• F-16AJ — Missing ballistic calculator for cannon weaponry in the “air-to-air” mode has been fixed.
  
• Hunter F.58 — BR in RB has been changed from 9.7 to 9.3.
  
• A bug that caused the player to spawn in AB ground battles in an air strike with the UH-1B (Japan) without weaponry has been fixed.
  
• Kikka - A bug where in the X-Ray view the second Type 5 30mm cannon was missing has been fixed (report).
  
• Kurnass / Kurnass 2000 - A bug that allowed the creation of a weaponry preset with AIM-9G missile together with AIM-7 missile on the wingtip has been fixed.

• FlaRakRad — a bug has been fixed where the radar sector remained stationary while turning the turret.
  
• FlaRakRad - A client crash when measuring range with laser rangefinder has been fixed.
  
• FlaRakRad, ITO 90M - A bug with missing ammo in X-Ray view has been fixed.

• A bug that caused second team fighters to not respawn correctly in missions of the type [Operation] has been fixed.

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.

It’s the first and the most important spring holiday! On this day we’d like to extend congratulations to all women of the world. We wish you to always be surrounded by your loved ones, for a smile to never leave your lips, and for all your wishes to come true.

Celebrate this holiday with us in War Thunder!





“Bomber Belle” 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 → International Women’s Day.

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

The first units for the French naval tree, new and updated graphical effects and data structure optimization along with ejection seats for selected modern jets. Amongst the 43 new as well as updated vehicle models, one can't help but mention the real behemoth - the Char 2C, the agile AH-6M "Little Bird" helicopter or the first French light cruiser; Duguay-Trouin! In addition to all this, the winter version of the location "Seversk", a new location for fans of avionics - Pyrenees, and as always, many improvements and fixes! Let's welcome the "Sky Guardians" update!

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

Each nation will be enriched with a new machine! Among them, the iconic in some circles "little tank", the Sd.Kfz.222 (in versions for Germany and China!), heavy tanks like T1E1, Char 2C or Churchill NA75 and the long-awaited Italian Ariete AMV PT1!




18 new and updated aircraft, among them the unique Yak-141, refreshed models of the huge Lancasters and the long-awaited MiG-29 for the German tree and a special version of the F-16 for Japan!




Don't let the AH-6M "Little Bird"'s apparel fool you! In the right hands, this bird will be a terror on the battlefields!



10 new naval vessels are coming, among them the mighty USS Nevada and the heralded long-awaited French ships MN Aigle and Duguay-Trouin!




Pilots should be delighted! Ejection seats, an updated steam cone effect, new contrail and flow separation effects and updated damage effects are already waiting for you.


The new file structure will speed up the installation of updates on your computers and consoles, as well as reduce the size of download files! To switch to the new file structure, you will need to re-download about 16 GB of data. More details

• A winter version of the location "Seversk" has been added
  
• Added a new Pyrenees aviation location.
  
• [Ground Strike] “Mountain Valleys” in new location Pyrenees.
  
• Ground Strike in location Sinai in two versions: beginners and the standard version.

Download the update and join the battle!

• F-4S (Pack)
  
• F-16A ADF (improved model)

• MiG-29A
  
• Hunter F.58 (squadron vehicle)

• Yak-141
  
• Krasnolutsky’s I-15bis (Premium)

• Tornado F.3
  
• Beaufighter Mk.VIc (updated model)
  
• Beaufighter Mk.X (updated model)
  
• Beaufighter Mk.21 (updated model)
  
• Lancaster Mk.I (updated model)
  
• Lancaster Mk.III (updated model)

• F-16AJ

• F-84G-31-RE (Premium)

• F-16A ADF (improved model)
  
• P-47D-30
  
• Ro.44

• Kurnass 2000

• T1E1

• T-72M1
  
• Sd.Kfz.222

• Pantsir-S1
  
• M53/59

• Challenger 2E
  
• Churchill NA75

• Type 16 First Production Serie (FPS) (Pack)

• ZTS63
  
• Sd.Kfz.222

• Ariete AMV PT1

• Char 2C

• ItPsV 90

• Merkava 4 LIC

• AH-6M

• USS Des Moines (Pack)
  
• USS Nevada

• Pfeil

• MPK 204

• HMS Whitby (Premium)
  
• HMCS Terra Nova

• IJN Nenohi (Premium)

• RN Duilio

• MN Aigle (Pack)
  
• Duguay-Trouin (Pack)

• A winter version of the location "Seversk" has been added.
  
• Winter versions of the “Ardennes” and “Maginot Line” locations have been added to the rotation.
  
• Added a new Pyrenees aviation location.
  
• [Ground Strike] “Mountain Valleys” in new location Pyrenees.
  
• Ground Strike in location Sinai in two versions: beginners and the standard version.
  
• Several new RB missions for aircraft:
  
  • [Operation] Vietnam
    
  • [Operation] Sinai
    
  • [Operation] Ladoga. Winter 1941
    
  • [Operation] Moscow
    
  • [Operation] Pyrenees — in new location

• A few missions have a new layout of airfields designed for high rank battles. The airfields are located at 46 km from the mission’s centre (might be changed after collecting statistics and players feedback):
  
  • [Operation] Golan Heights
    
  • [Operation] Vietnam
    
  • [Operation] Sinai
    
  • [Operation] Moscow
    
  • [Operation] Pyrenees
• Changes have been made to the respawn points in naval missions. The distance between them has increased. The points themselves are formed into columns instead of rows. The movement direction has been changed to be more advantageous to the player and for quicker battle start. Changes have appeared in the following missions:
  
  • Fiji
    
  • [Domination] African Gulf
    
  • Green mountains gulf
    
  • Fuego islands
    
  • Palau islands
    
  • [Domination] Aleutian Islands
    
    • Changes to the naval mission Fuego islands (Domination (boats)):
  • Combat zone has been reduced
    
  • Western small fleet respawn points of both teams have been shifted eastwards to the line of the point “A” capture point.

• New aircraft mission in the location “Sinai”.
  
• Anti-aircraft units on airfields now recover from death every 10 minutes (individual timer for each anti-aircraft unit starting from the moment the anti-aircraft unit is destroyed).

• Ariete, Ariete PSO — CL3142 round has been changed to DM53.
  
• M13, M16 (all) — a bug has been fixed which prevented detonation/ignition of the ammo rack on a hit.
  
• Type 63 - Maximum engine RPM has been changed from 2100 to 2000 rpm. The mass of the tank has been changed from 18700 to 18400 kg. Sight magnification has been changed from fixed 4х to variable 3.5-7х. Source: 合成军队指挥手册 1980 (Combined Army Command Manual, 1980) // 水中蛟龙——中国63式水陆坦克 // 六三式水陆坦克武器构造与使用 - 中国人民解放军装甲兵司令部 - 1977年10月
  
• Type 62 (all) - The mass of the tank has been changed from 20500 to 21000 kg. Engine power has been changed from 500 to 430 hp. Source: 《六二式轻型坦克构造与使用》, Type 62 manual
  
• Type 59, ZTZ59A - The mass of the tank has been changed from 35500 to 36000 kg. Source.
  
• AMX-13 (all) - The mass of the tank has been changed from 14700 to 14500 kg. Source.
  
• AMX-13 (SS.11), AMX-13 (HOT) - The mass of the tank has been changed from 15500 to 15000 kg. Source.
  
• AMX-13-90 - The mass of the tank has been changed from 15500 to 14500 kg. Source.
  
• AMX-13 DCA - Horizontal guidance speed has been changed from 30 to 90 degrees per second, vertical guidance speed has been changed from 30 to 45 degrees per second. Source.
  
• AMX-50 (TO90/930) - The mass of the tank has been changed from 52000 to 46100 kg. Source.
  
• EBR (1963) - The mass of the tank has been changed from 13500 to 12360 kg. Source.
  
• Leopard 2A4 (PzBtl.123) - The camouflage net is now a modification that can be removed or installed.
  
• Sho’t Kal Alef - The mass of the tank has been changed from 56000 to 51800 kg. Source.
  
• Sho’t Kal Dalet - The model has been refined, in particular the gunner's sighting instruments have been changed. Thermal imager has been added for the gunner. BR in all game modes has been changed to 8.7.
  
• M13/40 (I) - The angle of inclination of the gun has been changed from -15 to -10 and the angle of elevation has been changed from 25 to 20 degrees. Source: Ansaldo-Fiat Carro armato tipo M 13-40 manual.
  
• PGZ-09 — ammo capacity has been increased from 440 to 480 rounds. Source.
  
• GAZ-AAA — gear ratios have been adjusted. Top speed increased from 45 to 65 km/h. Source.
  
• GAZ-MM — gear ratios have been adjusted. Top speed increased from 45 to 70 km/h. Source.
  
• Pbv 302 BILL — a bug has been fixed which caused damage to the engine when the vehicle was floating in water.
  
• Char 25t— gear ratios have been adjusted. Source.
  
• M41A1 (all) — turret traverse speed has been reduced from 36 to 24 deg./sec. Source.
  
• 152mm G-530 shell — this round is now considered as semi-AP and calculated by the corresponding formula. Max armour piercing value reduced from 95 to 69 mm.
  
• A-IX-1 explosive — incorrect TNT equivalent has been reduced from 1,54 to 1,25. Source: GICHD (Feb 2017), Explosive weapon effects – final report, GICHD, Geneva // 《轻武器设计参考资料》 References of Small Arms Design，Institute No. 208, 1975
  
• T54E1 — reverse speed has been reduced from 11,5 to 8,4 km/h. Source.
  
• M4A3 (76) W (Japan) — overestimated weight has been corrected that previously included additional track plating that the Japanese version doesn’t have. Overall weight has been reduced from 32,9 to 32,2 tons.
  
• SU-57 — Crew has been reduced from 5 to 4. Source: 57-мм. самоходное орудие СУ-57. Руководство службы (1944).
  
• Strv 105 — gear ratios have been adjusted in accordance to other vehicles with the CD-850 transmission. Source.
  
• Type 63-I — speed in water has been increased from 10 to 11,7 km/h. Source.
  
• T-34-100 — ammo capacity has been reduced from 50 to 30 rounds. Source: Боевые машины Уралвагонзавода. Танк Т-34 by Устьянцев С. В., Колмаков Д. Г // Отечественные бронированные машины. ХХ век. 1941-1945 by Солянкин А.Г., Павлов М.В., Павлов И.В., Желтов И.Т.
  
• LAV-AD — speed in water has been increased from 6,4 to 10 km/h. Source
  
• AFT-09 — elevation rate of the missile launcher has been increased from 5 to 10 deg./sec, traverse rate reduced from 30 to 15 deg./sec. Source.
  
• Chieftain Marksman — laser rangefinder has been added. Source: GEC-Marconi "Marksman Anti Aircraft Gun Turret"
  
• Penetration values of the APDS rounds now use modified Jacob De Marre’s formula.
  
• Hardmetal APDS rounds with compact penetration nose tip now feature own slope effects: 37mm slpprj m/49, 75mm slpprj m/49, 76mm M331A2, 76mm Shot SV Mk.1, 83mm Shot Mk.3, 105mm T279, 120mm Shot L1G.
  
• Penetration values of the XM578E1 now use the L-O equation.
  
• SPAAG and SAM vehicles now have their tracking radar unfolded when the search radar is folded in order to be able to track the target.
  
• A universal template of the fragments formation is now used for 20-47mm HE fragmentation rounds. Fixed cases where the projectile could deal significantly lower fragmentation damage than its counterparts with the same amount of explosives. (report 1, report 2 report 3, report 3)
  
• 9М311, VT-1 missiles - transferred to a new more accurate physical model.

• 12.7mm FN HMP400 LCC gun pod — weight has been reduced.
  
  • A129CBT, A-129 International (p): from 219 kg to 89,4 kg.
    
  • BO 105 CB-2, BO 105 PAH-1, BO 105 PAH-1A1: from 558 kg to 178,8 kg (x2).
    
  • EC-665 Tiger UHT: from 178.4 to 89,4 kg.
• 12.7mm FN RMP LC gun pod — weight and ammo capacity has been reduced:
  
• A.109EOA-2 — weight: from 363,1 kg to 241,2 kg;
  
• A129CBT, A-129 International (p) — weight: from 280 kg to 120,6 kg; ammo: from 400 to 250 rounds;
  
• BO 105 CB-2, BO 105 PAH-1, BO 105 PAH-1A1 — weight from 679,6 kg to 241,2 kg; ammo: from 800 to 500 rounds;
  
• EC-665 Tiger UHT — weight: from 270.6 kg to 120,6 kg; ammo from 400 to 250 rounds.
  
• 30mm DEFA 553 cannon — round velocity has been increased to 820 m/sec.
  
• AB 205 A-1 — SNEB type 23 rockets have been changed to FFAR Mighty Mouse.
  
• B-29 — 4х4,000 lb AN-M56 bombs have been added.
  
• Beaufighter Mk.VIc — 250 and 500 lb bombs have been added with corresponding modification. EFS modification has been moved from tier 4 to 3. TSC mk.II modification moved from tier 2 to 1.
  
• Beaufighter Mk.X — 250, 500 and 1,000 lb bombs with corresponding modifications have been added. EFC modification has been moved from tier 4 to 3 to the “Vitality” section. Modification TSC mk.II moved from tier 3 to 1; modification RSC mk.II moved from tier 4 to 3 and doesn't require modification TSC mk.II.
  
• Beaufighter Mk.21 — 250, 500 and 1,000 lb bombs with corresponding modifications have been added.Modification RSC mk.II moved from tier 4 to 3 and doesn't require modification TSC mk.II.
  
• Canberra B(I). Mk.6, Canberra B.Mk.2 — bombs in the GP series have been changed to MC.
  
• F-80C-10 — 1,000 lb AN-M65A1, 500 lb AN-M64A1, and 250 lb AN-M57 bombs have been added, as well as the Мк 78 fuel pod.
  
• J-8B — a ballistic computer for bombs and rockets has been added.
  
• Lancaster B.Mk III, Lancaster B.Mk I — 8,000 lb HC Mk II and 12,000 lb HC Mk.II bombs have been added. 1х 8,000 lb HC Mk II and 6х 500 lb GP Mk.IV bomb setups added. 2х 4,000 lb bomb setup removed.
  
• MiG-23MLA — a bug has been fixed due to which the GSh-23L cannons were missing in the X-Ray view.
  
• Mirage 2000D-R1 - A gunpod has been added.
  
• Mirage 2000C-S5 — 30mm DEFA 554 ammo capacity has been reduced from 270 to 250 rounds.
  
• Sa.341F Gazelle — GIAT M.621 ammo capacity has been reduced from 1,000 to 240 rounds.
  
• Wfr.Gr.21 rockets — separate rocket fire has been added for all aircraft.
  
• Tu-2 (all series) — secondary armament has been updated, new bombs have been added, the total payload increased to 3 tons.
  
• Tu-14T — localization of bombs, torpedoes and pylons have been fixed. The number of bombs in the bomb setups has been adjusted to:
  
  • FAB-250М-46: from 8 to 12;
    
  • FAB-500М-46 from 4 to 6;
    
  • FAB-1000 from 2 to 1;
    
  • FAB-1500М-46 from 1 to 2.
• AHS — free setup of 4xHellfire ATGM has been added.
  
• Bf 109G-6 — a bug has been fixed where the 30mm Мк 108 cannon was displayed in the xray mode instead of the 20mm MG 151 cannon (report).
  
• F1 — RWS has been changed from AN/APR-25 to J/APR-3.
  
• F-4EJ Phantom II — RWS has been changed from AN/APR-25 to J/APR-2.
  
• F-4EJ Kai Phantom II — RWS has been changed from AN/APR-25 to J/APR-6.
  
• F-104J — RWS has been changed from AN/APR-25 to J/APR-1.
  
• Ju 87 D-5, Ju 87 D-3, Ju 87 G-1, Ju 87 G-2 — turret targeting angles have been adjusted: elevation from -20/+70 deg to -15/+80 deg, traverse from -60/+60 to -70/+70 deg.
  
• Harrier Gr.1/Gr.3 — a bug has been fixed with a visually detached bomb pod on the right wing in the 4x1,000 lb bomb setup.
  
• EC-665 Tiger (all series) — countermeasures capacity has been increased from 60 to 64.
  
• Tornado (all series) — a free setup of 4x1,000 lb bombs has been added.
  
• I-185 (М-71), I-185 (М-82) — fuel tank inerting system has been added.
  
• IL-28 (all versions) — armour of the rear glass has been increased from 102 to 106 mm.
  
• Mi-24V — a missing modification required to unlock the UPK-23-250 pods has been restored.
  
• MiG-29A — position of the retrospect mirrors in the cockpit have been fixed. Close air combat mode has been added to the HUD.
  
• Mi-28A — nighttime lock-on target has been disabled.
  
• Reverse throttle of the jet engine has been added to the multifunctional menu.

• AB-205 A-1
  
• B-57B
  
• Brigand B 1
  
• F-80C-10
  
• F-84B-26
  
• F-84G-21-RE
  
• F-84G-26-RE
  
• G-Lynx
  
• Lynx
  
• Sk-60B
  
• Saab A32A
  
• Saab B18B
  
• Saab T18B
  
• Saab T18B (57)
  
• Saab J32B
  
• SAAB-105G
  
• SAAB-105OE
  
• UH-1B
  
• UH-1C
  
• UH-1CXM-30
  
• UH-1D
  
• IL-10
  
• IL-10 (1946)
  
• IL-28Sh
  
• Ka-29
  
• Tu-2
  
• Tu-2S
  
• Tu-2S-44
  
• Tu-2S-59

• Aerea 559G1 — Incendiary bombs have been added for Fiat G91 series.
  
• Brandbomb m/58 — Incendiary bomb has been added for A32A.
  
• FLAMM C 250/ FLAMM C 500 — New incendiary bomb has been added for Bf-109, Fw 190, Ju 87, He 111, He 177, Ju 88 series.
  
• 380l Mk2 — New incendiary bombs have been added for M.D.450B Ouragan, Mystere IVA, Super Mystere B2 Sambad, Super Mystere B2 Sa'ar series.
  
• MK77 Mod 4 — New incendiary bombs have been added for AV-8A, AV-8C, Harrier Gr.1.
  
• Mk78 Mod 2 — New incendiary bombs have been added for F-80C-10, P-63C-5 (France), P-51D-30, P-51H-5-NA, AD-2, AD-4 (all series).
  
• Mk 79 Mod 0 — New incendiary bomb has been added for A-4B.
  
• M116A2 — Incendiary bombs have been added for F8F-1B (France), F-100A (China).

• Su-2 (all modifications), Er-2 (all modifications), DB-3 (all modifications) — Engine fire extinguishing systems have been added.
  
• BF 110 (all modifications) — The effect of rebalancing the aircraft at full engine thrust has been refined (on full control, you can see a slight nose down pull). The operation of the propeller group at low and medium speeds has been refined. Easier exit from a dive at low altitudes.
  
• Blenheim Mk.IV, B6N1, B7A2, Beaufort Mk.VIII, FW-200C — Fight model has been updated. Engine operating modes have been clarified. Distribution of fuel in tanks has been adjusted. Polars of wings, fuselage, empennage, and propeller blades have been recalculated and corrected. The plane’s behaviour during landing gear release has been corrected.
  
• F-16 (all versions) — Manoeuvring characteristics are close to reference diagrams, inductive drag at Mach 0.9-1.1 has been increased.
  
• MiG-29 9-13 — Longitudinal stability at low speeds has been decreased. Resting friction with fully applied brakes has been increased. Fuel tank capacity has been increased.
  
• DH.110 Sea Vixen — Climbrate and throttle response at low altitudes have been increased.
  
• Mirage F1C (all versions) — Engine thrust at supersonic speeds has been increased. Climbrate at sea level and at altitudes of 9-12 km at Mach 1.8-2.0 have been increased. Resting friction with fully applied brakes has been increased. Controllability has been improved.
  
• MD.500 TOW — Fuselage moments of inertia have been reduced, control has been improved, the probability of the main rotor stalling when braking sideways with a large bank has been reduced, the horizon hold mode has been added to SCAS.

• Limbo mortar guidance mechanism on British modern frigates has been redesigned.
  
• Karl Galster, Geniere - A bug that caused autocannons to fire when main calibre turrets and auxiliary armament firing function was active with one button has been fixed.

• The need for sequential research of modifications for improved anti-aircraft, auxiliary artillery and main calibre turrets has been removed. They can now be researched in any order once the appropriate level of modifications becomes available.

• USS Newport News (CA-148) — the position of the ship's internal modules have been fixed: magazines, plotting room, radio room. The armour scheme has been corrected: the thickness of the armour of the main calibre turrets and barbettes; anti-fragmentation bulkheads in barbettes and behind traverses have been added; the thickness and shape of the internal armoured bulkheads and plates of the armoured belt have been fixed; thickness of armour deck and conning tower has been fixed.
  
• HMS Glorious — Position of the ammunition of the main calibre bow turret has been fixed.
  
• Z-47 — Position of the ammunition magazines and radio room has been corrected.
  
• RN Duca delgi Abruzzi — a bug where the armour crossed the ammunition magazines on the bow has been fixed.
  
• USS Brooklyn, USS Cleveland — armour of the floor for the conning tower has been added.
  
• MBK Pr.186 — the gap between the deck armour and the port side has been removed.

• Pr.206 — Boat commander’s position and the issue where his hands crossed the superstructure have been fixed.
  
• Pr.206-M — The position of the officer and sailors on the boat has been fixed.
  
• Pr.7 "Besposhchadny" — Rangefinder direction has been fixed.

• Ryany — Displaying the 3rd funnel in the X-Ray view has been fixed.
  
• Various tutorial hints about settings and navigating through the interface have been added to naval battles and the hangar. All new hints either have a limited number for display or will be disabled after the player has followed them.

• Tutorial elements in naval battles have been expanded:
  
  • The control help screen (F1) has been redesigned, relevant elements of it have been added, the mechanics of aiming and firing have been described.
    
  • The loading screen for the first battles with a description of mission objectives and tasks has been added.
    
  • Interface and navigation hints for new players have been added to the ship’s hangar.
• The function of automatic circling flight has been added to ship seaplanes

• Zhukovsky's I-153-M62 — Price in Golden Eagles has been changed to 400.
  
• Krasnolutsky's I-15bis — Instead of the Zhukovsky's I-153-M62 this aircraft has been added as a gift premium aircraft for the first battle for Soviet aviation. Zhukovsky's I-153-M62 will remain with those who have already received this aircraft and will be available for purchase for GE as the Krasnolutsky's I-15bis.
  
• VEAK-40 — Has been moved from rank V to rank VI.
  
• Research and purchase costs for USS Wyoming have been changed: RP - 320.000 => 220.000, SL 790.000 =>610.000

• Winter camouflage for Chinese ground vehicles has been refined.
  
• Additional camouflages for all cruisers and battleships have been added.
  
• Two-coloured camouflages for modern British vehicles have been refined. The shape of patches has been corrected and colour correction has been made.
  
• F-16A ADF (Italy) — Additional camouflages available for completing tasks and for GE have been added.
  
• Lancaster Mk3 — Additional camouflage available for completing tasks and for GE has been added.

• Button for control of the available missile/bombing weaponry with displaying of the control key used for that weaponry and the amount of the weapons has been added to the aircraft action panel in air and ground battles (in AB and custom battles).
  
• Colour indications of modules of different types have been added for view mode of internal modules of the vehicle in the hangar.
  
• In aircraft and helicopter HUD colours of all types of sights (missile, cannon, bomb) depend on the option of the sight colour selected in the settings of the corresponding type of vehicle.
  
• When selecting the control preset in the control settings help/hint will be shown for it.
  
• Information about the type of ammo which has been used to hit players has been added to the in-game kill log.
  
• Possibility to fine tune the hit indicator (markers at hit screen edges) of the player's tank has been added. You can change the indicator type - simplified or extended, its size, display time and position on the screen. These settings can be found in the “combat settings” for ground vehicles.

• Added the mechanics of emergency systems for leaving an aircraft - ejection.
  
  • A-10A (all versions)
    
  • F-4S
    
  • F-4EJ Kai
    
  • F-16 (all versions)
    
  • MiG-29 (all versions)
    
  • MiG-23MLD
    
  • MiG-23MLA
    
  • MiG-27K
    
  • Hunter F.58
    
  • Tornado F.3
    
  • Kurnass 2000
• Ballistic lead indicator system output on the Head-Up Displays (HUD) has been added for the aircraft’s cannon armament systems. The system has been added for following aircraft:
  
  • МiG-29 (all versions)
    
  • Mirage 2000 (all versions)
    
  • F-16 (all versions)
    
  • Tornado (all versions)
    
  • F-4S
    
  • F-4EJ Kai
    
  • AJ-37
    
  • AJ-37D
• Ballistic lead indicator system has been added for the cannon weaponry for the 3rd person view when an aircraft’s sensors capture a target. The system is available on the same aircraft that have instrumental lead on the HUD. Old lead system similar to the SPAAG indication has been disabled in AB. For shooting you need to point the moving cannon marker at the captured target.

• Hungarian localization has been added

• Prandtl-Glauert visual effect when crossing the sound barrier has been updated.
  
• Visual effect of the aircraft collision with ground with the appearance of the ground and dust effect from the aircraft impact has been added.
  
• Visual effect of aircraft condensation footprint has been added.
  
• Visual shrapnel damage of the aircraft when hit by non-contact fuzed ammunition have been added.
  
• Hit decals on aircraft have been updated for the HE shells of the calibre of 20mm and above.
  
• Dynamic burn traces of aircraft surfaces in the places of fires have been added.
  
• All exhaust effects on tanks and naval vessels have been updated.
  
• The influence of turbulence on the effect of stalling on the flow from the wing of the aircraft has been added.

• The firing sounds of automatic aircraft cannons have been reworked. The sounds have become brighter and clearer.
  
• New sounds of object destruction on the maps for tank battles have been created. The goal is to create a more natural and pleasant sound.
  
• New sounds for buildings and structures collapsing which better match the mechanism of their destruction have been created.
  
• New sounds of collisions of the player's ground vehicles with various materials (stone, concrete, brick, wood, metal) have been created.
  
• The F-16 series aircraft received a sound design for the mechanisation of nozzles.
  
• Sounds of thrust vector change mechanisms for vertical take-off and landing aircraft have been created.
  
• T-64 series tanks have new engine sounds closer to the real sounds.

The Swiss version of the iconic British Hawker Hunter jet fighter, melding air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles. The Hunter, versatile like never before, will be yours for free for squadron activity points!

Features:

• Air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles
  
• Good manoeuvrability at high speed
  
• Countermeasures

A new squadron vehicle that will hit the hangar pads in the next major update is an export Swiss version of the Hawker Hunter jet fighter as part of the German tech tree with unique weapons and a special camouflage. In addition to the long-awaited countermeasures, the pilots will have access to the air-to-air missiles, as well as export modification of the air-to-surface missiles to destroy ground targets.

The flight performance of the new fighter is generally similar to the British Hunter FGA.9: it is a subsonic aircraft with a mediocre rate of climb. The pros of the Hunter F.58 include a fairly high flutter limit, low energy bleed and good manoeuvrability at higher speeds, which is quite rare for early jets.




The main of the Hunter F.58 is the armament. Pilots will have access to Flz Lwf 63/80 air-to-air missiles ( AIM-9P3 Sidewinder), which exceeds experimental SRAAM missiles in acquisition and flight distances, as well as tracking speed. Also, the new Hunter is capable of delivering more air-to-surface goodness too: conventional and incendiary bombs and unguided rockets are supplemented by the AGM-65B Maverick missiles (known here as the Flz Lwf LB 82).




Look for the Hunter F.58 in the list of available squadron vehicles with the release of the first major War Thunder update this year very soon! Like all other unique squadron vehicles, this aircraft can be obtained completely free of charge, for Squadron activity points, as well as for Golden Eagles.

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!