4.13 development update discussion and feedback

[Pursuivant]

For "missing planes" almost nobody's mentioned the lack of French and Polish types.

Currently, although there are some frustrating gaps, you can put together early, mid, or late war fighter, attack or bomber campaigns for Germany, Japan (at least the IJN, not the IJAAF), Finland, UK/Commonwealth, USAAF, USN/USMC and the Soviet Union. You can also put together an early to mid war fighter, attack or bomber campaign for Italy.

But, you can only do very limited early war fighter campaigns for campaign for Poland, and technically you can't even do that for France (The Hawk 75 and Ms406 variants in the game are Finnish).

It's easy to forget that both Poland and France had relatively large airforces and were desperately attempting to expand and modernize in the face of the Nazi threat when they were invaded. In both 1939 in Poland and in 1940 in France, had their armies been able to hold against the German Blitzkrieg, the French or Polish Air Forces might have been able to put up a credible defense of their countries.

While there's a natural tendency to want late war planes, there are many fascinating early-war types that nobody seems to know or care about.

[majorfailure]

Originally Posted by Pursuivant

For "missing planes" almost nobody's mentioned the lack of French and Polish types.

Currently, although there are some frustrating gaps, you can put together early, mid, or late war fighter, attack or bomber campaigns for Germany, Japan (at least the IJN, not the IJAAF), Finland, UK/Commonwealth, USAAF, USN/USMC and the Soviet Union. You can also put together an early to mid war fighter, attack or bomber campaign for Italy.

But, you can only do very limited early war fighter campaigns for campaign for Poland, and technically you can't even do that for France (The Hawk 75 and Ms406 variants in the game are Finnish).

It's easy to forget that both Poland and France had relatively large airforces and were desperately attempting to expand and modernize in the face of the Nazi threat when they were invaded. In both 1939 in Poland and in 1940 in France, had their armies been able to hold against the German Blitzkrieg, the French or Polish Air Forces might have been able to put up a credible defense of their countries.

While there's a natural tendency to want late war planes, there are many fascinating early-war types that nobody seems to know or care about.

But for most of these planes there is limited use, both regarding scenario(s) and time frame. And IIRC the maps needed would have to be made, too. IJA/German planes wouldn't need the maps, and could be used for almost the entire war after their introduction.

Maybe it would be a good idea to have a few bombers that are currently AI only made flyable with a working cockpit for pilot/copilot and bombardier without the other crew stations?

[Pursuivant]

Originally Posted by majorfailure

But for most of these planes there is limited use, both regarding scenario(s) and time frame.

But you forget that after the fall of Poland and France, Germany stole all the French and Polish airplanes for their own use, or to sell off to their allies. Also, some Polish and French types were flown to Allied or neutral countries just before the German occupation and were interned when they landed. Also, prior to WW2, both Poland and France exported some of their planes to other countries.

That means the better French and Polish types flew for the Germans, German Allies AND the Western Allies in limited capacity until lack of spare parts finally grounded them. So, for 1941-43 scenarios, a few Polish and French types would vastly expand the number of campaign possibilities.

In particular, the Dewoitine D.520, Potez 630, PZL P.37, and some variant of the PZL P.24 would be welcome additions to the game. Not just because they'd give both France and Poland viable fighter and bomber types, but also because they'd round out the Romanian, Italian and German orders of battle!

But, it's all wishful thinking. What new features we get in the game all depends on what the people with the proper skills are willing to make.