The YP-38, a prototype of the American heavy two engine fighter Lockheed P-38 Lightning, took to the skies for the first time on September 17th, 1940. The P-38 was the only aircraft that was mass produced in the US throughout the entire World War II. It was actively used as a fighter on the Pacific Theatre, and also did a lot of reconnaissance over Europe.


When: From September 15th (11:00 GMT) until September 18th (11:00 GMT).

About the aircraft

• Thanks to its good climb rate, the YP-38 is best suited for boom ‘n’ zoom attacks, and its 37 mm frontal cannon can demolish a wing or a fuselage of an enemy aircraft in a single hit!

A special version of the already well-known Leclerc MBT! The AZUR variant is fitted for urban combat environments, and will be coming to the French ground forces tree at the end of the Leclerc MBT line in the Sons of Attila major update!


Features:

• ERA protection on the hull sides.
  
• Shaped charge protection around the engine compartment.
  
• Roof-mounted 7.62 machine gun.

In the upcoming “Sons of Atilla” major update, the imposing Leclerc AZUR tank will be at the top of the MBT line in the French ground research tree. What does this vehicle have to offer? Just like the recently announced Leopard 2 PSO for Germany, the AZUR was developed specifically for urban combat. Let’s dive into the details!




Urban combat involves close-range engagements with the use of anti-tank missiles that are used by infantry. Therefore, tanks that fight in these areas must have adequate protection from enemy infantry at close ranges as well as good visibility in tight areas. Based on these requirements, the AZUR kit for the Leclerc was developed. Comparing it to the S2 version that you may already be familiar with, the Leclerc AZUR receives additional protection on the side of the hull in the form of ERA blocks, and cage armor to protect the rear mounted engine from shaped charge ammunition. In addition to that, there is a handy little 7.62 mm remote-controlled machine gun on the roof turret!




The addition of this extra protection means that you’ll have an increase in defense against shaped charged rounds, such as HEAT-FS. Aside from that, the Leclerc AZUR still retains its powerful main advantages — good protection at the front and sides of the turret, good mobility and an accurate and powerful 120 mm gun with an autoloader. And that’s not all — the ammunition that can be carried is also the same as the already formidable Leclercs, which includes HEAT-FS as well as two APFSDS rounds. The best round has a base penetration value of over 570 mm!




This notable addition of the Leclerc AZUR will be waiting for you in the French ground research tree, and will arrive very soon as part of the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update. Until then, enjoy your matches and see you soon!

Today, we’re going to tell you about the work that we have been doing to improve Radar Warning Receivers (RWR)! These improvements will come to the game very soon in the next major update, “Sons of Attila”!

Radar Warning Receivers are an important part of aircraft that are located in the higher ranks of planes and helicopters. We’ve collected a lot of feedback from you, as well as suggestions and wishes in regards to RWR, and as a result we’ve undertaken a vast amount of work to drastically improve this part of the game.

In general terms, the improvement of RWR (Radar Warning Receiver) was aimed at effectively replicating the functionality of various individual RWR systems. In Realistic and Simulator modes, RWRs now have detectable frequency ranges, while some older RWRs lost the ability to distinguish tracking mode from simple illumination; some RWRs no longer differentiate between pulse-Doppler and pulse radar signals.

Depending on the RWR model, targets are identified in a different way, depending on signal types and carrier types, up to full identification of the radar carrier based on database information. The most advanced RWRs are even capable of detecting launches of missiles with semi-active warheads, as well as anti-aircraft missiles in "silent" mode, i.e., with a SAM's radar turned off, based on the radio commands sent to the missile en route to the target.

Now, let's go into a bit more detail!

Important note! — All of these current lists and operating particulars are not final, and all may be expanded and further clarified in the near future.

For each RWR model in the game, we have set up an actual range of operating frequencies. Therefore, the success of detecting radar emissions is now dependent on whether the frequency range of the RWR overlaps with the radar's operating frequency. It's very easy to find out the radar's working frequency range — they are displayed in X-ray mode in the hangar when you hover the cursor over the pilot figure. This aspect of the RWR's frequency range is only relevant in RB and SB modes; in AB mode, all RWRs are still capable of detecting all emission frequencies from all radars. Below you will find a list of radar warning stations and examples of aircraft on which they are used, indicating the working frequency ranges. For convenience, we will be using Western frequency range classification (bands).




SPO-2 (Su-7B): I-band
SPO-10 (MiG-21SMT): H-J bands
SPO-15 (MiG-29): G-I bands
Detecteur (Mirage IIIE): I-J band
f95 (Saab A32): I-band
APP-27 (AJ37): E-J bands
APP-73 (JA37): I-J bands
AN/APR-25 (F-4C), AN/APR-36 (A-4E): E, G, I bands
AN/ALR-45 (F-14A): E-J bands
AN/ALR-46 (F-4E): E-J bands
AN/ALQ-73 (F-104S ASA): I-J bands
AN/ALR-56M (F-16A): E-J bands
AN/ALR-67 (F-14B), AN/ALR-69 (A-10A): C-J bands
ARI 18241-1 (Tornado ADV): C-J bands
AN/APR-39 (AH-64A/D): C-M bands


Some older warning stations will now be unable to detect the target tracking mode of the radar. The target will be constantly displayed on the indicator but will no longer feature a dashed line or a special continuous audio signal. For more modern RWRs, the active tracking mode will still be indicated by a dashed line from the center of the indicator to the source of the emission, with a “TRACK” message appearing above the indicator.



List of stations that have lost the ability to detect tracking mode:

SPO-2 (Su-7B)
SPO Mirage IIIE
f95 (Saab A32)
APP-73 (JA37)
AN/APR-25 (F-4C)
AN/APR-36 (A-4E)
AN/ALR-45 (F-14A)


Depending on the generation, some stations don’t have the ability to detect pulse-Doppler signals. Now, in Simulator mode, a number of older RWRs have also lost the ability to detect pulse-Doppler signals. In Realistic and Arcade modes, stations will not be able to directly identify such radars but will still be able to detect them.




A pilot is warned about the pulse-Doppler signal and its direction.

Here is a list of such stations:

SPO-2 (Su-7B)
SPO-10 (MiG-21SMT)
SPO Mirage IIIE
f95 (Saab A32)
AN/APR-25 (F-4C)
AN/APR-36 (A-4E)
AN/ALR-45 (F-14A)
AN/ALQ-73 (F-104S ASA).




Simple Radar Warning Receivers previously only provided the direction to the signal source each time it was detected. A marker would appear upon signal detection and soon disappear. For more advanced stations, such as the AN/ALR-46 (F-4E), AN/ALR-56M (F-16A), AN/ALR-67 (F-14B), ARI 18241-1 (Tornado ADV) and AN/APR-39 (AH-64A/D), we recreated tracking for each source and its relative movement on the indicator, with the marker constantly present on the display. When a new target is detected, its marker will be circled.


In reality, some RWRs can, to some extent, identify radar carriers. This capability also depends on the generation and the specific model. For example, older models were completely devoid of identification capability. More modern RWRs through lamp indicators, allowed the opportunity to approximately identify different types of targets, although in situations where multiple targets were involved, it was very difficult to understand precisely which target was identified and in which direction. Finally, the most advanced RWRs can identify targets directly on the indicator. The pilot gets a complete picture of the battlefield, and to avoid overlapping markers in tight arrangements, they blink alternately. It should also be noted that two nearby radars in this case can be identified as one. In the game, depending on the RWR model, targets are identified differently: from signal types and carrier types to identifying specific carriers, for example:

AI (Air-to-Air) - Fighter
PD (Pulse Doppler) - Pulse Doppler Radars
A/D (Air Defense) - Air Defense System
SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile) - SAM System
AAA (Anti-Aircraft Artillery) - Anti-Aircraft Artillery

SPO-2 (Su-7B), SPO-10 (MiG-21SMT), f95 (Saab A32).

AN/APR-25 (F-4C), AN/APR-36 (A-4E), AN/ALR-45 (F-14A), SPO-15 (MiG-29), APP-27 (AJ37), APP-73 (JA37), Detecteur (Mirage IIIE).

AN/ALR-46 (F-4E), AN/ALR-56M (F-16A), AN/ALR-67 (F-14B), ARI 18241-1 (Tornado ADV), AN/APR-39 (AH-64A/D).


Some RWRs can detect the activation of target illumination channels when a target is locked by radar and illuminated by continuous-wave or pulse-doppler signal for missiles with a semi-active radar seeker. RWRs can also detect radio command transmission for semi-automatic Surface-to-Air missiles like Roland variants, and "Volna," "Tor," "Tunguska" SAMs. Even if the Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) System operates in radio silence mode, meaning it tracks the target using optics and does not activate tracking radar, the RWR can detect commands sent to the anti-aircraft missile. RWR can also detect emissions from missile active radar seekers like the AIM-54. In the game, on aircraft with such advanced RWRs, pilots will see a blinking dashed line from the center in the direction of the radiation source with the text "LAUNCH" displayed above the indicator.


The F-16C is locked on by the MiG-29 radar.


The F-14A detects searching radar of enemy SPA.


The pilot is aware of an enemy Pantsir-S1 searching radar that is operating nearby.


The following can only detect the launch of the S-125, or the "Volna" SAM from the destroyer Bravy.

AN/APR-25 (F-4C)
AN/APR-36 (A-4E)
AN/ALR-45 (F-14A)

The SPO-15 model present on the MiG-29, can detect illumination for radar-guided missiles, such as those used by the F-4, MiG-29, F-16 and F-104 variants.

The following can detect illumination for radar-guided missiles, in addition to Roland SAMs of all variants, as well as "Volna," "Tor" and "Tunguska" missiles.

AN/ALR-46 (F-4E)
AN/ALR-56M (F-16A)
AN/ALR-67 (F-14B)
ARI 18241-1 (Tornado ADV)
AN/APR-39 (AH-64A/D)

The Super Etendard is a fast and maneuverable aircraft that can be configured for all types of combat: ground strikes as well as air combat. This interesting aircraft will appear in the French research tree in the upcoming “Sons of Atilla” major update!


Features:

• High-thrust, but non afterburning engine.
  
• Good maneuverability.
  
• Targeting system.
  
• Great arsenal.

The Super Etendard is an excellent new attack aircraft for France, featuring guided weapons which are an immensely useful addition! This aircraft is a modified version of the popular Etendard IVM, which you may be familiar with, and will appear in the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update. Let’s see what else it has to offer!




Developed as a modern carrier-based attack aircraft, the Super Etendard received some major improvements: these include a new radar as well as precision weapons. Thanks to the addition of the SNECMA ATAR 8K50 Power Plant, as well as having a low take-off weight, the Super Etendard is rather powerful, and therefore will become one of the fastest and most dynamic aircraft with a non-afterburning engine when it arrives in the game! Better yet, with its well-designed airframe, the Super Etendard is capable of withstanding very high speeds.




Diving into the main differences between the standard Etendard and the new Super Etendard, which is its expanded armament capability. Thanks to the addition of a targeting pod, the Super Etendard can use up to 4 x GBU-12 Paveway II bombs. In light of that, dropping these bombs from long distances is easy, thanks to the targeting pod’s excellent zoom and laser guidance. Moving onto air-to-air combat capability: instead of AIM-9B missiles, the Super Etendard features the Matra R550 Magic 1 missile, which you may be familiar with from the Mirage series: they are maneuverable and are excellent at short-range air combat encounters! In addition to that, the arsenal of unguided weapons — rockets and bombs — are controlled by a ballistic computer. Unlike the previous Etendard version, the Super Etendard can also carry countermeasures, having more than 200 in total. Besides that, the same guns remain in the form of 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons, which have no problem destroying lightly armored vehicles, but on the other hand, only have 125 rounds per gun.



The dynamic and easy to handle Super Etendard will be waiting for you in the French research tree in the upcoming “Sons of Attila major update. The update is coming soon, so keep an eye on the news!

Your screenshots were very nice! We enjoyed seeing your most favorite vehicles in the game. 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 #WTscreen84. You have time until 15.09.2023 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.

• Your screenshot must include a player vehicle and either the sun or the moon!
  
• You must add the #WTscreen84 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=3030085352
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3030166487
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3029811318

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3030543794
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3029533107
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3031599431

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

The MiG-29SMT multi-role jet fighter will arrive at the top of the line in the Soviet research tree. This highly advanced combat aircraft will appear in the next major update, “Sons of Attila”!


Features:

• Excellent performance.
  
• Advanced air-to-air missiles.
  
• Voice informer.
  
• Lacks thermal vision.

The new top of the line jet in the Soviet aviation research tree will please pilots with its advanced avionics, great missiles for air combat, and excellent flying capabilities. In the “Sons of Attila” major update, the MiG-29SMT will also be one of the first aircraft to feature a voice informer, known as “Rita”! Let’s take a look at the details.




The MiG-29SMT will certainly be a formidable force to fight with and against, as its capability in air and ground battles is superb. This variant does not have a separate sighting system for launching air-to-surface guided weapons, but does offer two new types of weaponry. These are the KAB-500Kr-E bombs, which have a television seeker that operate on the 'fire and forget' principle, as well as the Kh-29TD rockets that have a launch range of 35 km! Alongside this, you’ll be able to take traditional bombs, parachute retarded bombs, or incendiary bombs, as well as small, medium, S-8 and S-130 rockets into battle. Unguided weapons on the MiG-29SMT will be easy to use, thanks to markers from the ballistic computer, which precisely indicates where to release. Having said this, the MiG-29SMT lacks a thermal imager, which does make its CAS potential in ground battles a little lackluster comparatively.




However, the main purpose of the MiG-29SMT is: aerial combat! The maximum speed of this aircraft is about Mach 2, combined with a great climb rate and impressive maneuverability, making this a remarkable plane to fly. The air-to-air missiles on the MiG-29SMT are capable of being used at medium and beyond-visual ranges. Therefore, compared to the regular MiG-29 the R-60M is not available, but in its place is the formidable R-73. In addition, the MiG-29SMT can carry the R-27T, R-27R, R-27ER and also the R-27ET, which has a lock range in all aspect of 4.8km and a speed of 5.8 M. At gunfighting ranges, the MiG-29SMT also comes equipped with a GSh-30-1 30 mm cannon.



The MiG-29SMT will appear in War Thunder, very soon — as part of the “Sons of Attila” major update! That’s all for now, be sure to follow the rest of our dev blogs, where we’ll be showing more cool additions in the next update!

Armored and mechanized forces played a pivotal role in the USSR's victory in World War II. In their honor in 1946 a professional holiday of tankers and tank constructors was established. It is celebrated every second Sunday of September, commemorating the breakthrough of the Soviet armored forces during the East Carpathian Strategic Offensive that took place on September 11th, 1944.


To commemorate Tanker’s Day, Soviet heavy experimental tank KV-2 (ZiS-6) will be available for purchase for Golden Eagles from September 8th (13:00 GMT) until September 12th (07:00 GMT). It’s pretty impressive: six crew members, decent speed and passability, and, of course, the ZiS-6 gun with shells that easily pierce the enemy armor and do a lot of damage.





From September 8th (13:00 GMT) to September 12th (07:00 GMT), win 5 battles using USSR armored vehicles to receive the “Tank helmet with NVG” decoration.


“Tank helmet with NVG” decoration.

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 → Tankers’ Day.

You can find the decoration in the Decorators → Helmets tab in the Customisation menu.




From September 8th (13:00 GMT) to September 12th (07:00 GMT) play 3 battles with the KV-2 (ZiS-6) to get the special decal “Wiki Approved: KV-2 (ZiS-6)”.


“Wiki Approved: KV-2 (ZiS-6)”

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 → Tankers’ Day.

You can find the decoration in the Decorators → Helmets tab in the Customisation menu.

You can find the decal in the Decals → Other → Miscellaneous tab in the Customisation menu.

The KF41 is a cutting-edge IFV design developed by Rheinmetall in the mid 2010s in order to provide potential operators with a well protected combat vehicle. Soon, the KF41 will make its debut in War Thunder as part of the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update!

Briefly: The KF41 is one of Rheinmetall’s most innovative tracked combat vehicles and is currently in service with the Hungarian Armed Forces.


Features:

• Deadly 30mm autocannon.
  
• Spike-LR ATGMs.
  
• Superb mobility.
  
• Active protection system.

First, we’d like to let you know that we plan to introduce the KF41 in the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update for Hungary as they are the first (and currently only) operator of the vehicle. Its addition to the Hungarian line does not entirely rule out its future addition to the game in other forms, but for the Sons of Attilla update there are no plans to introduce a KF41 for Germany. The version coming to the game is the unique serial production for Hungary specifically. Germany still has a lot of potential vehicles left to add, with the possibility of some KF variants down the line. The main reason for its introduction this update is to be the main top of the line vehicle for the Hungarian subtree, as it's a unique production vehicle for them. The PUMA variant with Spikes is not the current model we have in game, and is again something that's possible in the future for Germany.




The KF41 comes equipped with a 30 mm MK 30-2/ABM autocannon, which some tank commanders may already recognize from the German Puma IFV. Infamous for its deadly ballistics and steady rate of fire, the MK 30-2 is a versatile weapon, capable of punching through enemy MBTs at close to medium distances but also downing hostile aircraft with the right ammunition loaded. Apart from the autocannon, the KF41 is also fitted with a Spike-LR missile launcher. As a result of the missile armament, the KF41’s anti-tank capabilities are boosted even further, being able to knock out even heavily armored opponents at long engagement distances with its tandem warhead ATGMs. Rounding off the KF41’s arsenal is a pair of machine guns, mounted coaxially as well as one mounted in a remote-controlled turret on the roof.




While heavily armed, the KF41 still retains signature characteristics of an IFV. Mobility is impressive, being able to reach speeds of 75 km/h under ideal conditions. Additionally, with a high power-to-weight ratio the KF41 can not only accelerate very quickly, but it can also navigate treacherous terrain with ease. As a result, commanders can easily perform flanking maneuvers or relocate at a moment’s notice if ground is being lost to the enemy.

Despite being an IFV, the KF41 features some serious protection which most of its opponents should pay close attention to. While the steel armor itself may only suffice for stopping autocannons and shrapnel from damaging the vehicle, its additional Rheinmetall ADS active protection system can effectively destroy incoming missiles. This coupled with the vehicle’s excellent additional features which include LWS and high quality thermal vision, significantly increase the odds of the KF41 surviving an attack which wasn’t initiated by itself.



The KF41 is arriving to War Thunder in the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update and will become the crowning jewel of the upcoming Hungarian ground forces subtree. In the meantime, make sure to stay tuned to the news so you don’t miss out on the latest developments for the upcoming major update. Until then, happy hunting tankers!

A new versatile attack helicopter that is coming to the “Sons of Attila” update will come to the game with two nations at once!


Features:

• Good maneuverability!
  
• AIM-92 ATAS air to air missiles.
  
• Guided weapons to use against ground targets.
  
• Light payload weight.
  
• Flares.

We’ve got good news for helicopter pilots! In the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update, the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior attack helicopter will be added to the US and Chinese helicopter research tree, at rank VI. Let’s take a look at the details of this interesting helicopter!




The OH-58D is a lightweight and versatile helicopter that is capable of engaging air and ground targets. This is thanks to the advanced avionics and guided weapons, with excellent thermal optics to complement these weapons. The speed of the OH-58D is, well, rather average, despite its light-weight — however, it’s certainly easy to maneuver around whilst flying and engaging enemy targets!




Due to the OH-58D’s original intended role as being a light-weight reconnaissance attack helicopter, it cannot carry a vast amount of weaponry, than, let’s say, the Apache. Despite this, at rank VI, you’ll still have an excellent choice of a variety of weapons to fit different combat situations that you might find yourself in. The OH-58D can carry up to 4 Stingers which are useful to destroy other helicopters, as well as 12.7 mm machine guns. In addition to this — only the US version — will be able to carry 7.62 machine guns, and a LR30 30 mm cannon, however this cannon will produce a large amount of “kick” while firing! Against ground targets, you’ll be able to use traditional Hydra rockets as well as APKWS II small guided missiles, but best of all, you’ll be able to carry up to 4 powerful Hellfire II ATGMs. The OH-58D also features flares and RWS, and a special jamming station, for defense against IR guided missiles, which will help you survive longer.



The advanced, agile and very capable OH-58D will be available in the helicopter research trees of the US and China in the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update and will be sure to pack a punch. Until then, check out the other dev blogs that we will be releasing. See you!

Today, we’d like to share with you some of the new features and effects coming to War Thunder in the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update!


We’re introducing a brand new technology for the trees present on Ground Forces battlefields. Now tree branches and trunks will sway and move with the same wind forces that already impact smoke and weather during battles. In calmer situations, trees will be still and motionless. However, with gusty and stormy winds present, trees will move and bend depending on how strong the wind is!


In our efforts to make tank battles even more spectacular, the game will now have new effects for the discharge of powder gasses after every shot. Prolonged bursts of machine gun fire and autocannons now also lead to reddening of the barrels due to heating. The effects of hits to enemy vehicles have also been improved. Fuel leaking from burning tanks can also pour onto the ground in burning jets, and each explosion leads to the formation of a cloud of dust raised from the ground by a shock wave! We have also improved the visual effect of smoke munitions detonating.


Now all external ammunition on vehicles, be it smoke grenades or bombs on aircraft suspensions, can be hit and destroyed by enemy fire. External ammunition can be destroyed without detonation (in this case it will be subtracted from the total ammunition load), detonated (with the standard parameters for damaging its warhead) or set on fire. The probability of a particular event depends on the power of the damaging factors of the hit projectile — the more powerful, the greater the likelihood of an explosion. So even well-aimed machine gun fire or a high-explosive shell that hits a tank can trigger its smoke grenades, and the enemy will find himself inside his own smoke screen. Lastly, if installed decorators are hit by enemy fire, they can also be destroyed!


On modern aircraft, voice informant warnings will now be present on those aircraft that had them. Pilots will be able to hear them both in third-person view and while playing from the cockpit. “Bitchin’ Betty” will warn you about dangerous altitudes, critical G-force overloads, warning signals from the radar warning receiver, and alert you to the readiness of guided weapons on the aircraft. In the “Sons of Attila” major update, “Bitchin’ Betty” will be available for the F-16 series and AH-64D, while Soviet pilots will have the “Rita” voice warning system for the Ka-50, Ka-52, Mi-28N, Mi-28NM, Mi-24V, Mi-24P (USSR), as well as for the MiG-29s.

An aircraft voice warning system is a pilot's best friend!


The cockpits of modern helicopters will now also be equipped with fully functional HUDs similar to what some aircraft already have. The first helicopters to receive the new HUDS are the Ka-50/52, Mi-28N/NM and Mi-35M series of helicopters.