War Thunder News

Today, we’d like to tell you about an important milestone that is approaching for War Thunder’s aircraft component — the game wide introduction of Active Radar Homing Missiles, otherwise known as FOX-3. Taking into account the characteristics of this type of weapon and its possible impact on the gameplay in air battles, we’d like to talk to you in detail about our approach to adding these highly advanced missiles into the game. 

As more and more advanced aircraft and missiles have been introduced into the game, we were faced with various challenges in implementing them and the impact on gameplay they had. Starting with the first generation of basic guided missiles, to the first missiles capable of hitting maneuvering targets, to the first all-aspect missiles, and more recently the first super-maneuverable missiles. Each of these additions had the potential to drastically change gameplay in one way or another, and sometimes not always in the direction of more fun. Because of this, the introduction of each new missile generation was preceded by many game tests by several teams, including us, the developers, our QA team, the alpha test team and by players on the dev server. This has allowed us to verify the decisions taken for gameplay consideration, the scope of necessary improvements required and the impact on balance.



Similar missiles can already be found in the game, but with features that don’t have much of a strong impact on the overall gameplay. Firstly, there’s only two aircraft that carry these missiles: the F-14A and B. Secondly, the intended purpose of the AIM-54 is primarily to combat anti-ship cruise missiles or aircraft such as heavy bombers instead of highly maneuverable targets. These types of missiles can and still do successfully hit fighters who may not see them incoming, normally because they’re flying straight. However it’s not too difficult to avoid these missiles with some maneuvering around, which is why they don’t have a massive impact on gameplay balance.

In comparison, new medium-range missiles such as the AIM-120, R-77, MICA EM and others are created and intended for use against maneuvering aircraft. Aircraft capable can carry up to 8-10 of these missiles each, which in game terms means the possibility to fire up to 100 missiles per side. Combining this with the radar capabilities of these missiles and their maneuvering characteristics at medium and close-range, this could drastically alter the current meta of the game and make it much more difficult and unforgiving when making even the slightest error.



Having said this, going by our internal tests, air dueling situations between a small group of players in a battle using these types of missiles lead to some very interesting gameplay, with new tactical approaches being created. It’s also worth noting that these missiles don’t generally provide any new range parameters for hitting targets compared to the existing ones.

Based on the above, we’re planning to conduct mass general tests of this type of weapon and their aircraft within the current dev server period. This test will be held in the form of an event with a given set of aircraft and missiles — every player who has unlocked Rank VI aircraft on the live server will be able to take part.



To participate in this event, you’ll need to put an aircraft of Rank VI or higher from the following nations into a crew slot: USA, USSR, Great Britain, China, France and Israel. The nation selected when the mode starts will determine the aircraft available for testing in the event.

List of aircraft and missiles:

• F-16C with AIM-120A missiles
  
• MiG-29SMT with R-77 missiles
  
• JAS39C with R-Darter missiles
  
• J-8F with PL-12 missiles
  
• Mirage 2000-5F with MICA-EM missiles
  
• Barak II with DERBY missiles
  

The introduction of these new missiles is currently planned for the second major update of this year, in which missiles with ARH seekers and their respective aircraft will be added to the game for all nations at once.

That’s today’s blog wrapped! We hope that you’ll participate and leave some feedback for us, so that together along with our analysis of statistical data, we’ll be able to find any problematic areas and outline possible ways to solve them.

More instructions on how to join the Dev Server and participate in the test here

We’re announcing two premiums that are available for pre-order from today: the Type 90B “Fuji” for Japan, and the Merkava Mk.3 Raam Segol for Israel.

[h2]Meet the Type 90B “Fuji”[/h2]


Type 90B tanks are deservedly considered one of the best vehicles in the Japanese ground forces tree. Firstly, this tank’s 120 mm gun has an auto loader, allowing you to fire rounds from the first-stage ammunition rack with a reload time of just 4 seconds! Secondly, this tank is very mobile and has unique hydro pneumatic suspension, giving it the ability to peek in and out from behind low objects or hills. The Type 90B “Fuji” is a special premium version of the Type 90, featuring the Third Company of the Fuji School Armored Instructor Regiment insignia.



[h3]Pre-order — Type 90B “Fuji” Pack[/h3]
To pre-order from the in-game hangar, go to Shop > Online Store.

69.99

• Type 90B “Fuji” (Rank VII, Japan)
  
• Premium account for 20 days
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “Golden tank” title
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “The 1st Mechanized Battalion Insignia” decal
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[h2]Meet the Merkava Mk.3 Raam Segol[/h2]


The Merkava Mk.3 Raam Segol is an experimental version of the Israeli Army’s Merkava Mk.3 main battle tank, featuring the Raam Segol. In real life, this system automatically turns the tank’s turret in the direction of the laser and releases smoke grenades automatically. However in game, we’ll not be implementing this functionality as in many instances, it would interfere with the player’s control mid-combat. In-game, the Raam Segol will warn about the direction from where a laser is and the player will be able to launch smoke grenades or maneuver away as normal. In addition, this tank features thermal imaging, an effective APFSDS shell and a HE-TF shell.

The Merkava Mk.3 Raam Segol is a premium and is available for pre-order, giving you the unique “Purple Thunder” title, which is the translated name of Raam Segol, and a decal!



[h3]Pre-order — Merkava Mk.3 Raam Segol Pack[/h3]
To pre-order from the in-game hangar, go to Shop > Online Store.

69.99

• Merkava Mk.3 Raam Segol (Rank VII, Israel)
  
• Premium account for 20 days
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “Purple Thunder” title
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “Purple Thunder” decal
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We’re announcing the brand-new premium F-20A Tigershark! Maneuverable, fast, a new powerful engine, and strong stubby wings plus an excellent selection of weapons is exactly the recipe to have some fun and be a real pain for the enemy team.

[h2]Pre-order — F-20A Tigershark Pack[/h2]
To pre-order from the in-game hangar: Shop > Online Store.
74.99

• F-20A Tigershark (Rank 8, USA)
  
• Premium account for 20 days
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “Aerial predator” title
  
• Pre-order bonus: unique “Shark” decal
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• Pre-order bonus: unique demonstration camouflage USA
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[h2]F-20A Tigershark: A Premium Jet Fighter for the USA at Rank VIII[/h2]
Features:

• Great top speed!
  
• Variety of weapons.
  
• Excellent maneuverability.
  
• High flutter threshold.
  

Vehicle History
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Engineers from Northrop Corporation developed the F-20A Tigershark as a deep modernization of the F-5G fighter with improved flight and characteristics at a low cost. This new aircraft received a new power plant consisting of a single General Electric F404-100 engine, advanced avionics and radar, plus an expanded range of weapons. It made its first flight in 1982, where a total of 3 were built for testing. At the time of its creation, the F-20A was a direct competitor to the F-16 fighter jet, but was inferior to it and did not go into mass production. The only surviving F-20A was transferred to the California Science Center and is currently on display as an exhibit.
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[h2]Meet the F-20A Tigershark![/h2]

This jet fighter could easily be called an F-5 on steroids, as everything loved about this series of compact fighters is preserved and improved: great thrust, high roll rate, short but strong wings, and an excellent choice of guided and unguided weaponry. Let’s take a further look at one of the main new vehicles coming in the next major update called Alpha Strike, and the first Rank VIII premium: the F-20A Tigershark that can be pre-ordered starting from today!

Upon looking at the F-20A you’ll have noticed that the main external difference compared to the F-5 series is the rear fuselage, which is modified and fits just one General Electric F404-GE-100 turbofan engine. This engine alone produces significantly more thrust than the twin-engines found on the F-5E, meaning truly rocket-like capabilities and the ability to excel to a rate of climb of about 240 m/s, and a maximum speed of about 2200 km/h! To sum it up, imagine the maneuverability of the late F-5s, but enhanced by a very powerful engine: you get the F-20A Tigershark. Despite being compact and lightweight, this aircraft retains excellent resistance to high overloads to the fuselage and wings. As an example, you’ll easily be able to leave the combat area and any anti-aircraft radar coverage by diving sharply to tree-top level.



Thanks to this, the F-20A’s true calling is air dueling, as it has excellent control when at almost any speed, is fast in a roll and has an effective air brake. To help out, its wing pylons can mount up to 6 x all-aspect AIM-9L Sidewinders for those short-range engagements, or a pair of AIM-7F Sparrows for long-range engagements. In addition to this, this aircraft is also equipped with advanced electronics, an excellent radar, an RWR and a pair of fast-firing 20 mm M39A3 cannons, which have a good ammunition count and are mounted in the nose of this aircraft. For defense against in-coming missiles, there’s also a total of 45 flares and chaff that can be launched, and last but not least, a 30 mm gun pod can also be mounted.



Just like the F-5 series, the F-20A is not going to be out of place in ground battles, as this aircraft can drop regular bombs and fire rockets from low-altitudes. The cream of the crop though is its guided bombs in the form of 4 x AGM-65B air-to-ground missiles with a TV guidance head, best used from a higher altitude outside of the range of SAM vehicles that are commonly present at this rank.

In short, the F-20A is going to become one of the best vehicles in our store and will be available in the game with the release of the next major update. Don’t miss your chance to pre-order this awesome jet fighter to receive a special red and white camouflage, a decal, a unique in-game title, premium account days and Golden Eagles!

• The Battlepass challenge “Thunder from Heaven” that required the use of stealth belts now requires belts that contain no tracers.
  

The current provided changelog reflects the major changes within the game as part of this Update. Some updates, additions and fixes may not be listed in the provided notes. War Thunder is constantly improving and specific fixes may be implemented without the client being updated.

We’re pleased to announce that the Hungarian aircraft line is going to be added to the Italian aircraft tree in the next major update called Alpha Strike, which continues the development of Hungarian vehicles being added to the game. Let’s dive in and take a look!

[h3]Brief history of the Hungarian Air Force[/h3]
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Initially the Hungarian Air Force was founded in 1918 where it was made up of aircraft left over from WWI. In 1920 however, the Treaty of Trianon was signed between Hungary and the Allies that prevented Hungary from producing and using any aircraft. Despite this, they still opted to rebuild their air force in secret where it was eventually discovered in 1938 that this had been going on.

Hungary fought in several WWII battles including the German invasion of the Soviet Union, and the Invasion of Yugoslavia where their air force took part mostly using German and Italian aircraft. Hungary’s highest scoring Ace of WWII was Dezső Szentgyörgyi, having had 30 confirmed victories against Soviet and U.S. aircraft.

After WWII and the Battle for Hungary in 1945, Soviet influence played a significant role in the country. Hungary was given several WWII-era aircraft that had survived the war, including the Yak-9P, Tu-2 and IL-10 which remained in service into the 50s. This was until moving to Soviet jet fighters such as the MiG-15, MiG-17 and MiG-29 that were used throughout the Cold War. Currently, Hungary’s flagship jet fighter is the JAS39C which has been in service since the early 2000s.
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[h2]Meet Hungary’s Aircraft line! [/h2]

We’ve prepared a selection of interesting aircraft from WWII and the Cold War. Take a look at what’s awaiting you in this line!

Some of Hungary’s WWII aircraft were delivered to the Hungarian Air Force after the end of the war. First up is the famous Yak-9P and IL-10, as well as the Tu-2 bomber. These Soviet classics are going to bring the powerful 37 mm and 20 mm cannons, plus FAB bombing options that can be enjoyed in different game modes!



As for post-war, the Hungarian Air Force operated several interesting aircraft that are coming to the game: the MiG-15bis, MiG-17PF, IL-28, MiG-21MF, MiG-21bis-SAU, MiG-23MF, Su-22M3 and the MiG-29 9-12B! It’s these aircraft that are going to play a key role in enhancing Italy’s ground force lineups and will complement Hungarian tanks that are already in the game thanks to their additional bomb attacking options. In addition to this, they’re going to be fun in air battles thanks to their great top speeds and great air-to-air missile capability!



To top it all off is the JAS39C which is going to become the flagship jet for the Hungarian line! Still in service with the Hungarian Air Force today, this aircraft is going to be the one you’re going to want to get. Fast, maneuverable and the option for different types of air and bomb attack weapons including 6 x AIM-9M’s is exactly what you can look forward to.



This is just the start, as we have plans to implement other Hungarian aircraft in the future as well!

Make sure that you take a look at the addition of Hungarian aircraft in the Italian tree in the next major update called Alpha Strike, which is the first major of 2024, as there’s plenty to research and have fun with. With that, we’ve reached the end of this dev blog — stay tuned to the news where we’ll be unveiling other exciting vehicles that will soon be arriving!