War Thunder News

[p]In the Leviathans major update, we’ll be introducing a number of advanced SAM systems, including those with multiple vehicles. Today, we’d like to introduce you to something called the Radar Control Screen which will be added to many modern SPAAs in the game, making combat against aircraft more efficient. Let’s dive into the details!

[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Interface under development[/p][p][/p][h2]How it works[/h2][p]By pressing the assigned key or by clicking on the radar icon on the action bar when in an SPAA vehicle with this functionality, the Radar Control Screen will pop up. Let’s walk through the layout. [/p][p][/p][h3]Plan Position Indicator (PPI)[/h3][p]The center of the screen shows the Plan Position Indicator (PPI), which displays target marks in polar coordinates (“range-azimuth”). On the PPI, targets are numbered with special indexes that are saved until the target is lost. When the target is detected again, it will be assigned a new free index. In addition, for advanced radars with TWS mode and the ability to use NCTR, the target marks contain information about the speed vector (a small line), and type — be it a plane, helicopter or fired ammunition. By simply clicking on the target in the PPI screen, you can aim the sight at it or switch the capture and can even fire.
[/p][p][/p][h3]Sight view[/h3][p]In the upper left corner there is a window showing your Sight view if the vehicle has one. In this window you can control the zoom and/or switch on NVD or thermal if your vehicle has them.

[/p][h3]Elevation-Azimuth Indicator[/h3][p]On the left side there is a vertical view indicator that displays azimuths and altitudes of all found targets. For NCTR-capable radars, target type marks are also displayed here.

[/p][h3]Target list[/h3][p]In the upper right corner there is the Target list table with detected targets. This table is a convenient tool for working with targets, as from this list you can select them to fire at, sort targets by azimuth, altitude, speed and threat level, and also immediately lock on to a target by double-clicking on it. Fire control from this table is most useful when playing with a controller or playing on console. [/p][h3]Controls[/h3][p]So we’ve gone through each part of the Radar Control Screen, let’s now get acquainted with the controls. Directly under the PPI are two panels that show the controls; one with radar and one with the fire control buttons. For radar control, you can turn the search radar on and off, switch between the radar and IRST, change the search modes, and scope scale. You can also select a target and acquire it. For fire control, you can launch missiles, turn the missile seeker on or off, and for SPAA with guns, capture the target and fire at it. The guns will receive automatic guidance to the lead point on the target tracked by the sensor. [/p][p][/p][p]It’s worth noting that the mouse control in the Radar Control Screen is a bit different — the right mouse button can now fire the missiles, and you can activate the necessary actions on the PPI, in the Target list table and with other elements of the screen with the left button. The mouse buttons are assigned automatically when switching to this screen, while your custom keyboard binds and other control keys you have assigned will work here as well.

[/p][h2]In conclusion [/h2][p]From the Plan Position Indicator, you’ll see the entire battle picture through the eyes of your radar. Keep your team informed of the current situation, find and identify threats, select priority targets and destroy them! However, don’t forget about threats from the ground — make sure to correctly position yourself before you scan the airspace and don’t forget to look around from time to time to move your vehicle to a safer place or to a point with a better view.

That’s it for this one, get ready for the Leviathans major update, which is coming real soon![/p]

[p]Today we’re pleased to announce that we’ve added a full range of cosmetic items to the Steam Points Shop for War Thunder! If you’ve made Steam purchases or have simply been active on Steam, you’ve probably accumulated some Steam Points to spend in the Points Shop on the new War Thunder items:[/p]

• [p]Animated Profile Backgrounds[/p]
• [p]Animated Mini-Profile Backgrounds[/p]
• [p]Animated Stickers[/p]
• [p]Animated Avatars[/p]
• [p]Animated Avatar Frame[/p]

[p]Click here to go to the Points Shop for War Thunder[/p][p][/p][p]We’ve also added War Thunder cards! For every $9 (or equivalent in your local currency) spent in the game via Steam you’ll get a Trading Card that you can either sell on Steam or trade with other players to craft a game badge and earn tradable items like emoticons, profile backgrounds, and coupons! Special respect to those who collect the level 5 badge![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p]

Pre-orders for Swiss Hornet with precision air-to-surface weapons have started today!

[h2]Pre-order - F/A-18C Hornet Pack[/h2]
To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
79.99

• F/A-18C Hornet (Rank VIII, Germany)
  
• 3000 Golden Eagles
  
• Premium account for 30 days
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique title "Alpine Tiger"
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique decal "Swiss Air Force Squadron 11 patch"
  

[h2]Introducing the Swiss F/A-18C![/h2]

In 1988, Switzerland conducted comparative tests between the F-16 and F/A-18, leading to the latter being selected as the new fighter for its air force. Deliveries took place between 1996 and 1999, with most of the aircraft being assembled in Switzerland. Swiss Hornets became the backbone of the country’s air defense. In the 2010s, the aircraft received some modern upgrades, namely to its avionics and weapons.



The premium Swiss Hornet will be one of the best aircraft in the game and a great way to speed up the research in the German aircraft tree. The F/A-18C features the AIM-7P Sparrow and AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, a huge arsenal of bombs, rockets and guided missiles, including laser and satellite guided bombs and Mavericks. It also has high-drag tail fin and incendiary bombs. Basically, you can combine many options to fit your mission needs!



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

An improved variant of the T-72B3 that features the Arena-M APS is coming to the game in the Leviathans major update!

[h2]T-72B3A: An MBT for the USSR at Rank VIII[/h2]
At a glance:

• Arena-M Active Protection System
  
• Kontakt-5 ERA
  
• Improved engine, but still slow reverse speed
  
• Tandem ATGM
  
• Thermal imager
  

Vehicle History The T-72B3A is a further modernization of the Soviet T-72, developed in the 2010s to enhance its combat performance while maintaining its proven design. One of the key elements of the upgrade was the addition of the Arena-M Active Protection System (APS), which significantly increased the vehicle’s survivability in modern combat.

The Arena-M itself is an improved version of the Soviet Arena system, designed to automatically detect and destroy incoming anti-tank weapons such as ATGMs and RPGs before they make contact with the tank. The system uses radar to detect threats and launches countermeasure charges that create a damaging field at a distance of 5-10 meters from the tank. Unlike the basic Arena, the M modification features improved electronics, increased countermeasure immunity, and the ability to integrate with other protection systems.

[h2]Introducing the T-72B3A![/h2]

The Russian T-72B3 is getting better with a new variant! Meet the T-72B3A, featuring the Arena-M active protection system. It’s coming soon in the Leviathans major update, so sit back and read on to find out how this thing works!



The Arena-M stands out as one of the most modern active protection systems in the world. It consists of a radar, sensor system, and special defensive countermeasures that launch upwards and towards threats upon detection, destroying them with a focused stream of fragments several meters from the tank. Twelve launchers are positioned around the turret and house these countermeasures, providing all-round protection for the tank and partial cover for the upper hemisphere against missile attacks from above. It can effectively neutralize all types of ATGMs, including tandem warheads, although it cannot intercept kinetic energy penetrators.

Interesting: After firing, the Arena-M countermeasures are controlled by wires through commands, which in a split second turn the charge towards the approaching threat. Due to the velocity gradient of the fragmentation field, the fragments first hit the shaped-charge area and fuse of the enemy projectile, and then the explosive substance in the casing!



The Arena-M is going to be another line of defense for the already well-protected T-72B3. Speaking of which, the T-72B3A’s hull and turret are covered with Kontakt-5 ERA blocks, which come in handy when the Arena-M’s countermeasure charges run out. Having said that, this ERA is still good as additional protection against kinetic shells! Other than that, this tank’s main protection is the same as other Russian MBTs, with steel and composite armor.

Just like its predecessor, the T-72B3A is armed with a 125 mm cannon with a good selection of available shells, including 3BM60 APFSDS and the 9M119M1 tandem ATGM. Rounding this off is the fire control system that includes a laser rangefinder and thermal imager for the gunner.



In addition to its advantages, the T-72B3A also inherits the disadvantages of the B3 variant, namely the weaker armor area at the front of the gun mantlet, the driver port and the huge ammo carousel for the automatic loader. Though, perhaps the most detrimental aspect of the T-72B3A is the reverse speed, a very poor -4 km/h — something you’d come to expect for most Russian MBTs.



That’s all for this blog, the Leviathans major update is almost ready, we’re all waiting for its release and can’t wait to play it on the live servers with all of you. See you around!

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

One of the new Squadron Vehicles arriving in the Leviathans major update is the advanced Draken of the Danish Air Force!

[h2]Saab F-35: A Squadron Vehicle Jet Fighter for Sweden at Rank VII[/h2]
At a glance:

• AIM-9N air-to-air missiles
  
• RWR
  
• Up to 4500 kg of bombs
  
• New sight with ballistic computer
  
• No radar
  

Vehicle History In the late 1960s, the Danish Air Force decided to replace the aging F-100D, needing a versatile fighter capable of effectively operating against both air and ground targets. The choice fell on the Swedish J35F Draken, however the base model did not meet Danish requirements, so a modification called the Saab 35XD (designated as the F-35) was developed. This new variant had reinforced wings, increased ammunition, two 30 mm cannons, reinforced landing gear, a large internal fuel supply and the ability to mount external fuel tanks. The radar equipment was considered unnecessary and dismantled, as the focus was on strike capabilities and transforming the design to the needs of a tactical aircraft.

In the 1980s, Danish F-35s underwent modernization under the WDNS (Weapon Delivery and Navigation System) program, which aimed to install a modern sighting and navigation system. These new fighters received a new sight, a laser rangefinder, and an AN/ALR-69 RWR. The final stage of modernization was completed in 1986.



[h2]Introducing the Saab F-35![/h2]

The Danish Saab F-35 multirole fighter is coming to the game in the Leviathans major update as a new Squadron Vehicle for Sweden’s aviation tree! This aircraft has an advanced RWR, close range air-to-air missiles, and a wide range of ground attack capabilities. Let’s take a look.



Danish Drakens were upgraded under the Weapon Delivery and Navigation System (WDNS) program with modern electronics. Inside the nose cone is an AN/ALR-69 RWR, which provides you with comprehensive information about the current combat situation and immediate threats with clear identification on the display. In the cockpit is a new Sikte S-7B sight with a ballistic computer. Since the Saab F-35 was primarily intended for ground attacks, this aircraft has no radar. However, despite this, it does have two AIM-9N Sidewinder air-to-air missiles for air combat! These missiles have quite good overloads and controlled flight time, but acquiring the target is only possible in the rear hemisphere.

The Saab F-35 is the most attack-oriented Draken in Sweden’s aircraft tree. The reinforced wing allows for up to 4,500 kg payload, including 250, 500 and 1000 lb bombs, FFAR, CRV7 and Hydra-70 rockets.



Like other Squadron Vehicles, you can get the Saab F-35 through acquiring enough squadron activity points or buying it straight away with Golden Eagles. The Danish Draken is a neat addition to several lineups for Ground Battles, and its exceptional maneuverability and high maximum speed will come in handy in Air Battles!



That’s all for now! We’re finishing up the Leviathans major update — it’s coming soon!

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