Noseart created by MightyArrow, B-24 Skin created by bobpie1

Today we have something a little different to our previous Loving the Unloved contests, it’s time to get creative with your skinning!

Aircraft nose-art is quite the beautiful thing, therefore, we want you, the Live War Thunder Community, to create the most unique and beautiful nose-art’s imaginable (keeping within the traditional designs from history of course). P-51’s, B-17’s, Lancaster’s...It’s entirely up to you.

You all have two weeks, beginning now! It’s time to release some Artistic Freedom upon War Thunder! #noseart

You have two weeks to design and create your best nose-art skins using any of the aircraft in game. The top 3 skins will be selected by the Live.WT moderation team.

• First place will receive the largely sought after A-26C-45 Invader, a choice of a hidden vehicle (see below) and 2000 GE.
  
• Second will receive two choices of the hidden vehicles (see below) and 1000GE.
  
• Third will receive a single choice of the hidden vehicles (see below) and 500 GE.

*choice from the following aircraft: Po-2, TB-3, SM-79 1937, SB-2M-103 MV-3, Yer-2 M-105R TAT, DB-7, Gladiator Mk.IIF

Entries must be made on Live.WT site!
More details can be found on Live.WT site!

Noseart created by MightyArrow, B-24 Skin created by bobpie1

Today we have something a little different to our previous Loving the Unloved contests, it’s time to get creative with your skinning!

Aircraft nose-art is quite the beautiful thing, therefore, we want you, the Live War Thunder Community, to create the most unique and beautiful nose-art’s imaginable (keeping within the traditional designs from history of course). P-51’s, B-17’s, Lancaster’s...It’s entirely up to you.

You all have two weeks, beginning now! It’s time to release some Artistic Freedom upon War Thunder! #noseart

You have two weeks to design and create your best nose-art skins using any of the aircraft in game. The top 3 skins will be selected by the Live.WT moderation team.

• First place will receive the largely sought after A-26C-45 Invader, a choice of a hidden vehicle (see below) and 2000 GE.
  
• Second will receive two choices of the hidden vehicles (see below) and 1000GE.
  
• Third will receive a single choice of the hidden vehicles (see below) and 500 GE.

*choice from the following aircraft: Po-2, TB-3, SM-79 1937, SB-2M-103 MV-3, Yer-2 M-105R TAT, DB-7, Gladiator Mk.IIF

Entries must be made on Live.WT site!
More details can be found on Live.WT site!

The creation of the giant H8K2 flying boat was a planned step by Japan in the development of its military doctrine. The appearance of the British S.25 Sunderland and the American XPBS-1 flying boats created “a higher bar” for modern flying boats. At the beginning of 1938, the Empire of Japan needed a scout / bomber / torpedo plane to replace the H6K which was outdated by the time it went into mass production. Engineers at the Kawanishi Aircraft Company took on the responsibility of creating a new Japanese super-weapon – the flying boat was given the chief role in some rather, to put it lightly, ambitious military operations. Apart from everything else, the design process took into account mistakes made with the H6K – for example, an armoured backrest was installed for the pilots and gunners, a system was developed to fill the fuel tanks with inert gas, and several of the tanks were partially protected. Let’s have a look at how it turned out.





The first thing you’ll notice is the plane’s size. The H8K2 is a BIG flying boat. It has a wingspan of 38 meters (the largest aircraft in the game, the American B-29, has a wingspan of 43 meters). Its four 1,530 horsepower Mitsubishi Kasei 12 engines are each raised a safe distance above the surface of the water. Its defensive weaponry consists of 20mm automatic cannons on the upper and rear turrets and 7.7 mm machine guns in the teardrop turrets on the sides.

The H8K2’s solid defenses – five cannons, five machine guns, armoured crew seats and a well-thought out fuel protection system – made this flying monster a truly tough nut to crack. According to the tales of American pilots, multiple fighters attacking a single H8K2 could fully exhaust their ammunition without even forcing the H8K2 down!
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=635501557
We plan to add the H8K2 to Japan’s air fleet at rank II. It is a comparatively slow bomber/torpedo aircraft with good defensive armament and fire protection on the fuel tanks, things that were sorely lacking on the H6K model. The aircraft carries a bomb load of 2,000 kg in bombs or torpedoes and is capable of both destroying ground and sea targets and successfully attacking enemy bases.
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=635501607
The H8K2 is an undoubtedly interesting addition to War Thunder in update 1.57. You’ll see this Japanese giant very soon, and we’ll see you in the skies! Until next time!

The creation of the giant H8K2 flying boat was a planned step by Japan in the development of its military doctrine. The appearance of the British S.25 Sunderland and the American XPBS-1 flying boats created “a higher bar” for modern flying boats. At the beginning of 1938, the Empire of Japan needed a scout / bomber / torpedo plane to replace the H6K which was outdated by the time it went into mass production. Engineers at the Kawanishi Aircraft Company took on the responsibility of creating a new Japanese super-weapon – the flying boat was given the chief role in some rather, to put it lightly, ambitious military operations. Apart from everything else, the design process took into account mistakes made with the H6K – for example, an armoured backrest was installed for the pilots and gunners, a system was developed to fill the fuel tanks with inert gas, and several of the tanks were partially protected. Let’s have a look at how it turned out.





The first thing you’ll notice is the plane’s size. The H8K2 is a BIG flying boat. It has a wingspan of 38 meters (the largest aircraft in the game, the American B-29, has a wingspan of 43 meters). Its four 1,530 horsepower Mitsubishi Kasei 12 engines are each raised a safe distance above the surface of the water. Its defensive weaponry consists of 20mm automatic cannons on the upper and rear turrets and 7.7 mm machine guns in the teardrop turrets on the sides.

The H8K2’s solid defenses – five cannons, five machine guns, armoured crew seats and a well-thought out fuel protection system – made this flying monster a truly tough nut to crack. According to the tales of American pilots, multiple fighters attacking a single H8K2 could fully exhaust their ammunition without even forcing the H8K2 down!
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=635501557
We plan to add the H8K2 to Japan’s air fleet at rank II. It is a comparatively slow bomber/torpedo aircraft with good defensive armament and fire protection on the fuel tanks, things that were sorely lacking on the H6K model. The aircraft carries a bomb load of 2,000 kg in bombs or torpedoes and is capable of both destroying ground and sea targets and successfully attacking enemy bases.
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=635501607
The H8K2 is an undoubtedly interesting addition to War Thunder in update 1.57. You’ll see this Japanese giant very soon, and we’ll see you in the skies! Until next time!

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Take part in Tank Duels whilst driving the Crusader Mk II and Pz III J!
Destroy enemy ground vehicles and win unique tanker icons!

On completion of each stage you will get a "Supply Box" that contains one of the following items:
• Backups for German and British ground vehicles of ranks II-V.
  
• A Random 10-75% RP or SL booster.
  
• A Random talisman for British and German ground vehicles of ranks I-III.
  
• A Unique tanker profile icon!

Read the full Special Article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

1280x1024 | 1920x1080 | 2560x1140

Take part in Tank Duels whilst driving the Crusader Mk II and Pz III J!
Destroy enemy ground vehicles and win unique tanker icons!

On completion of each stage you will get a "Supply Box" that contains one of the following items:
• Backups for German and British ground vehicles of ranks II-V.
  
• A Random 10-75% RP or SL booster.
  
• A Random talisman for British and German ground vehicles of ranks I-III.
  
• A Unique tanker profile icon!

Read the full Special Article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

The Nashorn self-propelled gun is a variant of a mobile tank destroyer with a threatening 88 mm cannon – new to War Thunder 1.57.



The Sd.Kfz. 164 Nashorn (German: Rhinoceros) is a continuation of the German idea of self-propelled guns with an open cabin that were designed to destroy enemy tanks from ambush and camouflaged positions. This time, the engineers created a unified self-propelled gun carriage based on the Panzerkampfwagen III and IV, equipping it with a lightly armoured cabin. The chief advantage of this self-propelled gun was the famous 88 mm Pak43 cannon, which could destroy any Soviet or Allied tank of the time.

Hitler approved of the vehicle, but after it began to be mass produced, he renamed the vehicle by special command – initially, it bore the name Hornisse (Hornet). This change may have been because the German army already had one ‘hornet’ – the Me 410 heavy fighter (well known to all War Thunder pilots), while there was not yet a ‘rhinoceros’. The Hornet / Rhinoceros fought on the Eastern and Western fronts and in Italy, it went on to be produced practically until the end of the war.





The Nashorn is a famous representative of Germany’s SPG line with an open cabin. The Nashorn’s self-propelled carriage was created by engineers from the Alkett-Borsingwalde company, and it later became the basis for the Hummel self-propelled gun. The chassis was built with components and units of the modified Panzerkampfwagen III and IV tanks, and the most significant difference from the Panzer chassis was the increased length of the hull and the placement of the engine almost in the very center of the SPG. This was done to correct the vehicle’s centre of gravity relative to the placement of the cannon. It is clearly noticeable on the model that the radiator grill is now located in the center of the hull.
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=632433026
The crew compartment of the open cabin was designed for three crew members. The cabin also housed the Nashorn’s ammunition complement of 40 shells.
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=632433101
The 88 mm Pak43 gun is one of the best in the history of the Second World War. War Thunder players know this gun from other German armoured vehicle models – the Tiger II, the Jagdpanther and the Ferdinand. This incredibly accurate, long-range and destructive weapon is capable of destroying any vehicle at its rank, even with a frontal strike against. It’s a true sniper rifle among tank cannons!
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=632433160
The Nashorn will appear in the game at rank III in the German tech tree. The weak armour of the cabin will require careful consideration when positioning and control over the situation on the battlefield – any shell or an aerial cannon burst that lands in the cabin is almost guaranteed to deal critical damage or even destroy the SPG. However, the excellent Pak43 cannon, available to tanks and heavy SPGs only at rank IV, makes up for the paper-thin armour. Any opponent it encounters can be destroyed without difficulty, often with a single shot. Meet the German ‘Rhinoceros’ in War Thunder update 1.57. See you on the battlefields!

The Nashorn self-propelled gun is a variant of a mobile tank destroyer with a threatening 88 mm cannon – new to War Thunder 1.57.



The Sd.Kfz. 164 Nashorn (German: Rhinoceros) is a continuation of the German idea of self-propelled guns with an open cabin that were designed to destroy enemy tanks from ambush and camouflaged positions. This time, the engineers created a unified self-propelled gun carriage based on the Panzerkampfwagen III and IV, equipping it with a lightly armoured cabin. The chief advantage of this self-propelled gun was the famous 88 mm Pak43 cannon, which could destroy any Soviet or Allied tank of the time.

Hitler approved of the vehicle, but after it began to be mass produced, he renamed the vehicle by special command – initially, it bore the name Hornisse (Hornet). This change may have been because the German army already had one ‘hornet’ – the Me 410 heavy fighter (well known to all War Thunder pilots), while there was not yet a ‘rhinoceros’. The Hornet / Rhinoceros fought on the Eastern and Western fronts and in Italy, it went on to be produced practically until the end of the war.





The Nashorn is a famous representative of Germany’s SPG line with an open cabin. The Nashorn’s self-propelled carriage was created by engineers from the Alkett-Borsingwalde company, and it later became the basis for the Hummel self-propelled gun. The chassis was built with components and units of the modified Panzerkampfwagen III and IV tanks, and the most significant difference from the Panzer chassis was the increased length of the hull and the placement of the engine almost in the very center of the SPG. This was done to correct the vehicle’s centre of gravity relative to the placement of the cannon. It is clearly noticeable on the model that the radiator grill is now located in the center of the hull.
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=632433026
The crew compartment of the open cabin was designed for three crew members. The cabin also housed the Nashorn’s ammunition complement of 40 shells.
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=632433101
The 88 mm Pak43 gun is one of the best in the history of the Second World War. War Thunder players know this gun from other German armoured vehicle models – the Tiger II, the Jagdpanther and the Ferdinand. This incredibly accurate, long-range and destructive weapon is capable of destroying any vehicle at its rank, even with a frontal strike against. It’s a true sniper rifle among tank cannons!
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=632433160
The Nashorn will appear in the game at rank III in the German tech tree. The weak armour of the cabin will require careful consideration when positioning and control over the situation on the battlefield – any shell or an aerial cannon burst that lands in the cabin is almost guaranteed to deal critical damage or even destroy the SPG. However, the excellent Pak43 cannon, available to tanks and heavy SPGs only at rank IV, makes up for the paper-thin armour. Any opponent it encounters can be destroyed without difficulty, often with a single shot. Meet the German ‘Rhinoceros’ in War Thunder update 1.57. See you on the battlefields!

Take part in 5 tournaments dedicated to some of the most legendary aircraft in history!

Hundreds of hours spent at the controls of your favourite aircraft have served you well – battles with most opponents are already easy, encountering enemies equal to your strength is a rare treat. You are an experienced pilot who wields your favorite aircraft as if it were part of you, at last today, you will demonstrate the results of your extended training.

Dear pilots of all modes, we are pleased to present to you a new type of tournament: Aviation Legends. Battle 2 vs 2 using identical aircraft from some of the most iconic aviation designers. The Aviation Legends tournament series will take place between February the 13th and March the 4th and will include 5 tournaments featuring some of the most well-known aircraft of the Second World War.



Almost everyone who knows at least a little about the history of the Second World War will immediately recognize the Messerschmitt as a legendary fighter plane with the feared German cross on its wings. Altitude, speed, firepower, altitude and speed again – that is the simple and elegant secret of victory when flying any Bf.109. The earlier variants of this plane and the E and F in particular also have another feature which is common to every all-purpose fighter – maneuverability. This is especially noticeable in energy fighting – the Messerschmitt has almost no equal in this regard.

Read the Full Tournament article here!

Take part in 5 tournaments dedicated to some of the most legendary aircraft in history!

Hundreds of hours spent at the controls of your favourite aircraft have served you well – battles with most opponents are already easy, encountering enemies equal to your strength is a rare treat. You are an experienced pilot who wields your favorite aircraft as if it were part of you, at last today, you will demonstrate the results of your extended training.

Dear pilots of all modes, we are pleased to present to you a new type of tournament: Aviation Legends. Battle 2 vs 2 using identical aircraft from some of the most iconic aviation designers. The Aviation Legends tournament series will take place between February the 13th and March the 4th and will include 5 tournaments featuring some of the most well-known aircraft of the Second World War.



Almost everyone who knows at least a little about the history of the Second World War will immediately recognize the Messerschmitt as a legendary fighter plane with the feared German cross on its wings. Altitude, speed, firepower, altitude and speed again – that is the simple and elegant secret of victory when flying any Bf.109. The earlier variants of this plane and the E and F in particular also have another feature which is common to every all-purpose fighter – maneuverability. This is especially noticeable in energy fighting – the Messerschmitt has almost no equal in this regard.

Read the Full Tournament article here!