War Thunder News

Say hello to this new American MBT which is the modern version of the acclaimed Abrams that features additional armor for urban environments as well as modern electronics. Today, we’ll be telling you all about what this MBT has to offer you when it arrives at Rank VIII of USA’s ground forces tree in the next major update, “Air Superiority”!

[h2]M1A2 SEP V2 TUSK II: An MBT for the USA at Rank VIII[/h2]

Features:

• ARAT II ERA protection.
  
• Remote controlled gun on the turret roof.
  
• GEN 2 thermal imagers.
  

[h2]Meet the M1A2 SEP V2 TUSK II![/h2]

Welcome to the long-awaited top-tier tank for the USA’s ground forces MBT line, this advanced Abrams features ERA protection and a remote-controlled gun on the turret roof. Concentrated firepower, modern technology and American ambition, it really has it all! Without further ado let’s take a look at what this tank has to offer.

From a visual standpoint, the M1A2 SEP V2 looks noticeably different compared to other Abrams variants in the game — on the turret’s roof, there’s an armor shield for the commander and a large-caliber machine gun. The hull and turret sides are covered with metal slats (that look a bit like roof-tiles), which are ERA modules known as the ARAT II, specifically designed for this tank. These plates — which are mounted on top of ERA blocks — will help to protect you from HEAT shells and ATGMs fired at the sides of this tank.



You may already be familiar with the protection for the regular M1A2 SEP in terms of its TUSK research modification for extra armor, but the ARAT II plates cover a noticeably larger area and simply look cool. In short, the M1A2 SEP V2 will be a fantastic addition to the American ground forces tree, enabling you to challenge any opponent that you may meet.



Despite having such a large mass, the M1A2 SEP V2 still has great mobility, allowing you to get to important areas in battle quicker than your opponents. For shells that can be fired, this tank has the same shells as the previous M1A2 SEP, with the top round being the lethal M829A2! In addition to this, the CROWS II module that features a 12.7 mm machine gun will enable you to ultimately have some fun and spray down obstacles as well as light tanks and low flying aircraft. In comparison to the previous Abrams, the M1A2 SEP V2 has GEN 2 thermals for the gunner and commander, so in short everything that you need to succeed is here!

In your matches by Egor, Lead Ground Forces Game Designer: “Here are some ways I recommend to play based on how I play tanks personally. I’d play from a distance, take slopes in hull down positions and observe the battlefield through binoculars, using your map knowledge to strategically position yourself. On the flip side I’d also use the SEP V2’s mobility to flank at the start of the battle and stop enemies from approaching capture points where possible — adapt to the circumstances you find yourself in. Both scenarios of course depend on the map that you get.”

The M1A2 SEP V2 TUSK II will be available to research at Rank VIII of USA’s ground forces tree when it arrives at the next major update, “Air Superiority”. For now, keep an eye on the news for our next dev blogs and see you soon!

The F-15 Eagle is a dedicated American air superiority fighter developed in the aftermath of the Vietnam War and based on the experiences gained from it. Today we’ll be talking exactly how this mighty jet will be when it comes to several nations in the “Air Superiority” major update!

[h2]F-15 Eagle: A Jet Fighter for the USA, Japan and Israel at Rank VIII[/h2]

Features:

• Capable of Mach 2.3!
  
• Excellent maneuverability.
  
• Advanced ordnance.
  
• Countermeasures.
  

[h2]Meet the F-15 Eagle![/h2]

Soon arriving to the American, Israeli and Japanese aircraft trees in the “Air Superiority” major update, the F-15 will become the new top dog of their respective trees, meaning you’ll be offered with an unmatched combination of agility and speed coupled with lethal firepower. So, let’s dive into the details!

Let’s first talk about the engine and performance. The F-15 is powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney F100 turbofan engines, generating an impressive thrust output confirmed by the F-15’s top speed which sits at Mach 2.3 at an altitude of 36,000 ft (10,900 meters). Thanks to its extremely powerful engines, the F-15 possesses an excellent thrust-to-weight ratio which allows it to quickly climb to altitude but also to recover from energy-consuming dogfights much quicker.



Furthermore, the F-15 features a more traditional fixed wing with low wing loading, unlike the F-14. This, plus its ability to generate lift with some sections of its fuselage, gives the F-15 truly incredible agility despite its impressive size! As a result, this aircraft can perform very tight turns while losing only minimal energy in the process. This means if you enjoy the thrill of dogfighting in its purest form, you will feel right at home when flying the F-15!

Interesting: During the mid 1980s, the F-15A was used as a launch platform for the experimental ASM-135 anti-satellite missile.



As expected, the F-15 “Eagle” certainly has sharp claws. In general, its payload options are optimized for air combat which is reflected in its impressive air-to-air missile armament, consisting of up to 4 short and 4 long range missiles. Thanks to this, you’ll be able to choose from a range of late AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-7 Sparrow missiles. For Japan and Israel, you’ll have access to the additional option of outfitting the F-15 with respective domestic missiles, such as the AAM-3 or Python-3.

Although the F-15 is optimized for aerial combat, it can certainly also pounce on prey found at ground level. Apart from conventional 500 and 2,000 lb bombs as well as incendiary bombs, the American and Israeli F-15 can also carry up to 3 x 2,000 lb TV-guided bombs. Rounding off the Eagle’s weapon options is the 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon which can be used to devastating effect both against aerial but also surface targets in combination with computer-aided targeting and the appropriate ammunition!

In your matches by Jan, Marketing Manager: “The addition of the F-15 is going to redefine the meta for top tier air combat. It’s fast, and it bleeds little speed thanks to its extremely powerful engines, but these must be handled responsibly. Remember that a large fuel load makes it physically impossible to do sharp maneuvers, which the F-15 is capable of at minimum load, so take care of your wings!”

The F-15 Eagle is simultaneously arriving at the top rank of three nations in War Thunder when the “Air Superiority” major update is released, and each F-15 will of course have its own camouflage depending on the nation. This blog is done, but there’s still more to come. Keep an eye on the news, but until then, enjoy your matches and see you soon!

We’re excited to be showing you one of the first brand-new Rank VIII ground vehicles coming to the game in the next major update. Say hello to the utmost modern representative of the T-90 family of MBTs created under the “Breakthrough” modernization program!

[h2]T-90M: An MBT for the USSR tree at Rank VIII[/h2]

Features:

• New turret design.
  
• Frontal Relict ERA protection.
  
• Barrel-launched ATGMs.
  
• Laser Warning System (LWS).
  
• Reduced number of weakspots.
  
• Very slow reverse speed.
  

[h2]Meet the T-90M![/h2]

A fantastic all-new T-90 variant, the T-90M will be added to War Thunder in the next major update at Rank VIII of the USSR’s ground forces tree. The T-90M is at the forefront of the T-90 family of tanks, featuring a new welded turret with built-in modular ERA and a new fire control system. Let’s take a look at what this formidable beast has to offer!

One of the first things you’ll have noticed with the T-90M is that its turret looks slightly different to its predecessors, and that’s correct! This tank features a new welded turret with an extended bustle at the back that holds a selection of the ammunition. Thanks to this addition, some shells that were previously located in the main fighting compartment have been moved into this new isolated area, helping to improve the T-90M’s survivability when penetrated from the front.



A new welded turret also needs some sort of reactive protection and this is exactly what has been added to the T-90M. This tank features Relict ERA scattered across the turret’s side and front as well as the upper front plate, which in turn will help you survive extra hits from ATGMs fired from tanks and helicopters.

Moving onto guns and ammo, which the T-90M inherits from the T-90A: a 125 mm smoothbore cannon that can fire tandem-charge 9M119M1 ATGMs, HEAT-FS, HE and two APFSDS rounds. However, what’s changed the most is the fire control system. This addition means the commander now has a new panoramic sight, the gunner and commander have fantastic thermal sights, plus a very handy laser rangefinder. You may have also noticed that the Shtora-1 active protection system (the red-looking eyes) is absent on the T-90M, however this tank still has a laser warning system, allowing you to react to missile threats in advance.



As for mobility, the T-90M has a new engine with enough additional power to compensate for its increased mass. Despite this increased weight, this tank is as fast and vigorous as you’d come to expect with Russian MBTs, however the burning question you may have is if its reverse speed is any better, and the answer is no. Tragically, it still inherits a measly 4 km/h reverse speed from its predecessors, so be sure to keep this in mind when in battle!

In your matches by Nikolay, Ground Forces Game Designer: “My advice here is similar to how I play the T-72 and T-90, which is at medium ranges, use its mobility to your advantage if you’re under fire, while making it difficult to aim at vulnerable weak points. As for short ranges, keep close to your allies because the slow reverse speed and not the best reload speed leave you with no chance if your shot doesn’t penetrate in a 1v1 scenario, or you suddenly run into several opponents.”

The intimidating T-90M will be added to the USSR’s ground forces research tree at the all-new Rank VIII in the next major update. Until then, continue to keep an eye out for dev blogs on our website and see you soon!

We’re going to be showing you one of the first Rank VIII MBTs coming to the game, which will be the Challenger 3 (P)! Capable, lethal and up to the challenge, today we’ll be talking about exactly how this new addition will be when it arrives in War Thunder.

[h2]Challenger 3 (P): An MBT for Great Britain at Rank VIII[/h2]

Features:

• Deadly L/55 A1 smoothbore cannon!
  
• Improved engine pack.
  
• GEN 3 thermals.
  
• Laser Warning Receiver.
  

[h2]Meet the Challenger 3 (P)![/h2]

The Challenger 3 is coming to War Thunder in its prototype form that was presented to the British MoD in 2019, and will be arriving to the British ground tree with the release of the next major update! Coming in at the all-new Rank VIII for ground vehicles, this tank is the ultimate Challenger, as it’s armed with an L/55 A1 smoothbore cannon, has better engine horsepower, excellent thermal sights, plus a great selection of ammo. Without further ado, let’s take a look at what this tank has to offer.

[h3]

Interesting: The Challenger 3 (P) is the 3rd version of the Challenger tank, where this series dates back over 40 years — Challenger 1 from 1983, Challenger 2 from 1998 and Challenger 3, after full-scale production, from 2027.

[/h3]



There’s one stand-out addition to the Challenger 3 (P) that significantly enhances its capability in battle compared to the Challenger 2, and that’s the L/55 A1 smoothbore cannon! This fantastic gun is mounted into a modified Challenger 2 turret, meaning you’ll have access to the lethal DM53 APFSDS round, HEAT-FS and even a HE-TF round. Although this gun is a welcomed addition, it does mean access to the traditional HESH and smoke shell is completely lost. Furthermore, the modified turret features excellent electronics, including a brand-new commander optic, GEN 3 thermals for the gunner/commander and LWS/LR, although a machine gun is absent from the turret roof.

[h3]

Did you know? The Challenger 3 (P) is the first British MBT to be armed with a smoothbore cannon instead of a rifled cannon, and the first time that HESH rounds are missing from British MBTs.

[/h3]



Moving to the hull and armor, which remains virtually identical to the Challenger 2. Particularly in the form of composite armor around the front, a large lower front plate and the weakness of the driver’s vision port. It’s also worth noting that additional armor packages that are quite familiar to previous Challenger 2s cannot be equipped on the Challenger 3 (P) in-game. Despite having a modified turret to house the larger L/55 A1 cannon, the turret cheeks of this tank still remain the same as the armor of its predecessor, which is decent in general.

One burning question that you may be asking is if mobility has improved, and… it has! Slightly. The Challenger 3 (P) has a 1500 HP engine instead of the standard 1200 HP engine, however the top speed remains at 59 km/h, which is still on the low side compared to other MBTs. Thanks to this extra horsepower, this tank will generally be able to get around better and reach its top speed quicker. It’s also worth keeping in mind that this tank weighs 66 tons, which is in between the weight of the regular Challenger 2 (62.5 tons) and TES (74.8 tons).

In your matches by Tom, Community Management Team Leader: “The CR3 offers something quite important. With better mobility, advanced thermals and a very powerful round you can effectively aim and fire on enemies faster due to the more forgiving firepower. This is the advantage you should aim to utilize as much as possible while you play. As top tier tanks are very universal there’s no strict playstyle to employ, but just keep in mind that you don’t absolutely need to fight up-close for your advantages to work.”

Overall, the combination of excellent electronic systems, better horsepower, good armor and a smoothbore gun will make the Challenger 3 (P) a breath of fresh air when playing the British top tier lineup. Don’t forget that the recently announced Rank VII Challenger 2 (OES) premium — coming soon too — will help you research the Challenger 3 (P) faster. That’s it for today’s blog, until next time, see you soon!

The next major update for War Thunder — “Air Superiority”!

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