War Thunder News

[h2]Economy[/h2]

• A bug that could cause Research Points earned from one battle to be lost if the player left early and then started another battle has been fixed. This would occur if the research of a modification or vehicle was completed when the second battle finished before the first one when the same modification or vehicle was being researched. (Report, Report).
  

Patch notes reflect only key changes, meaning they may not include a complete list of all improvements made. Additionally, War Thunder is constantly being updated and some changes may not require an update. Changes reflected in patch notes are formed by taking reactions and requests of the community from the bug reporting service, forums and other official platforms into account. Bug fixes and changes are implemented in order of importance, for example a game-breaking bug will be worked on and implemented sooner.

Meet the J-11B, created under China’s program to modernize the Russian Su-27, coming to the game in the Hornet’s Sting major update!

[h2]J-11B: A Jet Fighter for China at Rank VIII[/h2]
At a glance:

• The PL-12 and new PL-8B air-to-air missiles!
  
• Improved rate of climb and acceleration.
  
• Modern radar.
  
• A variety of air-to-surface guided weapons.
  

Vehicle History
[expand]
In 1998, China launched a domestic program to modernize Su-27 fighters exported from Russia to extend their service life. Modernized aircraft received a new radar, RWR, digital cockpit with a new heads-up display and new MFDs. Composite materials were also introduced into the design, reducing the overall weight of the aircraft.

After testing began, the first prototype was equipped with a new pair of Chinese-made turbojet engines with increased power. The first flight of the modified aircraft, which was given the designation J-11B, took place in 2003, with serial production launching in 2006. Currently, the J-11B and its further development, the J-11BG, form the backbone of the PLA Air Force.
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[h2]Introducing the J-11B![/h2]

The J-11B is a major step forward compared to previous modifications of the Russian Su-27. Featuring new engines and a reduction of the overall weight of the aircraft due to composite materials, the J-11B features an increased rate of climb and a new air-to-air missile, plus many guided weapons for use against ground targets. Let’s take a look at this new top-tier jet fighter for China!



Under a Chinese modernization program to improve the performance of existing aircraft, the J-11B was equipped with two domestically produced WS-10A engines, generating over 12,500 kgf of available thrust in afterburner mode. This upgrade significantly improved the aircraft’s rate of climb to around 235 m/s, while also improving its maximum speed and acceleration in level flight!

The types of weapons that could be carried were also expanded. The key difference here is a targeting pod that controls the LS-6 guided bomb, the GB250 guided bomb that features a laser, satellite and inertial guidance, as well as the large GB500 with a laser homing head. Additionally, the J-11B is equipped with the Russian Kh-29TE air-to-surface missile, as well as conventional and parachute bombs, plus rockets such as the large S-25O.



For air-to-air combat, the J-11B features the new all-aspect Chinese PL-8B air-to-air missile, plus the long range PL-12 ARH missile, a familiar missile if you’ve flown the J-8F or J-10A. This aircraft will be able to carry up to 6 of these missiles at once.

Like all other top-tier jet fighters in the game, the J-11B will be a great choice for any game mode and any challenge at hand. This fast and maneuverable aircraft with a modern radar can be equipped with a number of suitable weapons for air battles and ground battles, making it highly versatile across the board.



That’s it for this one! The J-11B will be coming to the game in the Hornet’s Sting major update, not too far away now. Check it out!

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

Meet the interesting Chinese VT5 light tank, used by the Bangladesh Armed Forces and coming to the game as a Squadron Vehicle in the Hornet’s Sting major update! 

[h2]VT5: A Squadron Light Tank for China at Rank VII [/h2]
At a glance:

• Good mobility.
  
• 105 mm gun with APFSDS.
  
• Thermal imager.
  
• Mediocre armor protection. 
  

Vehicle History
[expand]
During the late 1990s, Bangladesh did not consider defense spending a priority, as the country was going through hard times with its economy, and there was a friendship agreement with India. Later however, escalating border confrontations forced the government to urgently engage in strengthening its defense capability. In 2009, a plan for modernizing the Armed Forces was launched, which received significant funding. As part of the defense program, the existing armored vehicle fleet was repaired and the country also purchased new Chinese Al-Khalid MBTs and VT5 light tanks, which were primarily designed for export. 
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[h2]Introducing the VT5![/h2]

Coming to the game in the Hornet’s Sting major update as a Squadron Vehicle, the VT5 light tank is ready to fit into a variety of Chinese ground force lineups thanks to its mobility and good firepower. Today we’ll be taking a closer look at what this tank can offer!  



The VT5 is an export variant of a modern Chinese light tank, with lighter armor and a more budget-friendly engine. Armed with a 105 mm gun, the VT5 has an autoloader where the shells are fed from the back of the turret into the gun, which is unusual for Chinese tanks. This autoloader provides an excellent reload speed, regardless of crew skills! 

There are several types of ammunition that the VT5 can fire — the main ones include a HEATFS shell with 400 mm penetration and two APFSDS shells, with the more advanced shell of the two having penetration values of up to 480 mm at 100 m. Additionally, there’s a tandem ATGM, HE-VT for use against aircraft, and SAPCBC shells. To back up the fast fire rate and ammo is a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager for the gunner and commander, helping to obtain the distance instantly and hit targets with pin-point accuracy.



The VT5 was designed with good mobility in mind, essential to traversing Bangladesh’s rugged terrain. Featuring an 884 HP engine, the VT5 can reach speeds of over 70 km/h forwards and over 30 km/h in reverse. This allows the tank to roam around the map effectively, be it on open and rough terrain or through urban areas.

Good mobility often comes with the compromise of lighter armor, as is the case with the VT5. The front of the hull and turret has thin rolled homogenous armor and composite screens, with the latter helping to increase survivability against HEAT rounds.



That’s it for this one! Like all of the other Squadron Vehicles, you can get the VT5 for squadron activity points or buy it for Golden Eagles in the Hornet’s Sting major update, coming very soon! 

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

The USS Colorado — a super-dreadnought — will now be the new top-tier ship for the USA’s Bluewater fleet and the first in-game ship in this nation to feature 16 inch (406 mm) guns!

[h2]USS Colorado: A Battleship for the USA at Rank VI[/h2]
At a glance:

• 406 mm main battery guns!
  
• Strong armor protection.
  
• Decent anti-aircraft battery.
  
• Low speed and maneuverability.
  
• Slow rate of fire.
  

 
Vehicle History
[expand]
Colorado-class battleships were an evolution of the Tennessee-class, featuring new 406 mm main battery guns. The lead ship of the series was launched later than the second vessel in the class, USS Maryland, and was commissioned in August 1923.

Before World War II, Colorado participated in training exercises, maneuvers, and diplomatic missions. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, Colorado was undergoing repairs in the U.S. Following its return to service, it patrolled the American coastline before being deployed to Pearl Harbor to counter Japanese naval operations. Colorado provided artillery support for landings at Tarawa Atoll and the Marshall Islands. After sustaining 22 hits from Japanese coastal artillery, the ship was briefly repaired in the U.S. before resuming fire support for amphibious operations.

Colorado played a key role in the Battle of Okinawa and was anchored in Tokyo Bay at the conclusion of the war.

For its service, Colorado earned seven battle stars. In 1947, it was placed in reserve, decommissioned, and ultimately scrapped in 1959.
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[h2]Introducing USS Colorado![/h2]

The new top-tier ship for the U.S. Navy’s Bluewater fleet and the first American ship in the game with 406 mm guns — meet USS Colorado! Featuring upgraded anti-air weaponry, this slow but powerful warship will be coming in the Hornet’s Sting major update. Plunging into the specifics!



Featuring eight 406 mm guns in four turrets, USS Colorado has access to three types of shells, including HE and two AP rounds, both differing in penetration and explosive filler. Of these two AP shells, the Mk.3 APCBC is the most versatile as it contains over 25 kg of TNT equivalent and can penetrate up to 480 mm of armor at 10,000 m. Training your crew — in particular the gunners — on USS Colorado will be crucial, as this impressive firepower comes with a tradeoff of only being able to fire 1.5 rounds per minute on a well-trained crew.

Featuring unique secondary armament, USS Colorado boasts two types of 127 mm guns, Mk.7 cannons in casemate mounts and dual-purpose Mk.11 guns, effective against both light surface targets and aircraft. While dreadnought battleships are not typically known for strong anti-air capabilities, USS Colorado will be represented in War Thunder in its 1942 modernization. By this time, the U.S. Navy dealt with a large amount of air attacks from the Japanese, leading them to bolster their air defenses accordingly. Alongside the dual-purpose 127 mm guns, the ship is equipped with four “Chicago pianos” (quad 28 mm automatic cannons) and 14 single 20 mm Oerlikon autocannons for low-altitude threats.



Those who are familiar with the Tennessee class will notice little difference in the USS Colorado’s armor and durability. While its protection is strong, it is not well suited for close range engagements. This ship shares similar mobility characteristics with its predecessor as well — this large and heavy warship has a top speed of just 38 km/h (approximately 20.5 knots). 



The majestic USS Colorado will take its rightful place at the top of the U.S. Bluewater fleet research tree in the Hornet’s Sting major update, coming very soon. Thank you for reading and keep an eye out for more news coming your way.

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

The Rocket Storm event is dedicated to an Italian ground vehicle. Play ground battles to unlock themed decals, a decoration and the FIAT 6614 FIROS, ready to pop up in unexpected positions and rain a rocket storm on the heads of any opponent!

[h3]From March 13th (11:00 GMT) until March 27th (11:00 GMT), earn mission points in Ground Battles, unlock stages and receive rewards![/h3]

[h2]FIAT 6614 FIROS — An Event Vehicle Light Tank for Italy at Rank V[/h2]
The FIAT 6614 FIROS is a somewhat unusual multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) vehicle in War Thunder. It features a compact rocket launcher with 48 rocket, placed on the chassis of a light and fast armored car, one capable of reaching speeds over 100 km/h! The FIAT 6614 FIROS can quickly outflank and deliver a surprise rocket attack to any unsuspecting opponents driving to their objectives.



Among the rewards in the event is also this chest. When opened, there is a chance to receive one of the following items:

• 50,000 - 100,000 Silver Lions
  
• Silver Lion and Research Point boosters
  
• Random Wagers and Orders
  
• Universal Backups (1 - 3)
  
• A random camouflage for a vehicle you own
  
• 1 day of Premium Account
  

[h2]How to get all rewards[/h2]
Each stage can be obtained for 35,000 mission points, where every new stage obtained will give you a new reward.

Please note: After finishing a stage, you need to collect the reward manually. To do this, click on your name in-game, go to “Rocket Storm” and click the “Get Reward” button.

You’re able to earn mission points in Ground Battles at Rank III or above in Arcade, Realistic and Simulator Battles. The number of mission points to complete a stage depends on the game mode and the maximum Rank of the vehicle that you use in battle. There’s a multiplier for earning mission points, which is shown in the task description in-game.

You can also earn mission points by using event vehicles that are Rank I and II. Event vehicles that can be used have the name of the event that they were obtainable in on their stat card.

[h3]Stages change every two days at 11:00 GMT on March 15th, 17th, 19th, 21st, 23rd and 25th.[/h3]

[h2]Rewards are given when you complete a specific number of stages[/h2]

• For 1 Stage: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 2 Stages: one of the decal rewards
  
• For 3 Stages: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 4 Stages: one of the decal rewards
  
• For 5 Stages: trophy with a random reward
  
• For 6 Stages: the “Semi-automatic shotgun (Italy)” decoration
  
• For 7 Stages: non-tradable coupon for the FIAT 6614 FIROS
  

[h3]Discounts on purchasing stages using Golden Eagles[/h3]
Unfinished stages can be purchased for Golden Eagles, but if you’re significantly close to completing a stage, its price will now be significantly reduced.

Let’s say you have earned 85% of the required mission points to complete a stage, then the price of purchasing this stage will be halved. If you’re near the finish line for a stage and are at 95% progress, then the price will be reduced by five times. For example, if you’ve scored 30,000 mission points, then the price for unlocking this stage will be 499 Golden Eagles. If you’ve scored 33,500 mission points, then you’ll only need 199 Golden Eagles.

[h3]The Upgrade for coupon [/h3]
When you complete 7 stages, you’ll receive a non-tradable coupon for the FIAT 6614 FIROS, where using it will immediately activate the vehicle on your account. If you don’t want the vehicle and would like to sell the coupon on the Market, you’ll need the “Upgrade for coupon” item.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item can be earned in parallel with the stages throughout the event from March 13th (11:00 GMT) until March 27th (11:00 GMT) for 600,000 mission points.

After receiving the “Upgrade for coupon” item, you can convert the non-tradable coupon for the vehicle into a tradable one and sell it on the Market. The tradable coupon can be sold after 6 days from the moment it’s created.

To make a tradable coupon, select the “Coupon FIAT 6614 FIROS (Italy)” in your inventory and click the “Modify” button.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item is valid until 11:00 GMT on March 31st. Until this time, you can use it or exchange it for War Bonds. Afterwards, it’ll disappear from your inventory.

You can track your progress towards each stage and receive the “Upgrade for coupon” item by clicking on your Nickname > Achievements > Rocket Storm. If you don’t manage to complete a stage in time or would like to purchase a stage, you can do so with Golden Eagles until March 31st from the Achievements window.