War Thunder News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Meet China’s new jet attack aircraft: the JH-7 and pre-orders for the premium JH-7A Prototype![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The JH-7 Flying Leopard was the first combat aircraft entirely designed in the People’s Republic of China. Development began in the 1970s at the Xi’an Aircraft Industrial Corporation with technical support from the 603rd Institute. The design featured a traditional aerodynamic configuration with swept wings and air intakes on the sides, which provided good performance at transonic speeds.[/p][p][/p][p]The first prototype flight took place in 1988, and serial production began in 1992. Initially, the aircraft was created for naval aviation as a carrier of YJ-81K anti-ship missiles. In 1999, a program for modernizing the aircraft was launched, which led to the creation of the JH-7A modification, which is the basis of the modern strike aircraft in the Chinese Navy and Air Force.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the JH-7 and JH-7A Prototype![/h3][p]Today we’re pleased to present two new variants of China’s famous attack aircraft: the early JH-7 with unguided weapons and anti-ship missiles, and the JH-7A Prototype, a versatile jet aircraft with guided weapons and excellent capabilities for countering air threats! Let’s take a closer look.[/p][p][/p][p]The Chinese JH-7A has long been a staple in high-tier battles in Ground and Air modes and has established itself as a flexible and very effective attack aircraft with strong air combat capabilities. In the Spearhead major update, the JH-7A will be joined by two variants: the researchable JH-7 and the premium JH-7A Prototype, which combines all the advantages of the old JH-7A but as a premium, available from today as a pre-order pack with unique in-game bonuses, Premium time and Golden Eagles.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The JH-7 is one of the early production variants of China’s first domestically developed fighter-bomber. This modification can use the YJ-83K anti-ship missiles, the main munition of this type in service with the PLA. In addition to anti-ship missiles, the JH-7 possesses an impressive arsenal of unguided weapons, making this aircraft an excellent choice for mixed modes. You’ll be able to use rocket pods, free-fall and drag bombs with calibers of 250 and 500 kg, as well as special armor-piercing anti-ship bombs. For air combat, the aircraft can be equipped with a pair of jam-resistant PL-5EII air-to-air missiles.[/p][p][/p][p]The premium JH-7A Prototype is a top-rank aircraft. It takes the unguided arsenal of the JH-7 and supplements it with guided weapons, for engaging both ground and air targets. One of the JH-7A Prototype’s most dangerous weapons is the Kh-29T guided missile with a thermal imaging targeting pod, allowing it to engage ground targets from significant distances in all weather conditions. The JH-7A Prototype also has several types of guided bombs, including the advanced GB250 with a combination of laser and satellite guidance and an inertial correction system. For Air Battles, it has a radar warning receiver, a large number of high caliber chaff and flares, a 23 mm cannon and most importantly, guided short-range missiles, including the fast and agile all-aspect PL-8 and up to four PL-5EII missiles.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]You can pre-order the JH-7A Prototype from today! This pack includes unique bonuses that won’t be available anywhere else, as well as Premium time and a considerable amount of Golden Eagles. As soon as the Spearhead major update releases, your brand new JH-7A Prototype will be waiting for you in your hangar![/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p][p] [/p]

[p]Download Wallpaper: 1920x1080 - 2560x1440 - 3840x2160[/p][p][/p][p]Happy Birthday, War Thunder! The War Thunder open beta test began on November 1st 2012. Just think, that was 13 years ago! We’ve come a long way together since then, and we’re happy to invite all of you to celebrate the game’s birthday with us![/p][p] [/p][p]Following the in-game and store discounts, we’re pleased to be introducing the unique XF5U-1 in the Dreams Come True event, another chance to get the legendary Maus tank, and a celebratory decal to commemorate War Thunder’s 13th anniversary. Check it all out![/p][p] [/p][h2]Dreams Come True: XF5U-1[/h2][p][/p][p] [/p][p] [/p][p]Take part in the Dreams Come True event and get a fun pancake profile frame, decals, a loading screen and the XF5U-1 “Flying Flapjack”, also known as the pancake![/p][p] [/p][p]The XF5U-1 is essentially one large wing, allowing you to perform sharp turns and frankly incredible stall maneuvers. This master of dogfighting is armed with six .50 cals and really does look like a classic UFO, and pancake too of course![/p][p][/p][p]Learn more about the XF5U-1 event here:[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink] [/p][p] [/p][h2]Get War Thunder’s 13th Anniversary Decal![/h2][p] [/p][p] [/p][p]Get War Thunder’s 13th Anniversary commemorative decal for playing one battle![/p][p]Task: Play 1 battle with any vehicle at rank III or higher in any game mode to get the “War Thunder’s 13th Anniversary” decal.[/p][p][/p][p]“War Thunder’s 13th Anniversary” decal[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]The Return of the Legendary Maus![/h2][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p]A regular guest during our anniversary celebrations is the Maus tank, which you can start researching during the specified dates![/p]

• [p]To start researching the Maus, you need to have rank V of the German ground forces tree unlocked for research.[/p]
• [p]Spend research points or convert free research into the Maus within the specified time period! If you put any research towards the Maus (even a single point), it will not disappear after the event ends, meaning you’ll be able to finish researching it at any time you like after the event.[/p]

[p] [/p][h2]Sales in the Gaijin Store![/h2][p][/p][p] [/p][p] [/p][p]Up to 50% off on many packs in the Gaijin Store![/p][p]To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store.[/p][p][/p][p]Or get yourself some Steam DLC! Check out the birthday sale here:[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][h2]Celebratory Tournaments to Mark the Anniversary of War Thunder![/h2][p] [/p][p][/p][p]Participate in tournaments dedicated to War Thunder’s anniversary![/p][p] [/p][p]Check out the tournaments here[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’re very excited to share the special vehicle for this year’s Dreams Come True event – the experimental American XF5U-1 “Flying Flapjack”![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The concept of the “flying pancake” design was proposed by American Charles Zimmerman in 1933, and represented a radical departure from traditional aircraft design. Zimmerman wanted to create an aircraft with as much lift as possible, and so the proposed design incorporated a fuselage that would also serve a single circular wing. After impressing the US Navy with a radio-controlled model, he received funding to create a prototype, which would receive the designation V-173.[/p][p][/p][p]This lightweight wooden aircraft with a maximum speed of  220 km/h successfully completed multiple years of testing, and resulted in a wealth of experience, which ultimately lead to the creation of a fully-fledged prototyped, designated as the XF5U-1, featuring an all-metal fuselage and two Pratt & Whitney R-2000-7 engines. By the time the prototype was completed in 1947 however, it was facing insurmountable complications. Ground tests revealed worrying control instability at low speeds, and against the backdrop of the successes of jet aviation, the US Navy closed the project in March 1947.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the XF5U-1![/h3][p]The main prize of the Dreams Come True event is the thoroughly unique XF5U-1 “Flying Flapjack” fighter prototype. This is easily one of the most unusual aircraft ever to come to War Thunder, and we’re eager to tell you all about it![/p][p][/p][p]The original concept of the “flying pancake” design was intended to provide an incredibly short takeoff run, which would let the aircraft safely operate from short runways and carrier decks. The entire fuselage of the XF5U-1 is effectively just one big wing, and the large extended propellers prevent additional drag. Overall, the speed of the XF5U-1 is fairly average across the board, though it reaches a respectable 600 km/h at sea level, and can accelerate to 700 km/h at high altitudes. One of the standout features it has is the ability to perform very tight turns, which is very impressive for a heavy propeller fighter. That’s not all though, due to the frankly incredible lift, the XF5U-1 can comfortably outmaneuver almost any enemy in a stall fight.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Did you know? During the test flights of the wooden V-173 prototype in Connecticut, there were several cases of concerned citizens contacting the police with reports of UFOs.[/p][p][/p][p]The XF5U-1 is armed with six 12.7 mm machine guns, three on each side of the cockpit. The vertical arrangement makes the guns very comfortable to aim at range, and a pair of either 500 lb or 1000 lb bombs can be equipped for combined battles. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Interesting: When the aircraft was sent to be dismantled, its airframe proved so strong that a wrecking ball had to be used to destroy it, which even then required significant effort.[/p][p][/p][p]The XF5U-1 will not only become a valuable collectors aircraft, but a highly functional fighter with a unique playstyle that other fighters couldn’t hope to match. Play War thunder, complete the stages of the Dreams Come True event and receive your very own pancake-plane, along with many other rewards absolutely free![/p][p][/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p][p][/p][p]Click here to find out more details about the Dreams Come True event:[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Hey everyone! Following on from the model update of the Tiger II (Nr.1-50) in the previous major update, today we’re pleased to present you with another model update, this time for the serial production of the Tiger II manufactured by Henschel, as well as the version with the Sla.16 diesel engine![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Tiger II isn’t just an iconic tank for all fans of military history or an engineering masterpiece that influenced the development of most heavy tanks of its era, it’s also one of the best and most beloved heavy tanks among players in War Thunder. We’re pleased to bring you a completely updated look for the King Tiger, as well as the experimental Tiger II (Sla.16), which you’ll find in the game when the Spearhead major update releases![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’ll be taking a look at a very unique Dutch prototype fighter, the Fokker D.XXIII! With powerful guns and a good top speed, this rare bird never made it past the testing stage, but will soon be making its way to the French research tree in the next major update![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The design process for the Fokker D.XXIII began in late 1937, under the name of “design 155”, with the project being directed by engineer Marius Beeling. The design was completed in December, and almost one year later in November 1938, a mock up was displayed at the Paris Air Show.[/p][p][/p][p]On May 30th of the following year, the Fokker D.XXIII made its first flight from Schiphol Airport with test pilot Gerben Sonderman at the controls. The aircraft was powered by a pair of Czech Walter Sagitta I SR engines, which is where the key issue with the D.XIII was identified: the cooling. The rear engine had a seemingly unfixable cooling problem which made it impossible to run at full throttle without consequences, hampering the ability of the test pilot to perform maneuvers. To add to the issue, as Germany had just invaded Czechoslovakia, support for the Walter Sagitta engines entirely ceased.[/p][p][/p][p]The prototype was captured by German forces after their invasion of the Netherlands, it was then shipped to Germany where it was examined and tested. On May 10th 1941, the prototype was scrapped, the engines were sent back to Czechoslovakia, and the landing gear and cockpit elements were kept in storage. The final mention of the aircraft was in Fokker’s bookkeeping in 1942, where the prototype was listed at the symbolic value of 1 Dutch Guilder, acknowledging that it once existed, but ended as a total loss.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Fokker D.XXIII![/h3][p]This strange Fokker will be making its way to the early ranks of the French aviation tree in the next major update. It’s a prototype fighter that features good maneuverability and some powerful machine guns, let’s have a gander![/p][p][/p][p]The Fokker D.XXIII (or D.23) is equipped with a pair of Czechoslovakian Walter Sagitta I SR engines, in pusher and puller configuration. The engine itself is not exceptionally powerful at only 530 HP, but a pair of them working in tandem helps push the aircraft to a decent top speed for its rank of slightly over 500 km/h. The configuration does make the rear engine vulnerable however, and while it can run on one engine, it certainly can’t run effectively, so be extra careful of incoming fire from behind. Historically, the rear engine had a lot of trouble cooling effectively, so make sure to watch your throttle too![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Firepower for the rank is quite impressive, it comes equipped with a pair of F.N. 7.9 mm machine guns in the nose with 500 rounds each, along with a powerful pair of F.N. 13.2 mm machine guns in the wings with 200 rounds each. These 13.2 mm guns feature strong ammunition and a good rate of fire, an accurate burst will be able to comfortably bring down any enemy in your way.[/p][p][/p][p]Interesting: At the 1938 Paris Air Show where a mockup of the Fokker D.XXIII was displayed, legendary aviator Charles Lindbergh took a liking to it and praised its design qualities. He’s quoted as fondly remarking “A new formula that we have not had yet.”[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]In the game, this Fokker will excel in low-speed maneuvering combat, but make sure to avoid damaging its vulnerable engines, which will immediately cause this aircraft to lose speed and become easy prey![/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for this blog! Thanks for having a read, we hope you’re as excited as we are to give this plane a try. Make sure to follow the news for more vehicles and features coming in the next major update, see you soon![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]