War Thunder News

The KF41 is a cutting-edge IFV design developed by Rheinmetall in the mid 2010s in order to provide potential operators with a well protected combat vehicle. Soon, the KF41 will make its debut in War Thunder as part of the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update!

Briefly: The KF41 is one of Rheinmetall’s most innovative tracked combat vehicles and is currently in service with the Hungarian Armed Forces.

[h2]KF41, light tank, Italy, rank VII[/h2]

Features:

• Deadly 30mm autocannon.
  
• Spike-LR ATGMs.
  
• Superb mobility.
  
• Active protection system.
  

First, we’d like to let you know that we plan to introduce the KF41 in the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update for Hungary as they are the first (and currently only) operator of the vehicle. Its addition to the Hungarian line does not entirely rule out its future addition to the game in other forms, but for the Sons of Attilla update there are no plans to introduce a KF41 for Germany. The version coming to the game is the unique serial production for Hungary specifically. Germany still has a lot of potential vehicles left to add, with the possibility of some KF variants down the line. The main reason for its introduction this update is to be the main top of the line vehicle for the Hungarian subtree, as it's a unique production vehicle for them. The PUMA variant with Spikes is not the current model we have in game, and is again something that's possible in the future for Germany.



The KF41 comes equipped with a 30 mm MK 30-2/ABM autocannon, which some tank commanders may already recognize from the German Puma IFV. Infamous for its deadly ballistics and steady rate of fire, the MK 30-2 is a versatile weapon, capable of punching through enemy MBTs at close to medium distances but also downing hostile aircraft with the right ammunition loaded. Apart from the autocannon, the KF41 is also fitted with a Spike-LR missile launcher. As a result of the missile armament, the KF41’s anti-tank capabilities are boosted even further, being able to knock out even heavily armored opponents at long engagement distances with its tandem warhead ATGMs. Rounding off the KF41’s arsenal is a pair of machine guns, mounted coaxially as well as one mounted in a remote-controlled turret on the roof.



While heavily armed, the KF41 still retains signature characteristics of an IFV. Mobility is impressive, being able to reach speeds of 75 km/h under ideal conditions. Additionally, with a high power-to-weight ratio the KF41 can not only accelerate very quickly, but it can also navigate treacherous terrain with ease. As a result, commanders can easily perform flanking maneuvers or relocate at a moment’s notice if ground is being lost to the enemy.

Despite being an IFV, the KF41 features some serious protection which most of its opponents should pay close attention to. While the steel armor itself may only suffice for stopping autocannons and shrapnel from damaging the vehicle, its additional Rheinmetall ADS active protection system can effectively destroy incoming missiles. This coupled with the vehicle’s excellent additional features which include LWS and high quality thermal vision, significantly increase the odds of the KF41 surviving an attack which wasn’t initiated by itself.



The KF41 is arriving to War Thunder in the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update and will become the crowning jewel of the upcoming Hungarian ground forces subtree. In the meantime, make sure to stay tuned to the news so you don’t miss out on the latest developments for the upcoming major update. Until then, happy hunting tankers!

A new versatile attack helicopter that is coming to the “Sons of Attila” update will come to the game with two nations at once!

[h2]OH-58D, Attack Helicopter, USA and China, rank VI[/h2]

Features:

• Good maneuverability!
  
• AIM-92 ATAS air to air missiles.
  
• Guided weapons to use against ground targets.
  
• Light payload weight.
  
• Flares.
  

We’ve got good news for helicopter pilots! In the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update, the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior attack helicopter will be added to the US and Chinese helicopter research tree, at rank VI. Let’s take a look at the details of this interesting helicopter!



The OH-58D is a lightweight and versatile helicopter that is capable of engaging air and ground targets. This is thanks to the advanced avionics and guided weapons, with excellent thermal optics to complement these weapons. The speed of the OH-58D is, well, rather average, despite its light-weight — however, it’s certainly easy to maneuver around whilst flying and engaging enemy targets!



Due to the OH-58D’s original intended role as being a light-weight reconnaissance attack helicopter, it cannot carry a vast amount of weaponry, than, let’s say, the Apache. Despite this, at rank VI, you’ll still have an excellent choice of a variety of weapons to fit different combat situations that you might find yourself in. The OH-58D can carry up to 4 Stingers which are useful to destroy other helicopters, as well as 12.7 mm machine guns. In addition to this — only the US version — will be able to carry 7.62 machine guns, and a LR30 30 mm cannon, however this cannon will produce a large amount of “kick” while firing! Against ground targets, you’ll be able to use traditional Hydra rockets as well as APKWS II small guided missiles, but best of all, you’ll be able to carry up to 4 powerful Hellfire II ATGMs. The OH-58D also features flares and RWS, and a special jamming station, for defense against IR guided missiles, which will help you survive longer.



The advanced, agile and very capable OH-58D will be available in the helicopter research trees of the US and China in the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update and will be sure to pack a punch. Until then, check out the other dev blogs that we will be releasing. See you!

Today, we’d like to share with you some of the new features and effects coming to War Thunder in the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major update!

[h2]New trees and wind effects[/h2]

We’re introducing a brand new technology for the trees present on Ground Forces battlefields. Now tree branches and trunks will sway and move with the same wind forces that already impact smoke and weather during battles. In calmer situations, trees will be still and motionless. However, with gusty and stormy winds present, trees will move and bend depending on how strong the wind is!

[h2]Shots and explosions[/h2]

In our efforts to make tank battles even more spectacular, the game will now have new effects for the discharge of powder gasses after every shot. Prolonged bursts of machine gun fire and autocannons now also lead to reddening of the barrels due to heating. The effects of hits to enemy vehicles have also been improved. Fuel leaking from burning tanks can also pour onto the ground in burning jets, and each explosion leads to the formation of a cloud of dust raised from the ground by a shock wave! We have also improved the visual effect of smoke munitions detonating.

[h2]Destroyable ammo and decorators[/h2]

Now all external ammunition on vehicles, be it smoke grenades or bombs on aircraft suspensions, can be hit and destroyed by enemy fire. External ammunition can be destroyed without detonation (in this case it will be subtracted from the total ammunition load), detonated (with the standard parameters for damaging its warhead) or set on fire. The probability of a particular event depends on the power of the damaging factors of the hit projectile — the more powerful, the greater the likelihood of an explosion. So even well-aimed machine gun fire or a high-explosive shell that hits a tank can trigger its smoke grenades, and the enemy will find himself inside his own smoke screen. Lastly, if installed decorators are hit by enemy fire, they can also be destroyed!

[h2]Aircraft voice warning systems[/h2]

On modern aircraft, voice informant warnings will now be present on those aircraft that had them. Pilots will be able to hear them both in third-person view and while playing from the cockpit. “Bitchin’ Betty” will warn you about dangerous altitudes, critical G-force overloads, warning signals from the radar warning receiver, and alert you to the readiness of guided weapons on the aircraft. In the “Sons of Attila” major update, “Bitchin’ Betty” will be available for the F-16 series and AH-64D, while Soviet pilots will have the “Rita” voice warning system for the Ka-50, Ka-52, Mi-28N, Mi-28NM, Mi-24V, Mi-24P (USSR), as well as for the MiG-29s.

An aircraft voice warning system is a pilot's best friend!

[h2]Realistic HUD for helicopters[/h2]

The cockpits of modern helicopters will now also be equipped with fully functional HUDs similar to what some aircraft already have. The first helicopters to receive the new HUDS are the Ka-50/52, Mi-28N/NM and Mi-35M series of helicopters.

A special version of the Leopard 2 series tank, which has been specifically designed for urban combat, featuring improved defensive capabilities. Meet this new German top-tier tank, coming in the “Sons of Attila” update!

[h2]Leopard 2 PSO, MBT, Germany, rank VII[/h2]

Features:

• Additional armor — useful protection!
  
• Modern Fire Control System.
  
• Upgraded engine to help compensate for the additional armor.
  
• .50 Cal gun on the turret roof.
  
• Bulldozer blade.
  

The Leopard 2 PSO will be coming to the game at rank VII of the German ground forces research tree in the upcoming major update “Sons of Attila”! This upgraded variant will offer more protection, as well as a new engine and additional combat capabilities. Let’s dive further into the details!



Specifically designed for urban combat environments, the Leopard 2 PSO features additional modules of armor that have been added to the sides of the hull and turret — which are typically the most vulnerable areas of the Leopard’s armor layout. Thanks to the addition of this extra protection, the Leopard 2 PSO will now have increased survivability against shaped charge rounds, as well as hits against autocannon fire. These additional armor modules can also improve protection against kinetic shells fired from other MBTs, but typically kinetic shells will have no problem against this extra protection!



Moving onto a more obvious part of the Leopard 2 PSO, which is the large dozer blade that is located at the front. The purpose of this dozer blade was to clear any obstructions that the tank may face, and in the game, will be able to move terrain around on the map — the same as any other dozer blade. It also gives additional protection, especially against shaped charged shells and guided missiles!

Furthermore, in addition to new armor, the Leopard 2 PSO received a Euro-Powerpack engine and a new transmission. This has been added to help with the weight of the additional added armor, and despite its higher HP, you will not notice any improvements to the speed compared to previous Leopard 2 versions. As for ammunition that can be fired, the Leopard 2 PSO features a new, exciting DM11 high-explosive shell to play with. And, as with previous Leopard 2 variants that you are familiar with, the Leopard 2 PSO features excellent shells and firepower, a laser rangefinder, as well as thermal imaging for the commander and gunner.



That’s this dev blog wrapped! The specifically designed urban warfare Leopard 2 PSO will be waiting for you at the end of the German research tree with the release of the “Sons of Attila” update! Though, before that, we’ll continue to release dev blogs so that you will be able to see what else we’ve got coming. See you soon!

The Improved Chaparral SAM will help strengthen the ranks of the US and Israeli ground forces trees when it comes to War Thunder in the upcoming major update!

[h2]Improved Chaparral, SAM SPAA, USA (rank VI) and Israel (rank VII)[/h2]

Features:

• Two types of missiles to choose from.
  
• Thermal imager.
  
• 12 missiles onboard.
  
• Lacks armor protection.
  

The American-made Chaparral anti-aircraft missile system will appear in the US and Israeli ground forces research trees in the upcoming “Sons of Attila” major War Thunder update! While the Chaparral does not come with its own radar, each missile can be guided through a normal sight that also features thermal imaging. Let’s dive deeper into the details.



We’d like to let you know that the incoming Chaparral will arrive at a different rank and Battle Rating within the US and Israeli research trees. This is because of the difference in available missiles. The Chaparral in the US tree will receive two types of Surface-to-air missile — the default MIM-72A, which, interestingly enough, is an adapted AIM-9D Sidewinder, as well as the more advanced MIM-72E, which is available through researching this modification. While the Sidewinder will allow you to securely acquire targets from behind, the MIM-72E is an all-aspect seeker, which certainly makes it more devastating! The Chaparral in the Israeli tree will be located at rank VII, with the MIM-72E missile being available by default after purchasing the vehicle. The more advanced MIM-72G missile will be available through researching this modification, and offers a dual-channel (IR/UV) seeker with rosette scanning capabilities. The total number of missiles that the Chaparral can carry is 12: 4 on the launcher, and 8 spares.



Moving onto the armor, the Chaparral uses an adapted version of the M548 cargo carrier chassis, which means there is virtually no armor to speak of. This means that the Chaparral can be penetrated just by rifle-caliber machine guns. Because of the lack of armor, the Chaparral has a relatively low weight, which allows it to reach up to 61 km/h on paved roads, as well as being able to move smoothly off road.



4 crew members sit perfectly next to each other in the vehicle with their arms out to their front, hence the title reference! Look for the new Chaparral anti-aircraft missile system in the US and Israeli ground forces research tree after the release of the upcoming major update. Stay tuned, as we’re continuing to share news about the most interesting vehicles and features of the upcoming update “Sons of Attila”. See you!