Aces of Thunder News

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]We know you're curious about what we're working on, so we're sharing a list of changes in the pre-release version of the game. These updates will help enhance your future experience with Aces of Thunder.[/p][p]The patch notes reflect significant improvements in graphics, interface, and controls. We're working on boosting performance, expanding interface functionality, and fixing mission bugs.[/p][p]Graphics[/p]

• [p]Terrain rendering has been improved.[/p]
• [p]In-battle performance has been improved.[/p]
• [p]Default shadow quality has been increased.[/p]
• [p]An error that caused VSync settings to be incorrect after hotswapping HMD and going from VR to flat screen has been fixed (only applicable to certain headsets using OpenXR standard).[/p]

[p]Interface[/p]

• [p]Added graphics settings tab.[/p]
• [p]Multiple bugs have been fixed, some windows have been redesigned.[/p]
• [p]Multi-functional menu has been redesigned and expanded.[/p]
• [p]Multiple localization fixes.[/p]

[p]Controls[/p]

• [p]Several bugs with key bindings have been fixed.[/p]
• [p]Ability to bind mouse axes by moving the mouse has been added (will implicitly enable Mouse-Joystick controls mode if bound to roll and pitch).[/p]
• [p]Analog stick dead zones for the Gamepad control scheme have been changed.[/p]
• [p]Analog stick precision on Xbox controllers has been increased.[/p]
• [p]Performance of input handling routines when running in VR has been improved.[/p]

[p]Missions[/p]

• [p]Multiple fixes for bugs in various missions.[/p]

[p]Known issues that unfortunately are still being worked on:[/p]

• [p]Performance issues (stutters) on some systems when running in VR.[/p]
• [p]Key bindings are saved incorrectly when an Xbox controller is connected in between two subsequent binding changes.[/p]
• [p]GUI navigation with DualSense/DualShock controllers does not work.[/p]
• [p]In-game VR mode toggle does not work in some situations.[/p]

[p]Thank you for the excellent video, War Thunder VR channel.[/p]

[p][/p][p]During the Second World War, the P-51C-10 became the primary long-range escort fighter of the Allies. Extremely fast, relatively light and with a long range, it excelled in providing cover for formations of B-17s and B-24s during strikes against targets deep within Germany. Its powerful engine and superior aerodynamics gave the Mustang high speed and range, effectively changing the rules of aerial warfare.[/p][h2]P-51C-10 in Aces of Thunder[/h2][p][/p][p]The Mustang’s forte is speed, altitude, and combat with an energy advantage. It accelerates quickly, maintains cruising speed confidently, and accelerates superbly in a dive.[/p][p]The armament consists of four 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns with a total of 1,260 rounds of ammunition and a rate of fire of approximately 750 rounds per minute per gun. Don’t rush into firing from a distance, make sure to climb to 300-500 meters, take a stable position behind the enemy, and fire a long burst, which will significantly increase the chance of hitting the target. Avoid prolonged maneuvers, instead use a “boom and zoom” approach, where you attack from above, fire a burst, and then regain altitude.[/p][p]In Aces of Thunder, your Mustang can be decorated with historical decals and also with the number 78 “Kitten” camouflage or the “Topper III” camouflage.[/p][h3]War Stories Campaign. Mission: Normandy Never Changes[/h3][p][/p][p]The Normandy landings are behind us, so it’s time to support the offensive from the air. We’re leading a formation of B-17s to strike targets deep behind the front lines and need to destroy strongholds and clear the way for ground troops. Several Bf 109s have been dispatched to intercept. Our task is to cover the bombers as they enter and exit, and avoid exposing ourselves to anti-aircraft fire.[/p][p]We stay above the bombers, patrol in a figure-eight formation, and engage the enemy at speed from 10, 2, and 6 o’clock. After dropping, set course 270, assemble the group, and return to base.[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]Saddle up in a Mustang and lead high-altitude escort missions. Maintain a high altitude, accelerate in a dive, and seize the initiative first. The P-51C-10 is designed to meet interceptors as they approach the formation, disrupt their attacks, and return to altitude, maintaining energy and control of the skies.[/p][p]Check out a video of the mission on the War Thunder VR channel! It looks spectacular, especially with the perfectly chosen music.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]We wish you clear skies and precise bursts. Stay tuned for more aircraft, tactics, and war stories to come. See you in Aces of Thunder![/p]

[p][/p][p]Beginning its development in 1936 as the XP-36 prototype, the P-40 was a development of the P-36. It underwent numerous upgrades and earned a strong reputation among pilots who flew it between 1941 and 1943. It entered service with the US Army Air Force in 1939 and subsequently underwent 19 modifications. A total of nearly 14,000 P-40 fighters were built, serving in 26 countries (including 2,243 aircraft transferred to the USSR under Lend-Lease).The P-40 was the third most mass produced American fighter during the Second World War.[/p][p]In the autumn of 1941, P-40Es began arriving in operational units of the Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Forces. The aircraft received some improvements, including to the radiator which was slightly relocated, and six large-caliber Browning machine guns were added to the wings. More than 820 aircraft were built for the USAAF, and P-40 production continued until November 1944.[/p][h2]P-40E in Aces of Thunder[/h2][p]In Aces of Thunder, the P-40E boasts a high dive speed and good armament, offering overall versatility. However, the aircraft does have a low climb rate and quickly loses energy, which you’ll have to keep in mind in dogfights against maneuverable Japanese fighters.[/p][p]The P-40E’s armament consists of six Browning M2 12.7 mm machine guns with 1,686 rounds of ammunition. These wing-mounted guns, plus good cockpit visibility make firing at enemies feel quite comfortable while using a VR headset. In close range dogfights, you’ll be able easily see where the tracers are leading, allowing you to adjust your fire to get on target when needed. In addition to its primary guns, the P-40E fighter-bomber is equipped with three loadouts of external weapons:[/p]

• [p]Two AN-M30A1 100 lb bombs[/p]
• [p]One AN-M64A1 500 lb bomb[/p]
• [p]One AN-M64A1 500 lb bomb and two AN-M30A1 100 lb bombs[/p]

[p]Keep in mind that bombs increase the aircraft’s weight, so you should drop them before engaging in a maneuvering dogfight. If you lose speed, remember to use your flaps, as they’ll help to prevent a spin![/p][h3]War Stories Campaign. Mission: Sometimes They Come Back[/h3][p]Many of us have seen the film Pearl Harbor, where Curtiss P-40s played a role in the defense of the naval base on December 7th, 1941. Although most of the P-40s were destroyed on the ground, pilots Ken Taylor and George Welch were among the few who took to the air and shot down several Japanese aircraft. According to American historians, only 14 American pilots were airborne during the attack, claiming 10 aerial victories. Taylor and Welch are credited with most of these, with George Welch shooting down four Japanese aircraft (two B5Ns, one D3A, and one A6M), and Ken Taylor destroying two B5Ns (two more victories, one B5N and one D3A, were credited to him as probable).[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]Now you too have the opportunity to become part of this famous defense, just like in real life.[/p][p]After takeoff from a distant airfield, you find yourself en route to the bay, where you’ll inspect the port to assess the damage from the Japanese attack. Next, you’ll climb to 3,000 meters to intercept the second wave of Japanese bombers. Be aware that they’re being covered by maneuverable Zero fighters.[/p][p]To fully immerse yourself in the historical campaign, check out this video from the War Thunder VR channel. In this video, the author didn’t just play through the mission, they also added music that perfectly complements the visuals, creating a uniquely immersive experience.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]We hope the P-40E and the Pearl Harbor defense mission in Aces of Thunder will provide you with an unforgettable experience and allow you to touch the events of world history.[/p]

[p][/p][p]The Aces of Thunder team wishes you a joyful holiday season![/p][p]We hope you have a wonderful time and achieve great success in the coming year, both in the virtual skies and beyond. With the release of Aces of Thunder set for February, we are in for an exciting year ahead![/p][p]Thank you for staying with us. We look forward to seeing you in 2026![/p]

[h3]
Aces of Thunder will be released on Steam and the PlayStation®Store on February 3, 2026.[/h3][p]Aces of Thunder offers players the opportunity to experience realistic first-person aerial combat, both with and without virtual reality devices. In addition to the traditional support for various physical devices found in flight simulators, Aces of Thunder allows players to control aircraft with virtual hands.[/p][p]29 highly detailed aircraft from World War I and World War II await you in unique online multiplayer battles, where you can fly with friends in formations. The historical campaign will recount famous events in the world of combat aircraft across various theaters of war. Additionally, a proving ground, mission editor, and separate single-player missions are available, allowing you to test various aircraft in a variety of locations, weather conditions, and combat situations.[/p][p]We look forward to seeing you in the exciting world of Aces of Thunder![/p]