War Thunder News

Heat seekers on missiles are now able to react to the heat signatures of jet aircraft engines in various run modes.

Hey guys! We’d like to unveil details of the recent improvement in the mechanics of acquiring the thermal signatures of jet engines by missile seekers. The fact is that the picture of the intensity and distribution of heat from an aircraft jet engine directly depends on its operational mode. So, in non-afterburning modes, the intensity of the plumes of hot gasses in the forward hemisphere of an aircraft is low and comparable to the intensity of the glow of a heated fuselage skin. At the same time, the expanding flame of burning fuel in afterburner modes has a significant luminosity not only in the rear, but also in the front hemispheres of the aircraft.

The lock-on range of infrared homing heads in the forward hemisphere for non-afterburning targets is determined mostly by the heating of the fuselage. The presence of such an intense source of infrared radiation as an afterburner plume significantly increases the possibility of target detection at long distances.


Target acquisition limits of the AIM-9L missile for max and afterburner operational modes


Target acquisition limits for the R-24T missile for targets at various engine modes

We have discriminated the afterburner plume into a separate thermal signature for a more correct calculation for target detection range in afterburner mode. In addition to the increasing of the lock-on range in the forward hemisphere of all-aspect missiles, like AIM-9L and R-24T, with a cooled sensor made of indium antimonide, this allowed us to recreate the limited front aspect capability of the AIM-9D type missiles with a cooled sensor made of lead sulfide, which at short distances allows the detection and killing of afterburning targets on a head-on directions.

Thus, missile IR seekers now more correctly process thermal signatures of different engine modes at different distances and at different angles. In addition, it has become possible to significantly expand the tactics of missiles already familiar to you. Happy air hunting, pilots!

First work-in-progress images of the new location from the upcoming War Thunder update!

[h2]“Pyrenees”[/h2]
The new location for air battles “Pyrenees” invites you to the mountainous area of the Principality of Andorra. Small villages with farm fields are spread upon valleys, ancient castles and medieval abbeys compete for the most picturesque view of the surroundings, and the clear water of the mountain lakes sparkle bright in the green hued highlands. Visit the "Pyrenees" in your combat aircraft, it's so beautiful here!



[h2]Winter “Seversk-13”[/h2]
The winter version of one of the most mysterious locations in War Thunder. Russian winter has come to the abandoned town, but the air raid warning is still heard, disturbing news about the missing people can still be heard on the police wave and military convoys still block the town.



[h2]Snowy “Ardennes”[/h2]
Another winter version of a location beloved by the players, “Ardennes”. Fields covered with snow, white caps appeared on the straw stacks and roofs of the unfortunate town that turned out to be on the path of a desperate German counteroffensive.



[h2]“Maginot Line” in winter[/h2]
The fields of the Maginot Line also welcome winter. The green grassy hills, concrete pillboxes and idyllic hamlets of northwest France are now covered with early fluffy snow. Paint your tanks white, and be ready to battle!

On February 16th, 1967 the Bo 105 multi-purpose helicopter, created by Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, took to the air for the first time. The Bo 105 pioneered a hingeless rotor system, received over 20 modifications and is still widely used in many countries across the globe.

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To celebrate this date, the Bo 105 will be available for purchase with Golden Eagles in the German tech tree from February 16 (11:00 GMT) until February 20 (11:00 GMT).

Nenohi is one of six Hatsuharu class destroyers built for the IJN in the early 1930s. Armed with punchy cannons and even deadlier torpedoes, Nenohi will come to reinforce the ranks of the Japanese bluewater tree as part of the next major War Thunder update!

Briefly: A Japanese interwar destroyer, sporting good mobility and armed with deadly Type 90 torpedoes.

[h2]IJN Nenohi, destroyer, Japan, Rank II, premium vessel[/h2]
Features:

• Deadly firepower
  
• Satisfying mobility
  
• Premium bonuses
  
• Modest anti-air arsenal
  
• Light protection
  

In War Thunder, Nenohi will be a new premium destroyer reinforcing the early ranks of the Japanese bluewater fleet in game. Being the sister ship to Hatsuharu, which may already be familiar to some Japanese captains, Nenohi will come to the game incorporating some of the modifications given to the vessel shortly after its completion. Curious to find out what those are? Then join us as we take a look at the details!



Not long after entering service with the IJN, both Hatsuharu and Nenohi underwent substantial refitting in order to address issues primarily concerning their stability. While the familiar Hatsuharu represents the class’ iteration before these modifications were done, the upcoming Nenohi incorporates the changes implemented with the refit. As a result, Nenohi’s primary armament consisting of five 5’’ (127 mm) guns remains unchanged, but what does change is the arrangement of the guns. Namely, while the twin mounts maintain their familiar bow and stern positions, the single 5’’ turret was moved to the stern and mounted where formerly a torpedo launcher was situated.

This brings us to the second notable difference to Hatsuharu, namely the torpedo armament. As previously mentioned, one of the triple torpedo launchers has been removed on Nenohi to make room for the relocation of one of the main battery turrets. This results in the loss of a third of the design’s original torpedo strength. On the other hand though, Nenohi is equipped with a slightly improved anti-air armament consisting of two twin 25 mm turrets instead of the original two 40 mm cannons present on Hatsuharu.



Another difference to Hastuharu is Nenohi’s slightly higher displacement. As the machinery remains identical on both warships, this means that Nenohi can’t boast the same level of mobility as Hatshuharu. Nonetheless, being able to achieve a top speed of around 33 kts (slightly over 60 km/h), Nenohi is far from being labeled as cumbersome. Quite the opposite in fact! With its speed and agility, Nenohi is able to quickly maneuver into position to launch an attack and may just as quickly vanish behind cover. Furthermore, being a premium vessel means that captains will receive additional rewards for all actions performed in battle, thus greatly speeding up their progress on researching the next vessel they seek to add to their lineup!



IJN Nenohi will soon be docking in player ports with the release of the next War Thunder major update. In the meantime, be sure to keep scanning the horizon for more news as we continue sharing the latest on what the upcoming update has in store for you. Until then, calm seas and happy hunting captains!

[h2]Aircraft[/h2]

• The chance of radar lock transfer on nearby targets has been decreased, which means more stable target tracking.
  
• Launch range of R-530, R-27R and R-27T missiles has been slightly increased.
  
• Launch range of R-530F and R-530D missiles have been increased.
  
• AIM-9L - field of view of the seeker has been increased from 2.5 to 3.6 degree, max lock angle increased from 17 to 40 degrees, tracking rate reduced from 36 to 22 degrees per second (report)
  
• Missiles with IR seekers now have separately calculated lock-on distances on afterburner plumes. Afterburner target acquisition range to the front hemi-sphere has been increased for all-aspect missiles. Cooled-cell rear aspect missiles are now able to lock on targets on a collision course.
  

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.