The Arsenal VG.33C-1 is another light fighter aircraft design, developed to quickly bolster the numbers of fighters available to the French Air Force in preparation for the expected Invasion of France in the 1940s. The VG.33C-1 is preparing to take to the skies with the introduction of the brand new French air research tree in War Thunder’s next upcoming major update!

Development of the VG series of aircraft started around the mid 1930s, around the same time the CR.714, which we talked about in one of the previous devblogs, was being developed. This was not by coincidence however. Both aircraft were developed in accordance to the specifications set by the French Air Ministry in 1936, calling for new light fighter aircraft designs which could quickly be assembled and at low cost, in hopes of rapidly increasing the number of fighters available to French pilots. As with the C.710 series, the Arsenal company opted for a lightweight low-wing monoplane design, constructed out of plywood. The first prototype, designated VG.30, was planned to be equipped with the Potez 12Dc inline engine, however, due to production issues, the powerplant was temporarily changed to the Hispano-Suiza 12Xcrs. Shortly afterwards, the prototype took flight in October 1938.





The VG.33 will become available to players as a fighter of the second rank for the new French aviation research tree coming with War Thunder’s 1.73 update. Stay tuned to the news to find out more about the new additions and changes coming with the next update!

For more information, read the full Dev Blog article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

The Arsenal VG.33C-1 is another light fighter aircraft design, developed to quickly bolster the numbers of fighters available to the French Air Force in preparation for the expected Invasion of France in the 1940s. The VG.33C-1 is preparing to take to the skies with the introduction of the brand new French air research tree in War Thunder’s next upcoming major update!

Development of the VG series of aircraft started around the mid 1930s, around the same time the CR.714, which we talked about in one of the previous devblogs, was being developed. This was not by coincidence however. Both aircraft were developed in accordance to the specifications set by the French Air Ministry in 1936, calling for new light fighter aircraft designs which could quickly be assembled and at low cost, in hopes of rapidly increasing the number of fighters available to French pilots. As with the C.710 series, the Arsenal company opted for a lightweight low-wing monoplane design, constructed out of plywood. The first prototype, designated VG.30, was planned to be equipped with the Potez 12Dc inline engine, however, due to production issues, the powerplant was temporarily changed to the Hispano-Suiza 12Xcrs. Shortly afterwards, the prototype took flight in October 1938.





The VG.33 will become available to players as a fighter of the second rank for the new French aviation research tree coming with War Thunder’s 1.73 update. Stay tuned to the news to find out more about the new additions and changes coming with the next update!

For more information, read the full Dev Blog article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

The Caudron CR.714 is a lightweight, pre-WW2 fighter aircraft, developed to be mass produced quickly and at low cost, in hopes of increasing the number of aircraft available to the French Air Force. Soon, War Thunder pilots and fans of French aviation can look forward to the addition of the CR.714 to the ranks of the newly formed French aviation tree, coming to War Thunder in update 1.73 !

The CR.714 is a member of the C.710 family of aircraft, developed by the French Caudron company in the mid 1930s. The aircraft were initially proposed as a quick solution to the lack of modern combat aircraft within the ranks of French Air Force. By nature, the C.710 series of aircraft were lightweight airframes, built out of wood. This construction allowed for the airframes to be quickly assembled and at a low cost, thus preventing an interference with the production of other French military aircraft. Initially, the aircraft was equipped with a 450 hp Renault 12R-01 12-cylinder inline engine. Due to the shape of the engine block (narrow but long), the aircraft received a long nose section and the cockpit was set back further in the fuselage. This initial prototype, designated C.710, first flew on 18 July 1936, showing promising results and potential for further developing.





The C.714 Cyclone is just one of many upcoming French aircraft coming to War Thunder in update 1.73. Stay tuned to the news to find out more about some of the vehicles coming in the next major update for War Thunder! Until then!

For more information. read the full Dev Blog article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

The Caudron CR.714 is a lightweight, pre-WW2 fighter aircraft, developed to be mass produced quickly and at low cost, in hopes of increasing the number of aircraft available to the French Air Force. Soon, War Thunder pilots and fans of French aviation can look forward to the addition of the CR.714 to the ranks of the newly formed French aviation tree, coming to War Thunder in update 1.73 !

The CR.714 is a member of the C.710 family of aircraft, developed by the French Caudron company in the mid 1930s. The aircraft were initially proposed as a quick solution to the lack of modern combat aircraft within the ranks of French Air Force. By nature, the C.710 series of aircraft were lightweight airframes, built out of wood. This construction allowed for the airframes to be quickly assembled and at a low cost, thus preventing an interference with the production of other French military aircraft. Initially, the aircraft was equipped with a 450 hp Renault 12R-01 12-cylinder inline engine. Due to the shape of the engine block (narrow but long), the aircraft received a long nose section and the cockpit was set back further in the fuselage. This initial prototype, designated C.710, first flew on 18 July 1936, showing promising results and potential for further developing.





The C.714 Cyclone is just one of many upcoming French aircraft coming to War Thunder in update 1.73. Stay tuned to the news to find out more about some of the vehicles coming in the next major update for War Thunder! Until then!

For more information. read the full Dev Blog article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

The Potez P.630 and P.631 are sibling heavy fighter designs, developed in the mid 1930s for the French military. At the outbreak of WW2, this aircraft, along with several others, formed the backbone of the French air force at the time. Coming with Update 1.73, the Potez P.631 will strive to take up this vital role once again with the introduction of the much anticipated French nation to War Thunder!

Development of the Potez P.630 and its variants began in the mid 1930s, after the French Ministry of Air issued specific requirements for the development of a new heavy fighter for the French air force. Specifically, the Ministry was looking for an aircraft that could both be used during day and night time operations, as well as being able to effectively conduct escort missions, whilst possessing good combat endurance, speed and armament. Several French aircraft manufacturers answered the call, Potez being one of them. The Potez company developed two, nigh identical, aircraft that followed the specifications closely - namely, the Potez P.630 and P.631. As previously mentioned, both aircraft shared the same design concept, differing only in the powerplant choice as well as some other minor design features. The P.630 was equipped with Hispano-Suiza 14A engines, whilst the P.631 received a pair of Gnome-Rhône 14M engines. The Gnome-Rhône engines, whilst being inferior in power output to the Hispano-Suizas, were at the same time, smaller, lighter, and more reliable. However, as the Hispano-Suiza engine was readily available, it was decided that the first prototype (P.630-01) would be equipped with a pair of those engines. Work on this initial prototype began in April 1935, with the maiden flight taking place on 25 April 1936.





Be on the lookout for the Potez P.631 on the starting ranks of the brand new French aviation research tree coming to War Thunder with the upcoming update 1.73. Stay tuned to the news to find out what’s still in store for War Thunder’s next major update. Until then!

For more information, read the full Dev Blog article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

The Potez P.630 and P.631 are sibling heavy fighter designs, developed in the mid 1930s for the French military. At the outbreak of WW2, this aircraft, along with several others, formed the backbone of the French air force at the time. Coming with Update 1.73, the Potez P.631 will strive to take up this vital role once again with the introduction of the much anticipated French nation to War Thunder!

Development of the Potez P.630 and its variants began in the mid 1930s, after the French Ministry of Air issued specific requirements for the development of a new heavy fighter for the French air force. Specifically, the Ministry was looking for an aircraft that could both be used during day and night time operations, as well as being able to effectively conduct escort missions, whilst possessing good combat endurance, speed and armament. Several French aircraft manufacturers answered the call, Potez being one of them. The Potez company developed two, nigh identical, aircraft that followed the specifications closely - namely, the Potez P.630 and P.631. As previously mentioned, both aircraft shared the same design concept, differing only in the powerplant choice as well as some other minor design features. The P.630 was equipped with Hispano-Suiza 14A engines, whilst the P.631 received a pair of Gnome-Rhône 14M engines. The Gnome-Rhône engines, whilst being inferior in power output to the Hispano-Suizas, were at the same time, smaller, lighter, and more reliable. However, as the Hispano-Suiza engine was readily available, it was decided that the first prototype (P.630-01) would be equipped with a pair of those engines. Work on this initial prototype began in April 1935, with the maiden flight taking place on 25 April 1936.





Be on the lookout for the Potez P.631 on the starting ranks of the brand new French aviation research tree coming to War Thunder with the upcoming update 1.73. Stay tuned to the news to find out what’s still in store for War Thunder’s next major update. Until then!

For more information, read the full Dev Blog article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

We’re starting a series of developer diaries about the French military aircraft that will appear in update 1.73! The D.371 monoplane was one of the first attempts by French aircraft designers to create a next-generation airplane that significantly outclassed the good old biplanes of the First World War.

When the First World War ended, France possessed one of the most powerful aerial armies in the world, and French pilots were accepted professionals of aerial warfare. But the era of biplanes ended and the French army needed new airplanes – fast, high-altitude, and better armed. In 1932, the French designer Emile Dewoitine presented a prototype for the single-seat single-engine Dewoitine D.37 fighter at a contest to create a new fighter that could reach a speed of at least 300 km/h. This fighter was designed to a “monoplane-parasol” schematic. Tests showed that the engine power of the first experimental prototype was insufficient and the machine was further developed to house an 800 hp engine made by the Gnome-Rhône company. The wing, cooling system, and landing gear were also modernized. The new fighter was designated D.371 and, in spite of the fact that it failed to win in a contest of armed forces, 28 units of the vehicle were produced.





By the start of the Second World War, the D.371 was already considered outdated. Nonetheless, the Dewoitines saw combat against the fascists in the Spanish Civil War, and were pretty successful! The Espana combined regiment, armed with D.371 and D.372 fighters, fulfilled combat objectives to escort bombers, patrol aerial regions, and destroy fascist aircraft. D.371s also fought against pilots from the Condor air group, in which many future aces of the Luftwaffe served.

For more information, read the full article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

We’re starting a series of developer diaries about the French military aircraft that will appear in update 1.73! The D.371 monoplane was one of the first attempts by French aircraft designers to create a next-generation airplane that significantly outclassed the good old biplanes of the First World War.

When the First World War ended, France possessed one of the most powerful aerial armies in the world, and French pilots were accepted professionals of aerial warfare. But the era of biplanes ended and the French army needed new airplanes – fast, high-altitude, and better armed. In 1932, the French designer Emile Dewoitine presented a prototype for the single-seat single-engine Dewoitine D.37 fighter at a contest to create a new fighter that could reach a speed of at least 300 km/h. This fighter was designed to a “monoplane-parasol” schematic. Tests showed that the engine power of the first experimental prototype was insufficient and the machine was further developed to house an 800 hp engine made by the Gnome-Rhône company. The wing, cooling system, and landing gear were also modernized. The new fighter was designated D.371 and, in spite of the fact that it failed to win in a contest of armed forces, 28 units of the vehicle were produced.





By the start of the Second World War, the D.371 was already considered outdated. Nonetheless, the Dewoitines saw combat against the fascists in the Spanish Civil War, and were pretty successful! The Espana combined regiment, armed with D.371 and D.372 fighters, fulfilled combat objectives to escort bombers, patrol aerial regions, and destroy fascist aircraft. D.371s also fought against pilots from the Condor air group, in which many future aces of the Luftwaffe served.

For more information, read the full article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

VIVE LA FRANCE! WAR THUNDER ROLLS OUT NEW NATION WITH FRENCH AIRCRAFT TO BE RELEASED WITH THE NEXT UPDATE

We are pleased to announce the release of a new, seventh nation in War Thunder - France! The 1.73 update will add more than 30 French aircraft to the game - from the fighters of the 30s to multirole post-war jet models.

Kirill Yudintsev, Creative Director of Gaijin Entertainment:
“Some of the French planes included in Update 1.73 were promising but never entered mass production because of the demands of World War II, so information on them was difficult to source. We spent more than a year in development, searching for various references and painstakingly recreating these rare planes to make War Thunder’s French aviation. We are sure that the pilots of War Thunder will look forward to finally testing these machines in battle.”

Fighter pilots will join the ranks of the French Air Force tree in the Dewoitine D.371, which was one of France’s first developments away from the old-fashioned biplanes to the faster but still maneuverable monoplanes. While the D.371 did not participate in the battles of World War II, it earned recognition during the Spanish Civil War, where it fought on the Republican side against the Nationalist forces, amongst them, future Luftwaffe aces. Three variations of this fighter with different machine gun armaments will be available immediately after release, as well as the premium D.371 H.S.9 with two 20mm cannons.

During the war, a growing characteristic of French aviation design was the tendency towards universal, multi-purpose combat aircraft. In the post-war era, this tendency became the standard design philosophy for French jet aircraft. By a successful combination of various offensive and secondary armaments, those aircraft could successfully perform the tasks of both fighters and bombers.

A prime example of this philosophy is the SNCASO SO.8000 Narval, a highly unusual fighter with a pusher propeller design. This aircraft can excel at a variety of tasks, from intercepting enemy aircraft to supporting ground forces and reconnaissance. In its standard configuration the SO.8000 features an impressive armament of six 20mm cannons, but if the aircraft is tasked to engage ground targets, it can be further equipped with 8 unguided rockets and two bombs.

Players who complete special marathon tasks or purchase pre-order bundles in our online shop will be the first who will be able to try out the new French aircraft. If you will pre-order before the release of the 1.73, you will receive as a gift exclusive in-game titles and decals:

For more information, read the full Dev Blog article on the Official War Thunder Forums!

VIVE LA FRANCE! WAR THUNDER ROLLS OUT NEW NATION WITH FRENCH AIRCRAFT TO BE RELEASED WITH THE NEXT UPDATE

We are pleased to announce the release of a new, seventh nation in War Thunder - France! The 1.73 update will add more than 30 French aircraft to the game - from the fighters of the 30s to multirole post-war jet models.

Kirill Yudintsev, Creative Director of Gaijin Entertainment:
“Some of the French planes included in Update 1.73 were promising but never entered mass production because of the demands of World War II, so information on them was difficult to source. We spent more than a year in development, searching for various references and painstakingly recreating these rare planes to make War Thunder’s French aviation. We are sure that the pilots of War Thunder will look forward to finally testing these machines in battle.”

Fighter pilots will join the ranks of the French Air Force tree in the Dewoitine D.371, which was one of France’s first developments away from the old-fashioned biplanes to the faster but still maneuverable monoplanes. While the D.371 did not participate in the battles of World War II, it earned recognition during the Spanish Civil War, where it fought on the Republican side against the Nationalist forces, amongst them, future Luftwaffe aces. Three variations of this fighter with different machine gun armaments will be available immediately after release, as well as the premium D.371 H.S.9 with two 20mm cannons.

During the war, a growing characteristic of French aviation design was the tendency towards universal, multi-purpose combat aircraft. In the post-war era, this tendency became the standard design philosophy for French jet aircraft. By a successful combination of various offensive and secondary armaments, those aircraft could successfully perform the tasks of both fighters and bombers.

A prime example of this philosophy is the SNCASO SO.8000 Narval, a highly unusual fighter with a pusher propeller design. This aircraft can excel at a variety of tasks, from intercepting enemy aircraft to supporting ground forces and reconnaissance. In its standard configuration the SO.8000 features an impressive armament of six 20mm cannons, but if the aircraft is tasked to engage ground targets, it can be further equipped with 8 unguided rockets and two bombs.

Players who complete special marathon tasks or purchase pre-order bundles in our online shop will be the first who will be able to try out the new French aircraft. If you will pre-order before the release of the 1.73, you will receive as a gift exclusive in-game titles and decals:

For more information, read the full Dev Blog article on the Official War Thunder Forums!