Combat Pilot - DD#16 - 37mm AA Gun, F4F Cockpit, A6M2-N Rufe, IJN Hiryu and Aichi D3A1 Val

Attention Pilots! We’ve got some great images to share with you in this Developer Diary! However, let me first address some of our plans.

Attention Pilots!

We’ve got some great images to share with you in this Developer Diary! However, let me first address some of our plans.

We know you guys are wondering when will there be some kind of update to the Pre-Alpha that Ace Tier Patreon members have been enjoying? I can answer that, but first, let me address why there hasn’t been an update to it yet.

From the release of the Pre-Alpha onward, we have been working on major foundational features that can’t really be released until they pass the most basic internal tests. For instance, our EntropyFM physics and flight engine needed to be implemented to a point that at least matches the current implementation in the Pre-Alpha before we can make any iterations that require public testing and can take advantage of user feedback. Same goes for the improvements to the UI, controller profiles, map scenery, ocean technology, new 3D assets, pilot figures, new cameras, VR support etc. just to name a few. Many parallel development tracks will converge this summer and the larger picture will become more clear. Once we have the major parts working in a proper build, it will be easier to make smaller updates on a more regular basis.

Right now, we are in a big push to include as many of these features as possible for FSExpo which takes place at the end of June. Our plan is to update the Pre-Alpha around that time so you can see our progress yourself and give us feedback. We are looking forward to that day as it’s a major milestone for us. Progress is always painful, hard, and expensive and we’ve had some unforeseen challenges like our Lead Modeler passing away and our Lead Programmer taking  a nasty spill requiring surgery, but we are making progress each week I assure you. Your Patreon subscriptions, calendar purchases and overall enthusiasm for Combat Pilot has helped get us to this point and we appreciate it beyond words!

And speaking about progress, let’s look at what we have for Developer Diary #16!

37mm M1A1 Anti-Aircraft Gun

The M1A1 towed AA gun was used by the USMC to defend Midway and saw battle throughout the Pacific Theater in WWII. However, it was largely replaced by the famous 40mm Bofors gun. Not much to show yet, but work has begun.

F4F-4 Cockpit Textures

Work continues finishing the cockpit textures for our stout little hero. The cockpit is really starting to come together. The love that Chris has poured into it really comes through.

Imperial Japanese Aircraft Carrier – Hiryū

Initial modeling work on the IJN Hiryū has begun by Stefan and she’s already taking shape, notice the busy forecastle. In addition to her role at Midway - Hiryū participated in the attack on Pearl Harbor, the invasion of the Dutch East Indies, the attack on Darwin, and raided the Indian Ocean where she attacked British forces. Her displacement was 17,600 tons with a length of 746 ft. (227.4 meters). Unlike Akagi, she was designed from the start to be an aircraft carrier. Hiryū was lost at Midway when after being badly damaged and abandoned, she was scuttled by Japanese destroyers on June 5th, 1942.

A6M2-N Type 2 Model 11 Floatplane - Allied Codename ‘RUFE’

Our Zeke has had some modifications and become a Rufe! These gorgeous floats make her the first floatplane for Combat Pilot!

D3A1 Type 99 Model 11 Dive Bomber – Allied Codename ‘VAL’

We are proud to show you the most detailed Aichi D3A dive-bomber ever created for a flight-sim, video game or movie. Imagine diving down on American carriers and Midway Atoll in this baby. She will be yours in Combat Pilot!

We should have another DD this summer before FSExpo and we hope to demonstrate EntropyFM and explain in more detail on what’s coming in the update to the Pre-Alpha and beyond.

For more information about our project, please visit www.combatpilot.com or any of our social media properties.

#combatpilot #wwii #imperialjapan #usnavy #usmc #battleofmidway