War Thunder News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’re taking a look at one of the modern variants of the US Army Stryker combat vehicle with a 30 mm automatic cannon![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]After the US Army identified the need to enhance the firepower of the M1126 Stryker, a modernization program was approved in 2015 which resulted in the installation of an unmanned turret with a 30 mm stabilized cannon. This variant was intended to fill the gap between the baseline M1126 Stryker APC, equipped with only a 12.7 mm machine gun, and the M1128 Stryker MGS fire support vehicle with a 105 mm cannon. This modernization was applied to 81 vehicles of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment stationed in Germany.[/p][p][/p][p]The intention of mounting a 30 mm cannon was to significantly increase the Stryker’s firepower while maintaining its mobility. The vehicle would be effective against enemy armored vehicles (using APFSDS rounds) and sheltered infantry (using high explosive rounds). Following a series of tests, the vehicle received the official designation M1296 and the name Infantry Carrier Vehicle, Dragoon, or ICVD. The first production upgraded M1296 Dragoon was delivered to an active unit of the US Army in Europe in December 2017, and the last one was delivered in late 2018.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the M1296 Dragoon![/h3][p]Meet a long-awaited addition to the Stryker ranks, a support vehicle with a 30 mm autocannon! Signature maneuverability now combined with automatic fire and belts for all types of targets is coming to the game in the next War Thunder update! Let’s take a look at the Dragoon.[/p][p][/p][p]The key differentiator of the new M1296 Dragoon from the other Strykers is its new unmanned turret with a 30 mm XM813 cannon, an evolution of the well-known Bushmaster II automatic cannon. From the offset, you’ll be able to fire an APDS belt with up to 87 mm of penetration, and a later APFSDS belt which can comfortably cut through most vehicles in the game, from the side at least. There’s also HEI-T rounds, which are nicely versatile across the board. The turret also features a laser rangefinder, allowing you to easily hone in on a target at any range![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Coming in on a fast 8x8 wheeled chassis that can reach almost 100 km/h, the Stryker is well-known and needs no introduction. Combined with the new autocannon, the Dragoon will be a very dangerous vehicle on all types of maps![/p][p][/p][p]As for the new M1296’s weaknesses, they’re largely the same as those of other vehicles in the family. That’s mainly its large size, a crew of just three, and light armor. When playing this vehicle you’ll need to make sure you’re getting the jump on the enemy. A burst from the cannon at a good angle can take down anything, but if you get caught on a bad angle there’s not a lot you can do, so prioritizing the mobility is key.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Right, that’s this dev blog wrapped! We look forward to welcoming the M1296 Dragoon to the US light tank line at rank VI in the next major update. In the meantime, as always we’ll continue covering the most exciting vehicles, locations, and new features in our dev blogs. Bye![/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]Every year on February 21st, South Africa holds a parade to commemorate Armed Forces Day. This date was chosen to commemorate the South Africans who served in the First World War. The modern South African National Defense Force operates Olifant and Rooikat tanks, Ratel infantry fighting vehicles, Mamba armored personnel carriers, and Rooivalk helicopters. The country follows the tradition of naming its equipment after animals.[/p][p] [/p][h2]Discounts on South African vehicles![/h2][p] [/p]

[p]When: From February 20th until February 23rd (10:00 GMT).[/p][p]Where: Great Britain > Army / Helicopters > Premium vehicles.[/p]

[p] [/p][p]Both of these vehicles are available at a 30% discount:[/p]

• [p]Rooikat 105 (rank VI) for 6,363 Golden Eagles[/p]
• [p]Rooivalk Mk1F CSH (rank VI) for 5,992 Golden Eagles[/p]

[p] [/p][p]Both the Rooikat 105 and Rooivalk Mk1F CSH can also be purchased as a bundle in the Gaijin store at a 50% discount![/p][p] [/p][p]About these vehicles[/p]

• [p]The Rooikat 105  is a true “glass cannon”, as it’s lightly armored, yet agile and incredibly powerful. Its 105 mm gun with a thermal imager and a stabilizer will earn you plenty of kills, and its 120 km/h speed allows you to take the most advantageous positions and retreat before the enemy has time to recover.[/p]

[p] [/p][carousel][/carousel]

• [p]The Rooivalk Mk1F CSH is an advanced modification of the Rooivalk, featuring improved optics, avionics, and defensive systems. It is a versatile attack helicopter, equipped with a thermal imager and fire suppression systems, and is ready to defend against enemy attacks with flares. It is armed with a 20 mm cannon and six hardpoints capable of mounting Mistral air-to-air missiles, ZT-6 Mokopa guided missiles, and unguided FZ49 HEAT rockets.[/p]

[p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p] [/p][p][/p][h2]South African Armed Forces Day bundle -50%[/h2][p][/p][p]Price: 110 54.99[/p][p][/p]

• [p]Rooikat 105 Pack;[/p]
• [p]Rooivalk Pack.[/p]

[p] [/p][h2]Get the “Emblem of No. 2 Squadron of the South African Air Force” decal! [/h2][p]Get yourself this decal by completing the task below.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]“Emblem of No. 2 Squadron of the South African Air Force” decal [/p][p][/p]

[p]When: From today until February 24th (10:00 GMT).[/p][p]Task: Earn 3,000 mission points in battles where you used British vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “Emblem of No. 2 Squadron of the South African Air Force” decal.[/p][p] [/p][p]Please note: After finishing the task, you need to collect the reward manually.[/p][p] [/p][p]Additional details:[/p]

• [p]You can complete the task in random battles, except for \[Assault] mode.[/p]
• [p]Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → South African Armed Forces Day.[/p]
• [p]You can find the decal in the “Holidays” tab in the Customization menu.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]When German troops began their offensive against Russia in early 1918, the Bolsheviks, who had come to power as a result of the October Revolution, declared mobilization. The new armed forces were named the “Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army”, and February 23rd, the day when recruitment for the Red Army began, became a public holiday within a few years. It is a day still celebrated today.[/p][p] [/p][h2]The Object 140 is temporarily available at a 30% discount for 6,111 Golden Eagles![/h2][p] [/p]

[p]When: From February 20th (09:00 GMT) until February 25th (09:00 GMT).[/p][p]Where: USSR > Army > Premium vehicles.[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]After this promotion ends, the Object 140 will remain available for purchase at full price for Golden Eagles.[/p]

[p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]About this tank[/p]

• [p]The Object 140 (rank VI) is an experimental tank developed as an evolution of the T-54. Its 100 mm stabilized gun can fire rounds that can penetrate most enemies at its rank from the front. Its APHE rounds are very powerful, and its good mobility allows it to work effectively almost anywhere, just keep the low gun depression in mind.[/p]

[p] [/p][h2]Discounts on Soviet vehicles in the Gaijin Store![/h2][p] [/p][p][/p]

[p]When: From February 20th (09:00 GMT) until February 25th (09:00 GMT).[/p][p]To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store.[/p]

[p] [/p]

• [p]All Soviet vehicles in the Gaijin store (except for the BMPT-72 “Terminator-2”, Su-30MK2 AMV, and the “In May ‘45” pack) are available at a 30% discount![/p]

[p][/p][h3]50% Off Bundles[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]The following Soviet vehicles can be purchased with Golden Eagles:[/h3]

• [p]KV-1E (rank III) for 3,200 Golden Eagles[/p]
• [p]T-34 (1st Gv.T.Br.) (rank II) for 1,300 Golden Eagles[/p]
• [p]Pe-2-205 (rank III) for 1,500 Golden Eagles[/p]
• [p]IL-2 Avenger (rank III) for 1,300 Golden Eagles[/p]

[p] [/p][p] [/p][h2]Get the “Bogatyr” decal and “SSh-36” decoration![/h2][p]You can get these Soviet-themed cosmetics by completing the tasks below.[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p]When: From February 20th (09:00 GMT) until February 25th (09:00 GMT).[/p]

• [p]Task: Earn 3,000 mission points in battles where you used Soviet vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “Bogatyr” decal.[/p]
• [p]Task: Earn 10,000 mission points in battles where you used Soviet ground vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “SSh-36” decoration.[/p]

[p] [/p][p]Please note: After finishing the task, you need to collect the reward manually.[/p][p] [/p][p]Additional details:[/p]

• [p]You can complete the task in random battles, except for \[Assault] mode.[/p]
• [p]Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → Red Army Foundation Day.[/p]
• [p]You can find the decal in the “Holidays” tab in the Customization menu.[/p]
• [p]You can find the decoration in the “Helmets” tab in the Customization menu.[/p]

[p][/p][p] [/p][h2]Open the “Red Army Foundation Day” trophy![/h2][p][/p]

[p]When: From February 20th (09:00 GMT) until February 25th (09:00 GMT).[/p][p]Where: In-game Item Shop[/p]

[p][/p]

• [p]The “Red Army Foundation Day” trophy is available for purchase for Golden Eagles![/p]

[p] [/p][p]This trophy contains decorations that were previously awarded on Red Army Foundation Day! Opening this trophy will reward you with a decoration you don’t already have. In addition to the “Kuban papakha” and “Budenovka”, the trophy also includes six shields, which are part of the “Shields” Collection that you can find in your profile. Collect all the shields and receive the “Heraldic shield” decoration as a reward![/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Meet this Japanese self-propelled gun based on the Chi-Ha tank with a 105 mm howitzer, becoming a new and interesting vehicle for the Japanese lower ranks.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The Japanese Type 1 Ho-Ni II self-propelled gun was developed on the chassis of the Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank, as a further development of the 75 mm Ho-Ni I. The distinguishing feature of the new model was the installation of a more powerful 105 mm Type 91 howitzer in a fixed, open cabin.[/p][p][/p][p]The first prototype was built in 1942. Due to a general shortage of industrial resources in Japan during the war, large-scale production was not possible. A total of 54 Ho-Ni self-propelled guns of various modifications were manufactured from 1943 onwards. These vehicles saw limited use in combat in the Philippines and Burma, but the bulk of the fleet remained in Japan, where they were used to defend against the expected Allied invasion.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Introducing the Ho-Ni II![/h2][p]In the next major update, we’ll be adding the new Japanese Ho-Ni, featuring a self-propelled gun on the chassis of Japan’s most widely-produced medium tank, the Chi-Ha. This vehicle is armed with a large howitzer, the largest-caliber gun in the series. Let’s take a further look at this thing![/p][p][/p][p]Meet the largest-caliber self-propelled gun in the Ho-Ni family, arriving at rank I in the Japanese ground forces tree. The main feature that distinguishes the Ho-Ni II from its siblings is the gun. The oscillating part of the 105 mm Type 91 field howitzer is mounted on an armor shield, firing high-explosive and HEAT rounds. The HEAT round’s penetration is enough to destroy most targets at its rank, including T-34s and Shermans if you aim for their weakspots! The gun has a limited traverse angle of 10 degrees left and right, so in most cases you’ll have to aim the hull towards your target. Due to the gun’s long breech, elevation is also limited to 22 degrees, but the gun’s depression is at an excellent -17 degrees, allowing you to shoot from behind cover effectively.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The chassis of the Ho-Ni II derives from the Chi-Ha medium tank, giving it decent mobility with a top speed of up to 40 km/h. The superstructure however is very lightly protected just like the Ho-Ni I. The front and some of the side armor is at least bulletproof, but the crew are completely exposed from the top and the rear, making them especially vulnerable to machine guns and aircraft.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Ho-Ni II will excel in a strong position, thanks to its gun depression and relatively fast fire rate, it can easily lock down a sightline from cover. Like with many SPGs in the game positioning is key, so identify a good spot in a high traffic area and lock in![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for this one, we’ll continue releasing dev blogs for the next major update, so keep an eye on the news. See you soon![/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p][h3][/h3]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Meet the main reward in the Workhorse vehicle event! This is an early variant of the F-16A multirole fighter of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. This is the first time we’ve had an F-16 variant as an event vehicle, so if you haven’t had the opportunity to try one yet, now’s the perfect time![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]F-16A fighters entered service with the Royal Netherlands Air Force in 1979 as part of a large-scale program to replace the aging F-104G Starfighter and NF-5 Freedom Fighter aircraft. The choice was made in favor of the American aircraft in May 1975 following comparative trials, where the F-16 demonstrated superiority in key parameters for the Dutch Air Force: maneuverability, fuel efficiency, combat load, and low maintenance costs. The Netherlands’ decision was part of a larger European order, which was soon joined by Belgium, Denmark, and Norway.[/p][p][/p][p]A key condition of the contract was the participation of local industry. Production of all Dutch F-16s was carried out by Fokker Aircraft. The first two aircraft — a single-seat F-16A Block 1 and a two-seat F-16B Block 1 — were completed in May 1979 and delivered to Leeuwarden Air Base on June 6th. The total order ultimately amounted to 213 aircraft, including 177 F-16As and 36 F-16Bs of all variants, the last batch of which was delivered in February 1992.[/p][p][/p][p]The Block 5 modification was one of the first stages of modernization. The first production F-16 Block 5s arrived in the summer of 1980 to the 322nd and 323rd Squadrons at Leeuwarden Air Base and were upgraded numerous times in subsequent years of service.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Dutch F-16A Block 5![/h3][p]Say hello to a new Royal Netherlands Air Force aircraft in the French aviation tree, which can be yours completely free! Meet the main reward in the Workhorse vehicle event that started today: the legendary F-16 in one of its early modifications. It’s fast and agile, primed for close combat, frantic assaults, and epic maneuvers! Let’s take a look.[/p][p][/p][p]The F-16A Block 5 is one of the first production versions of the formidable US multirole fighter, with production established in the Netherlands, among other places. This Flying Dutchman possesses all the performance characteristics that make the F-16 so beloved: a top speed of nearly Mach 2, excellent maneuverability, and most importantly, superb acceleration and a climb rate of over 300 meters per second.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]For aerial combat, you’ll have access to AIM-9P IR-guided missiles and AIM-9L all-aspect IR-guided missiles (this model did not have advanced ARH homing). The Dutchman also looks quite impressive in its ground-attack configuration! There are up to nineteen 500 lb bombs, up to four large 2000 lb bombs, up to 114 rockets, and AGM-65B Maverick missiles for precision ground attack, making this F-16 a great addition to high rank ground lineups. There’s also a wide array of electronic equipment, typical to the early F-16 series. A decent AN/APG-66 radar, RWR, and 60 flares for defending against enemy missiles, as well as a ballistic computer for bombs and missiles.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for this one! The F-16A Block 5 will be a well-balanced, comfortable jet that will fit right in with France’s top-tier lineups. While long-range dogfights aren’t its forte, this light, fast, and fierce fighter will shine in close combat and mixed combat! You can get the F-16A Block 5 completely free simply by playing the game and completing tasks in the Workhorse vehicle event, which started today. Click the link below for more information![/p][p][/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]Click here to find out more details about the Workhorse event[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]