Grumman F-14A Tomcat is a true icon in modern combat aircraft. Elegant and deadly, this carrier-based jet fighter comes as the new top tier of the US naval aircraft lineup!


Features:

• Variable-swept wing
  
• Perfect performance characteristics
  
• Variety of suspended weapons
  
• New air-to-air missiles
  
• Lacks air-to-surface missiles and smart bombs

The upcoming War Thunder major update Danger Zone brings you the new top tier of the US naval aircraft lineup, an early version of the F-14A Tomcat. This twin-engine carrier based jet fighter features variable-swept wing design, brilliant performance characteristics, as well as new to the game air-to-air missiles.



Tomcat’s powerplant is a pair of Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-412A turbojet engines, capable of an impressive 12,000 kgf (26,450 lbf) at M 0,9 each. The thrust is enough to provide max speed of over 2,200 kph (1,370 mph) and climb rate of over 200 m/sec even with minimal weapon loadout. Being quite heavy in mass, the F-14A has perfect controllability at the whole speed range thanks to the variable-swept wing, powerful engines and effective flaps.



F-14A’s strong suit is her capable air-to-air missiles. Pilots have choice from both familiar rounds, like AIM-7E/F Sparrow missiles, AIM-9D/G Sidewinders, as well as all new to the game AIM-9H (advanced version of the AIM-9G) and AIM-54A Phoenix, the long-range missile with semi-active and terminal active guidance modes and 60 kg warhead. In the upcoming update, the Phoenix missile will have the longest launch distance and guidance time among all air-to-air missiles in War Thunder.

The aircraft carries 20mm M61A1 Vulcan rotary cannon and unguided weapon against ground targets, including Zuni rockets and bombs of up to 2,000 lbs each. Being an interceptor by design, F-14A lacks air-to-surface guided weapons, such as anti-tank missiles and smart bombs.



The Grumman F-14A Tomcat is surely one of the top guns in the Danger Zone update. An aircraft of incredible charisma and a living embodiment of modern carrier-based aviation rightfully goes to rank VII of the American naval aircraft lineup. The major update is almost ready, stay tuned for more news from the War Thunder dev team. Until then - good luck and happy hunting, pilots!

Although Sweden maintained neutrality during WWII, events forced it to form its own National Security Forces. It happened on the 29th of May, 1940 and for the anniversary of this event we want to invite you to decorate your vehicle with the Emblem of the Home Guard decal.

From 12:00 GMT on the 27th of May until 07:00 GMT on the 30th of May

Play 3 battles in Swedish vehicles (rank III or higher and with an activity of 70% or higher) and receive the Emblem of the Home Guard.



"Emblem of the Home Guard" decal

Complete the task in random battles, except for Enduring Confrontation missions and [Assault] mode.

Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Swedish National Security Forces

You may find the decal in the “Sweden (tanks)” tab in the Customization menu.

May 28th, 1935, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 took her maiden flight to soon become the most well known WWII German piston fighter, remaining in service over twenty years after the war was over. The greatest German and Finnish aces used only the Bf 109!

From May 27th (11:00 GMT) till May 30th (11:00 GMT)

Purchase Premium Bf 109 fighters for Golden Eagles with 50% off!

The list of aircraft available for Golden Eagles: Flegel's Bf 109 A, Bf 109 E-7 (Japan), Bf 109 F-4 (USA), Bf 109 G-2 (Italy), Bf 109 G-6 (Sweden).





The twin-fuselage Bf 109Z is also temporarily back in the Gaijin store - open the store from the hangar via Steam browser. Don't miss your chance to own a rare experimental aircraft!

The Milan is an experimental version of the famous Mirage jet fighter, jointly developed by French and Swiss engineers to improve the aircraft’s low speed handling characteristics. Soon, this exotic variant of the Mirage will make its way to the skies in War Thunder, arriving to the game as part of the next major update Danger Zone!

Briefly: An experimental version of the venerable French Mirage jet fighter, fitted with retractable canards which improve the aircraft’s handling at lower speeds.


Features:

• Retractable canards
  
• Improved low speed handling
  
• Excellent air-to-air arsenal
  
• High energy loss during maneuvers

In War Thunder, the Milan will be a new jet fighter joining the top of the French aviation tree with the release of the next major update. Further expanding the Mirage family of jet fighters available in the game, the Milan will also offer its prospective pilots enhanced maneuverability as well as additional rewards to faster progress through the top ranks thanks to the aircraft’s premium status.



At its core, the Milan represents an experimental upgrade to the Mirage IIIE - a jet fighter already most familiar to seasoned French pilots. However, unlike the standard version, this experimental model possesses two distinct features which make it stand out from its close relative. The more obvious difference is the presence of a pair of retractable canards situated on the aircraft’s nose. While somewhat odd-looking, this additional pair of wings noticeably reduces the aircraft’s take-off distance and allow for a lower landing speed. Furthermore, they also vastly improve the Milan’s maneuverability during lower speeds - a handy upgrade for avid dogfighters among our pilots!

Fun Fact: The aircraft’s new retractable canards were often referred to as its ‘mustaches’.

The second, less notable, difference concerns the aircraft’s engine choice. Namely, the Milan is fitted with the more powerful SNECMA Atar 9K-50 turbojet engine, producing notably more thrust than the Atar 9C originally fitted to the Mirage IIIE. While this upgrade doesn’t directly result in an increased top speed, pilots will notice improvements in acceleration and climb rate, both being vital performance characteristics of jet fighters especially during heated engagements.



Apart from a pair of 30 mm DEFA cannons, the Milan’s arsenal can be further augmented by IR-guided air-to-air missiles, unguided rockets, an air-to-ground missile as well as bombs of 250 and 500 kg caliber. As a result, the Milan retains the Mirage’s high combat effectiveness and versatility as weapon loadouts are not just powerful, but also well suited for engaging a number of different targets during a sortie.



The Dassault Milan will make its way to player hangars upon the arrival of the next major War Thunder update Danger Zone. Be sure to get the special pre-order pack in our online store to be among the first to fly out in the Milan, get Premium account days, as well as obtain exclusive ingame content!

Introducing the next major update teaser for War Thunder - "Danger Zone"

• The previously announced economy update has been put into effect.
  
• UH-1C, UH-1C XM-30, UH-1D — Battle rating has been changed to 8.7 in all game modes.
  
• Helicopter PvE has been moved from the Test tab of the Events menu. Statistics from this mode are now recorded to player statistics. Helicopter PvP has been disabled.
  
• Minimap marker delay has been changed from 1 to 3 seconds.
  
• A bug has been fixed where the radio command delay was set to 30 sec. The delay is now 1 second.

The current provided changelog reflects the major changes within the game as part of this Update. Some updates, additions and fixes may not be listed in the provided notes. War Thunder is constantly improving and specific fixes may be implemented without the client being updated.

Dear players,

We have another round of questions and answers for you, with War Thunder producer Vyacheslav Bulannikov!


Q. Has there been any more work or news on a drop tank feature for aircraft? This would really help a lot of aircraft with limited fuel in battles and allow for more tactical choice and longer engagements.

A. Yes, for top ranked battles It's already under consideration. I think we will start to work on it next year.

---

Q. Previously you announced that you would remove non-historical and incomplete vehicles from the German Ground tree that were never fully completed and introduce replacements. Could you tell us if you have any long term plans to remove and replace the R2Y2 series of aircraft in the Japanese Aircraft tree? Both the Kawasaki T-1 (capable of mounting bombs and sidewinders) as well the Kawasaki P-2J (bombs and torpedoes) are in line with the positions that the R2Y2s already occupy. There is also the more advanced Kawasaki T-4 that can also supposedly carry bombs and gunpods. All of these would be more grounded replacement options than the 3 R2Y2s.

A. We can talk about their withdrawal from the game when there is a replacement ready for these aircraft. It’s all already in our plans.

---

Q. Could you clarify if it's possible we will see South African Aircraft in the British tree too now that they have ground forces within their tree? Currently there is only the Rhodesian Hunter as a premium aircraft.

A. The British aircraft research tree is already quite representative (five lines as opposed to four in ground vehicles tree before South Africa was introduced). South African aircraft may be added in another capacity - as a premium or event and squadron vehicles.

---

Q. Has there been any more developments regarding working on removing air-to-air missile spool up / shut off timers? With more and more modern jets these can sometimes adversely impact battle situations due to the reaction times of these timers. Perhaps a compromise situation where some elements of actual known characteristic spool ups / shut offs of each missile could be implemented rather than a singular timer like how it currently is?

A. While we are at the stage of gathering information on our collection of Air-To-Air missiles, you can't find such information for all missiles unfortunately. The mechanic change itself is simple - a change in the value in the missile configuration file. We think within 1-2 major updates the decision will be made and changes will be also made.

---

Q. Is the appearance of the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) in the game possible? In what form? A separate vehicle type or as a modification for ground vehicles?

A. It is possible. It is very early to say how this will be exactly, but one of the variants is how it was implemented on the last April fools event.

---

Q. In most of the missions in aircraft RB, destroying bases with bombing has no effect on the victory points of the enemy team. It means that bombing bases in such missions is completely pointless and bombers are more or less like ballast for the team. Do you plan to do something with that?

A. What you are describing looks like a bug. Bases should affect mission points. If this happens in any of the missions please report it by using our special reporting system or leave a comment.

---

Q. Will there be an interface update in air battles for top ranked fighters (like it is already implemented for helicopters)?

A. Yes, we have such plans.

---

Q. Will there be bombers with the ability to carry any winged missiles like the Tu-22 is doing?

A. For now there are no targets in the game for such aircraft and weaponry systems. Perhaps in the future when these targets will appear in the game such aircraft may be implemented.

---

Q. The Swedish top tier Strv 122s have gone quite some time without receiving new shells, despite many new tanks and shells for other nations since their introduction and the penetration of their current shells now falls quite significantly behind most nations. Has there been any more consideration into giving these tanks new shells? In particular Slpprj m/95. Given Sweden is also lacking a 3rd Rank VII MBT, has there also been any consideration into an Strv 121 “late” or the Strv 121 “Barracuda'' that could be given m/95 as a good inbetween tank between the current Strv 121 and 122s.

A. The Swedish 122 has high efficiency statistics in addition to its own features - compared to all the Leopard 2s in the game it has the best armour protection. However we are considering the option of a new shell for the next modification of the Strv 122.

---

Q. Will we see the Double Feed system in vehicles that had it? Currently changing the belt to HE in the VCC 80/30 requires a full reload where in real life you have 2 separate cartridges and loading belts that allow you to select the next round.

A. Such a system is needed and is already in our plans.

---

Q. Will there be any camo netting customisation options in the future? Expansions to tank camouflage could prove a good feature to people to make use of.

A. Not planned as a researchable modification in upcoming updates.

---

Q. Do you plan more artillery / howitzer platforms for the game, particularly for those nations that don't have them yet? There are many iconic examples such as the M109, PzH 2000, AS90, FV433 Abbot, PLZ05 and AMX-30 AuF1 that could be considered. Also mortar gun carrier vehicles with capability to direct fire like 2S9 Nona-S would be very interesting.

A. Yes and one of them, G6 Rhino is planned in the nearest Major Update!

---

Q. Do you have plan to give light vehicles more capabilities, like set anti-tank mines, Goliath bombs (Sdk.fz series), deploy recon-drones (modern combat vehicles) and help teammates guidance for missiles?

A. Some of the mentioned above are possible, yes.

---

Q. China is currently lacking a long range anti-aircraft system for top tier. Are we considering some options to fill this gap? For example “Tor” System used by China could be a good addition.

A. Yes, we have this in our plans; a SAM for “long” (in the game terms) ranges for the Chinese tree.

---

Q. Are there any plans for a normal implementation and visualisation of modern tank sights and fire control systems in particular? Many modern vehicles (CV 90120 etc) have for example automatic target tracker which can capture air targets and get appropriate calculations for shooting and can display many indicators of gunner’s and commander’s screens, also providing some opportunities to adjust all this, we don't have something like this in the game.

A. There are such plans and even some developments.

---

Q. Are there any plans to add the Object 287, Object 787 and similar vehicles?

A. We do not exclude this.

---

Q. Are there any plans for a new visualisation of the blast wave impact to the tank from the close bomb explosion, like detonation of the ammo rack, with the turret torn off and only chassis remained, etc.? At the moment the tank hull just turns black and burns, no matter what happened to it (ammunition cell explosion or crew died from armour shrapnell).

A. There are such thoughts and plans, but require more detailed elaboration.

---

Q. It was mentioned that Chinese helicopters were within plans for the coming updates for some time now, is that still the case now? Are there any details you can share with us about what we can expect?

A. Yes, our plans to introduce the Chinese helicopter tech tree were somewhat optimistic and took more time but hopefully in the near future we will be able to introduce some Chinese helicopters.

---

Q. The Premium Apache has been removed from the US tech tree, so when will we finally see a premium Comanche? A legendary helicopter, even if it was never used in combat. When will the Mi-24 Super Hind be introduced?

A. In the future most likely :).

---

Q. Will the efficiency of large calibre guns be increased in the game? Often for now, medium calibre guns are preferable to “big bang” because of their rapidity. Maybe some mechanics like “overpressure” will be added, but only for kinetics so there won’t be a situation where a 155 mm shell doesn't do any damage at all.

А. This is also true for reality, the rate of fire with sufficient ammunition power is a very important parameter of weaponry.

---

Q. Are there any plans to introduce Naval Enduring Confrontation which is the most adequate and realistic naval mode at the moment on a permanent basis?

А. Naval EC has its audience and it’s quite noticeable but it is still considerably inferior to regular random battles, so for now we plan to make EC available during weekends.

---

Q. With “Wind of Change” update, we received a new map Sun City, in which players could fight around terrain features like overpasses. In the future could we see more viaduct and tunnel terrain that could improve the stereoscopic feeling of the scene?

A. It is possible.

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Q. Will multithreading be implemented? Currently 100% load of 1 thread when all the other are by 15-20% because of that wildly loses FPS and we get micro freezes.

A. Multithreading is already implemented in the game. But you have to understand that it doesn’t always make sense in the game and not always there is something to occupy a large number of cores.

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Q. Are there plans for a complete update of the game interface? Now absolutely all UI, all the fonts, icons in the game are outdated. We would like to see the interface in the style of the snail store (Gaijin Store) which has been updated about a year ago and looks very neat and concise.

A. Yes, we have such plans.

---

Q. Will trees and other bushes be subjected to more physical impact? At the moment the artillery strike doesn’t destroy trees. Some bushes can be destroyed by machine guns, some only by ground vehicle tracks. Some trees can not be destroyed even by nuclear strike. Can we expect some single universal formula? Clearing thickets by artillery would be for example very useful.

A. Trees will be damaged and destroyed by artillery fire and a nuclear strike destroys every object on the map. The universal formula - the bigger the tree, the more hits it can hold or that more powerful weapon you need to take it down.

The “Advance” event is an asymmetrical mission for ground vehicles where each team has its own task: the attackers have to consecutively capture all the points on a map, while the defenders have to protect them.

• The event takes place in the AB and RB game modes.
  
• When activated, each point belongs to the defending team.
  
• The points activate consecutively one by one: after the attackers capture the current point, the next one unlocks.
  
• The capture points alternate:
  
  
  • A, C and E (key points) — small, but take longer to capture.
    
  • B & D (interim points) — completely cover the previous respawn zone of the defenders, so their size is much larger than that of key points, but they are quicker to capture. After the interim point is captured, a new respawn point is unlocked for the attackers to push the next key point, while the previous respawn point becomes locked.
• If the final key point (E) is captured or, if all the defenders are destroyed, the attackers win.
  
• If the points are held throughout the mission duration or if all the attackers are destroyed, the defenders win.
  
• The number of spawn points for each player is limited and differs depending on their team.
  
• The maximum number of players in the teams are not the same.
  
• in the RB game mode, the ground vehicles don’t require spawn points to respawn, while the aircraft do.
  
• Repeated respawns that do not require backup vehicles are available.
  
• To participate in the event, ground vehicles with a BR of 4.7 — 5.7 are required.
  
• Vehicles with BR 3.7 — 5.7 can be used in this event.
  
• The event takes place on the “Port Novorossiysk” map.
  
• The event may end prematurely for technical reasons.

If you would like to leave feedback on this event, please click here to use the dedicated thread

War Thunder artists and game designers have prepared new locations for the upcoming major update! Meet Abandoned Town, designed for mixed battles, South-Eastern City for aviation, and a significantly improved location Sun City.






The sleepy mountain town became the epicenter of outrageous military conflict. After the bombing and artillery barrage, combat vehicles enter the area. The commanders will have to achieve control over three zones of the town: the central streets and the community center, the bridge in the southern part of the town, the neighboring silo elevator and the cableway, as well as the northern area with residential buildings.

The cozy mountain towns and mining villages of the Greater Caucasus at the beginning of the 1990s became the prototypes of the Abandoned Town location. The atmosphere of a ghost town in the mountainous Caucasian subtropics awaits all fans of tank and mixed battles in the next major War Thunder update!






What was unthinkable before is becoming a reality now - a furious war has come to the streets of the metropolis of one of the "Asian tigers"! Intense action downtown and in the suburbs, military vehicles are entering the city, artillery and anti-air guns are firing at will. The tasks of the aviation here is to destroy enemy military bases and camps, as well as to escort friendly strike aircraft to their targets.

War Thunder artists have studied maps and photographs of the surroundings of the Kowloon Peninsula before creating the South-Eastern City. Here, a huge port, ultra-modern skyscrapers and residential areas coexist with rural areas on green hills and religious centers and monasteries. High-tech meets picturesque nature to bring you a brand new location for air battles!






One of the recent locations for mixed battles, Sun City, is very popular with War Thunder players due to the variety of environments and the ability to use overpasses in battle. However, the map had a number of minor issues, which we tried to fix for the upcoming update of the game.

We added a lot of small objects to “revive” the streets of the city. We added bus stops, parking lots with cars, flower beds, posters and advertisements on the walls, litter on the roadsides. Observant players reported the incorrect road markings - thanks to you, everything has been corrected! The park in the central part of the city has become more detailed, a route between the extreme capture points through the central park area has appeared. The artists also improved the “aircraft” part of the location - the city is now more naturally integrated into the landscape of the area. Fixed bugs and improved cosmetic micro-effects are the cherries on top. In a word, Sun City has become more detailed and easy to navigate. You're welcome! We are looking forward to your feedback!

SMS Bayern was the lead ship of the last class of dreadnought battleships built for the Imperial German Navy during WWI. Armed with heavy main battery guns and shielded by strong armor, SMS Bayern will soon be making an appearance in War Thunder naval battles, docking in player ports with the arrival of the next major update!

Briefly: The most advanced German battleship from the WWI-era, sporting immense 380mm main caliber guns and strong protection to boot.


Features:

• One of the largest gun calibers in the game
  
• Comprehensive armor scheme
  
• Torpedoes
  
• Limited AA protection
  
• Cumbersome mobility

In War Thunder, SMS Bayern will be a new battleship joining the top rank of the German bluewater fleet following the release of the next major update. Sporting the heaviest primary battery of any warship currently present in the game, Bayern’s offensive capabilities are brilliantly complemented by a strong armor scheme, making it a formidable new opponent arriving soon to naval battles!



After its arrival to the game as part of the upcoming major update, the Bayern will set a new record for possessing the largest gun caliber in any combat vehicle in the game, challenged only by HMS Hood’s 381mm guns. Namely, sporting a primary battery of eight 380 mm guns, split between four twin turrets, Bayern is more than capable of breaching through the armor of other battleships at everything but extreme engagement distances. However, aside from the primary guns, Bayern also has a number of other weapons in its arsenal. For instance, the secondary battery of the warship consists of eight 150mm cannons situated in casemates above the main armored belt on each side of the ship’s hull. Furthermore, Bayern also has access to a total of five 600mm torpedo launchers, with two submerged launchers on each broadside and one on the bow, presenting an unexpected surprise for any foe that dares getting too close to this juggernaut. Lastly, Bayern is also fitted with two 88mm AA cannons, although their effectiveness may leave much to be desired, especially during close-range engagements with attacking aircraft.



Inheriting much of the general armor layout of the Kaiser - a warship already familiar to seasoned War Thunder captains - the Bayern improved upon it by thickening certain parts of the armor scheme protecting vital components. For instance, whilst the main armored belt and conning tower remained 350mm thick, the turret faces and barbettes were increased to 350mm in thickness as well. As a result, the overall protection of the vessel and its complement of 1,276 sailors increased. Moreover, the crew is now better protected by the increased to 250mm thickness of the upper armor belt. However, the heavy weaponry and strong armor naturally brings with it the drawback of high displacement and, as a result, low mobility. To compensate for the increased mass, a 25% more powerful power plant was installed, which made it possible to keep the speed in the formation up to 22 kts (40.7 km/h).



Bayern is already making its way to War Thunder naval battles and is expected to dock in player ports following the release of the next major update. In the meantime, keep your binoculars close at hand and continue scanning the horizon for news as we release more information about the upcoming update. Until then, calm seas and good hunting captains!