War Thunder News

Today we’ll be taking a look at the Osa-AK family of air defense missile systems that will be put into four different in-game nations at once.

[h2]Osa-AK (Germany & Great Britain) and Osa-AKM (USSR & Italy): An SPAA at Rank VII[/h2]
At a glance:

• Can carry six missiles.
  
• Can launch two missiles at one target.
  
• Almost powerless against ground targets.
  
• Amphibious.
  
• No armor to speak of.
  
• Large in size, making it a big target.
  

Vehicle History
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In 1960, the development program for the autonomous “Osa” air defense system was launched, with several research and production enterprises joining the work. After lengthy development and testing, the first systems entered service in the USSR in only 1971, when there were agreements signed to further develop the Osa. In 1975, the Osa-AK modification appeared with six launch containers and improved search and tracking equipment. Soon after, to increase the effectiveness against helicopters, the Osa-AKM modification appeared with improved missiles and a more advanced radar. The Osa family of air defense systems is still in service with the Russian Armed Forces.
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[h2]Meet the Osa-AK and Osa-AKM![/h2]

The workhorse of the army’s air defense systems is coming to War Thunder in the Firebirds major update! The Osa will arrive to four nations at once: the Osa-AKM to the USSR, the Romanian Osa-AKM to Italy, the Osa-AK GDR modification to Germany, and the Indian Osa-AK to Great Britain. Both variants of the vehicle are identical in combat capabilities, but will differ in camouflage and radar antenna model. Let’s take a closer look!



The Osa is a wheeled air defense missile system with six launch containers, each capable of launching the 9M33M3 surface-to-air missile. This missile is quite maneuverable and has a launch range of just over 10 km, with the radar capturing and tracking the target and the gunner guiding the missile to the target through an optical sight. Due to the long operation of the cruise engine, the missile speed is almost constant over most of its trajectory. An interesting feature of the Osa is its ability to launch two missiles at one target — this makes the probability of hitting a target higher, however you’ll have to wait a couple of seconds between missile launches. For low-flying targets, the missile first goes up and then hits the target from above through “top-attack”!

Did you know? “Osa” in English means “Wasp”. Its NATO designation is “Gecko”.



Angled upwards, the SAM launch containers feature missiles that require a lengthy arming distance. Additionally, the missile warhead is fragmentation, which in short means you can try to attack armored vehicles, but only light ones and only at extreme distances. Against tanks and light reconnaissance vehicles nearby, the Osa is powerless, lacks armor, is large in size and the wheeled chassis has low power. Oh and by the way, the Osa is amphibious, paving the way for some interesting tactical opportunities!



The Osa-AK and Osa-AKM vehicles will be available for research in the Firebirds major update — don’t miss the dev blogs we’ve got coming to be the first to know all the news. Have fun in your battles!

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

The Firebirds major update brings with it a host of improvements to several locations and a complete graphics update to the Abandoned Factory ground battles map!

[h3]Abandoned Factory Visual Upgrades[/h3]
Welcome to the updated Abandoned Factory map! One of the most beloved locations amongst players for ground battles has been completely transformed visually. Our artists have replaced all the soil textures with new, clear and authentic ones, and the models and textures of buildings and almost all elements of the environment have been changed. Grass and small vegetation have been updated, making them denser, and bushes have been reduced in size to better match the size of ground vehicles.



Despite being significantly updated in terms of visuals, the performance of this location has not changed much when using the same in-game graphics settings as before.

[h3]Improved Effects[/h3]
On Abandoned Factory and other War Thunder locations, dust clouds from tracks and wheels caused by ground vehicles in hot weather have been improved. When it’s raining, you’ll see realistic puddles and streams of water flowing from the roofs of buildings and the surface of objects. By the way, for Abandoned Factory, we’ve separately worked on the sky effects in cloudy weather, meaning the clouds have become more realistic.



[h3]Push Objects That Were Previously Static[/h3]
The ability to interact with various objects in the game has also been updated. For example, in the new Abandoned Factory and other locations, you can now push carriages on the railroad tracks, giving you the chance to freely make your own passage or to make it difficult for your opponents. When driving into cars and trucks, they’ll be realistically crushed under the tracks of your tank.



[h3]Airfield Overhauls[/h3]
There’s also great news for pilots! We’ve significantly improved all airfields for aircraft in Test Flights and missions for high-ranked aircraft. The runway slabs have been completely reworked, with the textures becoming sharper and the airfield environment improving significantly. There’s new buildings, a reliable light signaling system, and positions of anti-aircraft missile systems for protecting aircraft. There’s even aircraft skid marks! To improve the airfields, we consulted with current pilots and think they’ve turned out pretty well.



That’s it for today! The updated Abandoned Factory location will come to the game in the Firebirds major update. Follow our website for more dev blogs that we’ve got planned, as there’s a lot of interesting things ahead!

On November 6th, 1942, the twin-engine He 219 night fighter took to the skies for the first time. Being the first combat aircraft with ejection seats, it participated in battles during WWII from June 1943 and quickly demonstrated its effectiveness against the British Mosquito. In total, less than 300 He 219’s were produced before production ended in May 1944.

[h2]The He 219 A-7 is temporarily available for Golden Eagles![/h2]
The premium German He 219 A-7 is available for 2,980 Golden Eagles.

When: From today until November 8th (07:00 GMT).
Where: Germany > Aviation > Premium vehicles.

About this aircraft

• The He 219 A-7 is an advanced modification of the He 219 with enhanced DB 603E engines and six cannons, with a total ammunition amount of 1,000 rounds. The MK 103 cannon’s armor-piercing belt can penetration medium and even heavy tanks, while the MK 108 and MG 151 can handle anti-aircraft vehicles. The He 219 A-7 also performs well as an interceptor, thanks to its mentioned powerful forward-firing guns, plus survivability.
  

Pre-orders for three store packs have started today! Meet the AV-8S Harrier for Japan, the Su-22M4 for Germany and the formidable JA37DI Viggen for Sweden.

[h2]AV-8S Harrier — Japan, Rank VI[/h2]

To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
59.99
Pre-order - AV-8S Matador Pack

• This pack includes: AV-8S Matador (Rank 6, Japan)
  
• 2000 Golden Eagles
  
• Premium account for 15 days
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique title "Matador"
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique decal “Naga”
  

The AV-8S represents the Spanish, and later Thai, export variant of the AV-8A Harrier, which is already well familiar to the game. As such, the aircraft inherits much of its flight characteristics from the AV-8A, including the Harrier’s signature VTOL ability, allowing it to act both as a fixed wing aircraft, but also as a helicopter, thanks to its hover capabilities. As with other Harriers, this feature in addition to an extensive suite of suspended weapons makes it particularly well suited for Ground Battles. Furthermore, being able to carry the AIM-9P Sidewinder missile as well as countermeasures ensures that the AV-8S can hold its own in a dogfight. Lastly, with the AV-8S being a Premium aircraft, you can use its additional bonuses to speed up progression towards some of the top Japanese aircraft!




[h2]Su-22M4 — Germany, Rank VII[/h2]

Pre-order - Su-22M4 WTD 61 Pack
To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
69.99

• This pack includes:
  
• Su-22M4 WTD 61 (Rank 7, Germany)
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles
  
• Premium account for 20 days
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique title "Fitter"
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique "Ingolstadt coat of arms" decal
  
• Pre-order bonus: JBG 77 Anniversary Camouflage (click image to expand)
  

The Su-22M4 comes to the game as the pinnacle of the Su-17/22 family in German service. This advanced variant is able to employ cutting-edge guided ordnance, including TV-guided weapons, as well as laser-guided munitions. Furthermore, the Su-22M4 proves formidable in air-to-air combat, equipped with over 250 countermeasures and the potent all-aspect R-60MK missiles. Its upgraded engine and avionics ensure rapid delivery of these deadly weapons to enemy targets. In essence, the Su-22M4 embodies a true multirole masterpiece for German high-tier air operations. It excels in both air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements, making it a formidable force on the battlefield.




[h2]JA37DI — Sweden, Rank VIII[/h2]

Pre-order - Saab JA37DI Viggen F21 Pack
To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
79.99
This pack includes:

• Saab JA 37DI Viggen F21 (Rank 8, Sweden)
  
• 3000 Golden Eagles
  
• Premium accoount for 30 days
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique title "Lightning strike"
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique "Mjölnir" decal
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique four-color camouflage (click image to expand)
  

The JA37DI represents a further modification of the JA37D, which itself became available during the mid 1990s. Building upon the upgrades of the standard D variant of the Viggen, the DI modification focused on streamlining the aircraft’s systems and avionics for international operations. Most notably however, the JA37DI brings with it the ability to mount the Rb99 missile. Being the Swedish designation for the American AIM-120, its addition to the Viggen greatly increases the aircraft’s effectiveness in aerial combat, giving it the ability to hunt down targets which are beyond visual range. In addition to this, the Viggen retains its signature superb flight characteristics culminating in the aircraft’s excellent maneuverability thanks to its sleek delta wing design!

The ICV(P) is a state-of-the-art experimental infantry combat vehicle belonging to a family of new tactical wheeled vehicles developed by Mitsubishi for the JSDF.

[h2]Infantry Combat Vehicle ICV(P): A Light Tank for Japan at Rank VII[/h2]
At a glance:

• Excellent mobility!
  
• Unmanned turret.
  
• Light protection.
  
• Rapid-firing 30mm cannon.
  

Vehicle History
[expand]
In 2018, the Japanese Ministry of Defence initiated a program for the development of a common family of light vehicles which would replace some of the older vehicles in service since the late 1980s. Six vehicle variants were planned in total, one of which would be the Infantry Fighting Vehicle (ICV) variant. Mitsubishi, tasked with developing the vehicle, chose the chassis of the Type 16 MCV as a basis on which the next vehicle family would be developed. In 2020, the first prototype of the ICV was constructed. By this time however, the Patria AMV had won the tender for a promising new wheeled APC for the JSDF. As a result, the number of vehicles from the family which will later on be launched into production is expected to be reduced to just a few variants, including the ICV. In late September 2022, the ICV(P) was still undergoing testing.
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[h2]Meet the ICV(P)![/h2]

The ICV(P) will be a new light combat vehicle joining the top ranks of the Japanese ground forces tree, coming to the game as one of the highlights of the Firebirds major update. Fans of the Type 87 and Type 89 may especially look forward to the arrival of the ICV(P) as it combines the best aspects of both vehicles in a new, highly mobile and just as deadly platform. Let’s take a closer look!



Although being a completely new vehicle, Japanese engineers used the proven platform of the Type 16 MCV as the basis for the ICV(P). As a result, the ICV(P) not only inherits some of the Type 16’s visual appearance, but also much of its performance specifications when it comes to mobility. Namely, being equipped with the same 570 HP diesel engine found on the Type 16 MCV ends up in the ICV(P) possessing excellent cross-country mobility while also being able to reach a top speed over 100 km/h. However, as with most wheeled vehicles, the ICV(P) will be pushed to its limits when faced with extremely harsh terrain types, such as deep mud or snow. So be careful on the battlefield and avoid these surfaces if possible so as to not impede the ICV(P)’s greatest advantage.

In terms of firepower, the ICV(P) truly strikes a balance between the Type 87 RCV and Type 89 which precede it. Being fitted with a 30 mm Bushmaster Mk. 44 autocannon, the ICV(P) can comfortably engage other lightly protected enemy vehicles at a distance while also posing a serious threat to even heavily armored MBTs at closer engagement distances thanks to its access to APFSDS rounds.



Unlike the Type 89 however, the ICV(P) doesn’t come equipped with integrated ATGM launchers, thus somewhat reducing its tactical flexibility and offensive capabilities somewhat. Nevertheless, playing to the ICV(P)’s strengths means utilizing the vehicle’s fantastic mobility and deadly autocannon to scout out targets for allies and neutralize threats on the flanks in the close proximity of the ICV(P) itself.



The ICV(P) will soon reinforce the top ranks of the Japanese ground forces tree in the Firebirds major update. That’s it for today’s devblog. While you’re waiting for the wonderful ICV(P) to arrive, stay tuned to the news to find out what else the upcoming update will bring with it. Until then, happy hunting tankers!

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