AI Mod - better AI
Folded Wing Mod - More planes on carriers
Wind Config - we can no get fully loaded F-4Us of any aircraft carrier static or not.

is the AI mod functional now or will they still fly into mountains, can't take off etc ??

Well the guy just tweaked the maneuvers they do - no more endless barrel roll, but 16 basic and advanced maneuvers. He also linked skill level to engine management.

I never knew AI had an issue with takeoff? Now if someone adds an object less than 100 yards dead center of a runway - that's hardly AI's fault.

nono, the thing was the AI mod changed engine and trim management so the AI wouldn't fly uber fast and perfectly trimmed all the time. as a side effect bigger AI planes couldn't get enough speed to takeoff. i read it on aaa. was just wondering if it was fixed.

How is the new AI when you fly, easier or harder to fight against?

Globally, I'd say harder, though some types that used to be a real pain in the 4ss are now less scary. The loss of perfect trim and uber engine management is greatly balanced by the new manoevers they'll pull to defend themselves or attack you. They'll even B&Z you now.

Two pretty big drawbacks are that the AI now often use manoevers their planes can't handle, ( vertical manoevers in I-153s, dogfighting in P-47s... ) and tend to get closer to their targets before they open fire, resulting in an increased number of middairs.

Cheers

Nico

I'm still big on the corkscrew bullet effects, that one still has the wow factor! I love the new Spit 1a which has become my new killing machine of choice over the Mk Vc 4. 8 x .303's pumped into a Daimler Benz motor makes a very striking fire!! The new Channel map is still the number one attraction though.

Don't know if I want me AI mucked around with yet but I'll keep watching the progress.

I'm assuming that you mean "we can now get fully loaded F-4Us off any aircraft carrier, static or not."

Cool! Have to look for that one. Thanks.

Shhhh! Don't tell Ms Weslake (my old grammer teacher), she'll have my head!

My personal favorites:

UI 1.1.1 - many debates about such a large mod package, but in the end it is an excellent start point giving the player a lot of content otherwise laboriously installed.

AI Mod - Agree with X-Man here, an excellent update to s/p play with AI that aren't quite so predictable, and which are downright evil at Ace level.

QMB Plus - Once you get the 'rules' for creating mission templates down, you can create an unlimited variety of mission scenarios on any number of new maps. Truly an excellent addition to the game.

"Bomb Bay Doors v2" including the wind config - Also includes some interesting additions to limit external views, such as external views only available when dead or landed.

Various graphic and texture updates ... including:

20mm hit 'flash' (downsized to taste via editing an .ini file) - more 'realistic' <to my eye> 20mm hit explosions

(whatever the name of the mod is, I forget) changing the individual expended shell cartridges to a smoke effect - Again, looks much more realistic to me to have the grey smoke pouring out from behind the wings or fuselage when an aircraft is firing. Wishlist: include some empty cartridges in the smoke.

Updated winter textures, updated ground textures in general - Makes the IL-2 world's appearance much better than the stock textures

Various cockpit re-paints - I love the new cockpit re-paints. Especially some that allow further customization (such as the F6F Hellcat cockpits which the player can select any of several variations of interior coloring)

Bobby - that was in addition to the new 'moves' they now do. That however has been fixed.

Yes, QMB Plus is a huge addition.

WWSandMan, your wish regarding some shell casings in the smoke has been granted by Potenz and Holy Grail, check the beta mods downloads.

Favorite mod? New Maps.

I forgot QMB Plus - Nice one WWSandMan! The 190_No bar!

I forgot to say my favorite! Sandman beat me to it, QMB+ by far!! As one who doesn't have a lot of flight time available it's a treat to jump in on the new maps with a quick mission of varying types depending on time alloted. I also just realized that the wind config mod you mentioned is already included in the UI 1.1. Is there anything we need to do to utilize it or will the carriers already have this ready? I'm guessing that when making a mission there must be a place to enter in the wind speed? Oops, sorry for the side track to your thread X-Man.

*Edited to say I just got off my lazy bum and searched the AAA site and found a readme that isn't included with the UI, at least that I was able to see with a quick look. So I got my answer. Now back to the regularly schedule thread topic...

The Trop 109 Fs

Thanks for the head's-up... I'll look into that asap.

~~~

One I forgot to mention: Buffy's Flak And Sound v5 - Two thumbs up for that one!

All the Trops, Josse's H-75A2, vpmedia's retexturing of default maps.

None.

P-47 cockpit! Long overdue and much needed.

The Moving Dogfight Mod, which now allows you to put AI bombers on Dogfight maps, as well as moving ships, tanks and trains. This coupled with the Channel map makes for some immersive simming.

The BoB is being recreated and you can jump into an empty Dogfight server and still have fun shooting up the bombers.

It is still being worked on, and as yet, AI fighters will not engage and are sitting ducks.