World of Warplanes News

Pilots!

On September 10, from 08:00 to 12:00 UTC, the servers will undergo maintenance to deploy Update 2.1.35

[h2]New Aircraft[/h2]

Update 2.1.35 will introduce two brand-new reward aircraft:

• Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6N Gustav, a German Tier VII fighter
  
• Grumman F9F Panther, an American Tier IX multirole fighter
  

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-6N is a night-fighter variant of the famed Gustav, equipped with underwing Rüstsatz VI pods containing MG 151/20 autocannons. This, in combination with a hub-mounted 30 mm autocannon and two 13 mm synchronized machine guns, common to most other Bf 109 G variants, provides a more dense firing volley than the Tech Tree version Bf 109 G has in its top configuration. It is noticeably more accurate than the Bf 109 K-6, although, naturally, it has less firepower. The longer burst length and higher muzzle velocity of the cannons make aiming and tracking targets rather easy, though the underwing pods suffer from slightly reduced accuracy. Its reduced weight also provides a minuscule boost in cruise speed and maneuverability.

The Grumman F9F Panther is a formidable Tier IX multirole fighter, capable of engaging enemies at range and outshooting nearly any opponent of its class. Its battery of four nose-mounted Colt Mk 12 autocannons provides devastating firepower at medium and close ranges, making the Panther extremely dangerous in direct engagements. And it has ground-pounding capabilities to boot: six late-model HVAR rockets and two 500-pound bombs that pack a serious punch! Its airframe is on par with the armament: the Panther is highly durable, resistant to critical damage, and surprisingly maneuverable. Its main weakness is its engine, an early jet design that is capable of rather average speed and thrust characteristics, which may make hit-and-run attacks difficult. But who cares about that if you can just weather the storm of a blistering dogfight?

To earn these aircraft, you'll need to participate in the upcoming game events.

[h2]New Paint Schemes[/h2]
New paint schemes were added for the following aircraft:

• Messerschmitt Bf 110 B
  
• P-38J Lightning
  
• Martin-Baker MB 5
  
• Supermarine Spitfire I
  
• Mitsubishi A6M1 Zero
  
• SNCASE SE 100
  

Paint scheme characteristics:

• Concealment: +20%
  
• Resistance to damage from AA guns: +10%
  
• Resistance to damage from gunners: +5%
  
• Aircraft XP: +8%
  

These paint schemes will become available in future Premium Shop offers and as rewards during events.

[h2]New Achievement[/h2]

A new achievement was added that can be earned during the upcoming event.

[h2]New Emblems[/h2]

New emblems dedicated to Halloween and World of Warplanes' 12th anniversary will become available during the corresponding in-game events.

[h2]Bug Fixes and Other Changes[/h2]

• Altered the firing order of the SURA-FL rockets on the Hawker Hunter so that they no longer appear suspended in midair after launching the first two rockets.
  
• Changed the Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat Hangar model—the cockpit canopy is now open and ready for its pilot.
  
• Reward camouflage descriptions in the Specials and Missions panel will now display correctly for completed missions.
  
• One of the issues causing occasional client crashes when loading a battle has been identified and resolved. We are continuing work on improving client stability and performance.
  

Pilots!

From August 4 at 11:20 UTC to September 1 at 11:20 UTC, a chain of 30 missions awaits you. For their completion, you'll receive a new aircraft— the Japanese Kawanishi J6K1 Jinpu Tier VII fighter—and other valuable rewards!
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
The Kawanishi J6K "Jinpu" was designed as a prospective land-based heavy interceptor, drawing on the previous J3K design. Initially, there were plans to equip it with the Mitsubishi Ha-43/MK9 engine, but delays in its production forced the designers at Kawanishi to switch to the Nakajima Ha-45/NK9. This prompted additional changes to the design, which resulted in the J6K1 version of the aircraft. By 1944, it reached a mockup phase of development, but was eventually abandoned in favour of more promising designs.

The Kawanishi J6K1 in World of Warplanes is an extremely dangerous fighter. Its six wing-mounted 20 millimeter cannons can shred any target in seconds at medium range, although they will require careful aiming and heat management from the pilot. The J6K1 departs somewhat from the typical Japanese fighter aircraft, sacrificing some maneuverability for greater firepower. In the hands of a skilled player, it will become a formidable threat to aircraft of any class.

Note:
You may skip missions of the marathon by purchasing certificates in the Premium Shop.
Only Tier IV–X aircraft can take part in the event.

You can find more details about the chain of missions on our official portal!

Keep completing marathon missions on your favorite warbirds to grab all the event's rewards! Don't have time to complete all the missions? Just visit the Premium Shop and purchase certificates to speed up the completion of the in-game event!

Pilots!

From July 4 at 11:20 UTC to August 1 at 11:20 UTC, a chain of 30 missions awaits you. For their completion, you'll receive a new aircraft— the American Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat Tier VII multirole fighter—and other valuable rewards!
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Designed after the Battle of Midway, this fighter's primary improvements over its predecessor and "big brother", the F6F Hellcat, were an increased rate of climb and better maneuverability. The Bearcat was powered by the same Pratt & Whitney R-2800, the most powerful American piston engine at the time, yet significantly smaller and lighter. As a result, it best functioned as an interceptor, capable of a quick takeoff, climb to altitude, and engagement. With the first production aircraft delivered to the Navy in 1945, the Bearcat didn't see combat in World War II. However, it did serve as the primary fighter for the US Navy and Marines until it was finally surpassed by the early jet-powered fighters—the Grumman F9F Panthers, in particular.

The late-model Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat is an American Tier VII multirole fighter that boasts significantly better maneuverability and rate of climb than its counterparts from the Corsair family. A small frame makes this aircraft harder to hit, while its four 20-mm autocannons are more than enough to fight back enemies in the sky. And with a variable outboard armament, offering a choice between a 1,000-pound bomb or a rack of HVAR rockets, this aircraft does pack a punch!

Note:
You may skip missions of the marathon by purchasing certificates in the Premium Shop.
Only Tier IV–X aircraft can take part in the event.

You can find more details about the chain of missions on our official portal!

Keep completing marathon missions on your favorite warbirds to grab all the event's rewards! Don't have time to complete all the missions? Just visit the Premium Shop and purchase certificates to speed up the completion of the in-game event!

Pilots!

On June 25, from 08:00 to 12:00 UTC, the servers will undergo maintenance to deploy Update 2.1.34

[h2]New Aircraft[/h2]

Update 2.1.34 will introduce a brand-new reward aircraft—Kawanishi J6K1 Jinpu, the Japanese Tier VII fighter.

The Kawanishi J6K "Jinpu" was designed as a prospective land-based heavy interceptor, drawing on the previous J3K design. Initially, there were plans to equip it with the Mitsubishi Ha-43/MK9 engine, but delays in its production forced the designers at Kawanishi to switch to the Nakajima Ha-45/NK9. This prompted additional changes to the design, which resulted in the J6K1 version of the aircraft. By 1944, it reached a mockup phase of development, but was eventually abandoned in favour of more promising designs.

The Kawanishi J6K1 in World of Warplanes is a fast and extremely dangerous fighter. Its six wing-mounted 20 millimeter cannons can shred any target in seconds at medium range, although they will require careful aiming and heat management from the pilot. The J6K1 departs somewhat from the typical Japanese fighter aircraft, sacrificing some maneuverability for better speed. In the hands of a skilled player, it will become a formidable threat to aircraft of any class.

To earn the Kawanishi J6K1 Jinpu, you'll need to participate in an upcoming event.

[h2]New Achievement[/h2]

A new achievement was added that can be earned during the upcoming event.

[h2]New Emblems[/h2]

A new emblem dedicated to Wargaming's birthday will become available during the game event.

[h2]Balance Changes[/h2]

Pre-release changes have been made to the Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat.

[h2]Bug Fixes and Other Changes[/h2]

• Fixed an issue with the visual effect of the vapor trail on the Douglas XB-42 Mixmaster.
  
• Made several improvements to the in-game interface.
  

[h3][/h3]
[h3]Pilots![/h3]

From June 11 at 13:20 UTC to July 2 at 13:20 UTC, a chain of 20 missions awaits you. Complete them to receive Halona Bravebird, a unique American pilot trained for the P-38J Lightning, and other valuable rewards!
[h3]More about pilot skills:[/h3]
[expand]

[h3]Unique skills[/h3]

[/expand]
Note:

• You may skip marathon missions by purchasing certificates in the Premium Shop.
  
• Only Tier IV–X aircraft can take part in the event.
  

Find out the complete list of missions and rewards here.
[h2]Get airborne![/h2]