There is weather, although it is toned down at ground level. People were saying that the AI couldn't take off in 11 MPH winds. However, I have randomized the weather to be mostly clear but with varying degrees of clouds, precipitation, and turbulence.
Nothing on the ground in your version. Next version has MGs along the front.
The player will no longer necessarily be the flight leader in the next version.
Handling of rank is much more sophisticated in the next version. In the current version the player does not get promoted. In the next he will. Squad transfer handling is much more sophisticated.
The last item that I am working on is medals. Once that is in the next version will be done.
I expect to release the next version this weekend or ... more likely ... next.
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Future plans include scrambles when you overfly an enemy airfield, balloons, ground targets.
After that in no particular order, historically accurate squad placement, squadron skins, aces, and others.