its first flight in February 1946, and by the time of the Korean War it was in service with the United States Army, Marine Corps, and Navy, as well as the armed forces of other countries. The helicopter could perform a wide range of missions, including liaison, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and the rescue of pilots shot down over the battlefield.
The helicopter was built according to the "conventional" configuration with a tail rotor and was powered by a 450-horsepower piston engine. For operations from ships, the main rotor blades could be folded along the tail boom. In addition to the pilot, the cabin could accommodate three more people on a rear bench.
The helicopter was equipped with a special rescue hoist for evacuating people from the ground or water. The rescue hoist could be called the helicopter's main "weapon", since aircraft of this type performed search and rescue duties for the United States Navy at the time. They also provided rapid assistance during carrier aviation operations, constantly hovering near the aircraft carrier and remaining ready to respond to an accident and recover a pilot from the water as quickly as possible.
It made its first flight in February 1946, and by the time of the Korean War it was in service with the United States Army, Marine Corps, and Navy, as well as the armed forces of other countries. The helicopter could perform a wide range of missions, including liaison, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and the rescue of pilots shot down over the battlefield.
The helicopter was built according to the "conventional" configuration with a tail rotor and was powered by a 450-horsepower piston engine. For operations from ships, the main rotor blades could be folded along the tail boom. In addition to the pilot, the cabin could accommodate three more people on a rear bench.
The helicopter was equipped with a special rescue hoist for evacuating people from the ground or water. The rescue hoist could be called the helicopter's main "weapon", since aircraft of this type performed search and rescue duties for the United States Navy at the time. They also provided rapid assistance during carrier aviation operations, constantly hovering near the aircraft carrier and remaining ready to respond to an accident and recover a pilot from the water as quickly as possible.
The interaction with the aircraft carrier, the specific set of Commander Career missions, tasks involving the air defense of the carrier group, and, of course, suicidal missions in which the Red side attempts to break through to the heart of that group – all of this represents the new gameplay mechanics we told you about earlier when discussing the upcoming expansion.
Development of the Deck Ops expansion is now in full swing, and we will publish more Dev Blogs devoted to each of the aircraft in development and, of course, the aircraft carrier.
Development of the Deck Ops expansion is now in full swing, and we will publish more Dev Blogs devoted to each of the aircraft in development and, of course, the aircraft carrier.