Friends, with the release of the “Wind of change” update, we are beginning ground forces CBT for Israel!

During Closed Beta Test the possibility of researching and purchasing Israeli vehicles will be limited. Players that achieve tester status or purchase packs specific to this CBT will be able to research and purchase new vehicles.

After the end of closed testing, to start researching the Israeli armored forces, the player will need at least one purchased ground vehicle of rank IV (or higher) in any of the following playable nations: USA, USSR, Great Britain, France or Israel.

From 11:00 GMT on the 24th of March until 11:00 GMT on the 3rd of May.

Get 12 “Tester stars'' to get unlimited access to the Israeli ground forces research tree. You can obtain 1 star per day.


Win 5 battles with a game activity of 70% or higher whilst flying ground forces of rank III or higher.

Daily tasks for “Tester stars” will be updated at 11:00 GMT on each day.

For 10 tester stars you will unlock a special decal - “Emblem of the Israeli Ground Forces”.

Emblem of the Israeli Ground Forces



Get instant access to CBT for Israel with these special packs!

By purchasing one of the Israeli premium ground vehicle packs you will get immediate access to the Israeli ground forces research tree.

• Daily tasks for “Tester stars” will be updated at 11:00 GMT every day.
  
• For 10 tester stars you will unlock a special decal - “Emblem of the Israeli Ground Forces”.
  
• All players that achieve tester status will receive a forum award - it will be displayed under any messages you leave on the forum (in one of the upcoming updates).
  
• You can follow your progress by clicking on your Nickname → Achievements → “Israeli Ground Forces".
  
• The time window for receiving the tester stars is not related to the completion of the Israeli ground forces CBT.
  
• We do not plan to reset any research progress for Israeli vehicles after the CBT ends.

Start of the Israel Ground Forces Closed Beta Test, update for Dagor Engine to version 6.5 along with many new graphic features, ultra high resolution texture pack, new machines and more awaits you in the "Wind of Change" Major Update!

Together with texture upscaling and new surface rendering options, the new version of the War Thunder graphic engine brings numerous minor features and improvements. New ULTRA HD texture pack that brings a higher resolution to War Thunder that meets the standards of modern games.



Also, the new engine version has shadows from effects, grass has been significantly improved, dynamic wind has appeared, background effects on locations and other graphics improvements.
Israeli Armoured Vehicles Tech Tree
Almost two dozen new vehicles await players who complete the special CBT tasks or purchase a Pack with an IDF vehicle!


The Israeli tech tree has been made available to all players. More than 10 new aircraft have been added to the game, including the long-awaited A-10A Thunderbolt II. Additionally, helicopters appeared in the Swedish development line!


7 brand new vessels await you!

• Selecting of the game client has been added: minimal — has a number of limitations, designed to get acquainted with the game at resolutions less than 1080p; standard — to play at resolutions of 1080p and higher. Also additional ultra HQ textures for playing at 1440/2140p for ground vehicles and environments, aircraft and all models and environments in the game have been added.
  
• New surface rendering with significant improvements in the appearance of the ground and other objects in the game environment has been added.
  
• Thick smoke now casts a shadow.
  
• Variety in the visual effects of explosions and large shell hits has been added.
  
• New visual effect of dust, grass and leaves being lifted when ground vehicles shoot has been added.
  
• New effect of dust blown off ground vehicles when shooting has been added.
  
• Impulse from shots and explosions now affect nearby trees and vegetation: now they will be realistically deflected by the impulse and leaves will be blown off.
  
• Visual effects used in locations have been improved and became more diverse.
  
• Visual effects by destruction of the objects on locations have been reworked - significant optimization in terms of performance has been done.
  
• The system of wave generation on water has been changed.

New line of Israel Ground Forces
Twenty vehicles in the starting lineup, available for testing to everyone who has completed special access tasks or owns one of the Israeli premium ground vehicle packs.

• Israel (Closed Beta Tests): Magach 1, Magach 2, M-51, AML-90, Sho’t, AMX-13, Magach 6, Magach 6A ,Magach 6B ,Sho’t Kal Alef ,Sho’t Kal Gimel ,Gal Batash ,Tiran 4S ,Zachlam Tager ,Hovet ,Machbet ,Merkava Mk.1B ,Merkava Mk.2B ,Merkava Mk.4B ,Merkava Mk.4M
  
• USA: LAV-AD
  
• Germany: Turm III (Pack), PUMA
  
• Great Britain: Black Night
  
• China: ZTZ96A (P)(Pack), ZTZ88A, M3A3 (1st PTG) (Premium)
  
• France: ELC bis (1961)
  
• Sweden: Strv 105
  
• USSR: T-55AMD-1

Israeli tech tree is available to all players and 11 new and updated vehicles, along with the legendary A-10A Thunderbolt II!

• USA: B-26B Marauder, A-10A Thunderbolt II (Early) (Pack), A-10A Thunderbolt II (Late)
  
• Germany: MiG-23MLA, Su-22UM3K
  
• Israel: Israeli tech tree is available to all players, F-84F IAF (Premium)
  
• Italy: F-104S ASA
  
• France: B-26C Marauder, Mirage F1C
  
• USSR: MiG-21S — cockpit has been updated
  
• China: J-8B

8 New and updated vehicles, including brand new Swedish tech tree

• Sweden: HKP3C, HKP2, HKP9A, HKP9A (FC), AHS, Mi-28A (Premium)
  
• Israel: AH-64A Peten
  
• USSR: Ka-52 (detailed cockpit has been added)

• USA: USS Arizona (BB-39), Kim Qui (HQ 605)
  
• Germany: Karl Marx (Squadron vehicle)
  
• USSR: MPK Pr.12412P
  
• Great Britain: HMS Valhalla (G45)
  
• Japan: IJN Kongo
  
• Italy: Albatros F543

• New location for combined battles “Sun city”.

• The mission in location “Smolensk” has been transferred to the updated logic. Mission size has been increased to 128x128 km. We remind you that we are gradually transfering missions from the old logic to the new with each major update. The current list of missions that work with the new logic:
  
• -Afghanistan. Mission size: 128*128
  
• -Smolensk. Mission size: 128*128
  
• -Vietnam. Mission size: 128*128
  
• -Montmedi Sector. Mission size: 64*64
  
• -Sicily. Mission size: 64*64
  
• -Spain. Mission size: 128*128
  
• -Zhengzhou. Mission size: 64*64
  
• -Zhengzhou. Year 46. Mission size: 64*64
  
• New paths for ground convoys in the missions Afghanistan, Vietnam and Smolensk have been added. Convoys will now have the ability to appear not only at the edges of the map but also at the centre of the mission.
  
• 3 new missions for the game mode “Helicopter PvE confrontation:
  
• -Afghanistan
  
• -Skyscrapers
  
• -Vietnam
  
• Missions are smaller in size compared to regular confrontation.
  
• Players start in the team that controls fewer territories than the opponent. When territories are captured by the player team, new spawn points will appear.
  
• Helicopter PvE mode will be available at a later date.

• Hard-kill active protection systems have been added
  
• -APS Drozd (Т-55AMD-1)
  
• -APS Iron Fist (Black Night)
  
• -APS Trophy-HV(Merkava Mk.4M)
  
• ST-A3, Type 61 - gear control ratios and the number of gears have been adjusted (report).
  
• ST-A3 - a bug with incorrect sight magnification data has been fixed. Magnification values have been fixed from 8-15.9х to 4-8х. (report)
  
• STB-1, Strv 103 (all), Type 74 (all) - depletion order from ammo stowage has been adjusted.
  
• Type 74 (all) - vertical targeting speed has been reduced from 4,5 to 4 degrees per second. Source: 制式要綱 ７４式戦車 Ｄ９００２ // 仮式要綱 ７４式戦車(Ｂ) Ｄ９００２Ｂ // 制式要綱 ７４式戦車(Ｅ) Ｄ９００２Ｅ
  
• Type 74 C/E/F/G, Type 87 - gear control ratios and the number of gears have been adjusted. Rear speed has been reduced from 14.1 to 7.4 kph. (report)
  
• Type 87 - vertical targeting speed has been reduced from 90 to 56 degrees per second. (report)
  
• Type 89 - elevation targeting speed has been reduced from 60 to 24 deg./sec; horizontal - from 60 to 30 deg./sec. ATGM launchers vertical targeting speed has been reduced from 25 to 2 deg./sec. Max elevation angle in launchers has been increased from 12 to 20 degrees. Ammo capacity of the 7.62 MG has been increased from 1,000 to 2,000 rounds. Source: 制式要綱 ８９式装甲戦闘車 Ｄ ８００９ // 制式要綱 ８９式装甲戦闘車(B) Ｄ ８００９B
  
• Type 89 - gear control ratios and the number of gears have been adjusted. report
  
• Begleitpanzer 57 - stabiliser on the 57mm gun has been added (report). // Ammo capacity has been increased from 96 to 148 rounds. (report) // Parameters of the AP rounds have been adjusted. Explosive weight in the default AP round has been increased from 75 to 300 grams; overpressure damage added; shell type has been changed to SAP; armour penetration values have been decreased correspondingly. (report)
  
• M60A1 (all), M60, M60A2, M60A3 TTS (all), M247, Strv 104, Olifant Mk.1a, M47 (105), CM11 - gear control ratios and the number of gears have been adjusted. Source: TM 9-2520-223-34 & P // TM-5-5420-202-20-1 // TM 9-2350-257-20-2-3-1.
  
• Strf 9040C, Strf 9056, Strf 9040B, Lvlv 9040C, CV90120, CV90105 TML - gear control ratios and the number of gears have been adjusted (report).
  
• AMX-30B2 (all) - gear control ratios and the number of gears have been adjusted (report).
  
• Strv m/39 (all), Strv m/40L - a bug has been fixed that caused incorrect behaviour on slopes.
  
• D2 - gear control ratios and the number of gears have been adjusted (report).
  
• AMX-32 - gear control ratios and the number of gears have been adjusted (report).
  
• MARS 15 - gun elevation angle has been reduced from 18 to 15 degrees (report)
  
• AMX-13 (FL11), EBR (1951), EBR (1963) - horizontal targeting speed has been reduced from 30 to 26 deg./sec; vertical targeting speed has been reduced from 4.5 to 4 deg./sec (report).
  
• AMX-13 (FL11), EBR (1951) - sight magnification has been reduced from 7.5х to 5.8х (report).
  
• Valentine IX (all), Valentine XI - armour of the hull sides has been reduced from 50 to 43 mm. (report)
  
• Valentine IX (all), Valentine XI - vertical targeting angles have been adjusted from -12/+20 to -8/+17 degrees (report)
  
• Archer - fire rate has been increased from 10.5 to 12.7 rpm (report).
  
• AML-90, Eland 90 Mk.7 - sight magnification has been reduced from 6.0х to 5.5х (report).
  
• Ratel 90 - sight magnification has been increased to 5.5х (report).
  
• M163 - amphibious ability has been revoked, since the vehicle requires preparation before entering water. Source: TM 9-2350-300-10 - Operator's Manual (Crew) for Gun, Air Defense Artillery, Self-Propelled, 20-mm, M163
  
• M4A3(76)W, M4A3(76)W (Japan) - traverse aiming speed has been reduced from 24 to 21 deg./sec. (report).
  
• Pz.III M, Pz.III N (all), Panther D, Tiger H1, Tiger H1 (Animal Skin), Sd.Kfz.234/2, Pz.IV G (all), StuG III G (Italy) - correct model of the 91mm German smoke grenades have been added.
  
• The turret on the following ground vehicles have been converted to volumetric armour:
  
• -M60A2
  
• -T-54 (1949)
  
• -T-55A
  
• -T-55AM-1
  
• -Type 59
  
• -Type 69
  
• -ZTZ59A
  
• -ZTZ59D1
  
• -T69 II G

• AP, AP-I, APT-I rounds for machine guns and cannons of calibres over 12.7mm have been transferred to the Jacob de Marre formula for armour penetration
  
• Ki-49-IIa - the configuration of the turret armament has been corrected from MG15 to Type 89.
  
• 37mm М10 gun - rate of fire has been adjusted from 163 to 165 rpm (report)
  
• AN-M30A1 bomb - bomb weight has been corrected from 100 to 110 lbs. Source: “United States bombs and fuzes 1944” “OP 1664, US Explosive Ordnance, Volume 2”
  
• AN-M66A2 bomb- bomb weight has been corrected from 2,000 to 2,196.5 lbs. Source: “OP 1280, Aircraft Bombs” “OP 2216, Aircraft Bombs, Fuzes, and Associated Components”
  
• AN-M64A1 bomb - bomb weight has been corrected from 500 to 535 lbs. Source: “USNBD - US Bombs and Fuzes, Pyrotechnics” “OP 1664, US Explosive Ordnance, Volume 2”
  
• AN-M65 bomb - bomb weight has been corrected from 1,000 to 1,104 lbs. Source: “OP 1280, Aircraft Bombs” “OP 2216, Aircraft Bombs, Fuzes, and Associated Components” “TM 9-1325-200, Bombs and Bomb Components”
  
• AN-M57 bomb - bomb weight has been corrected from 250 to 260 lbs. Source: “USNBD - US Bombs and Fuzes, Pyrotechnics” “OP 1664, US Explosive Ordnance, Volume 2”
  
• 1,600 lbs AN-MK 1 — mass of the bomb has been reduced from 1,600 to 1,590 lbs. Explosive mass has been increased from 94.8 to 97.5 kg. Source: “OP 1280, Aircraft Bombs” “OP 2216, Aircraft Bombs, Fuzes, and Associated Components” “TM 9-1325-200, Bombs and Bomb Components”.
  
• 250 G.P. Mk.IV bomb - bomb weight has been corrected from 250 to 230 lbs. Source: “British bombs and fuzes pyrotechnigs detonators USNBD 1944” “OP 1665, British Explosive Ordnance”
  
• 500 G.P. Mk.IV bomb - bomb weight has been corrected from 500 to 470 lbs. Source: “British bombs and fuzes pyrotechnigs detonators USNBD 1944” “OP 1665, British Explosive Ordnance”
  
• 1000 G.P. Mk.I bomb - bomb weight has been corrected from 1,000 to 1,093 lbs. Source: British bombs and fuzes pyrotechnigs detonators USNBD 1944” “OP 1665, British Explosive Ordnance”
  
• 1000 M.C. Mk.I bomb - bomb weight has been corrected from 1,000 to 1,046 lbs. Source: British bombs and fuzes pyrotechnigs detonators USNBD 1944” “OP 1665, British Explosive Ordnance”
  
• 4000 H.C. Mk.II bomb - bomb weight has been corrected from 4,000 to 3,930 lbs. Source: British bombs and fuzes pyrotechnigs detonators USNBD 1944” “OP 1665, British Explosive Ordnance”
  
• AIM-9C Sidewinder missile - model of the missile has been fixed (report)
  
• RedTop missile - explosives weight has been corrected from 31 to 18.1 kg
  
• Firestreak missile - explosives weight has been corrected from 22,7 to 8,75 kg.

• Su-6(АМ-42), Su-6(М-71F) - armour of the aircraft has been corrected.
  
• Su-22М3 - weapon preset “Kh-29L х2 + Kh-25ML х2 + R-60 х2” has been added
  
• MiG-23MF, MiG-21-bis-SAU - incorrect naming of the R-60 modification has been corrected to R-60MK.
  
• A-4 (all versions) - a bug has been fixed in which part of the pylons might remain when the wings are torn off.
  
• A-7D - test flight has been changed from carrier to airfield.
  
• S.O.4050 Vautour IIN - a bug has been fixed in which only one pilot was displayed on the aircraft’s info card (report)
  
• Meteor F.8 - a bug has been fixed in which there was an incorrect modification required for the AR rockets.
  
• Me 262A-2 - aircraft class has been changed from “fighter” to “strike aircraft”.
  
• SA 341F - IR mode has been changed to NVD.
  
• F-5A (China) - RWR modification has been removed. This system is available by default, same as similar aircraft in the previous update. Cost of modification will be refunded to the owners.
  
• Q-5A - RWR modification has been removed. This system is available by default, same as similar aircraft in the previous update. Cost of modification will be refunded to the owners.
  
• A-4E Early (M) - ammo capacity of the 30mm DEFA-552 gun has been changed from 100 to 150 rounds per gun.
  
• F-84F (all versions) - weapon setup “2х 2,000 lbs LDGP Mk84 bomb + 2x 1,000 LDGP Mk83 bomb” has been added.
  
• F-100D (France) — setup of the 6х 750lbs, 4x 1,000lbs MK83 and 2х Zuni rockets has been added.
  
• He 111H-16 - SC2500 “Max” bomb has been added.
  
• A-7D - GBU-8 bomb has been added.
  
• S.O. 4050 Vautour II (all versions) - bomb setups have been grouped into nations. French Vautours use the ‘lbs’ bombs; Israeli Vautours use domestic bombs.
  
• BTD -1 - 6x250 lbs bomb setup has been revoked. 1,600 lbs bomb has been added.
  
• Fiat G.91 R/1 - AA-20 and AS-20 missiles have been added to suspended weaponry.
  
• F.C.20 Bis - The weight of the explosive mass for the 37mm armour piercing chamber shell has been changed from 230 to 23 gramm.
  
• Boomerang MkII — setup of the 2x 250lbs bombs has been added.
  
• MiG-23MLD — a bug has been fixed with missing pylons for the setups “FAB-250-М62 + missile” (R-24R, R-24T, R-23R, R-23T).
  
• XA-38 — separate bomb drop has been added for the external bombs below the fuselage.
  
• F-4EJ / EJ Kai Phantom II — gunpod icon has been corrected.
  
• F-4 Phantom II (all versions) — a bug has been fixed which prevented info on the gunpods in xray mode.
  
• Significant FPS drop after airborne radar switch on has been fixed.
  
• Freeze after kill streak aircraft spawn has been fixed.

• He 111 (all modifications), Ju 88C-6, Ju 388, FW 200 - Flight model has been updated. Engine operation modes have been clarified (issue with unstable engine rpm has been fixed). Fuel distribution by fuel tanks has been corrected. Wing, fuselage, tail and propeller blade polars have been recalculated and refined. Clarified behaviour when operating mechanisation (e.g. wheels, flaps). Improved behaviour when diving at high angles.
  
• Ki-43 (all modifications) - Flight model has been updated. Wing, fuselage, tail and propeller blade polars have been recalculated and refined. Clarified behaviour when operating mechanisation (e.g. wheels, flaps). Controllability on mouse aiming control type has been improved.
  
• F-86E, F-86F, F-86K, Canadair Sabre - Elevator pitch angles and animation have been corrected. Throttle tightness and balancing speed dependencies have been adjusted. Probability of crashes during sharp manoeuvres by using mouse aiming control type has been reduced.
  
• B-17E, B-17E late, B-17G, TBF-1c - Flight model has been updated. Clarified behaviour when operating mechanisation (e.g. wheels, flaps). Aileron efficiency at low speeds has been reduced. Bomb bay open/close time has been adjusted according to available documentation (10-12 s). Engine shutdown time has been corrected. Thermodynamics has been updated (temperature dependence on altitude and airspeed has been clarified).
  
• Douglas AD-2 / AD-4 - Flight model has been updated. Aileron efficiency at low speeds has been reduced. Engine shutdown time has been corrected.

• Fire control system has been added to:
  
• -Akebono
  
• -Ikazuchi
  
• Radar has been added to:
  
• -RN Eugenio di Savoia
  
• -Kerch
  
• Shell type changes:
  
• -200mm Type 88 AP round - from APC to APCBC
  
• -305mm Mark IIa semi-AP round - from CPC to SAPCBC
  
• -343mm semi-AP round- from CPC to SAPCBC

• Anti-torpedo bulges have been fixed. Previously, they might not work against torpedoes with fewer explosives than what they were designed for.
  
• Hull break parameters of destroyers and cruisers have been adjusted for torpedo hits in the centre of a ship. Destroyers could be insta-killed by torpedoes with the explosives weight over 300 kg. Torpedoes with over 500 kg of explosives are able to hull break destroyers by hitting at almost any part. Light cruisers can have their hull broken by torpedoes of over 500 kg of explosives when hit in the middle of a ship. Ammo stowages can also be blown up by torpedo hits.
  
• In Arcade battles, parameters of the torpedo dive before it hits a battleship or heavy cruiser. Previously, a torpedo may lack a depth, and it might hit the armour belt, especially when a ship motions on waves.
  
• Reload time penalty has been disabled in the AB, when an ammo elevator is damaged or destroyed.
  
• All naval guns have had their shell dispersion ellipse adjusted. Based on historical materials that were used to fix the ballistics of shells in the previous update (the list was published in the notes for update “Winged Lions”), we recalculated the size of the shell dispersion ellipses in a salvo. The size of the ellipse has been significantly reduced, allowing you to hit a target at a greater distance more often.
  
• Armour belts and vertical armoring of battleships have been separated into destructible plates. Armour belt plates and internal vertical longitudinal armour in battleships can now be destroyed by kinetic and explosive damage. For example, to destroy a 350 mm armour plate, 2-4 direct hits with a 305 mm armour-piercing projectile will be required. The lower the kinetic energy of the projectile, the less damage it can cause to the armour plate. Projectiles with relatively low energy are not able to destroy the armour plate. After destruction, the armour plate will be considered destroyed and passes the shock wave and some of the fragments behind, and can also pass the armour-piercing projectile, which will nearly not lose its penetrating capability.
  
• The flooding mechanics have been reworked for all ships. The capacity of the drainage pumps is now evenly distributed over the entire vessel. The time of pumping water depends entirely on the serviceability of the pumps and the amount of water in the interior of the ship. In general, the pumping time of one compartment has been reduced, and the pumping of several compartments at the same time has become more levelled.
  
• Crew compartments have been redistributed on all bigger ships, the crew has also been distributed among all compartments and modules in such a way that most of it is concentrated in the bridge (or in the area of the conditional bridge). The smallest amount is located at the extremities. And sometimes they don't exist at all.
  
• Positions of the plot rooms have been corrected on RN Eugenio di Savoia, Kerch, and US cruisers and battleships.
  
• Positions of modules and armour have been corrected for SGB Grey Goose and SGB Grey fox.
  
• Size of fuel tanks has been corrected for the Т31 and Т22 destroyers, in accordance to the blueprints.
  
• Position of the ammo stowages of the main calibre guns has been corrected in accordance to the blueprints:
  
• HMS Calpe
  
• HMS Brissenden
  
• USS Helena
  
• Armoring has been adjusted in accordance to the blueprints:
  
• Scharnhorst
  
• USS Wyoming
  
• USS North Dakota
  
• USS Pensacola
  
• USS Northampton
  
• USS Portland
  
• Admiral Graf Spee - armour has been adjusted. Central part of the armour belt: 100mm=>80mm. (Source: RM 25/7020 RM 25/7270 RM 25/7232)

• All ships with cannon artillery now feature uneven salvo mechanics. Previously, all guns and turrets fired simultaneous salvoes. Now, there is an interval between shots fired from different guns and turrets on a ship. The interval duration depends on conditional excellence of the fire control systems: the older the ship, the longer the interval between shots in a salvo. For example, a salvo of casemate guns located on the battery deck, in single casemates or grouped in platoons, is able to fire only by command of the first crew member, has the longest interval between shots. Post-war automatic and semi-automatic guns with remote fire control will fire simultaneously, as before. The sequence of shots in a salvo is random each time. The new mechanics are designed to diversify the visuals of the game.
  
• USS Raleigh - AA guns have been changed to comply with the layout of the year 1942.
  
• Flags animation has been corrected:
  
• USS Barker
  
• USS Welborn C Wood
  
• USS Raleigh
  
• SMS Westfalen
  
• HMS Kent
  
• RM Eugenio Di Savoia - shields on 20mm AA guns have been removed.
  
• USS Aylwin - draught has been adjusted
  
• HMS Kelvin: Type 291 radar removed in accordance with the equipment of the ship in 1939.

• Flusi 1 has been renamed to Krischan der Große
  
• Tashkent - a bug with the display of the stern rangefinder has been fixed.

• The timer for switching the battle trophies with vehicles in the item store to the new ones has been added. The switch will take place at 12:00 GMT on the 10th of April.
  
• Premium vehicles Sho't Kal Dalet (Britain), Magach 3 (USA) and AH-64A Peten (USA) have been withdrawn from sale.

• Sets of Israeli decals for aircraft and decorations for ground vehicles, available for completing tasks and purchasing for GE, have been added.
  
• Profile icons ‘modern tankmen’ have been enabled.
  
• New decals for repair assistance and fire extinguishment assistance have been added.
  
• T-64B, ZSU-23-4 - new late single tone camo has been added, available for completing tasks and purchasing for GE. Terms of obtaining other camos have been recalculated.

• Set of Israeli medals has been added.

• Resolution of icons in the modification window, suspended weaponry and icons in the quick access panel (shells, artillery call, scouting, smoke grenades etc) have been improved.

• Fire extinguishment assistance is now available for all allies (previously was available for squad mates and light tanks only).
  
• Repair assistance is now available for all allies (previously was available for squad mates and light tanks only). Squad mates and light tanks accelerate the repair x3, other types of allied vehicles - x2.
  
• Ships now provide repair assistance automatically, instead of by holding a button, since the assistance does not impose any restrictions on them, unlike ground vehicles.
  
• A tooltip has been added with a suggestion to thank an ally after successfully helping to repair or extinguish a fire by pressing the “Radio message to the team” button once. When you press the button, a “Thank you!” radio message will be sent to the team chat.
  
• A tooltip has been added with a suggestion to apologize to the allies after the destruction of a member of their team by pressing the “Radio message to the team” button once. When you press the button, a radio message “Sorry!” will be sent to the team chat.
  
• Manual target designation has been added for radars. 2 control axes are used to move the designation cue. This designation method can be used instead of target cycling.

Dear players!

On March 24, from 07:00 GMT, War Thunder game servers may be unavailable due to the release of the “Wind of Change” major update.
Due to changes in the game engine (upgrade to Dagor Engine 6.5), the game requires a download of more data than during standard updates.
We are sorry for inconvenience.

War Thunder will soon feature customizable aircraft weapon setups, including asymmetrical loadouts. Lock’n’load what you REALLY need in battle!

In the subsequent minor updates after the “WInd of Change” major update release, we’re planning to introduce customizable weapon loadouts for War Thunder aircraft within the allowable weight and types of weapons for the given vehicle. It will be players that decide what and how many weapons they need for a combat mission. This is how the weapon setup customization will look:



Weapon loadout customization will first be available for certain aircraft that are added in the “Wind of Change” update. In future updates, we will introduce this option for other top-tier planes and helicopters.

You will be able to have up to 20 customizable weapon presets along with the standard ones. You also will be able to edit, remove, copy, and switch places with any custom setup at any time.

Every aircraft with the custom loadout feature will have any weapon freely available to add to the setup, all suspended weapons will be available for free, the actual cost of weapons spent in battles in Silver Lions will be included in the repair cost. Here is the list of aircraft that will have customizable loadouts in the “Wind of Change” update:

• Mirage F1C
  
• Su-22UM3K
  
• MiG-23MLA
  
• F-104S.ASA
  
• J-8B
  
• A-10A Thunderbolt II (Early)
  
• A-10A Thunderbolt II (Late)

Custom weapon setups will be added soon after the “Wind of Change” update is released. Stay tuned to our news and change lists!

The ELC is an experimental light tank destroyer developed by AMX as part of a special programme launched by the French Ministry of Defense during the 1950s. Mobile, extremely small and packing a punchy gun, the AMX ELC will soon be available for the French armored vehicles enthusiasts!

Features:

• Very small profile
  
• Good mobility
  
• Decent HEATFS rounds
  
• Limited turret traverse
  
• Light protection
  
• Small crew

The AMX ELC bis will join the ranks of the French self-propelled guns in the upcoming “Wind of Change” update. Highly compact and quite mobile, the AMX ELC bis is the perfect mid tier tank destroyer being able to not only infiltrate the enemy lines with ease due to its small size and mobility but also to cause severe chaos behind enemy lines thanks to its deadly 90 mm cannon and HEATFS rounds!



However, the AMX ELC bis’ small size also brings with it the inherent drawback of only limited protection. On top of this, the vehicle is home to just two crew members! As a result, the vehicle’s survivability to enemy fire is quite poor, being easily knocked out by just one penetrating shot. To prevent an untimely demise, tankers may utilize the ELC bis’ good mobility in order to stay ahead of the enemy and thus out of line of fire. However, tankers should also be aware of this vehicle’s peculiar turret traverse mechanism which is limited by a rather wide sector in front of the vehicle.



Be sure to add the unique AMX ELC bis to your in-game collection right after the “Wind of Change” update is live. The update is almost ready, and we’re looking forward to it with you! Stay tuned!

The Mirage F1C represents the next step in the evolution of the legendary French Mirage series of jet fighters, following the introduction of the earliest models at the start of the 1960s. Veteran French pilots may look forward to the arrival of this even more capable Mirage variant with the “Wind of Change” major update coming to War Thunder!

Briefly: A further development of the Mirage jet fighter, featuring a more powerful engine and, contrary to the original aircraft, a swept wing design.

Features:

• New swept wing design
  
• Potent air-to-air missiles
  
• Effective radar
  
• Huge bomb load
  
• Lacks more advanced weaponry for strike missions

In War Thunder, the Mirage F1C will be the new top jet fighter awaiting seasoned French aviators in the next major update coming soon to the game. Unlike its delta wing-predecessors, the Mirage F1C features a new swept wing design as well as an advanced radar and highly efficient air-to-air missiles. Sounds enticing enough already? Let’s take a more detailed look!



The first and most noticeable difference pilots will encounter on the new Mirage is the missing delta wing design - a distinct feature of the original aircraft. Instead, the Mirage F1C is outfitted with a more traditional swept wing design. The second and main difference is an effective radar and advanced air-to-air missiles. The Mirage F1 radar is capable of detecting targets against the ground, as well as at distances up to 6,000 metres up. The advanced radar is complemented by excellent air-to-air missiles, which include both the familiar Matra 530 and Magic 1, as well as the new Super Matra 530F medium-range missiles with an semi-active radar seeker. The new Mirage with 5 suspension points is capable of carrying missiles for both close combat and for attacking distant targets, and the new radar allows effective locking on targets at all practical heights - both above and below the aircraft. The fast-firing 30mm DEFA cannons that come by default on the Mirage F1C will help it stay armed even when the missiles are depleted.

Additionally, pilots can also configure the Mirage F1C to conduct strike missions thanks to the aircraft’s ability to mount not only bombs up to 3x2,000 lbs, but also unguided SNEB rockets with a decent penetrating power and DEFA 553 gunpods.



The Mirage F1C is lined up to land in player hangars with the arrival of the next major update and will soon become the new apex predator of the French aviation tree at Rank VII. In the meantime, keep a close watch on the news as we continue unveiling what exciting new features and additions await you in the “Wind of Change” upcoming update. Until then, clear skies and happy hunting pilots!

Together with texture upscaling and new surface rendering options, the new version of the War Thunder graphic engine brings numerous minor features and improvements. Meet new visuals coming soon in the “Wind of Change” update!

The effect from a shock wave from tank gun firing and exploding bombs and shells is now visible on vegetation and trees, as well as on the effects of fire and smoke. For example, when firing a tank gun, you will notice grass bending along the blast wave. A HE round explosion near a burning vehicle will change the direction and speed of the smoke and flame particles. Aircraft bombs, when detonated, cause the surrounding trees and bushes to bend under the action of the blast wave - the more explosive the bomb, the stronger the effect!

We have also improved the effects of shots and hits. After an explosion of a tank shell, you will now see the effects of fragments hitting the elements of the game environment around the impact point. Shockwave impulse from gunshots and explosions now make leaves from trees around to drop to the ground.

Together with the constantly directed wind and the one-directional bending of the grass caused by it, the game locations will now feature areas with changing intensity and direction of the wind. Gusts of wind affect objects in the game environment - waves of vibrations from a dynamically changing wind pass through the grass and trees.


War Thunder locations for mixed battles will now have the GPU-generated grass filler that does not affect the performance. The new grass exists alongside the regular one, enhancing the view of the ground, creating a juicy filling layer between the soil and tall grass. If a player prefers to disable the regular grass to improve the game performance, the land on locations will not be bare even on the low graphic settings. However, the GPU grass could also be disabled in the tank sniper sight, the same way as the regular grass, in order to avoid affecting the gameplay. It is worth noting, that the GPU grass is completely subject to physical phenomena that affect ordinary vegetation - it squishes under the tracks of tanks, swayed by the wind and bent down by the shock waves of close explosions and tank gun shots. Like the GPU objects you already know, the new grass will work for all game clients - both on PC and consoles.


We continue to improve the visual effects of fires, flames and explosions. Now shadows from dynamic effects have appeared on the ground and assets of the game environment, organically fitting them into the overall picture of the game. The shadows from the large-scale effects are most noticeable, such as an explosion of an aircraft on the ground, the destruction of a building in a cloud of dust and debris, and massive smoke from a burned tank.


The “Wind of Change” update brings a number of cosmetic micro-effects that improve the overall perception of the game world: floating litter on city streets, falling leaves in forests, wind-blown dust on sandy locations, sparks next to fires burning in locations. These effects are enabled only when the player enters their area of ​​effect and has little to no effect on game performance.

The Merkava Mk.4B is the latest and most advanced variant of the famous Israeli main battle tank, entering production in the early 2000s. Soon, both the Merkava Mk.4B as well as the upgraded Mk.4M version will be arriving to War Thunder as the top vehicles of the upcoming Israeli ground forces tree awaiting tankers in the next major update “Wind of Change''!

Briefly: The most advanced iteration of the Merkava MBT, featuring a novel active protection system, capable of intercepting certain incoming projectiles.

Features:

• Strengthened armor
  
• Improved mobility
  
• Powerful 120mm cannon

In War Thunder, the Merkava Mk.4B will mirror its real-life counterpart by becoming the top vehicle available to tankers in the upcoming Israeli ground forces tree, arriving as part of the next major update “Wind of Change''. Joining the fight in both its base model as well as in the upgraded Mk.4M variant, tankers in War Thunder may look forward to the arrival of a highly capable Israeli MBT to top ranked battles!

Veteran tankers in War Thunder are well familiarized with the Merkava series of MBTs as they are a common appearance in high ranked battles. Known for their exceptional survivability and respectable offensive capabilities, the new Merkava Mk.4B continues building upon these basic design principles established with the very first vehicle of the series. As a result, the Merkava Mk.4B inherits its predecessor's MG253 120mm smoothbore cannon along with access to highly potent kinetic and chemical ammunition choices. Furthermore, the vehicle also retains its signature comprehensive machine gun arsenal as found on previous models, albeit reduced by turret-mounted one rifle-caliber MG.



While the Merkava Mk.4B retains its lethal firepower, the changes it received to its protection are far more significant. For starters, the vehicle retains the strong modular composite armor found on the Merkava Mk.3D. However, the shape has been optimized to increase its effectiveness even further. As a result, the turret of the Merkava has become more rounded, particularly at the front section, thus virtually eliminating certain weak points found on previous variants.

Furthermore, the Merkava Mk.4M is equipped with the novel ‘Trophy’ active protection system with so-called ‘hard-kill’ ability. This means that the system is able to detect slow incoming projectiles, such as missiles, and launch a tight spread of small projectiles in its direction in an effort to destroy the incoming threat before it makes contact with the vehicle.



As the changes implemented on the Merkava Mk.4B also increased its mass once again, engineers fitted the vehicle with a more powerful 1,500 horsepower diesel engine, bringing it roughly on par with most other nations’ MBTs found in the game. As a result, not only does the Merkava Mk.4B compensate for its increased mass, but it’s also able to attain a higher top speed, going up to 64 km/h on paved roads.

The Merkava Mk.4B and Mk.4M will await all tankers at the top rank of the upcoming Israeli ground forces tree, arriving to War Thunder as part of the next major update “Wind of Change''. In the meantime, keep a weather eye on the news as we continue showcasing more exciting new additions and features awaiting you in the upcoming update. Until then, happy hunting tankers!

In the upcoming “Wind of Change” update, we will introduce hard-kill active protection systems for War Thunder armored vehicles!

The hard-kill active protection is a system that hits against incoming projectiles fired at your vehicle, thus eliminating or significantly reducing the damaging effect. Usually, such a system includes sensors to detect approaching threats, a computing unit that analyzes the data received from sensors and permits threat neutralization, as well as a set of counter-munitions that intercept the incoming projectile. As soon as the sensors detect a projectile aimed at the vehicle, counter-ammunition is fired in its direction to destroy the enemy projectile by a directed pattern of shrapnel.

The first serial hard-kill APS was the Soviet "Drozd", which began to be used on tanks of the T-55 series. It was also planned to be used with the T-62 tanks, as well as T-80U and T-84 tanks for testing purposes of the modified APS units. Later, the hard-kill active protection was used by the Israeli armed forces on their Merkava Mk.4M main battle tanks. At present, various models of such systems are widely used on other models of vehicles worldwide.



The first tanks equipped with hard-kill active protection systems in the War Thunder “Wind of Change” update will be the Soviet T-55AMD-1 with the “Drozd” APS, the British Challenger Black Night with “Iron Fist”, and the Israeli Merkava Mk.4M and its advanced “Trophy” APS. Depending on the model, the characteristics of the hard-kill APS differ in the sector of radar and counter-munitions, the threat response time, and the ability to intercept anti-tank rounds at high speeds. For example, the earlier APS units are able to effectively counteract the relatively slow anti-tank guided missiles and shape-charged rounds in the end of their trajectory. Up-to-date hard-kill units are capable of counteracting even high-velocity kinetic ammunition, including APFSDS rounds fired from long distances.

In the game interface, the effective sector of the APS locator and the remaining number of counter-munitions are displayed in the lower left corner of the vehicle's combat interface, on the indicator of the current position and received damage. Counter-ammunition, as well as regular ammunition, can be replenished at captured points during battle. To train out combat scenarios for using hard-kill APS, a marked zone appears in the test drive that is fired by an AI tank. Try the new protection options, learn your equipment and master it in battles!

The PUMA is the successor to the well-known German Marder series of combat vehicles and represents the most advanced IFV currently in service with the Bundeswehr. Soon, tankers will have the chance to take command of the PUMA as it arrives to the top ranks of the German ground forces tree as part of the next major update ‘Wind of Change’!

Features:

• Excellent mobility
  
• Punchy 30mm cannon
  
• Active protection system

In War Thunder, the PUMA will be a new light vehicle joining the top ranks of the German ground forces tree as part of the upcoming update ‘Wind of Change’. While bearing a familiar name to most seasoned German tankers, you can rest assured that this feline predator doesn’t come with outdated 1940s tech!

Being the successor to the popular Marder infantry fighting vehicle, which arrived to War Thunder in previous updates, the PUMA builds upon some general characteristics shared with its predecessor while combining them with certain upgrades. For example, PUMA’s primary armament is represented by the 30 mm Mk 30-2/ABM autocannon. Despite its lower rate of fire compared to the Marder’s 20 mm cannon, the PUMA’s gun is not only of higher caliber but is also capable of firing more advanced ammunition. As a result, the sub-caliber rounds make the PUMA deadlier when facing more heavily armored opponents, while access to timed fuze airburst shells allow the PUMA to pose a substantial threat to enemy helicopters even at a distance. Unlike the Marder however, tankers don’t get access to an ATGM launcher on the PUMA, thus limiting the latter’s effectiveness at long distance engagements.



However, what the PUMA might lack in offensive capabilities, it certainly does make up for in protection. Despite the PUMA still being a light combat vehicle, it’s equipped with reactive armor blocks fitted to the vehicle’s sides, in turn boosting its protection against chemical anti-tank munitions. Furthermore, PUMA’s ‘MUSS’ active protection system provides a protective sphere around the vehicle against incoming missiles. The system works in a similar fashion to the familiar ‘Shtora’ system found on the Soviet T-90A MBT. Namely, it blocks the guidance signal of incoming missiles, thus confusing the projectile and making it miss its mark. Contrary to the Soviet system however, tankers won’t need to point in the direction of the incoming threat however. Instead, the system is fully automatic and constantly surveys the 360 degrees of the vehicle’s surroundings. This handy feature will especially help shield the PUMA from ATGMs fired by helicopters, as this is typically their weapon of choice.

One aspect in which the PUMA truly excels is mobility. In fact, the PUMA is powered by a 1,088 horsepower diesel engine, giving the vehicle an excellent 25.3 hp/t power-to-weight ratio. As a result, not only can the PUMA reach a top speed of 70 km/h under ideal conditions, but it can also navigate even the harshest terrain types with relative ease. Using its excellent mobility to the full extent is recommended as the PUMA is a comparably large vehicle with a tall profile. Therefore avoiding enemy detection is of paramount importance to ensure the PUMA can deliver deadly blows to the hostile ranks!



The PUMA will be available to all War Thunder tankers after it arrives to rank VI of the German ground forces tree as part of the next major update. In the meantime, stay sharp as we continue releasing more news articles covering the exciting new additions awaiting you in the upcoming update ‘Wind of Change’. Good hunting, tankers!