Dear friends,

Today we have released another update 5.505. It brings a new interesting campaign, which is a bit unique - more about that below, and there are also improvements and fixes as usual. Here's the update changelist:

Update 5.505

1. The Gestapo Hunters scripted campaign has been released;
2. Bf 110 G-2, Bf 109 F-4, Bf 109 G-2: added the modification "1943 produced engine" with up to 3 minutes emergency mode time;
3. Bf 109 G-6 Late and Bf 109 G-6AS: emergency mode time increased to 3 minutes;
4. P-39L-1: "Engine V-1710-63 (1943)" modification was added reflecting improvements in the engine design that allowed to increase the emergency modes time (up to 5 minutes at 3000 rpm and 60 pressure);
5. Fixed a bug with APHE shells introduced in the previous patch (they could destroy a target without actually piercing its armor);
6. Career: fixed a bug in attack aircraft interception missions where the mission point was always placed in a same location if the player's airfield is located far from the front line;
7. Career: some of the transport planes in airborne operation interception missions won't be generated invulnerable;
8. Normandy Career: enemy units won't appear outside the artillery spotting grid;
9. Normandy Career: fixed a bug in artillery spotting missions where a route point was generated on the coast;
10. Normandy Career: re-generating ships in Mulberry harbor won't cause their balloons to collide;
11. Normandy Career: corrected AA fire density in the landing zone attack and bombardment missions;
12. Normandy Career: the player group won't attack a landing zone for too long in landing zone attack and bombardment missions;
13. Normandy Career: enemy attack aircraft won't head to the corner of the map in landing zone attack and bombardment missions;
14. Overlord scripted campaign updated for takeoff and landing radio messages to work;
15. Airco D.H.2: missing photo in the cockpit added;
16. Albatros D.3: missing photo in the cockpit added.

As mentioned above, the Gestapo Hunters campaign is a new experience: it is the first official campaign based on the Mosquito fighter-bomber and features a voiced navigator! You won't fly alone over occupied Europe. Let's take a closer look.

Number 464 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force began service in England in December 1942 as an Article XV light bomber squadron equipped with American-made Ventura bombers. The squadron's original cadre consisted largely of Australian and New Zealand personnel, but due to attrition and combat losses, they were a mixed bunch by the time they were re-equipped with the Mosquito Mk VI fighter-bomber in October 1943. They flew intruder missions day and night in France and the Netherlands, specializing in precision low-level bombing deep behind enemy lines. Due to their high speed, they usually flew without fighter escort, relying on their high speed to evade enemy interception. They soon earned the informal nickname "The Gestapo Hunters" due to their frequent attacks on SS-occupied headquarters. 

In this campaign, you and your navigator will fly a mix of precision daylight bombing and night intruder missions. You will fly in formation on larger missions, but you will also be on your own on some missions, as pilots soon discovered that it was difficult at best to stay close to their comrades in the dark of night. 464 Squadron's tactics evolved as the Allied invasion of occupied France approached, and you will experience this first-hand on D-Day and beyond. 

The Mosquito MkVI fighter-bomber was a 2-person aircraft, and the pilot and navigator worked closely together to complete mission tasks. To represent this interaction, audio tracks for the navigator have been included, providing voice prompts and instructions during flight. Phil "Philthy" Vabre recorded these, and we thank him for his contribution, which added a level of authenticity that would not have been possible otherwise.

This is a historically based campaign depicting real events; however, the number of aircraft and the location of various targets have been altered to enhance the player's experience. The Mosquito was a long-range light bomber capable of flying to and from Berlin without drop tanks, so the 3 or 4-hour missions that were typically flown will be much shorter than they actually were. To improve your perception, it is recommended that you turn off the ambient light in your flight space during the night intruder missions, unless you are using VR.

Timeframe: January to July, 1944
Unit: RAAF No. 464 Squadron, 140 Wing, RAF
Aircraft: Mosquito FB Mk VI
Duration: 12 missions
Average playtime: 15 hours
Author: James =Jaegermeister= Yarbrough 

This campaign requires Battle of Normandy (Standard or Premium) and is available on our website and Steam. 

We are also happy to announce that the Winter Sale has already started on our website! Take advantage of huge discounts, some of which are the biggest ever - for example, Battle of Normandy is 75% OFF for the first time! Get ready for the holidays in style!