1.
Couldn't find the time to test out the new fuel consumption model, but from what I read in the news it might be pretty subtle but significant - my main choice of ride is the short-legged Bf109, and in some recent, larger MA terrains the short fuel range was really showing up as a problem.
Without drop tanks, it could rarely go the distance in the terrains: grabbing enough combat alt around 12~15k, travelling just to the closest enemy base, and then coming back home, would alone cost upto 50% fuel. 75% fuel conditions was the bare minimum for the 109 as an offensive craft. 50% fuel limits it to base defense, and 25% was unusable.
To counter such problems, I often had to reduce throttle and travel slowly at alts, which didn't add to fuel conservation, but would have let the enemy planes come to me. Now, with the new fuel consumption model in place, that kind of patience would pay off with more positive effect in fuel conservation!
2.
The E6B button (what does 'E6B' stand for??) is a significant feature in my opinion. While it does seem a little bit awkward in the sense that it feels like adding in a digital speed guage to a vintage plane, I understand its purpose as a gameplay instrument.
What the E6B button means, is that now bombing will become significantly more easier for the dedicated buff pilots. The speed can be easily checked by a click of the clipboard.
Also, testing plane performances will become significantly more accurate and easier.
Another good point is, people who want to run organized flights of missions, can now test out exactly how much fuel one needs - coupled with the new fuel consumption model.
3.
The change in the engine sound is a little bit unfamiliar. I like the way how the sound pitch changes when the pitch is adjusted, but the sound dying out as throttle is reduced - I admit it'll take some time getting used to it.
I'd appreciate opinions from real pilots - does the engine sound really work like that in prop planes? With a constant speed prop, the throttling down will not reduce the RPM, so I understand the pitch of the sound staying almost the same. Then, does reduced flow of air/fuel mixture make the engine go more quietly??
4.
The remodelled SpitV test flight experience was ... interesting. Did you guys know that you can now actually enter a unrecoverable flat spin in the new SpitV?? It's true!!!
...
No doubt it was the introduction of the new fuel consumption model which made Beta13 the longest time to update as of late. While Beta13 shows little changes in the 'visuals', I think it was still worth the wait.
