War Thunder News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]In the next major update, several variants of the classic and long-awaited Me 210 heavy fighter will be arriving for several nations![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The Me 210 was developed in the late 1930s as a heavy multirole fighter intended to replace the Bf 110. Under the aviation development program approved in 1938, the Luftwaffe ordered 1000 Me 210 aircraft, and production plans predicted the delivery of over three thousand examples of the Me 210 and Bf 110 by spring 1942. As ambitious as this production and development program was, the aircraft faced serious difficulties. The first prototype, the Me 210 V1, took flight on September 5th 1939. From the very beginning, severe issues regarding stability quickly became apparent. Engineers attempted to mitigate these issues by increasing the surface area of the tail among other minor tweaks, but even with these modifications the problems could not be eliminated. Work was also underway to install more powerful engines on the aircraft; however, their production was limited, which further delayed the refinement process.[/p][p][/p][p]Despite ceaseless improvements, including the installation of automatic slats and lengthening the fuselage, the fundamental stability and controllability shortcomings could not be overcome. The once promising Me 210 was unsuccessful, and production was halted. The experience of the Me 210 was subsequently relied on heavily through the development of the more successful Me 410.[/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Me 210s![/h3][p]The predecessors of the well-known Me 410 will be landing in the game with the release of the next major update! We’re excited to introduce the Me 210, a multirole heavy fighter that was once intended to be one of the Luftwaffe’s primary aircraft.[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]Let’s start by taking a look at the addition for Germany. The Luftwaffe will be receiving the quintessential Me 210 variant, the A-1. This example will feel quite familiar overall, with the same armament as the early Me 410 (a pair of 20 mm cannons and a pair of 7.92 mm machine guns). It can carry internal HE bombs from 50 kg to 500 kg, or a 1000 kg AP bomb to combat ships. Flight performance will be similar to the Me 410, though the engines on the A-1 are slightly weaker, so expect reduced flight performance.[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]Japan will be receiving the Me 210 V22, this was a trial aircraft used by Germany to test potential improvements of the Me 210 before being approved for production. After these trials were completed, the aircraft was purchased by Japan and sent by submarine. It features a lengthened fuselage, and can equip the same weaponry as the A-1. This unique test variant will be joining Japan as a premium.[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]Finally, we have two interesting modifications coming to the Hungarian branch in the Italian tree; two variants focused on close air support and anti-aircraft respectively. The first variant is the Me 210 Ca-1, mounting more powerful DB 605B engines, an improved air brake design and additional structural modifications. It is armed with the same weaponry as the previous variants.[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]The final example is the Me 210 Ca-1 39M, this aircraft retains the 20 mm cannons but trades the 7.92 mm machine guns for a 40 mm Bofors cannon with 12 rounds. It can also equip six 150 mm rockets under the wings. While this weaponry was intended to combat Allied bombers, the rockets can still splash light ground targets, and the 40 mm cannon has an armor-piercing belt as well.[/p][p][/p][p]These new Me 210s will make for great additions to both ground and air battles alike. Their powerful frontal armament and effective defensive gunners make them fairly serious opponents in the lower ranks. Their flight performance however is relatively limited, with mediocre acceleration and climb rate. The Me 210 platform is also fairly unstable especially in full control mode, and will not respond too well if damaged.[/p][p][/p][p]You’ll be able to give this swarm of hornets a try in War Thunder very soon in the next major update! Until then, keep checking in for more blogs and we’ll see you in a bit![/p][p]Please note that the characteristics of these vehicles may be changed before they are added to the game.[/p]

It was great to see the variety of screenshots shared last week! This week, we’re turning back to earlier chapters of combat and the machines that defined them. Capture a screenshot featuring older vehicles on the battlefield, whether it is heavy combat or a moment of peace. The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

[h2]Let’s begin the 213th edition of our competition![/h2]

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen213. You have time until the 6th of March 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 one or more vehicles of Rank IV or below.
You must add the #WTscreen213 tag (title cannot have any other text in it).
Artists may only win by popular vote once per four screenshot competitions.
• 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 212th edition – Under Clouded Skies![/h2]

[h3]Winners selected via community votes:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3671212920
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3672388983
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3670518494

[h3]Winners selected by our judges:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3673340129
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3671616073
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3671625057

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

[p][/p][p][/p][p]The Ninth Wave major update will expand the newly-added rank IX with the most technologically advanced combat aircraft in the game.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the F-16C Block 52 and Rank IX Aircraft![/h3][p]Hey everyone! In the Ninth Wave major update, we’ll be introducing some new Rank IX aircraft! This rank will feature the most modern and advanced aircraft, where some will move to it and some new ones will be added. Among these will be the new upgraded top-of-the-line F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 52 US fighter, with new weapons and an advanced radar.[/p][p][/p][p]The F-16C Block 52 is the most advanced modification of the Fighting Falcon family. The aircraft is in service with the US and is actively supplied to friendly countries as export. Those who have already mastered the F-16C Block 50 can look forward to many new features, including a new AESA radar, a more powerful engine, and new weapons for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. Let’s take a closer look at it now![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]One of the most advanced features of the Block 52 modification is the new AN/APG-83 active phased array radar. This radar not only significantly increases scanning speed, but also provides a new level of tactical situational awareness. In addition to the familiar AIM-120C-5 ARH missiles, the Block 52’s arsenal includes the new AIM-120D, which features more accurate navigation using a GPS and offers increased controllable flight time. The previous Block 50’s already excellent anti-ground capability now includes the LJDAM family of combined-guidance air-to-ground bombs for the Block 52.[/p][p][/p][p]The thrust-to-weight ratio has also increased. The new Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine has good acceleration in afterburner mode and adds approximately 1,000 kgf in non-afterburner mode.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for this one! In short, the Fighting Falcon has become even more versatile, flexible, and dangerous in any game mode. Rank IX will be added to the game shortly before the release of the Ninth Wave major update, and soon we’ll publish the changes to research and purchase costs connected to the addition of the new rank. In the meantime, we’ll continue to share news about the major update with you![/p][p][/p][p]Please note that the vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before being added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]A Premium Alpha Jet A attack aircraft in the livery of the 41st Fighter-Bomber Regiment of the Luftwaffe is on the way![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]In the late 1960s, Germany and France saw the need to replace their aging fleets of trainers and light attack aircraft. A collaboration between Dornier and Dassault-Breguet resulted in the TA501 design, which was declared the winner of the competition. The aircraft’s initial design was focused around creating two main versions that would meet the requirements of both countries. The German version, designated Alpha Jet A (Appui), was focused on strike missions.[/p][p][/p][p]The prototype’s maiden flight took place in October 1973, and in 1979, the aircraft was officially accepted into service by the air forces of both countries. Thanks to its successful combination of simplicity, reliability, and versatility, the Alpha Jet also enjoyed high demand in the export market.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Alpha Jet A JaboG 41![/h3][p]Pre-orders for the premium German Alpha Jet A JaboG 41 have started today, where you can get yourself some sweet pre-order bonuses. The nimble Alpha Jet will be familiar to many of you, it features a good arsenal of ground attack weapons, and can fill the fighter role in air battles as well. Let’s take a closer look![/p][p][/p][p]Many of you have already had a chance to appreciate the capabilities of the Alpha Jet A trainer jet. This compact and agile aircraft is a true master of ground attack, demonstrating its capabilities brilliantly in both air and mixed game modes. A rapid-fire 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannon is mounted on the central hardpoint under the fuselage, while underwing pods hold FFAR rockets and up to 6 x 250 kg bombs, including free-fall, incendiary, and drag bombs. The entire arsenal of secondary weapons is controlled by ballistic computers, and the German version is also equipped with countermeasures for self-defense against incoming missiles.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The premium version of the Alpha Jet A combat trainer bears the livery of the Luftwaffe’s 41st Fighter-Bomber Regiment (Jagdbombergeschwader 41, or JaboG 41 for short). The regiment began its history in 1959 and was based at Husum Airfield. In 1982, the regiment received Alpha Jet A attack aircraft, and before the regiment’s disbandment in 1993 following German reunification, its pilots logged nearly 110,000 flight hours in these aircraft.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Alpha Jet A JaboG 41 will be coming to the game with the release of the next War Thunder update. Pre-order now before the update is released to receive the attack aircraft itself, a unique decal and title, a generous supply of Golden Eagles, and free days of Premium! See you in the next blog![/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p]The maiden flight of the Alouette III (prototype Sud Aviation SE 3160) took place on February 28th 1959, at the factory airfield in Marignane near Marseille. The Alouette III became one of the most widely produced European helicopters of the 1960s and 1970s, widely used by rescue services, police, the army, and the navy.[/p][p][/p][h2]The IAR 316B is temporarily available at a 30% discount for 5,992 Golden Eagles![/h2][p][/p]

• [p]The IAR 316B is only available during this promotion.[/p]

[h3][/h3]

[p]When: From February 27th (11:00 GMT) until March 2nd (11:00 GMT).[/p][p]Where: France > Helicopter > Premium vehicles.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][h3]About this helicopter[/h3]

• [p]The IAR 316B (rank V) is a Romanian licensed version of the Alouette III, produced in Brașov. It can engage other helicopters with two 7.62 mm machine guns, while Malyutka-2 ATGMs and up to 12 S-5K rockets can handle armored vehicles. Take advantage of the helicopter’s maneuverability, as it’s one of its greatest strengths!
  [/p]