War Thunder News

Today, we’ll be taking a look at IJN Amagi — an advanced Japanese battlecruiser design whose construction began in 1920 but was ultimately never completed due to adverse circumstances.

[h2]IJN Amagi: A Battlecruiser for Japan at Rank VI[/h2]

Features:

• Deadly 410 mm primary guns!
  
• Excellent mobility.
  
• Decent protection.
  
• Poor AA capability.
  

Vehicle History
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In the early 1920s, the Imperial Japanese Navy made plans to construct a new class of four battlecruisers. The ships were planned to be fitted with 16’’ primary guns, feature reasonable protection and excellent speed. Construction was approved and work began in the early 1920s, with Amagi as the lead ship of the class being laid down in December 1920. However, after the Washington Naval Treaty went into effect in 1922, Japan was no longer allowed to finish construction of the new battlecruisers. Instead, the first two ships under construction were reordered as aircraft carriers while the remaining two were canceled altogether due to the restrictions imposed by the treaty. In 1923 however, the Great Kanto earthquake severely damaged the hull of the Amagi, which was afterwards deemed irreparable. As a result, the ship ended up being sold for scrap. Amagi’s sistership however, IJN Akagi, successfully completed the reconstruction into an aircraft carrier and would go on to serve the Japanese navy up until its sinking at the Battle of Midway in 1942.

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[h2]Meet the IJN Amagi![/h2]

IJN Amagi will soon become the latest bluewater ship to join the top ranks of the Japanese naval tree in the Dance of Dragons major update. Built with speed and firepower in mind, IJN Amagi truly embodies the concept of battlecruisers and will enable its prospective captains to embrace several different tactical approaches, depending on one’s own preference and battlefield dynamics. Keep on reading to find out more!

The upcoming arrival of IJN Amagi to the top ranks of the Japanese fleet will bring with it a unique twist. Sharing some core design principles with the Kongo class battleships that you may already be familiar with, IJN Amagi takes this concept and brings it to a truly new level. For example, this ship is outfitted with a total of ten twin 16’’ (410 mm) cannons, making it one of the most heavily armed capital ships in the game in terms of raw primary battery firepower with an impressive reload rate of 2.5 rounds per minute. This means you’ll be able to comfortably engage in gun duels with virtually any opponent they may encounter on the high seas.

In addition to the primary battery, IJN Amagi also comes equipped with 16 x 140 mm secondary and 4 x 120 mm anti-air cannons. A further 8 x 610 mm fixed torpedo launchers round off the warship’s impressive arsenal.



Interesting: Some of the main battery guns intended for use on the Amagi class battlecruisers were later on re-purposed for installation on coastal defense batteries.

In terms of gameplay, IJN Amagi can be compared to the Alaska and Kronshtadt battlecruisers. However, this new ship is better armed and protected, but loses to them in terms of air defense capabilities. IJN Amagi’s armor in some areas is close to that of a battleship, for example 254 mm thick in the main armor belt and 70 mm of deck armor allow you to use this ship for shooting at very far distances with a good chance of surviving a hit from an enemy battleship!



Use the hit and run tactic, firing several consecutive salvos with the main guns and then retreating if possible. Or if you’re ballsy, you could play actively and lead your teammate’s attack at a point, all while using the cover of allies air defenses, as the IJN Amagi’s own anti-aircraft defenses are very mediocre. Don’t get too close to enemy ships though, as due to its size, it’ll become an easy target for torpedoes and its armor will not be able to withstand them.



That’s today’s blog! IJN Amagi will soon become a common sight in War Thunder naval battles after it joins the top ranks of the Japanese bluewater fleet with the release of the Dance of Dragons 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. See you soon!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

The Ultimate bomber just got an upgrade! Today, we’ll be covering not one, but two new variants of the mighty F-111 Aardvark, including one from down under! Let's take a closer look at what the C and F versions have to offer.

[h2]F-111C & F-111F: Strike Aircraft for Great Britain and the USA at Rank VII[/h2]

Features:

• Modernized upgrades to the Aardvark!
  
• Guided air-to-ground ordnance.
  
• All-aspect IR missiles.
  
• Increased countermeasure capability.
  
• More powerful engines (F-111F).
  

Vehicle History
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F-111C
In the 1960s, the Royal Australian Air Force sought to replace their Canberra bombers due to their capability limits and lack of all weather operation capability. Lacking a capable bomber that could match the Tu-16, the RAAF began searching for a new type that could satisfy its longer range requirements. Assessments were made of several current and up and coming aircraft, such the A-5, F-4 Phantom II, Mirage IV, TSR.2 and the then TFX program. Political and economical issues steered the RAAF away from the TSR.2, with the economic cost of the Mirage IV also being a deciding factor. The final winner was the TFX program which offered to meet all the needs and requirements set out. 

When the F-111 finally emerged from the TFX program, it became clear that the RAAF would require its own modifications to be made to what was to be the B (Naval) variant for it to be accepted. A longer wing design was incorporated, a unique intake redesign, along with some additional changes to radio equipment and undercarriage improvements were all introduced to the aircraft. Now designated F-111C, the aircraft was officially delivered in 1968, but due to delays, training and initial teething issues, it was not officially introduced into full service until 1973. Initially a batch of 24 were produced for Australia, with a further 4 converted from American F-111s to F-111C standard. 4 aircraft in total were also converted to RF-111C reconnaissance aircraft.

The F-111C provided the RAAF with the capacity to reach Jakarta in Indonesia, something the Canberra and other types previously in service could never achieve. While never seeing direct combat with the RAAF, they came very close in 1991 when they were moved to standby ready for replacing the F-18s operating in the Gulf War should they need to be rotated out. However, the war would end before that was necessary. They would be put on standby for possible operations in East Timor with the UN INTERFET force that Australia led during the independence of Timor-Leste from Indonesia. The aircraft served more than 40 years at the hands of the Royal Australian Air Force, and finally retired in service in 2010. 

F-111F
The F-111F was a modernized variant of the earlier Aardvarks, featuring more powerful TF30-P-100 engines and much higher thrust output over the F-111A. Operated by the USAF, the F-111F Pacer Strike was the final fighter variant of the aircraft produced. As well as the previously mentioned engine improvements, the aircraft was fitted with the AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack FLIR target designator, allowing the use of guided munitions like the Paveway among other modernizations to its loadouts and systems. 

This variant would serve heavily in the 1991 Gulf War, dropping more laser guided bombs than any other type of aircraft. The type would successfully fly a high percentage of combat missions, striking their targets and destroying them with a high level of precision, more so than most other allied coalition aircraft taking part. The F-111F is credited with destroying over 1000+ tanks and armored vehicles during the conflict. 1996 would mark the final retirement of the F variant in USAF service. 
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[h2]Meet the F-111C and F![/h2]

The next major update will include two new installments of the famous F-111 series, the domestic F-111C variant of the Royal Australian Air Force for the British tree and the final “fighter” variant of the American variants, the F-111F. Both of these variants take what the F-111A already does well and improve upon it in almost every area. Let’s check out what you can expect from them when they arrive to War Thunder in the Dance of Dragons major update!



Firstly, let’s take a look at the unique Australian variant, the F-111C. This version features a longer modified wing aimed at improving longer distance flights and reinforced landing gear. Along with this, you’ll get a huge boost to your defensive countermeasures, with the total for this variant being 240 flares / chaff, which is a massive increase over the base F-111A and F that will be plenty to help you out in battle. If that alone wasn’t enough to keep your enemies busy, they’ll need to keep an eye out on what you are firing back at them too! The F-111C features AIM-9L all-aspect Sidewinder missiles, far more potent than the B variants found on the earlier variant already in game. 

Did you know? The F-111C in Australian service was affectionately known as “The Pig” despite the crews and engineers loving the aircraft. 



Next up, we have the F-111F for the USA. This takes the base F-111A and provides a pair of improved TF30-P-100 engines that have a higher thrust output, meaning a more powerful all round performer. But the improvements don’t stop there! While the F-111A was limited to the AGM-12B Bullpup, the F variant introduces AGM-65 capabilities to the aircraft in B, D and G models. This adds some fire and forget capacity to the aircraft that will aid you in combined battles for sure. On the offensive in the air, the F-111F can rely on AIM-9L for missile combat. 

Both the C and the F variants come with the AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack targeting pod, which opens up the option of using guided bombs for the first time on the F-111. You can find GBU-10, 12 and 24 on both aircraft and the IR guided GBU-15 also on the F-111F. Both variants also feature an array of Mk 82 and Mk 84 bombs for conventional bombing and taking out bases. 



Interesting: One of our long-time War Thunder Moderators on the community team, KnightoftheAbyss, worked on RAAF F-111Cs for over 12 years. We would like to thank him for his notes towards the historical section of this blog and recognize his service with the RAAF.



These advanced Aardvarks will be taking to the skies very shortly and will once again take the crowns (for now at least!) as the “ultimate” bombers in War Thunder, with some even fancier toys this time around. We hope you’ll enjoy these new aircraft, be sure to let us know! You won’t have too much longer to wait until you can take to the skies with them. Until then, stay tuned to the news for more information on what else you can see in the Dance of Dragons major update. 

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

Today we’ll be taking a look at the AI-Khalid-I, a further development of the Chinese-Pakistan MBT-2000 main battle tank. Pre-orders for this tank have just started today!

[h2]Al-Khalid-I: A Premium MBT for China at Rank VII[/h2]

Features:

• Good balance of armor, mobility and firepower.
  
• 1200 HP engine.
  
• Further turret protection through additional ERA blocks.
  

Vehicle History
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The AI-Khalid-I upgrade program was designed to improve the combat effectiveness of Pakistan’s MBT-2000 (AI-Khalid) main battle tanks. The upgrade priorities included improving the fire control system and on-board electronics, and more effectively positioning ERA on the turret. The AI-Khalid-I is currently in service with Pakistan, the largest operator of the MBT-2000 family of tanks.
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Pre-order - AI-Khalid-I
Can be purchased through the store in-game. Shop > Online Store
69.99

• Al-Khalid-I tank (Rank VII, China);
• 
  
• Premium account for 20 days;
  
• 2500 Golden Eagles;
  
• Pre-order bonus: "The Eternal Tank" title;
  
• Pre-order bonus: "Markhor" decal;
• 
  
• Pre-order bonus: Unique digital camouflage.
• 
  

* - available after the next major update.

[h2]Meet the AI-Khalid-I[/h2]

Meet the AI-Khalid-I, a further development of the MBT-2000 main battle tank already familiar to the Chinese ground forces tree. This tank will be added in the Dance of Dragons major update, and that means today we’re starting pre-orders for this excellent tank as part of a pack featuring unique bonuses. Let’s take a look!



One of the upgrades carried out on the AI-Khalid-I was aimed to improve the combat effectiveness of the tank. Perhaps the most noticeable external difference here is a change to the armor layout on the sides of the turret. Some add-on FY-2 ERA blocks were removed from the turret side directly, and instead mounted on the turret slat armor. This now means that generally the turret side armor has better protection, especially against heat-based rounds.



At rank VII, the Al-Khalid-I will be a competitive option, able to take on most enemies without any issues, and with premium bonuses to boot! Agile and featuring good engine power, the AI-Khalid-I is not inferior in terms of speed and maneuverability compared to other vehicles at its rank. One key difference though regarding its mobility is that the eternal problem of poor reverse speeds typically found on Soviet tanks has been resolved with the AI-Khalid-I. This means you’ll be able to quickly retreat when needed or reverse quicker after taking a shot over a ridge.



Moving onto firepower, the AI-Khalid-I features a 22-round autoloader, however bare in mind that the autoloader module is large and prone to being hit, causing the entire tank to explode. So make sure to stay in cover where possible to avoid being shot in the side!

Since the AI-Khalid-I is a premium tank, you’ll get immediate access to all of its available shells. One of these include a top-end APFSDS round with over 570 mm of penetration at 100 m.



That’s it for this one! The AI-Khalid-I is coming to War Thunder in the Dance of Dragons major update, and the pre-order pack has just gone live with this dev blog post. Be sure to pick it up to get Golden Eagles, Premium Account days and unique pre-order bonuses!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

In early August 1945, Japan agreed to the Allied terms for ending the war as outlined in the Potsdam Declaration. On September 2nd 1945, aboard the USS Missouri battleship, the Japanese Foreign Minster and Chief of General Staff signed the Instrument of Surrender, formally ending World War II after six long years.

[h2]Get the “V-J Day 2024” decal[/h2]
Available for this anniversary.

“V-J Day 2024” decal

When: From today until September 5th (09:00 GMT).
Task: Play 3 battles using US vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “V-J Day 2024” decal.

Additional details:

• You must use a minimum of rank III.
  
• Your activity must not be below 70%.
  
• You can complete the task in random battles, except for Enduring Confrontation missions, and [Assault] mode.
  
• Track your progress in the hangar by clicking Nickname → Achievements → Holidays → Victory Over Japan.
  
• You can find the decal in the “Holidays” tab in the Customization menu.
  

[h2]General[/h2]

• A bug that caused all radar types and missile radar seekers to ignore launched weaponry (bombs, rockets, missiles) and chaff has been fixed. (Report).
  

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.