War Thunder News

[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][/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]

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[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] [/p][p][/p][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]

[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]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’ll be taking a look at the AH-56A Cheyenne, a special helicopter coming to the USA as a squadron vehicle![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]In Vietnam, the U.S. Army modified UH-1 Iroquois helicopters to have combat capabilities. However, they soon realised this was not enough and started a new program in 1964 called the Advanced Aerial Fire Support System (AAFSS) for a new, dedicated attack helicopter. Twelve companies, including Bell, Convair, Sikorsky and Lockheed submitted helicopter designs, with Sikorsky and Lockheed moving on to the second stage.[/p][p][/p][p]Lockheed’s design for the CL-840 eventually won in 1966, with a contract to build 10 prototypes being issued the same year. This proposed design was unique in that it was designed as a “compound” helicopter, meaning it had fixed-wings like a plane, a rigid main rotor and an extra tail-mounted propeller in a push configuration, giving it increased speed. It was designated the AH-56, given the nickname “Cheyenne” and first flew on September 21st 1967.[/p][p][/p][p]The prototypes went through several test flights during 1968 and the U.S. Army awarded a contract for production AH-56 helicopters. However on March 12th 1969, the test pilot encountered issues with the rotor, which lead to a fatal crash. The Cheyenne prototypes were grounded and an investigation into what caused the crash ensued. Several improvements were made to the helicopter after the crash, however it took longer than needed to fix all of the issues, delaying the project. This caused the U.S. Army to fall behind schedule, and so it gave Lockheed a “cure notice” by April 1969, requesting that all serious issues be fixed in 15 days. Despite Lockheed’s attempts to fix the problems with the helicopter, the Army became cautious of its overall safety and cancelled the production contract on May 19th 1969. Lockheed continued to try and fix the issues but the U.S. Army closed down the AAFSS program in August 1972.[/p][p][/p][p]Also in 1972, very shortly after the closure of the AAFSS program, the U.S. Army launched another attack helicopter program called the Advanced Attack Helicopter (AAH). As a result of the AAH project, the famous AH-64 Apache was developed, which is still in world-wide use today. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the AH-56A Cheyenne![/h3][p]Meet the AH-56A Cheyenne, which is a rather interesting looking and uniquely designed helicopter that we’ll be telling you about today. It’s coming as a squadron vehicle so make sure to get yourself into a squadron so you can get this thing! Let’s take a closer look at what it’s all about.[/p][p] [/p][p]Right off the bat, you may have noticed that the AH-56A Cheyenne looks quite unique. The landing gear is high, the raised cockpit canopy looks interesting, and the overall design reminds you of something that you just can’t put your finger on (perhaps the Apache?). The core design of this helicopter however is different, as it is a “compound” helicopter. Because of this, there is an extra propeller at the back driven by the rotor engine, which acts as propulsion, helping to push the helicopter forward.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Additionally, the main rotor is of rigid design, meaning the blades are directly attached to the propeller shaft without hinges, giving them better flex and control over a standard single rotor helicopter. The AH-56A also features bigger and thicker wings than those found on other military helicopters, helping with lift. All in all, this design translates into the game by increasing the maneuverability and control. The top speed also reaches around 400 km/h, which is excellent for a helicopter, especially one of this size! If you want to reach this maximum speed in all game modes, you’ll need to reduce the main rotor pitch to redistribute more torque to the pusher rotor. When flying normally, the pusher rotor automatically selects the optimal pitch for the current conditions and flight speed, maintaining transmission RPM and requiring no additional input from the player.[/p][p][/p][p]Did you know? The AH-56A Cheyenne is the first compound helicopter in War Thunder and might also be the last. There are not many compound helicopters in real life due to their complex design that offers little advantages.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The AH-56A’s weaponry is not expansive, but it’s enough to be useful in Ground Battles. Featuring several FFAR Mighty Mouse rocket pods, this helicopter can comfortably strafe several enemy tanks that are grouped tightly together. Not only that, but the AH-56A also features six BGM-71 Improved TOW missiles that can also be used in conjunction with the Mighty Mouse rockets. Additionally, there’s a 40 mm M129 grenade launcher located at the front nose, and a 30 mm XM140 cannon directly under the cockpit. Both can rotate to a certain degree and can be used for being a nuisance to lightly armored targets in Ground Battles.[/p][p][/p][p]Interesting: As tradition for U.S. Army helicopters, the Cheyenne is named after a Native Tribe, specifically one from the Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains.[/p][p][/p][p]Coming to the game as a squadron vehicle, the AH-56A Cheyenne can be obtained by gaining squadron activity points while being in a squadron, or by purchasing it outright for Golden Eagles. This is a interesting helicopter with a unique design and does not provide much more than what is already available in the US helicopter tree, making it the perfect fit as a squadron vehicle. Make sure to get your hands on this long-awaited helicopter that we know some of you spotted a long time ago! 👀[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for now! The AH-56A Cheyenne is coming to the game in the Spearhead major update. Get yourself into a squadron and start collecting squadron activity points to get yourself this cool helicopter. See you around![/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Today we’re taking a look at a new tank coming to the higher ranks of Chinese tech tree: the fast and wheeled CM-34 IFV with a 30 mm Bushmaster cannon![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]In 1985, a joint project with Irish company Timoney Technology was launched to develop the CM-31 mechanized IFV vehicle. Due to its failure to meet requirements, the project was canceled, but in 2002 it was revised, resulting in the development of the CM-32 “Clouded Leopard” prototype.[/p][p][/p][p]The vehicle was tested with various types of armament, and in 2017 the project was revealed to the public in an expo in Taipei with the American Mk44 Bushmaster II 30 mm automatic cannon, designated the CM-34. After upgrading its armor protection and electronics, the vehicle entered serial production in 2019 and became the backbone of the motorized infantry.[/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the CM-34![/h3][p]The CM-34 Yunbao, or “Clouded Leopard”, is coming to China’s ground forces tree at rank VI. This is a light and wheeled reconnaissance vehicle with a good top speed, excellent electronics and an effective 30 mm Bushmaster cannon. Let’s take a look at this vehicle in today’s dev blog![/p][p][/p][p]Firstly, let’s dive into the armament of this light tank. It features the 30 mm Mk44 Bushmaster II automatic cannon, which many of you will already be familiar with from other light combat vehicles in other nations. The rate of fire of this cannon isn’t the highest in the world, but the available belts are excellent! Right from the get go, you’ll have access to an APDS belt, with the first researchable belt being the HEI-T, which is good for destroying vehicles with no armor, and also aircraft. The final and best one against enemy tanks that you can research is the APFSDS belt, which can penetrate the sides and rear of any ground vehicle at its rank. The cannon has a stabilizer and another great modification to get is the laser warning system and laser rangefinder (LWS/LR) and thermal imager for all three crew members.[/p][p][/p][p]The CM-34 is built on an 8x8 wheeled chassis, and the suspension has a reduced turning radius compared to its prototype. You’ll also be able to speed around in this light vehicle thanks to its top speed of 100 km/h going forward on paved roads, and up to 40 km/h in reverse. Its power-to-weight ratio is quite good, so there shouldn’t be any performance issues, although you should avoid deep mud, snow and sand if possible.[/p][p][/p][p]The first concept of this vehicle had little armor, so the CM-34 had some refinements in this area. The production variant featured add-on armor made of composite materials, however overall this vehicle not capable of withstanding most tank rounds. There are also just three crew, leaving less chance of surviving any significant hit.[/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for this one! The CM-34 will fit perfectly into the mid to late rank VI vehicle lineups and will become a key vehicle in fast-paced play while capturing points, fighting in urban battles and scouting in open locations. Stay tuned for more exciting news about the upcoming major, and see you in the next dev blog![/p][p][/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]