War Thunder News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]It’s Community Update time! The summer is progressing and the developers have been working on the September major update. As always, today we’ll be talking about some upcoming content and we also have two free decals and a special pack for you. So sit back, grab your favourite snack and read on![/p][p] [/p][p][/p][h3]Get yourself some Community Update Goodies![/h3][p]It’s time for some free goodies and a cool pack! We’re returning last year’s “No Sekrit Dokuments, Please” decal, so those who didn’t manage to get it (although, over 80,000 of you activated it!) have the opportunity to get it now.[/p][p][/p][p]We’ve also made a brand-new “Sekrit Dokuments)))” decal. Use code NOSEKRITSINSIDE here to activate both decals! If you already have the original, you’ll be given the new one.[/p][p][/p][p]Once you’ve logged in, these decals can be found under Special > Snails and Special > Other in the decal customization menu.[/p][p][/p][p]The decal code will remain active from the publish date of this news until September 1st (10:00 GMT).[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]And last but not least, we’ve designed a very top secret pack for you to decorate your profile with! This pack includes a top secret avatar frame, top secret decal, top secret title and not quite as secret, but pretty useful 300 GE for $/€3.99.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]To get to the Gaijin Store through Steam, go to the in-game hangar > Shop > Online Store! [/h3][p][/p][h2]The upcoming major update[/h2][p]It’s time to take a look at some things that are planned to come in the next major update.[/p][p][/p][h3]New tank modules[/h3][p][/p][p]We’re continuing to add new and updated internal modules for vehicles that don’t currently have them. For the T-64 and T-80 series, the autoloader module will be refined, and a new element reflecting the conveyor mechanism will be added above the turret ring. This new element will retain the same functionality of the autoloader module we have already, and will effectively make it easier for the autoloader system to be disabled. The vertical and horizontal drive models have also been refined, they are now more accurate and in general will take up a little more space inside the tank.[/p][p][/p][p] Before/After[/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][p]As well as this, all T-72s, T-90s and ZTZ96s, ZTZ99s, the VT4A1 and the WZ1001 will all receive new detailed tank modules.[/p][p] [/p][p]Expect to see these soon in more detail, with further tanks planned for the future too![/p][p] [/p][h3]New Naval feature coming soon[/h3][h3][/h3][p]For naval battles, we are also working to add a new control to switch between firing just the main caliber guns and main caliber with secondary caliber guns at the same time. Currently that can be done only via the toggle in the controls menu, but a separate control should make this more convenient in the heat of battle and help you get the most out of your vessels. [/p][p] [/p][h3]More fuel dumping[/h3][p][/p][p]For aviation, you can also expect to see an expansion of the fuel dumping mechanic to more aircraft! This time covering vehicles like the Gripen, F-15, F-16, F/A-18, Eurofighter, Rafale, Su-27/30 Family and Tornado to name but a few. [/p][p] [/p][h3]F-16 AMRAAMS[/h3][p][/p][p]After reviewing your feedback on the Italian F-16A ADF armament, we will expand its arsenal to include AIM-120 AMRAAMs, which were used by these aircraft in Italian service. This will result in a BR increase for the platform, but will also bring it some new life where it can enjoy some more advanced and up to date weaponry.  You can expect to see an AIM-120 module and BR changes for the Italian F-16A ADF, US F-16A ADF and Chinese F-16A MLU. Thanks for all your feedback on these aircraft, we hope you enjoy the refreshed armament! [/p][p] [/p][h3]Nuclear Carriers[/h3][p][/p][p]We can also report that for ground battles, we are working on a new wave of Nuclear Strike aircraft for the highest BR range in the game. From 11.3+ onwards you can expect to field the F-111F, Tornado IDS ASSTA and Su-24M as the new platforms to deliver that final big boom to the battlefield. These aircraft have more modern RWR and countermeasure systems, compared to the current top jets delivering nukes. This will provide a more comfortable delivery experience for those of you skilled enough to achieve the game’s highest killstreak reward![/p][p] [/p][h3]Radar UI improvements[/h3][p]We’re also working on more convenient visuals and controls for aircraft radar systems. At the moment, pilots must use a large number of key combinations to fully utilize an aircraft’s radar, which can be a bit clunky in the heat of battle. To simplify this, we have taken out part of the radar control logic, similar to what we introduced previously for ground-based anti-aircraft systems. [/p][p] [/p][p]The radar screen will become interactive and can be used with the cursor (with the “show cursor” button activated). Here you can select targets by clicking on them, double click to instantly lock onto the desired target, and hold down the mouse button to move the radar’s viewing area. In addition, we will add separate control elements around the radar screen, where you can activate all other radar functions (change the mode, scale, etc.)[/p][p] [/p][p]A separate button in the action panel will enable this function, displaying all additional elements around the radar screen when activated. By default, the assigned shortcuts will be displayed above each corresponding element, repeated activation of this feature will hide the tips, or remove the tips entirely for those who find them unnecessary.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]We hope that the new controls will allow beginners to master this complex system faster, and let experienced players utilize their radar to the max, and hopefully free up a few hotkeys. Above is a working prototype of the final interface.[/p][p] [/p][h3]Some detailed Helicopter cockpits[/h3][p][/p][p]We’ve worked on some fully-detailed cockpits for the RAH-66, Mi-8 and Ka-29 and plan for them to come in the next major update. Here’s some work-in-progress screenshots directly from our aircraft model/artist design team (two without textures, one with textures).[/p][p]RAH-66[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]Mi-8[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]Ka-29[/p][p] [/p][carousel][/carousel][p][/p][h3]Vehicles[/h3][p][/p][p]As with all major updates, we’ll have a range of vehicles coming to the game. As always, what we mention here is planned to be added, as long as no outlandish and unforeseen issues occur beforehand.[/p][p] [/p][p]For ground forces, we plan to add new SAM vehicles for the nations who did not receive them in the previous major update: Great Britain, USSR, Italy and France, meaning all nations will now have a new SAM.[/p][p] [/p][p]The Japanese ground forces tree is going to be reinforced with some tanks from Thailand, since they lack domestic options in several areas of the tree. Thailand will spruce up the tree with more variety and will add more options to some lineups.[/p][p][/p][p]So what’s coming for Japan? We’re bringing in the Commando Stingray (also for the USA), M60A3 TTS, M163 and... we are plotting one more tank too. You’ll have to keep an eye out for this one![/p][p] [/p][p]There’s of course other vehicles coming as well — aircraft that sting, tanks, helicopters and naval vessels, but we don’t want to spoil everything here! Keep an eye out on the trailer and dev blogs to see more of what’s coming.[/p][p] [/p][h2]Other planned things[/h2][h3]Next Event Vehicles[/h3][p][/p][p]The current aircraft event with the F-106A Six Shooter as the main reward has just started, and today we’re ready to give some hints about what’s planned to come next.[/p][p][/p][p]In the next event, we’ll be going back to the high seas with a Naval event featuring a German ship. Once this one is done, we’ll be diving into the water (well, floating!) with an amphibious American tank.[/p][p][/p][p]Be sure to check out our website for all information surrounding the next events in the coming months.[/p][p][/p][h3]Changes to the SP cost of additional aircraft spawns in Ground Realistic and Naval Arcade and Realistic Battles[/h3][p][/p][p]In the future (follow the news!) we’re planning some changes to how spawn points work for aircraft in Ground Realistic and Naval Arcade / Realistic Battles.[/p][p] [/p][p]How does it work currently? To give you a refresher: if you spawn the same class of aircraft twice, the SP cost for the second spawn increases (so if you spawn an AD-2 and then an AM-1, for example). But it does not increase if you spawn again in a different class of aircraft — which effectively means you can spawn a fighter, attacker/bomber aircraft one after the other at the default cost.[/p][p] [/p][p]How will it work instead? The spawn cost of the second and subsequent planes you spawn in Ground Realistic and Naval Realistic / Arcade Battles will be determined by the ordinance you used with the previously spawned aircraft, and won’t be impacted by aircraft class. As an example, if you spawn an aircraft with bombs, the cost to spawn another aircraft equipped with bombs increases, even if the class is not the same.[/p][p] [/p][p]There will be effectively two types of aircraft spawns in regards to SP, fighters (aircraft of any class equipped with air-to-air missiles or no additional weaponry at all) and aircraft equipped with “Strike weapons” (bombs, rockets, AGMs, torpedoes, mines, AP piercing belts).[/p][p] [/p][p]Two more specific examples include:[/p]

• [p]If you spawn a P-47 with bombs (strike weapons) for 600 SP and get shot down, the cost to spawn it again with a backup with no strike weapons will be at the default cost (540 SP).[/p]
• [p]If you take a fighter with one bomb (like a Spitfire), the next aircraft you spawn with strike weaponry will increase, and not for fighter aircraft with no strike weapons.[/p]

[p] [/p][p]Overall, this changes the SP cost of additional aircraft spawns from a class-based system to a weapon-based system, which is much more streamlined and works more effectively with the intentions of the mechanic. The actual class of an aircraft is almost arbitrary, when it’s the weaponry that actually has an impact. In addition to this being an overall fairer way to distribute spawn cost, this will also result in less strike-capable planes in ground battles, as now it will be more difficult to spawn these aircraft multiple times.[/p][p] [/p][h3]Scouting through Scout UAVs[/h3][p][/p][p]In Ground Battles right now, it’s not possible to scout enemy targets through the Scout UAV. However, many players still take advantage by switching to a Scout UAV, put a mark, return to their tank and try to scout targets using this mark. We want to make this method a normal and balanced game mechanic by making it part of the core gameplay, so we are making some changes to how it works.[/p][p] [/p][p]We will make it so that you can now scout enemy players directly from the Scout UAV. There will also be some changes to the cooldown — when you have a Scout UAV in the air, the cooldown after a successful scout is three times as big, and the spawn point reduction for aircraft will be decreased by two times as well. However, the rewards in RP, SL and mission points have not changed.[/p][p] [/p][p]With this change, players will be able to scout from the Scout UAV instead of needing to switch back to their tank after placing a mark in order to try and get a scout (however, this method will still be here for those who want to do it). At the same time, the scout cooldown when you have a Scout UAV in the air will be longer to balance it out, and the spawn point cost reduction of planes has decreased, but the rewards will remain the same.[/p][p] [/p][h3]Clarification regarding 5th Gen aircraft[/h3][p][/p][p]Finally today, as we always receive a lot of questions on this topic, we wanted to share a few details regarding our plans for 5th gen aircraft. Here’s a message from War Thunder’s Game Director, Viacheslav Bulannikov:[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]That’s all for this one![/h3][p]Thanks for taking the time to read this post! It’s a lot to digest, but should have got you up to speed on what’s coming. Make sure to activate your free decals and check out the pack if you so desire, and see you in the next one![/p][p][/p][p]From your CM and Dev Team[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]Ground Vehicles[/h3]

• [p]Lineups 1_1 to 6_1 (inclusive) in Ground Simulator Battles now require a suitable tank in the crew slots to play. This has fixed a bug that caused the game mode to not be counted as a tank one, leading to the Battle Rating values of aircraft in this mode to be from Air Simulator instead of Ground Simulator Battles. (Report).[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]Locations and Missions[/h3]

• [p]A bug that caused the wind turbines on some locations to become destructible has been fixed.[/p]

[p] [/p][h3]Other[/h3]

• [p]A bug that caused the game to crash when switching to the cockpit in an air streak aircraft in Ground Arcade Battles has been fixed.[/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]The F-106A Delta Dart is a supersonic interceptor developed for the U.S. Air Force in the late 1950s as part of an effort to counter the growing threat of Soviet long-range bombers.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]Vehicle History[/p][p]The F-106 represents an evolution from Convair’s earlier F-102 Delta Dagger, featuring a refined delta-wing design, a more powerful Pratt & Whitney J75 engine, and the advanced Hughes MA-1 fire control system integrating automated interception guidance. Conceived at the height of the Cold War, the F-106 was optimized for high-speed, high-altitude interception missions, capable of speeds in excess of Mach 2. Designed with the emphasis on deterring massed bomber attacks, the F-106A could carry nuclear-tipped unguided AIR-2 Genie rockets and AIM-4 Falcon missiles. The Delta Dart entered service in 1959, quickly becoming the backbone of America’s continental air defense throughout the 1960s.[/p][p]In the 1970s, an upgrade package was developed for the F-106 based on experience gathered during the Vietnam War. Codenamed “Project Six Shooter”, the upgrade package featured the addition of a 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon in place of the internal rocket bay door, improving close-range engagement capability. Furthermore, the modification introduced a new cockpit canopy with improved visibility.[/p][p]By the late 1970s, changing strategic priorities and the shift toward multi-role fighters led to the gradual retirement of the F-106A. Many were converted into target drones for missile testing in the 1980s and 1990s.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Introducing the F-106A “Six Shooter”![/p][p]The F-106A represents the American answer to Soviet long-range bombers, believed to be the greatest threat to the U.S. during the 1950s. Sleek, lightning fast and armed with both cannon and missile armament, the F-106A is obtainable in the Sky Guard aircraft event that started today. Let’s take a closer look behind this unique new aircraft![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Developed at the height of the Cold War, the F-106 embodies the latest innovations in aeronautical technology of its time. Featuring a delta wing design and fitted with an extremely powerful Pratt & Whitney J75 afterburning turbojet engine, the F-106A can attain a top speed of Mach 2 at high altitudes while possessing favorable maneuverability during dogfights thanks to its delta wing design.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Interesting: Though never used in combat, the F-106 set a speed record for single-engine jet aircraft in 1959, reaching top speeds in excess of 1,540 mph (~2,478 km/h)![/p][p][/p][p]Although originally designed to carry exclusively rockets and missiles to take down enemy bombers, some F-106As received their later service career an upgrade package named “Six Shooter”. The upgrade primarily focuses on upgunning the F-106 with an M61 Vulcan rotary cannon with 650 rounds of ammunition while also installing an improved cockpit canopy with better visibility for the pilot. Many will appreciate this upgrade, as the F-106A’s missile selection is narrowed down to later modifications of one of the first guided missiles produced for the USAF, namely the AIM-4. While available in both IR and SARH versions, the AIM-4 is not as capable as later guided missiles. This is mainly due to the missile being more easily outmaneuvered or distracted by countermeasures as well as missing a proximity fuse and thus requiring a direct hit on the target to score a frag.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The F-106 Delta Dart with its rare “Six Shooter” variant can be obtained in the Sky Guard aircraft event that started today. To learn how to get this jet be sure to click on the link to our news article below![/p][p][/p][p]Click here to find out more details about the Sky Guard event:[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p][/p][h2]Aircraft[/h2]

• [p]F8F-1, F8F-1B, F8F-1B (France) — the separate launch of bombs and Tiny Tim rockets from the underwing pylons has been removed, as the maximum difference in load between the wings must not exceed 250 lbs. Source: AN 01-85FD-1 Pilot's Handbook for Navy Models F8F-1, page 49.[/p]

[h2]Naval Vessels[/h2]

• [p]Dark Aggressor TD, MTB-422 — tricolor wavy camouflage has been added.[/p]
• [p]LCM(6) Zippo — tricolor spotted camouflage has been added.[/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]

Thank you once again for your outstanding submissions last week, we love to see the creativity and attention to detail in your screenshots! This week, we're shifting the spotlight to teamwork. Whether it's a trio of tanks advancing through rubble, a tight fighter wing sweeping the skies, or a patrol group holding the line at sea, capture a group of vehicles working together! The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

[h2]Let’s begin the 184th edition of our competition![/h2]

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen184. You have time until the 15th of August 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.



[h3]Terms:[/h3]

Your screenshot must include at least two vehicles.
You must add the #WTscreen184 tag (title cannot have any other text in it).
Artists may only win by popular vote once per four screenshot competitions.
• 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 14 working days.
  

[h2]And now, time for the winners of the competition’s 183rd edition – Skies of Grey![/h2]

[h3]Winners selected via community votes:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3540572215
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3540582937
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3540243966

[h3]Winners selected by our judges:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3541414400
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3542433163
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3540231234

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