Aces of Thunder News

Welcome, future pilots of Aces of Thunder! Today we’d like to present the French biplane that you’ll be able to fly in the game.

• Cruising speed: 190 km/h
  
• Armament: 2x 7.7 mm synchronized Vickers machine guns
  

Designed by Louis Béchereau, the SPAD S.XIII made its first flight on April 4th 1917 and became the most widely produced fighter of World War I. A total of 8,472 were built.
The SPAD S.XIII is heavy and not very maneuverable, but make use of its strengths — it’s the fastest aircraft in level flight and during dives.

Did you know?
You may have noticed the unusual exhaust pipes running along the fuselage. They were deliberately designed to be this long to prevent the pilot from being blinded by exhaust flames.

Dear pilots of the virtual skies! ✈️🎮

Happy International Women’s Day! May every target be hit with precision, every flight be thrilling, and every victory well-earned! You prove that the sky has no limits for those who aim high. Take the controls, enjoy the flight, and conquer the virtual horizons! ☁️✨

We can’t wait for you to take off into your first air battles in Aces of Thunder! Add the game to your wishlist so you don’t miss its release! 🚀

We continue to introduce WWI aircraft that will feature in Aces of Thunder. Today, our focus is on the dangerous yet highly effective "Camel"!

• Cruising speed: 177 km/h
  
• Armament: 2x 7.7 mm synchronized Vickers machine guns
  

Designed by Herbert Smith in 1916, the Sopwith Camel features a streamlined fuselage and a distinctive “humpbacked” profile, which earned it the nickname of “Camel”. To improve visibility, special cutouts were made in the middle and along the trailing edge of the upper wing.

In a dogfight, it’s recommended to turn left, as it is noticeably faster than turning right. Be cautious, as at low speeds the aircraft has a tendency to stall into a spin.

Did you know?
During the war, 385 pilots lost their lives in non-combat related flight incidents, while 415 were killed in battles. Despite this, the Sopwith Camel became one of the most successful fighters of its time, with pilots flying it scoring over 1,200 aerial victories.

Last month, we introduced the first WWI plane that is set to appear in Aces of Thunder. Today we’ll talk about its close relative, the Fokker D.VII.

• Cruising speed: 180 km/h
  
• Armament: 2x 7.92 mm synchronized LMG 08/15 Spandau machine guns
  

This more traditionally designed low-wing fighter first took to the skies in 1917. Compared to the D.I, the D.VII is less maneuverable especially at low altitudes, but is more stable at higher altitudes and outperforms many enemy aircraft in terms of characteristics. Famous WWI ace Ernst Udet flew this aircraft and achieved over 60 aerial victories, becoming renowned for his bold and aggressive tactics.

Before engaging in combat, it’s recommended to gain altitude to secure an energy advantage for effective dogfighting.

Did you know?
By the end of the war, the D.VII was the primary fighter of the German aerial forces, making up 75% of all aircraft in squadrons. It achieved more victories than any other fighter in WWI.

Aces of Thunder takes you back to the era of epic aerial battles between the Entente and Central Powers, where you’ll take control of legendary World War I aircraft such as the SPAD S.XIII or the Fokker Dr.I. These fighters were not only icons of aerial combat but also embodied the technological achievements of their time. With every maneuver, you’ll feel the power of history, and with every takeoff, the wind and freedom beneath your wings.

The low-speed aircraft featured in Aces of Thunder were crafted from wood and fabric and have charming open cockpits. Inside, you’ll find authentic mechanical instruments, springs, and tension cables running through the fuselage to the controls. Unlike World War II aircraft, the machine guns are mounted on the fuselage, rather than concealed within the body.
Though World War I era aircraft were just beginning their journey as combat vehicles, they significantly influenced the course of the war.

• Cruising speed: 152 km/h
  
• Armament: 2x 7.92 mm synchronized LMG 08/15 Spandau machine guns
  

You’ve likely heard of the German Fokker thanks to the iconic ace pilot Manfred von Richthofen, more commonly referred to as the “Red Baron”. This aircraft was developed by the Fokker company, established by Dutch aircraft designer Anton Fokker. The triplane conducted its first flight on June 25th 1917, and remained in active service until 1918.
In the game, the Fokker Dr.I is best suited for close combat, as its distinctive three-boom design enhances maneuverability, albeit with reduced stability at higher altitudes.

Did you know?
During the triplane’s first combat sortie on the morning of September 1st, it achieved its first victory: Manfred von Richthofen shot down a British RE.8 spotter over the front line. The Fokker Dr.I is frequently referenced in literature and cinema, establishing its reputation as one of history's most renowned fighter aircraft.

We’ll talk about other aircraft from the First World War in the next updates. Stay tuned!