War Thunder News

[p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Meet the AS90, a self-propelled howitzer with a 155 mm gun coming to Great Britain’s ground force tree to bolster lineups and bring some fun![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]In the 1970s, Great Britain, Germany and Italy were looking to replace their aging self-propelled howitzers. They created a project together called the SP70. The project was going poorly and British engineers decided to work on their own howitzer in parallel. Once the SP70 had failed due to not meeting requirements, the AS90 project received requirements and funding from the MoD. These vehicles were built by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering and first entered service with the British Army in 1992, with 179 purchased, replacing the the FV433 Abbot and M109.[/p][p][/p][p]The AS90 was first used by the British Army in Bosnia and Kosovo in 1993 as part of NATO peacekeeping missions in the Yugoslav Wars. AS90s were also used in 2003 during the Iraq War.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the AS90![/h3][p]Today we’re talking about the heavily requested AS90 self-propelled howitzer, coming to the game in the next major update. Featuring a large 155 mm artillery gun, quick rate of fire and excellent ammunition choices, the AS90 is set to be a fun addition to British lineups. Let’s dive deeper into what this machine is all about![/p][p][/p][p]Did you know? “AS90” stands for “Artillery System for the 1990s”.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Like many other self-propelled howitzers in War Thunder, the AS90 features a beefy 155 mm L31 cannon that reloads fast: it can fire 3 rounds in 10 seconds, after which the reload speed reduces to 6 rounds per minute (10 seconds per shot). As with all vehicles with the 155 mm gun, the AS90 can fire a standard HE round which will be your main choice against enemy tanks. It can also fire HE-VT for use against aircraft though if you want to give that a try![/p][p][/p][p]The AS90 can reach a top speed of 55 km/h on paved surfaces. While not the best top speed, it still allows this vehicle to get into favourable positions in relatively good time.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]As with all self-propelled howitzers, the AS90 has a large turret that is exposed to incoming fire. Thanks to a crew of 6, survivability is not too bad, but any well-placed shot into the turret will knock out most of the crew or hit some ammo, detonating the vehicle.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s the AS90 done! This self-propelled howitzer brings Great Britain some cool domestic 155 mm fun, perfect to fit into several ground lineups. Until it’s added, make sure to check out other dev blogs that are due to come your way soon![/p][p]Please note that the vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before being added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Economy and Research[/h3]

• [p]Rank IX for aviation tech trees has been added. The previously announced reshuffles to the aviation and ground vehicle research trees have come into effect.[/p]
• [p]The research and purchase costs of aircraft at ranks VI-IX have been reduced.[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][p]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.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Hey everyone! Today, along with the addition of the new rank IX for aircraft and the related changes we discussed earlier, the research and purchase costs for rank VI+ aircraft for all nations have been reduced.[/p][p][/p][p]The difference in research and purchase costs for ranks VI-VIII previously and VI-IX after the changes can be found below.[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][p]We keep fighting cheaters using your reports and the BattlEye anti-cheat system, and as usual, today we’re sharing a bit of info on bans that we’ve distributed over the past month. If you’d like to help keep War Thunder free from cheating, you can find out how to file a report and how our anti-cheat system works on our Wiki.[/p][p][/p][h3]Banned accounts[/h3][p]Since our last fair play, we’ve banned 6919 accounts that were found to have violated the rules. Specifically 3.2.3 of the EULA namely in the automation of gameplay (using bots) and cheat software. For complete transparency, we’re publishing the full list of these banned players. This list will be available for two weeks after the publication of this article.[/p][p][/p][p]Additionally, 318 accounts have been banned for a week or longer for intentional teamkilling, ramming and griefing.[/p][p][/p][h2]Recommendations[/h2][p]We recommend that you set a strong password for your account and enable two-step authentication in your profile security settings. We have the following 2FA options available: email, SMS, TOTP (Gaijin Pass/Google Authenticator).[/p][p][/p][p]We’d also suggest that you turn on 2FA for the email that is linked to your Gaijin account for additional security, as this will protect your account from fraudsters. And remember, don’t use prohibited client modifications and never share your account information with anyone.[/p][p][/p][p]The War Thunder Team[/p]

[p][/p][p]Pearl Harbor is home to the largest base and headquarters of the US Pacific Fleet. The battleship USS Oklahoma was one of Pearl Harbor’s defenders and was destroyed in the Japanese attack on December 7th, 1941, without ever seeing action. We’re ready to change that! Participate in the new naval event, earn the USS Oklahoma, and use her incredible firepower in high-ranked battles![/p][p][/p]

[p]From March 12th (11:00 GMT) until March 30th (11:00 GMT), earn mission points in Naval Battles, unlock stages and receive rewards![/p]

[p][/p][h2]USS Oklahoma[/h2][h3]An Event Vehicle Battleship for the USA at Rank VI[/h3][p][/p][p]Commissioned back in 1916, the battleship USS Oklahoma largely defined the concept of the US ocean-going battleship for many years to come. The ship served first in the Atlantic, and from 1930 onward, with the Pacific Fleet. On the fateful day of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the ship sustained nine hits from Japanese torpedo bombers and sank in port in just 20 minutes; further repairs proved too expensive. In the game, she’s a true behemoth. Her thick armor and ten 356 mm main guns make her an incredibly dangerous and resilient opponent at any combat range. This comes at the cost of mobility, so quickly changing positions with Oklahoma is near impossible. The pre-war composition of her anti-aircraft battery also incentivizes commanders to stay close to allies who can provide stronger anti-aircraft cover for the giant ship.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Among the rewards in the event is also this chest. When opened, there is a chance to receive one of the following items:[/p]

• [p]50,000 - 100,000 Silver Lions[/p]
• [p]Silver Lion and Research Point boosters[/p]
• [p]Random Wagers and Orders[/p]
• [p]Universal Backups (1 - 3)[/p]
• [p]A random camouflage for a vehicle you own[/p]
• [p]1 day of Premium Account[/p]

[p][/p][h2]How to get all rewards[/h2][p]Each stage can be achieved for 45,000 mission points, every new stage achieved will give you a new reward.[/p][p] [/p]

[p]Please note: After finishing a stage, you need to collect the reward manually. To do this, click on your name in-game, go to “Pacific Pearl” and click the “Get Reward” button.[/p]

[p][/p][p]You’re able to earn mission points in Naval Battles at Rank III or above in Arcade and Realistic Battles. The number of mission points to complete a stage depends on the game mode and the maximum Rank of the vehicle that you use in battle. There’s a multiplier for earning mission points, which is shown in the task description in-game. Points are only awarded at the end of the battle.[/p][p][/p][p]You can also earn mission points by using event vehicles that are Rank I and II. Event vehicles that can be used have the name of the event that they were obtainable in on their stat card.[/p][p] [/p]

[p]Stages change every two days at 11:00 GMT on March 14th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 22nd, 24th, 26th and 28th.[/p]

[p][/p][h2]Rewards are given when you complete a specific number of stages[/h2]

• [p]For 1 Stage: trophy with a random reward[/p]
• [p]For 2 Stages: one of the decal rewards[/p]
• [p]For 3 Stages: trophy with a random reward[/p]
• [p]For 4 Stages: one of the decal rewards[/p]
• [p]For 5 Stages: trophy with a random reward[/p]
• [p]For 6 Stages: USS Oklahoma loading screen[/p]
• [p]For 7 Stages: trophy with a random reward[/p]
• [p]For 8 Stages: non-tradable coupon for USS Oklahoma[/p]
• [p]For 9 Stages: a unique camouflage and 4 random modifications for USS Oklahoma[/p]

[p][/p]

[p]Please note: You can only receive the modifications if USS Oklahoma is activated on your account.[/p]

[p][/p][h2]Discounts for purchasing stages using Golden Eagles[/h2][p]Unfinished stages can be purchased for Golden Eagles, but if you’re very close to completing a stage, its price will be significantly reduced.[/p][p]Let’s say you have earned 85% of the required mission points to complete a stage, then the price of purchasing this stage will be halved. If you’re near the finish line for a stage and are at 95% progress, then the price will be reduced by five times. For example, if you’ve scored 39,000 mission points, then the price to unlock this stage will be 499 Golden Eagles. If you’ve scored 43,000 mission points, then you’ll only need 199 Golden Eagles. Remember to keep this in mind if you cannot complete a stage on time![/p][p][/p][h2]The Upgrade for a coupon[/h2][p]When you complete 8 stages, you’ll receive a non-tradable coupon for USS Oklahoma, using it will immediately activate the vehicle onto your account. If you don’t want the vehicle and would like to sell the coupon on the Market, you’ll need the “Upgrade for coupon” item.[/p][p][/p]

[p]The “Upgrade for coupon” item can be earned in parallel with the stages throughout the event from March 12th (11:00 GMT) until March 30th (11:00 GMT) for 750,000 mission points.[/p]

[p][/p][p]After receiving the “Upgrade for coupon” item, you can convert a non-tradable coupon for the vehicle into a tradable one and sell it on the Market. The tradable coupon can be sold after 6 days from the moment it’s created.[/p][p] [/p]

[p]To make a tradable coupon, select the “Coupon USS Oklahoma (USA)” in your inventory and click the “Modify” button.[/p]

[p][/p][p]The “Upgrade for coupon” item is valid until 11:00 GMT on April 3rd. Until this time, you can use it or exchange it for War Bonds. Afterwards, it’ll disappear from your inventory.[/p][p][/p][h2]Tracking your progress[/h2][p]You can track the progress of completing stages and the “Upgrade for coupon” item by clicking on your Nickname > Achievements > Pacific Pearl. If you don’t manage to complete a stage on time or would like to purchase a stage, you can do so with Golden Eagles until April 3rd from the Achievements window, which will give you the corresponding rewards.[/p]