The Finnish Air Force was founded on the 6th of March, 1918, soon after the country declared its independence from the Russian Empire. Its first planes were simply left behind by Russian forces. But the Finns didn’t have their own pilots, so in the beginning they had to rely on unofficial help from Swedes, Danes, and Russians.

The Finnish Air Force was rather successful in fighting off Soviet aircraft during the Winter War, and in WWII refrained from bombing civilian targets. After the peace treaty with the USSR was signed, Finnish pilots kept fighting in the skies against their past allies from the Luftwaffe.

Today the Finnish Air Force consists of several dozen of American F/A-18 Hornets.





“Emblem of the Karelia Air Command” 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 → Holidays → Finnish Air Force Day.

You can find the decal in the “Holidays” tab in the Customisation menu.

The War Thunder development team reacts on the hottest topics of discussion of the upcoming Sky Guardians update.

We noticed the concerns of the players about a possible imbalance due to the introduction of the Pantsir-S1 surface-to-air missile system into the game and will try to answer some questions about its operational modes details.

The introduction of the Pantsir-S1 was planned due to the fact that the 2S6/2S6M1 Tunguska SPAAG is significantly inferior to the competition in terms of the combination of missile plus radar efficiency and has some of the worst statistics among all top tier SPAAGs in the game.



Some players also believe that instead of introducing Pantsir-S1, it was worth introducing the TOR-M1 or TOR-M2 systems. However, according to the game statistics, TOR-M1 is also one of the efficiency outsiders in terms of efficiency and simply can’t help to solve the issue of the late Soviet anti-aircraft lineup. The TOR-M2, both in terms of the number of missiles and, according to our research, in terms of the manoeuvrability of missiles, outmatches the Pantsir-S1 at most distances. Its missiles equipped with dual-mode solid-propellant rocket engines maintain cruising speed for a long period of time and provide an overload tolerance of up to 35G. At the same time, the Pantsir’s 95Ya6 missile moves by inertia for most of its trajectory. At a distance of 8 km the missile is inferior to the 9M331 missile of the TOR-M1 in terms of G-tolerance, and at extreme distances the 95Ya6 overload drops to a poor 5G, which may provide sure kill of only non-maneuvering targets such as UAVs.

The speed characteristics and flight time at distances up to 10 km of the 95Ya6 missile are generally identical to the VT-1 missile, with significantly less available overload tolerance.




Players are also concerned about the possibility of the azimuth radar to operate in some radar modes at high elevation angles which certainly is an undeniable advantage. But the TOR-M1 radar, which is already present in the game, has an elevation coverage up to 64 degrees! In addition, we are conducting additional research on the capabilities of the radars of other anti-aircraft systems presented in the game, and if additional information is found, we will specify their capabilities in the game.

We were puzzled by players' concerns about the Pantsir’s tracking radar, operating in the microwave range, which is currently unable to be detected by the radiation warning systems. However, as practice shows, the telethermal search and track devices are the most effective tracking system in the top ranks, and the majority of SAM vehicles in the game are already capable of stealthy locking on target. In addition, the microwave target tracking radar of the TOR-M1 does not statistically provide any superiority over competitors in the game.

Also, we are monitoring concerns about the possibility of countering SAM SPAAG with such long-range missiles, but we believe that the transfer of missiles to the adjusted SACLOS physics will solve the problem, limiting the ability to hit high-speed targets at a high heading parameter or altitude. In addition, anti-aircraft guided missiles with semi-automatic command to line of sight are very sensitive to manoeuvre, and a minor trajectory change at high speed may be enough for any aircraft for an anti-missile manoeuvre.

vertical

horizontal (target altitude 100 m)




The F-16AJ project was designed for export to Japan after the completion of the F-16 testing program. The prototypes of the aircraft did not have a complete set of radio equipment, such as radar, and had to have AIM-7 missiles not only on underwing pylons, but also on landing gear doors and wingtips that is illustrated by photographs of aircraft during testing. However, in subsequent series of the F-16, including production modifications, it was decided to abandon the hardpoints on the landing gear doors. Obviously, designers had reasons for this, that is why we limit the F-16AJ to have 2x AIM-7 missiles on standard underwing pylons. The game also has technical limitations for the implementation of such hardpoints, for example, in the case of a landing gear breakdown, the detachment of the doors with the AIM-7 missiles installed would cause the loss of weapons. Or the reverse situation, when it would be impossible to destroy the landing gear with the missiles installed.

As for radar, radar warning system and AGM-65 missiles, this equipment corresponds to the program described in the project's promo papers. The export versions of the F-16 were standardly equipped with these systems and weapons, so we see no reason not to equip the Japanese project accordingly. In addition, we assume that without the necessary equipment, especially such as radar, the fighter would not meet the requirements of its time and would not have sufficient combat characteristics. Thus, the F-16AJ in the game looks like the Japanese F-16 would most likely have looked if it had been put into service - the aircraft would most likely have minimal differences from other export modifications of this series.


Despite the fact that the Yak-141 did not reach mass production and was not put into service, flight prototypes already achieved high performance characteristics during tests - the aircraft even set several records. However, the available flight models did not carry military weapons, but only their mock-ups. Some of the sensors, including the radar, according to our information, were replaced during testing with such mock-ups, IRST was also not installed on the prototypes. The game, however, requires a combat aircraft with a complete set of on-board equipment and weapons, so we implemented them in the form in which the aircraft would most likely be put into service. For the game model, we installed a radar that was planned and existed at that time, as well as the IRST, standard for Soviet fighters. The Yak-141 is also equipped with countermeasures containers that are installed similar to other Soviet aircraft layout. We understand that in some ways this is a “paper” aircraft, however, all of its avionics actually existed and worked, as well as weapons. Regarding the R-73 missiles, their software implementation is still in progress, so it’s too early to talk about its introduction to the game, but in the future it may well appear in the Yak-141, same as the R-77 missiles, which were also designed as the main armament of this aircraft.


In the Sky Guardians update, the Ariete AMV main battle tank will appear in the game in the PT1 modification, featuring improved mobility and chassis durability. The tank has a more powerful engine compared to the basic versions. Based on player feedback, the model will be improved by the addition of smoke grenades. Also, the CL3142 APFSDS, which will replace the DM33, will be retained as the ammunition option, along with the DM53 round. The Ariete AMV version with PSO and WAR armour kits will be implemented later as a separate vehicle in order to form an effective top tier vehicle setup.


We have already commented on the ARM issue in the recent Q&A. This is a rather complex type of weapon and, in our opinion, rather overrated in the eyes of our players. Given the high level of weapon realism in the game, these weapons may not give the desired balance effect with in-game SAMs for several reasons. Firstly, the vast majority of ARMs are designed to destroy "big” anti-aircraft missile systems, such as the Soviet S-75 and S-300, or American Patriot and Hawk - these are considered as the main threat to tactical aviation due to their long range. Actually, therefore, the frequency ranges of the ARM seekers coincide with the frequency ranges of such anti-air systems, while the game short-range SAMs may operate in the frequency ranges out of the ARM radar coverage abilities. Secondly, the guidance accuracy of the anti-radiation missiles might be sufficient to destroy larger air defence systems with tall antennas, but it is completely insufficient to destroy mobile SAM, especially considering that the warhead of many ARMs is equipped with a proximity fuse, and target destruction is achieved due to the fragmentation killzone.

However, we still consider the ARM systems interesting as the gameplay and balancing option, so the further research of this type of weapon is still in our plans. If we discover new data on the ARM operating modes, they might be added to the game, same as other radio warfare means, such as the ESM pods and jammers.


Indeed, we consider such a rise for long-range SAM systems, but the decision to be made after receiving first data of their efficiency analysis.

Thank you for all your entries! We are very impressed by the quality of all of your guides, well done everyone. Below are the 5 winners! Overall, a huge well done to everyone!


The following 5 winners have been selected - each has won the Snail Decal and the specified amount of GE, out of the max of 3,000. Outstanding work, guys!




“Custom Sights Crash Course” - by fedethesniper
Prize: 3,000 GE + “Steam Snail” decal
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2926298838

“Some important Keybinds for Ground and Air Battles” - by Foggy_Cheeze
Prize: 3,000 GE + “Steam Snail” decal
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2927093323&searchtext=%23WTGuide2

“Guide: How to become a better pilot in Air RB” - by MrBeardTV.yt
Prize: 3,000 GE + “Steam Snail” decal
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2932025509&searchtext=%23WTGuide2

“Air Arcade Fighters Guide: Strategy & Tactics” - by Krikraker
Prize: 2,800 GE + “Steam Snail” decal
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2935277289&searchtext=%23WTGuide2

“The Case for Vertical Targeting” - by Halfbeard
Prize: 2,600 GE + “Steam Snail” decal
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2926232650&searchtext=%23WTGuide2

Thank you so much for all your entries!


These guides were created in the War Thunder Community Hub Guide section - a place where the community helps the community. There are hundreds of guides on Steam, so if you’re a new player and wanting to learn the ropes, or a veteran who wants to pick up a tip, then give the guide section a visit!

Click here to visit the Guide section

Until next time!

Your screenshots from last week showcasing rank 1 vehicles were great! Hopefully the return to low tiers brought back nostalgia for veteran players, and new players could show off one of their favorite or most interesting vehicles. The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!


Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen57. You have time until 10.03.2023 to submit your screenshot.

After that date, 6 winners will be selected (3 of which will be the highest rated by the community and 3 selected by our judges), each of which receive a reward of 300GE.

Important addition: Screenshot theme - Sights at the Beach!

• This week, we would like to see your screenshots with a naval theme.
  
• Your screenshot must include any of the following: Amphibious tanks, hydroplanes, or planes operated by a country's navy. Ships and boats are acceptable as well!
  
• You must add the #WTscreen57 tag (title cannot have any other text in it).

[/b]

Screenshots need to be compliant with the War Thunder rules.

You need to be the author of the screenshot.

Screenshot needs to be new. You cannot use those which have previously been published or used in other competitions.

We will only accept raw screenshots from the game. You cannot use any editing software nor any other visual enhancements (like Nvidia Ansel filters).

You can use filters and settings built into War Thunder.

You can use the replay functionality built into War Thunder.

Rewards will be delivered to the author's account within 14 working days.

[/list]



https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2939685718
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2938606787
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2940834946

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2938635652
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2939600783
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2940628291

Each winner will get 300GE! Congratulations and see you next week!

A little sneak peek of the new visual and physical improvements in War Thunder aviation that will be introduced into the game with the upcoming Sky Guardians update!


We have improved the vapour cone effect that can be seen at transonic speed of the aircraft due to the local pressure gradient. Look how realistic it is now!


The game will have a new effect of the contrail left by the running aircraft engines, the new contrail is visually longer, more distinctable and “fluffy”. Another improved effect that every pilot is familiar with is the wingtip flow separation effect. It may be observed as a long vortex cord from the wingtips during manoeuvres. Physical turbulence has been added to these effects, which makes them more varied and authentic.


Beginning with the Sky Guardians update, we are introducing the mechanics of ejection seats for aviation of the later periods. This is a purely cosmetic effect, but beauty and authenticity are important components of the gameplay. So, the animation of the ejection seat operation includes a series of successive events: the cockpit canopy is torn off by pyrotechnic charges, the effect of the pilot's seat being ejected from the cockpit, after which the seat is disconnected from the pilot and the rescue parachute is triggered. At the time of the release of the update, the new mechanics will work for most rank VIII aircraft in the game.


Our designers also made a few enhancements to the visual and physical effects of damage to War Thunder planes. Visual effects of shrapnel damage were added to the impact area when aircraft surfaces were hit by proximity fuse munitions. Hit marks from small calibres (20mm and below) HE shells have been improved as well.

When an aircraft is on fire, you will now see dynamic effects of burning and tarnishing in the centre of the fire.

The effect of the aircraft's collision with the ground has also improved - now a physical effect of earth particles and dust thrown into the air appears at the collision area. This is how the new effects will look in the game.

The М53/59 Praga is a Czechoslovak wheeled SPAAG developed in the late 1950s on the chassis of the Praga V3S truck. Coming to War Thunder as part of the next major update , Praga will soon make its way to the Soviet ground forces tree and expand its roster of highly capable SPAA units!

Briefly: A Czech SPAAG based on a modified truck chassis and fitted with a twin 30 mm anti-aircraft turret.

Features:

• Powerful 30 mm cannons
  
• Magazine feed
  
• Good mobility
  
• Light protection

In War Thunder, М53/59 will be a new SPAA unit arriving to rank IV of the Soviet ground forces tree as part of the upcoming update “Sky Guardians”. Unlike the more advanced ZSU-57-2, the М53/59 isn’t fitted with high-caliber semi automatic cannons, but rather with a pair of 30 mm fully automatic cannons mounted on a highly responsive turret. Furthermore, its 30 mm cannons can be loaded with armor-piercing ammunition which possess ample penetrating power to present a serious threat to all but the most heavily protected opponents. However, being fed by magazines with just a 50 round capacity means that aspiring Praga commanders will have to count on frequently reloading in between engagements. Therefore be sure to anticipate this and always stay in close proximity of hard cover in order to facilitate a quick and safe reload.




Being based on the modified chassis of a proven truck design means that М53/59 can boast rather good mobility, even in off road conditions. The М53/59 can reach a top speed over 60 km/h on roads while seeing only a relatively small decrease in off-road conditions. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that despite its ruggedness, М53/59 is still a wheeled vehicle. As a result, very soft surfaces such as snow and mud will inevitably have a severe negative impact on its mobility - so best stay clear of them if you can!

In contrast to the original Praga truck it’s based on however, the М53/59 does feature some protection. Having its engine compartment and driver cabin encased in 10 mm of steel plating gives М53/59 sufficient protection when it comes to small arms fire and shrapnel. However, not only is this protection insufficient against targeted enemy fire but also the exposed turret in the rear of the vehicle is likely to be the first target the enemy will point its gun at. As a result, Praga can quickly be rendered ineffective or outright destroyed if commanders recklessly place their vehicle in the direct line of enemy fire.




The М53/59 will soon make its way to the higher ranks of the Soviet ground forces tree and will become available to all tankers following the release of the next major update “Sky Guardians”. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned and follow the news as we continue unveiling more of what the upcoming update has in store for you. Until then, happy hunting tankers!

An upgraded version of the menacing Phantom II multirole jet fighter will join the top ranks of the US air forces as a new Premium aircraft in the “Sky Guardians” update. Check the exclusive content available for pre-order pack owners!

The F-4S Phantom II fighter was developed as part of a modernization program launched in the United States in 1975 to extend the life of the F-4J fighter. Compared to its predecessor, the F-4S has significantly increased maneuverability and reduced landing and stall speeds. There are no internal guns installed, but it is possible to equip a container with a 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 gun. The suspended weaponry is presented by the AIM-7F or AIM-9H guided air-to-air missiles, Zuni Mk 32 or FFAR Mighty Mouse unguided rockets, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 pound caliber bombs and also 500-pound Mk 77 incendiary bombs. The countermeasures represented by chaff and flares.

Pre-order of the F-4S Phantom II will automatically add to your account a pile of Golden Eagles, Premium days and will grant access to exclusive game content after the Sky Guardian update released: the "The Devil's Disciple" title, insignia of the VF-301 Fighter Squadron of the United States Naval Reserve, as well as majestic navy blue livery for your Phantom!

Pre-order - F-4S Phantom II Pack

• F-4S Phantom II (Rank 7, USA)
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles
  
• Premium account for 20 days
  
• Pre-order bonus: "The Devil's Disciple" title
  
• Pre-order bonus: VF-301 Insignia decal
  
  
• Pre-order bonus: Unique 'Vandy 75' camouflage, U.S. Navy
  

All-weather multipurpose VTOL jet fighter Yak-141 will be the pinnacle of the Yakovlev fighter family in the Soviet tech tree with the upcoming “Sky Guardians” update!

Features:

• Supersonic
  
• Deadly air-to-air missiles
  
• VTOL capability
  
• Advanced electronics
  
• Lacks air-to-surface guided munitions

An experimental carrier-based multi-purpose V/STOL aircraft has been developed at the Yakovlev Design Bureau since the mid-1970s. The aircraft was designed as an advanced carrier-based aircraft to replace the Yak-38 with performance characteristics close to light fighters from the 4th generation. This jet fighter should become the standard carrier-based aircraft of the Soviet aircraft carriers, including carrier cruisers being designed and under construction. During development, the project has undergone many iterations, including fundamental changes in the aerodynamic schemes. Due to multiple issues and delays in the development of a power plant, the Yak-141 made its maiden flight only in March 1987, and deck tests on the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft-carrying cruiser began only at the end of 1991. Due to the economic crisis and lack of funding, the project was closed. The aircraft also did not arouse commercial interest among potential foreign operators. In total, four prototypes of the Yak-141 were built, including two flight ones, which are on display in two museums near Moscow.



The new Soviet carrier-based multi-role jet fighter Yak-141 (NATO reporting name “Freestyle”) , which will appear in the War Thunder “Sky Guardians” update, will become the most advanced V/STOL carrier-based aircraft of the USSR tech tree and the pinnacle of Yakovlev aircraft in the game. Vertical takeoff and landing, speed of about Mach 1.7, excellent air-to-air missiles and good ground attack capabilities are the main features of the new aircraft! And now a little more details.

VTOL aircraft are quite widely known in the game and are mastered by a large audience of pro pilots who find more and more new tactics due to the unique ability of changing the thrust vector. The common problem of such aircraft is the relatively low maximum speed, which at their ranks does not allow full-fledged competition with light and almost twice as fast opponents. Well, here comes the Yak-141! Possessing an excellent climb rate, this jump jet very quickly breaks the sonic barrier, and at high altitude is able to speed up over 1,800 km/h at minimal payloads. Add to this very sensitive controls, satisfying roll and turn speeds, a radar and a RWS… a winning formula for an interceptor, no?



But a top-tier interceptor cannot be good without effective missiles. Again, the Yak-141 is locked and loaded! The R-60 missiles for close combat and the R-27 family of medium-range missiles in three versions: the radar-guided R-27R, the thermal R-27T, as well as one of the best in the game R-27ER missiles are at your service. It's pleasant that there are four suspension points for air-to-air missiles, so the pilot can combine missiles of different ranges and different target acquisition principles. The GSh-30-1 rapid-firing cannon with a modest 120 rounds of ammunition will help in the snap-shoot face offs.

Since the Yak-141 was also supposed to provide fire support to the troops from the air, a rather high payload of conventional armaments could be suspended on the wings, from incendiary and HE bombs up to 500 kg, gun pods, to a variety of unguided rockets, including heavy S-24B . But there are no air-to-surface guided armaments here, so it is still better to choose the Yak-38 for hunting tanks in a hover.



The cockpits of the brand new Yak-141s will wide open their canopies for their pilots with the release of the “Sky Guardians” update very soon. Keep an eye on the Devblog series for the most interesting news about the patch. See you in the War Thunder skies!

Duguay-Trouin is the lead ship of her class of light cruisers built for the French navy in the years following the end of World War I. Being not only the first capital ship built by France in the postwar period, Duguay-Trouin will also be one of the first French vessels to arrive in War Thunder as part of the “Sky Guardians” major update!

Features:

• Powerful primary armament
  
• Excellent mobility
  
• Versatile secondary weapons
  
• Very light protection

In War Thunder, Duguay-Trouin will be one the first French bluewater vessels, available for early pre-order. Considered a cutting-edge warship for its time, striking a perfect combination of mobility and firepower, Duguay-Trouin will not only offer its aspiring captains a unique set of capabilities but also a sneak peak at the French naval forces, due to arrive in a future update!

Fun Fact: Upon commissioning, ships of the Duguay-Trouin class were the first cruisers in the world to feature a linearly distributed primary battery housed in superfiring turrets.

Despite being an early ‘treaty cruiser’, Duguay-Trouin can boast a rather formidable weapons arsenal, particularly highlighted by its four twin 6.1’’ (155 mm) turrets forming the primary battery. Arriving to War Thunder in its late WWII-era refit means that Duguay-Trouin will also pack an equally respectable number of secondary weapons. For instance, the ship comes fitted with four 75 mm dual purpose guns as well as up to six 40 mm Bofors and 20 20 mm Oerlikon cannons!



However, Duguay-Trouin is not only a very well armed light cruiser, it’s also an extremely agile one at that too! Being powered by four steam turbines, generating a combined power output of 102,000 horsepower, Duguay-Trouin is able to reach an excellent top speed of 33 kts (61 km/h). Shedding protection can be considered Duguay-Trouin’s achilles heel as the ship’s protection may as well be viewed as only symbolic. With only up to 30 mm of armor plating shielding some of the ship’s most vital components, Duguay-Trouin is vulnerable to even direct destroyer fire at everything but extreme engagement distances. As a result, aspiring commanders of this warship simply cannot afford to take any unnecessary risks and expose their ship to overwhelming enemy fire. Instead, a more sensible tactic would be to assist your allies in the advance and provide accurate fire support to sink hostile ships or down inbound enemy aircraft which dare to fly too close.



The light cruiser Duguay-Trouin is available as part of the early access pack for the open testing of the French navy in War Thunder, which we have planned for one of the updates following the “Sky Guardians”. The early access pack will also give you special pre-order bonuses, which are available only before the start of the OBT, and will also allow you to train several crews in vehicle slots so that when testing begins, you will have skilled sailors and officers! As a reminder, like the destroyer Aigle, the light cruiser Duguay-Trouin will have three respawns in the Arcade and Realistic battles before testing the French fleet begins.

• A bug has been fixed where zooming in the sniper sight might shift the crosshair.

• Harrier GR.7, Q-5 — a bug has been fixed where there might occur intersection of the player’s camera and the TIALD pod view (report).

• 100 sec delay before decreasing the team victory points has been revoked for cases when enemy players have no available respawns. This applied for all gaming modes, except for Enduring Confrontation and Assault mode.
  
• We have received multiple reports on players in Realistic aircraft battles, who stay on the airfield and try to earn experience by taking off and landing over and over again. Now, the take off reward can only be achieved once in 3 minutes. Let’s play fair and respect others.
  
• A bug has been fixed with the different bleed time of team points for a player outnumbered by an enemy team, or when in the vehicle respawn menu.
  
• A bug has been fixed where enemy artillery had no markers in air Assault mode.

• When completing a Battle Pass challenge, you will now see in the debriefing window the “Challenges” button for easily getting your reward.

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.