Official Historical Campaign "Ice Ring"

[kilroy987]

I've been playing this campaign - it's great playing something in IL-2 scripted and crafted with human hand.  Flying a mission before sunrise and landing back at base in the isolation of winter while the sun rises in VR is awesomely cool.

 

But I just started mission 6: Attack on the Landing, I think the name of it is.  I arrive at the airfield, and based on the mission briefing, I'm supposed to attack the east side of the airfield, taking out the parked planes.  But there are a few AA emplacements, and lots of allied and enemy planes flying above fighting with each other.  Is there a "correct" thing to do in this mission?  Because if I try to focus on taking out the parked planes, I get shot down by the AA nearby.  And if I play without Unlimited Ammo turned on, I'm sure I'll run out of ammo trying to take out the AA before I get to the parked planes.

 

Is it just war and I'm supposed to accomplish what I can?

 

Thank you for any insights!

 

Edit:

I finally got past this mission.  I read the briefing more carefully, and it said not to attack anything on the ground until the airborne targets are handled first.  So, I went after the flying planes.  While I was doing so, I got shot to hell by the AA, but I was able to limp home and land.  Still a cool experience in VR.  In any case, after I had finished off the flyers, all my other allied planes had left the area, and nothing tried to take out the AA or the ground targets at all. So... I guess you're not supposed to try, or just consider them bonus targets?  I don't know.  It was a deceptive briefing.  Maybe just the simple line "if it gets too hot or your allied planes disperse, don't risk attacking the ground targets alone" or something.

Edited January 21, 2021 by kilroy987
Finished the mission

[BlackSix]

Hi!

 

There is a line in the briefing: "Four IL-2s of the 206th Ground-Attack Air Division will suppress the air defense prior to your arrival." This campaign was released in the summer of 2020 and after another change in the AI behavior, now this mission has big problems with the destruction of air defense by this group. This will be fixed in the next update as well as many other things.

In any case, now it also turns out to be a very vital situation - the first group failed to destroy the air defense and you have problems because of this. This happened very often in a real war.

 

But in general - yes, you should do what you can and no one expects you to destroy all targets. During the war, Il-2 pilots usually made only one attack on the target and then tried to escape to their territory as quickly as possible. Therefore, your comrades try not to be over the enemy airfield for a long time. Only in 1944-45 when the number of German fighters decreased, the Il-2s began to make several attacks.

[vonGraf]

I've started this campaign now as my first IL-2 try in combat because 'Sea Dragons' doesn't work properly anymore.

I'm just at the beginning but I did like what I saw until now and looking forward for the next sorties.

The German 37mm AA halftracks mainly got me the five times in a row when I was searching for the downed Ju-52 in one of the first missions. ?Though astonishing how the IL-2 can survive direct hits by the AA from ca. 500m.

In the last try I decided 'there's nothing to see' after ten minutes searching, did a short attack on a column of trucks and flew home.

(Because I'm using the cloud mod it was almost pitch black; this mod makes some missions at dusk/dawn/night and bad weather conditions more difficult in general)

[BlackSix]

59 minutes ago, vonGraf said:

(Because I'm using the cloud mod it was almost pitch black; this mod makes some missions at dusk/dawn/night and bad weather conditions more difficult in general)

There are still a few missions ahead with low clouds and poor lighting, and this mod can give you problems.

[kilroy987]

Thanks for the reply, BlackSix.

 

I finished this campaign last night.  It was mostly interesting.  I found myself disappointed that the second half was vastly ground attacks, and there weren't even any scramble or air cover missions (covering other planes, that is).  I'm hoping some of the other scripted campaigns offer more in that area.

 

I'm glad work continues on this game to improve things.

Edited January 26, 2021 by kilroy987

[BlackSix]

Thanks!

 

The use of the IL-2s as a fighters was a very unusual decision and it did not last long. As soon as the Soviet command was able to relocate the fighter regiments to block the encircled 6th Army, all attack aircraft immediately returned to their main work. It should be understood that despite the statements of the Il-2 pilots about their victories, they were extremely ineffective in air battles.

 

I simply did not have the opportunity to do many such missions, it would not be historical.

[kilroy987]

I appreciate your reply.  I was wondering if the IL-2 use as an air fighter was limited.  I'll keep trying out the other scripted missions.

 

Fortunately I enjoy the VR aspect enough to just curiously go through the missions without feeling like I was lead to believe I would get certain kinds of missions out of them.  I'm very much still in the discovery phase right now.

[vonGraf]

I like the 'fighter' missions with the IL-2; but I felt bad for the Ju-52's crews getting hit by the 23mm, so I aimed for the wings/motors.

Tried even the rockets on them once and managed to get a hit on the wing but it looked if the warhead didn't explode (maybe the distance was too short and the warhead still secured) but a flap or steering surface got bounced away.

Good campaign so far! ?

[vonGraf]

Forgot to ask, just a single question; what's the purpose of this 'air filter' at the IL-2, please? Maybe the intake for a compressed air auxiliary system?

Excuse my bad choice of technical terms; I'm not very familiar with these details on old planes.

First I couldn't recognize it in the game at all until I found this photo.

 

[Plurp]

3 hours ago, vonGraf said:

Forgot to ask, just a single question; what's the purpose of this 'air filter' at the IL-2, please? Maybe the intake for a compressed air auxiliary system?

Excuse my bad choice of technical terms; I'm not very familiar with these details on old planes.

First I couldn't recognize it in the game at all until I found this photo.

 

It is the air intake for the engine shown with the external sand/dust filter that is not present on the 41 Il2.  

[MurrayCod]

I’ve just completed Mission 6 and am really enjoying this campaign so far.  It is really helping my cross country navigation skills (with icons off) by looking out for towns and other landmarks as I fly between waypoints.

 

As I was looking at the map in the briefing I thought to myself that it looks like we are taking the same route home again which could help make us easy to find for the Germans.  Then reading the briefing I see the Commander specifically states we are taking the same route home....brilliant.

 

My question for the day is in relation to flying with the canopy open.  Has anyone read anything anywhere that states if crews would or wouldn’t fly with the canopy open?  I’d imagine crews might do it in summer when the the weather is warmer to improve visibility, but wouldn’t do it in the winter period depicted in Ice Ring?  

[BlackSix]

12 hours ago, MurrayCod said:

I’ve just completed Mission 6 and am really enjoying this campaign so far.  It is really helping my cross country navigation skills (with icons off) by looking out for towns and other landmarks as I fly between waypoints.

Thanks)

 

12 hours ago, MurrayCod said:

My question for the day is in relation to flying with the canopy open.  Has anyone read anything anywhere that states if crews would or wouldn’t fly with the canopy open?  I’d imagine crews might do it in summer when the the weather is warmer to improve visibility, but wouldn’t do it in the winter period depicted in Ice Ring?  

The Il-2 canopy provided additional protection against bullets and small fragments, therefore it was always closed during flight over enemy territory and attacks of targets. Over friendly territory the canopy could be opened for a while for a better view, but in this situation it was impossible to maneuver because it had an unreliable design and could close arbitrarily.

[BlackSix]

Ice Ring improvements in 4.506:

 

- all fire effects updated, ammo trucks added, many other improvements and fixes.

[blue_max]

Thanks for the update! I just bought the campaign, looking forward to flying it this weekend.

[nvw995nvw995]

In mission 10 special assignement something weird happens a few minutes after takeoff: my flight lead suddenly dives down, drops his bombs (over friendly territory) and turns back around and lands at the airfield. the mission was completed succesfully when i landed after him without getting near the objective. I dont understand why this happens. Tried it multiple times and it keeps happening.

3 minutes ago, nvw995nvw995 said:

In mission 10 special assignement something weird happens a few minutes after takeoff: my flight lead suddenly dives down, drops his bombs (over friendly territory) and turns back around and lands at the airfield. the mission was completed succesfully when i landed after him without getting near the objective. I dont understand why this happens. Tried it multiple times and it keeps happening.

Oh wait I just read the text for the next mission he was just scared so I will do the mission again.

[BlackSix]

Yes, he turned home and you need to complete this mission on your own, alone. Also, I recommend to play with subtitles, your leader has reported about problems.

[Razah]

Hi there, i recently played sea dragons campaign, and really enjoyed flying IL-2. I decided to play Ice Ring Campaign, and i got into a bit of pickle, I can't take off. Even though my oil and water temps are perfect, i'm unable to accelerate on the runway. What gives?

[Nadelbaum]

Have you mapped both the throttle and the RPM (propeller) to an axis? Sounds like one of them is not set properly for operation.

[HotPursuit]

In Sea Dragons you fly the IL2 1943 model which has takeoff flaps.

In Ice Ring you're flying IL2 1942 model.

 

So to takeoff flaps UP, RPM 100%, Mixture 100% (full rich), both radiators can be open, tail wheel locked. You should be able to takeoff easily.

 

Once airborne Mixture to 50% and lower rpm.

[Razah]

Hi there, thank you for replies. i have both RPM And Throttle set. I haven't been using flaps for taking off, but this is not the problem here, i didn't accelerate fast enough even to lift my tail wheel. I think it might have been mixture. I can see that engine isn't working correctly, RPM and Manifold Pressure are all over the place. I think 1943 has auto mixture control. I'll try to take off now and manually set mixture like in Yak.

 

Yes, it was mixture. I took off without any problems now. Thank you guys. 

Edited October 13, 2021 by Razah

[TerenceA]

Hi,

many thanks for this campaign ! I enjoy it while it's my first scripted campaign.
As a french, I use it in french, and although I'm thankful that a translation has been made, I would like to know if it could be redone ? I mean, I think I can correct many French faults in it, and would be glad to increase somewhat the quality of this campaign by doing it.
Thanks

[BlackSix]

Hi, thanks!

 

These briefings were translated by @DN308. I think it would be correct if you discussed with him the corrections you want to make.

In turn, I could send you the latest version of the briefings in French and original in English to make it easier for you to work with the texts.

[DN308]

I actually try to fix it with @TerenceA

 

[BlackSix]

13 hours ago, DN308 said:

I actually try to fix it with @TerenceA

Thanks guys, I sent you all the necessary files by mail.

[Reggie_Mental]

On 1/31/2021 at 10:37 AM, BlackSix said:

Thanks)

 

The Il-2 canopy provided additional protection against bullets and small fragments, therefore it was always closed during flight over enemy territory and attacks of targets. Over friendly territory the canopy could be opened for a while for a better view, but in this situation it was impossible to maneuver because it had an unreliable design and could close arbitrarily.

It may have had something to do with cockpit fumes. Both the MiG3 & IL2 (AM38 engined variants) had this problem. 

[nozedyve]

G'day,

I just completed this campaign - my first campaign and a great introduction to the world of BoX. Congratulations to BlackSix!

One question - coming from IL2 1946, I was surprised that the pilot did not receive any awards for all his heroic achievements for the greater glory of the Soviet Union. Not even a lowly Medal for Battle Merit! Is this standard for scipted missions - kills etc are shown in the awards screen, but no medals. Not that it is a big thing or in any way diminishes from the excellent camapign, just a query.

Cheers

Edited December 13, 2021 by nozedyve
Spelling

[BlackSix]

Hi, thanks!

Any scripted campaigns have no award system, it's available in the Career only now.

[nozedyve]

Thank you for clarifying the matter.

Cheers

[Mtnbiker1998]

Is this campaign working ok with the new clouds? No obscured flights or such?

[nozedyve]

I few the first half of the campaign with the old clouds, and the second half with the new. No problems, no obscured flights etc. The new clouds improve the overall lighting and ambiance.

[BlackSix]

On 1/3/2022 at 3:12 AM, Mtnbiker1998 said:

Is this campaign working ok with the new clouds? No obscured flights or such?

Hi! All of my free and paid campaigns were adapted to the new clouds at the same time with the release of update 4.701.

[LF_Mark_Krieger]

Hello! Does anybody know if there are any historical skins for the 505th ShAP 226th ShAD?
Not in the HSD at least, and didn't find googling it. 

Edit: just found this skin of the 3rd squadron, made by @E69_julian57
 

 

Edited April 28, 2022 by LF_Mark_Krieger

[Skipper-]

@BlackSix Just a quick note to thank you for another EXCELLENT campaign. Only on Mission 3 but loving the playability and thank you for not making me fly for an hour in one direction... Love the IL-2 1942/43 so much. Such a capable aircraft, feels sometimes like a WW2 Warthog

[BlackSix]

Thanks))

[Skipper-]

I'm slow but I'm getting there.. Just finished Mission 10... The IL-2 is such a tank!

Not for the first time in this excellent campaign, I have limped all the way back to my base holding the stick and rudder full left just trying to stay in the air after being hit by AAA and losing an aileron and more... The engineer even stayed alive in the back, he was enjoying it so much!
Thanks again @BlackSix for your work on this one!

 

Edited August 14, 2022 by Skipper-

[Skipper-]

Mission 14 completed... lost my rudder rods this time as well as both elevators, an aileron and my rudder! flying back home on a prayer with the control stick jammed left and full left rudder just under boosted power.. no more than 220 km/h with the wind behind me... nothing compares to the immersion of IL-2 for WW2 sorties.. You get a real feeling for how scary and overwhelming it must have been to fly into such a situation... I love it!
'If you can walk away from it, it's a good landing...'

 

Edited August 16, 2022 by Skipper-

[BlackSix]

Major campaign update in version 5.101:

- tactical numbers and correct paint schemes added for each aircraft;

- the number of aircraft increased by 15-20% in most missions;

- missions updated for the new sim version and re-tested.

 

This campaign is available for purchase at our website and on Steam.

 

[KodiakJac]

Has anyone ever successfully completed Ice Ring - Mission 8?

 

If so, how?

 

Edited April 18, 2024 by KodiakJac

[BlackSix]

23 hours ago, KodiakJac said:

Has anyone ever successfully completed Ice Ring - Mission 8?

If so, how?

Don't try to completely destroy all targets, make one or two attacks and immediately go home. To successfully complete the mission, you only need to return to your airfield. This advice applies to all missions of the campaign)) And don’t pay attention to the fact that the attack marker is still on and the waypoint on the way back hasn’t turned on.

 

In reality, Soviet pilots usually made only one attack, firing missiles and dropping bombs, after which they immediately went home. This had a very bad effect on accuracy and results, but there was no other solution. It was very rarely possible to make 3 or 4 attacks due to strong air defense and enemy fighters.

I never set out to make an impossible mission, but I try to put the player in such conditions that he is forced to act as close to the reality of war as possible.

[KodiakJac]

Ok, thanks @BlackSix 👍

 

I tend to try and stick around until the red attack marker tuns off.  Thanks for the info on the real attack methods of Russian pilots against nearly impossible odds.