War Thunder News

The Harrier GR.7 is a modification of the second generation British Harrier jump jet, developed in the 1980s as a means to expand the capabilities of the original Harrier. Soon, both War Thunder pilots and fans of this unique aircraft family alike will have the chance to take command of the Harrier II as it arrives to the game as part of the next major update, Age of Drones!

Briefly: A further development of the well-known Harrier jump jet, featuring a new fuselage design and wing, resulting in a higher payload capacity.

[h2]Harrier GR.7, strike aircraft, Britain, Rank VII[/h2]

Features:

• V/TOL capabilities
  
• Expanded weapons arsenal
  
• Countermeasures
  
• Subsonic
  

In War Thunder, the Harrier GR.7 will be a new strike aircraft awaiting pilots at rank VI of the British aviation tree, following the release of the Age of Drones major update. Expanding the Harrier family of aircraft in the game into its second generation, the Harrier GR.7 not only gives seasoned War Thunder pilots access to another unique British aircraft, but it also brings with it improved handlings characteristics, and more importantly, a vastly greater payload over the original Harriers introduced several updates ago. Let’s get into some more details, shall we?

Among the many improvements the Harrier GR.7 features over the familiar GR.1 and GR.3 variants, is certainly the aircraft’s new engine. Unlike the older modifications, the Harrier GR.7 is powered by the Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.105 turbofan engine, which allows the aircraft to reach a top speed of 1,074 km/h at sea level. While this doesn’t result in an improved top speed, the combination with a new wing and improved fuselage lead to improved stability during flight, thus making the aircraft easier to control during flight.





Another notable difference when compared to the previous generation aircraft lies in the Harrier GR.7’s primary weapons. Namely, unlike with the GR.1 or GR.3 modifications, the Harrier GR.7 is fitted with a pair of 25 mm ADEN cannons, with 200 rounds of ammunition available to pilots per gun. However, where pilots will certainly feel the most notable upgrade over previous modifications is in the availability of suspended ordnance. In fact, the Harrier GR.7’s payload is nearly double that of the GR.3!





However, not only can the Harrier GR.7 carry more ordnance, it can also carry more advanced ordnance than any previous modification. Apart from conventional unguided bombs and rockets, the Harrier GR.7 also has access to later variants of the popular Sidewinder air-to-air missile as well as the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missile. Rounding off the selection is also a range of Paveway guided bombs, varying in calibers from 500 over 1,000 to 2,000 lbs. As a result, aspiring Harrier GR.7 pilots will have a wide assortment of weapons to choose from in order to complete their mission, regardless of the type of enemy they will be going up against.



The Harrier GR.7 will await all pilots at rank VI of the British aviation tree, following its arrival to War Thunder as part of the upcoming major update. In the meantime, make sure to keep a watchful eye on the news as we continue sharing what other exciting new vehicles and features await you in the upcoming update. Until then, clear skies and happy hunting pilots!

SMS Elbing is the second of two German WWI-era cruisers of the Pillau-class, previously ordered by the Imperial Russian Navy which were seized at the outbreak of The Great War. Soon, SMS Elbing will reinforce the early German cruiser lineup as it makes its way to War Thunder as part of the Drone Age major update!

Briefly: A German WWI-era light cruiser, initially built for the Russian Navy and outfitted with powerful 150 mm guns!

[h2]SMS Elbing, light cruiser, Germany, Rank III[/h2]

Features:

• Powerful cannons
  
• Torpedoes
  
• Low protection
  
• Lacks AA guns
  

In War Thunder, SMS Elbing will be a new light cruiser docking at rank III of the German bluewater fleet following the release of the next major update. Becoming one of the earliest light cruisers new captains will be able to unlock in the German naval tree, SMS Elbing will help smooth out the transition for captains moving up from destroyers to larger and more powerful vessels.






Upon obtaining SMS Elbing, captains will immediately take note of the much heavier firepower present on this ship when compared to most German destroyers they may have captained before. Instead of 12.7 cm guns, captains now have access to eight of the much more powerful 15 cm cannons, thus enabling them to not only deal greater damage to smaller vessels but also to effectively take on other cruisers with armor piercing ammunition. However, it’s worth noting that only four guns can be brought to bear on a broadside, with the fifth gun enabled at proper course angles. In addition, SMS Elbing’s arsenal is also complemented by four 52 mm utility cannons as well as a pair of 500mm torpedo launchers, mounted on each side of the ship respectively.

[h3]

Fun Fact: SMS Elbing was the first German cruiser to be armed with 15 cm guns.

[/h3]

In contrast to SMS Elbing’s excellent firepower, the warship’s protection remains a bit lackluster. This is the first armored deck cruiser to the game - she lacks the armored belt, keeping the armor inside the hull as a 20mm horizontal deck with 40mm side plates. This layout protects the ship’s vital modules from salvos of HE rounds up to 150mm (6”), and AP rounds of up to 105mm (6”). The steering room has much better protection of 80 mm of armor.





However, thanks to its rather modest displacement and a powerful propulsion system, capable of generating 30,000 horsepower, SMS Elbing can reach a sound top speed of 27.5 kts (51 km/h). As a result, aspiring captains of this warship won’t need to worry about lagging behind their allies but captains also shouldn’t expect to lead the charge either. Yet, after considering the ship’s protection, this may not be such a bad thing after all. If anything, sticking closer to its allies will boost SMS Elbing’s odds of repelling an air attack given it lacks its own AA battery.



SMS Elbing is already headed for War Thunder naval battles and is expected to dock at player ports with the release of the next major update - Drone Age. In the meantime, be sure to keep scanning the horizon for more news and information regarding the upcoming update. Until then, calm seas and good hunting captains!

Your close-up shots were absolutely superb! So many screenshots, each capturing all of the intricate details of vehicles in War Thunder! War Thunder has never looked prettier! The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

[h2]Let’s begin the 32nd edition of our competition![/h2]

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen32. You have time until 16.09.2022 to submit your screenshot.

After that date, 6 winners will be selected (3 of which will be the highest rated by the community and 3 selected by our judges), each of which receive a reward of 300GE.

[h2]Important addition: Screenshot theme - Autocannon Special![/h2]

[h3]Terms:[/h3]

• Autocannons are everybody's favorite, right? All branches in War Thunder are equipped with some kind of autocannon, so let the drive-by’s, fly-by’s, and even sail-by’s roll in!
• You must add the #WTscreen32 tag (without other text).
• Screenshots need to be compliant with the War Thunder rules.
  
• You need to be the author of the screenshot.
  
• Screenshot needs to be new. You cannot use those which have previously been published or used in other competitions.
  
• We will only accept raw screenshots from the game. You cannot use any editing software nor any other visual enhancements (like Nvidia Ansel filters).
  
• You can use filters and settings built into War Thunder.
  
• You can use the replay functionality built into War Thunder.
  
• Rewards will be delivered to the author's account within 7 working days.
  

[h2]And now, time for the winners of the competition’s 31st edition - Close Ups![/h2]

[h3]Winners selected via community votes:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2858780248
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2858086818
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2858059697

[h3]Winners selected by our judges:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2858450505
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2858803973
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2858919445

Each winner will get 300GE! Congratulations and see you next week!

The Rooivalk Mk1F CSH helicopter is a true marvel of the South African defense industry. Equipped with advanced technologies which allow it to engage and destroy large numbers of enemy tanks!

[h2]Rooivalk Mk1F CSH, strike helicopter, Britain, rank VI. Premium, available in a Store pack.[/h2]

Features:

• Brilliant flight capabilities
  
• Long-range ZT-6 Mokopa ATGMs
  
• Air-to-air missiles
  
• Thermal imager
  

In War Thunder, the Rooivalk Mk1F comes as a new Premium attack helicopter at rank VI of the British helicopter tech tree. The aircraft will appear in our online store as part of a special pack immediately after the release of the Drone Age update. Born to the harsh conditions of Southern Africa and designed to operate in a high-threat environment, the concept of this attack helicopter rests on four pillars: “go unnoticed; if spotted, avoid being hit; if hit - continue the flight; if the flight is impossible, the flight crew must survive.” The Rooivalk Mk1F embodies the intentions of her creators as a fully-fledged world-class attack helicopter in terms of its flight characteristics, technologies used, and combat effectiveness.





As for its technical and flight characteristics, the Rooivalk Mk1F is not only on par with other modern attack helicopters from around the world but sometimes (for example, in terms of maximum hovering height) even surpasses them. The power plant of two Turbomeca Makila 1K2 turboshaft engines provides a top speed of over 300 km/h, while the strafe speed exceeds 90 km/h. The “brain” of the helicopter is a fully digital computer with two MFDs in the cockpit. The sighting system with information projected onto the pilot's visor includes a night vision device and a thermal imager, the nose turret with a 20-mm GI2 cannon is also synchronized with the position of the visor.





The helicopter’s suspended weapons options can be arranged for several combat tasks, which can include the excellent Mistral air-to-air missiles with all-aspect seekers, which work perfectly not only against enemy helicopters but also against enemy jet fighters. The remaining four suspension points can be equipped with new to the game ZT-6 Mokopa ATGMs with a tandem warhead, as well as 70mm HEAT rockets that can overcome up to 350 mm of tank armor.



You can purchase this modern African attack helicopter as part of a special pack in our online store, which will be available with the release of the Drone Age update. The patch is almost ready - we are waiting for the update with you!

• In-game chats have been temporarily disabled. Quick commands are available in the game sessions for players in your team and voice chat is active for squad members.
  

The current provided update notes reflect the major changes within the game as part of this Update. Some updates and fixes may be not listed in the provided notes. War Thunder is constantly improving all the time and certain fixes may be implemented without the client being updated.