IL-2 Sturmovik Resources

[JimTM 853]

Here is a list of some useful and popular IL-2 Sturmovik resources that, hopefully, will help new and old players alike.

 

Game Guides

• IL-2 User Manual (by LukeFF)
• Game Updates
• Developer Diary
• Linking Your Steam Account to Your IL-2 (1CGS) Account
• Default Key Command Lists:
    - Default Key Command List (by Arfsix)
    - IL2 BOX Key Bindings Excel and PDF (by 336th_Ripper*)
    - Tank Controls (by Thad)
• User Manual About Keybindings (by pa4tim)
• Col Ninny's Control Set Up and Key Mapping
• Repair/Rearm/Refuel Explained (by =KG76=flyus747)
  See "II. At the Service Area...(for players)"
• Areas Covered by Il-2 Great Battles (by u/majkel and u/some1pl)
  Includes areas covered by other combat flight simulators
  See this post about the map.
• Jason's Quick Guide to 3.001 Graphics Smoothness (by Jason Williams)
• 3000 Steps Condensed Into One Simple Performance Guide (by Geronimo553)
  Includes a bonus section with links to additional guides or useful information
• A Complete Guide to Set Up Head-Tracking - Opentrack (by BlackHellHound1)
   

Missions and Campaigns

• Single Player Missions (Individual and Packs)
• Kuban Interactive Playground (by =[TIA]=Stoopy)
• Multiplayer Missions (CO-OP and Dogfight)
• The Missions Sharing Corner
• IL2 Great Battles Easy Mission Generator (by SYN_Vander)
• Scripted Campaigns 
  Includes payware campaigns and free campaigns
• Pat Wilson Campaign Generator (PWCG) Forum

 

Mission Editor and Multiplayer Server Guides

• Mission Making and Mission Editor Forum
• IL-2 Sturmovik Mission Editor and Multiplayer Server Manual (by JimTM)
  Some topics created after the manual was published:
    - Notes on AI Taxi, Takeoff, and Landing
    - Create a Sequence of Singleplayer Missions (Scripted Campaign)
    - Create a Multiplayer Mission That Players Must Join at the Start (Co-op Mission)
• Prangster's IL-2 BoS Mission Building Guide

• Prangsters Battle of Stalingrad Mission Building Room

• Prangster's Battle of Stalingrad Mission Editor tutorials:
    - Tutorial 01 Introduction
    - Tutorial 02 Building a Coop Mission
    - Tutorial 03 Setting Up a Map
    - Tutorial 04 Check Zones
• Rise of Flight - Mission Editing Tutorials (by Bob Vanderstok)
  The BoS editor is based on the RoF editor.
• Vapour's Mission Editor YouTube Series
• The Groups Sharing Corner
  This thread contains groups that you can place in your missions, which helps you build missions faster
• Objects Reference Chart PDF's (by GSHWK_Houndstone_Hawk)
• IL2 Stats - Statistics System for Dedicated Multiplayer Servers (by =FB=Vaal and =FB=Isay)
• Repair/Rearm/Refuel Explained (by =KG76=flyus747)
  See "I. How the RRR logic works in the Editor... (for mission makers)"

 

Skinning Guides

• Skins and Templates Forum
  Includes 4K Skins and Templates Forum and user-made skin posts for each plane
• Important Notes on Skinning:
    - Note on Posting Skins
    - Note on Posting, Downloading, and Showing Skins
    - Note on Prohibition of Selling Skins
• Official Skin Template Links (by various creators)
• Squadron and Personal Skins
• Miscellaneous Skinning Resources
• Skinning - Quick and Dirty for Absolute Beginners (by 216_Yakdriver)
• Quick Start Guide to Skinning With GIMP (by vonPilsner)
• Custom Alpha Channel Tutorial for Gimp - Advanced Skinners (by 6./ZG26_5tuka)
• Tutorials by SOLID KREATE (SPEKTRE76 in IL-2 Sturmovik Forum):
  - Using Alpha Channels - Beginners Skinning Tutorial
  - Using the Pen Tool - Beginners Skinning Tutorial
  - Using the Pen Tool - Beginners Skinning Tutorial Part 2
  - Photoshop Brush Tool for Beginners - Part 1
  - Photoshop Brush Tool for Beginners - Part 2 (coming later)

Aircraft Guides

• Requiem Aircraft Guides:
    - Battle of Stalingrad Airplanes
    - Battle of Moscow Airplanes
    - Battle of Kuban Airplanes
    - Battle of Bodenplatte Airplanes
    - Flying Circus Airplanes
• Chuck's Guides – IL-2 Battle of Stalingrad
  This is the only link that seems to work right now. There was a single guide available for all planes but I can't find the link. 
• "How to" Aircraft Tutorials (by Sheriff)
• How to Operate the FW-190-A3: Part 1,  Part 2,  Part 3 (by I Fly Central)
• BOM Cockpits and Operation Quick Guide (by Myscion)
• Cockpit Reference Guides (by Loadbeard and DDSnacko)
• Aircraft Flight and Technical Specifications and Operational Details (by 1CGS Han)
  This information is also available in the "Specifications" tab when you are in a plane in IL-2 Sturmovik.
• Pilot Notes (by Jade_Monkey)

• IL-2 Plane Reference (Sortable Tables) (by [Pb]Vapor)
  See this forum post re. the table.

• IL-2 Compare with Great Battles airplanes data for top speeds (77.CountZero)

• Aircraft Specs Comparison Table (by Kataphrakt)

• Multiplayer Aircraft Guide — Flying Circus Edition (by Bender & Trupo)

• Realistic Flight Manuals for the Game (by Inkoslav)

 

Flying Guides and Utilities

• Requiem Flying Guides:
    - Flight Principles
    - Complex Engine Management

• Essay on Flying Taildraggers (by Chief Instructor):
    - PART 1: Why taildraggers are tricky and how to overcome it!
    - PART 2: Getting the tail up
    - PART 3: Landing and stopping

• Taxiing Tutorial (by HenFre)

• Takeoff and Landing Tutorial (by HenFre)

• Aerobatic Maneuvers (by HenFre)

• How to Fly Tutorials (by Col. Ninny)
  See this forum post re. the videos.

• How to Complex Engine Management and Performance (by Col. Ninny)

• Basic Flight Non-Combat Training Films from the '40s (compiled by indiaciki)

• Navigation on Expert Servers (by Sheriff)
• How to Navigate with No GPS (For beginners) (by Darbzy)
• Navigation (by I Fly Central):
    - Part 1 (Pilotage - land navigation)
    - Part 1.5 (The E6B Flight Computer)
    - Part. 1.75 - Fixed Loop Radio Compass

• How to Read a Map and Navigate (by Col Ninny)

• IL-2 Mission Planner (by 19//curiousGamblerr)
  See this forum post re. the planner. For help, click the question mark at the lower right of the map.

• Map Tool for IL-2 Sturmovik, Rise of Flight, and Cliffs of Dover (by NobbyNobbs)
  See this post re. the tool.

• Dreieckrechner DR-3 Navigation Wind Correction Computer (Flash) (by unknown creator)
  See this forum post for details.

• Wind Angle Calculator (by SVAF - Swedish Virtual Air Force)
  No help available

Air Combat Guides

• Requiem Air Combat Guides:
    - Basic Fighter Maneuvering
    - Air Combat Maneuvering
    - Gunnery (Deflection Shooting)
      Requiem also posted some Angle Off Charts.
• Requiem Air Combat Guides from Rise of Flight
    - Basic Flight Maneuvers
    - Air Combat Maneuvering
    - Air Combat Tactics
  Requiem is making some new videos to replace these. See the Air Combat Guides, linked to above.
• Basic fighter maneuvers (detailed) (on Wikipedia)
• Anatomy of the Bounce (by I Fly Central)
• Vertical Maneuvers and Energy Management (the 10% rule) - (by I Fly Central)
• Defending Against Boom and Zoom - Spitfire - defensive tactics (by Robo)
• Defensive Flying (by Sherrif)
• Air Combat Decisions in the Making (by Sherrif)
• IL2 Sturmovik: Fw 190A scissors and guns defense (by opcode)
• How to Fly Multiplayer (by Col Ninny)
  This page includes air combat and ground attack videos.
• How to Air Combat (by Col Ninny)
  This page includes air combat and ground attack videos.
• Dicta Boelcke (a list of air combat fundamentals by 1st World War German flying ace, Oswald Boelcke) (on Wikipedia)
• Instinctive Aiming - How To (by I Fly Central)
• Aircraft Identification - Friend or Foe ? (on Military Aviation History YouTube channel)
• Spotting Aircraft in Multiplayer Ep.1 - IL2 BoX (by I Fly Central)
• IL2 Battle of Stalingrad: FW 190A energy tactics, and aircraft identification (by opcode)
• Tacview – Understand What Happened During Your Last Flight!

Ground Attack Guides

• Ground Attacker Handbook (by StG77_HvB)
  Also, see the Ground Attacker Handbook videos.
• Weapons Employment (by Requiem)
  Practice missions are also available
• Level Bombing with German Bombers (by Sheriff)
• How to Fly Multiplayer (by Col Ninny)
  This page includes air combat and ground attack videos.
• How to Air Combat (by Col Ninny)
  This page includes air combat and ground attack videos.

 

Tank Guides

• Tank Controls (by Thad)
• PzKpfw. VI Ausf.H1 "Tiger" (by I Fly Central)
• How to use Zeiss T.Z.F. Optic (by I Fly Central)

   

Edited November 16 by JimTM

[JimTM 853]

9 minutes ago, Thad said:

Jim,

 

Attached is a updated default Tank Controls image.  

TankDefault.zip 90.23 kB · 1 download

 

Thanks Thad. Would you be able to update this post? That way the link in the OP will still be valid.

[Thad 1193]

[JimTM 853]

Update: In the opening post, added "practice missions" link under Ground Attack Guides, Weapons Employment.

[JimTM 853]

Update: In the opening post, added "Default Key Command Lists" link under "Game, Mission Editor, and Multiplayer Server Guides".

Edited June 16 by JimTM

[RedBravo65 26]

What a fantastic resource!  Thanks for putting this together.

[Jade_Monkey 2798]

Thanks for putting this together! This should be the equivalent to the sidebar in Reddit. The go-to place for every noob and anyone trying to read on areas where they are a bit rusty.

Edited June 18 by Jade_Monkey

[JimTM 853]

24 minutes ago, Jade_Monkey said:

Thanks for putting this together! This should be the equivalent to the sidebar in Reddit. The go-to place for every noob adn anyone trying to read on on areas where they are a bit rusty.

 

Thanks for your contribution of the Pilot Notes Jade_Monkey. I always have them open on my iPad whenever I fly. Also, thanks to everyone whose content I linked to and everyone who helps guide the community in their own way.

 

[JimTM 853]

Update: Added "Skinning Guides" to the opening post.

[JimTM 853]

Update: Added the following to the opening post:

 

Game Guides

• Game Updates
• Developer Diary
• Linking Your Steam Account to Your IL-2 (1CGS) Account

Missions and Campaigns (new category)

 

Mission Editor, and Multiplayer Server Guides

• IL2 Stats - Statistics System for Dedicated Multiplayer Servers

Air Combat Guides

• Defensive Flying (by Sherrif)
• Air Combat Decisions in the Making (by Sherrif)
• Tacview – Understand what happened during your last flight!

 

 

 

 

Edited July 20 by JimTM

[DDSnacko 27]

Where are LoadBeard's guides?  Like this one..  I don't see them in the list in the first post.

 

I was wondering if he made any more?  Specifically I was looking for a P-47 Cockpit Guide.

 

[JimTM 853]

33 minutes ago, DDSnacko said:

Where are LoadBeard's guides?  Like this one..  I don't see them in the list in the first post.

 

I was wondering if he made any more?  Specifically I was looking for a P-47 Cockpit Guide.

 

...

 

I remember those great cockpit guides but I'm afraid that LodeBeard's post is gone.

[DDSnacko 27]

Wow, why would the delete his post?  Well, I see that he has not logged on the forums for ove 1.5 years, so he probably hasn't made any new cockpit guides.

 

Thanks for the reply Jim..  Maybe I should post the ones that I have..  I think I have them all.  I have 11 of them..

[JimTM 853]

2 hours ago, DDSnacko said:

Wow, why would the delete his post?  Well, I see that he has not logged on the forums for ove 1.5 years, so he probably hasn't made any new cockpit guides.

 

Thanks for the reply Jim..  Maybe I should post the ones that I have..  I think I have them all.  I have 11 of them..

 

I guess that would be OK as long as you credit Lodebeard for the contribution and perhaps include a short explanation of the situation. I'll add a link to your post.

[DDSnacko 27]

Under 'Skinning Guides', the item called 'Posting, Downloading, and Showing Skins' is a link to just one post which has nothing of use in it. 

Probably should remove it from this list?  

Guess I'll do some searching for downloading skins..

[JimTM 853]

20 hours ago, DDSnacko said:

Under 'Skinning Guides', the item called 'Posting, Downloading, and Showing Skins' is a link to just one post which has nothing of use in it. 

Probably should remove it from this list?  

Guess I'll do some searching for downloading skins..

 

Thanks. I added "Note on" to the link titles to make the purpose clear.

[DDSnacko 27]

On 8/20/2019 at 11:01 AM, JimTM said:

 

I guess that would be OK as long as you credit Lodebeard for the contribution and perhaps include a short explanation of the situation. I'll add a link to your post.

 

I PM'ed Loadbeard about a week ago and have received no response.

 

I posted all of his guides and one that I made in this post.  I put a note in there for him to contact me if he would like them taken down. 

 

Here's my post....

 

[JimTM 853]

Update: Added the following to the opening post:

 

Game Guides

• Areas Covered by Il-2 Great Battles (by u/majkel and u/some1pl)
• Jason's Quick Guide to 3.001 Graphics Smoothness (by Jason Williams)
• 3000 steps condensed into one simple performance guide (by Geronimo553)

Aircraft Guides

• Cockpit Reference Guides (by Loadbeard and DDSnacko)

Flying Guides and Utilities

• Essay on Flying Taildraggers (by Chief Instructor)

 

[JimTM 853]

Update: Added the following to the opening post:

 

Game Guides

• A complete guide to set up Head-tracking - Opentrack (by BlackHellHound1)

Aircraft Guides

• IL-2 Compare with Great Battles airplanes data for top speeds (77.CountZero)
• Multiplayer Aircraft Guide — Flying Circus Edition (by Bender & Trupo)

Edited September 12 by JimTM

[JimTM 853]

Update: Added the following to the opening post:

 

Game Guides

• User Manual About Keybindings (by pa4tim)
• Col Ninny's Control Set Up and Key Mapping

Missions and Campaigns

• Kuban Interactive Playground (by =[TIA]=Stoopy)

Flying Guides and Utilities

• Taxiing Tutorial (by HenFre)

• Takeoff and Landing Tutorial (by HenFre)

• Aerobatic Maneuvers (by HenFre)

• How to Fly Tutorials (by Col. Ninny)
  See this forum post re. the videos.

• How to Complex Engine Management and Performance (by Col. Ninny)
• How to Read a Map and Navigate (by Col Ninny)

Air Combat Guides

• IL2 Sturmovik: Fw 190A scissors and guns defense (by opcode)
• How to Fly Multiplayer (by Col Ninny)
  This page includes air combat and ground attack videos.
• How to Air Combat (by Col Ninny)
  This page includes air combat and ground attack videos.

Ground Attack Guides

• How to Fly Multiplayer (by Col Ninny)
  This page includes air combat and ground attack videos.
• How to Air Combat (by Col Ninny)
  This page includes air combat and ground attack videos.

Edited September 23 by JimTM

[oneeyeddog 161]

Thanks Jim. trying to find my way back, this will help a lot.

 

[JimTM 853]

7 hours ago, oneeyeddog said:

Thanks Jim. trying to find my way back, this will help a lot.

 

 

I'm glad to hear that you're back in the cockpit dog. Hope to see you in the skies sometime.

 

Cheers!  

[JimTM 853]

Update: Added the following to the opening post:

 

Mission Editor and Multiplayer Server Guides

• The Groups Sharing Corner
  This thread contains groups that you can place in your missions, which helps you build missions faster.

Ground Attack Guides

• Ground Attacker Handbook (by StG77_HvB)
  Also, see the Ground Attacker Handbook videos.   <--- NEW

Edited October 9 by JimTM

[JimTM 853]

Update: Added the following to the opening post:

 

Game Guides

• Repair/Rearm/Refuel Explained (by =KG76=flyus747)
  See "II. At the Service Area...(for players)"

Mission Editor and Multiplayer Server Guides

• Objects Reference Chart PDF's (by GSHWK_Houndstone_Hawk)
• Repair/Rearm/Refuel Explained (by =KG76=flyus747)
  See "I. How the RRR logic works in the Editor... (for mission makers)"

Skinning Guides

• Tutorials by SOLID KREATE (SPEKTRE76 in IL-2 Sturmovik Forum):
  - Using Alpha Channels - Beginners Skinning Tutorial
  - Using the Pen Tool - Beginners Skinning Tutorial
  - Using the Pen Tool - Beginners Skinning Tutorial Part 2
  - Photoshop Brush Tool for Beginners - Part 1
  - Photoshop Brush Tool for Beginners - Part 2 (coming later)

Aircraft Guides

• Aircraft Specs Comparison Table (by Kataphrakt)

Flying Guides and Utilities

• Wind Angle Calculator (by SVAF - Swedish Virtual Air Force)
  No help available

 

 

Edited November 16 by JimTM