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Fokker D.XXIII: The Somber Swan

[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]Fokker D.XXIII: A Dutch Fighter for France at Rank II[/p]
[p]At a glance:[/p]
  • [p]Powerful 13.2 mm machine guns![/p]
  • [p]A pair of push and pull props[/p]
  • [p]Good maneuverability[/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]

Jaguar EBRC: Grace, Space and Pace!

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’re checking out the most modern French light tank, armed with a 40 mm cannon and tandem-charge anti-tank missiles![/p][p][/p]
[p]Jaguar EBRC: A Light Tank for France at Rank VII[/p]
[p]At a glance:[/p]
  • [p]40 mm cannon with a rate of fire of 200 rounds per minute[/p]
  • [p]Akeron MP ATGM with a tandem warhead[/p]
  • [p]Maximum speed of 100 km/h[/p]
  • [p]Large in size, making it easy to hit[/p]
[p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The Jaguar EBRC was developed as part of a large-scale modernization program for the French Army. A consortium comprising of Nexter, Thales and Renault Trucks Defense began developing the vehicle in 2014 to replace the aging AMX-10RC ERC Sagaie and VAB HOT. Key features include a hybrid engine, a 40 mm CTC cannon and a modern SICS networking system.[/p][p][/p][p]The first 20 vehicles in the first batch were delivered by December 2021, and by the end of 2023 the army had received 60 vehicles. Plans call for increasing the batch to 300 armored vehicles by 2035, with the Jaguar already demonstrating its capabilities in exercises and preparing for export deliveries, particularly to Belgium.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Jaguar EBRC![/h3][p]It’s time again for another dev blog! Today it’s the Jaguar EBRC, coming as a top-of-the-line light tank armed with a 40 mm cannon and ATGMs for France’s ground forces tree. This fast and large “wheely boi” as many would say is coming in the Spearhead major update, so let’s zoom right into the details.[/p][p][/p][p]Did you know? The EBRC in the name is a French acronym for “Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance et de Combat”, in English: “Armoured Reconnaissance and Combat Vehicle”.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Let’s start with the armament of the Jaguar EBRC, which is rather interesting. The primary weapon is the 40 mm CTC cannon, developed by CTA International. This cannon fires telescoped ammunition, where the warhead is housed within a cylindrical cartridge case. Belt-fed, the cannon can fire regular HEI-T rounds as well as HE rounds that have a timed fuse against aircraft, and APFSDS rounds for use against armored vehicles. The rate of fire of this 40 mm cannon is a humble 200 rounds per minute, comparable to Germany’s PUMA.[/p][p][/p][p]The two-manned turret houses a launcher with two Akeron MP anti-tank missiles with a tandem-charge warhead and a penetration of over 1,000 mm. Other helpful tools on the Jaguar EBRC include a 7.62 mm machine gun in a remote-controlled mount on the turret roof, and 14 smoke grenades at the back of the vehicle and on the turret. Aside from this, the Jaguar EBRC features a modern fire control system, which includes a handy panoramic commander’s sight, a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager for the commander and gunner.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The all-wheel drive platform gives the Jaguar EBRC a very good top speed! On solid surfaces, the Jaguar can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h. Naturally, this mobility comes at the cost of light protection, demonstrated by thin aluminum alloy armor that is only capable of stopping light bullets. In addition to this, the turret and hull sides are covered by slat armor, which is a researchable modification that can be turned on and off. This armor helps a little bit against HEAT based rounds that will detonate prematurely.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for this one! The new Jaguar EBRC will be joining high-ranked ground battles in the Spearhead major update, providing excellent light tank mobility and firepower. Until then, stay tuned to learn more about what’s coming next![/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

Discounts in the Gaijin Store for War Thunder’s 13th Birthday!

[p][/p][p]It’s War Thunder’s 13th birthday anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than with sales on the Gaijin Store! A huge number of vehicle packs available at a discount, so be sure to check them out and see what takes your fancy! [/p][p][/p]
[p]When: From October 29th (11:00 GMT) until November 3rd (11:00 GMT). [/p][p][/p][p]To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store.[/p]
[p][/p][p][/p][h3]M1A1 HC "Click-Bait" Pack -50%[/h3][p][/p][p]69.99 35[/p][p][/p][p]This pack includes:[/p]
  • [p]M1A1 HC "Click-Bait" (Rank VII, USA)[/p]
  • [p]Premium account for 20 days[/p]
  • [p]2500 Golden Eagles[/p]
[p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][h3]Early (US) Pack -50%[/h3][p][/p][p]79.99 40[/p][p][/p][p]This pack includes:[/p]
  • [p]F/A-18С Early (Rank VIII, USA)[/p]
  • [p]Premium account for 30 days[/p]
  • [p]3000 Golden Eagles[/p]
[p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][h3]90B "Fuji" Pack -50%[/h3][p][/p][p]69.99 35[/p][p][/p][p]This pack includes:[/p]
  • [p]Type 90B "Fuji" (Rank VII, Japan)[/p]
  • [p]Premium account for 20 days[/p]
  • [p]2500 Golden Eagles[/p]
[p][/p][h3] F-16A Netz Pack -50%[/h3][p][/p][p]79.99 40[/p][p][/p][p]This pack includes:[/p]
  • [p]F-16A Block 10 Netz (Rank VIII, Israel)[/p]
  • [p]Premium account for 30 days[/p]
  • [p]3000 Golden Eagles[/p]
[p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][h2]And many more![/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p]Please note! The following packs will be removed from the store after the sale (on all platforms): [/p]
  • [p]AMX A-1 Pack[/p]
  • [p]IJN Yamashiro Pack[/p]
  • [p]AV-8S Matador Pack[/p]
  • [p]F-4EJ Phantom II ADTW Pack[/p]
  • [p]Centauro RGO Pack[/p]
  • [p]Harrier T.10 Pack[/p]
[p]
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Pre-order — Su-30MK2 AMV: Pirate of the Caribbean Skies!

[p][/p][p][/p][p]The Venezuelan Su-30 possesses a vast arsenal of weapons and is capable of brilliantly performing combat missions in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat![/p][p][/p]
[p]Su-30MK2 AMV: A Premium Jet Fighter for the USSR at Rank VIII[/p]
[p]At a glance:[/p]
  • [p]Huge arsenal of advanced weaponry[/p]
  • [p]Large payload capacity[/p]
  • [p]High speed[/p]
  • [p]Helmet-mounted display[/p]
  • [p]No thrust vectoring control[/p]
[p] [/p][p][/p]
[p]Pre-order – Su-30MK2 AMV Pack[/p]
[p]To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store.[/p][p]79.99 This pack includes:[/p]
  • [p]Su-30MK2 AMV (Rank VIII, USSR)[/p]
  • [p]Premium account for 30 days[/p]
  • [p]3000 Golden Eagles[/p]
  • [p]Pre-order bonus: unique title “The paladin of sovereignty”[/p]
  • [p]Pre-order bonus: unique decal “132nd Squadron Venezuelan Air Force patch”[/p]
[p][/p]
  • [p]Pre-order bonus: unique anniversary camouflage[/p]
[p][/p][carousel][/carousel]
[p][/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]In November 2005, official negotiations began between the Russian company Rosoboronexport and the Venezuelan government regarding the supply of multi-role Su-30 fighter aircraft. Initially, the possibility of purchasing 18-24 MiG-29M2/UB multi-role fighters was considered, but after a comparative analysis, Venezuelan specialists opted for the heavier and more versatile Su-30. The decisive factor was the demonstration flights of two aircraft — the Su-30MK and Su-30MK2 — delivered to Venezuela on July 2nd, 2006.  For 12 days, the Russian fighters underwent intensive testing, including participation in an air parade celebrating the 195th anniversary of the country’s independence.[/p][p][/p][p]On July 28th, 2006, a contract worth $1.6 billion was signed for the supply of 24 Su-30MK2 fighter jets in the AMV (Adapted to Venezuelan Modification) configuration to meet Venezuela’s requirements. The contract included not only the delivery of the aircraft, but also comprehensive maintenance, personnel training, infrastructure development, and the supply of weaponry. The first two fighters arrived in Venezuela on November 29th, 2006, aboard an An-124-100 transport aircraft. They were stationed at the Barcelona airbase, where the 13th “Simon Bolivar” Fighter Group began to be formed.[/p][p][/p][p]Deliveries continued in stages. The next two aircraft arrived on December 22nd, 2006, following with 12 aircraft in 2007 and the last 8 in the first half of 2008. This allowed two squadrons to be completely equipped, which significantly strengthened the country’s air defense capabilities. The Su-30MK2 AMV remains in service with Venezuela to this day.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Su-30MK2 AMV![/h3][p]The Spearhead major update brings the Su-30MK2 AMV to the game, an export modification of the multi-role Su-30 Russian fighter jet used by the Venezuelan Air Force. Today, pre-orders for this premium jet monster are open. It features an impressive payload, advanced weaponry, and brilliant speed characteristics, so let’s take a closer look![/p][p][/p][p]The Venezuelan Su-30MK2 AMV is in many ways similar to the top-tier Sukhoi aircraft available in the Soviet/Russian aviation research tree already. It’s a heavy aircraft with powerful engines, 12 weapon hardpoints, a payload of over 8000 kg, all while being highly maneuverable and capable of reaching speeds exceeding Mach 2 with a combat load. The Su-30MK2 AMV has excellent avionics and equipment too! It features a good radar, a “Rita” voice warning system, a thermal imager and night vision, a helmet-mounted display, an RWR with a target identification and as many as 96 large-caliber countermeasures![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]When you open up the Secondary Weapons menu for this aircraft, you’ll probably feel overwhelmed due to the huge number of ready-made weapon combinations for any mission or play style, and that’s not counting the presets that you can create yourself! This Venezuelan modification differs from the older Su aircraft in its slightly different armament composition. In addition to the well-proven R-73 short-range missiles, R-27R semi-active radar homing missiles with a datalink, and jamming-resistant R-27ET missiles (all in export versions) for air combat, you’ll also be able to use the RVV-AE (which is the export version of the R-77) with active radar homing seeker. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]There are also some differences in the armament for destroying ground and sea targets. In addition to bombs and rockets, 500 and 1500 kg TV-guided bombs and Kh-29L and Kh-29TD air-to-surface missiles, you’ll also be able to use a new missile coming to War Thunder, the Kh-59M. This missile has an engine in an under-fuselage pod, allowing for an increased warhead mass and guidance system: TV, satellite, and inertial correction. As the Su-30MK2 AMV is a premium aircraft, all of its weapons will be available when purchasing this pack, when the next major update releases.[/p][p][/p][p]That’s all for today! The magnificent Su-30MK2 AMV is available for pre-order starting from today. If you pick it up now, when the Spearhead update releases you’ll receive the aircraft itself, unique in-game bonuses from the pre-order pack, free Premium days, and a hefty supply of Golden Eagles![/p][p]Please note that the vehicle's characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

Minor Rearrangements to Ground Force Trees

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Hey everyone! Today we wanted to go over some minor changes that will come to ground force trees soon.[/p][p][/p][p]With the release of the next major update, some vehicles in ground force trees will be rearranged. These vehicles are currently marked with a special icon in-game. These changes are being implemented to improve the structure of the trees and to ensure that vehicle Battle Ratings more accurately reflect their ranks, which provides smoother progression.[/p][p][/p][p]In order: USA, Germany, USSR, Great Britain, China, Italy, France, Sweden, Israel[/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][p]We’re announcing these upcoming changes in advance to give you the opportunity to plan your research path in the game at the current time, with the knowledge of how the ground force trees will look in the near future.[/p]