Your screenshots from last week were fantastic! Matches are a lot more fun when you have a friend to coordinate with- when fighting against the enemy, having an extra hand is always nice. 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 #WTscreen150. You have time until the 20th of December 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 vehicle with a propeller.
  
• You must add the #WTscreen150 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=3379818717
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3381789444
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3381465370

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3379981421
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3382256254
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3381394738

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

It’s time to finally welcome the Eurofighter family, joining War Thunder as the new top fighter aircraft for Germany, Great Britain and Italy. Today, we’ll be showing you the most advanced jet fighter aircraft (for now!) to come to the game!

At a glance:

• Ten air-to-air missiles!
  
• Advanced CAPTOR radar.
  
• PIRATE IRST (FGR.4 and F-2000A).
  
• Exceptional agility and flight performance.
  
• Brimstone missiles!

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
In the early 1980s, several European countries needed a replacement for their frontline fighter aircraft that had begun to slip behind more modern aircraft appearing from the US and USSR. Previous collaborative projects like the Jaguar and Tornado lead Germany, Britain, France and Italy to once again come together, along with Spain, for a new next generation all weather jet fighter project. Previous experiences led to the Agile Combat Aircraft (ACA) program and later, the Experimental Aircraft Programme (EAP) resulting in an airworthy technology demonstration platform. This platform could test the theory behind many of the new advanced manufacturing technologies and features required for what would become the Future European Fighter Aircraft (FEFA) programme in 1983. France would however withdraw from the program due to disagreements on requirements and control over the project.

After the turbulence of the early 90s, disagreements over the radar set and huge financial overrun, the Eurofighter had finally started to emerge. An engine consortium, EuroJet Turbo, was formed to handle the powerplant and the ECR-90 Radar (Later CAPTOR) was selected based on the Blue Vixen. First taking to the skies in 1994, it wouldn’t be until the early 2000s that the Eurofighter Typhoon would enter into service with the four core nations of the program after more development and overruns pushed the aircraft back. Initially the aircraft was heavily focused on the aerial superiority role, with later Tranches of the fighter bringing air-to-ground weaponry to its ever expanding arsenal. After more modernization programs, Typhoons have since seen combat in the 2010s, and the four original operating nations have been joined by Austria, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. 
[/expand]




The Eurofighter Typhoon is one of the most advanced 4th (or 4.5 depending on your classification!) generation aircraft in the world today. It’s fair to say few aircraft have been as anticipated as this one! Germany, Great Britain and Italy will all be receiving a comparable version of this top jet fighter aircraft in the Storm Warning major update, providing each of these nations with a highly capable and agile fighter that also has considerable ground attack potential too. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from the Typhoon in-game.




From an air-to-air standpoint, the Eurofighter will be able to carry a formidable combined total load of ten missiles. There’s four AIM-9 Sidewinder variants that can be taken (AIM-9L and AIM-9M for Italy and Britain, AIM-9L and AIM-9L/i in Germany) for close range engagements and six AIM-120 AMRAAMs for BVR combat. However, you could also take up to six IR missiles an four BVR missiles as an alternative combination if you wish too. Coupled with a Helmet-mounted display and the impressive CAPTOR radar set, this aircraft will be one of the deadliest in both long range and short range engagements. Should you find yourself at the wrong end of a missile, the Eurofighter will help keep you in the fight with the Defensive Aid Sub-System (DASS for short). This features a MAWS with integrated countermeasures on the aircraft, including a generous load of Chaff and Flares to counter whatever type of threat comes your way. The British and Italian versions will also feature PIRATE IRST, providing another means of locking and tracking targets without setting off their RWRs. 

Interesting: The Eurofighter is unique in being a combat aircraft produced by four nations, each with their own assembly lines for components. Britain produces the front cockpit section, canards, tail and part of the rear fuselage, Germany the central fuselage, Italy the left wing and rest of the rear fuselage and Spain the right wing. Each nation has its own final assembly plant where all components are brought together. 




We must not forget about the air-to-ground aspect too. Each Typhoon variant differs slightly in its arsenal, however you can expect to see the standard types of familiar bombs. Conventional 1000 and 2000 lb variants and the guided Paveway series (Mk.18 for the British version, GBU-48 for Germany and Italy), coupled with a LITENING III targeting pod and GPS Guided GBU-54s. All three Typhoon variants can fire the excellent Brimstone missile and also feature a single 27 mm cannon mounted in the wing root, suitable for lighter ground targets or those moments when you do get guns on air targets. The British FGR.4 variant also comes with a laser warning receiver, so should someone lock you up via laser guidance, even that won’t go unnoticed to the Typhoon.

Weaponry aside, the Eurofighter is an impressive platform in the flight performance department too. A pair of EuroJet EJ200 engines provide an exceptional amount of thrust up to 18,000 kgf, meaning the aircraft can quickly recover lost energy and achieve an excellent rate of climb. Its frontal canards provide great turning agility, so should things get up close and personal, the Typhoon will be able to keep up with the best of the competition.




You won’t have much longer to wait now until the Eurofighter will be joining the ranks of the German, British and Italian aviation trees. Stay tuned to the news to find out what other things there are to look forward to in the Storm Warning major update for War Thunder!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

When there’s a snowstorm and blizzard outside, it’s best to gather around with family and friends inside, put up decorations and remember everyone’s favorite fairy tales about the New Year’s miracles. And then of course play some War Thunder, where the festive mood and an event await you!

This time, the rewards for the Winter Tales event include fairy-tale character decals and event vehicles at rank V-VIII. The Colombian Kfir C.10 Block 60 jet fighter for Israel, the IJN Kirishima battleship and the Pakistani T-80UD (478BE) in the Chinese ground forces tree.

When: From December 20th (11:00 GMT) until January 9th (11:00 GMT), complete tasks and get rewards!

A Rank VIII Event Vehicle for Israel — Click here to learn more.


A Rank I Premium for France — Click here to learn more.


A Rank V Event Vehicle for Japan — Click here to learn more.


A Rank VII Event Vehicle for China — [url]Click here to learn more.[/url]









Decals:
Gryla

Hans Trapp

Jack Frost

Befana

Krampus

• Activate all five decal coupons on your account to get the sixth decal, “Yule Cat”.

“Yule Cat” decal

More about collections on the WT Wiki!


[expand type=details]



[/expand]

Event vehicles of ranks V-VIII and decals that are issued in the form of coupons and premium vehicles of rank I, player icons, decorators and camouflages are immediately activated on the account.

All event rewards are issued for a certain number of “Marks of Distinction” received on your vehicle type in the corresponding mode.

The Snow Globe will reward you with vehicles, camouflages, decals, decorations and player profile icons from previous winter events, plus useful consumables, including boosters, universal backups, wagers and orders. Some items are here for the first time as coupons, meaning you’ll be able to sell them on the Market!

The Snow Globe can be purchased for 60,000 Silver Lions.

---

• 50,000 — 100,000 Silver Lions
  
• Silver and EXP boosters
  
• Random wagers and orders
  
• Universal backups (1-3 pcs.)
  
• Random camouflage for a purchased vehicle of any type
  
• 1 day of Premium account

To get one Mark of Distinction for a tanker/pilot/sailor, earn 40,000 mission points in random battles in Rank III or higher (from Rank I for event vehicles) in the corresponding game mode. Point multipliers that vary based on vehicle rank and difficulty level are stated in the task description. The tasks are all the same and are renewed every two days at 11:00 GMT.

• The exact terms of each task can be found here: Nickname → Achievements → Winter Tales.
  
• To get a Mark of Distinction, you need to complete a task in the corresponding vehicle type in the corresponding game mode. For example, a Mark of Distinction for pilots can only be received by playing Air battles (AB/RB/SB).
  
• You can complete tasks in multiplayer battles in all game modes except for “Assault”.
  
• You can complete tasks not only in vehicles of Rank III and above, but also in lower rank event vehicles — vehicles obtained in large events such as winter and summer marathons, WWII chronicles, BP seasons and craft marathons. In the stat cards of these vehicles you can find the names of events in which they first became available in the game.
  
• You’ll only have received a Mark of Distinction if the achievement’s color is gold. If you’ve completed the task and it hasn’t turned gold yet, join another battle and afterwards it should turn gold.
  
• Missed Marks of Distinction can be purchased for Golden Eagles in the Achievements window until January 13th 2025. Make sure you pick the right achievement category: either for tankers, pilots and sailors.
  
• Rewards received in the form of tradable coupons will be available for trading on the Market from January 13th 2025. The time from which the coupon can be traded can be viewed in the game in the coupon description. The option of trading each coupon separately depends on the time of its receipt and doesn’t depend on the vehicle type.
  
• The “Upgrade for coupon” item is valid until 12:00 GMT on February 1st 2025. Until this time, you can use it or exchange it for War Bonds. Afterwards, it’ll disappear from your inventory.
  
• For 8 Marks of Distinction you receive an untradable coupon for a vehicle. Upon activating it, you’ll instantly receive a corresponding vehicle. If you do not wish to use the vehicle and want to sell the coupon on the Market instead, you’ll need the “Upgrade for coupon” item.
  
• For 10 Marks of Distinction, you’ll receive an untradable “Upgrade for coupon” item. You can use it to make the vehicle coupon you received tradable and then sell it on the Market. The date on which a traded coupon becomes available for sale can be seen in its description in the game.
  
• PlayStation and Xbox players will be able to exchange decal coupons for similar ones. The exchange is available in the Workshop → Exchange items “Winter Tales” window.

Happy Holidays!

Today we’re pleased to welcome a trio of new WW2 premium vehicles, all coming as part of a single pack. Two premium Tiger tanks and a premium Ostwind II SPAA! 



A concept we’ve been considering for a while now is the idea of collection packs — a premium bundle that contains multiple vehicles along with other goodies. The benefit of a pack like this is that it comes as a lineup, which is overall more useful than a single vehicle, giving those who pick it up more options in battle and the potential of earning more Research Points with multiple spawns. Plus, it’s a good pick if you haven’t played Germany yet!

The two premium Tiger H1 models represent the battlefields of the Eastern and Western fronts, incorporating aesthetic elements inspired by each theater. 





The Tiger from the east has clearly seen a lot of action and is much more rugged and rural, with some extra track armor on the frontal hull and bundles of sticks strapped to the sides. These function more for improvised camouflage rather than protection however, and won’t offer much of any extra survivability from conventional rounds. The extra track armor can prove effective when angled however, and will make this eastern Tiger more effective for closer range engagements.




The western Tiger though is much more comfortable among the verdant fields and hedgerows of the Western Front. It features an extensive camo net which disguises its silhouette nicely at the longer ranges especially against aircraft! This Tiger (while versatile in its own right) is more suited for waiting in ambush and sniping from long distances, where its extra concealment really comes into play.





Importantly, as these two Tigers depict customized, battle-hardened vehicles, they have both received an additional modification — the anti-infantry mortars on the top of the hull which often got in the way of the cannon have been removed. This doesn’t give them any additional gun depression over the basic variant overall, but does mean that these two can achieve maximum gun depression over the corners of the hull!





Accompanying these big cats is a premium Ostwind II, complete with special camo netting of its own along with wider Ostketten tracks to improve its maneuverability! We considered going for a more classic option such as the regular Ostwind or Wirbelwind, but wanted to stick with the Ostwind II despite it being a prototype, as it would better match the Battle Ratings of the Tigers and make the overall lineup more functional — plus this way it could be more effectively used in higher tier lineups as well.




We hope this new bundle will give a nice head start for budding tank commanders keen on progressing through the German tree, as well as offering a comfortable lineup for players looking to get more Silver Lions, or who just love driving Tigers! 

That’s all for today, make sure to pick up the pack when it releases with the Storm Warning major update! Until then stay tuned as we have a lot more to show you yet!

Today we’re announcing the Panzerhaubitze 2000, one of the world’s most modern howitzers coming to the game for two nations at once.

At a glance:

• Powerful 155 mm L52 gun!
  
• Good mobility.
  
• Poor gun depression.
  
• Lightly armored.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
The Panzerhaubitze 2000 dates back to the SP70 program set up in the early 70’s in collaboration with Germany, Great Britain and Italy. This program aimed to replace the aging M109 howitzers in service with the three countries with a more modern vehicle featuring a longer and more powerful 155 mm howitzer. The project however was canceled in 1986 due to design issues, and the participating companies went separate ways. Great Britain went on to design and produce the AS-90, and Germany the Panzerhaubitze 2000. In 1987, design work began on the Panzerhaubitze 2000 by Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and was completed by 1995, with the vehicle entering service with the German Army in 1998.

Hungary put in an order for 24 brand-new Panzerhaubitze 2000’s in 2018 and received the first two in August 2022. By the summer of 2024, 23 have been delivered. These vehicles replaced the aging Soviet D-20 152 mm artillery systems that were in service with Hungary previously.
[/expand]


In the Storm Warning major update, the Panzerhaubitze 2000 will be joining Germany in the main tech tree, and Italy as a premium Hungarian variant with unique camouflage netting. A 155 mm gun and devastating HE shells is all you need to obliterate any enemy! Let’s take a closer look.




Did you know? “Panzerhaubitze 2000” directly translates to “Armored howitzer 2000”!

The Panzerhaubitze 2000 can be considered one of, if not the best howitzer in the world (it is also the most expensive artillery system!), this is thanks to its devastating 155 mm L52 howitzer that’s approximately 8 meters in length. The strength of this gun is its ballistics — it can fire HE shells with a high muzzle velocity, capable of hitting enemy vehicles at outstanding ranges. For long distances, a handy laser rangefinder can be used in conjunction with the main gun to provide pinpoint accurate fire. Just ensure that you aim the shells at weaker areas of enemy armor so that it can cause as much HE damage as possible.



Interesting: In 2019, the Panzerhaubitze 2000’s 155 mm L52 gun set a range record by firing a shell at a distance of 67 km!

Weighing approximately 58 tons, the Panzerhaubitze 2000 can reach an excellent top speed of 60 km/h on road thanks to its 1,000 HP engine. You’ll be able to use this speed to your advantage by taking tactical positions early, or by performing quick, aggressive maneuvers at the closer ranges.



Having an excellent gun and mobility comes with a downside though, and that’s its armor and crew compartment. The Panzerhaubitze 2000 has thin steel armor all around and additional armor on the roof (known as “Hedgehog Armor”) which is enough to withstand light or heavy machine gun fire, but any hit from a main tank gun will penetrate it with ease. After penetration, the 5 crew members, consisting of a commander, gunner, driver and two loaders can easily be knocked out due to the size of the vehicle and compact layout of the crew and ammo. Keep this in mind while traversing around the map!



That’s it for this one! The Panzerhaubitze 2000 is going to provide Germany and Italy with some awesome firepower in the Storm Warning major update. Be sure to pick up the premium Hungarian variant for Italy that comes with a cool camouflage net. Keep an eye on the news for other dev blogs and see you soon!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

The Dassault Rafale jet fighter is coming to the game as a new top aircraft for the French aircraft tree!

At a glance:

• Powerful engines and excellent controllability.
  
• Large number of guided bombs.
  
• MICA-EM air-to-air missiles.
  
• No air brake.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
The Dassault Rafale multi-role fighter was accepted into service with the French Air Force in 2005, and in early 2014, the French Ministry of Defense announced funding for the F3 modernization program. The main goals of this upgrade were to increase the aircraft’s combat ability and overall capabilities. The Rafale received a new radar, more advanced communication and surveillance systems, the ability to use Damocles and TALIOS targeting pods, and an expanded range of weapons. Tests of the upgraded aircraft began in April 2014, with the first test flights taking place in December of the same year. In October 2018, the French Air Force accepted the Rafale F3-R into service, and by 2030, all operational aircraft will be modernized to this standard. The first combat use of the Dassault Rafale C (F3-R) occurred in September 2020, when a pair of aircraft struck ISIS positions. Additionally, the F3-R modification has been exported to Greece and Croatia.
[/expand]




Arriving at the end of the line for the French aircraft tree is a very famous and modern aircraft: the Dassault Rafale! Coming in the Storm Warning major update, this aircraft features excellent characteristics and a large arsenal of weapons. Let’s dive into the details!




The Rafale, along with the other top fighters, is a very technologically advanced aircraft that has its own unique elements. For example, this aircraft has access to MICA-EM ARH missiles, which are among the best long-range missiles in the game. In addition to this, the Rafale has just 2 missiles for short range engagements — already well-known to French pilots, the Matra R550 Magic 2. Another unique aspect is in the Rafale’s countermeasure loadout — it only has 32 large caliber countermeasures, but additionally a large amount of chaff!

Interesting: “Rafale”, when written in French as “Rafale de vent”, is translated into “Gust of Wind”!



In addition to regular bombs for destroying ground targets, the Rafale features both the Paveway series of guided bombs (GBU-12, GBU-16, GBU-22 and GBU-24), familiar from other aircraft, and the AASM HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) bombs, new to War Thunder! This new addition includes the SBU 38 guided bomb (GNSS guidance), SBU 54 (Laser+IOG+GNSS guidance), and the most advanced version, the SBU 64 (IR+IOG+GNSS). Guidance for these new bombs is handled by the DAMOCLES targeting pod, familiar from the advanced Mirage 2000 aircraft.



In terms of speed, the Rafale features a pair of SNECMA M88-2 engines, producing a total thrust of almost 14,000 kgf and a maximum speed of over 1,800 km/h at very high altitudes when using the afterburner. The delta wing design and canards make the Rafale very controllable at any speed and altitude, allowing it to perform sharp maneuvers, while the powerful engines can quickly replenish energy losses.

That’s it for this blog! The Rafale C F3 will be waiting for you in the Storm Warning major update, where very soon it will have its say in both Air and Ground Battles — until then though, keep an eye out for more dev blogs!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

Today, pre-orders for the American RDF/LT light tank with a 75 mm autocannon and the Russian BMD-4M airborne light tank have started in the store!



At a glance:

• 75 mm automatic cannon.
  
• 1.5 second reload!
  
• Decent maneuverability.
  
• Thin armor.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
Based on the developments of the promising HSTV-L, in October 1980 AAI Corporation presented a prototype for the RDF/LT light tank, featuring a new engine and hull, reducing the combat weight to the allowed amount for transportation by helicopter. Several prototypes were made, but the vehicle was never accepted in serial production.
[/expand]



To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
The Kit Includes:

• RDF/LT (Rank VII, USA)
  
• Premium account for 20 days
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles
  
• Pre-order bonus: "Rapid Deploy" title
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique "Ares" decal
  

Coming in with a reload time of just 1.5 seconds, the RDF/LT is a close relative of the US HSTV-L light tank, which both feature a 75 mm automatic cannon. This cannon has very good vertical aiming angles and can fire both APFSDS for use against ground vehicles and HE-VT shells for use against helicopters.



The RDF/LT has a new lightweight hull and new engine, giving it decent maneuverability even off-road. Ideal for aggressive and “getting in the enemy’s faces” combat, focus on disabling the enemy’s gun and tracks, and finishing them off with a few shots to the side to knock out the crew or explode the ammunition. Then onto the next!




At a glance:

• 100 mm cannon-launcher.
  
• 30 mm autocannon.
  
• Good speed.
  
• Additional armor package.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
The BMD-4M (“Airborne Combat Vehicle”) was a further development of the BMD-4. This vehicle was 80% unified with the BMP-3, received a new chassis and a set of add-on armor. This modification is produced at the Kurgan Machine-Building Plant and is currently in service with the Russian Army.
[/expand]



To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
The Kit Includes:

• BMD-4M (Rank VI, USSR)
  
• Premium account for 15 days
  
• 2000 Golden Eagles
  
• Pre-order bonus: "No one but us" title
  
• Pre-order bonus: "Landing BMD-4M" decal
  

The BMD-4M is one of the most modern modifications but remains largely unchanged in terms of weaponry compared to the BMD-4, instead featuring a new 500 HP engine. This vehicle has an interesting weapons layout: a 100 mm cannon that can fire shells and even launch guided missiles, complemented by a 30 mm automatic cannon, good against helicopters and light ground vehicles.



For the chassis, the BMD-4M has additional armor protection thanks to add-on armor plates. This slightly increases the weight of the vehicle and also means it is not amphibious, instead coming with the trade-off of better protection against shrapnel, machine gun fire and autocannons. Being able to support allied MBTs or act alone, the BMD-4M has everything needed for different combat situations in battle.

Today we’ll be taking a look at the American-made M44 self-propelled howitzer, making its way to several nations in the “Storm Warning” major update!

At a glance:

• 155 mm howitzer with powerful HE shells!
  
• Excellent gun traverse speed, can react to new threats quickly.
  
• Limited horizontal aiming angles.
  
• Weakly armored and open topped.

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
The American M44 self-propelled howitzer emerged in the early 1950s as part of a program to develop a new 155 mm self-propelled gun to replace the outdated M41 howitzer platform. During production, the initial vehicle designated as the T99E1 revealed several shortcomings that required a redesign. The updated model featured a new fighting compartment with a modified howitzer. By 1954, the U.S. Army decided to focus on exporting the M44 to other countries. The M44 later ended up in service with Germany, the UK, Italy, Turkey, Belgium and Japan.
[/expand]




The M44 self-propelled howitzer will be coming to a handful of nations in the Storm Warning major update! This surprisingly fast vehicle equipped with a hefty 155 mm gun will be a great addition to rank III lineups. Despite its drawbacks, it will always be able to effectively combat the toughest vehicles in the bracket. Let’s take a closer look at this new beast!




Mounted on the chassis of the Walker Bulldog light tank, the M44 is quite fast for a vehicle of this type. It’s able to reach speeds up to 56 km/h on roads, and can maneuver and cruise effectively off-road as well. The 155 mm howitzer is placed in an open mount and can traverse a max of 30 degrees horizontally each side, with 5 degrees of gun depression. The primary round available is the classic M107 HE shell, familiar to many of you who may play howitzer type vehicles. It can also fire a large smoke shell as well, but won’t have access to proximity HE.

Fun Fact: The M44 uses an inverted version of the chassis found on the M41 Walker Bulldog. The rear road wheels became idlers, while the drive wheels were relocated near the engine compartment.




One primary drawback of course is the thin armor and open crew compartment, making the M44 highly vulnerable to ground vehicles and aircraft. Plus, the reload speed is a bit of a limiting factor. Try to stick close to some form of vertical cover like buildings or large rocks — this will provide protection when retreating to reload, and make you harder to spot from the air. Thanks to the high mobility, an aggressive close-range play-style is definitely possible, but significantly riskier due to the reload and limited traverse angles. Despite the fragility however, the M44 is still a powerful and versatile howitzer platform, giving it a unique play-style at the lower ranks!




That’s it for this one! The M44 will be arriving to War Thunder in the Storm Warning major update at rank III, becoming available for the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Italy and France. Make sure to stay tuned for more news on upcoming vehicles and features. We’ll see you soon!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

The Russian carrier-based Su-33 fighter is coming to the game as a Squadron Vehicle in the next major update!

At a glance:

• Excellent flight characteristics.
  
• Up to 12 weapon hardpoints!
  
• Short and medium range missiles.
  
• HMD.
  
• LARGE!

Vehicle History
[expand type=details]
The program to create a new carrier-based fighter based on the Su-27 began in the early 1980s in connection with plans to build a heavy aircraft carrier, the Project 1143-5. In 1984, a decree was issued to create a new carrier-based fighter. Serial production began in 1989 at KnAAPO. The first flight of the Su-33 took place in February 1990. Testing dragged on until 1994 due to the collapse of the USSR and financial difficulties, and by that time only 24 aircraft had been produced. In 1995, aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, with the Su-33 on board, set out on a long ocean voyage to the Mediterranean for the first time. The Su-33’s baptism of fire took place from November 2016 to January 2017, when the Admiral Kuznetsov carried out combat missions as part of the Russian Navy’s far-off maritime zone task force off the coast of Syria.
[/expand]




Meet the carrier-based Su-33, another powerful representative of the Su-27 jet fighter family, coming to the game in the Storm Warning major update as a Squadron Vehicle. Let’s take a look at what surprises you can expect with this modern Russian carrier-based aircraft!




The Su-33 is a heavy and very large aircraft with an excellent maximum top speed and roll rate, capable of very sharp maneuvers. However, due to its dimensions and tendency to quickly lose energy, it’s not that suitable for maneuverable air combat. Despite this however, the high strength of the airframe allows for fantastically bold changes in the angle of attack, with the helmet mounted display system giving a great advantage in close combat.

Like its brothers, the Su-33 is capable of performing a wide range of tasks in battles. This aircraft does not have missiles with active radar, so you’ll only be able to start an engagement after approaching. In terms of weaponry, the Su-33 features the all-aspect R-73 air-to-air missile in conjunction with HMD. In addition to this, the Su-33 can also take R-27 missiles, including the R-27ER, one of the best SARH missiles in the game, plus the R-27ET. One key advantage of the Su-33 is that it has 12 hardpoints! A modern radar and informative RWR also give this aircraft a complete picture of the battle and any surrounding threats.




In Ground Battles, the Su-33 can carry a load of conventional bombs, such as incendiary bombs, parachute bombs, and regular dumb bombs up to 500 kg, plus rockets like the S-5 and S-25O. And thanks to the large number of hardpoints, you’ll still be able to take a good supply of air-to-air missiles into battle without forfeiting ground attack ordnance!

Interesting: We’re pleased to present a new aircraft carrier model for War Thunder carriers in Air Battles — the heavy aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov! The model will appear in the game in the next update.





That’s it for this one! The Su-33 will arrive to the game in the Storm Warning major update. Like other Squadron Vehicles, this one can be purchased with enough squadron activity points, or simply bought instantly with Golden Eagles. Make sure to join a squadron in War Thunder to unlock this new aircraft just by playing the game!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

The Lockheed Hudson patrol bomber first took to the air on December 10th 1938 in Burbank, California. Two months later, deliveries began to the Royal Air Force, who ordered 200 Hudson aircraft, making it Lockheed’s first major order. The Mk V modification received a more powerful 14-cylinder Twin Wasp engine with 1,200 HP.

This bomber is available for just 700 Golden Eagles!

When: From today until December 13th (07:00 GMT).
Where: Great Britain > Aviation > Premium vehicles.



About this aircraft

• The Hudson Mk V carries both bombs and regular rockets. It’s quite fast for a bomber and surprisingly durable, protected by five 7.7 mm machine guns, located at the front and rear. This allows it to not only attack ground targets, but also hunt for other bombers!