War Thunder News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’ll be taking a look at the AH-56A Cheyenne, a special helicopter coming to the USA as a squadron vehicle![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]In Vietnam, the U.S. Army modified UH-1 Iroquois helicopters to have combat capabilities. However, they soon realised this was not enough and started a new program in 1964 called the Advanced Aerial Fire Support System (AAFSS) for a new, dedicated attack helicopter. Twelve companies, including Bell, Convair, Sikorsky and Lockheed submitted helicopter designs, with Sikorsky and Lockheed moving on to the second stage.[/p][p][/p][p]Lockheed’s design for the CL-840 eventually won in 1966, with a contract to build 10 prototypes being issued the same year. This proposed design was unique in that it was designed as a “compound” helicopter, meaning it had fixed-wings like a plane, a rigid main rotor and an extra tail-mounted propeller in a push configuration, giving it increased speed. It was designated the AH-56, given the nickname “Cheyenne” and first flew on September 21st 1967.[/p][p][/p][p]The prototypes went through several test flights during 1968 and the U.S. Army awarded a contract for production AH-56 helicopters. However on March 12th 1969, the test pilot encountered issues with the rotor, which lead to a fatal crash. The Cheyenne prototypes were grounded and an investigation into what caused the crash ensued. Several improvements were made to the helicopter after the crash, however it took longer than needed to fix all of the issues, delaying the project. This caused the U.S. Army to fall behind schedule, and so it gave Lockheed a “cure notice” by April 1969, requesting that all serious issues be fixed in 15 days. Despite Lockheed’s attempts to fix the problems with the helicopter, the Army became cautious of its overall safety and cancelled the production contract on May 19th 1969. Lockheed continued to try and fix the issues but the U.S. Army closed down the AAFSS program in August 1972.[/p][p][/p][p]Also in 1972, very shortly after the closure of the AAFSS program, the U.S. Army launched another attack helicopter program called the Advanced Attack Helicopter (AAH). As a result of the AAH project, the famous AH-64 Apache was developed, which is still in world-wide use today. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the AH-56A Cheyenne![/h3][p]Meet the AH-56A Cheyenne, which is a rather interesting looking and uniquely designed helicopter that we’ll be telling you about today. It’s coming as a squadron vehicle so make sure to get yourself into a squadron so you can get this thing! Let’s take a closer look at what it’s all about.[/p][p] [/p][p]Right off the bat, you may have noticed that the AH-56A Cheyenne looks quite unique. The landing gear is high, the raised cockpit canopy looks interesting, and the overall design reminds you of something that you just can’t put your finger on (perhaps the Apache?). The core design of this helicopter however is different, as it is a “compound” helicopter. Because of this, there is an extra propeller at the back driven by the rotor engine, which acts as propulsion, helping to push the helicopter forward.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Additionally, the main rotor is of rigid design, meaning the blades are directly attached to the propeller shaft without hinges, giving them better flex and control over a standard single rotor helicopter. The AH-56A also features bigger and thicker wings than those found on other military helicopters, helping with lift. All in all, this design translates into the game by increasing the maneuverability and control. The top speed also reaches around 400 km/h, which is excellent for a helicopter, especially one of this size! If you want to reach this maximum speed in all game modes, you’ll need to reduce the main rotor pitch to redistribute more torque to the pusher rotor. When flying normally, the pusher rotor automatically selects the optimal pitch for the current conditions and flight speed, maintaining transmission RPM and requiring no additional input from the player.[/p][p][/p][p]Did you know? The AH-56A Cheyenne is the first compound helicopter in War Thunder and might also be the last. There are not many compound helicopters in real life due to their complex design that offers little advantages.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The AH-56A’s weaponry is not expansive, but it’s enough to be useful in Ground Battles. Featuring several FFAR Mighty Mouse rocket pods, this helicopter can comfortably strafe several enemy tanks that are grouped tightly together. Not only that, but the AH-56A also features six BGM-71 Improved TOW missiles that can also be used in conjunction with the Mighty Mouse rockets. Additionally, there’s a 40 mm M129 grenade launcher located at the front nose, and a 30 mm XM140 cannon directly under the cockpit. Both can rotate to a certain degree and can be used for being a nuisance to lightly armored targets in Ground Battles.[/p][p][/p][p]Interesting: As tradition for U.S. Army helicopters, the Cheyenne is named after a Native Tribe, specifically one from the Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains.[/p][p][/p][p]Coming to the game as a squadron vehicle, the AH-56A Cheyenne can be obtained by gaining squadron activity points while being in a squadron, or by purchasing it outright for Golden Eagles. This is a interesting helicopter with a unique design and does not provide much more than what is already available in the US helicopter tree, making it the perfect fit as a squadron vehicle. Make sure to get your hands on this long-awaited helicopter that we know some of you spotted a long time ago! 👀[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for now! The AH-56A Cheyenne is coming to the game in the Spearhead major update. Get yourself into a squadron and start collecting squadron activity points to get yourself this cool helicopter. See you around![/p][p]Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Today we’re taking a look at a new tank coming to the higher ranks of Chinese tech tree: the fast and wheeled CM-34 IFV with a 30 mm Bushmaster cannon![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Vehicle History[/h3][p]In 1985, a joint project with Irish company Timoney Technology was launched to develop the CM-31 mechanized IFV vehicle. Due to its failure to meet requirements, the project was canceled, but in 2002 it was revised, resulting in the development of the CM-32 “Clouded Leopard” prototype.[/p][p][/p][p]The vehicle was tested with various types of armament, and in 2017 the project was revealed to the public in an expo in Taipei with the American Mk44 Bushmaster II 30 mm automatic cannon, designated the CM-34. After upgrading its armor protection and electronics, the vehicle entered serial production in 2019 and became the backbone of the motorized infantry.[/p][p][/p][h3]Introducing the CM-34![/h3][p]The CM-34 Yunbao, or “Clouded Leopard”, is coming to China’s ground forces tree at rank VI. This is a light and wheeled reconnaissance vehicle with a good top speed, excellent electronics and an effective 30 mm Bushmaster cannon. Let’s take a look at this vehicle in today’s dev blog![/p][p][/p][p]Firstly, let’s dive into the armament of this light tank. It features the 30 mm Mk44 Bushmaster II automatic cannon, which many of you will already be familiar with from other light combat vehicles in other nations. The rate of fire of this cannon isn’t the highest in the world, but the available belts are excellent! Right from the get go, you’ll have access to an APDS belt, with the first researchable belt being the HEI-T, which is good for destroying vehicles with no armor, and also aircraft. The final and best one against enemy tanks that you can research is the APFSDS belt, which can penetrate the sides and rear of any ground vehicle at its rank. The cannon has a stabilizer and another great modification to get is the laser warning system and laser rangefinder (LWS/LR) and thermal imager for all three crew members.[/p][p][/p][p]The CM-34 is built on an 8x8 wheeled chassis, and the suspension has a reduced turning radius compared to its prototype. You’ll also be able to speed around in this light vehicle thanks to its top speed of 100 km/h going forward on paved roads, and up to 40 km/h in reverse. Its power-to-weight ratio is quite good, so there shouldn’t be any performance issues, although you should avoid deep mud, snow and sand if possible.[/p][p][/p][p]The first concept of this vehicle had little armor, so the CM-34 had some refinements in this area. The production variant featured add-on armor made of composite materials, however overall this vehicle not capable of withstanding most tank rounds. There are also just three crew, leaving less chance of surviving any significant hit.[/p][p][/p][p]That’s it for this one! The CM-34 will fit perfectly into the mid to late rank VI vehicle lineups and will become a key vehicle in fast-paced play while capturing points, fighting in urban battles and scouting in open locations. Stay tuned for more exciting news about the upcoming major, and see you in the next dev blog![/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][p]Happy Halloween! Give your opponents hell in a demonic tank, fly through a dangerous ravine in a witch’s plane, and earn themed profile frames and decals this Halloween.[/p][p] [/p][h2]Halloween Cosmetics & Races[/h2][p] [/p][p] [/p][h3]Spooky Profile Frames and a Decal![/h3][p]Get yourself two profile frames, guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. Simply participate in spooky races and get some points, and they will be yours![/p][p] [/p][p] [/p][h3]Decals in the Dead Man’s Chest [/h3][p]The Dead Man’s Chest trophy is once again available to purchase in the in-game shop! In it, you’ll be able to get Halloween decals from previous Halloween events. Below is four of our favourites![/p][p] [/p][p] [/p][h3]Decorations in the Witch’s Cauldron[/h3][p]The Witch’s Cauldron trophy is once again available to purchase in the in-game shop! In it, you’ll be able to get Halloween related decorations from previous Halloween events. Below are four of our favourites![/p][p] [/p][p] [/p][p] [/p][h2]Ground event: “Through the dark forest”![/h2][p]Take part in fast-paced races through creepy places in the spooky M18 “Witch” tank![/p]

• [p]Earn 750 points to receive the “Through Creepy Places” profile frame![/p]

[p] [/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h2]Air event: “Witch Hunt”![/h2][p]Welcome to the dangerous Po-2 “Night Witch” aircraft race! Her path lies between rocks and is full of dangers.[/p]

• [p]Earn 750 points to receive the “Witch Hunt” profile frame![/p]

[p]  [/p][p][/p][p]The top 1,000 pilots with the highest rating at the end of the air event will be awarded with the Po-2 (USSR) aircraft![/p]

• [p]This aircraft will be added to your account within 48 hours after the event ends.[/p]
• [p]You can track your rating by clicking on the “Award” button in the “Events” window. The update time of the table can take up to 15 minutes.[/p]

[p] [/p][p][/p][p]Let this Halloween be spookily fun![/p]

Your submissions last week were super! Halloween is right around the corner, at the end of this week! To properly participate in Halloween, one must have a costume - so this week, the vehicles must as well. You can grab a screenshot from the Halloween event, or your vehicle must wear something fictional! The three most popular and three selected by us will get 300 GE. See the winners down below!

[h2]Let’s begin the 195th edition of our competition![/h2]

Create a stunning screenshot and submit it on the War Thunder Steam Community Hub with the tag #WTscreen195. You have time until the 31st of October 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 the colors black and orange, or fictional content (such as decorators or camouflage), or be from the Halloween event.
You must add the #WTscreen195 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 194th edition – High Horizons![/h2]

[h3]Winners selected via community votes:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3589827732
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3589068120
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3590721293

[h3]Winners selected by our judges:[/h3]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3590399729
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3589198311
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3590326333

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

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Dreams DO come true! Meet the legendary XF5U “Flying Flapjack” or better known as the pancake due to its humorous shape, now coming to War Thunder. Take part in this aircraft event in our yearly Dreams Come True series to get yourself some themed decals, a loading screen and a very unique aircraft. You can also decorate your profile with delicious pancakes to remember your participation in this event![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]XF5U — A Premium Fighter for the USA at Rank IV[/h2][p][/p][p]The XF5U prototype was a realization of the “flying pancake” concept proposed by aircraft innovator Charles Zimmerman back in 1933. It featured two coaxial, counter-rotating propellers and a disc (or pancake) shape that created a powerful air cushion, allowing the aircraft to take off and land almost vertically. However, by the time construction was completed in 1947, the project was plagued by insurmountable technical problems, and the overall move towards jet aircraft never allowed the prototype to reach production.[/p][p][/p][p]The XF5U is arguably one of the most unique aircraft to ever come to War Thunder. This pancake-shaped aircraft boasts a good top speed at medium altitudes, six .50 cal machine guns at the sides of the cockpit, and the ability to carry a pair of 500 or 1,000 lb bombs, great for use in air battles as well as combined modes![/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p] [/p][p] [/p][h2]How to get all rewards[/h2][p]Each stage is unlocked for 35,000 mission points and brings a new reward.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]You’re able to earn mission points in Air Battles at Rank III or above in Arcade, Realistic and Simulator Battles. The number of mission points to complete a stage depends on the game mode and the maximum Rank of the vehicle that you use in battle. There’s a multiplier for earning mission points, which is shown in the task description in-game.[/p][p][/p][p]You can also earn mission points by using event vehicles that are Rank I and II. Event vehicles that can be used have the name of the event that they were obtainable in on their stat card.[/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p]Rewards are given when you complete a specific number of stages:[/p]

• [p]For 1 stage: one of the decal rewards[/p]
• [p]For 2 stages: “Pancakes” profile frame[/p]
• [p]For 3 stages: one of the decal rewards[/p]
• [p]For 4 stages: “XF5U” profile background[/p]
• [p]For 5 stages: “XF5U” loading screen [/p]
• [p]For 6 stages: the XF5U premium aircraft[/p]
• [p]For 7 stages: a special camouflage for the XF5U[/p]

[p][/p][h2]Discounts on purchasing stages using Golden Eagles[/h2][p]Incomplete stages can be purchased for Golden Eagles, but if you’re significantly close to completing a stage, its price will be significantly reduced.[/p][p] [/p][p]Let’s say you have earned 85% of the required mission points to complete a stage, then the price of purchasing this stage will be halved. If you’re near the finish line for a stage and are at 95% progress, then the price will be reduced by five times. For example, if you’ve earned 30,000 mission points, then the price for unlocking this stage will be 499 Golden Eagles. If you’ve earned 33,500 mission points, then you’ll only need 199 Golden Eagles. Keep this in mind if you cannot complete a stage on time![/p][p][/p][p]You can track the progress of completing stages by clicking on your Nickname > Achievements > Dreams Come True: XF5U. If you don’t manage to complete a stage on time or would like to purchase a stage, you can purchase each stage with Golden Eagles until November 17th from the Achievements window, which will give you the corresponding rewards.[/p]