Your screenshots from last week were fantastic! For many, things are starting to heat up as summer is right around the corner. Find some good weather, and take a picture with a friend! 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 #WTscreen124. You have time until the 21st of June 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 be in good weather and include at least two player vehicles.
  
• You must add the #WTscreen124 tag (title cannot have any other text in it).
  
• Artists may only win by popular vote once per four screenshot competitions.

[/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=3263571343
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3266459296
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3264952851

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3266726106
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3264940993
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3264672559

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

Vehicles in major updates typically take the limelight, so today we wanted to go through some of the interesting additions, improvements and refinements that you may not have seen that are coming in the Seek & Destroy major update!

Updated Models

In the Seek & Destroy major update, we’ll be introducing new ground crew models for German open-top vehicles from WWII and Soviet open-top post-war vehicles! When the update is released, take a look at some of the self-propelled and SPAA vehicles of these nations to see them in all their glory.






We’ve also paid attention to modern pilots as well. You can see these new pilot models on the A-10, F-14, F-16, F-15, J-11, MiG-29, Su-27 and Yak-141 aircraft!

Detailed Internal Ground Vehicle Modules



Since new internal modules were voted for by the community, we’ve been at work implementing some for a number of ground vehicles. Damaging or destroying these new modules will disrupt the operation of them in the vehicle while you’re in battle.

These new modules are able to be repaired so that their functionality is restored, however rest assured you won’t need the Improved Parts modification to do this! They can be repaired by using the default repair kit that is available to ground vehicles.

Here’s the full list of modules and what happens when they’re damaged or destroyed:

• Autoloader: a damaged autoloader will not feed new shells into the breech of a tank gun, but a shell already loaded into the barrel can be fired.
  
• Fire Control System (FCS): damage to the FCS will block systems that are associated with it. For example, the gun stabilizer, LWS/LR, and NVD. A complete list of systems that are associated with the FCS can be seen in the hangar tooltip that pops up when hovering over the FCS module in x-ray mode.
  
• Power system: a power failure can lead to a fire of this module and failure of the associated systems, such as the FCS, gun stabilizer and radar.
  
• Driver controls: damage to this module prevents movement and turning.
  
• Electronic equipment: damage to this module causes IRSTs, LWRs and radars to stop working.

Wheel Separation



After the dust settled on the deserted road of fury from our April Fools event, we decided to add wheels physically being torn off all wheeled vehicles when they’re hit. A direct hit from shells or a near explosion of a bomb can now lead to damage to the chassis of wheeled vehicles with an animation of one or more wheels being torn off.

Naval Battles Improvements



We’ll be adding additional alarms about fires in gun magazines. You’ll hear a special siren and voice command, and in order to put out the fire in time, the fire extinguisher icon that’s assigned to your key will be highlighted in the interface.

We’ve also improved the damage camera in naval battles. It’s now more detailed, with the outline of destroyed modules highlighted and the damage itself becoming more visible, due to changes in layers in the damage camera window so that elements that interfere with the view are now moved to the background. Fuel tanks, coal bunkers and anti-torpedo boules will no longer show up in the damage camera. When an enemy ship is damaged, fires caused by hits will now be clearly visible, as fire locations are marked with icons that depict flames.

There’s now an option in the Protection Analysis mode for naval that shows the distribution of the crew in your vessel. Take a look at it in the hangar, click the Protection Analysis button and then “Show crew distribution”. This will show you different areas that are highlighted in green, yellow, orange and red. Where there’s green, there’s less crew, and where there’s red, there’s more crew in your ship or boat.

Updated Helicopter Cockpits



Our artists have been busy and have done a lot of work to improve the cockpits and models for aircraft. We’ll now be introducing detailed cockpits for dozens of helicopters, you’ll be able to see the full list in the Seek & Destroy major update changelog once it’s released.

Radar Indicators



We’re improving radar indicators for higher ranked aircraft! Now, you’re able to see the current position of missiles on the indicator that have an active radar seeker and Inertial Observer Guidance (IOG). A target attack indication is now displayed on a line connecting the missile and a target: solid line indicates the allowed target acquisition range by the missile seeker, and a dotted line indicates a flight according to inertial navigation system. While a missile is under IOG control its target appears as circle, and when a missile acquires its target and starts tracking this circle disappears.

That’s all for this one. We hope you’ve enjoyed some of the smaller things. Until next time!

• Setup 2_2 — T18E2 has been removed. Pz.IV G, Pz.IV H, Pz.IV J and Churchill AVRE Petard have been added.
  
• Setup 3_2 — KW I C 756 (r) (Germany) has been removed. Churchill AVRE Petard has been added.
  
• Setup 4_2 — KV-220 has been removed.
  
• Setup 5_2 — Kungstiger has been added.
  
• Setup 6_2 — Ho-Ri Production has been removed. Kungstiger has been added.
  
• Setup 8_2_2 — M60A1 "D.C.Ariete" has been removed. PLZ83-130 has been added.
  
• Setup 9_2 — Gal Batash and AGS have been removed. Shturm-S has been added.

Patch notes reflect only key changes, meaning they may not include a complete list of all improvements made. Additionally, War Thunder is constantly being updated and some changes may not require an update. Changes reflected in patch notes are formed by taking reactions and requests of the community from the bug reporting service, forums and other official platforms into account. Bug fixes and changes are implemented in order of importance, for example a game-breaking bug will be worked on and implemented sooner.

On June 14th 1848, the newly formed German Empire founded a navy to confront Denmark, which had established a blockade on German ports. They took part in only one battle at Heligoland in 1849, but were unable to lift the blockade. In 1849, the empire ceased to exist, and in 1852 so did the navy. This memorable date remained and is celebrated as German Navy Day to this day.

In honor of German Navy Day, two ships from WWII have temporarily returned for Golden Eagles! The T31 is 5,040 Golden Eagles and the Karl Galster is 6,090 Golden Eagles.

When: From now until June 17th (07:00).
Where: Germany > Bluewater fleet > Premium vehicles.

About the T31

• The T31 took part in battles against Soviet boats in the Vyborg Bay in 1944. She’s equipped with a powerful air defense battery and rapid-firing main caliber guns, especially effective at short and medium distances!

About the Z20

• The Z20 Karl Galster was engaged in laying minefields during WWII and hunting Arctic convoys. This destroyer differs from its peers due to its fully automatic 37 mm anti-aircraft guns and impressive speed. Karl Galster’s main caliber is the 128 mm SK C/34 gun with a good rate of fire and powerful HE, making this destroyer a true all-rounder!

This decal is available for German Navy Day.


“Emblem of the Marineunteroffizierschule” decal

When: From now until June 17th (07:00 GMT).

Task: Play 3 battles using German ships at rank III or higher to receive the “Emblem of the Marineunteroffizierschule” decal.

Additional details:

• You must use a minimum of rank III.
  
• Your activity must not be below 70%.
  
• You can 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 → German Navy Day.
  
• You can find the decal in the “Germany → Navy” tab in the Customization menu.

On June 16th 1955, the first flight of the MiG-21 supersonic jet fighter, developed by the Mikoyan and Gurevich Design Bureau, took place. This is the most mass-produced supersonic aircraft in history: including Chinese variants, the number of MiG-21 units produced reaches 14,000!

This jet fighter is available for 9,270 Golden Eagles.

When: Until June 17th (07:00) GMT.
Where: Germany > Aviation > Premium vehicles.

About this aircraft

• The SPS-K designation was given to the modification of the MiG-21PFM with the 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, which entered service with the GDR Air Force. This German variant differs from the Soviet prototype, in that it can replace the cannon pod with an SPS-141 countermeasure pod. The MiG-21 SPS-K has access to the potent R-3S, R-3R, R-13M1 and R-60 air-to-air missiles. Additionally, this aircraft can use the S-24 and S-5K rockets, plus FAB-500M-54 and OFAB-250 bombs against ground targets!

• A server-client synchronization bug that could have caused some trees to become invisible for the player in the session has been fixed. This could have lead to the vanishing of shells if they were shot through trees.

Patch notes reflect only key changes, meaning they may not include a complete list of all improvements made. Additionally, War Thunder is constantly being updated and some changes may not require an update. Changes reflected in patch notes are formed by taking reactions and requests of the community from the bug reporting service, forums and other official platforms into account. Bug fixes and changes are implemented in order of importance, for example a game-breaking bug will be worked on and implemented sooner.

The Vextra 105 is a French experimental wheeled combat vehicle, primarily developed for the export market during the 1990s. Soon, this unique vehicle will be making its way to the top of the French ground forces tree in the Seek & Destroy major update!


Features:

• Superb agility!
  
• Good firepower.
  
• Light protection.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
In the early 1990s, GIAT began work on developing a new wheeled combat vehicle around technical specifications set out by the French Army. By 1994, a demonstrator of the vehicle, featuring a 25 mm turret, was presented at the Eurosatory expo. After potential buyers from the export market showed interest in a more heavily armed variant, GIAT refined the design to incorporate a modified version of the TK 105 turret found on the AMX-10RC. Following just a short development period, trials were conducted in France as well as the UAE, in which the vehicle displayed excellent performance.

Despite promising test results, the vehicle didn’t manage to garner any further interest from potential foreign operators nor from the French Army. As a result, the project was quickly canceled and GIAT used the experience gained during development to apply it on the next project which resulted in the VBCI family of vehicles. The Vextra 105 prototype was subsequently sent to the tank museum in Saumur, and then was recovered by KNDS France (ex-GIAT) in 2019.
[/expand]


This new vehicle coming to the French ground forces tree is going to help reinforce the lineup of French vehicles at its rank. Sporting good mobility and fitted with a powerful cannon, this nimble predator is coming to the Seek & Destroy major update. Let’s take a closer look then!




To the veterans among us, the Vextra 105 may appear familiar. Apart from visually resembling the well-known Italian Centauro, the Vextra 105’s turret and cannon housed within are close derivatives of the ones found on the AMX-10RC, a vehicle in which you may have already used. As such, the Vextra’s cannon sports excellent ballistic properties coupled with a versatile ammunition selection. In short, a perfect combination for engaging multiple heavily armored hostile targets.

Did you know? This vehicle’s name, “Vextra”, is an acronym for “Véhicule d'EXpérimentation de TRAnsmission”, since this vehicle was a demonstrator for a new transmission method developed by GIAT!



Being a wheeled vehicle, engineers placed a particularly high emphasis on the Vextra 105’s mobility. Equipped with a 700 HP engine, the Vextra 105 can reach a top speed of 120 km/h on paved roads, thus making it one of the fastest ground vehicles in War Thunder. Simultaneously, its high power-to-weight ratio not only ensures super acceleration but also provides this vehicle with phenomenal off-road capabilities. However, these are somewhat stretched to their limits when faced with particularly difficult terrain conditions such as deep snow or mud: something to definitely keep in mind when making changes to your tactics on the battlefield!

In your matches by Nicolas, Esport Lead Manager: “I've been looking forward to this tank for a while now! Since this is a lighter vehicle with good mobility, use that speed to your advantage when traversing around maps. Get to capture points quickly for your team and be a generally nuisance for the enemy, but remember that you’re quite a big target. Avoid using it in hull down positions due to its poor gun depression and light armor. Flank and have fun!”

The Vextra 105 will soon appear at rank VI of the French ground forces research tree in the Seek & Destroy major update. Make sure that you’re keeping an eye on our website for other exciting dev blogs that we’ll be revealing. Until then, happy hunting and enjoy your matches!

The CV9035DK is a later modification of the Swedish CV90 IFV, built for and operated by the Danish military since the late 2000s. Soon, you’ll have the chance to command this unique variant of the CV90, arriving at the top ranks of the Swedish ground forces tree as part of the Seek & Destroy major update!


Features:

• 35 mm autocannon!
  
• Good mobility.
  
• Light protection.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
After the successful entry into service of the CV90 with the Swedish military, the vehicle managed to garner significant attention on the export market as well. The resulting demand from foreign operators led Swedish engineers to continue the development of the CV90 to further increase the vehicle’s capabilities. One such later variant was the Mk III variant of the CV90, developed in the early 2000s. The vehicle featured among other improvements, an upgraded armament consisting of a 35 mm autocannon as well as numerous improvements to its electronic systems. By the end of 2005, Denmark would be one of the first countries to adopt the vehicle into service, ordering 45 units. Immediately after the last unit was delivered in 2009, Denmark dispatched 10 units to operations in Afghanistan, where the vehicle saw its first operational use. The CV9035DK remains in service with the Danish forces to this day.
[/expand]


The CV9035DK is a unique version of the well known CV90 series of IFVs that you may already be familiar with. Arriving to the top ranks of the Swedish ground forces tree with the release of the Seek & Destroy major update, the CV9035DK will substantially reinforce the light vehicle roster and also allow tankers to advance to the top ranks even quicker. Let’s find out more!




The CV90 has been available in War Thunder in numerous variants since its first introduction as part of the initial lineup of Swedish ground vehicles. This unique Danish modification further expands the family by introducing a modification featuring a highly versatile 35 mm Bushmaster autocannon. Packing a greater punch than the Finnish modification of the vehicle, the CV9035DK can quickly lay down a barrage of very precise fire, thus quickly eliminating any target it may encounter on the battlefield. Thanks to its versatile ammunition selection, the vehicle is equally good at destroying land-based opponents as it is at downing hostile aircraft and helicopters. So pilots, be on the lookout for this one!




Similar to its close relatives, the CV9035DK sports excellent mobility, being able to reach a top speed of 70 km/h under ideal circumstances thanks to its 815 horsepower diesel engine. A nimble chassis perfectly complements the rapid-firing autocannon, enabling this vehicle to quickly move around the battlefield and perform surprise attacks on the enemy’s flanks as part of scouting maneuvers. However, be mindful of exposing the vehicle to hostile fire as the CV9035DK’s light protection is only effective at stopping heavy machine gun fire and some autocannon fire at longer engagement distances. Dedicated anti-tank fire or missiles will make short work of the vehicle’s thin armor plates, reducing it to a burning pile of scrap metal.




Meet the CV9035DK as it arrives at the top ranks of the Swedish ground forces tree as part of the Seek & Destroy major for War Thunder. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to the news as we continue to keep you posted on all the latest developments surrounding the upcoming update.

Meet the F-4F KWS LV (ICE) which represents the penultimate modification of the legendary F-4 Phantom II in service with the Luftwaffe. Featuring an upgraded radar system and ARH missile capability, the most advanced variant of the Phantom will be arriving at the top rank of the German aviation tree in the Seek & Destroy major update!


Features:

• Excellent flight characteristics compared to other Phantoms.
  
• ARH air-to-air missiles.
  
• Superb versatility.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
In the early 1980s, the Luftwaffe initiated a program to improve the combat effectiveness of the F-4F Phantom II then representing Germany’s spearhead in air defense. Being launched due to delays in the development of what would eventually become the Eurofighter Typhoon, the F-4F ICE as it became known, was intended to fill this gap until the more advanced aircraft became available. The main goal of the ICE program was to extend the service life of the F-4F by modernizing its avionics and electronic equipment as well as upgrading its radar to enable the aircraft to carry the powerful AIM-120 AMRAAM missile.
The upgrade process began in October 1988 and was carried out in several stages. The first finalized aircraft under the new program were commissioned in the early 1990s. The F-4F KWS LV (ICE) would then continue its service with the Luftwaffe until 2013 before it was ultimately phased out in favor of its successor, the Eurofighter Typhoon.
[/expand]


The Seek & Destroy major update brings with it the addition of the most advanced F-4F modification ever serviced by the Luftwaffe. Featuring much expanded air-to-air capabilities and retaining its signature versatility, the F-4F KWS LV (ICE) will soon rightfully take its place among the top rank of the German aviation tree. Let’s dig deeper into the details!




Interesting: The abbreviation “ICE” highlights the aircraft’s extended capabilities and stands for Improved Combat Efficiency.



The F-4F ICE represents a linear upgrade over the base model. The main focus of the ICE upgrade on the F-4F was to install more modern avionics and electronics as well as to outfit the aircraft with a more capable multimode radar. These upgrades chiefly enable the F-4F KWS LV (ICE) to mount the new AIM-120 ARH air-to-air missile. As a result, when piloting this aircraft, you’ll be able to engage in beyond visual range combat without needing to keep the target illuminated by the onboard radar throughout the guidance process. Instead, this process is now being done by the missile itself immediately after launch.

Furthermore, the F-4F KWS LV (ICE) also comes with the ability to carry the German domestic modification of the Sidewinder missile, the AIM-9L(I)-1, which features IRCCM and is thus less susceptible to being thrown off track by advanced countermeasures. Pilots will also have access to the AGM-65D and G missiles with infrared imaging guidance. In terms of the remaining systems found on the aircraft, they are left largely unchanged, leading to a very familiar performance envelope for pilots who have already flown the F-4F. Overall, these upgrades greatly improve the venerable Phantom’s combat capabilities, giving it the edge over opponents it will meet in the fierce air battles of the next major update!

In your matches by Scott, Community Manager: “Most pilots who jump into the F-4F KWS will already be familiar with the general handling of a Phantom at this point. The caveat with the F-4F KWS is a drastically improved radar set and your AIM-120s to make full use of that. Remembering at all times that your platform is not an agile dog-fighter, you will want to be selective with your placement early on. Your BVR capacity is excellent, so stay away from the main opening brawls and keep yourself to the sides. Focus on your AMRAAM deployment.
Once the initial clashes have taken place, you can move in closer and focus on any stragglers that got separated from the main pack with your AIM-9s. The radar does have some excellent angles to make use off at various ranges, but you don't want to be finding yourself forced into any maneuvering engagements with lightweight fighters. You are very much a supporting role fighter. Use your countermeasures scarcely and selectively as they will be your primary form of defense.”[/quote]



The F-4F KWS LV (ICE) Phantom II will soon be making its way to War Thunder as part of the Seek & Destroy major update, giving seasoned German pilots access to an even more advanced weapon system. In the meantime, make sure to stay tuned to the news for the latest information regarding the upcoming update!

Today we’re introducing the VLT-2, a French torpedo boat built and used only in small numbers following the liberation of France at the end of WWII. This boat is arriving as part of the Seek & Destroy major update, becoming the first vessel available in the new French Coastal fleet tree!


Features:

• Excellent mobility!
  
• Potent arsenal.
  
• Premium bonuses.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
During the occupation of France in the 1940s, French shipyards still had a number of vessels in construction. Part of these were a set of ten boats, which the Germans began converting into mine clearing vessels and rescue boats for the Luftwaffe. Shortly after the liberation, most of these projects were canceled. However, two of the vessels were converted into torpedo boats, being designated VLT-1 and VLT-2. These vessels underwent extensive evaluation in the postwar period, but the Navy ended up not pursuing building more units. In the end, VLT-2 ended up being dismantled in 1949 while the VLT-1 served as a basis for a new series of MTBs.
[/expand]

Pre-order — VLT-2 Pack
29.99

• VLT-2 (Rank 4, France)
  
• 1000 Golden Eagles
  
• Premium account for 15 days
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “People’s Avenger” title
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “Free France” flag
  

The VLT-2 will be the first French Coastal fleet vessel to arrive as part of the Seek & Destroy major update. Sporting excellent firepower and mobility, the VLT-2 will not only be a fantastic addition to any mid-tier lineup, but will also allow you to get a head start at researching the new French Coastal fleet research tree in the future closed beta testing!




Although the VLT-2 didn’t have the chance to show off its capabilities in real combat, it will have ample opportunity to make up for this on the high seas of War Thunder naval battles. This French boat boasts impressive mobility figures with her top speed exceeding 40 knots. It features a common weapon layout for vessels of its time period, being fitted with a pair of 40 mm Bofors and 20 mm Oerlikon cannons.



More importantly however, the VLT-2 also sports a pair of 550 mm torpedo launchers, giving it the chance to sink opponents much bigger than itself with a well aimed salvo. Furthermore, being powered by aircraft engines, the VLT-2 can reach impressive top speeds and make sharp turns. As a result, the vessel can make perfect tactical use of more confined naval battlegrounds to surprise its opponents during an engagement.




That’s it for today! The VLT-2 will be the first French Coastal fleet vessel available in War Thunder, coming as part of the Seek & Destroy major update. In a future major update later this year, you’ll be able to gain Early Access to researching the rest of the Coastal fleet tree if you purchase this special pack.