The Russian-built Tor-M1 surface-to-air missile system comes to the game as a new top-tier SPAAG in the Chinese tech tree. The vehicle brings new mechanics in launching missiles and tracking targets - check ‘em out!


Features:

• Two guidance modes
  
• Capable of tracking and firing at two targets
  
• Good mobility
  
• Limited ammo
  
• Exposed profile

In War Thunder, the Tor-M1 missile system becomes the top SPAAG of the Chinese armored vehicle tech tree. This is the first SAM SPAAG with vertical launch in the game, as well as the first system capable of firing two missiles at one target or indeed different targets.

With the introduction of the Tor-M1 with vertical launch, a new target engagement mode has been added to the game - the half-lead mode. This mode targets the missile at a lead point along the course of the aircraft, and requires the distance data to the target. The half-lead mode allows a reduction in the available overload when firing targets with high course angles. Commanders of the Tor-M1 have a choice between the classic three-point guidance mode and the half-lead mode, or it can just put the automatic choice of the guiding mode. You can toggle the targeting methods by assigning a button to the “Switching missile targeting lead method” option in the controls menu.




Tor-M1 is capable of engaging two missiles at one or two different targets. To do this, both targets must be in the 15x15 degree sector, and the second target has to be selected with the “Select Radar/IRST target to lock on” button.

Missiles in the Tor-M1 have a mortar-like launch, and do a zoom-climb while being fired at the low targets to avoid collisions with objects on the ground.




Tor-M1 is a purely anti-aircraft vehicle, it almost does not have the ability to hit armored vehicles (the deadzone range is about a kilometer), there are not even machine guns to mark a target for allies. With its huge radar, the Tor-M1 has a very high profile, so commanders need to use proper cover against enemy tanks. In addition, you should also remember about the limited Tor-M1 ammunition capacity, which is only 8 missiles.

But all these are not as relevant as Tor’s combat abilities. In fact, only Tor-M1 is able to cover the entire team against enemy aircraft. The missiles engage any air target at any altitude or speed, while the extended control flight time allows you to hit targets at distances up to 12 km!



Tor-M1 is already available for research in the Chinese armored vehicles tech tree. This is one of the most technologically advanced combat vehicles in the game - be sure to try it in the game!

• ZSU-57-2 (Israel) — The crew model has been changed from Soviet to the corresponding Israeli one.
  
• TCM-20 — A bug that caused an incorrect display of the real crew number has been fixed. Now the vehicle crew consists of four members.

• Q-5L — A bug where the screen in the cockpit wasn’t working has been fixed
  
• Ju 87 D-5 — A bug that led to an incorrect weight of the suspended WB 81B machine gun container has been fixed (weight is now 140 kg without ammo).
  
• AH-1F — A bug that caused the appearance of elements of a sighting complex to be displayed in the sight view has been fixed.

• RN Folaga — Displaying of ammo in the action panel for 37mm autocannons has been fixed. 20mm guns have been moved to the third armament group.
  
• IJN Fuso — Smoke screen modification has been removed. RP and game currency for its research have been returned to the accounts.

The current provided update notes reflect the major changes within the game as part of this Update. Some updates and fixes may be not listed in the provided notes. War Thunder is constantly improving all the time and certain fixes may be implemented without the client being updated.

The Warbond shop for the “Smell of Victory” Battle Pass season will be open from 26th of October until 25th of January. Don't miss your chance to get premium vehicles: from a Chinese fighter to a French light tank. Pay special attention to the German BV 238 rank II bomber a flying boat with an excellent bomb load and plenty of defensive turrets!


Open “Shop” → “Warbond shop” to see an assortment where some of the more interesting items can be seen.
























Decals are represented by the Warbonds Shop trophy 2021-2022 as well as a new “Luscious Lizzie!” pinup. Decorations can be found in the Camouflage decoration trophy which contains random plant decorations that will help in camouflaging your vehicle. The player icons in the corresponding trophy this time feature German tanks. Trophies with random camouflages as before become available as new store levels are opened.

Among other things, there are many useful items for sale: boosters, universal backups, wagers and orders, test drives of premium vehicles — even talismans on the highest levels of the shop.

Check out the full assortment of available Warbond items for the current Battle Pass season and the terms for purchasing them in the game by opening the Battle Pass window or Shop -> Warbond Shop!

New, Finnish branches for the Swedish tech tree - both Aircraft and Ground vehicles, including the Leopard 2A6! More than 50 new and updated vehicles with the long awaited American M1A2 SEP with the TUSK modification, SPAA ТОR-М1 missile and the iconic Fusō Japanese battleship! Apart from all this, two new locations: “Arctic” and “Rocky Canyon” and as always, a long list of bug fixes and smaller changes! Prepare yourself for the “Fire and Ice” update!

Please feel free to leave your feedback on this Major update in the feedback thread by clicking here

Over 20 machines used by Finland, includes: BT-42, Leopard 2A6, T-72M1, MiG-21bis and Fokker D.XXI



Over a dozen aircraft! From the Japanese T-2(early) and the Chinese Q-5L to a new Finnish branch in Swedish tech tree!




More than 30 new and updated ground vehicles. A new version of the iconic Abrams tank - M1A2 SEP with the TUSK modification, the dangerous TOR-M1 anti aircraft vehicle for the Chinese tech tree, plus many other additions!





Out of 10 new naval units released with this update, beside others vessels, our sea wolves are sure to welcome with open arms the IJN Fusō battleship and its amazing pagoda style bridge!





Two brand new locations: Arctic and Rocky Canyon





Download the update and join the battle!

• Fw 190 A-5/U14 (Premium)

• A-20G-30 (Premium)

• T-2 (early) (Store Pack)
  

• Q-5L

• Fokker D.XXI
  
• B-239
  
• Hurricane Mk.I
  
• Ju 88A-4
  
• Bf 109 G2
  
• Bf 109 G6
  
• Vampire FB 52A
  
• J34
  
• MiG-21bis

• M1A2 SEP + TUSK modification

• Sd.Kfz.251/9
  
• Bfw.Jagdpanther (Updated model)
  
• Jagdpanther (Updated model)

• IS-1 (Updated model)
  
• IS-2 1943 (Updated model)
  
• 2S38 (Premium)

• Bosvark

• TKX

• ТОR-М1
  
• IS-2 1943 (Updated model)

• AS-42/47

• VAB SANTAL

• T-80U (T)
  
• Finnish ground vehicle subtechtree:

[/b]

ZSU-57-2

Vickers Mk.E

T-26E (englantilainen)

BT-42

T-28

T-34

Pz.IV

Comet

Charioteer

T-34-85

PT-76

Т-54

T-72M1

Leopard 2A4

Leopard 2A6

Israel: TCM-20

ZSU-57-2

ZSU-23-4

[/list]

• AH-64A (Greece) (Store Pack)

• USS Frank Knox (Premium)
  
• USS Fargo

• Hugin

• MPK Pr.1331M
  
• Besposhchadny

• HMS Glorious
  
• HMS Diana

• IJN Fuso

• RN Aquila
  
• RN Folaga

• “Arctic” location for combined battles.
  
• “Rocky Canyon” location for aircraft battles.

• All pillboxes in ground battles have been replaced with tanks.
  
• Standardisation of tank types by BR and armour for different matchmaking ranks and nations.
  
• Ground vehicles of rank VII have been added to the templates for ground battles and convoys.
  
• AAA around bombing bases has been moved to a system of importing units from a rank based list - now each rank will have its own air defense and not 88mm AAA from WWII era.
  
• The logic of bombing bases, airfields, port and sea convoy templates has been redesigned that allows the “saving” of about 100 units which should reduce the server load.
  
• In events where aircraft AI glitches and sends AI bombers/Attackers over the playable map area, a mechanic has been introduced that checks if the AI aircraft are in the wrong place, checks if they have completed the task, resets the AI for the selected aircraft and if the task is completed hides the aircraft by marking the task as completed and if not looks for a new target for them.
  
• Depending on the battle rating of the session, you’ll encounter the following anti-aircraft guns:
  
  Rank I:
  • China: GAZ-AAA (4M), GAZ-AAA (4M)
    
  • France: Light AA Mk I, Light AA Mk I
    
  • UK: Light AA Mk I, Light AA Mk I
    
  • USSR: GAZ-AAA (4M), GAZ-AAA (4M)
    
  • Germany: Flakpanzer - > Light AA Mk I, Light AA Mk I
    
  • Italy: AS 42 - > Light AA Mk I, Light AA Mk I
    
  • Japan: Type 94 -> Light AA Mk I, Light AA Mk I
    
  • USA: Light AA Mk I, Light AA Mk I
  Rank II:
  • China: CCKW 353 (M45) -> BTR-152A, GAZ-AAA (4M)
    
  • France: P.7.T AA -> Staghound AA, Light AA Mk I
    
  • UK: Staghound AA, Light AA Mk I
    
  • USSR: GAZ-AAA (DShK) -> BTR-152A, GAZ-AAA (4M)
    
  • Germany: Sd.Kfz.251/21, Light AA Mk I
    
  • Italy: Sd.Kfz.251/21, Light AA Mk I
    
  • Japan: M16 MGMC -> M15 CGMC, Light AA Mk I
    
  • USA: M16 MGMC -> M15 CGMC, Light AA Mk I
  Rank III
  • China: ZSD63/PG87 -> M19A1, BTR-152A
    
  • France: Crusader AA Mk II -> M19A1, Staghound AA
    
  • UK: Crusader AA Mk II -> M19A1, Staghound AA
    
  • USSR: ZiS-12 (94-KM) -> ZiS-43, BTR-152A
    
  • Germany: Wirbelwind -> Ostwind, Sd.Kfz.251/21
    
  • Italy: M42 Contraereo -> Ostwind, Sd.Kfz.251/21
    
  • Japan: So-Ki -> M19A1, M15 CGMC
    
  • USA: Crusader AA Mk II -> M19A1, M15 CGMC
  Rank IV
  • China: M42, ZSD63/PG87
    
  • France: AMX-13 DCA 40, Skink
    
  • UK: Crusader AA Mk I -> AMX-13 DCA 40, Skink
    
  • USSR: ZSU-37, BTZ-ZD
    
  • Germany: Ostwind II -> Ostwind, Wirbelwind
    
  • Italy: Ostwind II -> Ostwind, M42 Contraereo
    
  • Japan: M19 -> M42, Wirbelwind
    
  • USA: M19A1 -> M42, Skink
  Rank V
  • China: WZ305 -> PGZ09, M42
    
  • France: Falcon, AMX-13 DCA 40
    
  • UK: Falcon, AMX-13 DCA 40
    
  • USSR: ZSU-57-2 -> ZSU-37-2, ZSU-37
    
  • Germany: Kugelblitz, Ostwind
    
  • Italy: Kugelblitz, Ostwind
    
  • Japan: M42 -> Type 87, M42
    
  • USA: Vulcan -> Falcon, M42
  Rank VI
  • China: PGZ09, M42
    
  • France: AMX-30 DCA, AMX-13 DCA 40
    
  • UK: ZA-35, AMX-13 DCA 40
    
  • USSR: ZSU-37-2, M42
    
  • Germany: Gepard I, Ostwind II
    
  • Italy: Gepard I, Ostwind II
    
  • Japan: Type 87, M42
    
  • USA: M247 -> ZA-35, M42
  Rank VII
  • China: PGZ09, ZSU-23-4
    
  • France: AMX-30 DCA, SIDAM 25
    
  • UK: ZA-35, SIDAM 25
    
  • USSR: ZSU-37-2, ZSU-23-4
    
  • Germany: Gepard I, SIDAM 25
    
  • Italy: Gepard I, SIDAM 25
    
  • Japan: Type 87, SIDAM 25
    
  • USA: M247 -> ZA-35, SIDAM 25

• 14.5mm KPVT — Armour penetration calculation has been transferred to the Jacob de Marre formula.
  
• The coefficients of the Jacob de Marre formula for metal-cored machine gun ammunition have been refined. Penetration of 12.7 BS-41, 14.5 BS-41, 15mm H-PzGr rounds has been increased.
  
• BMP-2M, BMD-4, PUMA, M3A3 Bradley — Air target tracking has been added.
  
• VAB SANTAL - Comment for the vehicle: our players have provided extensive and useful information as a result of their analysis it was decided to further refine the model of the vehicle. The modifications will consist of changing and refining the model for launchers, aiming devices and the turret used but retaining the current chassis model. Since most of the changes are made to the appearance of the model and will not affect battle characteristics after making them, it was decided that the vehicle will be added in this update in the current form with the characteristics corresponding to the real model of the turret and fire control system. When the fixes for the vehicle will be ready they will be applied to it. Thank you for your consideration.
  
• Jagdpanther (all) - Designations have been clarified: Bfw.Jagdpanther -> Bfw.Jagdpanther G1, Jagdpanther -> Jagdpanther G1.
  
• Jagdpanther G1 - ammo capacity has been reduced from 60 to 49 rounds. Source: Jagdpanther, plan of ammunition Storage. UK Motion studies docs.
  
• Bfw.Jagdpanther G1 - ammo capacity has been reduced from 60 to 39 rounds. Source: Jagdpanther, plan of ammunition Storage. UK Motion studies docs //Panzer Tracts №9-3.
  
• Jagdpanther (all) - Engine power has been changed from 700hp to 600hp at 2,500 rpm. Source: D655/1b, Pz.Kpfw.Panther Ausf.A,D und abarten, 21.07.1944 // Panzer Tracts №9-3

• G.91R (all modifications) - Separate bomb drop has been added.
  
• Ki-67-I Ko, Ki-67-I Otsu - The 800 kg Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 bomb has been added to suspended weaponry (report).
  
• Su-17M4 - H-23M rocket has been removed from suspended weaponry. Source: “Самолет Су-17М4 и подготовка его к боевому применению. Стр.26”
  
• A-7D - Erroneous installation location and the number of the AGM-65 missiles in the weaponry menu has been fixed.
  
• F8E - Single LAU-32A blocks for the Zuni missiles are available without modification research. Presets with multiple blocks still require modifications. A bug causing incorrect requirements to open Zuni and AIM-9 missiles of different modifications has been fixed.
  
• F8U-2 - Single LAU-32A blocks for Zuni missiles are available without modification research. Presets with multiple blocks still require modifications. A bug causing incorrect requirements to open Zuni and AIM-9 missiles of different modifications has been fixed.
  
• Harrier Gr.7 - A bug leading to incorrect conditions for opening modifications and the ability to use BOL flare pods as well as the ability to use them with default AIM-9L missiles has been fixed..
  
• AH-64A (USA), AH-64D, AH-1Z, EC-665 Tiger UHT - APKWS II guided missiles with multiple warhead options have been added to the armament nomenclature.
  
• Su-17M4 - A bug leading to the possibility of mounting the Delta-NG targeting pod has been fixed.
  
• Kfir C7 - Weaponry preset with 4 Shafrir-2 missiles has been added.
  
• F1 - Number of the carried 500 pound bombs has been increased to 12.
  
• Weight of some suspended artillery containers has been increased.
  
• Units of measurement of weight of some bombs have been standardized.
  
• Saar — A bug where the mass of the blocks was overestimated when attaching 6 FFAR Mighty Mouse x70 blocks has been fixed.

• AH-64D, AH Mk.1 — A bug where the AMASE block worked incorrectly has been fixed.
  
• AH-64A (all modifications), AH-1F - Incorrect visual display of the models of jamming systems and Flare systems when removing the corresponding modifications has been fixed.
  
• Canberra B (I) Mk 6 - A bug that caused the bomb bay to open when dropping bombs from the wings has been fixed (report).
  
• F-4F IAF - A bug that caused the BLU-27 incendiary tanks and AIM-9G (D) missiles to intersect with the missiles when they have been suspended together on the central pylon has been fixed (report)
  
• Jaguar GR.1, Jaguar GR.1A, Harrier GR.3 - The radar warning system has been changed from AN/APR-25 to ARI 18223.
  
• Harrier GR.7 - Radar warning system has been changed from AN/ALR-67(V)2 to ARI 23333/1.
  
• Mirage 5F - A bug that caused bombs to have attachment points on the aircraft when installing air-to-air suspended weaponry has been fixed.
  
• Harrier GR.7, Mirage F1CT - A bug that was caused by the researched modification “night vision device” not working from 3rd person view has been fixed.
  
• Phantom FG.1, Phantom FGR.2, Buccaneer S.2 - The radar warning system has been changed from AN/APR-25 to ARI 18228.
  
• Mi-24D, Mi-24V, Mi-24P - The ballistic calculator for bombs has been added.
  
• Su-17M2 - A bug that caused the camera to be in the aircraft hull when installing the “Delta-NG” suspended container has been fixed (report).
  
• B18B - Display of the gunner in the X-Ray view has been corrected.
  
• Phantom FG.1, Phantom FGR.2, Buccaneer S.2, Jaguar GR.1, Jaguar GR.1A, Harrier GR.3, Harrier GR.7 - Radar detection system name has been corrected.
  
• Mi-24D, Mi-24V - Ballistic calculator for offensive artillery weaponry, unguided missiles and bombs has been added.
  
• Harrier Gr.7 - Lack of thermal vision when disabling the modification of the pilot's NVD (night vision device) has been fixed.
  
• Mirage 5F — A bug that caused DEFA 552A offensive cannons not to be displayed in X-Ray view has been fixed.
  
• UH-1C, UH-1CXM-30 — A bug where after the dropping of an ITOW ATGM, stubs remained in the air, has been fixed.

• AV-8A
  
• AV-8C
  
• Buccaneer S.1
  
• Buccaneer S.2
  
• F-105D
  
• Harrier GR.1
  
• Harrier GR.3
  
• Vautour IIA IDF/AF
  
• S.O.4050 Vautour IIB
  
• S.O.4050 Vautour IIN
  
• A-4B
  
• A-4E Early
  
• A-4E Early (M)
  
• A-4E
  
• A-4H
  
• A-4N
  
• T2
  
• F1

• J6K1 - updated flight model. Engine modes and fuel distribution between the tanks have been corrected. Polars of wings, fuselage, empennage, and propeller blades have been recalculated and corrected. Geometry of the propeller has been corrected (diameter has been increased to 3.5 m). The plane’s behaviour during landing gear and high-lift device deployment has been corrected. The plane’s behaviour during high angle dives has been corrected.
  
• Vampire (all), Hunter (all), Meteor (all), Javelin, Lightning (all), Seahawk (all), Scimitar, Swift (all), Jaguar (all), Canberra (all), B-57 (all), Sea Vixen, Buccaneer (all), Lancaster (all), Lincoln (all), Shackleton, Beaufighter (all), Beaufort, Boomerang (all), Mosquito (all), Hornet (all), Swordfish (all), Halifax, Hampden (all), Stirling (all), Whirlwind (all), Wyvern, Brigand, Sunderland (all), Wellington (all), Hudson (all), Boston, Havoc, DB-7, А-20G, Fiat CR 32, Fiat CR 42 / J11, Fiat G.50, Fiat BR20, Macchi C.200, Breda Ba.65, Breda Ba.88, Piaggio P.108B, Savoia Marchetti S.79, Savoia Marchetti S.81, Reggiane Re.2000 (all), Reggiane Re.2001 (all), Reggiane Re.2002, Cant Z 1007 Bis, Imam Ro.57 - engine fire extinguisher systems have been added.
  
• Rooivalk Mk.1F, Z-10, AH-1Z - Instability and loss of pitch control when travelling at high angles to the airflow has been reduced.
  
• A.129, T.129 - The risk of failure of engines and transmission when the main rotor speed has been exceeded. Instability and loss of pitch control when travelling at greater angles to the airflow has been reduced.
  
• Aviation (all aircraft) - The effect of an opened canopy and cockpit doors on drag (loss of speed) has been corrected.
  
• Su-7 (all modifications) - Engine revs dynamics has been improved (revs up faster).
  
• F-4 Phantom II (all modifications), A-10 (all modifications) — A bug that caused engines not to overheat and break down if the oil system was damaged has been fixed.

• First shot delay has been removed for WWI and interwar bluewater ships.
  
• Fire control system - preserving the calculated lead point. The calculated lead marker preserves when a player unselect the target and then selects the same target again. If a player selects a new target and starts rangefinding, the lead marker for a previous target is reset.
  
• PG 02 — Resupply time at a captured point has been reduced to 90 sec.
  
• USS Gearing — Armament composition has been changed for one from 1945: second torpedo launcher has been removed, four-barreled 40mm Bofors unit has been added.
  
• RN Gabbiano, IJN Ayanami (DD-103) — A bug that caused ships not to have torpedoes purchased by default has been fixed.
  

• IJN Satsuki, IJN Mutsuki, IJN Chidori - 120mm Semi AP Type 1 modification has been moved to Tier I.

• The shock wave effect from HE shells on hulls of coastal fleet vessels has been corrected. Boat hulls made of wood or steel that don’t have a complex internal architecture are now more susceptible to damage from the shock wave of the medium calibre HE shells.
  
• USS Alaska (CB-1) — Size, location and number of main and auxiliary calibre ammunition cellars have been fixed. Position of engine rooms that previously were too high has been corrected. Elevators for 127 mm units have been added. Thicknesses of main calibre turret barbettes, upper armour deck, armour bulkheads above bow and stern traverses have been corrected.
  
• Mikhail Kutuzov — conning bridge has been moved behind the armor of the bow’s superstructure.

• Prinz Eugen — The shape of the ship’s armour belt plates in the zone of the bow turrets has been fixed.

• An extended pop-up description has been added for naval modules in xray mode in the hangar. Now, while hovering the cursor over a module, you can see the operation description of this module, its role in the damage model and interactions with other modules.

• The position of British battlecruisers has been corrected in research tree. Battlecruisers have been moved to a separate branch. HMS Dreadnought moved before HMS Colossus.
  
• Research and purchase costs decreased:
  
• HMS Dreadnought
  
• RP 320000 => 270000
  
• SL 790000 => 690000
  
• IJN Settsu
  
• RP 380000 => 320000
  
• SL 990000 => 790000
  
  • CCVL — BR in AB has been changed from 10.0 to 9.7
    
  • 2S25М — BR in AB has been changed from 10.0 to 9.7

• New collections have been added.

• The visual effect of aircraft crashing into the water has been updated. Its positioning has also been fixed.
  
• New visual effect of wheels burning from napalm has been added.
  
• New effect of flamethrower and surface fire from napalm has been added.
  
• Visual problems with incorrect positioning of fires on naval vessels when they were rotated 90 degrees to the side has been fixed.

• Sounds of explosions, hits, cannon shots of ground vehicles and air defence guns have received more dynamics and sharpness as well as punch in the low frequency range.
  
• The sound velocity effect now also works for the sound of aircraft engines and cannons.
  
• Chinese helicopters Z-9W, Z-9WA, Z-19, Z-19E, Z-10 received their own engine and propeller sounds.

• AI controlled ships will now launch torpedoes at each other and at players.
  
• AI controlled ships in naval battles may now explode from an ammunition detonation.
  
• Reconnection to the session after losing connection or a client closure has been improved.

Dear players!

On October 26th, from 08:00 GMT, the War Thunder game servers may be unavailable due to the release of the “Fire and Ice” major update.

We apologize for any inconvenience experienced.

The new Russian 2S38 SPAAG armed with an automatic 57mm cannon comes to War Thunder as a light tank capable of countering both aerial and ground targets.


Features:

• 57mm automatic cannon
  
• Capable of eliminating ground vehicles and aircraft
  
• Decent mobility
  
• A non crewed turret
  
• Light armor

2C38 “Derivatsiya-PVO” is a new Premium light tank of the USSR/RF tech tree, which will appear in the “Fire and Ice” update. The vehicle originally designed as an anti-aircraft artillery system is able to counter both aircraft and armored vehicles, including tanks! Automatic cannon, good mobility, uninhabited turret and laser warning system make an excellent scout vehicle for high-rank battles!

The 57mm 2A90 automatic gun is a further development of the S-60 series familiar to players from the ZSU-57-2 SPAAG. On the new 2S38 it is part of an uninhabited turret, which also includes an automatic target tracking for air targets, a laser rangefinder, a coaxial machine gun, a laser warning sensor and a thermal imager. In addition to the AP and HE shells familiar from the Soviet ZSU-57-2, the new gun receives a radio fuse HE round for destroying aircraft at long distances, as well as a APFSDS round capable of destroying most main battle tanks to the sides.





The chassis for the 2S38 is a modified BMP-3 AFV with metal floats along the sides of the hull. The chassis has bulletproof armor, although able to withstand some autocannons from the front. The platform itself is quite tall and you will have to look for cover. When properly covered, the advantages of an uninhabited turret are fully revealed, allowing the commander to fire and mark out targets to allies without exposing the crew. With a high power-to-weight ratio and a good maximum speed, the 2S38 is highly mobile on all types of terrain, and the floats make the vehicle amphibious. The disadvantage of the design is the layout of the crew, in one row in front of the full, so that a single tank shot is able to wipe out the entire crew instantly.




The advanced 2S38 light tank with an automatic cannon is a great addition to the Soviet ground battle setup for top-tier battles! Premium 2S38 will appear in the game with the release of the major update “Fire and Ice” - be the first to try it in battles!

A detailed description of the current task as well as your overall progress can be found by clicking on your nickname → Achievements → Pages of History

A French pilot who defected to the Allies after his homeland was captured by Germany. He fought for the RAF in 1940-42, and from 1943 was a part of the Normandy squadron (later Normandy-Niemen regiment) that fought the Luftwaffe on the eastern front. He took part in the Battle of Kursk, Operation Bagration and the East Prussian offensive. For his valour in battles he earned the highest Soviet decorations: title of Hero of the Soviet Union, the Gold Star and the Order of Lenin.

You can immediately purchase the profile icon for Golden Eagles until December 3rd, 11:30 GMT without completing tasks. Click Nickname → Achievements → Pages of History (November).

Completion of each individual task will bring you a trophy with one of the following rewards:

• 20-50% RP booster for 3-10 battles;
  
• 20-50% SL booster for 3-10 battles;
  
• 3-5 universal backup vehicles;
  
• 1 day of premium account;
  
• A random camouflage for ground vehicles (out of the selection of camouflages currently obtainable in game for completing tasks, or purchasing with Golden Eagles).

• Tasks are available from 11:00 GMT until 11:30 GMT on the final day of each task.
  
• Tasks can be completed in random battles, except for “Assault” mode.

After breaching the Volturno line in October of 1943, the Werhmacht retreated to the Barbara line, the next defensive formation in Central Italy. The Allies stormed it during the beginning of November both from the west (American forces) and the east (British forces). The Germans didn't linger for too long: after a brief battle they retreated to the well-defended Bernhardt line.

On November 6th, 1935, the maiden flight of the British single-seat Hawker Hurricane took place. It was widely used during WWII: Hurricanes formed the bulk of the RAF during the Battle for Britain, and, even though they weren't as advanced as the Spitfire, they won the greatest number of victories during that period of the war.

On November 10th, 1943, the operation to retake Gomel from the Wehrmacht began. As Gomel itself was very well defended, the Red Army command decided to move its forces across the Dnieper and take Rechitsa in a surprise move. It allowed the Soviet forces to move on Gomel from three sides, encircle and eventually capture it, severing the connection between the Center and South German army groups.

The decisive battle in the Guadalcanal campaign took place on November 12th-15th, 1942 near the Solomon Islands. Both sides took heavy losses, but in the end the US managed to repel the Japanese attempts to push the Allies out of Guadalcanal. It was a major strategic victory for the USA, and the then President Franklin Roosevelt called it the turning point in the history of the Pacific theater of the war.

November 18th, 1941 saw the start of Operation Crusader, a massive offensive by the Allies on the North African front, on the border of Libya and Egypt. They managed to push back the Axis forces under the command of Erwin Rommel and stop them from advancing into Egypt and taking the strategically important Suez Canal.

Operation Uranus was the codename of the Soviet strategic operation that began on November 19th, 1942. The Red Army connected three of its fronts to encircle the Axis forces in Stalingrad. The fighting lasted for the greater part of the winter and ended in early February with Field Marshal Paulus' capitulation.

On November 25th, 1942 USSR and France signed an agreement about forming a French aircraft squadron on Soviet territory. It was named "Normandy"; its pilots learned to fly Yak-1 and Yak-7 planes in late 1942 — early 1943, and then participated in the battles against the Axis from Spring 1943. For its part in liberating the Niemen river region this unit that by that time grew to become an entire regiment was named "Normandy-Niemen'' in late 1944, with its best pilots receiving the highest Soviet accolades. The regiment is still serving in the French Air Force.

During the Iran-Iraq war, on November 29, 1981, Iran began Operation Tariq al-Qods ("The road to Jerusalem'') that aimed to reclaim the city of Bostan that was taken by Iraq in early war. Due to bad weather conditions, the Iraqi forces didn't anticipate the attack that happened both from the north and the south at once, and were completely defeated. Within the same year, Iran managed to liberate around 40 percent of the territory that Iraq captured earlier.

The BT-42 is a Finnish modification of the captured Soviet BT-7 tank, outfitted with a new turret housing a high-caliber howitzer. Soon, this highly anticipated and no less iconic Finnish tank will finally be making an appearance in War Thunder as it arrives in the Swedish ground forces tree as part of the “Fire and Ice” major update!

Briefly: A Finnish conversion of captured BT-7 light tank into assault guns, outfitted with British 4.5-inch howitzers.


Features:

• High-caliber howitzer
  
• HEAT rounds
  
• Excellent mobility
  
• Light armor

In War Thunder, the highly anticipated BT-42 will soon be joining the early ranks of the Swedish ground forces tree as a new tank destroyer available to all its aspiring commanders. Inheriting the excellent mobility from the BT-7 its based off and combining it with a devastating high-caliber howitzer ensures that the BT-42 will be the perfect tool for the job for tankers fancying more dynamic, and let’s be honest, borderline silly tactics. Let’s take a closer look at why.

The unarguable centerpiece of attention on the BT-42 is its disproportionately large turret which sits in stark contrast to the silhouette of the original BT-7 and thus gives the vehicle its signature appearance. Admittedly though, it does also give off the impression of a miniature KV-2. Aesthetics aside however and more importantly though, the turret is home to the 114 mm Psv.H/18 howitzer of British origin. While its low velocity inherently results in rather poor ballistic performance, this shortcoming is somewhat mitigated by the presence of chemical rounds in the BT-42’s arsenal.




However, as is the case with the original BT-7, the BT-42 only features rather light protection resulting as a consequence of its thin armor plating. Going only up to 20 mm in thickness, the BT-42 can effectively shrug off rifle-caliber machine gun fire and shrapnel while any dedicated anti-tank weapon is almost guaranteed to overmatch the BT-42’s armor and deal deadly damage to the densely packed crew and vehicles modules on the inside. Additionally, aircraft also pose a high threat to the BT-42 as not only is its armor the thinnest on the roof, but the vehicle also doesn’t have access to a roof-mounted machine gun to defend itself from strafing enemy aircraft.




While the BT-42 certainly can’t boast about its armor, its mobility on the other hand is another matter entirely. Inheriting the BT-7’s engine, drivetrain and suspension means that the BT-42 features good mobility, comparable to its Soviet counterpart. However, due to increased weight, the BT-42 does accelerate slightly slower. Nevertheless, the BT-42 is still able to quickly move around the battlefield and pop up in unexpected places, thus catching the unsuspecting enemies by surprise. Aspiring BT-42 commanders can use this ability to both outflank their opponents as well as remain an elusive target on the battlefield.



The BT-42 is making its way to War Thunder ground battles as part of the “Fire and Ice” major update, to the joy of many tankers who’ve eagerly been awaiting the addition of this iconic Finnish vehicle.

USS Frank Knox, a new Premium Gearing-class destroyer, arrives in the game in the upcoming “Fire and Ice” update!


Features:

• High survivability
  
• Universal main caliber guns
  
• Good mobility
  
• Depth charges
  
• Vulnerable ammo storages

USS Frank Knox is a new representative of the Gearing-class destroyers which will appear in the game with the release of the “Fire and Ice” update. This ship has one of the richest service histories in the entire class - World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, many exercises, maneuvers and combat duties. In the game, USS Frank Knox is recreated as she was built in 1944. This is a perfectly balanced destroyer with excellent protection and a large crew, which also has a Premium status that will allow you to quickly progress in the US bluewater fleet and get an increased reward in Silver Lions from battles. A few words about the advantages and disadvantages of USS Frank Knox are below.



The ship's main caliber is 127mm Mk.12 universal guns distributed among three twin-barreled turrets. The number of main battery turrets is less than on other American rank III destroyers, however, the guns still work perfectly not only against naval targets, but are also capable of destroying aircraft at long distances with the remote fuse shells. The low number of main caliber guns is compensated by rapid-firing 40 mm Bofors autocannons. 12 quick-firing 40mm barrels can easily shred any destroyer in close combat, not to mention lighter targets. The Bofors are assisted by 11 20-mm Oerlikons installed along the sides of the ship. Their fire is especially effective against aircraft at close range. As a destroyer, USS Frank Knox also carries 10 torpedoes in two five-barrel rotary launchers. In addition, the new ship differs from the USS Gearing by a depth charge mortar, the ultimate argument in board-to-board skirmishes!



The survivability of USS Frank Knox is the hallmark of her class. Firstly, the ship has good armor for a destroyer - up to 19 mm armor plating on the sides, and up to 12 mm of the armored deck on top. This actually works well to protect the ship from the high-explosive shells fired by other destroyers and helps to save the crew. The crew, by the way, is one of the largest among all US destroyers - 336 members!

The vulnerable spot of USS Frank Knox is the gun magazines and elevators of the stern turret. The armor of the side plating ends just before ​​​​the third turret, and the ammo stowage is literally located between fuel tanks. Fuel tank fires often spread to the ammo stowage, followed by detonation. It is necessary to carefully monitor the fires in the stern of the ship and immediately send sailors to extinguish fires, since the crew size allows this to be done as often as required.



The new Premium destroyer USS Frank Knox will be waiting for you along with other new vehicles, location and improvements in the “Fire and Ice” update - stay tuned!

New prizes await their future owners. The ninth season of Battle Pass, called “Smell of Victory”, is starting in War Thunder!

Complete Battle Tasks and Season Challenges to receive unique premium combat vehicles, decals, 3D decorations, profile icons, a loading screen and a title!



Every season there’s a new set of awards. See the full list in the Battle Pass tab in the hangar, or check out our wiki.

Here are the key awards for season 9:

USA, rank III, Premium

The LCM(6) river monitor is a true workhorse of the US army in Vietnam. “Zippo” is a special version with two flamethrowers as an addition to autocannons and machine guns.



Britain, rank III, Premium

The Churchill Crocodile flamethrower tank is converted from the resilient Churchill Mk.VII version. The machine gun at the front of the hull is changed to a flame projector fed by the towed armoured fuel trailer.



USA, rank IV, Premium

A-1H Skyraider is a piston-engined carrier based attack aircraft, one of the most famous aircraft with incendiary bombs. In the jet era this old school striker with an improved payload showed itself as indispensable in fire missions for ground support.





4 decals!









3 decorations!





“Flametrooper”




Battle Pass is a seasonal event during which you will earn progress points and use them to open new levels. Each opened level brings you a valuable reward, from Silver Lions and boosters to exclusive season prizes: decorations, profile icons and premium vehicles.

Open new stages and get awards at any time during the season.



You can access the “Battle Pass” window through the promo block on the right side of the hangar screen.

Play

• You get progress points every day for entering the game.
  
• From 1 to 5 points.

Complete Battle Tasks

• See Battle Task descriptions in the game and get progress points for completing them.
  
• From 2 to 5 points.

Complete Season Challenges

• Season Challenges are very similar to Battle Tasks. One Challenge is available at the season’s start. Every week you get another one or two challenges, three more can be unlocked by opening stages.
  
• 30 points.

Learn more about the Battle Pass