1. War Thunder
  2. News

War Thunder News

Squadron Vehicles: Su-33



The Russian carrier-based Su-33 fighter is coming to the game as a Squadron Vehicle in the next major update!

[h2]Su-33: A Squadron Vehicle Jet / Naval Fighter Aircraft for the USSR at Rank VIII[/h2]
At a glance:
  • Excellent flight characteristics.
  • Up to 12 weapon hardpoints!
  • Short and medium range missiles.
  • HMD.
  • LARGE!
Vehicle History
[expand]
The program to create a new carrier-based fighter based on the Su-27 began in the early 1980s in connection with plans to build a heavy aircraft carrier, the Project 1143-5. In 1984, a decree was issued to create a new carrier-based fighter. Serial production began in 1989 at KnAAPO. The first flight of the Su-33 took place in February 1990. Testing dragged on until 1994 due to the collapse of the USSR and financial difficulties, and by that time only 24 aircraft had been produced. In 1995, aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, with the Su-33 on board, set out on a long ocean voyage to the Mediterranean for the first time. The Su-33’s baptism of fire took place from November 2016 to January 2017, when the Admiral Kuznetsov carried out combat missions as part of the Russian Navy’s far-off maritime zone task force off the coast of Syria.
[/expand]



[h2]Introducing the Su-33![/h2]

Meet the carrier-based Su-33, another powerful representative of the Su-27 jet fighter family, coming to the game in the Storm Warning major update as a Squadron Vehicle. Let’s take a look at what surprises you can expect with this modern Russian carrier-based aircraft!



The Su-33 is a heavy and very large aircraft with an excellent maximum top speed and roll rate, capable of very sharp maneuvers. However, due to its dimensions and tendency to quickly lose energy, it’s not that suitable for maneuverable air combat. Despite this however, the high strength of the airframe allows for fantastically bold changes in the angle of attack, with the helmet mounted display system giving a great advantage in close combat.

Like its brothers, the Su-33 is capable of performing a wide range of tasks in battles. This aircraft does not have missiles with active radar, so you’ll only be able to start an engagement after approaching. In terms of weaponry, the Su-33 features the all-aspect R-73 air-to-air missile in conjunction with HMD. In addition to this, the Su-33 can also take R-27 missiles, including the R-27ER, one of the best SARH missiles in the game, plus the R-27ET. One key advantage of the Su-33 is that it has 12 hardpoints! A modern radar and informative RWR also give this aircraft a complete picture of the battle and any surrounding threats.



In Ground Battles, the Su-33 can carry a load of conventional bombs, such as incendiary bombs, parachute bombs, and regular dumb bombs up to 500 kg, plus rockets like the S-5 and S-25O. And thanks to the large number of hardpoints, you’ll still be able to take a good supply of air-to-air missiles into battle without forfeiting ground attack ordnance!

Interesting: We’re pleased to present a new aircraft carrier model for War Thunder carriers in Air Battles — the heavy aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov! The model will appear in the game in the next update.



That’s it for this one! The Su-33 will arrive to the game in the Storm Warning major update. Like other Squadron Vehicles, this one can be purchased with enough squadron activity points, or simply bought instantly with Golden Eagles. Make sure to join a squadron in War Thunder to unlock this new aircraft just by playing the game!

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

The Hudson Mk V is Temporarily Available on the Anniversary of its First Flight!



The Lockheed Hudson patrol bomber first took to the air on December 10th 1938 in Burbank, California. Two months later, deliveries began to the Royal Air Force, who ordered 200 Hudson aircraft, making it Lockheed’s first major order. The Mk V modification received a more powerful 14-cylinder Twin Wasp engine with 1,200 HP.

[h2]The Hudson Mk V is temporarily available for Golden Eagles![/h2]
This bomber is available for just 700 Golden Eagles!

When: From today until December 13th (07:00 GMT).
Where: Great Britain > Aviation > Premium vehicles.



About this aircraft
  • The Hudson Mk V carries both bombs and regular rockets. It’s quite fast for a bomber and surprisingly durable, protected by five 7.7 mm machine guns, located at the front and rear. This allows it to not only attack ground targets, but also hunt for other bombers!

"Storm Warning" Update Trailer!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Introducing the next major update trailer for War Thunder: Storm Warning!

New Location: Attica!



Today, we’d like to show you some screenshots of this new location for Ground Battles!



Attica’s appearance is based on the bright landscapes of the south-east of Greece, the national color of which is emphasized by the ruins of the ancient acropolis, the highest point on the map. The breeze of the Aegean Sea under the roar of tanks fighting and exploding is waiting for you in the next major update, coming soon.

Attica in one of its formats, [Domination]. Map borders are not shown.

Keep an eye on the news for more dev blogs coming your way!

La Galissonnière: Harmony of Qualities



Today, we’ll be taking a look at the La Galissonnière, a well balanced light cruiser arriving for France in the next major update!

[h2]La Galissonnière: A Light Cruiser for France at Rank IV[/h2]
At a glance:
  • Good protection.
  • Effective main caliber.
  • One reconnaissance aircraft.
  • Mediocre air defense capabilities.
Vehicle History
[expand]
In the early 1930s, the French Navy faced the need to modernize its fleet, especially its cruiser lineup. The Pact of Rome placed restrictions on the construction of heavy cruisers, forcing the French to turn their attention to light cruisers. In 1930, the Technical Department of the Navy presented a report on the development of a new series of light cruisers designed to replace obsolete ships and increase the overall tonnage of the fleet. The requirements for the new project paid special attention to armor protection, cruising range and armament. A total of six cruisers were laid down, the lead ship was named La Galissonnière. The cruiser operated in the Mediterranean Sea; after the capitulation of France and the occupation of the south of the country by German troops, La Galissonnière was scuttled by its crew in the dock in Toulon. The Italians raised the cruiser, but in 1943 after the armistice, it was captured by the Germans and returned to the Vichy Government. In 1944, La Galissonnière was sunk again, this time as a result of US air strikes. In 1954, the ship was raised and finally dismantled for scrap metal in 1956.
[/expand]



[h2]Introducing La Galissonnière![/h2]

The La Galissonnière light cruiser was considered to be perhaps the best representative of this class of ships built before the war. Let’s take a look at why! Meet one of the new additions coming in the next major update, the La Galissonnière light cruiser at rank IV for France.



In terms of armament, La Galissonnière resembles the Émile Bertin light cruiser, known as the “glass cannon” of France’s Bluewater fleet tree. The La Galissonnière features three main caliber turrets with three 152 mm cannon barrels in each, a good rate of fire and excellent armor-piercing shells, where the La Galissonnière can join up with allies to hunt some battleships. The secondary caliber is also no different, being universal 90 mm guns in twin mounts. However, La Galissonnière’s air defense weapons are lacking — just a pair of 37 mm anti-aircraft guns and large-caliber machine guns. For close combat and as a weapon of last resort, this cruiser can use torpedoes, with two per side.



While the armor of the Émile Bertin was deliberately neglected in favor of speed, when designing La Galissonnière, the shipbuilders decided to return to a more traditional approach. The ship maintains a high speed of 35 knots (65 km/h), even for a light cruiser, while having excellent protection for its class. Most of the hull is covered by a wide 105 mm armor belt, there’s also anti-torpedo bulkheads inside the hull, and the armor deck is 38 mm thick. This makes La Galissonnière not inferior in protection to its counterparts from other nations!



La Galissonnière is a classic late light cruiser! That’s it for today, keep an eye on the news for more dev blogs for the next major update, releasing before the end of this year. Have fun in your battles!

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