War Thunder News & Announcements


Aircraft

  • Wyvern S.4 — overheating parameters have been adjusted to increase the time it takes to overheat the engine and to increase its survivability during overheat. (Report). Source: Pilot's Notes for the Westland Wyvern S.4.

Ground Realistic Battles

  • In Ground Realistic Battles, the number of Spawn Points it takes to use aircraft with ASMs with IR seekers has been increased by 8%. The maximum spawn cost (when the Battle Rating of the aircraft is equal to the maximum Battle Rating of the vehicles in the session) with these weapons is now 972 SP (versus 896 SP before the change). This type of weaponry includes for example the Kh-38MT on the Su-30SM and AASM 250 (SBU 64) on the Rafale C F3.

Interface

  • A bug that caused the crew window to switch to the aircraft tab when applying changes to ground or naval crew skills training has been fixed.

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.


Aircraft

  • A bug that made moving the radar scan zone vertically and horizontally impossible in TWS mode has been fixed. (Report).
  • A bug that made it possible to select a target that had moved outside of the current radar scan zone when switching targets cyclically has been fixed.
  • As it is now possible to move the radar scan zone horizontally in TWS mode with cyclic target switching turned on, the values set by the player for the horizontal radar target cue control axis and the radar tilt control axis are now in sync with the automatic changes in the scan zone's location due to tracking. Just as they were in sync when cyclic target switching was turned off. Due to this, now when the target track has been lost in the cyclic target switching mode, the scan zone behavior is the same as when the option is turned off — the scan zone doesn’t recenter and stays oriented to where the target has been lost.
  • F/A-18A — a bug that caused the weaponry MFD page to be compressed horizontally has been fixed.

Ground Vehicles

  • XM246 — some armor inaccuracies have been fixed.
  • XM246 — a bug where the retraction of the search radar was not reflected in the damage model has been fixed.
  • XM246 — the aiming angles of the machine gun on the turret have been adjusted.

Locations and Missions

  • When a new modification is researched after a battle, the button to purchase all modifications in the modifications window is now replaced with a button to purchase all researched modifications.
  • A bug where the nation discount label would appear when the research tree was collapsed and would not show the discount percentage has been fixed.
  • The creation of new items from recycled ones is now limited to 100 per creation to ensure the ease of looking at the list of received items.

Interface

  • Sands of Sinai — small rocks which were blocking the passageway between the rocks in grid square C5 have been removed.
  • Sinai (all missions) — the display of the ground textures from high altitudes has been adjusted so that the textures no longer appear mozaic.

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.


Welcome to the 164th War Thunder Steam Screenshot Competition!

Your screenshots from last week were great! Remember to keep an eye on WarThunder Live and the monthly historic decals - neat things are always being added! Hornet’s Sting was just released, time to showcase your favorite new content! The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

Let’s begin the 164th edition of our competition!

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen164. You have time until the 28th of March 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.

How to Participate!

Terms:

  • Your screenshot must include a new vehicle or reworked location from the latest major update.
  • You must add the #WTscreen164 tag (title cannot have any other text in it).
  • Artists may only win by popular vote once per four screenshot competitions.
  • 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.


And now, time for the winners of the competition’s 163rd edition – Caution, Wet Paint!

Winners selected via community votes:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3444834897
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3445659996
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3444680030

Winners selected by our judges:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3448798325
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3445891537
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3446533088

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


Aircraft

  • F/A-18 (all variants) — a bug where the aircraft did not sink in water has been fixed. (Report).
  • F/A-18C Late — a bug where the player had to press the key for changing NVG mode twice to turn off thermals has been fixed.
  • Su-30SM — the hardpoints for the R-77-1 missile, available without researching modifications, have been changed from 5 and 8 to 2 and 11. This means you can combine more guided weapons with them before researching the R-77-1 modification.
  • Sea Harrier (all variants) — a bug where the air-to-air missiles did not select after switching to the AAMs HUD mode has been fixed.
  • Su-27, Su-27SM, Su-33, J-11, J-11A — missile launch distance indication markers on the HUD have been made thinner.
  • Do 217 E-2, Do 217 E-4, Do 217 K-1, Do 217 M-1 — a bug where some of the upper 50 kg bombs in the bomb bay could be dropped through the lower ones has been fixed.

Ground Vehicles

  • XM246 — a bug where the tracking radar X-ray did not reflect vertical guidance, and the search radar X-ray did not reflect the folding of the radar has been fixed.

Locations and Missions

  • Afghanistan — this mission has been disabled. To replace it, with the release of the Hornet’s Sting major update, the mission Afghanistan has been added.

Interface

  • A bug where the nuke button did not display in the hotbar in Ground Realistic Battles after reaching the required number of Spawn Points for the nuke aircraft has been fixed. (Report).
  • A bug in the shell stat card that sometimes caused the penetration values under the angles to be in a different order from the standard 0-30-60 degrees when viewing them in Protection Analysis has been fixed.

Graphics

  • A bug that caused aircraft to become less visible against a cloud background has been fixed.

Controls

  • A bug where, when assigning the same key to the “Optical Seeker View” and “Targeting Optics View” button and the aircraft only had targeting optics, the “Optical Seeker View” camera would turn on after pressing the assigned key has been fixed.

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 March 21st 1942, the La-5 — a Soviet plane capable of fighting the Germans on equal terms — took to the skies for the first time. It quickly became one of the main aircraft that defended Soviet skies. In September 1944, Germany captured a fully functional La-5FN and studied it at Rechlin airfield.

The La-5FN (Germany) is temporarily available for Golden Eagles!
In honor of its first flight, the premium German La-5FN is available for 5,250 Golden Eagles.

When: From March 21st (11:00 GMT) until March 24th (11:00 GMT).
Where: Germany > Aviation > Premium vehicles.




About this aircraft

  • The La-5FN got its name from the more powerful M-82FN engine installed in this modification of the aircraft. The La-5FN is slightly slower than the German Fw 190 A and Bf 109 G, but demonstrates great flight characteristics at low altitudes. For weaponry, this aircraft features two 20 mm ShVAK cannons with 340 rounds, great for taking out enemy aircraft.


Aircraft

  • Su-30SM — a bug where the R-27ER on the central rear under-fuselage hardpoint intersected with the Grom-2 bomb on the forward one has been fixed. (Report).
  • Su-30SM — a bug where the cutoffs on the distance ruler on the radar screen on the MFD could be displayed with decimal points has been fixed.
  • Tornado IDS MLU (RET.8) — a bug where the left external fuel tank did not display in X-ray mode has been fixed. (Report).
  • MK 101, MK 103 guns — the fuse sensitivity of the SAPHEI-T shell has been increased to 2 mm. (Report).
  • F/A-18C Early — a bug where the player had to press the key for changing NVG mode twice to turn off thermals has been fixed.
  • F-5E — with the release of the 2.45 Hornet’s Sting major update, CCIP for the guns has been removed. Sources: T.O. 1F-5E-1 (1978); T.O. 1F-5E-1 (1984); T.O. 1F-5E-34-1-1 (1980).

Ground Vehicles

  • A bug that caused the hit camera to display an ordinary hit instead of the vehicle destruction when destroying a vehicle by detonating its ammunition has been fixed.
  • A bug where nothing happened when replaying some shots in the hit analysis has been fixed. (Report).

Naval Vessels

  • A bug where shells could explode before reaching the ship when replaying some shots in the hit analysis has been fixed.

Locations and Missions

  • A bug where air defense vehicles appeared at stage airfields has been fixed.

Sound

  • A bug that caused ground vehicle engine and tracks sounds to become quieter the higher they went above sea level has been fixed.
  • A bug where, after maximizing the game, the engine sounds of other players would still play from their previous position before the game was minimized until they moved again has been fixed.

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.


Aircraft

  • MiG-29 (all variants) — a bug that caused the afterburner to be disabled in “maneuver” mode has been fixed. (Report).
  • Harrier T.10 — engine name has been corrected.
  • F-100 (all variants), F-1, T-2 (all variants), Super Mystere B2, Sambad — a bug that caused the engine to quickly overheat at high altitudes has been fixed. (Report).
  • Scout UAVs — radar cross section (RCS) has been increased to 0,005 m^2. (Report, Report).
  • A bug that caused the MFD weapons screen, as well as the HUD and HMD to display weapons from the previous spawn if the current spawn was without any secondary weapons has been fixed.

Naval Vessels

  • USS Northampton — a bug with water pumping that caused the ship to flood faster instead has been fixed.
  • A bug that caused the stat card to display only one depth charge type instead of all of the ones that were equipped has been fixed.
  • The frequency of voice lines that described firing results has been reduced.

Graphics

  • A bug that caused vehicles to be visible through smoke in the UAV camera with thermals turned on has been fixed. (Report).
  • A bug that caused the UAV camera (in picture in picture mode) to not display on the DirectX12 API in old videocard support mode has been fixed. (Report).

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.


Aircraft

  • Su-33 — a bug with the landing gear animation that caused some pieces to clip through the plane has been fixed. (Report).

Ground Vehicles

  • A bug that caused vehicles to excessively slide on rocky surfaces has been fixed. (Report).
  • XM246 — a bug that caused the tracking radar dome to move when the turret was aimed vertically has been fixed. (Report).
  • Rapier — the maximum overload of the Rapier Mk.2 missile has been increased to 35G (Report). Source: BAE press kit.
  • Rapier — the maximum speed of the Rapier Mk.2 missile has been increased to M2.5 (Report). Source: BAE press kit.
  • Rapier — the range of the Rapier Mk.2 missile has been increased to 8.2 km. (Report).

Locations and Missions

  • Advance to the Rhine — a bug where the detailed cathedral building was only displayed at low altitudes for aircraft has been fixed.
  • Kamchatka — a bug that caused allied air defense vehicles to appear on the runway has been fixed. (Report).

Graphics

  • Support for DLSS 4 has been added.
  • A bug that caused the feed from the UAV (picture-in-picture) to turn white if the player turned on night vision while in the tank and thermal while in the UAV has been fixed.

Interface

  • A bug that caused aircraft-launched rockets and missiles to not have the cumulative and high-explosive armor penetration values in the stat card has been fixed. (Report).

Other

  • F/A-18A, F/A-18C Early, AV-8B Plus (all variants), F-4F KWS LV — a bug that caused the game to crash when launching radar homing missiles has been fixed. (Report).

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.


Meet Hornet’s Sting, War Thunder’s first major update in 2025!

Hornet’s Sting introduces the F/A-18 for the USA and Sweden in several variants, along with the Su-30SM for the USSR that features thrust vectoring, enhancing its maneuverability. For ground forces, the Tracked Rapier, CLOVIS and 2S19M1 / M2 take the spotlight thanks to their excellent capabilities. Rhine, Sinai and Jungle have received graphical overhauls, refreshing their visuals, all while maintaining their familiar layouts. Next up for naval forces is HMS Warspite, one of the most decorated warships in naval history! To top it off, the game has had some interface improvements, item recycling and new player profile showcases.

Check out the changelog to see the fixes, vehicles and other features that we’ve included in this major update.



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

Aircraft: The F/A-18 Hornet Is Here to Sting
The Hornet’s Sting update adds a variety of top-tier aircraft to several nations.

The highly anticipated F/A-18 Hornet joins the game for USA and Sweden. There’s four examples to choose from: the A variant, the late C variant, and the premium early C variant for the USA, to the Finnish variant for Sweden, built as a pure fighter version. All ready to be used in top-tier jet battles!

F/A-18С Early

Take a look at the Su-30SM, featuring a whopping 12 hardpoints for a multitude of weaponry, plus a new type of engine nozzle mechanic to the game: thrust vectoring!

Su-30SM

If you’re a fan of British aircraft, then the premium Harrier T.10 will certainly be up your street. Featuring two cockpit seats, this strike aircraft is a great addition to your lineup in combined battles.

Harrier T.10

USA

USSR

Great Britain

China

Italy

  • Tornado IDS MLU (RET.8)

Sweden

  • F-18C

Israel


Ground Vehicles:  SPAA, Premium Tanks and a Mix of Modern and WW2 Vehicles!
A variety of ground vehicles that span across several nations have been added.

This is the premium CLOVIS, a light tank that features an oscillating turret and an autoloader, joining Germany as a pack vehicle and France for Golden Eagles. The CLOVIS will shape up to be a potent light tank thanks to its quick reload, mobility and scouting abilities!


Marder CLOVIS







Harry Hopkins Mk I
Pz.Sp.Wg.P204(f) PaK and AMD.35 (PaK)



The Tracked Rapier features the all-new Rapier missile! This missile is proximity-based and has SACLOS guidance, making it an excellent air defense platform for Britain. Check out the two autoloading howitzers as well — the 2S19M1 and M2 for the USSR as a researchable and squadron vehicle respectively, brilliant for putting plenty of fire down range.







Tracked Rapier
2S19M1 / M2



USA

  • XM246
  • ADATS — visual model has been updated.

Germany

USSR

  • 2S19M1
  • 2S19M2 (Squadron Vehicle)

Great Britain

Japan

China

  • VT-5 (Squadron Vehicle)

Italy

France


Helicopters: New Modules and Tigers
We’ve worked on adding new modules to the AH-64, Tiger, Ka-50/52 and Mi-8 helicopters to reduce the amount of “empty space” in them. Fan of the Tiger helicopters? Then check out the Tiger HAD that comes as a premium pack for Germany and Tiger HAC for France as a researchable helicopter.


Tigre HAD-E

USA

  • AH-64 (all variants) — new modules have been added and the old ones have been reworked.

Germany

USSR

  • Ka-50, Ka-52 — new modules have been added.
  • Mi-8 (all variants) — new modules have been added.

Great Britain

  • AH Mk.1 Apache — new modules have been added and the old ones have been reworked.

Japan

  • AH-64DJP — new modules have been added and the old ones have been reworked.

France

  • Tiger HAС

Sweden

  • AHS — new modules have been added and the old ones have been reworked.

Israel

  • Peten (all variants), Saraph — new modules have been added and the old ones have been reworked.


Naval Fleet: The Grand Old Lady Joins The Fleet!
One of the most iconic and decorated warships in naval history has joined naval battles! Meet HMS Warspite, a beastly battleship for Great Britain ready to take on all types of enemies. Additionally, we’ve replaced some reserve boats for the USSR, Germany, Great Britain, Japan and France to ones that feature more effective weaponry so that the early ranks will be a more enjoyable experience for beginners.


HMS Warspite

USA

  • USS Bagley

Germany

  • Schütze (M1062)

USSR

  • SM-4

Great Britain

Japan

  • IJN Matsu
  • Type T-14 (mod.2)

Italy

  • Grecale

France

  • Marne
  • Aconit
  • VTB-12
  • VTB-18


Locations & Missions: Three Graphically Overhauled Maps!
We’ve updated the graphics for Advance to the Rhine, Sinai and Jungle! These older and popular maps now look a lot prettier and feel refreshed, all–while keeping their familiar layout. Additionally, Jungle features some minor updates to positions in grid squares B1, E4 and E5. 

Advance to the Rhine


Sinai


Jungle


Maneuver Mode, Thrust Vectoring and Radar Antenna Updates
A new control called “Maneuver and limits mode” that allows you to temporarily go beyond the usual angle of attack limits has been added. This allows you to perform much tighter maneuvers and to get the little-but-so-needed nose authority to launch a missile. But be careful not to stall your aircraft! The new control mode is available on many aircraft already present in the game that had a similar AoA limit override in real life. It also unleashes the full potential of the thrust vectoring system that the brand-new Su-30SM has!



Another top-tier feature in this update is a change to how the radar antenna gyro stabilization works. First of all, you can now control the antenna pitch even when the gyro stabilization is turned off (when the radar scan area moves with the aircraft). Secondly, you don’t need to go to the settings menu to turn the stabilization on or off anymore as there is now a control for it called “Switch Radar/IRST gyro stabilization on/off”. Consequentially, the option to toggle the stabilization has been removed from the settings as it’s no longer needed, but another self-explanatory one has come in its place: “Disable radar antenna gyro stabilization at mission start”. There is also another handy new control — “Reset Radar/IRST direction to boresight”, which quickly centers the radar. Enjoy!

Roadmap Items: Inventory Recycling and New Profile Showcases
Have items in your inventory that you don’t really need? You can now recycle them in the ratio of 2:1. Select items you want to recycle and they’ll be turned into other random inventory items after clicking the recycle button. There’s also a chance to receive Silver Lions as well.



We’ve added the following player profile showcases to the player card: Vehicle Collector, Ace of Spades, Medalist and Achievement Hunter. These showcases allow you to show off some vehicles of your choice, your number of spaded vehicles, your favorite medals and your hard-earned achievements. Plus, the background set in the Player Profile window now displays when hovering over your name in your friends list.












Weapon Stat Card Interface Update
We’ve redesigned the stat cards for tank gun ammunition, smoke grenades, secondary weapons, plus aircraft and ground vehicle machine guns / cannons with emphasis on the most important values. This for example includes muzzle velocity, penetration and TNT equivalent that are now included at the top of the card so that they’re easy to see at a glance.



UAV Picture-in-Picture Mode
One downside to using the Scout UAV was that you had to remain static in your tank, it also renders your vehicle uncontrollable. We’ve looked to improve this aspect of the game, where you can now switch your minimap view to the UAV’s camera view after launching the UAV, essentially becoming picture-in-picture. This allows you to drive your tank around, all while looking at the UAV video feed and going after enemies at the same time, opening up new and interesting gameplay possibilities.



Unique Tank Gun Sounds
Ground vehicle gun sounds have been updated to sound unique and to have more character, making them sound distinguishable from one another.



More Rewards For Your Actions
If you’ve ever destroyed enemy bombs before they detonated, you’ve potentially done a great service to your team! We’ve now added rewards in the form of Silver Lions, Research Points and Mission Points for destroying enemy ammunition. Plus, a new combat award called “Not on my watch” for destroying an enemy bomb weighing more than 5000 kg (looking at you, Pe-8, Lancaster and Lincoln!) has been added.



There’s plenty more to see!
That’s all for this post, but be sure to check out the full list of changes in the provided changelog, as there’s many bug fixes, improvements and additional vehicle changes not mentioned here.

New locations and missions

  • New missions for battles of Battle Rating 10.7 and above have been added to Air Realistic Battles :

    • Smolensk
    • Denmark
    • Afghanistan

Location and mission updates

  • The following locations have received visual rework (new materials have been added, used assets have been replaced with new ones, visual bugs have been fixed):

    • Sinai
    • Jungle
    • Advance to the Rhine

  • A new spawn point called “On Water” has been added for hydroplanes to the following test flight locations:

    • Western Europe
    • Desert
    • Jungle
    • Middle East. Mediterranean

  • Eastern Europe — some trenches have been removed from the roads in the city on this location to allow the eastern team to get to the C point in the mission easier.
  • Normandy — the low concrete gabions have been removed from the city. Players often didn’t see them and bumped into them.
  • Small trees that appeared on all locations in one of the previous updates due to a bug have been removed.
  • A bug that caused all objects on all locations to not be damaged by HE shell explosions has been fixed.
  • The sizes of the destruction effects for small bushes have been corrected.
  • Haze intensity in all Naval Battle missions has been decreased to improve visibility at longer distances.

Ground Vehicle model, damage model, characteristic and weaponry changes:

  • Abrams (all variants) — internal module placements have been supplemented and refined. A module for the under-turret compartment (basket) has been added, which acts as a horizontal guidance module.
  • Leopard 2 (all variants) — internal module placements have been supplemented and refined. A module for the under-turret compartment (basket) has been added, which acts as a horizontal guidance module.
  • Panther II — the physical night vision devices on the model are now part of the added NVG modification. They are removed from the vehicle by default and can be installed via modification.
  • QF 3.7 RAM — crew size has been increased from 6 to 7. (Report).
  • Tetrarch I — internal armor elements have been added. (Report).
  • Charioteer Mk.VII — shell placement has been corrected. (Report).
  • Chi-To Late — shell placement and total number of shells have been corrected. (Report).
  • FV4030/3 — sight magnification has been changed from 4-11.4x to 7-10x. (Report).
  • Avenger — turret rotation speed has been increased from 14°/s to 21°/s. (Report).
  • Valentine XI — sight magnification has been changed from 1.9x–3.5x to 3.0x–6.0x. (Report).
  • Cromwell V (all variants) — sight magnification has been changed from 1.9x–3.5x to 3.0x–6.0x. (Report).
  • OTOMATIC — the number of reverse gears has been reduced to two and the reverse speed has been decreased from 60 to 24 km/h.
    Sources: OTOMATIC Brochure by OTO Melara; West Europe Report (1986) by Joint Publications Research Service; Air-Cooled Diesel Tank Engines by Teledyne Continental Motors.
  • Tortoise — sight magnification has been changed from 1.9x–3.5x to 3.0x–6.0x. (Report).
  • Ho-Ro — gun depression and elevation angles have been changed from -5/30 degrees to -10/20 degrees, and the horizontal guidance angles have been set to -3/3 degrees. (https://community.gaijin.net/issues/p/warthunder/i/OzIobl2UnGuFReport).
    Sources: Jiro Sayama, “Japanese Army Artillery: Infantry Guns, Anti-Tank Guns, etc.,” 2011. ISBN-13: 978-4769826972. pp. 511-515. · “偕行 Kaikō: Rikushū Kaikōsha Journal,” April 1980. Published by Rikushū Kaikōsha. p.24. · Ordnance Technical Intelligence Report No.10 - antitank artillery table.
  • ZSU-23-4 (all variants) — vehicle name has been changed from “ZSU-23-4” to “ZSU-23-4V”. (Report).
    Sources: Ганин С.М., Карпенко А.В. Современные самоходные зенитные установки; Steven J. Zaloga ZSU-23-4 Shilka and Soviet Air Defense Gun Vehicles.
  • HSTV-L, RDF/LT — gun name has been changed from “XM274” to “75mm ADMAG”. (Report).
  • Type 94 — transmission gear ratio values ​​have been adjusted, reverse speed has been decreased from 17.2 to 8.6 km/h.
    Source: 兵器生產基本教程 十四.
  • AMX-50 Foch — the 15 mm MG 151 cannon has been replaced with the 20 mm MG 151. (Report).
  • Tortoise — the amount of machine gun ammunition has been increased from 6750 to 7200 rounds. (Report).
  • SANTAL — a bug that caused the mismatch between the physical model and the X-ray model when firing the rockets has been fixed.
  • Charioteer Mk.VII — the amount of ammunition for the L3A1 machine gun has been reduced from 5000 to 3500.
    Source: Royal Armored Corps Training. Volume III - Armament. Charioteer.
  • M60 120S — track model has been changed.
  • Ratel 20, Ratel 90 — anti-air machine gun elevation angle has been increased to 17 degrees like on the other mounts of the same type. (Report).
  • M18 GMC (all variants) — R975-C4 engine RPM has been reduced from 2400 to 2300 rpm. (Report).
  • Ratel (all variants) — the turning radius has been corrected. (Report).
  • Scimitar — turret rotation speed has been reduced from 60°/s to 30°/s. (Report).
  • Fox — turret rotation speed has been reduced from 60°/s to 30°/s. (Report).
  • Charioteer Mk.VII (all variants) — gun depression angle at the rear sector has been increased to -5°.
  • VCC-80/30, Type 89, Dardo — a bug with the ATGM ammunition consumption from the stowage in the hull has been fixed. (Report, Report).
  • ZSL92, PTL02, WMA301 — the turning radius of the vehicles has been reduced from 10.5 to 9.5 meters. (Report).
  • Freccia — the turning radius of the vehicle has been reduced from 24 to 18 meters.
    Source: VBM Freccia IFV Datasheet.
  • KF41 — machine gun has been changed from M240 to FN MAG 60-40.
    Source: LANCE2 Turret Brochure by Rheinmetall
  • T29 — gun elevation angle has been increased from 15 to 20 degrees. (Report).
  • Object 211, Type 63, ZTS63 — reverse speed on water has been reduced from 7 to 6 km/h. (Report).
    Source: 常规兵器产品手册 第一分册 坦克履带车辆及配套产品.
  • Gepard, Gepard 1A2 — gun depression angle has been fixed. The angle has been set to -5°. (Report).
  • Tetrarch I — maximum engine RPM has been increased from 2700 to 2850 rpm. (Report).
  • Namer RCWS-30 — the amount of ammunition for the coaxial machine gun has been increased from 400 to 460.
    Source: Datasheet SAMSON - RWCS 30.
  • SANTAL — vehicle mass has been reduced from 13.8 to 11.8 tons.
    Sources: Fiche technique VAB, Renault Trucks; Gamme Blindee, Renault Trucks; Délégation Ministérielle pour l'Armement, 1983. SATORY IX EXPOSITION DE MATERIELS D’ARMEMENT TERRESTRE: tome 1. In: Boulogne: NAUTAVIA; VAB 4x4 and 6x6 Technical Manual.
  • Phòng không T-34 (all variants) — gun depression angle has been increased from -5 to -10 degrees. (Report).
    Source: 1965年式双管37毫米 高射机关炮教材
  • Falcon — sight magnification values ​​of the gunner and commander optics has been changed from 1.9x–3.5x to fixed 6.0x. (Report).
  • Crusader AA Mk.I — gun depression angles have been adjusted so that the vehicle is no longer able to fire through its external fuel tank at the back. (Report).
  • Pz.38(t) (all variants) — turret rotation speed has been increased from 14°/s to 25°/s. (Report).
    Source: D 652/38 Panzerkampfwagen 38 (t) Ausf. A bis G und S. Gerätbeschreibung und Bedienungsanweisung zum Aufbau. Vom 1. 9. 43.
  • AMX-50 Foch — the thickness of the front part of the underside of the tank has been increased from 10 to 30 mm.
    Source: Chasseur de char de 120 mm AMX, 1948.
  • AMX M4 — the thickness of the front part of the underside of the tank has been increased from 25 to 30 mm.
    Sources: Char de supériorité AMX M-4, 1947; Caracteristiques performance et devis de poids du char M4.
  • M46 (all variants), M26 (all variants) — the tank roof material has been changed from rolled homogeneous armor to cast homogeneous armor.
  • OTOMATIC — the maximum speed has been reduced from 65 to 60 km/h.
    Source: OTOMATIC Brochure by OTO Melara.
  • Merkava Mk.4B, Merkava Mk.4M, Merkava Mk.4 LIC — gun name has been changed from “MG251” to “MG251-LR”. (Report).
    Source: Elbit Systems Land Tank Ammunition Portfolio.
  • PTL02, WMA301 — the functionality of turning the rear wheels of the vehicle has been removed. (Report).
  • T-80UD/BE/Object 478BE — vehicle name has been changed from “T-80UD/BE/Object 478BE” to “T-80UD/DU1 (Object 478DU1)”. (Report).
  • Strv 104, Strv 105 — the armor type at the upper rear part has been changed from cast homogeneous armor to rolled homogeneous armor. (Report).
  • BMD-4M — the machine gun type has been changed from PKT to PKTM. (Report).
  • M44 — crew size has been reduced from 7 to 5. (Report).
  • Type 5 Chi-Ri — the armor thickness of the rearmost section of the turret sides has been decreased from 50 mm to 35 mm. The armor thickness of the underside and bottom of the sponsons has been decreased from 20 mm to 12 mm. (Report).
  • Daimler Mk II — the amount of ammunition for the machine gun has been increased from 675 to 2700 rounds.
    Source: AFV-035D Daimler AC Handbook.
  • 2C — the thickness of the 75 mm gun barrel armor has been decreased from 40 mm to 30 mm to match thicknesses of other 75 mm guns.
  • PLZ05 — anti-air machine gun is now controlled by the loader and not the commander.
  • TKX, Type 10, TKX (P) — unique track model has been added. (Report).
  • ADATS (M113) — the mistakenly present ability to turn on neutral gear has been removed. M113 vehicles do not have this ability.
  • ADATS (all variants) — the tracer has been removed from the MIM-146 missile. (Report).
  • Ha-Go, Ha-Go Commander — vehicle mass has been reduced from 7.7 tons to 7.46 tons. (Report).
  • I-Go Ko — vehicle mass has been increased from 11.1 to 12.7 tons. (Report).
  • Chi-Ha Kai (all variants) — vehicle mass has been increased from 14.8 tons to 15.8 tons. (Report).
  • Chi-Ha Short Gun, Chi-Ha — vehicle mass has been increased from 14.8 tons to 15.3 tons. (Report).
  • Ke-Ni — vehicle mass has been increased from 7.0 to 7.2 tons. (Report).
  • The color of the edging on the German tank uniform has been corrected from being too red to light pink.
  • Chi-Nu II, Chi-To, Chi-To Late, Chi-Ri, Na-To — sight magnification has been changed from 1.9-3.5x to 6x. (Report).
  • Ho-Ni I, Ho-Ni III — sight magnification has been changed from 1.9-3.5x to 4x. (Report).
  • Ho-I — sight magnification has been changed from 1.9-3.5x to 4x. (Report).
  • Ka-Mi — sight magnification has been changed from 1.9-3.5x to 4x. (Report).
  • PLZ05 — unique track model has been added. (Report).
  • RakJPz 2 — missing description of the gunner’s optics has been added.
  • Al-Khalid-I, MBT-2000 — the material of the front mudguards has been changed from structural steel to rubber-fabric screens.
  • M4A2 (all variants), M4A3 (all variants), M4A3E2 (all variants), M26 (all variants), T32 (all variants), M47 (all variants) — incorrect turret roof material type has been changed from rolled homogeneous armor to cast homogeneous armor.

Aircraft and helicopter model, damage model, characteristic and weaponry changes:
Weaponry

  • 30 mm Hispano HS 825 — shell weight has been increased from 220 to 225 g. Bullet speed has been increased from 1050 to 1100 m/s. Gun weight has been changed from 150 to 112 kg.
    Source: 30 mm Flugzeug-Maschinenkanone Hispano-Suiza 825, Mappen der Hispano-Suiza.
  • 30 mm Hispano HS 825 — armor-piercing cartridge has been added.
    Sources: Typ 825 HSS, Hispano - Suiza; Hispano-Suiza 20 mm Ammunition type 820 A for Anti-Aircraft and Infantry Gun - №206; Hispano-Suiza Ammunition - №203.
  • Ariete, FFA P-16, Sagittario 2 — new air and ground belts for the 30 mm Hispano HS 825 cannon have been added.
  • Kurnass 2000 — the possibility of using the GBU-15(V)1/B guided bomb and air-to-air missiles on the same pylon has been removed. (Report).
  • Do 217 K-1, Do 217 M-1 — the SC1800 bomb has been added.
  • P-51H-5-NA — additional HVAR rockets have been added.
    Source: Pilot’s handbook for model P-51H-1, -5, -10 airplanes. AN 01-60JF-1 page 30.
  • Re.2005 Serie 0 — the number of rounds for the 12.7 mm Breda SAFAT machine gun has been reduced from 380 to 350 per barrel.
  • P1Y1 mod. 11 — the Type 99 number 80 800 kg armor-piercing bomb has been added.
    Source: P1Y1取扱説明書案（兵）
  • F-14 (all variants) — a bug that caused the installation of the AIM-54 missiles on the wing pylons or on the rear underfuselage pylons to not cause the underfuselage pylons with the necessary cooling equipment for AIM-54 to appear has been fixed. The ability to use the AIM-7 on the central underfuselage pylons while the AIM-54 is in use on the frontal underfuselage pylons has been removed. The ability to use the AIM-7 on the frontal underfuselage pylons while the AIM-54 cooling equipment, which covers them, is present has been removed. (Report).
  • For 7.7 mm caliber machine guns, a bug in the “New 7 mm MGs” modification that led to an increase in dispersion has been fixed.
  • B-17G — the option to mount additional AN-MK1 1,600 lb armor-piercing bombs has been added for the external hardpoints. (Report).
  • Yer-2 (M-105), Yer-2 (M-105R) LU, Yer-2 (M-105) TAT, Yer-2 (M-105R) TAT — four additional BRAB-220 armor-piercing bombs have been added.
    Source: Акт по результатам испытаний самолёта ЕР-2 АМ-37.
  • Ju 87D-3 — the SC1800 bomb has been added.
    Source: Ju87D-1 Trop Teil 12B.
  • Ju 87D-5 — the SC1000, SC1800 and PC1000 bombs have been added.
    Source: Ju 87 D-5 Bo. Entwurf einer Bedienungs- und Beladevorschrift für die Abwurfwaffe.
  • Su-25T, Su-39 — separate bomb releases has been removed for bombs on hardpoints 2, 3, 9 and 10.
    Source: Комплекс авиационного вооружения Су-25Т и его боевое применение.
  • Ki-49 (all variants) — an 800 kg Number 80 Model 1 bomb and 10 x 100 kg Type 94 bombs have been added. (Report, Report).
  • J-7II — 250-2 incendiary bombs have been added. (Report).
  • Me 262 A-2a — ammunition for the 30 mm MK108 cannon has been reduced from 100 to 80 rounds per gun.
    Source: Me 262.- Aufbau und Einsatzmöglichkeiten des Grundmusters, Kennzeichnende MErkmale der übrigen verfügbaren Baureihen, Leistungen und Reichweiten im Vergleich mit neuen deutschen Flugzeugen.
  • Mi-24D, Mi-24D (Hungary) — CCIP functionality has been removed for suspended gunpods and rockets.
    Sources: Ми-24Д. Инструкция экипажу вертолета Ми-24Д. Книга 1. Часть 1, 2. Руководство по летной эксплуатации Ми-8МТВ Боевое применение.
  • Mi-24A — CCIP functionality has been removed for the suspended gunpods and rockets. (Report).
  • F1 — ballistic computer for the rockets and guns has been removed.
    Source: 技術教範 操縦と戦技 (F-1) Section 6.
  • MiG-21PFM, MiG-21 SPS-K — ballistic computer for the rockets and guns has been removed. (Report).
  • Super Mystere B2 Sa’ar — ballistic computer for bombs has been removed.
    Source: SMB-2 Aircraft with J-52 engine - Armament manual.
  • F-15E — the GBU-15(V)2 and AGM-130 drop limits have been changed from 1.01 to 1.4M. (Report).
    Source: T.O. 1F-15E-1 - F-15E Flight Manual - April 1993.
  • F-15I Ra`am — the GBU-15(V)2 drop limit has been changed from 1.01 to 1.4M. (Report).
    Source: T.O. 1F-15E-1 - F-15E Flight Manual - April 1993.
  • J-10A — the PL-8 missile has been replaced with the PL-8B missile.

Other

  • Mirage 2000-5F, MiG-29SMT, Yak-141, Su-39, MiG-21 Bison (Britain), AV-8B Plus (all variants), F-16C/D, F-14A/B, F-15C/E, EF-2000, Typhoon FGR.4, F-2000A, Tornado F.3/F.3 Late/ADV — an improved TWS mode has been added. In this mode each time after a full scan pattern is completed, scanned targets are matched to already created tracks, which lowers the probability of track switching to another target, which would lead to missile retargeting through data link. In the hangar the mode is named “TWS+” in the radar X-ray.
  • Su-34, Rafale C F3, Kfir C.10 — since these aircraft have ESA radars, TWS mode now also tracks targets outside of the current scanning area but inside the radar scanning limits. In the hangar the mode is named “TWS ESA” in the radar X-ray.
  • Pulse radars of 3rd generation fighters and higher have received protection from re-targeting to other objects if their speed differs from the speed of initial target. Therefore a single employed chaff should no longer get acquired if the target was flying towards or away from the radar.
  • MiG-29 (all variants), Su-27 (all variants), J-11 (all variants), Typhoon FGR.4, F-2000A, Rafale C F3 — with the inability to continue tracking via radar, when tracking automatically switches to IRST, it is now possible to launch SARH and ARH missiles. When switching to IRST manually, it is still impossible to launch SARH and ARH missiles.
  • EF-2000, Typhoon FGR.4, F-2000A, Rafale C F3, A-10C, Harrier GR.7, AH-64D (all variants), Ka-52, Mi-28N (all variants), EC-665 Tiger (all variants), Mi-8AMTSh-VN, Su-25SM3 — MAWS countermeasure release logic has been changed. Now, MAWS releases either flares or chaff or both depending on the information acquired from the RWR and the amount of threats.
  • A bug that caused laser designators to originate from the center of the aircraft rather than the optics has been fixed. (Report).
  • MH-60L DAP — AN/APR-39 SPO has been replaced by AN/APR-39(V)1 with voice warning system integration.
  • AV-8B(NA), AV-8B Plus — the Engine Fire System (EFS) modification has been removed. Golden Eagles spent on buying this modification have been compensated.
  • F-8E, F8U-2, A-4 (all modifications) — ejection seat has been added.
  • Vautour IIN — a bug where the SNEB rocket launcher inside the fuselage would not extend has been fixed.
  • F-15I Ra’am — a bug where the single AGM-65 had no launcher on the pylon has been fixed. (Report).
  • AH-1W, AH-1W China — a bug where the 20 mm M197 cannons were always displayed in X-ray mode has been fixed. (Report).
  • Jaguar GR.1A — a bug where the sight for the TIALD targeting pod was always displayed in the cockpit even if the targeting pod was not equipped has been fixed.
  • Beaufighter Mk I (40mm) — a bug that caused the elevator to not be damaged when the horizontal stabilizer was torn off has been fixed.
  • Tu-4 — the thickness of the armored glass in the cockpit has been reduced from 60 mm to 40 mm.
    Source: Самолёт Ту-4. Техническое описание. Конструкция самолёта. Книга третья. Издание 2 Москва 1953. Страница 23.
  • Mi-24D — the RI-65 voice warning system has been added.
    Source: Ми-24Д. Инструкция экипажу вертолета Ми-24Д. Книга 1. Часть 1, 2.
  • AMX, AMX A-1A — the EFS modification has been removed. Silver Lions and Golden Eagles spent on its research have been refunded.
    Source: AER.1F-AMX-1 Flight Manual AMX series Aircraft.
  • Su-33 — a bug where the animation of the canards was not displayed in cockpit view has been fixed. (Report).
  • F.C.20 Bis, Bf 110 G-4 — a bug that affected the display of smoke trail effects when starting the engines has been fixed.
  • AV-8B (NA) — erroneously present EEGS mode of the HUD has been removed.
  • Tiger HAD Block 2 — the thermal imaging sight has been changed to GEN 2.
  • F-5A — in the modifications window, the following changes have been made: “G-suit” has been moved from tier IV to II. “Offensive 20 mm” has been moved from tier II to tier I. “New 20 mm cannons” has been moved from tier IV to tier III. “Engine” has been moved from tier III to tier IV.
  • F-5E — in the modifications window, the following changes have been made: “Flares/Chaff” has been moved from tier II to tier I. The connection between the “AIM-9J” and “Flares/Chaff” modifications has been removed. “G-suit” has been moved from tier III to tier II.
  • F-5E (China), F-5E FCU — in the modifications window, the following changes have been made: “Flares/Chaff” has been moved from tier II to tier I. “G-suit” has been moved from tier III to tier II.
  • Su-9, Su-11 — a bug where the tail fin of the aircraft would break off incorrectly has been fixed.
  • Ju 188 A-2 — nose turret elevation angles have been corrected: horizontal elevation from -18/+27 to -15/+15. Vertical elevation from -10/+18 to -40/+18. Ammunition has been reduced from 250 to 200 rounds. Ammunition has been increased for the upper turret from 250 to 450 rounds.
    Source: Ju 188.- Flugzeug-Handbuch A-2, A-3, D-2.- Teil 8A.- Schusswaffenanlage
  • Ki-49-I — in the modifications window, the following changes have been made: “Turret 7 mm” has been moved from tier III to tier I. “New 7 mm MGs (turret)” has been moved from tier IV to tier II.
  • Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e), Sea Harrier FRS.1, Sea Harrier FA 2 — a new custom HUD has been added to the cockpit.
  • Rafale C F3 — a custom MFD weapons page has been added.
  • TIS MA — the number of fuel tanks has been increased.
    Source: Отчет по заводским испытаниям модифицированного двухместного истребителя сопровождения ТИС-2АМ38Ф конструкции Н.Н. Поликарпова.

The Secondary Weapons menu has been added to the following aircraft:

  • SB 2M-103, SB 2M-105, SB 2M-103U, SB 2M-103U MV3, SB 2M-103 MV3, Do 217 E-2, Do 217 E-4, Do 217 K-1, Do-217 M-1

Flight Model changes:

  • Su-27 (all variants), Su-33, Su-34, J-11 (all variants), Rafale C F3, EF-2000, Typhoon FGR.4, F-2000A, F-15 (all variants), МiG-29 (all variants), JAS39 (all variants), J35 (all variants), J-10A — for the “mouse aiming” and "simplified control” control modes, the “Switch maneuvering and limitations mode” action has been added. This disables the limitation on reaching critical angles of attack, which for example allows you to perform the “cobra” maneuver. In the full control mode, this action disables the limitation on the angle of attack in the ACS “damping” mode.
  • Ju 188 A-2 — maximum fuel capacity has been reduced to 1935 kg.
    Source: Ju 188 E-1 Flugzeug-Handbuch Teil 0 Allgemeine Angaben.
  • Ju 288 C — engine fire extinguishing system has been added.
    Source: Flugzeug Classic 2006-06. Junkers Ju 288 - Der Unglücksbomber (Tail 5).
  • P.108 (all variants), Ju 87 (all variants), S.M.79 (all variants), C. 200 / 202 (all variants) — automatic flap retraction system depending on flight speed according to the technical description has been added.
  • J9 Early — the aircraft’s flight model has been updated. Controllability on all control types has been improved. (Report).
  • MB.5 — engine fire extinguishing system has been added.
  • P-39Q-15/25 — the flight model has been completely updated using all current capabilities of the physics model. Maximum fuel capacity has been set to 334 kg (120 US gal).
  • P-39N (all variants) — the flight model has been completely updated using all current capabilities of the physics model. Maximum fuel capacity set to 237 kg (87 US gal).
  • P-39K-1, P-400 — the flight model has been completely updated using all current capabilities of the physics model.
  • Wyvern S.4 — a bug that caused the engine to run for a shorter period of time when overheated has been fixed. (Report).
    Sources: Pilot's Notes for the Westland Wyvern S.4.
  • SB 2 (all variants) — landing gear retraction and release time has been increased to 15 seconds.
    Source: Самолет "СБ". Часть 2. Издание 2.
  • He 219 A-7 — automatic flap retraction system depending on the flight speed has been added. Flap operation has been fixed, the “fight” position has been removed according to the aircraft’s technical documentation.
    Source: He 219 A-0 Flugzeug-Handbuch. Teil 9C: Druckölanlage.- Heft 1: Beschreibung.
  • Ki-45 (all variants) — the flight model has been completely updated using all current capabilities of the physics model. Landing gear extension and retraction times have been adjusted. Cockpit lighting at night has been fixed.
  • IAR 93B — intermediate flap positions have been removed. (Report).
  • Mirage 2000 (all variants) — fuel mass has been adjusted in accordance with the flight manual. VNE increased to M1.2 at sea level.
  • Rafale C F3 — the maximum speed at maximum thrust without using the afterburner has been increased to M1.35 at high altitudes. (Report). Maximum Mach number has been increased to M2.0. (Report).
  • EF-2000, Typhoon FGR.4, F-2000A — behavior and balance at higher than critical angles of attack have been corrected. Maximum overload in maneuvers at high speeds has been decreased to ~12G.
  • EF-2000, Typhoon FGR.4, F-2000A — max level speed at high altitude has been increased to M2.3. (Report).
  • F-15 (all variants), MiG-29 (all variants), JAS39 (all variants), J35 (all variants), J-10A — behavior at higher than critical angles of attack has been corrected.

Naval fleet model, damage model, characteristic and weaponry changes:
Naval weaponry:

  • The ballistic model of shells with a caliber of 100 mm and higher has been corrected. Air resistance calculations on the whole flight path has been improved. Projectiles lose speed more correctly at medium and long range. Most projectiles now have a higher trajectory.
  • The dispersion parameters of most guns with a caliber of 100 mm and higher have been corrected.
  • 330 mm OPF Mle 1935 — projectile type has been changed from SAPCBC to APCBC.
  • Kinetic armor penetration has been added to high-explosive shells that are 20 mm caliber or higher. These shells will be able to penetrate thin armor due to their energy and explode inside with a delay of 0.001 s, which will make high-explosive shells more effective in hitting poorly protected targets.
  • HMS Rodney — reload time of the 406 mm 45 BL Mark I and Mark I mod2 guns has been reduced from 40 to 35 seconds.
  • Arkhangelsk, HMS Renown, HMS Repulse, HMS Hood — the Mk.XVIIb armor-piercing shell has been added.
  • JDS Murasame (DD-107) — the ability to fire the main and secondary caliber guns with one button has been disabled due to the different types of guns. The ship has secondary caliber semi-automatic guns. (Report).
  • Z25, Z32, Emden, Marceau — the horizontal and vertical aiming speed of the turret mounts with 15 cm/48 KC 36 cannon has been increased to 8°/s.

Naval modifications and crew skills:

  • Arkhangelsk — the Mk.Ia armor-piercing shell has been replaced by the Mk.XIIa at tier I in the modification window.

Naval characteristics, physics and damage model:

  • The aiming system in Arcade Battles has been changed. Now, the required lead value is generated automatically, taking into account the parameters of the player’s ship and the target ship’s movement. When aiming at the desired part of an enemy ship, the gunners will independently determine these parameters and take the required lead. In addition to reducing the chance of an aiming error, this change makes shooting at long distances (and especially on opposite courses) better, as the target will no longer be outside of the player’s field of view. In addition to this, the shell impact point marker and the FCS calculation update progress bar have been disabled in AB, since with the new aiming system, these elements are no longer necessary.
  • The hulls of ships have had their strength mechanic returned, expanded and redesigned. All other methods of destroying an enemy remain the same, with the addition of a way to destroy its hull to such an extent that unsinkability is lost:

    • Small and medium boats can be destroyed by the destruction of any of the hull sections. If one section accumulates damage comparable to what is needed to destroy all the sections of the boat, this will cause enough destruction, not allowing it to maintain combat capability and structural integrity.
    • Large ships, from frigates to heavier ships, have been given a more complex system. When several sections of the hull are completely destroyed, the ship loses its unsinkability and begins to take on water until it is completely flooded. At the same time, the end (i.e. first and last) sections do not participate in this system. Now you need to destroy three sections to start the fatal processes. The strength of the sections depends on the class and size of the ship. It is selected in such a way that their destruction does not become a quick and easy task and will not be the primary way of destroying the ship in other ways familiar to players.
    • You can track the condition of your ship’s hull using the additional section in the ship DM panel at the bottom left. The combat-ready crew indicator has been moved to the top and a scale with segments has been added next to it. Each segment corresponds to a section of the hull.
    • The enemy’s hull condition can be assessed using the same scale under the hit camera when the enemy is in the sights.
    • Due to the addition of loss of unsinkability, the non-repairable holes mechanic has been disabled.

  • A bug with all battleships that caused enclosed auxiliary caliber turrets to get damaged and destroyed by pressure from close explosions has been fixed. Now, only entirely unprotected cannons or cannons with just shields get damaged by explosions.
  • Torpedoes and mines now have the effect of hydraulic shock on ship hulls. Previously, torpedoes (mines) had an effect only by the force of the explosion of the torpedo’s explosive itself. We added the force of a hydraulic shock, the sphere of which also depends on the mass and type of explosive, as does the explosion. The destructive effect on the hull has now increased. At the same time, the chances of ammunition detonation, damage to modules and the crew remained the same. Note that this change directly echoes the loss of unsinkability as described above.
  • Groza — a bug that caused the armor shield of the front turret to not stop shrapnel has been fixed. (Report).
  • HMS Repulse — flooding scheme has been fixed. The ship no longer loses up to half of its buoyancy when one of its aft compartments is flooded.

Interface

  • Control over hit result icons has been added to the settings. You can choose which ones to display or turn them all off. You can find them in the Options > Main parameters > Naval Battle Settings > Show hit icons setting.

Economy and research

  • Following the Roadmap: The ability to recycle inventory items (boosters, universal backups, wagers, orders and discounts) into random items of other types has been added. Any items of the specified types can be recycled in the “Item Recycling” tab in the Inventory. Players can create new, random items from them in the ratio of 2:1. There is also a small chance when creating an item to get 500,000 or 1 million Silver Lions instead of an item.
  • In Naval Battles, the reward in Silver Lions and Research Points for destroying AI-controlled ships (both “named” bots and mission AI) has been increased to the level of the reward for players. AI-controlled ships in Naval Battles do not differ much in their combat efficiency from players, and the reward for damaging them (the main source of income in Naval Battles) was already equal to the reward for damaging players. Therefore, now the rewards for damage and destruction (finishing off the target) will not depend on who controls the target ship — a player or an AI.
  • Reserve boats for the USSR (G-5), Germany (LS 3), Great Britain (MTB-1(1)), Japan (Type T-14) and France (VTB-8) have been replaced. The old reserves will be available for obtaining upon purchasing the first vessel of rank II.
  • HMS Churchill — is now available upon purchasing the first British bluewater vessel of rank II.
  • Bretagne, Lorraine, RN Francesco Caracciolo, IJN Hyuga, Parizhskaya Kommuna — have been moved to rank V.
  • HMS Invincible — has been moved before HMS Glorious in the research tree. Battle Rating has been reduced from 6.0 to 5.7.
  • Paris, Courbet, HMS Dreadnought, HMS Colossus, USS North Dakota, SMS Westfalen, SMS Von der Tann, SMS Nassau — Battle Rating has been reduced from 6.3 to 6.0.
  • Bretagne, Lorraine — Battle Rating has been reduced from 6.7 to 6.3.
  • IJN Hyuga, SMS Ersatz Yorck, Parizhskaya Kommuna, USS Arizona — Battle Rating has been reduced from 7.0 to 6.7.
  • RN Duilio — Battle Rating has been increased from 6.7 to 7.0.
  • The VTB-8, VTB-11, and VTB-14 have been grouped together.
  • D-3 — Battle Rating has been reduced from 1.3 to 1.0 in all modes.
  • S38 — Battle Rating has been reduced from 1.3 to 1.0 in Arcade Battles and from 1.7 to 1.0 in Realistic Battles.
  • Pz.Sfl.Ic — Battle Rating has been increased from 2.3 to 2.7 in Realistic and Simulator Battles.
  • The AML-90 and AMX-13-90 have been grouped together.
  • The F-14A Early and F-14B have been grouped together.
  • The J-11 and J-11A have been grouped together.
  • J35D — Battle Rating has been decreased from 10.7 to 10.3 in Simulator Battles.
  • OS2U-3 — this aircraft no longer needs to be researched and purchased. It now becomes available immediately when purchasing a US ship of rank II or higher.
  • AMC.34 YR — this tank no longer needs to be researched and purchased. It now becomes available immediately when rank II in the French ground forces tree is unlocked.

Customization

  • A new decal collection called “Game updates (2023-2024)” has been added.
  • Tasks to receive old additional camouflages previously available only for Golden Eagles have been added to the majority of helicopters.
  • R2Y2 Kai V1 — the task for obtaining the additional camouflage has been changed to be more relevant to the aircraft. To obtain the camouflage, players need to destroy enemy players instead, not bomb bases. (Report). The progress of the old task will be transferred to the new one, so some players will receive the camouflage immediately.
  • Tempest Mk.V — the task for obtaining the additional camouflage has been changed to be more relevant to the aircraft. To obtain the camouflage, players need to destroy enemy players instead, not ground / naval targets. The progress of the old task will be transferred to the new one, so some players will receive the camouflage immediately.
  • F117 — the task for obtaining the additional camouflage will be changed. Currently, the task to destroy players can only be completed effectively in Ground Realistic and Ground Simulator Battles. To obtain the camouflage, you will need to destroy ground vehicles (AI controlled and players). The change will come into effect 2 weeks after the release of update 2.45, since the values ​​​​for obtaining the camouflage will get higher. Instead of 570 players with standard multipliers of 4/5/9, it will now be 1720 ground vehicles with standard multipliers of 2/3/3.
  • Ar 196 A-5 (Sweden) — the task for obtaining the additional camouflage has been changed based on the aircraft’s capabilities (small bomb load). To obtain the camouflage, players need to destroy ground or surface vehicles (AI controlled and players), not bomb bases. The progress of the old task will be transferred to the new one, so some players will receive the camouflage immediately.
  • T-69 II G — Bangladesh Army camouflages that are unlockable for completing tasks or by purchasing with Golden Eagles have been added.

Awards

  • A reward (Silver Lions, Research Points and Mission Points) for destroying enemy ammunition has been added. The reward is fixed and does not depend on the player’s vehicle, the type of ammunition or the method of interception.
  • A combat reward called “Not on my watch” for destroying an enemy bomb weighing more than 5000 kg has been added. The award can be received no more than three times during one battle.

Interface

  • Four new player profile showcases have been added:

    • Vehicle Collector. Becomes available after purchasing 500 vehicles. You can choose 1 to 3 vehicles to display. The total number of vehicles purchased by country and in total is also shown.
    • Ace of Spades. Available by default. You can select the vehicle types and nations to display the number of spaded vehicles (vehicles with all modifications unlocked). The total number of selected spaded vehicles and the total number of purchased vehicles of the selected type in the selected nations are also shown.
    • Medalist. Available by default. You can choose from 1 to 10 medals to display. The total number of owned medals is also shown.
    • Achievement Hunter. Available by default. You can select 1 to 10 achievements from the Gaijin.net achievement section to display. The total number of achievements obtained is also shown.

  • The control functions of moving the tactical map, setting a point of interest and switching the map type is now possible using keys. Additionally for these functions and for the “Attention to the designated grid square!” on the tactical map screen, hints with keys have been added.
  • The stat cards for all shells, rockets, ammo belts and smoke grenades have been updated. Basic and important information such as the initial velocity, armor penetration at 100 m and TNT equivalent of explosives (if any) has been moved to the top of the stat card and are clearly visible. For weapons with several types of penetration, their presence and values are indicated.
  • A bug where the Favorite Mode and Battle-Hardened profile showcases would display zero stats for players who had played less than 100 battles in the selected mode has been fixed.
  • The appearance of the player’s pop-up card in the contacts list and squad menu has been changed. The player’s profile background has been added to the card. The squad leadership indicator has been moved to the player’s nickname so that it does not replace game status and so that it is always visible.
  • A bug in some cases that caused the status of squad members to not show in the queue or in combat has been fixed.
  • The “Collections” button has been moved from the Shop dropdown menu to the Player Profile.
  • The vehicle context menu has received a more modern look.
  • 11 new profile icon frames have been added.
  • The appearance of the Premium Account purchase window has been updated.

Game mechanics

  • A message about the destruction of enemy ammunition has been added to the vehicle destruction log.
  • A function for displaying the video (picture-in-picture) from a Scout UAV to the tank has been added. Players can change from the minimap view to Scout UAV view by clicking the icon above the minimap using ALT + Click. The video feed from the UAV is then displayed instead of the minimap when activated.
  • The method for controlling the tilt of the aircraft radar antenna has been changed. Now, the antenna stabilization mode by elevation angle relative to the world coordinates can be enabled and disabled via a new control called “Switch Radar/IRST gyro stabilization on/off” without going into the game settings. When enabled, the antenna is stabilized by an elevation angle relative to the world coordinates, which is the same as it was before when the “Constant elevation of radar antenna” option was deactivated. When disabled, the antenna stabilizes relative to the aircraft, as it was before with the “Constant elevation of radar antenna”, but now the antenna can be controlled with “Radar/IRST tilt control axis”. A “Reset Radar/IRST direction to boresight” control for quick antenna centering in both axis has also been added.
  • The “Constant elevation of radar antenna” option has been removed, the “Disable radar antenna gyro stabilization at mission start” option has been added.
  • A thrust vectoring (thrust vector control, TVC) mechanic controlled with commands from primary aircraft controls has been added. Aircraft that use engines with this functionality can use the “Switch maneuver and limits mode” control which disables the limitation on going beyond critical angles of attack and enables control of angular speeds.
  • Mechanics for predicting the lead direction for launching air-to-air missiles to ensure the most efficient kinematic trajectory has been added. The mechanics for predicting the optimal lead point are enabled on the F-15 (all variants), F-16A OCU, F-16AM MLU, F-16C (all variants), F-16D Barak II, F-18C Late, MiG-29SMT, Su-27SM, Su-30SM, Su-34, EF-2000 (all variants), Tornado F.3 Late, J-8F, J-10A, J-11A, J-11B, JF-17, Mirage 2000-5F, Mirage 2000-5 Ei, Rafale C F3, JA37DI (all variants), JAS39 (all variants), Kfir C.10.
  • The thermal signature of missiles and bombs now accounts for aerodynamic heating. This causes the distances at which the munitions can be acquired by IR seekers to depend on their speed.
  • The mechanics of target recognition by their radar signature (non-cooperative target recognition, NCTR) has been added. The mechanic comes in several recognition variants: by target size, by the amount and type of engines, and target aircraft type (model) recognition. The NCTR mechanic has been enabled on the following aircraft:

    • Su-30SM, Su-34, EF-2000 (all variants), Rafale C F3, JAS39 (all variants), Kfir C.10 — aircraft type recognition;
    • F-15C MSIP II, F-15E, F-15J(M), F-15I Ra’am, F-18 (all variants) — recognition by the amount and type of engines.

Graphical

  • The effects of hits by shells of all calibers on all types of surfaces has been updated.
  • A soot effect has been added to the part of a tank surface near to where a fire occurred.
  • Traces of shell hits on ships has been added. The display of the trace depends on the caliber, type of shell and material of the surface.
  • Ray Tracing support has been added for capable AMD and Intel GPUs.
  • Precision of shadows cast by static objects on all graphic settings (except ray-traced shadows) has been increased.

Sound

  • The sounds of ground vehicle gunfire now have unique distinctive features. Each gun has its own sound character. This applies to the sound of player guns and enemy/allied guns.
  • The speed of sound is now applied to the sounds of shells and bullets hitting enemy/allied vehicles. This applies to ground vehicles, aircraft and naval vehicles.
  • Artillery marker shell hits now have a new sound that better matches the sound of a smoke shell falling.
  • Some aircraft guns used sounds from ones that were on ground vehicles. Now they have their own sounds, taking into account the specifics of the environment. This includes the following guns: MG 151, MG 131, MK 103, MK 108, Degtyarev machine gun, Hispano-Suiza, MG 15, MG 17, MG C/30L, M1919.


In the early 5th century, Saint Patrick set out to spread Christianity from Roman Britain, where he was born, to Ireland. Today, he is reserved as the patron saint of Ireland, and festivals and celebrations are held every year on March 17th in honor of St. Patrick.

LÉ Orla is available at a 30% discount!
The Irish LÉ Orla coastal vessel is available at a 30% discount for 4,263 Golden Eagles.

When: From March 17th (11:00 GMT) until March 20th (11:00 GMT).
Where: Great Britain > Coastal fleet > Premium vehicles.



About this boat

  • LÉ Orla features a 76 mm/62 OTO-Melara automatic gun that can fire HE, HE-VT and SAP shells, effective against smaller vessels. Additionally, this boat has 20 mm automatic cannons with APDS rounds and 7.62 machine guns as backup.


Get the “St. Patrick’s Day 2025” decal!
For this event you can unlock this themed decal.

When: From March 17th (11:00 GMT) until March 20th (11:00 GMT).
Task: Play 3 battles using any vehicle at rank III or higher to receive the “St. Patrick’s Day 2025” decal! 

Additional details:

  • Your activity must not be below 70%.
  • You can complete the task in random battles, except for Enduring Confrontation missions, mode and Helicopter PVE battles.
  • Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → St. Patrick’s Day.
  • You can find the decal in the “St. Patrick’s Day” tab in the Customization menu.



“St. Patrick’s Day 2025” decal


Welcome to the 163rd War Thunder Steam Screenshot Competition!

Thanks for submitting all of those screenshots last week! This week, apply some fresh paint! There is so much to pick from - Complete skins, monthly decals have made their return, or perhaps you prefer the large shark mouths and scary eyes? The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

Let’s begin the 163rd edition of our competition!

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen163. You have time until the 21st of March 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.

How to Participate!

Terms:

  • Your screenshot must include a vehicle with a custom camouflage or decal applied to it!
  • You must add the #WTscreen163 tag (title cannot have any other text in it).
  • Artists may only win by popular vote once per four screenshot competitions.
  • 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.


And now, time for the winners of the competition’s 162nd edition – Goliath!

Winners selected via community votes:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3440370797
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3440658738
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3440877028

Winners selected by our judges:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3441990660
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3442171313
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3440379376

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


Today we’ll be doing a brief overview of the improvements and features coming in the Hornet’s Sting major update! We’ve already talked about some of the main changes and vehicles coming to the game in the CM Covert Disclosures article and vehicle dev blogs, so be sure to check those out to keep up to speed with what’s coming.

Updated Hit Effects

In this update, we’ve done a lot of work to update the effects of impacts on various surfaces in the game. Depending on the power of the projectile and its caliber, a funnel effect appears in the center of an explosion, throwing up clouds of dust and earth. Dirt, stone and small fragments are thrown into the air, forming a thick cloud together with the smoke of the charge. The effects of impacts look realistic for each type of surface, be it soil, snow or sand.



The effects of hits on the hulls of armored vehicles has been updated too. With the aim in mind to make these effects look more authentic, our artists looked at materials and video recordings from firing ranges. The result is that effects for shells exploding on armor, the effect of penetration and scattering sparks have now become more realistic. This change affects all types of caliber shells, including guided missiles.

Improvements to the Interface
As mentioned in the CM Covert Disclosures article, we’ve updated the stat cards for tank ammunition. Since then, we’ve finalized new stat cards for all secondary weapons, smoke grenades, machine gun and autocannon belts. All of the most important aspects of ammunition is shown at the top of the card, making it easy to glance at. The penetration effects and values for each shell are presented in detail too.



You’ll now be able to see your friend’s player profile background when hovering over their name in the in-game friends list. The squad leader will always display their current status, whether they’re still in-game trying to salvage a battle, or have left and are ready to play another.



Aerodynamic Hot Stuff!
Aerodynamic heating (where an object heats up when it travels at high speeds through the air) has been added to missiles and bombs. This will mean that it will be easier to lock on to these types of ammo with IR seekers at distance, all of course depending on the speed they are moving and how much they have heated up. This opens up new possibilities when trying to defend against missiles and bombs!



Naval battles: Hull Sections, Flooding and Arcade Aiming
We’ve reworked the mechanics of hull destruction for ships and are introducing new capabilities to the damage model of naval vessels. The updated hull strength mechanic closely tied with the loss of unsinkability is back and will affect battles of both coastal and bluewater fleet. Depending on the class and dimensions of a ship, when one or more sections of the hull are destroyed, the irreversible flooding process begins, leading to the destruction of the ship.

Small and medium boats will now be destroyed if any section of the hull accumulates damage equal to the amount required to destroy all other sections. For large ships, you’ll have to destroy three sections (except the front and end sections), however this will not be easier to do than destroying the ship in other ways.



Torpedoes and mines have been given a new type of damage called hydroshock, a sudden change in pressure from an explosion. Hydroshock will cause additional damage to the hull in the form of a high-pressure sphere, the radius and damage of which will directly depend on the power of the explosive.



There’s another piece of good news for naval players. In Arcade Mode, you no longer need to lead salvos, as the gunners will do it for you. Just aim the sight at the part of the hull you want to hit and press the fire button. The target will now always be in the sight’s field of view, even when firing on a collision course at long distances.

Lead time for missiles


For the F-16C, F-18C and Su-30SM, a lead circle will appear when launching air-to-air missiles, similar to the lead marker for aircraft cannons and machine guns. This displays the optimal lead direction for launching air-to-air missiles along the most effective trajectory.

Set up those radars!


If you’re a fan of top-tier jets and use your radar, we’ve now added the “Switch Radar/IRST gyro stabilization on/off” control that allows for more flexible control of the radar’s vertical viewing area. This will either stabilize it relative to the world coordinates (this was previously the case when the “Constant elevation of radar antenna” option was turned off), or fixing the antenna elevation angle relative to the aircraft’s axis, which now allows the scanning area to be adjusted using buttons and quickly returned to the center position using a new “Reset Radar/IRST direction to boresight” control.

The old “Constant elevation of radar antenna” option has been replaced with a new “Disable radar antenna gyro stabilization at mission start” option. This new one is responsible for which of the two modes of antenna vertical stabilization will be active at the start of the mission by default.

New Multi-Function Displays (MFDs)!







We’ve added a new flight instrument screen for the Su-30 and other modern Russian aircraft, while the Su-30 itself comes with a set of authentic displays that show the radar operation in different modes, including search by speed, as well as RWR screens and a screen for external weapons.

For the F-18 Hornet, two authentic displays of radar control in the azimuth-range and azimuth-elevation modes have also been added, as well as a page for external weapons on the MFD.

Try out all these new features and much more in the upcoming Hornet’s Sting major update! Thank you for reading and we’ll see you soon for more news!


The Corps of Engineers first appeared in the Continental Army in 1775 during the American Revolution. In its modern form, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was officially established on March 16th, 1802, when President Thomas Jefferson signed the Military Peace Establishment Act into law. Engineers built bridges and fortifications during the Civil War and World War II, supported the Allied landings in Normandy, and also worked on large-scale civilian projects such as the Hoover Dam and Panama Canal.

The M728 CEV is temporarily available for Golden Eagles!
The premium M728 CEV is available for 8,200 Golden Eagles.

When: From March 14th (12:00 GMT) until March 17th (12:00 GMT).
Where: USA > Army > Premium vehicles.




About this tank

  • The M728 CEV (where CEV stands for “Combat Engineer Vehicle”) is based on the M60 MBT and is equipped with a dozer blade, a 165 mm M135 cannon and two machine guns. Its HESH shell is destructive and contains a TNT equivalent exceeding 20 kg! Bear in mind that the muzzle velocity is low on this gun, so take time to range and aim to ensure a hit.


On March 15th, 1848, an uprising broke out in Pest against the Austrian Empire, which at the time ruled the Kingdom of Hungary. The uprising was bloodless and achieved concessions from the Emperor, who agreed to all of the Hungarian demands, granting them freedom of the press, civil rights and greater autonomy. The anniversary of this event is celebrated to this day as one of Hungary’s main national holidays.

Discounts on Hungarian vehicles!
The following vehicles are available at a 30% discount.

When: From March 14th (11:00 GMT) until March 17th (11:00 GMT).
Where: Italy > Army > Premium vehicles.







Bf 109 G-2 (rank IV) — 3248 Golden Eagles
Bf 110 G-4 (rank III) — 1015 Golden Eagles








Tigris (rank IV) — 3416 Golden Eagles
Mi-24P (rank VI) — 6111 Golden Eagles



Additionally, you can buy the PzH 2000HU pack at a 30% discount in the Gaijin Store!

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



This is the Italian FIAT 6614 FIROS 6, the main reward in the Rocket Storm event, which started today!

FIAT 6614 FIROS 6: An Event Vehicle Light Tank for Italy at Rank V
At a glance:

  • 51 mm rockets with up to 250 mm penetration!
  • Excellent mobility.
  • Light armor.
  • Amphibious.
  • Slow rotation speed on the rocket launcher.

 
Vehicle History

FIROS (FIeld ROcket System) is a family of rocket launcher systems developed in the 1970s by the Italian company SNIA-BPD. The lineup of systems included the FIROS 6, FIROS 25, FIROS 30, and the FIROS 70 (the latter was later discontinued), where the number following the name indicated the approximate range of the rocket system. Numerous modifications of the FIROS family were acquired by the UAE, Iraq, and Mexico, and were also tested by the Italian Army.

The FIROS 6 launcher in particular was designed to fire 51 mm rockets and was originally equipped on Italian aircraft. Later, it was mounted on the chassis of the FIAT 6614 armored personnel carrier, transforming it into a mobile MLRS vehicle designed to provide close-range fire support to ground forces. Although the FIAT 6614 FIROS 6 underwent testing, it was never adopted into service.




Introducing the FIAT 6614 FIROS 6!

The vehicle reward in the Rocket Storm event is this high-speed armored vehicle, capable of racing across the battlefield at 100 km/h, equipped with a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). Meet the FIAT 6614 FIROS 6, featuring a total of 48 rockets ready to fire!




Originally, this unusual roof-mounted rocket launcher was specifically designed to fire unguided aircraft rockets. We’ve specifically chosen the rockets with HEAT warheads that provide a good balance of penetration up to 250 mm and effectiveness against armor. The launcher holds a total of 48 ready-to-fire 51 mm rockets, with an additional 96 stored in the hull. To add to this, the launcher has a slow rotation speed, so keep this in mind while playing this vehicle!

If you’ve played the mid-tier Italian ground vehicles, you’ll immediately recognize the chassis, as it’s the same as the FIAT 6614 that’s equipped with a recoilless gun on top. This chassis has very thin armor that’s only able to withstand rifle-caliber bullets, but compensates with a powerful engine that provides excellent mobility and a top speed of 100 km/h. This makes the FIAT 6614 FIROS 6 the most mobile MLRS vehicle in War Thunder!




Like all Italian wheeled light vehicles, the FIAT 6614 FIROS 6 requires you to be daring in your approach to battles. The launcher is relatively small, can rotate 360 degrees (slowly), and is capable of both direct and indirect fire. This makes the FIROS 6 ideal for carrying out early pushes towards opponents driving to their objectives and is also highly effective when using ambush tactics. It can take cover behind building corners or conceal itself in hedgerows while waiting for unsuspecting opponents to advance — only to be taken out with a sudden barrage of 48 rockets! 



You can earn the Italian FIAT 6614 FIROS 6 in the Rocket Storm ground vehicle event that started today. Be sure to check out the link below for all the details surrounding this event!

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

Click here to find out more details about the Rocket Storm event


Economy

  • A bug that could cause Research Points earned from one battle to be lost if the player left early and then started another battle has been fixed. This would occur if the research of a modification or vehicle was completed when the second battle finished before the first one when the same modification or vehicle was being researched. (Report, Report).

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.


Meet the J-11B, created under China’s program to modernize the Russian Su-27, coming to the game in the Hornet’s Sting major update!

J-11B: A Jet Fighter for China at Rank VIII
At a glance:

  • The PL-12 and new PL-8B air-to-air missiles!
  • Improved rate of climb and acceleration.
  • Modern radar.
  • A variety of air-to-surface guided weapons.

Vehicle History

In 1998, China launched a domestic program to modernize Su-27 fighters exported from Russia to extend their service life. Modernized aircraft received a new radar, RWR, digital cockpit with a new heads-up display and new MFDs. Composite materials were also introduced into the design, reducing the overall weight of the aircraft.

After testing began, the first prototype was equipped with a new pair of Chinese-made turbojet engines with increased power. The first flight of the modified aircraft, which was given the designation J-11B, took place in 2003, with serial production launching in 2006. Currently, the J-11B and its further development, the J-11BG, form the backbone of the PLA Air Force.




Introducing the J-11B!

The J-11B is a major step forward compared to previous modifications of the Russian Su-27. Featuring new engines and a reduction of the overall weight of the aircraft due to composite materials, the J-11B features an increased rate of climb and a new air-to-air missile, plus many guided weapons for use against ground targets. Let’s take a look at this new top-tier jet fighter for China!




Under a Chinese modernization program to improve the performance of existing aircraft, the J-11B was equipped with two domestically produced WS-10A engines, generating over 12,500 kgf of available thrust in afterburner mode. This upgrade significantly improved the aircraft’s rate of climb to around 235 m/s, while also improving its maximum speed and acceleration in level flight!

The types of weapons that could be carried were also expanded. The key difference here is a targeting pod that controls the LS-6 guided bomb, the GB250 guided bomb that features a laser, satellite and inertial guidance, as well as the large GB500 with a laser homing head. Additionally, the J-11B is equipped with the Russian Kh-29TE air-to-surface missile, as well as conventional and parachute bombs, plus rockets such as the large S-25O.




For air-to-air combat, the J-11B features the new all-aspect Chinese PL-8B air-to-air missile, plus the long range PL-12 ARH missile, a familiar missile if you’ve flown the J-8F or J-10A. This aircraft will be able to carry up to 6 of these missiles at once.

Like all other top-tier jet fighters in the game, the J-11B will be a great choice for any game mode and any challenge at hand. This fast and maneuverable aircraft with a modern radar can be equipped with a number of suitable weapons for air battles and ground battles, making it highly versatile across the board.



That’s it for this one! The J-11B will be coming to the game in the Hornet’s Sting major update, not too far away now. Check it out!

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


Meet the interesting Chinese VT5 light tank, used by the Bangladesh Armed Forces and coming to the game as a Squadron Vehicle in the Hornet’s Sting major update! 

VT5: A Squadron Light Tank for China at Rank VII 
At a glance:

  • Good mobility.
  • 105 mm gun with APFSDS.
  • Thermal imager.
  • Mediocre armor protection. 

Vehicle History

During the late 1990s, Bangladesh did not consider defense spending a priority, as the country was going through hard times with its economy, and there was a friendship agreement with India. Later however, escalating border confrontations forced the government to urgently engage in strengthening its defense capability. In 2009, a plan for modernizing the Armed Forces was launched, which received significant funding. As part of the defense program, the existing armored vehicle fleet was repaired and the country also purchased new Chinese Al-Khalid MBTs and VT5 light tanks, which were primarily designed for export. 




Introducing the VT5!

Coming to the game in the Hornet’s Sting major update as a Squadron Vehicle, the VT5 light tank is ready to fit into a variety of Chinese ground force lineups thanks to its mobility and good firepower. Today we’ll be taking a closer look at what this tank can offer!  




The VT5 is an export variant of a modern Chinese light tank, with lighter armor and a more budget-friendly engine. Armed with a 105 mm gun, the VT5 has an autoloader where the shells are fed from the back of the turret into the gun, which is unusual for Chinese tanks. This autoloader provides an excellent reload speed, regardless of crew skills! 

There are several types of ammunition that the VT5 can fire — the main ones include a HEATFS shell with 400 mm penetration and two APFSDS shells, with the more advanced shell of the two having penetration values of up to 480 mm at 100 m. Additionally, there’s a tandem ATGM, HE-VT for use against aircraft, and SAPCBC shells. To back up the fast fire rate and ammo is a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager for the gunner and commander, helping to obtain the distance instantly and hit targets with pin-point accuracy.




The VT5 was designed with good mobility in mind, essential to traversing Bangladesh’s rugged terrain. Featuring an 884 HP engine, the VT5 can reach speeds of over 70 km/h forwards and over 30 km/h in reverse. This allows the tank to roam around the map effectively, be it on open and rough terrain or through urban areas.

Good mobility often comes with the compromise of lighter armor, as is the case with the VT5. The front of the hull and turret has thin rolled homogenous armor and composite screens, with the latter helping to increase survivability against HEAT rounds.



That’s it for this one! Like all of the other Squadron Vehicles, you can get the VT5 for squadron activity points or buy it for Golden Eagles in the Hornet’s Sting major update, coming very soon! 

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


The USS Colorado — a super-dreadnought — will now be the new top-tier ship for the USA’s Bluewater fleet and the first in-game ship in this nation to feature 16 inch (406 mm) guns!

USS Colorado: A Battleship for the USA at Rank VI
At a glance:

  • 406 mm main battery guns!
  • Strong armor protection.
  • Decent anti-aircraft battery.
  • Low speed and maneuverability.
  • Slow rate of fire.

 
Vehicle History

Colorado-class battleships were an evolution of the Tennessee-class, featuring new 406 mm main battery guns. The lead ship of the series was launched later than the second vessel in the class, USS Maryland, and was commissioned in August 1923.

Before World War II, Colorado participated in training exercises, maneuvers, and diplomatic missions. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, Colorado was undergoing repairs in the U.S. Following its return to service, it patrolled the American coastline before being deployed to Pearl Harbor to counter Japanese naval operations. Colorado provided artillery support for landings at Tarawa Atoll and the Marshall Islands. After sustaining 22 hits from Japanese coastal artillery, the ship was briefly repaired in the U.S. before resuming fire support for amphibious operations.

Colorado played a key role in the Battle of Okinawa and was anchored in Tokyo Bay at the conclusion of the war.

For its service, Colorado earned seven battle stars. In 1947, it was placed in reserve, decommissioned, and ultimately scrapped in 1959.




Introducing USS Colorado!

The new top-tier ship for the U.S. Navy’s Bluewater fleet and the first American ship in the game with 406 mm guns — meet USS Colorado! Featuring upgraded anti-air weaponry, this slow but powerful warship will be coming in the Hornet’s Sting major update. Plunging into the specifics!




Featuring eight 406 mm guns in four turrets, USS Colorado has access to three types of shells, including HE and two AP rounds, both differing in penetration and explosive filler. Of these two AP shells, the Mk.3 APCBC is the most versatile as it contains over 25 kg of TNT equivalent and can penetrate up to 480 mm of armor at 10,000 m. Training your crew — in particular the gunners — on USS Colorado will be crucial, as this impressive firepower comes with a tradeoff of only being able to fire 1.5 rounds per minute on a well-trained crew.

Featuring unique secondary armament, USS Colorado boasts two types of 127 mm guns, Mk.7 cannons in casemate mounts and dual-purpose Mk.11 guns, effective against both light surface targets and aircraft. While dreadnought battleships are not typically known for strong anti-air capabilities, USS Colorado will be represented in War Thunder in its 1942 modernization. By this time, the U.S. Navy dealt with a large amount of air attacks from the Japanese, leading them to bolster their air defenses accordingly. Alongside the dual-purpose 127 mm guns, the ship is equipped with four “Chicago pianos” (quad 28 mm automatic cannons) and 14 single 20 mm Oerlikon autocannons for low-altitude threats.



Those who are familiar with the Tennessee class will notice little difference in the USS Colorado’s armor and durability. While its protection is strong, it is not well suited for close range engagements. This ship shares similar mobility characteristics with its predecessor as well — this large and heavy warship has a top speed of just 38 km/h (approximately 20.5 knots). 



The majestic USS Colorado will take its rightful place at the top of the U.S. Bluewater fleet research tree in the Hornet’s Sting major update, coming very soon. Thank you for reading and keep an eye out for more news coming your way.

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


The Rocket Storm event is dedicated to an Italian ground vehicle. Play ground battles to unlock themed decals, a decoration and the FIAT 6614 FIROS, ready to pop up in unexpected positions and rain a rocket storm on the heads of any opponent!

From March 13th (11:00 GMT) until March 27th (11:00 GMT), earn mission points in Ground Battles, unlock stages and receive rewards!


FIAT 6614 FIROS — An Event Vehicle Light Tank for Italy at Rank V
The FIAT 6614 FIROS is a somewhat unusual multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) vehicle in War Thunder. It features a compact rocket launcher with 48 rocket, placed on the chassis of a light and fast armored car, one capable of reaching speeds over 100 km/h! The FIAT 6614 FIROS can quickly outflank and deliver a surprise rocket attack to any unsuspecting opponents driving to their objectives.




“Emblem of the 5th Mountain Artillery Regiment” decal
“Emblem of the 12th Artillery Regiment "Savona"” decal
“Semi-automatic shotgun (Italy)” decoration



Among the rewards in the event is also this chest. When opened, there is a chance to receive one of the following items:

  • 50,000 - 100,000 Silver Lions
  • Silver Lion and Research Point boosters
  • Random Wagers and Orders
  • Universal Backups (1 - 3)
  • A random camouflage for a vehicle you own
  • 1 day of Premium Account


How to get all rewards
Each stage can be obtained for 35,000 mission points, where every new stage obtained will give you a new reward.

Please note: After finishing a stage, you need to collect the reward manually. To do this, click on your name in-game, go to “Rocket Storm” and click the “Get Reward” button.


You’re able to earn mission points in Ground Battles at Rank III or above in Arcade, Realistic and Simulator Battles. The number of mission points to complete a stage depends on the game mode and the maximum Rank of the vehicle that you use in battle. There’s a multiplier for earning mission points, which is shown in the task description in-game.

You can also earn mission points by using event vehicles that are Rank I and II. Event vehicles that can be used have the name of the event that they were obtainable in on their stat card.

Stages change every two days at 11:00 GMT on March 15th, 17th, 19th, 21st, 23rd and 25th.


Rewards are given when you complete a specific number of stages

  • For 1 Stage: trophy with a random reward
  • For 2 Stages: one of the decal rewards
  • For 3 Stages: trophy with a random reward
  • For 4 Stages: one of the decal rewards
  • For 5 Stages: trophy with a random reward
  • For 6 Stages: the “Semi-automatic shotgun (Italy)” decoration
  • For 7 Stages: non-tradable coupon for the FIAT 6614 FIROS


Discounts on purchasing stages using Golden Eagles
Unfinished stages can be purchased for Golden Eagles, but if you’re significantly close to completing a stage, its price will now be significantly reduced.

Let’s say you have earned 85% of the required mission points to complete a stage, then the price of purchasing this stage will be halved. If you’re near the finish line for a stage and are at 95% progress, then the price will be reduced by five times. For example, if you’ve scored 30,000 mission points, then the price for unlocking this stage will be 499 Golden Eagles. If you’ve scored 33,500 mission points, then you’ll only need 199 Golden Eagles.

The Upgrade for coupon
When you complete 7 stages, you’ll receive a non-tradable coupon for the FIAT 6614 FIROS, where using it will immediately activate the vehicle on your account. If you don’t want the vehicle and would like to sell the coupon on the Market, you’ll need the “Upgrade for coupon” item.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item can be earned in parallel with the stages throughout the event from March 13th (11:00 GMT) until March 27th (11:00 GMT) for 600,000 mission points.


After receiving the “Upgrade for coupon” item, you can convert the non-tradable coupon for the vehicle into a tradable one and sell it on the Market. The tradable coupon can be sold after 6 days from the moment it’s created.

To make a tradable coupon, select the “Coupon FIAT 6614 FIROS (Italy)” in your inventory and click the “Modify” button.


The “Upgrade for coupon” item is valid until 11:00 GMT on March 31st. Until this time, you can use it or exchange it for War Bonds. Afterwards, it’ll disappear from your inventory.

You can track your progress towards each stage and receive the “Upgrade for coupon” item by clicking on your Nickname > Achievements > Rocket Storm. If you don’t manage to complete a stage in time or would like to purchase a stage, you can do so with Golden Eagles until March 31st from the Achievements window.