Back in March, we took you inside the VK-1F engine's history and afterburner feel. Since then, development has continued at a steady pace, with major progress across the aircraft's systems, flight model, damage model, and audio. The module is now entering its final stage of development, with our focus shifting from new features to final tuning and testing.
On the systems side, hydraulic and pneumatic systems are complete, including normal and emergency operation, alongside fully finished oxygen and cockpit pressurization systems. Navigation and cockpit lighting are implemented, and the chronograph, secondary engine instruments, and most of the cockpit instrumentation are complete. Pilots will also find a custom-designed kneeboard featuring authentic Soviet styling and mission-specific reference pages, plus new suspension and revamped ground handling.
Navigation and avionics have made major progress as well. The P-800 VHF radio is now fully functional, and the ARK-5 Automatic Radio Compass is implemented across its Compass, Antenna, and Loop operating modes for authentic Soviet radio navigation procedures, meaning pilots can now fly complete historical NDB instrument approaches in IMC using onboard equipment alone. The SRD-1M gun radar has also been implemented and is currently undergoing final tuning.
On the engine front, we've completed a detailed overhaul of the VK-1F engine simulation, bringing realistic compressor surges, flameouts, hot starts, engine damage, restart procedures, and their associated visual effects to life, along with refined fuel, hydraulic, and engine system mechanisms. To match, we've overhauled the engine sound environment using recordings from a real MiG-17F: professional recording sessions captured the VK-1F across a wide range of RPM, power settings, and operating conditions using multiple microphones positioned both inside and outside the aircraft. Most cockpit switches, levers, and controls have also been replaced with newly recorded custom sounds.
