These threads about wished planes are always popular, it seems, and as varied as usual. Nothing bad, here, as long as we understand that we are having a little fun… So, instead of adding another type to the wish list, I’ll try to make some general considerations.
Lets start acknowledging some limitations. Good old Il2 is efficient in simulating tactical, short-range combat, much less for strategic bombing or long-range missions (overseas excluded) for obvious limitation in maps size.
As I understand it, a map for Bomber Command squadrons going from UK to Berlin and back is out of question.
Moreover, it’s impossible to replicate realistically a 1,000 bombers mission, and even – if I’m not mistaken – an Eight AF combat wing.
Lastly, it’s hard to simulate correctly a whole strategic situation. For example: ill directed, badly organized and trained VVS pilots in the early days of Barbarossa. Hopelessly outnumbered and short on fuel Luftwaffe from late 1944 to war’s end.
No less limited are TD’s time and resources. They already made wonders (thanks, guys!) and surely have many surprises in the making, but can we expect to see all WWII scenarios, campaigns, maps and planes? Would love it, but I think not. Also, I understand that many types have been, and will be, selected more with heart and passion that with thoughtful planning.
From these premises, this is my Great Plan.
Set aside long-range types and strategic missions.
Set aside scenarios and maps requiring too many new planes. France 1940 was often mentioned, but would require too many new types: Battle, Lysander, Defiant, Potez 63, Breguet 69, Amiot 143 and 350, Bloch 152, 174, 175 and 210, Caudron 714, LeO 451, just to name some… a dream too good to be true.
Give priority to types that, being missing, prevent realistic missions in existing scenarios. Helldiver on US carrier decks after 1943 is a good example.
Give priority to types that can extend and complete existing career, as a late war Ju88 for LW bomber career.
Give priority to types useful in many roles and scenarios such as the Me410 proposed by IceFire.
Give priority to mid war scenarios, when air superiority was contended on equal terms.
And, finally (for the time being): consider new versions of existing types when easy to be done. A good example is good old I16: bashing existing Type 18 and Type 24 would produce a type 17, a real Type 24 and a Type 28. The last one would require nothing more than changing the name…
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