War Thunder News

[p][/p][p]Meet the Soviet Be-6 flying boat with new turboprop engines in PLA Air Force service![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The Qing-6 is a Chinese modification of the Soviet Be-6 flying boat, created by the Beriev Design Bureau. Development of the aircraft began in 1943, and the first flight of the prototype took place in 1945. The production variant was accepted into service in 1951 and differed from the prototype due to its more powerful ASh-73 engines and enhanced 23 mm NR-23 cannons instead of UBT machine guns. The Be-6 was intended for maritime reconnaissance, anti-submarine operations, patrolling, cargo transportation and mine laying. In total, about 120 of these aircraft were built in the USSR from 1949 to 1957.[/p][p]In the 1950s, China received several Be-6 aircraft to equip its naval forces. In the 1970s, due to the engines reaching end of service life, Chinese engineers carried out a major modernization of the aircraft. They replaced the ASh-73 piston engines with upgraded turboprop engines, which improved the aircraft’s flight characteristics and reliability. The modernized variant was designated Qing-6, and remained in service until the late 1990s.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the Qing-6![/h3][p]In War Thunder’s next major update, China will receive its own version of the Be-6 flying boat, coming to the game as a premium for Golden Eagles. One of the most interesting and effective floatplanes in the game is getting new engines, while retaining its main advantages: an excellent payload and powerful defensive weaponry. Let’s take a look at the Qing-6![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]In addition to the dark blue livery, the main difference between the Qing-6 and Be-6 is upgraded Chinese-made turboprop engines. These engines are not going to make this massive plane as fast as a jet, but a speed of over 520 km/h after dropping its bombs is already quite good! It’s also worth noting the comparatively good control of the Qing-6 for its size, which helps to accurately bomb targets and perform defensive maneuvers. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The bomb loadout has also changed, somewhat! When flying this large plane, you’ll now have access to 250 kg incendiary bombs. Next to this, the familiar bomb loadouts are available: eight 250 kg, two 1500 kg bombs, a pair of torpedoes for naval battles, and the most popular loadout of eight 500 kg bombs, allowing you to destroy several bases in Air Battles in a single sortie![/p][p][/p][p]Did you know? The Qing-6 is the only Chinese plane designated as “Qing”, while other Chinese military planes are generally named after the type of the aircraft.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]One of the Qing-6’s trump cards is its defensive armament. Five 23 mm autocannons in three turrets! This is a very impressive deterrent against enemy fighters, who may be tempted by the Qing-6’s apparent slowness and large size. Here’s two pieces of advice for future pilots: avoid attacks on your aircraft from below and behind, as the turrets in this area cannot fire. Try to let the enemy get closer, ideally in the upper rear area so that you can unleash the powerful defense guns at once! [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]So, that’s it for today. We’re eagerly awaiting the Qing-6, which will become China’s first premium medium-range bomber, significantly helping pilots research the Chinese air tree from rank I to rank V a lot faster. We hope you enjoy this fan favorite aircraft upon the release of the next major update, and we’ll see you soon for more![/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][h3]Ground Vehicles[/h3]

• [p]A bug that caused collision issues when ground vehicles came into contact with cedar trees on the Japan map has been fixed.[/p]
• [p]A bug where the active scouting recharge animation would sometimes not display when viewed through the gunner’s sight or binoculars has been fixed. During these instances the recharge mechanic worked correctly, only the display was incorrect. (Report).[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]Graphics[/h3]

• [p]A bug that caused the display to be stretched to an incorrect aspect ratio when using a screen resolution higher than native (DSR — Dynamic Super Resolution) has been fixed. (Report).[/p]

[p][/p][hr][/hr][p]Patch notes reflect only key changes, meaning they may not include a complete list of all improvements made. Additionally, War Thunder is constantly being updated and some changes may not require an update. Changes reflected in patch notes are formed by taking reactions and requests of the community from the bug reporting service, forums and other official platforms into account. Bug fixes and changes are implemented in order of importance, for example a game-breaking bug will be worked on and implemented sooner.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today, pre-orders for the USS Maryland for the USA and HMS Nelson for Great Britain have started![/p][p][/p][h2]Battleship USS Maryland (Rank VI)[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]USS Maryland (BB-46), the third Colorado-class battleship, was launched in 1920 and commissioned in 1921. Prior to the Second World War, she served as the fleet flagship, participating in numerous exercises and making visits to Australia, New Zealand and Brazil. On December 7th, 1941, USS Maryland was in Pearl Harbor, where she received minor damage from Japanese bombs, while her neighbor Oklahoma capsized. After repairs, Maryland returned to service in 1942, took part in the Battle of Midway, and patrolled Fiji.[/p][p]From 1943, USS Maryland went on the offensive. She participated in artillery support for the landings on Tarawa, Kwajalein, and Saipan, but was damaged by a torpedo. During the Battle of Leyte Gulf, she repelled the Japanese fleet in the Surigao Strait, but was damaged by a kamikaze attack. During the Battle of Okinawa in April 1945, USS Maryland was again damaged by a kamikaze strike, forcing her to go for major repairs. In August 1945, after completing her modernization, USS Maryland headed back to the combat zone. After the surrender of Japan, she took part in the operation to return American servicemen to their homeland. After the war in 1947, she was decommissioned and sold for scrap in 1959.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Meet “Old Mary”, one of the latest and most advanced super-dreadnoughts for the American Bluewater fleet, coming to War Thunder in the next major update. USS Maryland is the sistership of the formidable USS Colorado. She relies on eight powerful main caliber guns, rapid-fire secondary caliber guns and numerous automatic anti-aircraft weaponry. USS Maryland is very well armored — the armor thickness in the armor belt area reaches 343 mm! She also has a large crew, guaranteeing good survivability even when under immense fire from the enemy team. Like most pre-war dreadnoughts, USS Maryland does not have the best speed, and the gigantic main caliber turrets take a long time to turn to the target. Because of this, make sure to use this battleship at long distance fights, something this ship is best at.[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Battleship HMS Nelson (Rank VI)[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]The Treaty of Washington limitations forced naval command to revert to the plans for the previously canceled ships in a highly modified form, leading to the development of battleships HMS Nelson and her sistership HMS Rodney.[/p][p]HMS Nelson was completed in June 1927. Her armament consisted of a total of nine 16 inch guns in three triple gun turrets and twelve 6 inch guns in twin turrets. She was the first British warship to have a tower bridge that incorporated gun directors and a mast, and had flush decks like the previous “Lord Nelsons” from 1908. She was powered by Brown-Curtis geared turbines driving two shafts and had a speed of 23.5 knots for 46,000 HP.[/p][p]HMS Nelson served as flagship in both the Atlantic and Home Fleets for 14 years, participating in various operations. She took part in the search for Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. Later in the Second World War, HMS Nelson was deployed to the Mediterranean Fleet, participating in operations like the Torch landings and the invasion of Sicily. Throughout the war, HMS Nelson was involved in key operations, including escorting convoys and engagements against German forces. She narrowly avoided major disasters while participating in D-Day bombardments before undergoing repairs in the U.S. Following service in the East Indies Fleet, Nelson contributed to the Japanese surrender in Malaya.[/p][p]After the war, she served briefly as flagship before being sold for scrap in March 1949, marking the end of her noteworthy career in naval history.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Meet one of the most famous Royal Navy battleships, HMS Nelson! This ship features an amazing combination of high firepower, excellent survivability and good speed. The main armament of HMS Nelson is nine 406 mm main caliber guns in three, three-gun turrets. Interestingly, all of them are concentrated in the bow of the ship, whereas on the other hand, the 152 mm auxiliary guns are located to the stern. The anti-aircraft battery deserves a special mention, as unlike the poor anti-aircraft battery of her sistership HMS Rodney, HMS Nelson has a total of 129 long, medium and short-range air defense guns! HMS Nelson’s armor is definitely not weak, as the main area belt reaches 356 mm, while the armor plates are located at an angle, which provides a good effectiveness thickness. Surprisingly, this monster is quite easy to control and will not let you down even in active combat. HMS Nelson’s speed exceeds 43 km/h, and the huge main caliber turrets can very quickly aim at targets![/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][p][/p][p]Please note that these vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]The legendary in-game King Tiger with the early turret type (commonly known as the “Porsche” turret) will soon be receiving a new visual model and numerous internal module improvements. Meet the redesigned Tiger II (P), coming in the next major update! [/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][p]First, let’s take a look at the Tiger II (P) from the outside. We’ve given it some general geometry corrections, especially noticeable on the turret, which underwent the most extensive reworking. A protective ring was added around the turret ring, which was previously a very vulnerable area. Zimmerit has now been added to the hull and turret. This is a special compound that was applied to Wehrmacht armored vehicles to protect against magnetic mines, though as far as the game is concerned its purely cosmetic. Spare tracks have been added to the sides of the turret too, slightly increasing the protection. The actual tracks themselves are also new.[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][p]Next, what about the internals? The armor will be updated to the more accurate volumetric model, correctly reflecting the dimensions of the tank’s protective structure when it’s hit. The models of the internal modules have also been reworked, becoming more detailed and accurate.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]You’ll be able to see the updated Porsche Tiger II for yourself very soon! And in one of the future major updates, we also plan to make improvements to the external model of the Tiger II (H), so make sure to keep an eye out for that![/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Recently, Bluewater fleet naval trees were extended to rank VII, and as a result we’ve now updated the research system to make progression faster and more balanced overall. The infographic shows the updated cost for researching and purchasing Bluewater fleet ships at each rank for each nation.[/p][p][/p][p](click here to expand image)[/p][p][/p][p]The cost of researching and purchasing Bluewater fleet ships at ranks I-VII has been altered (generally reduced). Values of the following parameters have been changed: the purchase price in Silver Lions, the crew cost, the Expert crew price, the price of modifications in Silver lions, the amount of research points needed to research a vessel, and the amount of research points needed to unlock modifications.[/p][p]Note that the calculations do not take into account grouped vehicles, since their research and purchase are not required to advance through the Bluewater fleet research trees.[/p]