War Thunder News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]The T58 is an American experimental heavy tank developed in the mid-1950s as part of the U.S. Army’s effort to counter the latest Soviet heavy tanks during the early Cold War.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]During WWII, American armor had relied on numbers, mobility, and combined-arms tactics rather than direct superiority in firepower or armor. However, the appearance of newer Soviet heavy tanks, like the IS-3, caused deep concern as existing U.S. medium tanks would struggle against it. In response, the U.S. initiated a heavy tank program that eventually produced the M103 heavy tank. Yet even as the M103 entered service, U.S. planners worried it might already be insufficient to deal with future Soviet designs intended to succeed the IS-3.[/p][p][/p][p]The T58 project, which began in the mid-1950s, was intended as an answer: it took the M103 chassis and paired it with an experimental oscillating turret mounting a 155 mm gun. The oscillating turret idea was inspired by contemporary French tanks, particularly the AMX-50 series, and was seen as a way to manage the weight of such a large cannon while incorporating an autoloader to offset the difficulties of handling massive shells. The 155 mm gun was designed to defeat any heavy armor the Soviets could produce. However, the T58’s development coincided with a major shift in U.S. and NATO doctrine, which moved away from specialized heavy tanks toward the main battle tank (MBT) concept. This was primarily due to logistical concerns and the belief that nuclear weapons on the battlefield reduced the need for heavily armored behemoths. As a result, the T58 was never pursued beyond the prototype stage, with the project being canceled in 1957.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the T58![/h3][p]Well protected, powerful and packing a mighty punch; a description befit to practically all early Cold War American heavy tanks. The T58 represents the pinnacle of American heavy tank design and the last behemoth of its kind before the MBT concept was widely adopted. It’s available starting today in the Gaijin store as a pre-order pack, coming in with special pre-order bonuses! Let’s go into the details of this beast.[/p][p][/p][p]The T58 represents a further development of the M103 heavy tank in which engineers sought to “future proof” the American heavy tank design against more advanced Soviet counterparts. The most important aspect of this undertaking was to equip the T58 with a monstrous 155 mm cannon, capable of breaching through even the most heavily protected enemy encountered on the battlefield. As such, the T58 will join the gang of “big guns” in ground battles, possessing the capability to utterly devastate its foes with its lethal HEAT and HESH rounds.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Despite the large caliber however, the T58’s T180 cannon features good ballistic properties overall, and thanks to the presence of an autoloading mechanism the rate of fire is also very fast for its caliber. However, as the autoloader is limited to just six rounds, you may often find yourself quickly expending the available ammo and having to undergo a lengthy reload to replenish the magazine. So it’s best to take this into account during intense combat![/p][p]The gun is not the only thing that makes this titan so impressive. As with other American heavy tanks, the T58 boasts excellent protection. It inherits the M103’s well protected hull and couples it with a unique oscillating turret design with complex geometry, resulting in excellent protective qualities. However, a major limiting factor of the turret is the limited elevation angles which may put the T58 at a disadvantage on more uneven terrain.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]With its combat weight sitting at an impressive 60 tons, the T58 is also one extremely heavy unit to shift around on the battlefield. Outfitted with a 810 HP engine, the T58 can reach top speeds of up to 35.4 km/h on paved roads. As a result, you may find yourself behind the front line at the start of battle, and may get caught out when repositioning. On the other hand, the T58 will be a true force to be reckoned with in urban environments where mobility plays less of a deciding factor! [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The T58 can be obtained by purchasing a pack in the Gaijin store and will become available with the release of the next major update. Thanks for joining us in today’s devblog and we hope you’re excited as we are for the arrival of this new American titan to War Thunder ground battles! We’ll see you in the next devblog and until then, happy hunting tankers![/p][p]Please note that these vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before they are added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]The Hawker Tempest first flew on September 2nd, 1942. It was one of the best fighters of the Second World War, with unrivaled speed at low altitudes, allowing it to combat early jet fighters and intercept missiles. More than 1,700 Tempests were produced, serving with the Royal Air Force and the air forces of New Zealand, India and Pakistan. One also ended up in German hands.[/p][p] [/p][h3]The German Tempest Mk V is temporarily available at a 30% discount for Golden Eagles![/h3][p]The German Tempest Mk V (rank IV) is temporarily available at a 30% discount for 4970 Golden Eagles.[/p][p] [/p][p]When: From September 2nd (12:00 GMT) until September 5th (12:00 GMT).[/p][p]Where: Germany > Aviation > Premium vehicles.[/p][p] [/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][p]About this aircraft[/p]

• [p]On October 15th, 1944, German anti-aircraft guns shot down a Tempest MK V near Munster. The pilot bailed out and was captured, but the aircraft was repaired and went for testing. In the game, this aircraft boasts excellent flight characteristics, impressive maneuverability, four 20 mm Hispano cannons and of course premium bonuses![/p]

[p][/p][p]As a result of the actions of the USA and the Allies in the Pacific theater of military operations, the main Japanese forces at sea and in the air were defeated. In August 1945 after the use of atomic weapons, the declaration of war by the USSR and an offensive by Chinese forces, Japan surrendered. This was formally confirmed on September 2nd, 1945, 80 years ago today. Celebrate the anniversary of the end of World War II with us in War Thunder![/p][p] [/p][h3]Get some themed decals, a decoration and a player icon![/h3][p]All in celebration of the 80th anniversary.[/p][p] [/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p]When: From September 2nd (09:00 GMT) until September 8th (09:00 GMT).[/p][p]Tasks:[/p]

• [p]Earn 3,000 mission points with US vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “V-J Day 2025” decal.[/p]
• [p]Earn 3,000 mission points with Chinese vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “New 4th Army Chevron” decal.[/p]
• [p]Earn 10,000 mission points with Chinese vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the Thompson M1928 (China) decoration.[/p]
• [p]Earn 10,000 mission points with US vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the Chester William Nimitz profile icon.[/p]

[p]Please note: After finishing the task, you’ll need to collect the reward manually.[/p]

• [p]You can complete the task in random battles, except for \[Assault] mode.[/p]
• [p]Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II.[/p]
• [p]The “V-J Day 2025” decal is in the “Holidays” section in the customization menu. The “New 4th Army Chevron” decal is in the “China → Tanks” section.[/p]

[p][/p][h3]Discounts on Chinese premium vehicles and starter packs for the US, China, Great Britain and USSR[/h3][p][/p][p]Replenish your hangars with some discounts![/p][p] [/p][p]When: From September 2nd (09:00 GMT) until September 8th (09:00 GMT).[/p][p]To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store.[/p][p][/p]

• [p]30% discount on all premium vehicles at rank I-IV in the Chinese research trees[/p]
• [p]50% discount on starter packs for the USA, China, Great Britain and the USSR in the Gaijin store[/p]

Thanks for submitting your awesome screenshots! This week, we would like to showcase high-caliber machines. What they lack in practicality is made up for in firepower- so load the HE, and aim well! The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

[h2]Let’s begin the 187th edition of our competition![/h2]

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen187. You have time until the 5th of September 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 a tank or vessel with a caliber of 130mm or greater. For aircraft, 30mm caliber or greater.
You must add the #WTscreen187 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 186th edition – Personal Warpaint![/h2]

[h3]Winners selected via community votes:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3554318875
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3554442861
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3556947336

[h3]Winners selected by our judges:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3555125276
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3555001484
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3555501506

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

[p][/p][p]Meet the Soviet Be-6 flying boat with new turboprop engines in PLA Air Force service![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The Qing-6 is a Chinese modification of the Soviet Be-6 flying boat, created by the Beriev Design Bureau. Development of the aircraft began in 1943, and the first flight of the prototype took place in 1945. The production variant was accepted into service in 1951 and differed from the prototype due to its more powerful ASh-73 engines and enhanced 23 mm NR-23 cannons instead of UBT machine guns. The Be-6 was intended for maritime reconnaissance, anti-submarine operations, patrolling, cargo transportation and mine laying. In total, about 120 of these aircraft were built in the USSR from 1949 to 1957.[/p][p]In the 1950s, China received several Be-6 aircraft to equip its naval forces. In the 1970s, due to the engines reaching end of service life, Chinese engineers carried out a major modernization of the aircraft. They replaced the ASh-73 piston engines with upgraded turboprop engines, which improved the aircraft’s flight characteristics and reliability. The modernized variant was designated Qing-6, and remained in service until the late 1990s.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Qing-6![/h3][p]In War Thunder’s next major update, China will receive its own version of the Be-6 flying boat, coming to the game as a premium for Golden Eagles. One of the most interesting and effective floatplanes in the game is getting new engines, while retaining its main advantages: an excellent payload and powerful defensive weaponry. Let’s take a look at the Qing-6![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]In addition to the dark blue livery, the main difference between the Qing-6 and Be-6 is upgraded Chinese-made turboprop engines. These engines are not going to make this massive plane as fast as a jet, but a speed of over 520 km/h after dropping its bombs is already quite good! It’s also worth noting the comparatively good control of the Qing-6 for its size, which helps to accurately bomb targets and perform defensive maneuvers. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The bomb loadout has also changed, somewhat! When flying this large plane, you’ll now have access to 250 kg incendiary bombs. Next to this, the familiar bomb loadouts are available: eight 250 kg, two 1500 kg bombs, a pair of torpedoes for naval battles, and the most popular loadout of eight 500 kg bombs, allowing you to destroy several bases in Air Battles in a single sortie![/p][p][/p][p]Did you know? The Qing-6 is the only Chinese plane designated as “Qing”, while other Chinese military planes are generally named after the type of the aircraft.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]One of the Qing-6’s trump cards is its defensive armament. Five 23 mm autocannons in three turrets! This is a very impressive deterrent against enemy fighters, who may be tempted by the Qing-6’s apparent slowness and large size. Here’s two pieces of advice for future pilots: avoid attacks on your aircraft from below and behind, as the turrets in this area cannot fire. Try to let the enemy get closer, ideally in the upper rear area so that you can unleash the powerful defense guns at once! [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]So, that’s it for today. We’re eagerly awaiting the Qing-6, which will become China’s first premium medium-range bomber, significantly helping pilots research the Chinese air tree from rank I to rank V a lot faster. We hope you enjoy this fan favorite aircraft upon the release of the next major update, and we’ll see you soon for more![/p][p][/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]