War Thunder News

In the “Sons of Attila” major update, an Israeli modification of the F-16D two-seater fighter jet, lock and loaded to use modern high-precision weapons, will come to the top of the Israeli aircraft research tree as a flagship jet!

[h2]Barak II, jet fighter, Israel, rank VIII[/h2]

Features:

• Excellent performance characteristics.
  
• Modern avionics.
  
• Expanded arsenal of guided weapons.
  

The two-seat F-16D Block 40, named by Israel as the Barak II, is a flagship jet that will be the most advanced aircraft in the Israeli aircraft research tree when the upcoming “Sons of Atilla” major update is released! Today, we’re going to talk about the features of this aircraft and some of its differences between similar US variants. Let’s dive into the details!

Unlike the F-16C, Israel will receive the two-seat version, which is one of the best modern jet fighters. The Barak II’s engine has a slightly higher afterburner thrust than the US single-seat version, but due to its higher take off weight, it loses some thrust-to-weight ratio. Nevertheless, the Barak II is almost identical to the F-16C in terms of top speed and climb rate, and combining this with its excellent acceleration and great maneuverability means that it will be a formidable force to play with and against in all game modes!



The Barak II’s radar is the same series of radar as the F-16C’s, as well as its RWR, which is identical to its American counterpart — both of these devices will ensure that you have the most up-to-date tracking information about threats in your matches. Oh, and not to forget, last week we published a detailed dev blog about updated RWRs, to be sure to have a look if you missed it.

Let’s move onto the Barak II’s weapon capability! Unlike the US version, the Barak II will receive the AIM-9P air-to-air missile with a rear-aspect IR seeker. In addition to this, a more advanced AIM-9L and AIM-9M and the heavier AIM-7M Sparrow also being present. You’ll also have brilliant electronics at your disposal, including a helmet-mounted target designation system. Moving onto what can be fired at ground vehicles. The Barak II receives the GBU-15(V)2/B guided bomb that has a thermal imaging seeker, and with the help of the LITENING II targeting pod, Paveway II bombs — the GBU-12 (8 in total!), the GBU-16 and GBU-10 — can also be carried!



As for unguided weaponry, these are similar to the payload on the F-16C variant — regular bombs, incendiary as well as high-drag tail fin bombs with a large total weight. All of these weapons, as well as the 20 mm cannon, are very conveniently controlled by a ballistic computer. When flying the Barak II, you’ll certainly encounter some air-to-air missiles tracking and following you, and therefore this aircraft can also carry 200 countermeasures — more than the F-16C, which only carries 120.



The Barak II will appear at the top of the Israeli aircraft research tree with the release of the upcoming “Sons of Atilla” major update. We’re currently finalizing and preparing for this update, but until then happy flying and see you soon!

The history of American aviation goes back to the beginning of the 20th century, but the U.S. Air Force became an independent branch of the Armed Forces only after World War II — on September 18th, 1947. Air Force Day was established the same year — but it was celebrated only for a couple years, because in 1949, Armed Forces Day was established that united the celebrations of all branches of the U.S. military.

[h2]Bostwick’s P-47M-1-RE and Wetmore’s P-51D-10 are temporarily available for Golden Eagles[/h2]

[h3]

When: From September 18th (10:00 GMT) until September 21st (10:00 GMT).

[/h3]




[h3]About the aircraft[/h3]

• Bostwick’s Р-47М-1-RE feels best at high altitudes: it retains great maneuverability, climbs quickly and can carry a wide selection of suspended weaponry in addition to its eight Browning machine guns.
  
• Wetmore’s P-51D-10 is a versatile fighter that specializes in boom ‘n’ zoom attacks. It carries a lot of ammunition for its six machine guns — tear your enemies apart without fear of running out!
  

[h2]“US Air Forces Day” decal to celebrate the U.S. Air Force’s Birthday![/h2]
To celebrate, we’ve also got a special decal to commemorate this day.

“US Air Forces Day” decal

[h3]

When: From September 18th (10:00 GMT) until September 21st (10:00 GMT).
Task: Play 3 battles using American aircraft to receive the “US Air Forces Day” decal.

[/h3]

• You must use a minimum of rank III.
  
• Your activity must not be below 70%.
  

Additional details:

• You can complete the task in random battles, except for Enduring Confrontation missions, [Assault] mode and Helicopter PVE battles.
  
• Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → US Air Force Birthday.
  
• You can find the decal in the “Holidays” tab in the Customisation menu.
  

You shared wonderful screenshots with us last week! We loved seeing your vehicles in the day, and in the dim moonlight. The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

[h2]Let’s begin the 85th edition of our competition![/h2]

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen85. You have time until 22.09.2023 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.


[h3]Terms:[/h3]

Your screenshot must include a vehicle with an armament of 13mm or less!
You must add the #WTscreen85 tag (title cannot have any other text in it).
• 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.
  

[h2]And now, time for the winners of the competition’s 84th edition - The Sun and the Moon![/h2]

[h3]Winners selected via community votes:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3034094208
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2943404542
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3034534872

[h3]Winners selected by our judges:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3034205638
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3033648391
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3033225060

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

The He 115 is a German twin-engined seaplane, developed by Heinkel in the mid 1930s, which saw widespread use during operations in WWII. Soon, the He 115 will arrive in one of its later modifications to the early ranks of the German aviation tree as part of the next major update “Sons of Attila”!

Briefly: A late modification of a twin-engine German seaplane design, sporting a formidable weapons arsenal for an aircraft of its class.

[h2]He 115 C-1, seaplane, Germany, rank I[/h2]

Features:

• 15mm cannon.
  
• Versatile ordnance.
  
• Low speed.
  

Arriving in the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update, the He 115 will be added to the German aviation tree in one of its later variants: the C-1 modification. Let’s take a closer look as to what this modification has to offer!

Being a seaplane, the He 115 is equipped with a pair of BMW 132K radial engines, producing 960 HP each. As a result, the He 115’s robust engines are less susceptible to damage and can withstand more combat damage before failing, but due to their mediocre power output and the aircraft’s relatively high weight, the He 115 C-1 can only reach a top speed of around 310 km/h at low altitudes.



Naturally, the He 115’s low top speed makes it vulnerable to interception from much faster and more agile fighters. To counter this however, the He 115 is fitted with a pair of defensive machine guns, with one being mounted in the nose turret, and another on the dorsal position. This modification of the He 115 also comes with an additional trick up its sleeve. Namely, engineers fitted the aircraft with a pair of fixed machine guns, mounted on the rear ends of the engine nacelles. While it may prove difficult to score an aerial victory with them, these machine guns may just be enough to catch enemies off guard and make them break off the pursuit!

Did you know? During testing, the He 115 set a total of eight world records for seaplanes during its closed circuit tests of 1,000 and 2,000 kilometres respectively.

So what about the He 115 C-1’s offensive capabilities then? Unlike the original variant of this aircraft, this later modification is fitted with a deadly 15mm MG 151 cannon, mounted on the underside of its nose, capable of shredding light enemy aircraft to pieces with just a few well placed shots. Furthermore, surface targets also won’t remain spared by the He 115. In fact, the aircraft can carry a couple of 250 kg conventional or incendiary bombs or a single 500 kg bomb, as well as a torpedo for naval targets.



The He 115 C-1 will soon be making its way to the German aircraft research tree in the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update! Also, an early version of this aircraft, designated T-2, will also be added to the Swedish aircraft research tree as well. In the meantime, be sure to follow the news for the latest information regarding the upcoming update. Until then, clear skies and happy hunting pilots!

On September 15th, 1940, the decisive ‘Battle of Britain’ took place over the skies of England, with the defenders being victorious. After this defeat, Germany reconsidered its plans for an invasion and instead began nightly bombings of the defiant island nation of Graet Britain.

[h2]Plagis’ Spitfire LF Mk.IXc and Prendergast’s Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe are temporarily available for Golden Eagles[/h2]



To celebrate the major victory on the 15th of September 1940, Yannis Plagis’ Spitfire LF Mk.IXc and James Prendergast’s Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe are temporarily available to purchase for Golden Eagles.

When: From September 15th (12:00 GMT) until September 18th (12:00 GMT).

[h3]About the aircraft[/h3]

• Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc is the perfect all-around fighter aircraft in and around rank IV. This Spitfire variant has a fantastic climb rate, capable of reaching high altitudes before any enemy presence is felt. With excellent maneuverability, this Spitfire certainly packs the punch against any other aircraft at this rank.
  
• Prendergast’s Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe is great at boom ‘n’ zoom attacks, thanks to its ability to rapidly climb, and impressive speed!
  

[h2]“Battle for Britain” decal to celebrate Battle of Britain Day![/h2]
To celebrate, we’ve also got a special decal to commemorate this day.

“Battle for Britain” decal

When: From September 15th (12:00 GMT) until September 18th (12:00 GMT).
Task: Win 3 battles using British aircraft to receive the “Battle for Britain” decal.

• You must use a minimum of rank III.
  
• Your activity must not be below 70%.
  

Additional details:

• You can complete the task in random battles, except for Enduring Confrontation missions, [Assault] mode and Helicopter PVE battles.
  
• Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → Battle of Britain Day.
  
• You can find the decal in the “Holidays” tab in the Customisation menu.