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Server Maintenance

On the 28th of July 2022, starting from 8:00 CEST, the server will not be available for 4 hours due to a planned server maintenance.



Please note that the maintenance can be extended beyond the abovementioned timeframe. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The in-game Global Chat is still temporarily disabled. To communicate with the community, please visit our Discord channel. Share Discuss on Discord

Historical Skins – Type 74 Winter Tiger

Commanders!

The final Samurai’s Honor event prize we want to show you is a brand-new skin for the Type 74 (which you’ll be able to win as well) called Winter Tiger.



In our recent article, we’ve unveiled five experimental Japanese camouflages that were developed in the late 1970s and the early 1980s while Japan was searching for the right way to paint its vehicles. This skin is technically a part of the process – it’s one of those experimental camouflages.



The problem in this case is that our camouflage system doesn’t allow us to create the skin the way it’s painted on the picture. The lines wouldn’t simply match. That’s why we opted to make this interesting camouflage into a skin.



The idea here is fairly simple – white “tiger” stripes on Japan’s base green color. This isn’t really unheard of, other countries use such camouflages as well, although perhaps not with as evenly distributed stripes. Either way, much like the other experimental patterns, this one didn’t make it to service either.

And that’s pretty much it. We hope that you will enjoy the event and, as always:

See you on the battlefield!

In Development: ZBD-04A

Previous articles:

Commanders!

Today, we’d like to tell you more about the final vehicle prize of the Rise of the Dragon Battle Path – the Chinese ZBD-04A Premium Armored Fighting Vehicle.



The ZBD-04A is a modification of the original ZBD-04. If you’re familiar with the previous articles, you already know what the name means – Armored Vehicle (Z), Infantry Fighting Vehicle (B), Tracked (D) and accepted in service in 2004. The letter A signifies it’s the first service upgrade of the said machine.

The ZBD-04 is the main tracked IFV of the People’s Republic of China. It was developed in the mid-1990s as a replacement to the (even at that time) utterly obsolete ZBD-86 (which was a direct copy of the Soviet BMP-1 without significant improvements). In the 1990s, during the “fire sale” years, advanced Soviet technology was available on an open market as a result of the size and budget reduction of the Russian armed forces, China acquired the BMP-3 technology and it all pretty much went all from there.

The ZBD-04 is most definitely not a BMP-3 copy, but it was heavily influenced by it and carries the same weapon system – a 100mm 2A70 low-pressure rifled gun paired with a long 30mm 2A72 autocannon (designated ZPT-99 in Chinese service). The turret is, however, not similar to the BMP-3’s Bakhcha-U. It is welded and allegedly co-developed with Russia.

The body is made of thin welded steel and aluminum alloy plates with its front protruding heavily, allowing the vehicle to actually swim. Unlike with the BMP-3, however, the idea wasn’t here to cross rivers and lakes but to deploy these vehicles from landing ships during amphibious operations against islands. To that end, the ZBD-04 is fitted with water jets.

The vehicle has a crew of three and carries 7 troops. It weighs roughly 20 tons and is powered by a 600hp diesel engine allowing it to move as fast as 65 km/h on land and 20 km/h in water.



Despite its designation, the early prototypes (under the name ZBD-97) actually saw some use as early as in 1997. According to the Chinese sources, however, the vehicle was developed only between 1997 and 1999 with the following four years being spent ironing out the issues that inevitably emerge with each new design. In 2003 the vehicle officially passed the state trials successfully, becoming a service model in the process under the name ZBD-04. It was first shown to public in 2007 during a special exhibition celebrating the 80th founding anniversary of the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution. By then the production was in full swing.

As durable as it was, the ZBD-04 (mass-produced since 2003) had a number of flaws, most notably its poor protection that no longer matched the requirements of modern battlefields. That was why, in 2011, the production switched to a modified and improved model designated ZBD-04A.

Very simply put, the ZBD-04A sacrificed the ability to operate on an open sea (by getting rid of the water jets) for additional protection. The vehicle can mount a composite armor set that allows it to withstand 30mm autocannon fire from the front and 14.5mm machine bullets from its sides while still being partially amphibious. The ZBD-04A can use its tracks to ford rivers and lakes.

The turret was also improved by the addition of cage-type stowage baskets and a laser warning system. Its Fire Control System also underwent an overhaul and the vehicle received the hunter-killer capability (thanks to commander’s independent stabilized optics) as well as a new thermal imager. The gunner received a new set of optics as well, similar to those used on the ZTQ-15 Light Tank.

As a result, the weight of the vehicle increased from 20 to some 24-26 tons. To compensate for that, the Chinese copy of the Russian 6V150 diesel was up-tuned from 600hp to some 670hp, which made the vehicle actually faster (its maximum speed grew from 65 km/h to 75 km/h).



The production of this vehicle is ongoing. Between 2003 and today, roughly 2400 vehicles of the ZBD-04 series have been built, including:
  • 400 ZBD-04 IFVs (2003-2011)
  • 1400-1900 ZBD-04A IFVs (2011 and ongoing, estimates vary)
  • 100 AFT-10 Tank Destroyers
  • Other models such as recon and command vehicles

It is a modern vehicle that’s expected to serve for many more years. Export models exist as well, they haven’t found a buyer yet though. The ZBD-04 or ZBD-04A IFVs haven’t seen combat either, although they participated in numerous exercises.



In Armored Warfare, the ZBD-04A will be a Tier 7 Premium Armored Fighting Vehicle.

Similar to the BMP-3, the ZBD-04A will be a medium weight class AFV with a decent set of frontal armor capable of withstanding 30mm autocannon fire. Unfortunately the vehicle will not carry any ERA or NERA, nor will it come fitted with APS.



On the bright side, it will be fast (75 km/h) and relatively agile and, most importantly, aside from the troops it will carry, it will also be able to lay down considerable firepower in the form of a 30mm and 100mm combo. Both weapons will come with the same properties as the BMP-3/3M weapon system.

And last but not least, there’s its decent camouflage (30%) and view range (460m when driving, 495m when standing).



Once again (much like the VN17), the ZBD-04A will be a fairly universal vehicle, not a one trick pony. Thanks to its maneuverability and firepower, it’ll be suitable even for the players who are new to Armored Warfare.

We hope you’ll enjoy it and, as always:

See you on the battlefield!

Offer: Scandinavian Week

Commanders!

Today we’ve prepared the following items for you:
  • Stridsvagn 2000 Tier 10 Premium Main Battle Tank
  • CV90120 Ghost Tier 9 Premium Light Tank
  • CV90 Mk.IV Tier 8 Premium Armored Fighting Vehicle
  • CV90105 TML Tier 7 Premium Light Tank
  • Swedish bundle with real-life Swedish camouflages
  • Finnish bundle with a real-life Finnish camouflage and epic titles
  • Norwegian bundle with real-life Scandinavian camouflages and unit insignia
  • Danish bundle with real-life Danish camouflage and base paint
  • Iron Crate (with new Key mechanics)
Between July 21 and July 28, 2022, the following items will be available:


[h2]Stridsvagn 2000[/h2]


The Stridsvagn 2000 was to be Sweden’s next Main Battle Tank, designed to combat Soviet super-tanks such as the Black Eagle. For its time, the project was nothing short of revolutionary with extremely thick frontal armor and a powerful 140mm gun that could take on literally anything in its day. However, the Soviet threat dissipated with the collapse of the Soviet Union, which pushed Sweden to seek a cheaper solution to its tank problem, namely the Leopard 2 MBT. You can learn more about it in our dedicated article.



In Armored Warfare, the Stridsvagn 2000 is a Tier 10 Premium Main Battle Tank that represents the essence of practicality. Solid armor, decent mobility and excellent damage over time output make this tank one of the most versatile tools you can have in your arsenal, equally capable in PvP and PvE. Aside from its advanced NERA armor, the Strv 2000 features a coaxial 40mm autocannon. The key to success is switching between both weapon systems and maximizing your damage output while your NERA armor eliminated one enemy shell after another.

The Stridsvagn 2000 MBT is available in our Web Shop via Loot Crates. Collect 100 blueprint pieces from these crates to obtain the vehicle.






[h2]CV90120 Ghost[/h2]


The CV90120 “Ghost” Light Tank was a Swedish demonstrator based on an earlier fire support model of the CV90120. As its name suggests, the vehicle is armed with 120mm smoothbore cannon but that’s the least interesting on its features. The Ghost is named after a special camouflage system called ADAPTIV that's capable of masking the bulky tank in the IR spectrum so well it disappears from enemy screens – like a ghost. You can learn more about it in our dedicated article.



In Armored Warfare, the CV90120 Ghost is a Tier 9 Premium Light Tank. Depending on your choices, it can be configured two ways – as a fast hit-and-run Light Tank using the combination of a Ready Rack and its excellent mobility, or as a stealthy sniper using the ADAPTIV system and the upgraded ammunition. While you won’t be as stealthy as dedicated Tank Destroyers or small AFVs, you’ll still be able to do a lot of damage from behind the safety of your lines.






[h2]CV90 Mk.IV[/h2]


The Swedish CV90 Mk.IV IFV is the most modern version of the old but constantly developed CV90 platform. Since its introduction in the early 1990s, the vehicle was upgraded so much that this 2018 model bears little resemblance to the three decades old original, featuring cutting edge electronics as well as a brand new turret. You can learn more about it in our dedicated article.



In Armored Warfare, the CV90 Mk.IV is a Tier 8 Premium Armored Fighting Vehicle. It is a durable and reliable infantry carrier capable not only of dealing tremendous damage with its 50mm autocannon, but of launching powerful Spike missiles as well. In addition to that, it’s relatively well-protected and can also carry Mechanized Infantry. What’s there not to like?






[h2]CV90105 TML[/h2]


The CV90105 TML from the 1990s was one of the first attempts to convert the CV90 chassis into a fire support vehicle by combining it with a French TML turret. The result was a fairly capable Light Tank with considerable firepower in the form of its 105mm GIAT gun that could successfully take out most MBTs of its time. Unfortunately, the vehicle didn’t manage to attract any customers and remained a prototype only. You can learn more about it in our dedicated article.



In Armored Warfare, the CV90105 TML is a Tier 7 Premium Light Tank. Depending on your choices, it can be configured two ways. You can opt for a more sustained firepower with the large 12-round clip – this way you need to stay behind your own team or hide in bushes, turning your Light Tank into something like a close support Tank Destroyer. Or, you can opt for the fun option of turning your CV90105 TML into a hit and run monster. Ambush an enemy, empty the magazine into his sides or rear and immediately retreat.






[h2]Swedish Bundle[/h2]


Despite its neutrality, Sweden is one of the premiere arms manufacturers in the world and has a powerful standing army to boot. Even though the country is not a part of the NATO, much of its vehicle fleet is compatible with western tech and the country now operates the Leopard 2 MBT (under the name Stridsvagn 122) as well as several CV90 variants. This bundle includes several camouflages tied to Sweden as well as a special player title.



The bundle consists of:
  • Scandinavian Summer camouflage (read more)
  • Scandinavian Winter camouflage (read more)
  • Swedish Export camouflage (read more)
  • Swedish Urban camouflage (as seen on various CV90 prototypes)
  • Swedish Flag decal
  • Player title “Viking”






[h2]Finnish Bundle[/h2]


Finland has a long and interesting history of unique relationships with its neighbors, especially with Russia. Its position of neutrality after the Second World War allowed it to buy the best from both worlds with both eastern and western vehicles used by its powerful military. This bundle includes a Finnish camouflage that will look great on your BMP-2s, T-72M1s and Leopards, a Finnish Armed Forces roundel decal as well as two player titles.



The bundle consists of:
  • Finnish camouflage (read more)
  • Scandinavian Summer camouflage (read more)
  • Scandinavian Winter camouflage (read more)
  • Scandinavian base paint (read more)
  • Finnish Armed Forces Roundel decal
  • Player title “Hackapelite”
  • Player title “White Death”






[h2]Norwegian Bundle[/h2]


Unlike Sweden, Norway is a part of the NATO with its units regularly taking part in operations abroad. One of the elite units of the Norwegian military is the famous Telemark Battalion of Mechanized Infantry and this bundle includes two items tied to it as well as the Scandinavian camouflages used by Norway and a Norwegian base paint, as seen on a Telemark Leopard deployed to Estonia in 2017.



The bundle consists of:
  • Scandinavian Summer camouflage (read more)
  • Scandinavian Winter camouflage (read more)
  • Scandinavian base paint (read more)
  • Telemark Battalion decal
  • Telemark Battalion flag
  • Player title “Einheri”






[h2]Danish Bundle[/h2]


And last but definitely not least, we have Denmark, the army equipped with some of the best military hardware there is, including the Leopard 2A7DK Main Battle Tank. Aside from its simple but unique camouflage, this bundle contains a Danish player title, the Scandinavian base paint and a decal.



The bundle consists of:
  • Danish camouflage (read more)
  • Scandinavian base paint (read more)
  • Danish 1st Armored Battalion decal
  • Player title “Thrice-Hearted” (referring to the Holger Danske legend)






[h2]Iron Crate[/h2]


We’ve prepared for you an additional offer this week. The Iron Crate is available on MY.GAMES Market with 50% discount!



The mechanics are very simple. This crate allows you to win one of the vehicles listed in its description (or its value in Gold if you have it already). The crate contains some very rare vehicles (with some new ones!), including the MPF Tier 10 Premium LT.

For a full list, please visit the MY.GAMES Market Iron Crate page. We’re implementing a new mechanic to the MY.GAMES Market Loot Crates (no worries – the in-game crates will remain the same). The mechanic is simple – instead of purchasing the Loot Crates, you purchase keys to them, which you then use to unlock them.

However, please note:
  • Discounts do not apply to Loot Crates, but rather to Keys
  • It is possible to buy multiple keys for a single chest type
  • Keys belong to individual Loot Crates (that is, a key to a Commander Loot Crate purchased now is not guaranteed to work on a Commander Loot Crate a month down the line)
  • Keys can be found in a separate Market section





We hope that you will enjoy the offer and, as always:

See you on the battlefield!

Server Maintenance

On the 21st of July 2022, starting from 8:00 CEST, the server will not be available for 4 hours due to a planned server maintenance.



Please note that the maintenance can be extended beyond the abovementioned timeframe. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The in-game Global Chat is still temporarily disabled. To communicate with the community, please visit our Discord channel.