Trial by fire - A Yak-3 mission during the Second Jassy–Kishinev Offensive (Proof of concept)

[LuftManu]

Hello friends!

 

Some of you might remember my previous attempt, Thunderbolts over France, which sadly never saw release. That project taught me a lot about IL-2’s mission editor and the challenges of single-player storytelling. After a lot of trial and error, and finally the time and patience to get back into it, I’ve managed to bring something new to life.

This mission, “Baptism of Fire,” is a proof of concept — a small step forward to see how far I can go and whether it connects with the community. It includes full localization in English and Spanish, so both audiences can enjoy it naturally.

My goal this time is to create something that feels closer to a war story — unpredictable, alive, and sometimes chaotic. Just like in real war, things don’t always go as planned. You might witness events outside the expected mission flow, because that’s the kind of atmosphere I wanted to capture.

You’ll fly as Raven 2, wingman to Raven 1, both piloting early-production Yak-3s during combat trials following the aircraft’s first tests in the Lvov–Sandomierz area. The setting is the Second Jassy–Kishinev Offensive, August 1944.

We’ll join a group of Yak-9s covering a flight of Il-2s striking a German airfield near the front, while our tank units attempt to break through Axis defenses. Our small Yak-3 pair, still under evaluation, will operate more independently — free hunting, testing the new fighter in real combat conditions.

“Baptism of Fire” is not a polished campaign yet, but a foundation — a way to test atmosphere, pacing, and immersion before expanding it into something larger.

I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the mission creators and storytellers who have inspired and helped me over the years — Jaegermeister, Gambit21, and of course, Blacksix. Their work and advice have set the standard for what’s possible in IL-2’s single-player world, and without that inspiration, this mission would not exist.

 

Finally, I’m also preparing myself to create content for the upcoming Korea when it becomes available. And what better way to get ready than by refining my skills and storytelling here, in the crucible of “Baptism of Fire.”

 

I hope you enjoy the mission and its small details. Feedback is always welcome — if this concept works and players like it, I’ll continue building from here.

 

See you in the skies!

Mission download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JfRCc4VtKD-W2_czVL9bdxlZ7ilQ1V82/view?usp=sharing

Installation: Just drop the files inside data/missions.

Credits: 
Picture - Asisbiz
AA template - Vander