In today's blog we are going to tell you about the new vehicles, as well as changes in the ranking of the IL-2, which you'll see in the upcoming update.



This aircraft will replace the current IL-2 at the second rank. The armament consists of fixed wing panels, which have two 23-mm VYa cannons with ammunition of 150 rounds each, and two 7.62-mm ShKAS machine guns with ammunition of 750 rounds per barrel. On the inner pylons it is possible to attach four bombs from 50 to 100 kg, in the two outer holders it is possible to attach bombs of the FAB-100 or FAB-250 type. Under the wing panels there are rails installed - which could mount PO-82 (four on each side) rockets.

A logical continuation of the IL-2 of 1941 production. This model updates an existing single-seated version of IL-2 with 23 mm VYa-23 cannons and receives the correct payload with all its variety of bombs and rockets.




The interesting feature of this aircraft are its fairings, which are positioned on the wings and cover the mechanical parts of the VYa-23 cannons and an anti dust filter, which is located on the right wing of the aircraft. Fairings with apparent simplicity have a rather complex form, which took quite a lot of time to work out and the dust filter itself has a rather complex conjugation with the wing, creation of smoothness in connection between these units was a challenge.








Addition for the third rank. Offensive weapons similar to IL-2 1942 model, but in addition to that the aircraft had rear VUB-3 turret defense with a 12.7 mm UBT machine gun with ammunition for 150 shots. A bomb load of 400 kg is placed on the four DER-21 inner pylons, and a bomb bay along the centre line and two MDZ-40 outer pylons. Only RS-82 type rockets could be mounted.

IL-2M 1943 is the result of a hard work on the protection of IL-2s from the rear hemisphere and bringing opportunities of the attack aircraft to its single-seat counterpart. Starting with this model, the IL-2M had a boosted AM-38F engines installed, which allowed to mostly bring back the bomb load single-seated IL-2. Among other things, this aircraft has better angles of attack from gunners and fiber-sealing fuel tanks, which unlike metal ones were more resistant to hits.




The main difference for this modification is the installation of the gunner’s cockpit. The turret located in the gunner’s cockpit has a complex structure and a lot of smaller parts. While modelling it we tried to deliver very accurately every small element of this complex system.








The new version of IL-2, located on the third rank, which had no rocket load and with bomb load was reduced to 200 kg, due to changed armament. In fixed wing batteries there are two 7.62-mm ShKAS machine guns with ammunition of 750 rounds per barrel, and two 37-mm NS-37 cannons with ammunition of 50 rounds per barrel that are installed inside the pods.




This version of the IL-2, armed with two 37mm cannons, will be the most heavily armed in the IL-2 lineup. However, the heavier offensive weapons have substantially limited the payload by up to 200 kg of bombs without the option to mount rails for rockets.



Discuss it here!

In today's blog we are going to tell you about the new vehicles, as well as changes in the ranking of the IL-2, which you'll see in the upcoming update.



This aircraft will replace the current IL-2 at the second rank. The armament consists of fixed wing panels, which have two 23-mm VYa cannons with ammunition of 150 rounds each, and two 7.62-mm ShKAS machine guns with ammunition of 750 rounds per barrel. On the inner pylons it is possible to attach four bombs from 50 to 100 kg, in the two outer holders it is possible to attach bombs of the FAB-100 or FAB-250 type. Under the wing panels there are rails installed - which could mount PO-82 (four on each side) rockets.

A logical continuation of the IL-2 of 1941 production. This model updates an existing single-seated version of IL-2 with 23 mm VYa-23 cannons and receives the correct payload with all its variety of bombs and rockets.




The interesting feature of this aircraft are its fairings, which are positioned on the wings and cover the mechanical parts of the VYa-23 cannons and an anti dust filter, which is located on the right wing of the aircraft. Fairings with apparent simplicity have a rather complex form, which took quite a lot of time to work out and the dust filter itself has a rather complex conjugation with the wing, creation of smoothness in connection between these units was a challenge.








Addition for the third rank. Offensive weapons similar to IL-2 1942 model, but in addition to that the aircraft had rear VUB-3 turret defense with a 12.7 mm UBT machine gun with ammunition for 150 shots. A bomb load of 400 kg is placed on the four DER-21 inner pylons, and a bomb bay along the centre line and two MDZ-40 outer pylons. Only RS-82 type rockets could be mounted.

IL-2M 1943 is the result of a hard work on the protection of IL-2s from the rear hemisphere and bringing opportunities of the attack aircraft to its single-seat counterpart. Starting with this model, the IL-2M had a boosted AM-38F engines installed, which allowed to mostly bring back the bomb load single-seated IL-2. Among other things, this aircraft has better angles of attack from gunners and fiber-sealing fuel tanks, which unlike metal ones were more resistant to hits.




The main difference for this modification is the installation of the gunner’s cockpit. The turret located in the gunner’s cockpit has a complex structure and a lot of smaller parts. While modelling it we tried to deliver very accurately every small element of this complex system.








The new version of IL-2, located on the third rank, which had no rocket load and with bomb load was reduced to 200 kg, due to changed armament. In fixed wing batteries there are two 7.62-mm ShKAS machine guns with ammunition of 750 rounds per barrel, and two 37-mm NS-37 cannons with ammunition of 50 rounds per barrel that are installed inside the pods.




This version of the IL-2, armed with two 37mm cannons, will be the most heavily armed in the IL-2 lineup. However, the heavier offensive weapons have substantially limited the payload by up to 200 kg of bombs without the option to mount rails for rockets.



Discuss it here!

The Dev Server with Update 1.49 will be open for public!

The dev server will be opening today, featuring the new War Thunder Update 1.49. Find the current change log and be invited to provide feedback in our forums!

Patch notes are here

Download the launcher for the dev server client here. Be sure not to install it to your regular War Thunder folder.

This is a content update. Please expect to see bugs on this opening of the dev server. Report any unusual behaviour to the forums please!
Please try to focus on testing new vehicles and leave feedback. Thank you.

The War Thunder Team

Discuss it here!

The Dev Server with Update 1.49 will be open for public!

The dev server will be opening today, featuring the new War Thunder Update 1.49. Find the current change log and be invited to provide feedback in our forums!

Patch notes are here

Download the launcher for the dev server client here. Be sure not to install it to your regular War Thunder folder.

This is a content update. Please expect to see bugs on this opening of the dev server. Report any unusual behaviour to the forums please!
Please try to focus on testing new vehicles and leave feedback. Thank you.

The War Thunder Team

Discuss it here!

We would like to bring to your attention the heavy assault tanks, which will be included in the US tech tree - The T95 and the premium T28. Armed with a 105-mm T5E1 cannon with 63 shells available - these vehicles will undoubtedly be a formidable weapon in the hands of our more skilled players.

See video of the T-28 in action here!

The Super Heavy Tank: T28 / Gun Motor Carriage: T95 is also a self-propelled gun unit. This machine changed its name several times during the project development. Originally conceived as a tool to defeat fortified emplacements by direct fire, it was classified as a super-heavy tank. A powerful 105mm gun and armour thickness of up to 300mm at the front, should have allowed this vehicle to reach their fortifications under enemy fire and destroy them. But due to the low power-to-weight ratio of the engine (500 horsepower for about 100 tons) the tank had extremely low mobility, which, however, wasn’t critical for its immediate task. In the game, this machine is capable of destroying almost any tank and can stand constant fire from the front, but the player will require patience in achieving an intended position.


The T95 - is the "heaviest" tank in the game regarding polygon count! A bit more than 160,000 of them. This polycount is caused by the huge number of small parts and entrenching tools, arranged around the vehicle, and of course by two sets of greatly detailed suspension models. All these niceties were difficult to create in the right proportions and on their correct locations on the hull, since there were not many existing references or information. There is an interesting detail - to the right side of the hull there are 2 A-frame hoist assemblies installed to facilitate the removal\replacing the outer pair of tracks.





See video of the T-95 in action here!

We would like to bring to your attention the heavy assault tanks, which will be included in the US tech tree - The T95 and the premium T28. Armed with a 105-mm T5E1 cannon with 63 shells available - these vehicles will undoubtedly be a formidable weapon in the hands of our more skilled players.

See video of the T-28 in action here!

The Super Heavy Tank: T28 / Gun Motor Carriage: T95 is also a self-propelled gun unit. This machine changed its name several times during the project development. Originally conceived as a tool to defeat fortified emplacements by direct fire, it was classified as a super-heavy tank. A powerful 105mm gun and armour thickness of up to 300mm at the front, should have allowed this vehicle to reach their fortifications under enemy fire and destroy them. But due to the low power-to-weight ratio of the engine (500 horsepower for about 100 tons) the tank had extremely low mobility, which, however, wasn’t critical for its immediate task. In the game, this machine is capable of destroying almost any tank and can stand constant fire from the front, but the player will require patience in achieving an intended position.


The T95 - is the "heaviest" tank in the game regarding polygon count! A bit more than 160,000 of them. This polycount is caused by the huge number of small parts and entrenching tools, arranged around the vehicle, and of course by two sets of greatly detailed suspension models. All these niceties were difficult to create in the right proportions and on their correct locations on the hull, since there were not many existing references or information. There is an interesting detail - to the right side of the hull there are 2 A-frame hoist assemblies installed to facilitate the removal\replacing the outer pair of tracks.





See video of the T-95 in action here!

Many fans of german bombers have been looking forward to the Arado with offensive armament. We present to you, the Arado Ar.234C-3, which will be situated at the fifth rank!

This modification is a solution to the lack of defense capabilities with Ar.234 bombers - two Mauser MG.151/20 cannons, with an ammunition capacity of 250 rounds per barrel on production variant. A bomber with 4 jet engines which has retained the bomb load of its predecessor the Ar.234B-2.





The main external differences with this modification from the original B-2 is a modified cockpit and the installation of two additional engines. The Installation of the new engines has made a great impact on the appearance of the engine nacelles, which have gained a pronounced “forehead” and a soft flowing form. This is a pronounced characteristic feature for this modification. During its implementation we have given special attention to the fidelity of the form and fluency of the lines. Also the nacelles have a complex interaction with the wing, we have spent a lot of time on the quality and implementation of this area.


The aircraft cockpit has also changed quite a bit . It has more extensive glazing and all control areas of the aircraft can be easily seen from the outside. Therefore, with the cockpit modelling we focused on the every detail. Unfortunately historically there is very little information about the cabin of the aircraft. While modeling, we used archival photos from factory cabin layouts (which often differ from production models), factory drawings, photographs of other modifications of the aircraft. In close cooperation with the historical and technical consultants we managed to restore the appearance of the interior cabin that is reflected in the game model of the aircraft with high reliability.



See video of this vehicle in action here!

Discuss it here!

Many fans of german bombers have been looking forward to the Arado with offensive armament. We present to you, the Arado Ar.234C-3, which will be situated at the fifth rank!

This modification is a solution to the lack of defense capabilities with Ar.234 bombers - two Mauser MG.151/20 cannons, with an ammunition capacity of 250 rounds per barrel on production variant. A bomber with 4 jet engines which has retained the bomb load of its predecessor the Ar.234B-2.





The main external differences with this modification from the original B-2 is a modified cockpit and the installation of two additional engines. The Installation of the new engines has made a great impact on the appearance of the engine nacelles, which have gained a pronounced “forehead” and a soft flowing form. This is a pronounced characteristic feature for this modification. During its implementation we have given special attention to the fidelity of the form and fluency of the lines. Also the nacelles have a complex interaction with the wing, we have spent a lot of time on the quality and implementation of this area.


The aircraft cockpit has also changed quite a bit . It has more extensive glazing and all control areas of the aircraft can be easily seen from the outside. Therefore, with the cockpit modelling we focused on the every detail. Unfortunately historically there is very little information about the cabin of the aircraft. While modeling, we used archival photos from factory cabin layouts (which often differ from production models), factory drawings, photographs of other modifications of the aircraft. In close cooperation with the historical and technical consultants we managed to restore the appearance of the interior cabin that is reflected in the game model of the aircraft with high reliability.



See video of this vehicle in action here!

Discuss it here!

The Normandy landings in the summer of 1944 were also called “the opening of a second front in Europe”. American, British and Canadian troops attacked fortifications on the shores of fascist-occupied France. We present an in-game location based on this large-scale historical event.



The action unfolds on the coast of the English Channel in northern Normandy. The location is widely varied, and not just because the battles take place at sea, in the air and on the ground. Its uniqueness is in the geography of Normandy. On one side is a beach facing the Channel with fortified positions, and on the other is rural countryside with neat farmers' cottages, hedgerows, villages and fields. In between all of this, is a town ravaged by war. On a single battle map, three completely different types of areas have been combined, each with its own character and gameplay.

The allies attacking from the coast must overcome the powerful fortifications on the beach. A blockade of barrage balloons hinders aircraft attempting to support ground forces and landing troops.
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=429360089
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=429360085
So-called “bocages” – hedgerows which protect the local farmers from the ocean winds – hinder the advancement of ground forces.



These walls of vegetation lend an element of surprise to the game – you can encounter an enemy ambush anywhere. Trenches, ditches, fields, altitude variations – the entire topography of the zone is built in such a way as to provide freedom to maneuver even in open areas by using the lay of the land.



Every last object in this location has been based on real history.
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=429360319
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=429360341
Memorable landmarks are distributed throughout the location, helping players to determine their location and route. Please note that this location is still in development, and the screenshots shown may differ from the final version of the Normandy map.

The Normandy landings in the summer of 1944 were also called “the opening of a second front in Europe”. American, British and Canadian troops attacked fortifications on the shores of fascist-occupied France. We present an in-game location based on this large-scale historical event.



The action unfolds on the coast of the English Channel in northern Normandy. The location is widely varied, and not just because the battles take place at sea, in the air and on the ground. Its uniqueness is in the geography of Normandy. On one side is a beach facing the Channel with fortified positions, and on the other is rural countryside with neat farmers' cottages, hedgerows, villages and fields. In between all of this, is a town ravaged by war. On a single battle map, three completely different types of areas have been combined, each with its own character and gameplay.

The allies attacking from the coast must overcome the powerful fortifications on the beach. A blockade of barrage balloons hinders aircraft attempting to support ground forces and landing troops.
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=429360089
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=429360085
So-called “bocages” – hedgerows which protect the local farmers from the ocean winds – hinder the advancement of ground forces.



These walls of vegetation lend an element of surprise to the game – you can encounter an enemy ambush anywhere. Trenches, ditches, fields, altitude variations – the entire topography of the zone is built in such a way as to provide freedom to maneuver even in open areas by using the lay of the land.



Every last object in this location has been based on real history.
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=429360319
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=429360341
Memorable landmarks are distributed throughout the location, helping players to determine their location and route. Please note that this location is still in development, and the screenshots shown may differ from the final version of the Normandy map.