War Thunder News

[p]Download Wallpaper: 1920x1080 - 2560x1440 - 3840x2160[/p][p][/p][p]Happy Birthday, War Thunder! The War Thunder open beta test began on November 1st 2012. Just think, that was 13 years ago! We’ve come a long way together since then, and we’re happy to invite all of you to celebrate the game’s birthday with us![/p][p] [/p][p]Following the in-game and store discounts, we’re pleased to be introducing the unique XF5U-1 in the Dreams Come True event, another chance to get the legendary Maus tank, and a celebratory decal to commemorate War Thunder’s 13th anniversary. Check it all out![/p][p] [/p][h2]Dreams Come True: XF5U-1[/h2][p][/p][p] [/p][p] [/p][p]Take part in the Dreams Come True event and get a fun pancake profile frame, decals, a loading screen and the XF5U-1 “Flying Flapjack”, also known as the pancake![/p][p] [/p][p]The XF5U-1 is essentially one large wing, allowing you to perform sharp turns and frankly incredible stall maneuvers. This master of dogfighting is armed with six .50 cals and really does look like a classic UFO, and pancake too of course![/p][p][/p][p]Learn more about the XF5U-1 event here:[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink] [/p][p] [/p][h2]Get War Thunder’s 13th Anniversary Decal![/h2][p] [/p][p] [/p][p]Get War Thunder’s 13th Anniversary commemorative decal for playing one battle![/p][p]Task: Play 1 battle with any vehicle at rank III or higher in any game mode to get the “War Thunder’s 13th Anniversary” decal.[/p][p][/p][p]“War Thunder’s 13th Anniversary” decal[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]The Return of the Legendary Maus![/h2][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p]A regular guest during our anniversary celebrations is the Maus tank, which you can start researching during the specified dates![/p]

• [p]To start researching the Maus, you need to have rank V of the German ground forces tree unlocked for research.[/p]
• [p]Spend research points or convert free research into the Maus within the specified time period! If you put any research towards the Maus (even a single point), it will not disappear after the event ends, meaning you’ll be able to finish researching it at any time you like after the event.[/p]

[p] [/p][h2]Sales in the Gaijin Store![/h2][p][/p][p] [/p][p] [/p][p]Up to 50% off on many packs in the Gaijin Store![/p][p]To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store.[/p][p][/p][p]Or get yourself some Steam DLC! Check out the birthday sale here:[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][h2]Celebratory Tournaments to Mark the Anniversary of War Thunder![/h2][p] [/p][p][/p][p]Participate in tournaments dedicated to War Thunder’s anniversary![/p][p] [/p][p]Check out the tournaments here[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’re very excited to share the special vehicle for this year’s Dreams Come True event – the experimental American XF5U-1 “Flying Flapjack”![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The concept of the “flying pancake” design was proposed by American Charles Zimmerman in 1933, and represented a radical departure from traditional aircraft design. Zimmerman wanted to create an aircraft with as much lift as possible, and so the proposed design incorporated a fuselage that would also serve a single circular wing. After impressing the US Navy with a radio-controlled model, he received funding to create a prototype, which would receive the designation V-173.[/p][p][/p][p]This lightweight wooden aircraft with a maximum speed of  220 km/h successfully completed multiple years of testing, and resulted in a wealth of experience, which ultimately lead to the creation of a fully-fledged prototyped, designated as the XF5U-1, featuring an all-metal fuselage and two Pratt & Whitney R-2000-7 engines. By the time the prototype was completed in 1947 however, it was facing insurmountable complications. Ground tests revealed worrying control instability at low speeds, and against the backdrop of the successes of jet aviation, the US Navy closed the project in March 1947.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the XF5U-1![/h3][p]The main prize of the Dreams Come True event is the thoroughly unique XF5U-1 “Flying Flapjack” fighter prototype. This is easily one of the most unusual aircraft ever to come to War Thunder, and we’re eager to tell you all about it![/p][p][/p][p]The original concept of the “flying pancake” design was intended to provide an incredibly short takeoff run, which would let the aircraft safely operate from short runways and carrier decks. The entire fuselage of the XF5U-1 is effectively just one big wing, and the large extended propellers prevent additional drag. Overall, the speed of the XF5U-1 is fairly average across the board, though it reaches a respectable 600 km/h at sea level, and can accelerate to 700 km/h at high altitudes. One of the standout features it has is the ability to perform very tight turns, which is very impressive for a heavy propeller fighter. That’s not all though, due to the frankly incredible lift, the XF5U-1 can comfortably outmaneuver almost any enemy in a stall fight.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Did you know? During the test flights of the wooden V-173 prototype in Connecticut, there were several cases of concerned citizens contacting the police with reports of UFOs.[/p][p][/p][p]The XF5U-1 is armed with six 12.7 mm machine guns, three on each side of the cockpit. The vertical arrangement makes the guns very comfortable to aim at range, and a pair of either 500 lb or 1000 lb bombs can be equipped for combined battles. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Interesting: When the aircraft was sent to be dismantled, its airframe proved so strong that a wrecking ball had to be used to destroy it, which even then required significant effort.[/p][p][/p][p]The XF5U-1 will not only become a valuable collectors aircraft, but a highly functional fighter with a unique playstyle that other fighters couldn’t hope to match. Play War thunder, complete the stages of the Dreams Come True event and receive your very own pancake-plane, along with many other rewards absolutely free![/p][p][/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p][p][/p][p]Click here to find out more details about the Dreams Come True event:[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Hey everyone! Following on from the model update of the Tiger II (Nr.1-50) in the previous major update, today we’re pleased to present you with another model update, this time for the serial production of the Tiger II manufactured by Henschel, as well as the version with the Sla.16 diesel engine![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Tiger II isn’t just an iconic tank for all fans of military history or an engineering masterpiece that influenced the development of most heavy tanks of its era, it’s also one of the best and most beloved heavy tanks among players in War Thunder. We’re pleased to bring you a completely updated look for the King Tiger, as well as the experimental Tiger II (Sla.16), which you’ll find in the game when the Spearhead major update releases![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’ll be taking a look at a very unique Dutch prototype fighter, the Fokker D.XXIII! With powerful guns and a good top speed, this rare bird never made it past the testing stage, but will soon be making its way to the French research tree in the next major update![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The design process for the Fokker D.XXIII began in late 1937, under the name of “design 155”, with the project being directed by engineer Marius Beeling. The design was completed in December, and almost one year later in November 1938, a mock up was displayed at the Paris Air Show.[/p][p][/p][p]On May 30th of the following year, the Fokker D.XXIII made its first flight from Schiphol Airport with test pilot Gerben Sonderman at the controls. The aircraft was powered by a pair of Czech Walter Sagitta I SR engines, which is where the key issue with the D.XIII was identified: the cooling. The rear engine had a seemingly unfixable cooling problem which made it impossible to run at full throttle without consequences, hampering the ability of the test pilot to perform maneuvers. To add to the issue, as Germany had just invaded Czechoslovakia, support for the Walter Sagitta engines entirely ceased.[/p][p][/p][p]The prototype was captured by German forces after their invasion of the Netherlands, it was then shipped to Germany where it was examined and tested. On May 10th 1941, the prototype was scrapped, the engines were sent back to Czechoslovakia, and the landing gear and cockpit elements were kept in storage. The final mention of the aircraft was in Fokker’s bookkeeping in 1942, where the prototype was listed at the symbolic value of 1 Dutch Guilder, acknowledging that it once existed, but ended as a total loss.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Fokker D.XXIII![/h3][p]This strange Fokker will be making its way to the early ranks of the French aviation tree in the next major update. It’s a prototype fighter that features good maneuverability and some powerful machine guns, let’s have a gander![/p][p][/p][p]The Fokker D.XXIII (or D.23) is equipped with a pair of Czechoslovakian Walter Sagitta I SR engines, in pusher and puller configuration. The engine itself is not exceptionally powerful at only 530 HP, but a pair of them working in tandem helps push the aircraft to a decent top speed for its rank of slightly over 500 km/h. The configuration does make the rear engine vulnerable however, and while it can run on one engine, it certainly can’t run effectively, so be extra careful of incoming fire from behind. Historically, the rear engine had a lot of trouble cooling effectively, so make sure to watch your throttle too![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Firepower for the rank is quite impressive, it comes equipped with a pair of F.N. 7.9 mm machine guns in the nose with 500 rounds each, along with a powerful pair of F.N. 13.2 mm machine guns in the wings with 200 rounds each. These 13.2 mm guns feature strong ammunition and a good rate of fire, an accurate burst will be able to comfortably bring down any enemy in your way.[/p][p][/p][p]Interesting: At the 1938 Paris Air Show where a mockup of the Fokker D.XXIII was displayed, legendary aviator Charles Lindbergh took a liking to it and praised its design qualities. He’s quoted as fondly remarking “A new formula that we have not had yet.”[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]In the game, this Fokker will excel in low-speed maneuvering combat, but make sure to avoid damaging its vulnerable engines, which will immediately cause this aircraft to lose speed and become easy prey![/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for this blog! Thanks for having a read, we hope you’re as excited as we are to give this plane a try. Make sure to follow the news for more vehicles and features coming in the next major update, see you soon![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’re checking out the most modern French light tank, armed with a 40 mm cannon and tandem-charge anti-tank missiles![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The Jaguar EBRC was developed as part of a large-scale modernization program for the French Army. A consortium comprising of Nexter, Thales and Renault Trucks Defense began developing the vehicle in 2014 to replace the aging AMX-10RC ERC Sagaie and VAB HOT. Key features include a hybrid engine, a 40 mm CTC cannon and a modern SICS networking system.[/p][p][/p][p]The first 20 vehicles in the first batch were delivered by December 2021, and by the end of 2023 the army had received 60 vehicles. Plans call for increasing the batch to 300 armored vehicles by 2035, with the Jaguar already demonstrating its capabilities in exercises and preparing for export deliveries, particularly to Belgium.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Jaguar EBRC![/h3][p]It’s time again for another dev blog! Today it’s the Jaguar EBRC, coming as a top-of-the-line light tank armed with a 40 mm cannon and ATGMs for France’s ground forces tree. This fast and large “wheely boi” as many would say is coming in the Spearhead major update, so let’s zoom right into the details.[/p][p][/p][p]Did you know? The EBRC in the name is a French acronym for “Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance et de Combat”, in English: “Armoured Reconnaissance and Combat Vehicle”.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Let’s start with the armament of the Jaguar EBRC, which is rather interesting. The primary weapon is the 40 mm CTC cannon, developed by CTA International. This cannon fires telescoped ammunition, where the warhead is housed within a cylindrical cartridge case. Belt-fed, the cannon can fire regular HEI-T rounds as well as HE rounds that have a timed fuse against aircraft, and APFSDS rounds for use against armored vehicles. The rate of fire of this 40 mm cannon is a humble 200 rounds per minute, comparable to Germany’s PUMA.[/p][p][/p][p]The two-manned turret houses a launcher with two Akeron MP anti-tank missiles with a tandem-charge warhead and a penetration of over 1,000 mm. Other helpful tools on the Jaguar EBRC include a 7.62 mm machine gun in a remote-controlled mount on the turret roof, and 14 smoke grenades at the back of the vehicle and on the turret. Aside from this, the Jaguar EBRC features a modern fire control system, which includes a handy panoramic commander’s sight, a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager for the commander and gunner.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The all-wheel drive platform gives the Jaguar EBRC a very good top speed! On solid surfaces, the Jaguar can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h. Naturally, this mobility comes at the cost of light protection, demonstrated by thin aluminum alloy armor that is only capable of stopping light bullets. In addition to this, the turret and hull sides are covered by slat armor, which is a researchable modification that can be turned on and off. This armor helps a little bit against HEAT based rounds that will detonate prematurely.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for this one! The new Jaguar EBRC will be joining high-ranked ground battles in the Spearhead major update, providing excellent light tank mobility and firepower. Until then, stay tuned to learn more about what’s coming next![/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]