War Thunder News

Meet this mobile SAM vehicle, featuring radar missiles on the back of an army Humvee jeep!

[h2]SL-AMRAAM: An SPAA (SAM) for the USA at Rank VIII[/h2]
At a glance:

• Launcher and radar vehicles on Humvee chassis
  
• Two missile types: IR and ARH
  
• Very high top speed!
  
• Vulnerable to being taken out
  

Vehicle History The SL-AMRAAM (Surface Launched AMRAAM) surface-to-air missile system was developed by American company Raytheon as a land-based version of the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile. This short and medium-range mobile system was created to protect troops and important facilities from modern air threats.

The system is based on the AIM-120C missile with an ARH head, launched from compact launchers on a Humvee or truck chassis. To detect targets, the system uses AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radars or other compatible radars integrated into a single NATO air defense network.



[h2]Introducing the SL-AMRAAM![/h2]

The SL-AMRAAM is set to be one of the most interesting new vehicles coming in the Leviathans major update. Not just because it is capable of firing both AIM-120 ARH missiles and new to the game AIM-9X all-aspect missiles, but because it’s a Multi-Vehicle SAM System based on the famous Humvee chassis! Let’s take a further look at what it is all about.



If you’ve been following our news as of late, you would have heard about Multi-Vehicle SAM Systems coming to War Thunder. If you missed it, make sure to get yourself up to speed here! In short, these new systems feature one radar vehicle and one or two launchers that can be placed nearby.

The SL-AMRAAM features a radar vehicle with an AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar on the back of a trailer, as well as two launcher vehicles in the form of missiles mounted onto the back of a Humvee. At your fingertips are two different types of missiles that can be used for both medium and short ranges and altitudes. The first one is the AIM-120C, which features an ARH seeker, excellent for use against targets coming head on. This missile has a launch range of about 25 km from the ground, a long flight time and improved jamming immunity.



The second missile is the AIM-9X, one of the most modern iterations of the famous Sidewinder air-to-air missile family! This missile is going to be a very, very unpleasant surprise for enemy aircraft. It has an all-aspect IR seeker, a high immunity to countermeasures, an amazingly high available overload and a controlled thrust vector. If you’re on the receiving end of this missile, it will not be easy to escape it once it has been fired at you. It can be launched at a distance of about 10 km against a non-maneuvering target.

Since the Humvee features a modular design, it was the perfect choice for this missile system. The SL-AMRAAM’s radar vehicle and two launchers are both based on the Humvee, which are also integral parts of the U.S. and NATO military contingents. This U.S. Armed Forces workhorse is fast, on a good road you can accelerate to more than 110 km/h! The armor is just bulletproof and anti-fragmentation however, providing little to no reliable protection, so make sure to position your vehicles wisely.



That’s this one done! The SL-AMRAAM Multi-Vehicle SAM System is coming to rank VIII in the USA’s ground forces tree as an end of line SPAA (SAM) in the Leviathans major update! And remember, be sure to check out our website for other dev blogs we’ve got coming.

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

The T86 is an American amphibious vehicle, coming in as the main reward in the Normandy ‘44 event!

[h2]T86: A Premium Light Tank for the USA at Rank III[/h2]
At a glance:

• M18 Hellcat base
  
• 76 mm gun with APCR, APCBC, AP shells
  
• Vertical stabilizer
  
• Large in size, making it vulnerable
  
• Amphibious!
  

Vehicle History
In February 1944, the U.S. Ordnance Department initiated the development of an amphibious vehicle with a 76 mm gun based on the M18 Hellcat. The contract for the design was awarded to Sparkman & Stephens, and in September 1944, two prototypes were approved to be built — the T86 and T86E1. The main difference was the ability to drive on water. The T86 was driven on water by its tracks, whereas the T86E1 by two propellers. Both vehicles retained some elements of the M18, but received an enlarged displacement hull, folding rudders for maneuvering on water, special wave deflectors and additional periscopes for the crew.

The prototype was tested in late 1944. The T86 achieved a speed of 8.4 km/h on water, while the T86E1 achieved 10 km/h, which was lower than the expected 12 km/h. Despite attempts to further improve the T86E1 by installing a larger propeller, the prototype that moved on water with its tracks was considered more successful. Later on, a third prototype, the T87 was created with a shortened hull and a turret with the 105 mm T88 gun, but with the end of the war in 1945, all work on the program was stopped.




[h2]Introducing the T86![/h2]

The Normandy ‘44 event honors one of the most decisive operations during the Second World War. D-Day happened on June 6th 1944 and for this momentous occasion we have an event that started today, featuring the T86 American experimental amphibious tank which is based on the popular M18 Hellcat, two D-Day related decals and a decoration. Let’s take a closer look at the T86!



Compared to the M18 Hellcat, the T86 has retained the transmission, core chassis and turret with the same gun, all while losing most of its armor. The obvious main difference is that it has been dressed up in a special amphibious pontoon, allowing it to drive while on water! There’s a total of five crew members, with three of them located in the lightly protected turret. The weapon is the same found on the M18 Hellcat, the 76 mm M1 gun with the ammunition for this gun being the same you’d expect to see on the M18 Hellcat — AP, HE, APCBC, APCR and a Smoke shell!

As obvious from how the T86 looks, the turret is placed on a very large hull, which allows the tank to float and drive on water as already mentioned. Since the hull is now larger in all directions, the overall mobility is now lower due to the weight of the pontoon and weaker engine.



While playing the T86, be sure to rely on its mobility which is still good and its very effective gun with a good reload speed and vertical stabilizer, which make this tank a handy contributor to the battle. There’s almost no hope though when you get hit by shells or even machine gun bullets, since the armor is thin and the crew is cramped quite tightly. Although sometimes the separation of the crew in the turret from the driver and radio operator in the hull can play into your hands, especially if you don’t fill the ammunition racks to the brim — but don’t count on it!

Like all vehicles with an open fighting compartment, the T86 is especially vulnerable to aircraft and SPAA looking to take a bite. On the flipside, a .50 cal is mounted on the turret, handy for fighting off low flying aircraft, so long as the crew member using it stays alive.



The T86 is a great little vehicle that could have stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day if it had been developed earlier. That’s it for this one, be sure to check out the event details below to learn how you can get yourself this vehicle!

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

Click here to find out more details about the Normandy ‘44 event

An improved Japanese Type 81 SAM System with multiple vehicles is coming in the next major update for Japan!

[h2]Tan-SAM kai: An SPAA (SAM) for Japan at Rank VIII[/h2]
At a glance:

• One fire control vehicle and two launchers!
  
• Two types of missiles: ARH and IR
  
• High speed
  
• Very large in size, with no armor
  

Vehicle History In 1966, the Japanese Technical Research Institute (TRDI) began developing a new short-range anti-aircraft missile system. After lengthy tests that ended in 1979, the system was accepted into service in 1980 under the designation Type 81 (Tan-SAM or SAM-1). It was based on the chassis of Isuzu Type 73 trucks and included two launchers with missiles and a control vehicle with a radar. In 1987, a modernized variant of the SAM-1B with an improved jam-resistant IR seeker made an appearance.

In 1989, a further modernization of the system began, called Tan-SAM Kai (SAM-1C). The updated variant was accepted into service in 1995 and used the SKW-475 chassis, new missiles with IR and radar seekers, as well as an autonomous sighting system on the launcher.

In the 2000s, some of the old launchers were upgraded to use SAM-1C missiles. A total of about 1,800 missiles were produced, and the vehicles themselves were in service with the Ground, Air and Maritime Self-Defense Forces of Japan.



[h2]Introducing the Tan-SAM kai![/h2]

The new mechanics of Multi-Vehicle SAM Systems will significantly increase the combat capabilities of the Type 81(C) system, a familiar vehicle if you’ve progressed through the Japanese ground forces tree. Today we’re presenting a newer Tan-SAM kai system, consisting of a radar vehicle and two launchers, plus an arsenal of new missiles, one of which features an active radar homing seeker (ARH). Let’s get right into it!



In the Leviathans major update for War Thunder, the Tan-SAM kai comes to the game using the brand-new Multi-Vehicle SAM System mechanic! It features three vehicles — a target acquisition and designation system (TADS) with a radar, and two missile launchers. This new vehicle solves one of the main problems with the Type 81 (C), which was its inability to detect air targets, thanks to the TADS vehicles. There are two types of missiles that the launchers are able to fire, including the familiar all-aspect Type 81C that has an IR head, photocontrast channel, good overloads and and jamming immunity, plus a new missile with an active radar homing head (ARH).

As we spoke about in the Multi-Vehicle SAM System blog, most of these new vehicles will be considered fully destroyed when the radar vehicle is lost — but the Tan-SAM kai is different! This is because the launcher vehicles can operate autonomously, without target designation from the radar vehicle — when the radar vehicle is destroyed or the radar has been turned off, then target designation for the ARH missiles is no longer possible. Despite this, you can still try to launch missiles towards a target in the hopes that the enemy will fall into the locking area of the homing head, as the Tan-SAM kai possess the “Maddog” ARH missile launch mode! Let us explain — when the missile is launched in the direction of a suspected enemy target, the missile may (or may not!) lock onto whoever is in the direction of flight and will go after them, including allied aircraft. Yeah, we can see how this one is going to work out! Make sure to be careful when using these missiles when you no longer have a radar vehicle or have turned off the radar.



The three vehicles that the Tan-SAM kai consists of are built on the chassis of a three-axle Isuzu Type 73 army truck. This truck has good driving abilities and can accelerate to almost 100 km/h. As you might have seen, the Tan-SAM kai is a large vehicle, making it vulnerable to attacks from the ground and air, plus there’s no real armor at all. When you spawn in, it would be a logical idea to place the vehicles at some distance from each other so that you avoid being taken out all at once.



That’s all for now! We’re waiting for the Leviathans major update to come out, and are getting ready to use Multi-Vehicle SAM Systems ourselves. Keep an eye out for more blogs and see you soon!

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

On June 5th 1967, the Six-Day War began, where Israeli M-51 Sherman tanks were used for the first time in combat. 15 years later on June 6th 1982, the Lebanon War started, where Merkava tanks were used for the first time, proving themselves against Syrian T-72s.

[h2]The M-51 (W) and Merkava Mk.2D are available for Golden Eagles and are back for good![/h2]
The M-51 (W) (rank IV) is available for 4880 Golden Eagles, and the Merkava Mk.2D (rank VI) is available for 8910 Golden Eagles! They are now back for good and will not be disappearing from purchase.

That’s not all, as until June 9th (11:00 GMT), both of these tanks have a 30% discount, allowing you purchase them for 3416 and 6237 Golden Eagles respectively!

[h3]

When: From June 4th (11:00 GMT).
Where: Israel > Army > Premium vehicles.

[/h3]

About these tanks

• The M-51 (W) tank utilizes an M4A3 chassis, providing improved frontal protection compared to an M4A1. Its armament consists of a French 105 mm gun, notable for firing a HEAT that has impressive penetration capability of up to 400 mm. Additionally, this tank is equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun, upgraded from a 7.62 mm.
  

• The Merkava Mk.2D is the newest variant of the Merkava Mk.2, boasting turret protection on par with the Mk.4. Armed with a 105 mm Sharir cannon, it includes a two-plane stabilizer and a laser rangefinder that automatically adjusts for distance, proving highly effective at long ranges. This tank is equipped with composite armor screens, smoke grenades, engine smoke, and a front-mounted engine that helps absorb incoming fire.
  

Today we’ll be covering the legendary Bismarck! One of the most famous battleships of all time with a fascinating story.

[h2]Bismarck: A Battleship for Germany at Rank VII[/h2]
At a glance:

• 380 mm (15 inch) guns
  
• Strong all-around armor layout
  
• High accuracy
  
• Limited anti-air protection
  

Vehicle History
Work on Bismarck began on July 1st 1936 at Blohm & Voss in Kiel, after several years she was launched on February 14th 1939. On May 18th 1941, she was sent out on her maiden voyage to the Atlantic together with the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen in Operation Rheinübung. Several days later, the pair would encounter HMS Hood and the new battleship HMS Prince of Wales, along with heavy cruisers Norfolk and Suffolk. Hood as the pride of the Royal Navy was famously sunk by Bismarck after only five salvos, with Prince of Wales able to disengage after several hits.

The sinking of the Hood ignited a fierce pursuit by the entire Home Fleet of the Royal Navy. Despite the victory Bismarck was not unharmed, one of her boilers was in critical condition and she was listing starboard, which forced her to head back towards occupied France for repairs. After an inconsequential attack from the aircraft of HMS Victorious, the British lost contact with Bismarck. Only two days later however, she was detected again by a PBY Catalina. Shortly after her position was relayed, HMS Ark Royal launched several Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers to attack Bismarck, these old biplanes suffered no losses and scored several hits, with the most pivotal being to Bismarck’s rudder.

Unable to sail straight, Bismarck was cornered a British fleet of 2 battleships, 2 heavy cruisers and 8 destroyers. The battleships King George V and Rodney opened fire on Bismarck, which could not fire effectively due to her damaged control systems and crippled handling, rendering her useless. The British battleships fired around 700 shells of their main batteries at Bismarck, with the entire fleet firing around 2,800 shells in total. This onslaught turned the German battleship into a floating wreck within 90 minutes, but still did not sink. After orders were given to attack the German behemoth with torpedoes, it was already listing to the side and the deck was partly under water. At 10:40 on the May 27th Bismarck sank stern first. It’s still highly debated if the ship was ultimately sunk by scuttling from her own crew or from the damage. In 1989 the wreck was found in a depth of 4,800 m.




[h2]Introducing Bismarck![/h2]

The time has come to talk about Bismarck, perhaps Germany’s most famous ship and one of the most famous in history, ultimately being a true household name. This epic ship is joining the top ranks of the German Bluewater fleet in the next major update, so let’s take a look at what she can do.



First up, let’s talk about the guns! Bismarck is equipped with eight 380 mm guns, known for their high power and accuracy. While they aren’t as large as many contemporary main batteries, their accuracy even at long range is particularly impressive, her reload speed is great too, up to 2.6 rounds per minute — the fastest reload for the caliber!

Interesting: Bismarck gets her iconic name from German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck!



Bismarck can equip four primary shells, AP, and three HE types, regular, base fuse, and timed fuse for anti-aircraft. The AP rounds will be able to punch through just over 700 mm of armor max, with a decent helping of explosive filler. The base fuse HE will also form a nice middle ground between the AP and standard HE, with over 500 mm of penetration and around 32kg of explosive filler! These main caliber guns are complemented by twelve 150 mm guns in six mounts, able to provide shorter range fire against soft targets.

Much like real life, Bismarck is somewhat lacking in regards to anti-air protection, with only a handful of large caliber 105 mm AA guns, and a complement of older, smaller 37 mm and 20 mm cannons — effective in the right circumstances, but lacking the volume of fire necessary to form a strong air defense.



Interesting: Despite her strength, Bismarck’s rudder was disabled by old Swordfish aircraft, allowing the Royal Navy to finish her off.

Like all big ships, Bismarck is very well protected, there’s a lot of detail here but we’ll just give you the quick version! Bismarck is protected by about 320 mm of armor around the belt, the turret face and barbettes are similarly well defended at 360 mm and 340 mm respectively. While Bismarck may not have the thickest armor on paper, its protection is notable as it is very well defended across the board, with few areas that could be considered as pivotal weakspots. Although the standard armor plates are not angled like her contemporaries, the angling of the armored deck provides an extra 110-120 mm of internal protection.



In terms of speed and maneuverability, Bismarck is fairly effective. With a max speed of around 30 knots (56 km/h), this lets her traverse the map quickly. Her turning circle is also surprisingly good, being able to change direction relatively quickly for such a large battleship. This maneuverability is key to the playstyle, adjusting your heading and responding to new threats quickly is vital when cannons are this powerful, so keep this in mind and make sure to keep your armor effective against the enemy!



That’s all for today, thank you for being with us for another blog! Bismarck will be making her way to the German tree in the Leviathans major update, until then, we’ve still got more to share, see you back here soon for more devblogs!

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