War Thunder News

The MiG-29SMT multi-role jet fighter will arrive at the top of the line in the Soviet research tree. This highly advanced combat aircraft will appear in the next major update, “Sons of Attila”!

[h2]MiG-29SMT, jet fighter, USSR, rank VIII[/h2]

Features:

• Excellent performance.
  
• Advanced air-to-air missiles.
  
• Voice informer.
  
• Lacks thermal vision.
  

The new top of the line jet in the Soviet aviation research tree will please pilots with its advanced avionics, great missiles for air combat, and excellent flying capabilities. In the “Sons of Attila” major update, the MiG-29SMT will also be one of the first aircraft to feature a voice informer, known as “Rita”! Let’s take a look at the details.



The MiG-29SMT will certainly be a formidable force to fight with and against, as its capability in air and ground battles is superb. This variant does not have a separate sighting system for launching air-to-surface guided weapons, but does offer two new types of weaponry. These are the KAB-500Kr-E bombs, which have a television seeker that operate on the 'fire and forget' principle, as well as the Kh-29TD rockets that have a launch range of 35 km! Alongside this, you’ll be able to take traditional bombs, parachute retarded bombs, or incendiary bombs, as well as small, medium, S-8 and S-130 rockets into battle. Unguided weapons on the MiG-29SMT will be easy to use, thanks to markers from the ballistic computer, which precisely indicates where to release. Having said this, the MiG-29SMT lacks a thermal imager, which does make its CAS potential in ground battles a little lackluster comparatively.



However, the main purpose of the MiG-29SMT is: aerial combat! The maximum speed of this aircraft is about Mach 2, combined with a great climb rate and impressive maneuverability, making this a remarkable plane to fly. The air-to-air missiles on the MiG-29SMT are capable of being used at medium and beyond-visual ranges. Therefore, compared to the regular MiG-29 the R-60M is not available, but in its place is the formidable R-73. In addition, the MiG-29SMT can carry the R-27T, R-27R, R-27ER and also the R-27ET, which has a lock range in all aspect of 4.8km and a speed of 5.8 M. At gunfighting ranges, the MiG-29SMT also comes equipped with a GSh-30-1 30 mm cannon.



The MiG-29SMT will appear in War Thunder, very soon — as part of the “Sons of Attila” major update! That’s all for now, be sure to follow the rest of our dev blogs, where we’ll be showing more cool additions in the next update!

Armored and mechanized forces played a pivotal role in the USSR's victory in World War II. In their honor in 1946 a professional holiday of tankers and tank constructors was established. It is celebrated every second Sunday of September, commemorating the breakthrough of the Soviet armored forces during the East Carpathian Strategic Offensive that took place on September 11th, 1944.

[h2]KV-2 (ZiS-6) available temporarily for Golden Eagles[/h2]

To commemorate Tanker’s Day, Soviet heavy experimental tank KV-2 (ZiS-6) will be available for purchase for Golden Eagles from September 8th (13:00 GMT) until September 12th (07:00 GMT). It’s pretty impressive: six crew members, decent speed and passability, and, of course, the ZiS-6 gun with shells that easily pierce the enemy armor and do a lot of damage.




[h2]“Tank helmet with NVG” decoration[/h2]

From September 8th (13:00 GMT) to September 12th (07:00 GMT), win 5 battles using USSR armored vehicles to receive the “Tank helmet with NVG” decoration.

“Tank helmet with NVG” decoration.

Complete the task in random battles, except for Enduring Confrontation missions and [Assault] mode. Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → Tankers’ Day.

You can find the decoration in the Decorators → Helmets tab in the Customisation menu.

[h2]Wiki Review: KV-2 (ZiS-6) and its decal[/h2]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

From September 8th (13:00 GMT) to September 12th (07:00 GMT) play 3 battles with the KV-2 (ZiS-6) to get the special decal “Wiki Approved: KV-2 (ZiS-6)”.

“Wiki Approved: KV-2 (ZiS-6)”

Complete the task in random battles, except for Enduring Confrontation missions and [Assault] mode.
Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → Tankers’ Day.

You can find the decoration in the Decorators → Helmets tab in the Customisation menu.

You can find the decal in the Decals → Other → Miscellaneous tab in the Customisation menu.

The KF41 is a cutting-edge IFV design developed by Rheinmetall in the mid 2010s in order to provide potential operators with a well protected combat vehicle. Soon, the KF41 will make its debut in War Thunder as part of the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update!

Briefly: The KF41 is one of Rheinmetall’s most innovative tracked combat vehicles and is currently in service with the Hungarian Armed Forces.

[h2]KF41, light tank, Italy, rank VII[/h2]

Features:

• Deadly 30mm autocannon.
  
• Spike-LR ATGMs.
  
• Superb mobility.
  
• Active protection system.
  

First, we’d like to let you know that we plan to introduce the KF41 in the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update for Hungary as they are the first (and currently only) operator of the vehicle. Its addition to the Hungarian line does not entirely rule out its future addition to the game in other forms, but for the Sons of Attilla update there are no plans to introduce a KF41 for Germany. The version coming to the game is the unique serial production for Hungary specifically. Germany still has a lot of potential vehicles left to add, with the possibility of some KF variants down the line. The main reason for its introduction this update is to be the main top of the line vehicle for the Hungarian subtree, as it's a unique production vehicle for them. The PUMA variant with Spikes is not the current model we have in game, and is again something that's possible in the future for Germany.



The KF41 comes equipped with a 30 mm MK 30-2/ABM autocannon, which some tank commanders may already recognize from the German Puma IFV. Infamous for its deadly ballistics and steady rate of fire, the MK 30-2 is a versatile weapon, capable of punching through enemy MBTs at close to medium distances but also downing hostile aircraft with the right ammunition loaded. Apart from the autocannon, the KF41 is also fitted with a Spike-LR missile launcher. As a result of the missile armament, the KF41’s anti-tank capabilities are boosted even further, being able to knock out even heavily armored opponents at long engagement distances with its tandem warhead ATGMs. Rounding off the KF41’s arsenal is a pair of machine guns, mounted coaxially as well as one mounted in a remote-controlled turret on the roof.



While heavily armed, the KF41 still retains signature characteristics of an IFV. Mobility is impressive, being able to reach speeds of 75 km/h under ideal conditions. Additionally, with a high power-to-weight ratio the KF41 can not only accelerate very quickly, but it can also navigate treacherous terrain with ease. As a result, commanders can easily perform flanking maneuvers or relocate at a moment’s notice if ground is being lost to the enemy.

Despite being an IFV, the KF41 features some serious protection which most of its opponents should pay close attention to. While the steel armor itself may only suffice for stopping autocannons and shrapnel from damaging the vehicle, its additional Rheinmetall ADS active protection system can effectively destroy incoming missiles. This coupled with the vehicle’s excellent additional features which include LWS and high quality thermal vision, significantly increase the odds of the KF41 surviving an attack which wasn’t initiated by itself.



The KF41 is arriving to War Thunder in the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update and will become the crowning jewel of the upcoming Hungarian ground forces subtree. In the meantime, make sure to stay tuned to the news so you don’t miss out on the latest developments for the upcoming major update. Until then, happy hunting tankers!

A new versatile attack helicopter that is coming to the “Sons of Attila” update will come to the game with two nations at once!

[h2]OH-58D, Attack Helicopter, USA and China, rank VI[/h2]

Features:

• Good maneuverability!
  
• AIM-92 ATAS air to air missiles.
  
• Guided weapons to use against ground targets.
  
• Light payload weight.
  
• Flares.
  

We’ve got good news for helicopter pilots! In the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update, the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior attack helicopter will be added to the US and Chinese helicopter research tree, at rank VI. Let’s take a look at the details of this interesting helicopter!



The OH-58D is a lightweight and versatile helicopter that is capable of engaging air and ground targets. This is thanks to the advanced avionics and guided weapons, with excellent thermal optics to complement these weapons. The speed of the OH-58D is, well, rather average, despite its light-weight — however, it’s certainly easy to maneuver around whilst flying and engaging enemy targets!



Due to the OH-58D’s original intended role as being a light-weight reconnaissance attack helicopter, it cannot carry a vast amount of weaponry, than, let’s say, the Apache. Despite this, at rank VI, you’ll still have an excellent choice of a variety of weapons to fit different combat situations that you might find yourself in. The OH-58D can carry up to 4 Stingers which are useful to destroy other helicopters, as well as 12.7 mm machine guns. In addition to this — only the US version — will be able to carry 7.62 machine guns, and a LR30 30 mm cannon, however this cannon will produce a large amount of “kick” while firing! Against ground targets, you’ll be able to use traditional Hydra rockets as well as APKWS II small guided missiles, but best of all, you’ll be able to carry up to 4 powerful Hellfire II ATGMs. The OH-58D also features flares and RWS, and a special jamming station, for defense against IR guided missiles, which will help you survive longer.



The advanced, agile and very capable OH-58D will be available in the helicopter research trees of the US and China in the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update and will be sure to pack a punch. Until then, check out the other dev blogs that we will be releasing. See you!

Today, we’d like to share with you some of the new features and effects coming to War Thunder in the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update!

[h2]New trees and wind effects[/h2]

We’re introducing a brand new technology for the trees present on Ground Forces battlefields. Now tree branches and trunks will sway and move with the same wind forces that already impact smoke and weather during battles. In calmer situations, trees will be still and motionless. However, with gusty and stormy winds present, trees will move and bend depending on how strong the wind is!

[h2]Shots and explosions[/h2]

In our efforts to make tank battles even more spectacular, the game will now have new effects for the discharge of powder gasses after every shot. Prolonged bursts of machine gun fire and autocannons now also lead to reddening of the barrels due to heating. The effects of hits to enemy vehicles have also been improved. Fuel leaking from burning tanks can also pour onto the ground in burning jets, and each explosion leads to the formation of a cloud of dust raised from the ground by a shock wave! We have also improved the visual effect of smoke munitions detonating.

[h2]Destroyable ammo and decorators[/h2]

Now all external ammunition on vehicles, be it smoke grenades or bombs on aircraft suspensions, can be hit and destroyed by enemy fire. External ammunition can be destroyed without detonation (in this case it will be subtracted from the total ammunition load), detonated (with the standard parameters for damaging its warhead) or set on fire. The probability of a particular event depends on the power of the damaging factors of the hit projectile — the more powerful, the greater the likelihood of an explosion. So even well-aimed machine gun fire or a high-explosive shell that hits a tank can trigger its smoke grenades, and the enemy will find himself inside his own smoke screen. Lastly, if installed decorators are hit by enemy fire, they can also be destroyed!

[h2]Aircraft voice warning systems[/h2]

On modern aircraft, voice informant warnings will now be present on those aircraft that had them. Pilots will be able to hear them both in third-person view and while playing from the cockpit. “Bitchin’ Betty” will warn you about dangerous altitudes, critical G-force overloads, warning signals from the radar warning receiver, and alert you to the readiness of guided weapons on the aircraft. In the “Sons of Attila” major update, “Bitchin’ Betty” will be available for the F-16 series and AH-64D, while Soviet pilots will have the “Rita” voice warning system for the Ka-50, Ka-52, Mi-28N, Mi-28NM, Mi-24V, Mi-24P (USSR), as well as for the MiG-29s.

An aircraft voice warning system is a pilot's best friend!

[h2]Realistic HUD for helicopters[/h2]

The cockpits of modern helicopters will now also be equipped with fully functional HUDs similar to what some aircraft already have. The first helicopters to receive the new HUDS are the Ka-50/52, Mi-28N/NM and Mi-35M series of helicopters.