Foreword: by the terms “realism” and “realistic” I mean the most similar indicators / properties / features, taking into account the game features, since we need to understand that it is impossible to achieve absolute realism and transition to a simulator in this game setting.
First of all, I would like to see the changes in the flight model, since the current control is not very similar to the real control of aircraft (taking into account the specifics of various aircraft). In the game, the engine overheating of various air vehicles was incorrectly carried out (as an example, the engine at the maximum load in the P-51 does not overheat for 5-10 minutes of flight in this engine operating mode, since it uses a good cooling system. as well as the physics of the aircraft during maneuvers also leave much to be desired (I advise you to study the experience of the pilots or familiarize yourself with the behavior of aircraft analogs from the IL-2 Sturmovik game).
I would like to see the correct behavior of the damage model when interacting with large-caliber aircraft cannons (caliber 20, 30 and 37 mm, respectively) and machine guns (12.7 and 13 mm). The current damage model also looks a little realistic. As an example, I can say that a direct hit from 30 mm guns on the P-38 will not allow the pilot to control the aircraft correctly, and most likely this will instantly lead to fatal structural damage. Dealing damage with large-caliber machine guns is more like a lottery - since often the structure of the enemy aircraft also does not receive any damage.
These wishes are based on my subjective perception of the gameplay and experience gained in simulators.
Those are all valid points, however, you will notice that the majority of content in the current game is in the form of a place holder - so basic (low detail quality) and often incorrect pattern uniforms for the various troop types - ie inconsistent with the unit wearing them, random historically inaccurate weapons, and ofcourse a completely vanilla set of filight/damage models.
I think the focus atm is to get enough content in the game to build out a player base and then at some stage they might start getting the details right…
I my own experience, the 30mm and 37mm on bf110 can disable or even tear apart the enermy planes with couple or even single shoot NORMALLY. But sometimes becoz of laggy , bad modelling or some bugs, it used up all ammo and just make some somke.
Once I chasing behind an A20, empty my ammo on it, most of them “indicated” hitted. And over 7 round of 37mm hitted after 30mm was out, and it still flying and turning with me.
Not about where aiming, in usual case even I aim at the tail it can tear the tail section apart with couple 37mm shot, aiming for cockpit would be instant killed the pilot, aiming for engine will destroyed the engine and propeller, aiming for fuelage or engine can set it on fire. That’s in normal case. But since I was playing at 200+ ping, the hit indicator may be false indicating.