War Thunder News

Let’s take a look at the ZSU-23-4M2 (also known as the Shilka-M2), which is a special variant of the Shilka SPAA, used for accompanying tank columns during the Afghan War.

[h2]ZSU-23-4M2 “Shilka-M2”: An SPAA for the USSR at Rank V[/h2]

At a glance:

• No radar compared to the other Shilkas.
  
• High rate of fire on the 23 mms!
  
• Increased ammunition: 4,000 rounds instead of 2,000.
  

Vehicle History
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During the course of the Afghan War, the 23 mm Shilka SPAA proved to be a good escort vehicle for tank columns, where its high firing automatic guns were used to fend off ambushes. Soon after, a special variant of the Shilka with no radar and an increased ammunition capacity of 4,000 rounds was developed and produced at the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant. In total, 18 ZSU-23-4M2 vehicles were produced, and in 1999, several more were modified to the M2 level to equip the Russian Army.
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[h2]Meet the ZSU-23-4M2![/h2]

This good old trusty Shilka will be arriving to the USSR ground forces tree in the form of a special Afghan variant without a radar and more ammunition. Let’s take a look at what kind of vehicle this is going to be when it comes to the game in the next major War Thunder update!



The ZSU-23-4M2 differs from the familiar rank VI Shilkas in two main aspects — it has no radar of any kind, but an increased ammo capacity of 4,000 rounds (2,000 ready to fire, with 2,000 to reload). At rank V, the ZSU-23-4M2 will be less reliable overall in the anti-tank role, as it will more commonly encounter opponents with strong frontal and side armor, which will often be functionally immune to the 23 mm guns. Despite this though, the ZSU-23-4M2 will be easily able to counter late prop and early jet aircraft with its sheer volume of fire. Even early helicopters won’t be safe, as they will generally have to get within range of the Shilka to use their more rudimentary weaponry.



Did you know? The name “Shilka” is derived from the Shilka river in southeast Russia.

Let’s take a look into its destructive and rapid-firing 23 mm cannons — as you’re probably aware, these cannons are continuously belt fed and have rather effective cooling. And as mentioned, instead of the traditional ammo capacity of 2,000 found on other Shilkas, the ZSU-23-4M2 has an increased ammo capacity of up to 4,000 rounds! In addition to the high rate of fire, this vehicle can also aim horizontally and vertically very quickly, making shooting and reacting to targets as easy as pie.



Despite the lackluster penetration power, you’re still going to be able to act as a support vehicle — in between keeping an eye on the sky, you’ll be able to assist your teammates on the ground with your incredible fire rate to tear off enemy tracks and barrels. Make sure to stick close to friendlies however, as you’re barely protected from light machine guns and will be an easy target at close range on your own.



That’s this blog done! All-in-all, the ZSU-23-4M2 should be a good alternative to the already familiar rank VI Shilkas in the game just at a lower rank. What do you think about this one? Let us know and in the meantime keep an eye on the news for more dev blogs covering new additions for the next major update!

Please note that this vehicle's characteristics may be adjusted before being added to the game.

The MiG-15, the most mass-produced jet fighter in history, was designed by the Mikoyan and Gurevich Design Bureau and accepted into service with the Soviet Air Force on August 23rd 1949. It served various countries for over half a century and took part in conflicts in China, Korea and Egypt, and was also actively used by the USSR to protect the air borders of Warsaw Pact countries.

[h2]The MiG-15bis ISH has a temporary 30% discount! [/h2]
In honor of this anniversary, the MiG-15bis ISH has a temporary 30% discount, available for 5,992 Golden Eagles.

When: From today until August 29th (09:00 GMT).
Where: USSR > Aviation > Premium vehicles.

[h3]About this jet fighter[/h3]

• The “ISH” in MiG-15bis ISH stands for “Fighter-Attacker Aircraft”. This experimental modification of the MiG-15 was created to increase its strike capabilities. It boasts fast acceleration, an excellent rate of climb and impressive energy retention, great for use in air combat! For attacking ground targets, it’s able to take rockets and bombs of various sizes, giving it more strike capability over the regular MiG-15.
  

[h2]Graphics[/h2]

• A bug that caused the impacts of fragments of shells exploding nearby to not display on ground vehicles has been fixed.
  

[h2]Game Mechanics[/h2]

• A bug that caused a convoy on the “Southeastern City” to drive under the water has been fixed.
  

[h2]Battle Pass[/h2]

• The “Shooting in Akimbo style” challenge can now be completed with vehicles from the Battle trophy that is acquired at level 38 of the Battle Pass (PT-658, MTB-422, Z25, TKA-106).
  

Patch notes reflect only key changes, meaning they may not include a complete list of all improvements made. Additionally, War Thunder is constantly being updated and some changes may not require an update. Changes reflected in patch notes are formed by taking reactions and requests of the community from the bug reporting service, forums and other official platforms into account. Bug fixes and changes are implemented in order of importance, for example a game-breaking bug will be worked on and implemented sooner.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at the T1E1 (90 mm), a vehicle that derived from fitting the T1E1 with a more powerful 90 mm cannon. Although this upgrade didn’t ultimately change the outcome of the development program, this unique up-gunned variant of the T1E1 will soon arrive to the American ground forces tree as part of the next major War Thunder update!

[h2]T1E1 (90 mm): A Heavy Tank for the USA at Rank III[/h2]

At a glance:

• Powerful 90 mm T7 cannon, albeit with a longer reload than the 76 mm.
  
• More varied ammo selection: M77, M71 (default), M82, M313 (unlocked through modifications).
  
• Decent survivability, however not outstanding.
  
• Average mobility with the same forward and backwards speed.
  
• No stabilizer compared to the T1E1.
  

Vehicle History
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By 1943, the focus of the Armored Corps changed. The resulting shift toward the increased production of medium tanks, such as the M4 Sherman, resulted in the effective cancellation of the M6 heavy tank project. By 1943, only a few dozen units were left on order with the few built prototypes undergoing testing at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. During testing, engineers anticipated that the standard 76 mm cannon would be deemed insufficient. Therefore, a prototype of the T1E1 was rapidly modified to field the T7 90 mm cannon. Although the performance of this armament was noted as superior over the standard 76 mm cannon, it ultimately made no difference to the tank program’s already sealed fate. In the end, only 40 production units of the M6 heavy tank were manufactured, none of which ended up being equipped with the larger cannon.
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[h2]Meet the T1E1 (90 mm)![/h2]

The T1E1 (90 mm) is a special modification of the T1E1 heavy tank that you already might be familiar with. Representing a direct upgrade over the standard modification of the T1E1, the up-gunned version of this experimental American heavy tank chiefly provides better firepower, making it a battlefield behemoth. Let’s take a closer look!



If you’ve already gathered experience with the M6A1 and T1E1 heavy tanks in the game, you’ll find many similarities with this further development of early American heavy tank design. Inheriting many of the basic T1E1’s specifications, the T1E1 (90 mm) features the same chassis, suspension, armor layout and engine as its direct predecessor. As such, this vehicle is going to offer you a familiar blend of workable survivability and reasonable mobility, although coming at the cost of a comparably high silhouette, making it easier to spot and hit during engagements as a result.



The most important difference however is found with the T1E1’s main armament. Despite it not appearing as such at first glance when compared to its close relatives, the T1E1 features a larger 90 mm T7 cannon. Representing the experimental version of the M3 cannon which would later find its way onto famous U.S. tanks, such as the M36 or M26 Pershing, the T7 features similar ballistic properties as its later production counterpart and can thus boast good penetrating capabilities as well as a wide range of ammunition options, including APCBC.



Overall, the larger caliber cannon will especially come in handy for dealing with more heavily protected opponents at longer ranges. This will further increase the T1E1’s lethality and allow it to take part in long-range combat even more effectively.



The T1E1 (90 mm) is arriving to the American ground forces tree as the last member of this heavy tank family with the next major War Thunder update. In the meantime, stay tuned to the news as we’ll continue to share more details about the upcoming update. Until then, happy hunting tankers!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

Named after the 18th century Austrian general, the Prinz Eugen heavy cruiser was launched on August 22nd 1938. In May 1941, it took part in Operation Rheinübung and helped in the attack of the British battlecruiser HMS Hood. From mid-1943, Prinz Eugen provided artillery cover for German troops on the Eastern Front. After the war, it was handed over to the United States and was destroyed during nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll.

[h2]Prinz Eugen is temporarily available for Golden Eagles![/h2]
This heavy cruiser is available for 8020 Golden Eagles.

When: From today until August 26th (09:00 GMT).
Where: Germany > Bluewater fleet > Premium vehicles.

About this heavy cruiser

• Prinz Eugen is well-armored and has a powerful main battery of 8 x 203 mm guns that can handle any opponent. Thanks to its large crew, good armor and 18 x 40 mm Bofors guns to help protect against aircraft, Prinz Eugen is capable in many combat scenarios.