War Thunder News

The Firebirds major update brings with it a host of improvements to several locations and a complete graphics update to the Abandoned Factory ground battles map!

[h3]Abandoned Factory Visual Upgrades[/h3]
Welcome to the updated Abandoned Factory map! One of the most beloved locations amongst players for ground battles has been completely transformed visually. Our artists have replaced all the soil textures with new, clear and authentic ones, and the models and textures of buildings and almost all elements of the environment have been changed. Grass and small vegetation have been updated, making them denser, and bushes have been reduced in size to better match the size of ground vehicles.



Despite being significantly updated in terms of visuals, the performance of this location has not changed much when using the same in-game graphics settings as before.

[h3]Improved Effects[/h3]
On Abandoned Factory and other War Thunder locations, dust clouds from tracks and wheels caused by ground vehicles in hot weather have been improved. When it’s raining, you’ll see realistic puddles and streams of water flowing from the roofs of buildings and the surface of objects. By the way, for Abandoned Factory, we’ve separately worked on the sky effects in cloudy weather, meaning the clouds have become more realistic.



[h3]Push Objects That Were Previously Static[/h3]
The ability to interact with various objects in the game has also been updated. For example, in the new Abandoned Factory and other locations, you can now push carriages on the railroad tracks, giving you the chance to freely make your own passage or to make it difficult for your opponents. When driving into cars and trucks, they’ll be realistically crushed under the tracks of your tank.



[h3]Airfield Overhauls[/h3]
There’s also great news for pilots! We’ve significantly improved all airfields for aircraft in Test Flights and missions for high-ranked aircraft. The runway slabs have been completely reworked, with the textures becoming sharper and the airfield environment improving significantly. There’s new buildings, a reliable light signaling system, and positions of anti-aircraft missile systems for protecting aircraft. There’s even aircraft skid marks! To improve the airfields, we consulted with current pilots and think they’ve turned out pretty well.



That’s it for today! The updated Abandoned Factory location will come to the game in the Firebirds major update. Follow our website for more dev blogs that we’ve got planned, as there’s a lot of interesting things ahead!

On November 6th, 1942, the twin-engine He 219 night fighter took to the skies for the first time. Being the first combat aircraft with ejection seats, it participated in battles during WWII from June 1943 and quickly demonstrated its effectiveness against the British Mosquito. In total, less than 300 He 219’s were produced before production ended in May 1944.

[h2]The He 219 A-7 is temporarily available for Golden Eagles![/h2]
The premium German He 219 A-7 is available for 2,980 Golden Eagles.

When: From today until November 8th (07:00 GMT).
Where: Germany > Aviation > Premium vehicles.

About this aircraft

• The He 219 A-7 is an advanced modification of the He 219 with enhanced DB 603E engines and six cannons, with a total ammunition amount of 1,000 rounds. The MK 103 cannon’s armor-piercing belt can penetration medium and even heavy tanks, while the MK 108 and MG 151 can handle anti-aircraft vehicles. The He 219 A-7 also performs well as an interceptor, thanks to its mentioned powerful forward-firing guns, plus survivability.
  

Pre-orders for three store packs have started today! Meet the AV-8S Harrier for Japan, the Su-22M4 for Germany and the formidable JA37DI Viggen for Sweden.

[h2]AV-8S Harrier — Japan, Rank VI[/h2]

To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
59.99
Pre-order - AV-8S Matador Pack

• This pack includes: AV-8S Matador (Rank 6, Japan)
  
• 2000 Golden Eagles
  
• Premium account for 15 days
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique title "Matador"
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique decal “Naga”
  

The AV-8S represents the Spanish, and later Thai, export variant of the AV-8A Harrier, which is already well familiar to the game. As such, the aircraft inherits much of its flight characteristics from the AV-8A, including the Harrier’s signature VTOL ability, allowing it to act both as a fixed wing aircraft, but also as a helicopter, thanks to its hover capabilities. As with other Harriers, this feature in addition to an extensive suite of suspended weapons makes it particularly well suited for Ground Battles. Furthermore, being able to carry the AIM-9P Sidewinder missile as well as countermeasures ensures that the AV-8S can hold its own in a dogfight. Lastly, with the AV-8S being a Premium aircraft, you can use its additional bonuses to speed up progression towards some of the top Japanese aircraft!




[h2]Su-22M4 — Germany, Rank VII[/h2]

Pre-order - Su-22M4 WTD 61 Pack
To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
69.99

• This pack includes:
  
• Su-22M4 WTD 61 (Rank 7, Germany)
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles
  
• Premium account for 20 days
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique title "Fitter"
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique "Ingolstadt coat of arms" decal
  
• Pre-order bonus: JBG 77 Anniversary Camouflage (click image to expand)
  

The Su-22M4 comes to the game as the pinnacle of the Su-17/22 family in German service. This advanced variant is able to employ cutting-edge guided ordnance, including TV-guided weapons, as well as laser-guided munitions. Furthermore, the Su-22M4 proves formidable in air-to-air combat, equipped with over 250 countermeasures and the potent all-aspect R-60MK missiles. Its upgraded engine and avionics ensure rapid delivery of these deadly weapons to enemy targets. In essence, the Su-22M4 embodies a true multirole masterpiece for German high-tier air operations. It excels in both air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements, making it a formidable force on the battlefield.




[h2]JA37DI — Sweden, Rank VIII[/h2]

Pre-order - Saab JA37DI Viggen F21 Pack
To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store!
79.99
This pack includes:

• Saab JA 37DI Viggen F21 (Rank 8, Sweden)
  
• 3000 Golden Eagles
  
• Premium accoount for 30 days
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique title "Lightning strike"
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique "Mjölnir" decal
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique four-color camouflage (click image to expand)
  

The JA37DI represents a further modification of the JA37D, which itself became available during the mid 1990s. Building upon the upgrades of the standard D variant of the Viggen, the DI modification focused on streamlining the aircraft’s systems and avionics for international operations. Most notably however, the JA37DI brings with it the ability to mount the Rb99 missile. Being the Swedish designation for the American AIM-120, its addition to the Viggen greatly increases the aircraft’s effectiveness in aerial combat, giving it the ability to hunt down targets which are beyond visual range. In addition to this, the Viggen retains its signature superb flight characteristics culminating in the aircraft’s excellent maneuverability thanks to its sleek delta wing design!

The ICV(P) is a state-of-the-art experimental infantry combat vehicle belonging to a family of new tactical wheeled vehicles developed by Mitsubishi for the JSDF.

[h2]Infantry Combat Vehicle ICV(P): A Light Tank for Japan at Rank VII[/h2]
At a glance:

• Excellent mobility!
  
• Unmanned turret.
  
• Light protection.
  
• Rapid-firing 30mm cannon.
  

Vehicle History
[expand]
In 2018, the Japanese Ministry of Defence initiated a program for the development of a common family of light vehicles which would replace some of the older vehicles in service since the late 1980s. Six vehicle variants were planned in total, one of which would be the Infantry Fighting Vehicle (ICV) variant. Mitsubishi, tasked with developing the vehicle, chose the chassis of the Type 16 MCV as a basis on which the next vehicle family would be developed. In 2020, the first prototype of the ICV was constructed. By this time however, the Patria AMV had won the tender for a promising new wheeled APC for the JSDF. As a result, the number of vehicles from the family which will later on be launched into production is expected to be reduced to just a few variants, including the ICV. In late September 2022, the ICV(P) was still undergoing testing.
[/expand]

[h2]Meet the ICV(P)![/h2]

The ICV(P) will be a new light combat vehicle joining the top ranks of the Japanese ground forces tree, coming to the game as one of the highlights of the Firebirds major update. Fans of the Type 87 and Type 89 may especially look forward to the arrival of the ICV(P) as it combines the best aspects of both vehicles in a new, highly mobile and just as deadly platform. Let’s take a closer look!



Although being a completely new vehicle, Japanese engineers used the proven platform of the Type 16 MCV as the basis for the ICV(P). As a result, the ICV(P) not only inherits some of the Type 16’s visual appearance, but also much of its performance specifications when it comes to mobility. Namely, being equipped with the same 570 HP diesel engine found on the Type 16 MCV ends up in the ICV(P) possessing excellent cross-country mobility while also being able to reach a top speed over 100 km/h. However, as with most wheeled vehicles, the ICV(P) will be pushed to its limits when faced with extremely harsh terrain types, such as deep mud or snow. So be careful on the battlefield and avoid these surfaces if possible so as to not impede the ICV(P)’s greatest advantage.

In terms of firepower, the ICV(P) truly strikes a balance between the Type 87 RCV and Type 89 which precede it. Being fitted with a 30 mm Bushmaster Mk. 44 autocannon, the ICV(P) can comfortably engage other lightly protected enemy vehicles at a distance while also posing a serious threat to even heavily armored MBTs at closer engagement distances thanks to its access to APFSDS rounds.



Unlike the Type 89 however, the ICV(P) doesn’t come equipped with integrated ATGM launchers, thus somewhat reducing its tactical flexibility and offensive capabilities somewhat. Nevertheless, playing to the ICV(P)’s strengths means utilizing the vehicle’s fantastic mobility and deadly autocannon to scout out targets for allies and neutralize threats on the flanks in the close proximity of the ICV(P) itself.



The ICV(P) will soon reinforce the top ranks of the Japanese ground forces tree in the Firebirds major update. That’s it for today’s devblog. While you’re waiting for the wonderful ICV(P) to arrive, stay tuned to the news to find out what else the upcoming update will bring with it. Until then, happy hunting tankers!

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

One of the main national holidays of Italy is dedicated to the capitulation of Austria-Hungary in the First World War, which took place on November 4th, 1918. As a result of the peace treaty, Italy annexed South Tyrol, the Austrian Littoral, Trieste and part of Dalmatia, thus completing the unification of all the lands that it considered its own. For this purpose, Italy entered the First World War, so the victory over Austria-Hungary is also celebrated as the Day of Armed Forces of Italy.

[h2]The P40 “G.C. Leoncello” and M43 “G.C. Leoncello” are temporarily available at a 50% discount for Golden Eagles![/h2]
In honor of the holiday, the Italian P40 and M43 from the Leoncello armored squadron group are temporarily available at a 50% discount for 575 and 650 Golden Eagles respectively.

When: From today until November 7th (07:00 GMT).
Where: Italy > Army > Premium Vehicles.

About these vehicles

• The P40 “G.C. Leoncello” is well suited for medium-range combat and ambush attacks. It’s quite mobile and can penetrate up to 100 mm of armor with its HEAT shell. The sloped armor of this tank often caused ricochets, especially when it’s positioned in a diamond shape. Smoke grenades also allow you to hide from the enemy when needed!
  

• The M43 “G.C.Leoncello” is a tank destroyer armed with a 105 mm gun, whose HEAT shell has armor penetration of up to 120 mm. However, due to its mediocre ballistics, it’s best used at medium ranges. This tank has a smaller profile, allowing it to be placed in unexpected positions to surprise the enemy.
  

[h2]Get the “Italian Unity” decal! [/h2]
Available for this day!

“Italian Unity” decal

When: From today until November 7th (07:00 GMT).
Task: Play 3 battles using Italian vehicles at rank III or above to receive the “Italian Unity” decal!

Additional details:

• Your activity must not be below 70%.
  
• You can complete the task in random battles, except for Enduring Confrontation missions, [Assault] mode and Helicopter PVE battles.
  
• Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → National Unity Day of Italy.
  
• You can find the decal in the “Holidays” tab in the Customization menu.