War Thunder News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]The Ninth Wave major update will expand the newly-added rank IX with the most technologically advanced combat aircraft in the game.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the F-16C Block 52 and Rank IX Aircraft![/h3][p]Hey everyone! In the Ninth Wave major update, we’ll be introducing some new Rank IX aircraft! This rank will feature the most modern and advanced aircraft, where some will move to it and some new ones will be added. Among these will be the new upgraded top-of-the-line F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 52 US fighter, with new weapons and an advanced radar.[/p][p][/p][p]The F-16C Block 52 is the most advanced modification of the Fighting Falcon family. The aircraft is in service with the US and is actively supplied to friendly countries as export. Those who have already mastered the F-16C Block 50 can look forward to many new features, including a new AESA radar, a more powerful engine, and new weapons for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. Let’s take a closer look at it now![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]One of the most advanced features of the Block 52 modification is the new AN/APG-83 active phased array radar. This radar not only significantly increases scanning speed, but also provides a new level of tactical situational awareness. In addition to the familiar AIM-120C-5 ARH missiles, the Block 52’s arsenal includes the new AIM-120D, which features more accurate navigation using a GPS and offers increased controllable flight time. The previous Block 50’s already excellent anti-ground capability now includes the LJDAM family of combined-guidance air-to-ground bombs for the Block 52.[/p][p][/p][p]The thrust-to-weight ratio has also increased. The new Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine has good acceleration in afterburner mode and adds approximately 1,000 kgf in non-afterburner mode.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for this one! In short, the Fighting Falcon has become even more versatile, flexible, and dangerous in any game mode. Rank IX will be added to the game shortly before the release of the Ninth Wave major update, and soon we’ll publish the changes to research and purchase costs connected to the addition of the new rank. In the meantime, we’ll continue to share news about the major update with you![/p][p][/p][p]Please note that the vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before being added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]A Premium Alpha Jet A attack aircraft in the livery of the 41st Fighter-Bomber Regiment of the Luftwaffe is on the way![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p][/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]In the late 1960s, Germany and France saw the need to replace their aging fleets of trainers and light attack aircraft. A collaboration between Dornier and Dassault-Breguet resulted in the TA501 design, which was declared the winner of the competition. The aircraft’s initial design was focused around creating two main versions that would meet the requirements of both countries. The German version, designated Alpha Jet A (Appui), was focused on strike missions.[/p][p][/p][p]The prototype’s maiden flight took place in October 1973, and in 1979, the aircraft was officially accepted into service by the air forces of both countries. Thanks to its successful combination of simplicity, reliability, and versatility, the Alpha Jet also enjoyed high demand in the export market.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Alpha Jet A JaboG 41![/h3][p]Pre-orders for the premium German Alpha Jet A JaboG 41 have started today, where you can get yourself some sweet pre-order bonuses. The nimble Alpha Jet will be familiar to many of you, it features a good arsenal of ground attack weapons, and can fill the fighter role in air battles as well. Let’s take a closer look![/p][p][/p][p]Many of you have already had a chance to appreciate the capabilities of the Alpha Jet A trainer jet. This compact and agile aircraft is a true master of ground attack, demonstrating its capabilities brilliantly in both air and mixed game modes. A rapid-fire 27 mm Mauser BK27 cannon is mounted on the central hardpoint under the fuselage, while underwing pods hold FFAR rockets and up to 6 x 250 kg bombs, including free-fall, incendiary, and drag bombs. The entire arsenal of secondary weapons is controlled by ballistic computers, and the German version is also equipped with countermeasures for self-defense against incoming missiles.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The premium version of the Alpha Jet A combat trainer bears the livery of the Luftwaffe’s 41st Fighter-Bomber Regiment (Jagdbombergeschwader 41, or JaboG 41 for short). The regiment began its history in 1959 and was based at Husum Airfield. In 1982, the regiment received Alpha Jet A attack aircraft, and before the regiment’s disbandment in 1993 following German reunification, its pilots logged nearly 110,000 flight hours in these aircraft.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Alpha Jet A JaboG 41 will be coming to the game with the release of the next War Thunder update. Pre-order now before the update is released to receive the attack aircraft itself, a unique decal and title, a generous supply of Golden Eagles, and free days of Premium! See you in the next blog![/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p]The maiden flight of the Alouette III (prototype Sud Aviation SE 3160) took place on February 28th 1959, at the factory airfield in Marignane near Marseille. The Alouette III became one of the most widely produced European helicopters of the 1960s and 1970s, widely used by rescue services, police, the army, and the navy.[/p][p][/p][h2]The IAR 316B is temporarily available at a 30% discount for 5,992 Golden Eagles![/h2][p][/p]

• [p]The IAR 316B is only available during this promotion.[/p]

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[p]When: From February 27th (11:00 GMT) until March 2nd (11:00 GMT).[/p][p]Where: France > Helicopter > Premium vehicles.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][h3]About this helicopter[/h3]

• [p]The IAR 316B (rank V) is a Romanian licensed version of the Alouette III, produced in Brașov. It can engage other helicopters with two 7.62 mm machine guns, while Malyutka-2 ATGMs and up to 12 S-5K rockets can handle armored vehicles. Take advantage of the helicopter’s maneuverability, as it’s one of its greatest strengths!
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[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Introducing the next major update trailer for War Thunder: Ninth Wave![/p][p]
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[p][/p][p][/p][p]The American destroyer Helm was one of the first vessels to take action and fight back at Pearl Harbor. It’s coming as a new premium for the US Bluewater fleet in the next major update![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The destroyer USS Helm (DD-388) was built at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and commissioned in October 1937. By the start of World War II, she already had solid experience, having performed exercises and maneuvers in both the Atlantic and Pacific. On the morning of Pearl Harbor on December 7th 1941, Helm was the only ship underway at the time of the attack. While leaving the burning harbor, Helm detected and attacked a Japanese midget submarine, marking one of the first U.S. combat engagements of the war. In 1942, she participated in the evacuation of civilian personnel from the Howland and Baker Islands before being dispatched to the southwestern Pacific. In August, she took part in the landing on Guadalcanal and the Battle of Savo Island, where she assisted heavily damaged American cruisers and evacuated survivors.[/p][p][/p][p]Throughout 1943 and 1944, Helm performed a wide range of duties ,escorting convoys off the coasts of Australia and New Guinea, providing naval gunfire support for landings on New Britain and New Guinea, and anti-submarine screening for carrier groups. Her combat service culminated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the monumental Battle of Leyte Gulf, where she contributed to carrier screening and the sinking of the Japanese submarine I-46.[/p][p][/p][p]In 1945, she continued to perform carrier screening, and supported the capture of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. She was decommissioned in 1946 and used as a target ship during the atomic tests at Bikini Atoll, before being sold for scrap in 1947.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing USS Helm![/h3][p]Joining the lower ranks in the next major update, this new premium is an excellent way to start your journey through the American Bluewater fleet. She is an absolutely quintessential destroyer, fast, reactive, versatile, and on top of that, she comes with premium bonuses too! Let’s dive deeper into USS Helm.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]USS Helm is a member of the Bagley class, the lead ship of which is already available at rank II of the US Bluewater fleet. Helm will be arriving to the game in her 1944 configuration, from the period of the most intense combat in the Pacific Theater, featuring more diverse armament. Helm’s main battery consists of four 127 mm dual-purpose guns; the forward pair in enclosed single mounts, while the aft pair are in open mounts. These classic cannons have an excellent rate of fire, equipped with SAP and HE shells with contact fuzes, and proximity HE shells as well for aircraft. Speaking of anti-aircraft capabilities, Helm’s arsenal has been drastically improved! The lackluster machine guns have been replaced with automatic cannons: a twin 40 mm Bofors mount and six 20 mm Oerlikons. The torpedo armament is also particularly formidable, consisting of a pair of quadruple launchers on each side for a total of 16 compact Mk.15 torpedoes.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]She’s quick and nimble when she needs to be, reaching a speed of 71 km/h (over 38 knots) in a short time. Her versatile armament will let her combat any enemy at the rank effectively, and as a premium she’ll arrive completely kitted out and ready for action! If you choose her you’ll not choose wrong, Helm is definitely a very approachable ship. So if you’re interested in giving the tree a try, she’s the perfect partner to start your journey into depths of heavier ships in the higher ranks.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s all from us today! Make sure to pick up Helm in the next major update for Golden Eagles (be quick, she’s impatient!), and stay tuned for more dev blogs. See you soon![/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]