Join the 365th Fighter Group, known as the Hell Hawks, in this action simulation campaign for IL-2 Sturmovik. Pilots fly the P-47D Thunderbolt over Europe from October 1944 to January 1945, backing General Hodges' First Army during key battles like Aachen and the Bulge. Missions draw from real 9th Air Force operations, complete with custom radio calls.
Players tackle close air support, armed reconnaissance, supply interdiction, and air-to-air combat across 16 missions lasting 40 to 80 minutes each, for about 14 hours total. Realistic tactics reflect the 388th Fighter Squadron's history against the German Ardennes Offensive and New Year's Day air raids. This setup suits fans of detailed flight simulation and historical WWII air action.
This campaign is inspired by the exploits of the 365th Fighter Group (388th Fighter Squadron) over Europe in the Autumn/Winter of 1944-45.
History books called them the "Hell Hawks", the USAAF called them as the 365th Fighter Group, the Germans called them a terror. The 365th was instrumental in supporting American ground forces that opposed the German Ardennes Offensive which would become known as the “Battle of the Bulge” in late 1944-45. Flying the P-47D, or "Jug" as it was affectionately known to its pilots, the player will join the 365th FG / 388th FS and take part in supporting General Hodges’ First Army. Air operations from the Battle of Aachen, through the Battle of the Bulge, and the German air attack on New Year’s Day 1945 and beyond are represented.
You’ll fly close air support, armed recon, supply interdiction and air to air missions and all events are taken from, or inspired by the actual events from the 365th Fighter Group history. This campaign features realistic 9th Air Force operations, as well as custom radio calls.
Time frame: Oct 1944 to Jan 1945
Regiment: 365th Fighter Group
Available Aircraft: P-47D
Duration: 16 missions
Mission Duration: 40 to 80 minutes
Average total playtime: Approx. 14 hours
Author: Gambit21, updated by Jaegermeister
