War Thunder News

Hello everyone! Today we would like to talk about changes that we plan for the premium aircraft of the Vautour series in the French tech tree, as well as the versions of this jet bomber for the Israeli air force, which will be tested in the Winged Lions update.
[h2]Vautour IIA[/h2]
In the Winged Lions update, the premium Vautour IIA IDF/AF will be hidden in the French air force tech tree for players who do not already own this aircraft. All Vautour IIA IDF/AF owners will, of course, keep the aircraft in their hangars. If you were planning to purchase this particular version for the French Air Forces, we advise you to do it as soon as possible, since the update is almost ready for release.

In the Israeli Air Force lineup, a researchable version of the Vautour IIA will be added, which, unlike the French Vautour IIA, is equipped with Shafrir air-to-air missiles (the Israeli version of the AIM-9B Sidewinder missile), and therefore is much better adapted to air combat. It should be noted that these missiles can be equipped with or without a set of bombs in 250, 360 and 500 kg sizes. The flight and technical characteristics, as well as the suspended weapons of the Israeli version, will be similar to the same version from the French Air Force research tree.

We also plan to add a premium version of the aircraft, similar to the Vautour IIA IDF/AF for the Israeli Air Force, but this will happen after the end of the Israeli aviation CBT.
[h2]Vautour IIN[/h2]

To replace the premium Vautour IIA IDF/AF, France will receive a new premium Vautour IIN aircraft as part of the Gaijin store bundle. This version of the aircraft is a two-seater - the co-pilot controls the radar, which has finally appeared on the Vautour. The French Vautour IIN is distinguished by a large variety of guided weapons for its rank, and all weapons have already been researched, purchased and installed on the aircraft. The pilot will be free to choose from guided AA-20 Nord air-to-air missiles (up to four units in different combinations with other weapons), as well as guided AS-20 Nord air-to-surface missiles (up to four units) and the much heavier AS -30 Nord, with an explosive weight in the warhead of more than 115 kg in TNT equivalent. You can mount no more than two of these deadly missiles and also use them in combination with other guided and unguided weapons. For air battles and the destruction of helicopters, the rapid-firing 30mm DEFA 552 cannons installed in the nose will also be very useful.

The Vautour IIN will also be added as a researchable aircraft to the Israel Air Force lineup. There is no advanced French guided weapons here, but the entire amount of unguided weapons is still available: bombs with a total weight of up to 3,600 kg, as well as SNEB type 23 rockets and the more powerful T10 140. To defeat air targets, the Israeli Vautour IIN can be equipped with up to four units of the domestic air-to-air missiles Shafrir.

“W.I.N.T.E.R.” begins in War Thunder and with it comes new unique vehicles for every taste, sets of winter gears and other cool prizes with which it will be more fun to welcome 2022.
Happy holidays!
[h3]From 11:00 GMT on the 17th of December, 2021 until 11:00 GMT on the 10th of January, 2022[/h3]

Earn stars ⭐ by completing tasks in the event. The more stars - the more prizes: premium and event vehicles, special decals in the “Female Warriors” series and “Winter gear” decorations!

[h2]Vehicle camouflages[/h2]

Event vehicles of ranks IV-VII and decals will be issued in the form of coupons while premium vehicles of ranks II, decorations and camouflages will be immediately activated on the account.

You will receive an award by collecting the specified number of stars ⭐ in the appropriate vehicle type.

For stars, you can get 7 coupons for “Female Warriors” decals and the 8th coupon for one of the decals is waiting for you on our social media!
[h2]Complete the collection![/h2]

• Players who activate the key from our Facebook group before December the 16th 20:59 GMT will receive one of the “Female Warriors” decals immediately after completing any task for receiving one star.
  
• Activate all 8 decal coupons on your account to receive 9th decal.
  

More about collections on the WT wiki!
[h2]Tasks[/h2]
To get one Star ⭐ you need to perform any 3 tasks from 5 in random battles (in vehicles of rank III).
The tasks will not change and will be reset every 2 days at 11:00 GMT.

Highlighted tasks can be performed not only on vehicles of rank III and higher, but also on any event vehicles (even of rank I and II)! Such vehicles has the event name in which it was received in its vehicle card.

You can purchase Stars ⭐ with Golden Eagles without even completing a task until January the 13th, 2022 in the menu: Nickname → Achievements → Operation W.I.N.T.E.R. → Tasks for tankers/pilots/sailors
[h2]Detailed terms[/h2]
[expand]

• The exact terms of the achievement can be found in the game client by clicking on your nickname → Achievements →Operation W.I.N.T.E.R.
  
• To receive a Star ⭐ you need to complete any 3 tasks from 5 for the respective type of vehicles.
  
• You can complete the tasks in random battles (excluding “Enduring Confrontation” and “Assault”).
  
• Tasks highlighted in blue can be completed not only on vehicles of rank III and higher, but also on any event vehicles of lower rank which were obtained as part of major game events. Such as winter and summer marathons, WWII chronicles, BP seasons and craft marathons. In the vehicle cards of such vehicles will be indicated the event names in which it first became available in the game.
  
• You can follow your progress and see the detailed tasks description by clicking on your nickname → Achievements → Operation W.I.N.T.E.R.
  
• A Star ⭐ will be counted as received if the achievements ★ are coloured gold ⭐.
  
• Performing tasks must be completed with the destruction, and assistance in the destruction of player controlled vehicles, NOT AI controlled vehicles.
  
• By completing the task “Win 11 times” in combined ground battles, the task will be counted as completed with the type of vehicle in which you finished the battle (ground vehicle or aircraft of the specified rank). By completing the same task in naval battles, the task will always be counted for naval vessels.
  
• Missed Stars ⭐ can be purchased in the Achievement window until the 13th of January, 2022. Don't make a mistake in choosing between the group of achievements - pilots, tankers and sailors.
  
• Prizes received in the form of coupons will be available for trading on the market from 14th of January, 2022. The time from which the coupon can be traded can be viewed in the game in the coupon description. The option of trading each coupon separately depends on the time of its receipt and doesn’t depend on the vehicle coupon.
  
• PlayStation and Xbox players will be able to exchange decal coupons for similar ones. The exchange is available in the “Workshop” - Exchange items “Operation W.I.N.T.E.R”.
  

[/expand]

The Kfir C.7 was an Israeli fighter-bomber, a descendant of the well-known French Mirage fighter and equipped with the powerful J79 turbojet engine.
[h2]Kfir C.7, jet fighter, Israel, rank VII[/h2]
Features:

• Top speed over Mach 2
  
• Excellent agility
  
• Highly versatile
  
• Large number of suspended weapon options
  

[h3]History[/h3]
[expand]Immediately after the Six-Day-War, France imposed an arms export embargo on Israel, acutely highlighting the nation’s dependence on foreign suppliers of military equipment. Despite the embargo, Israel managed to obtain documentation for the Mirage 5J version, which was developed specifically for the Israeli Air Force before the ban. These aircraft were produced commercially under the name IAI Nesher. But due to the end of supplies from France, Israel turned to the U.S. for assistance, procuring a number of new F-4 Phantom II and A-4 Skyhawk aircraft for its air force. However, when the air force compared the Nesher with the new F-4 Phantom, it realized that the Mirage was falling behind in several aspects. Therefore, plans to outfit Neshers with licence-built Phantom II engines - the General Electric J79 - were drawn up and soon afterward realized with the Kfir (Hebrew for “Lion Cub”).

Entering serial production in 1975 and subsequently being commissioned into service with the 101st, 113th and 109th squadrons of the Israeli Air Force, the Kfir first saw combat action in November 1977. While the aircraft performed well and was also well-liked by its pilots, the modification did increase the weight of the aircraft, negatively impacting some of its flight characteristics. Israeli engineers solved the issue by outfitting the Kfir with fixed canards on the forward section of the fuselage.

The Kfir C.7 is a later modification of the aircraft, resulting from continuous efforts of Israeli engineers to further develop the Kfir. The new version featured numerous improvements, including a more powerful afterburner, increased payload and weapon selection as well as new avionics and cockpit arrangement. The Kfir C.7 entered service in 1983 and would remain in active service until the early 1990’s before being officially decommissioned by the Israeli Air Force. Subsequently, some units were sold on the export market to Columbia and Sri Lanka where they saw active combat during the Sri Lankan Civil War.[/expand]

In War Thunder, the Kfir C.7 will be one of the top aircraft awaiting pilots at rank VII of the upcoming Israeli aviation branch. Despite its similarities with the french Mirage 5 (which will also be added to the game), the Kfir C.7 features a whole range of modifications not only differentiating it from its distant relative but also making it a powerful and highly versatile jet fighter bomber. Let’s hear more about it, shall we?

Unlike the Mirage 5, the Kfir C.7 is fitted with the extremely powerful General Electric J79-GE-J1E turbojet engine, also found on the F-4 Phantom II, which is capable of generating impressive top speed of 2,440 km/h at an altitude of 11,000 meters, and rocket-like climb rate of 230 m/s at the sea level. Furthermore, the Kfir’s delta wing and fixed canards above the engine air intakes give the aircraft exceptionally good maneuverability while also ensuring adequate stability at lower speeds of flight.

Being a fighter bomber by design, the Kfir C.7 features a wide weapons arsenal, suited both for strike operations and aerial combat. Possessing a payload of up to 5,775 kg, spread across numerous hardpoints underneath the fuselage and wings, Kfir C.7 can be equipped with a vast assortment of different weapon types, including unguided bombs, rockets and 20 mm gunpods. Packing a pair of rapid-firing 30mm DEFA cannons already familiar to most seasoned French aviators, the Kfir can easily take down its opponents with a short, well-aimed burst. However, this by far isn’t the only weapon the Kfir brings to a dogfight. The aircraft can also be outfitted with up to four air-to-air missiles Shafrir-2, AIM-9D and AIM-9G.

The Kfir C.7 will soon become available to all pilots at the top of the upcoming Israeli aviation branch, arriving into War Thunder with the release of the next major update. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to the news to catch all the latest information about the upcoming update. Until then, clear skies and happy hunting pilots!

On December the 9th, 1940, a fortified Italian base held by the Maletti armored group and the Italian 10th Army, was captured by British and Indian forces. Attack on the Nibeiwa fortified camp marked the beginning of Operation Compass, which resulted in the failure of the Italian offensive in Egypt in 1940.
[h3]From 11:00 GMT on the 9th of December until 11:30 GMT on the 13th of December[/h3]
[h2]Rewards[/h2]
Completing the “Attack on Nibeiwa” task will bring you a battle trophy with one of the following rewards:

• 20-50% RP booster for 3-10 battles
  
• 20-50% SL booster for 3-10 battles
  
• 3-5 universal backup vehicles
  
• Random camouflage for ground vehicles of rank I-II for Great Britain or Italy from among those available to obtain in-game through achievements or purchase for GE.
  
• 1 day premium account
  

[h2]Task[/h2]
Destroy 40/20/20 (AB/RB/SB) player vehicles whilst controlling specified vehicles in random battles
Tasks can be completed only on vehicles from the list:

• Italy:CR.42, CR.32, Marcolin’s C.R.42 CN, CR.32 bis, G.50 serie 2, S.M.79 serie 8, L3/33, M11/39, M13/40 (I), M13/40 (II), M13/40 (III)
  
• Great Britain: Gladiator Mk.II, Sea Gladiator Mk.I, Tuck’s Gladiator Mk.II, Hurricane Mk.I/L, Blenheim Mk.IV, A13 Mk.I, A13 Mk I (3rd R.T.R.), A13 Mk.II, Matilda III
  

Follow the progress by clicking on your nickname → Achievements → Memorial Date.

The Bandkanon 1 was an autoloading Swedish self-propelled artillery piece, developed in the late 1950’s on the basis of a previous experimental project. Soon, the menacing Bandkanon 1 will join the ranks of the Swedish ground forces tree in War Thunder, coming to the game as part of the next major update ‘Winged Lions’!
[h2]Bandkanon 1C, SPG, Sweden, Rank IV[/h2]
Features:

• Devastating 155 mm gun
  
• A top of its class rate of fire
  
• HE rounds, including variable time fuse
  
• Low max speed
  
• Limited aiming angles
  
• Limited ammunition capacity
  

[h3]History[/h3]
[expand]In the late 1950’s, Swedish engineers began work on a new self-propelled artillery unit, taking design choices proven from the previous Kranvagn experimental project and combining them with the modified chassis of the Strv 103A. The result of this undertaking was the Bandkanon 1, whose first prototype underwent testing in the early 1960’s.

By 1963, serial production of the vehicle began with an initial order of 26 vehicles. Upon entering service, the Bandkanon 1 managed to set a world record for fire rate thanks to its autoloading mechanism. In fact, when firing at maximum range, the vehicle was capable of emptying its whole magazine before the first round fired even impacted, thus setting a world record for fire rate.

The 26 Bandkanon 1s were commissioned into service with artillery divisions in Norrland and remained in service there up until 2003 before being retired from active service.[/expand]

In War Thunder, the Bandkanon 1C will soon join the mid ranks of the Swedish ground forces tree arriving in the game as part of the next major update ‘Winged Lions’. Prominently featuring an autoloading 155mm howitzer as its primary (and only) weapon, the Bandkanon 1C can serve its opponents with a lethal dose of high explosive at a rate unwitnessed by tankers so far!

The 155mm autoloader-assisted howitzer is the centrepiece of attention of the Bandkanon 1C and not only due to its relative size to the vehicle itself! Although such large calibre weapons in themself are nothing new to War Thunder tankers, being coupled to an autoloading mechanism certainly is a first. Because of this unique arrangement, the Bandkanon 1C can fire its entire 14 round magazine in just 45 seconds - that’s one round fired roughly every 3.2 seconds! But beware, the Bandkanon 1C only has a single magazine of ammunition on board and replenishing it at a strategic point will take time while simultaneously exposing the vehicle to potential enemy fire.

Coupling this incredibly high rate of fire with rather good ballistic properties and powerful high explosive rounds, makes the Bandkanon 1C very effective at destroying hostile vehicles, even more heavily armored ones. However, as the Bandkanon 1C can only fire HE rounds, including remote fuse ones, delivering their full devastating potential may be impeded by soft obstacles, reactive armor found on some vehicles at this rank as well as hits to non-vital components such as tracks. On the other hand, if tankers manage to score a hit around less armored parts of a tank, such as the roof of the hull or turret, then the explosive force of the HE round will likely outright blast the opponent into oblivion in a more than spectacular manner.

Fun Fact: Upon entering service, the Bandkanon 1 set a new world record for fire rate for vehicles of its type.

Despite its own destructive potential, the Bandkanon 1C itself can forcibly be decommissioned with relatively little effort on behalf of its opponents, thus joining the group of so-called ‘glass cannons’ in the game. Also, its relatively large size may catch the attention of hawk-eyed attacker pilots.

Limiting the Bandkanon’s capabilities is its mediocre mobility. Being powered by the same engine/turbine configuration found on the Strv 103C, the Bandkanon can only reach a top speed of about 30 km/h under ideal conditions, while its off-road mobility degrades further with increasingly inhospitable terrain. Due to its mobility, relatively light protection and overall size, the Bandkanon is more suited for the role of a second-line support vehicle than that of a spearheading brawler.

The Bandkanon 1C will await all tankers at rank IV of the Swedish ground forces tree in War Thunder following the release of the next major update ‘Winged Lions’. In the meantime, make sure to stay tuned to the news to be the first to catch a glimpse of more exciting new additions and features awaiting you in the upcoming update. Until then, happy hunting tankers!