War Thunder News

[h3][/h3][p][/p][p]Today, we welcome the long awaited bomber variant of the famous Mosquito, coming in the Spearhead major update! [/p][p] [/p][p]
[/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]Before later fame as a Fighter Bomber, among other successful variants, the Mosquito started life as a high speed bomber design. This was a novel concept at a time, since most bombers were slow and cumbersome. The Mosquito bomber variants were an entirely unarmed (offensively) fast bomber, with speed being its main weapon. Taking flight in November 1940, the prototype Mosquito utilized the powerful Rolls Royce Merlin engines, coupled with a lightweight wooden construction, earning itself the nickname of “Wooden Wonder”. The earlier B Mk IV bomber would enter service from 1941.[/p][p] [/p][p]The later B Mk XVI incorporated multiple improvements. Most notably, two-stage Merlin powerplants and a pressurised cockpit suitable for higher altitude use, where the Mosquito’s speed came to be most useful. The B Mk XVI also featured the larger bulbus bomb bay, allowing the carry of the famous 4000 lb “Blockbuster” or “Cookie” bomb as it was also known, one of the largest bombs in RAF inventory. [/p][p] [/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Mosquito B Mk XVI![/h3][p]It’s been a long time coming! Today we are excited to introduce the Mosquito B Mk XVI, the bomber variant of the well known Mosquito family to War Thunder. Many of you have requested this particular variant, and for good reason! Let’s meet the high speed cookie delivery bomber and see what it has to offer in battle.[/p][p] [/p][p]The Mosquito B Mk XVI is fitted with a pair of supercharged two-stage Rolls Royce Merlin 70 series engines, with much better characteristics than the current Mosquitos offer, providing this version with an excellent top speed and rate of climb, enabling superior high altitude engine performance. This will be vital to success with the XVI, as speed is your only defensive option. This version features a clear nose for the bomb aimer, meaning all of the offensive armament is not present on this version of the aircraft. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]No guns? No problem! This Mossie has an ace card: a big bomb! The Mosquito B Mk XVI features an enlarged bomb bay, enabling it to house the famous H.C 4000 lb Blockbuster bomb (or “Cookie” bomb, hence the dev blog title) which you can already find in game on the Wellingtons, Lancasters and Lincoln. On these slow and heavy bombers, you’ll find yourself a much easier target, while the Mosquito can sweep in and deliver its payload much quicker and precisely, with enough speed to get you out of danger too! This makes this variant the perfect companion to your ground forces lineup, being ideal for Close Air Support. You get a cookie! You get a cookie! Everyone gets a cookie! In addition to the cookie bomb, you’ll be able to use conventional and AP bombs up to 500 lb, as well as RP-3 rockets and 1,000 lb Uncle Tom rockets. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Mosquito B Mk XVI will be joining the game as a Squadron Vehicle, due its niche but fun role in the game. This will offer an alternative to the already vast selection of British bombers and attackers found throughout War Thunder and provide Great Britain with a new lower ranking squadron vehicle option to choose from besides the Firecrest. As with all other squadron vehicles, it can be earned through accruing squadron activity points or it can be purchased with Golden Eagles outright.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]That’s all for now, you’ll be able to take to the skies in the Mosquito B Mk XVI in the Spearhead major update! Stay tuned to the news for more information on what else you can find. Until then happy battles, people.[/p][p] [/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]The first flight of the Heinkel He 219 prototype took place on November 6th 1942, at the Rostock-Marienehe factory airfield. The He 219 was the first combat aircraft to be equipped with ejection seats. Many modifications of the aircraft were produced, the last one being the He 219 A-7 in late 1944.[/p][p][/p][h3]The He 219 A-7 is temporarily available for purchase for 2,980 Golden Eagles![/h3][p][/p][p]When: From November 6th (11:00 GMT) until November 10th (11:00 GMT).[/p][p]Where: Germany > Aviation > Premium vehicles.[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p] [/p][p]About this aircraft[/p]

• [p]The He 219 A-7 (rank IV) is one of the most advanced modifications of the He 219, featuring upgraded engines and substantial frontal armor. In addition to its rate of climb and survivability, it also boasts powerful forward-firing armament consisting of two 20 mm and four 30 mm cannons.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Hey everyone, today we’d like to go into detail regarding the new Damage Control mechanic for naval vehicles and clarify any misconceptions about the change and repairing in general.[/p][p][/p][h3]How does the Damage Control mechanic work?[/h3][p]In the Spearhead major update, we’ll be introducing a new Damage Control (DC) mechanic for every naval vessel in the game. In this updated form of damage control, you’ll be able to pre-select three different action presets that replace the basic manual repairs: firefighting, module repair, and water pumping. After receiving damage, all three DC processes begin automatically, and you can adjust the priority of which area you want to focus on. The manual quick repair is no longer needed, as the repairs will always be carried out automatically by the crew as long as it’s possible to do so.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Every ship will have an individual DC coefficient, which will be affected by the size of the vessel, crew count, and generation of the ship. The newer the ship, the more advanced and effective its damage control process will be. A high crew count will improve this further, and relative to the amount of crew it will also be more effective in general on smaller vessels, as the damaged areas can be reached by crew faster. The coefficient reduces the time penalty for the second and third DC processes in the setup you’ve selected, but not significantly. So in short, your ship will be repaired automatically, as long as there are crew resources for it![/p][p][/p][h3]How did repairing work previously?[/h3][p][/p][p]Previously, some players deliberately did not repair knocked-out modules and compartments with the intention of “saving” part of the crew that remained in those areas. For example if the engine was destroyed, fewer crew would be there, and so less damage would be taken. This is no longer possible with the new system. The ability to do this was a consequence of the old system, but not an intended one. This “tactic” was not intentional as the advantage it gave was antithetical to gameplay and the intentions of the mechanic. We did not consider this a critical “exploit” for lack of better words, as this crew saving was not particularly impactful. For example, the combat crew of a gun turret or an ammunition elevator on a battleship is 10-20 people out of a total crew of, say, 1000 in total.[/p][p][/p][p]Fundamentally, the key issue with deliberately not repairing certain areas of the ship was that it was unfair to the player shooting at it. The most important modules are typically protected by the strongest armor, and to defeat this you need to pick the right shell, set the right range, and lead the shot accordingly. If a player does everything “right”, besting the defenses of an enemy ship, they should be rewarded for successfully carrying out that action. The unintended ability to lessen the reward for the player landing their shots harms gameplay overall.[/p][p][/p][h3]Rounding off[/h3][p][/p][p]We understand that DC may be seen as taking away agency, but this decision is in favour of fairer gameplay across the board, and rewarding the active player in the engagement. You penetrated an enemy ship in a critical spot? Excellent, you’ll be rewarded for that. You got hit by an enemy in a critical spot? Then they deserve the reward for that. This old system let a player reduce the reward gained by another player arbitrarily, and at the same time, engaging with a critically damaged ship does not exactly make for engaging gameplay, as it reduces the ability to move and fire.[/p][p][/p][p]This new system will keep ships in fighting form more effectively, and make battles more dynamic and, importantly, fair. This will also mean everyone can put more concentration into combat and action. Thank you for reading, we hope this has clarified everything for you! Please leave your feedback and suggestions on the forum and War Thunder’s social media pages. Thank you for being with us, seven feet under the keel and good luck on the waves![/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]The BTR-82AT is a thoroughly modernized variant of the BTR-80/82 family, arriving in the Spearhead major update with advanced weapon systems, optional slat armor, and powerful ATGMs![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The BTR-82AT is a comprehensive modernization of the Soviet BTR-80, developed from the experience gained during modern conflicts, especially during Syria. The basis of this new variant was the BTR-82A model with a 30 mm 2A72 cannon in a remotely controlled combat module, but with significant improvements. The key addition was the integration of the “Kornet” anti-tank missile system, but various other areas of the vehicle saw significant improvement. It received a combined dual-channel gunner’s sight with a thermal imager, a laser rangefinder, and line-of-sight stabilization was installed. To protect against HEAT munitions, slat screen armor was fitted to the vehicle, which proved to be very effective in Syria.[/p][p][/p][p]The BTR-82AT modification is one of the most modern examples of the BTR-80/82 family, and is currently in service with the Russian army.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the BTR-82AT![/h3][p]In the Spearhead major update, the BTR-82AT will be making its way to the research tree as a modern modification of the familiar BTR-80A! It boasts several upgrades, including a stronger engine, enhanced protection, and most importantly the 9M133 anti-tank missile and a thermal sight. Let’s get acquainted![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]This modern IFV brings many familiar and new elements. The classic 30 mm autocannon is still present as the primary weapon with the same ammunition, but this time it is fully stabilized, drastically improving its offensive capabilities. Supplementing the cannon however is the ATGM launcher, which fires 9M133 “Kornet” missiles, a tandem-warhead ATGM and one of the most powerful missiles available for ground vehicles in the game. Several other firepower improvements have been introduced as well, including a laser rangefinder and an advanced thermal imager. [/p][p][/p][p]The BTR-82AT is also slightly up-armored and although this upgrade only allows it to withstand machine gun fire more effectively, it does have an internal spall liner as well. This has increased the weight of course, but the improved 300 HP engine makes up for it, keeping the tank nicely agile for its size. It will also have the option to install slat armor, which can help to disrupt incoming ATGMs and HEAT shells, reducing their effectiveness. This does increase the weight further.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Unlike its predecessor, the BTR-82AT will join the game in the SPG and ATGM carrier line, right between the IT-1/Shturm-S group and the Object 775 at rank VI. This versatile wheeled scout with very capable firepower will make for a fine addition to any high rank lineup, coming soon in the Spearhead major update![/p][p][/p][p]That’s all from us today, thanks for having a read, and stay tuned to the news because we have even more to show you soon![/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Following the defeat at the Battle of Vittorio Veneto, Austria-Hungary capitulated in the First World War. Under the terms of the armistice that came into effect on November 4th 1918, Italy received a number of territories, completing its unification. This is why November 4th is celebrated both as National Unity Day and Armed Forces Day in memory of the victory that completed the reunification of Italian lands, which started in the mid-19th century.[/p][p][/p][h3]The P40 “G.C. Leoncello” and M43 “G.C. Leoncello” are temporarily available for purchase with a 50% discount for 575 and 650 Golden Eagles respectively![/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]About these tanks[/p]

• [p]The P40 “G.C. Leoncello” (rank II) was developed in 1940 for the North African front, but only saw its first combat in 1943 in Italy itself, fighting on the side of the Axis powers (the “Leoncelli” group fought for the Italian Social Republic). The P40 is a well-balanced tank in terms of its characteristics, with good APHE and HEAT shells, effective armor and solid mobility.[/p]

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• [p]The M43 “G.C.Leoncello” (rank III) is a compact but hard-hitting tank, featuring a 105 mm cannon and a unique camouflage pattern from the “Leonchello” group. Its HEAT round with 120 mm of penetration is capable of punching through any opponent at its rank![/p]

[p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][h3]Open the “National Unity Day and the Italian Armed Forces” trophy![/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]Inside this trophy, you’ll receive one of four decals that were previously available on this day:[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]If you already have all four decals, you’ll receive a trophy and get one of the following when opening it:[/p]

• [p]20-50% Research Point booster for 3-10 battles[/p]
• [p]20-50% Silver Lion booster for 3-10 battles[/p]
• [p]3-5 universal backups[/p]
• [p]1 day of Premium account[/p]

[p][/p][p]Please note: After finishing the task, you need to collect the reward manually.[/p][p][/p][p]Additional details:[/p]

• [p]You can complete the task in random battles, except for \[Assault] mode.[/p]
• [p]Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → Italy’s National Unity and Armed Forces Day.[/p]