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[CONTENT]

[APRIL] A new type of ground vehicle…………………………………………………………………… 3 The ST-1 walking tank

*ACE PILOT+ Marmaduke ‘Pat’ Pattle…………………………………………. 9 Mk. IIB

[WEAPONS OF VICTORY] Golovachev's Yak-9M………………………………………………….. 14

[AIR FORCES] Canadian Air Force………………………………………………………………………… 16 RCAF Canadair Sabre CL-13 Mk.5/6, 23445 of the 444 “Cobra” Squadron, camouflage created by MightyArrow

[VEHICLE PROFILE] M4 Sherman…………………………………………………………………………. 20 M4 Sherman "Columbia lou" D-Day, 70th Tank Battalion, Utah Beach, 6 June 1944, camouflage created by -313- Paegas

[WEAPONS OF VICTORY] IS-2 “Revenge for the Hero brother”……………………………. 23

[ACE TANKER] Zinoviy Kolobanov……………………………………………………………………….. 25 KV-1E, available in the game via the starter pack & Kolobanov's authentic camouflage, made by Joker

[GROUND FORCES] 4th Heavy Tank Regiment of the People's Army of ……. 27 IS-2 mod. 1944 from 1st Polish Armoured Corps, April 1945, camouflage created by RazNaRok

[AIR FORCES] The Dawn of the …………………………………………………… 30 Fury Mk.I Trainer, 5th Flying Training School, RAF Sealand, 1938, camouflage created by Spo- gooter

[VEHICLE PROFILE] M41 Walker Bulldog……………………………………………………………… 33 M41 Walker Bulldog - US Army camouflage created by JoKeR_BvB09

[LOCATIONS] , Malta and Midway………………………………………………………………. 35

[AIRCRAFT PROFILE] Grumman F7F-1 Tigercat……………………………………………………. 40 F7F-1 Tigercat VC-80 "What If", camouflage created by PROx_GAMING

[WEAPONS OF VICTORY] P-51D Daddy's Girl………………………………………………………. 44

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[ARMS] Minengeschoß shells……………………………………………………………………………… 46 FW 190 A-4 with 2x MG FF/M

[VEHICLE PROFILE] MiG-15…………………………………………………………………………………. 50 MiG-15Bis number 15 of the Soviet Air Force, camouflage created by Audrey_McKnight

[WEAPONS OF VICTORY] T-34-85 E……………………………………………………………………… 53

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Two 'Object 104' (later called ST-1) participating in field training exercises. Picture taken shortly after the first prototype trials

[APRIL] A new type of ground vehicle 1. April - Author: War Thunder team

Development of the ST-1 started even In April 1937, Armour Command of before the start of World War II. The the sent the military opera- first world war, which was also called tional requirements to Factory #184, “the trench war”, showed an ineffi- these were the requirements for the ciency in the usual infantry break- development of “an armoured machi- through and required the creation of ne of a new type” with a maximum an absolutely new type of ground mass of 50 tons, protected by at least vehicle - something that could cross 60mm of armour and the option to destroyed roads and ground torn install different weapon types. De- apart from explosions. This is what pending on the task of the battle the ST-1 was about - the first and the machine, a 107mm , a 122mm only model of a walking tank. howitzer or 152mm howitzer could be mounted. Additional weapons were a

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45mm cannon, a high-calibre AA ma- the execution of order for object chine gun and a 20mm tank cannon. 104”:

In spite of the complexity of the task "6 machines tested on the run. The the construction bureau of the factory following defects found: managed to cope with the new design and the new battle machine (object a) Replacement of the diesel engine 104 in the factory numeration) rea- and the electrical generator due to ched the factory testing stage which overheating and low oil pressure. lasted for a year. During this period a b) Overheating of the main clutch considerable number of flaws were mechanism. detected, these issues were elimina- c) Unstable operation in the power ted as the tests proceeded. drives of the side turrets. d) High temperature in the battle Central Archive of the Ministry of compartment. Defense of Russian Federation “Head e) Unsatisfactory performance of gyro armour command of the Red army stabilization mechanisms.“ Military representative’s report on

Soviet troops on the offensive, 1941

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In September 1939 after most of the due the high profile of the machine. defects had been eliminated, the The large “dead zone” of the main development prototype obj. 104, armament and limited range of vision (newly designated ST-1) was delivered were the main weaknesses. A success- to Moscow to be shown to members ful combat deployment convinced of the Soviet government and Red even the most pessimistic military Army command. The demonstration officials of the necessity to put ST-1 of the new battle machine highly into mass production. impressed the Soviet political and military leadership, and therefore it According to different sources by June was decided to build a series of ma- of 1941 from 20 to 30 ST-1’s were chines for operational trials. The new built. All of the aforementioned vehi- vehicles went through a baptism of cles were deployed in the western fire during the Soviet-Finnish war. ST- military districts but by the beginning 1, along with new trial tanks the SMK of the war, the machines were not and the T-100 had been sent to the fully mastered by the crews - also front. Later, the ST-1 was changed to there was a lack of spare parts for KV in the documents for disinformati- repairs that resulted from a large on purposes. amount of electrical failures In the course of the near-border battle in summer of 1941, all completed ST-1’s were lost. But some of them were mentioned in German battle reports.

From the report of ’s 14th tank division:

Blueprint of the Object 104 (ST-1) “... For the first time in the Eastern campaign we faced a new type of Not only did it have an extremely high battle machine, it was hard to miss cross-country ability, the ST-1 also the complete superiority of a 55 ton was almost immune to anti-tank hed- walking tank…” gehogs and mines. Even more so, “... Our 5cm KwK. tank cannon could thanks to it unique looks, it would penetrate the armour only in vulne- spread fear and panic in enemy infan- rable spots and at very close distances try ranks. 152mm howitzer allowed to (below 200m).” destroy concrete pill-boxes with a “… Our tanks’ armour cannot stop the minimal ammo expenditure. Finnish 15cm armour piercing shells, and even 37mm could not penetrate close detonation of an HE shell often the battle compartment’s armour and led to penetration of the armour by its Molotov cocktails were also useless fragmentation effect” 5

“... The existing facts and besides that, the impression felt that Russians know about their armoured walkers’ techni- cal superiority, should be taken into account and thoroughly investigated to avoid the damage that is being done to our armoured troops” “… Fight against Russian armoured walkers and tanks with 8.8cm flak Forced river crossing, ST-1 in cannons and 10cm tank guns cannot be enough on their own. Both weapon The Germans managed to capture types are cumbersome and in most several trial prototypes that were cases they are already discovered, abandoned without fuel and ammu- under fire and destroyed while trying nition. Despite the fact that the crews to reach an optimum firing position.” followed the instructions and tried to destroy their machines with hand “... In order to counter Russian heavy grenades, the Germans managed to tanks and armoured walkers the restore several machines in a few following detailed recommendations years and they took part in incidental are presented for consideration: skirmishes.

I) To develop assault weapons to fight Due to the difficult situation at the heavily armoured targets: front and the military factories’ relo- II) Besides other modernizations we cation to the East, a decision had should progress with the building of been made not to continue the pro- the 26 ton tank and use captured and duction of walking tanks and concen- undamaged 55 ton Russian armoured trate on less spectacular but more walkers. 1 company of which is efficient, easy to master and repair required for each tank regiment. vehicles with traditional running gear. III) We should design a 10 cm self- 3 pre-production ST-1’s were given to propelled anti-tank gun. At least 6 of the US due to its technology exchange these SPG’s are required for each tank program. In Autumn of 1941 they regiment. were delivered to Aberdeen proving IV) Create new shell type with consi- ground and were tested for 1.5 derably higher armour-piercing capa- months. city. V) Create a more powerful mine, that What follows are the excerpts from can render a 55 ton armoured walker the reports on the testing of the unserviceable. For example, simply armoured battle machine of the new our existing mines are not enough…” ST-1 type:

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“1. Armored Chassis: tion rates. Engine cooling is not up to our (US) standards and if it won’t be A choice of the armor angling for hull compensated by the engine design plates and turret points to an excell- itself, then the engine lifetime would ent shell damage withstanding capaci- be dramatically reduced. An air star- ty... tup system could prove additionally effective… This needs to be resear- 2. Armament: ched as a reliable additional and al- ternative method of startup. Firepower much higher than any of our own tanks, makes it possible to destroy almost any target on the battlefield, including permanent concrete fortifications. In addition, the additional armament of a 45mm cannon grants a high whilst engaging lightly-armored tar- gets. Additional machine guns are reliable, of a very simple design and easy to produce and to instal, there German armoured train with captured ST-1 are possibilities of replacing machine guns with equivalent ordinance of our OVERALL EVALUATION OF THE ST-1 design. TANK

3. Vision and aiming devices: The Russian walking tank, a vehicle of

new design, difficult for mass produ- The aiming devices installed are per- ction by semiskilled labor. The tank fect though the vision devices are not has good operating speeds, slight fully sighted, but passable. Overall tractive resistance, insufficient ease of visibility ranges are good. maintenance. Poor engine cooling

limits its ability to operate in wide 4. Powerplant: temperature ranges. High fuel and oil

consumption. Good startup, reliable The engine is very light for its size, engine. Bad air filtration equipment since most of its parts are made from and cooling make the tank main- aluminium. Persistence for portability tenance more difficult." is shown. High fuel and oil consump-

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German troops on the march, captured ST-1 in the background

The developers of War Thunder have rent parts of the ST-1 - some turret been collecting information from details, for example, were discovered archives around the world to create in later projects of some Soviet tanks: the walking tank in the game. Diffe- the KV-2, the T-26 and also the T-60.

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Hawker Hurricane Mk. IIB

[ACE PILOT] Squadron Leader Marmaduke ‘Pat’ Pattle 2. April - Author: Mark Barber

This year, on April 1st, Britain’s Royal most of their records destroyed du- Air Force celebrates its 97th birthday. ring the retreat across the Aegean Formed in the closing months of the theatre, it would be many years until First World War, the top scoring Bri- historians could piece together a tish and Commonwealth fighter aces better idea of what truly happened to were all army and naval pilots who the Hurricanes under the command of had achieved the majority of their South African fighter leader ‘Pat’ successes before the new air force Pattle. was formed; as a result, the RAF’s own top scoring aces actually flew in Marmaduke Thomas St. John Pattle the Second World War. For many was born in Butterworth, a town near years it was Spitfire legend ‘Johnnie’ the southeastern part of the South Johnson who was considered the African coastline, in . A se- highest scoring RAF fighter ace of the cond generation South African, Patt- Second World War. However, there le’s father and grandfather were both was a relatively small group of pilots military men who then moved into who fought in a nearly forgotten the- the legal profession. As a youth, Pattle atre of war, braving incredible odds to was considered by his teachers to be cover retreating ground forces day a bright boy but lacking drive and not after day with limited support. With naturally a hard worker. However, he 9 was a keen sportsman and also in profession in the wake of the Great possession of a mechanical mind – an Depression. After seeing an adverti- early interest in Mecanno models sement which described Britain’s RAF then led onto tinkering with engines actively recruiting from Commonwe- and learning to drive a car at a relati- alth countries, Pattle travelled to vely early age. Pattle applied to join London and was successful in the the in 1932 selection process – he began training and whilst waiting for his application in June 1936. to be processed he worked at a petrol station and then a gold mine. His first Progressing well through training – in an aircraft took place whilst particularly in the mechanical aspects working at the mine, in the company’s – Pattle was streamed onto fighters supply aircraft. after being graded as an ‘exceptional’ student pilot. He joined No. 80 Squa- dron, flying Gloster Gladiators at RAF Kenley before moving to RAF Debden in Essex. Childhood accusations of idleness were quickly dispelled – Patt- le had found his calling with the RAF and was commended as both a pilot and an officer. His commission as was confirmed in July 1937 and his staff work skills led to his appointment as squadron adjutant. In April 1938, Pattle was involved in his first offensive sorties when the squa- dron deployed to , where ground attack sorties were conducted against rebel militants opposed to British Colonial rule.

Marmaduke ‘Pat’ Pattle By the time of the outbreak of war in September 1939, Pattle had progres- Pattle was interviewed for a place in sed to the status of Flight Comman- the SAAF in March 1933, but was der. rejected. Undeterred, he continued to work and funded his own flying les- However, with RAF Fighter Command sons with a view to re-applying. Pattle being actively involved in campaigns joined the newly formed Special Ser- in France, Norway and then the Battle vice Battalion, a military organization of Britain, No.80 Squadron remained formed to give youths a chance at a in Egypt and far away from the action, 10 only able to watch from afar as nearly ter Italian forces in November. The a year of air warfare passed them by. Gladiators saw regular combat against their Italian foes, and now began to encounter in increasing numbers more modern opponents such as the tri-engined SM.79 and the Fiat G.50 fighter. However, the majo- rity of No. 80 Squadron’s opponents were , and the Aegean the- atre was one of the last arena in his- tory to see regular versus biplane air combat. By the end of the

A crashed Fiat CR.42, North Africa circa year, Pattle had claimed 14 kills, as 1940/41. Pattle claimed 14 of these air- well as a number of shared, probables craft — more than any other type and damaged.

With the Italian entry into the Second At the end of the month, Squadron World War in June 1940, British forces Leader Willian Hickey, the CO of in the North African desert were pro- No.80 Squadron, was killed in action pelled into action against Mussolini’s when he bailed out of his Gladiator in military. However, No.80 Squadron a parachute which had tragically alre- did not enter the fray until August ady caught fire; the event was witnes- when orders came to move to the sed by both Pattle and fellow ace front line to relieve No.33 Squadron. . Pattle was now forced ‘B’ Flight, under the command of to take on an even greater burden of Pattle, was moved to Sidi Barrani near leadership and responsibility within the Libyan border. In his first combat his fatigued and battered squadron. on August 4th, Pattle claimed a Breda He was awarded the Distinguished Ba 65 and a Fiat CR.42, but was in Flying Cross in February 1941. Just turn shot down by an Italian fighter – over a week later, the squadron was probably piloted by none other than re-equipped with Hawker Hurricanes – and was forced to – Pattle shot down a G.50 on his first bail out. Pattle shot down another day in combat with the new fighter. two Fiat CR.42s only four days later – On the last day of the month Pattle in early September he was promoted claimed four kills and a probable in a to . single day.

After a brief respite from combat to March saw Pattle awarded a bar to his re-equip with the newer Gladiator DFC and promoted to Squadron Lea- Mk.II, No. 80 Squadron were der, taking command of No. 33 Squa- deployed to , Greece to coun- dron who were also active in the 11

Aegean theatre. His arrival was not Hurricanes – including one flown by popular with the battered and tired newcomer and later internationally fliers, many of whom believed one of renowned childrens’ author Roald their own number should have taken Dahl – met the raid of some 90 air- command rather than an external craft. Pattle most probably shot down promotion. Nonetheless, Pattle was a Bf109 and a Bf110, but was never vocal immediately upon his arrival in seen again. Five Hurricanes were lost his expectation of high standards in on that day, along with four pilots the air and on the ground. The squa- killed or missing. Various historians dron moved to later in the have tried to piece together the evi- month. dence from this last battle, and it is now considered likely that Pattle was In April the entered the shot down by a pair of Bf110s which theatre. With dwindling numbers of latched into his tail whilst he was pilots, aircraft and supplies, the RAF attempting to provide assistance to Hurricanes continued to fly up and another Hurricane. meet the fresh opposition – on April 6th Pattle’s Hurricanes engaged eight Bf109s and shot down five without loss, two of which were credited to Pattle. Exhausted, the veteran Hurri- cane pilots continued to battle against overwhelming odds throughout the month. On April 19th, Pattle shot down six aircraft in a single day. The next day, with an allied withdrawal from theatre underway, Pattle led the Pattle (sixth from the right, resting on his only remaining RAF fighters in the left elbow), with 33 Squadron c. 1941 region into battle over har- bour. Feverish from illness, he shot Scant recorded evidence remains down three aircraft over the course of from the RAF’s exploits in the last few the day. With a evening raid inbound, months in the Aegean theatre; howe- Pattle reportedly dragged himself to ver, it is now widely acknowledged his feet from where he was shivering that Marmaduke Pattle shot down 50 under a blanket and staggered out to enemy aircraft, plus two shared, and his Hurricane, ignoring shouts from seven probable victories with a fellow pilots to remain on the ground. further shared. Whilst Bf110s strafed his airfield, Pattle took to the skies and led the The final total will never be known, final remnants of Nos.33 and 80 Squ- but it is most likely that the heroic adrons into battle. The last fifteen South African who still lies at the 12 controls of his Hurricane at the bot- ace of the Western Allies of the entire tom of Bay is the greatest air war.

In one of the future updates we will introduce emblem of the 80 Squadron RAF made by Jej 'CharlieFoxtrot' Ortiz

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[WEAPONS OF VICTORY] Golovachev's Yak-9M 3. April - Author: War Thunder team

A native of the Buda-Kašaliova district 1941, Golovachev was transferred to in the Gomel Region, Pavel Yakovle- the the 69th fighter squadron, which vich Golovachev was born on Decem- later became the 9th Guard fighter ber 15th, 1917. Walking the path of squadron. many Soviet youths of that time – via a factory apprenticeship school and joining a flying club – he was sent to the P.D. Osipenko 8th Odessa Military Piloting School on a Komsomol pro- gram in 1938. He completed training at the end of 1940.

Pavel Yakovlevich entered World War 2 at Iast, as a pilot of the 168th fighter squadron. Flying an I-16 fighter, he shot down his first Messerschmitt on As part of this squadron, Pavel Yako- his second day in the war, but he also sustained an injury. In the autumn of vlevich fought in LaGG-3, Yak-1 and P- 14

39 fighters, protecting the skies above Stalingrad, Rostov-on-Don, Donbass, and Melitopol. In 92 air batt- les, As a 1st Lieutenant of the Guards Golovachev shot down 18 enemy aircraft, for which he was honoured with the title of “Hero of the ” on November 1st, 1943. Flying a La-7 fighter from autumn 1944 and as a Captain in the Guards, Golova- chev improved his personal score to 26 destroyed enemy aircraft over 385 combat flights.

In February 1945, Pavel Yakovlevich was transferred to the 900th fighter squadron, in which he flew a Yak-9 fighter. During his combat activities in Throughout the war, he completed the skies above , Pavel Yakovle- 457 combat flights and shot down 30 vich piloted a Yak-9M fighter, shoo- enemy aircraft in 125 aerial battles ting down two FW-190 fighters over (according to data from M.Y. Bykov). the western part of the city on April On June 29th, 1945 Golovachev was 24th, 1945. again awarded with the title of “Hero of the Soviet Union”.

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RCAF Canadair Sabre CL-13 Mk.5/6, aircraft 23445 of the 444 “Cobra” Squadron, camouflage created by MightyArrow | Download here!

[AIR FORCES] Canadian Air Force 7. April - Author: Jan "Raypall" Kozák

During the First World War, around and done so in accordance with First 22,800 Canadians joined the British World War tactics. Aviators were flying services, as a national Canadian trained in short range reconnaissance air force was nonexistent. Some of and artillery spotting, but otherwise, them, like William Bishop, William only a small part of the RCAF pro- Barker and Raymond Collishaw, gramme was of military nature, as scored among the famous fighter aces Canada had little to no interest in of the First World War, however any armed forces following its invol- attempts to establish a national air vement in the First World War. The force failed due to a lack of support main tasks of the RCAF were thus from the Canadian government. It connected to the "Civil Government was not until 1920 that an indepen- Air Operations" programme, respon- dent Canadian Air Force was created sible for anti-smuggling patrols, pro- as a part-time organization, and then tection of forests, and experimental in 1924, reorganized as a full depart- development of engines and lubri- ment of the armed forces, named the cants able to withstand the harsh ‘Royal Canadian Air Force’ (RCAF). Canadian winters. The RCAF also ser- ved as a postal service, with Canadian Initially, it was largely considered a pilots pioneering mail transport by air. ‘peace’ and ‘defence operations’ In regards to equipment, most aircraft force, with war training being scarce used by the RCAF in the 1920s were 16

Avro 504 trainers, followed by Curtiss Hawker Hurricanes. The main task of HS-2L patrol flying boats. this force was to protect the Canadian coastline and Allied shipping lines against the threat of German subma- rines. Eventually, after the fall of France in the spring of 1940, No.1 Fighter Squadron, being the only moder Canadian fighter squadron, was sent to assist the British during the , along with indi- vidual Canadian pilots joining RAF ranks. Canadian men also partook in

Aircrew and groundcrew of a No. 428 Commonwealth Air Training, along Squadron RCAF Lancaster bomber with pilots from other Allied nations. Training was held on a vast network In the 1930s, the world was struck of training airfields and in over a hun- with the Great Depression, and Cana- dred flying schools across Canada. da was not an exception. Large bud- More than 131,000 pilots were tra- get cutbacks caused great reduction ined on Canadian soil, 70,000 of them in RCAF activities. In the years to being Canadian. The majority of these follow, when funds were at least par- pilots were then deployed overseas, tially restored, the RCAF placed a including in Africa, Burma, Ceylon, larger emphasis on its military capabi- India, the Mediterranean Sea, and lities, as a war with the aggressive Malta. Axis forces seemed more and more imminent. Even though efforts were RCAF personnel were trained for all made to prepare the RCAF for war, in types of aircraft – from transport to 1939, following the outbreak of the heavy .The largest Canadian Second World War, the Canadian air formation overseas was No.6 (RCAF) force consisted of only 4000 person- Group under Royal Air Force Bomber nel and roughly 195 aircraft, most of Command – this group consisted of them obsolete and unsuited for com- 14 RCAF bomber squadrons, initially bat operations. Preparing this small consisting of and force for modern war was an enor- Handley-Page Halifax bombers and mous task, but the Canadians ac- eventually transferring to Avro cepted the challenge. Lancasters. Twelve RCAF squadrons were serving under the RAF Fighter Using the nation’s vast coastlines, Command, eventually exchanging bases were constructed, housing over their Hurricanes for P-40 Kittyha- 300 maritime bombers and fighters, wks/Tomahawks/Warhawks and Spit- such as Lockheed Hudsons, annakad fires. 17

RCAF Lancaster of the 419 Squadron VR-R "Ropey", camouflage created by MightyArrow | Download Here!

During the Second World War, many in the cockpit, so that the rest of his pilots were able to distinguish them- crew could bail out. The second Victo- selves. Flight Lieutenant George Beur- ria Cross was awarded to Pilot Officer ling was one of the top scoring Andrew Mynarski, whose bomber was Commonwealth fighter aces with 31 hit and set ablaze. Without any hesi- confirmed kills. Flight Lieutenant tation, Mynarski threw himself at the Richard Audet also managed to de- flames in an attempt to rescue a trap- stroy five German aircraft in a single ped tail gunner, while the rest of the sortie with his Spitfire. As for non- crew bailed out. With his clothes fighter pilots, Flying Officer Kenneth burning, and the bomber rapidly di- Moore, piloting the B-24 Liberator ving towards the ground, Mynarski bomber in anti-submarine roles, sunk was unsuccessful in rescuing the tail two German U-boats in the space of gunner, and bailed out at the last 22 minutes – a feat unmatched by any possible moment. Unfortunately, his other pilot. injuries were too severe, and he died a few hours later. Two Canadian aviators also received the Victoria Cross, the highest After the end of the Second World Commonwealth decoration, albeit War, the RCAF demobilized most of both were awarded posthumously. its personnel, with many military The first was awarded to Flight Lieu- airfields being converted for civilian tenant David Hornell, who was able to use. After transferring to the jet-era sink a German submarine despite (with Gloster Meteors being the first being heavily damaged by anti-aircraft RCAF jet fighters), the RCAF then fire. Hornell sacrificed himself, staying assisted United Nations forces during 18 the Korean War by providing logistical time), and then remained in Europe support, and eventually by sending its until 1992. Since then, the RCAF has own aerial vehicles. Canada also be- participated in many operations, such came a valuable member of NATO in as the bombing of , the war 1951, with No.1 Air Division being in Afghanistan, and Operation ‘Uni- deployed in Europe and initially fied Protector’ in Libya. Today, the equipped with Canadair Sabres and RCAF is one of the most modern air CF-100 fighters. This formation assis- forces in existence, and is rightfully ted Coalition forces during the Gulf proud for its rich and long heritage. War (flying CF-18 Hornets at that

With an upcoming update, we will add emblem of the 416th Lynx Squadron by Jej 'CharlieFoxtrot' Ortiz and Colin 'Fenris' Muir

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M4 Sherman "Columbia lou" D-Day, 70th Tank Battalion, Utah Beach, 6 June 1944 camouflage created by -313- Paegas | Download here

[VEHICLE PROFILE] M4 Sherman 8. April - Author: Adam “BONKERS” Lisiewicz

In 1939 it was becoming apparent starboard side of the vehicle. In Au- that most of America’s tank arsenal gust 1940 drawings of a new vehicle was quickly becoming obsolete. The armed with the 75 mm gun were advance of the Wehrmacht in Europe submitted by the Ordnance Depart- concerned American top brass, ment. In the T6 prototype prompting them to campaign for the was chosen to be mass produced. It modernization of US armor. The main would then become the M4 Medium problem was the armament - many Tank, also known as the "Sherman" by tanks were armed either with only .50 the British (named after General Wil- cal. machine guns or 37 mm guns, liam Tecumseh Sherman). which were deemed as unsatisfactory. There was, however, a saviour - the The new tank featured many already 75 mm M3 tank gun. However, at the proven features, such as a radial pe- time no turret was available to mount trol engine in the rear of the vehicle, a this cannon. The stopgap measure of Vertical Volute Spring Suspension mounting this weapon on a mobile system and sloped frontal armor. The platform was the M3 Lee - a medium turret was made out of cast homoge- tank based on the M2 Medium, ar- nous steel, while the hull was compo- med with the 37 mm gun based in a sed from welded homogenous armor rotatable turret and the 75 mm gun plates. The armor profile and the mounted in the side sponson on the armament of the Sherman made it 20 superior to the Panzer III as well as and the M8A1 Gun Motor Carriage. At Panzer IV tanks equipped with short first the player has access to two barreled 75 mm guns. However, the types of ammunition - the M72 AP 75 mm armed Shermans later proved shell, which can penetrate 84 mm of to be inferior to newer German tank armor @ 100 meters range, and the designs such as the Tiger and the M48 HE shell - useful when dealing Panther, as well as modernised Pan- with lightly armored targets. The zer IV models equipped with long player can unlock a third ammo type - barreled 75 mm guns. Still, they were the M61 AP shell. The M61 has better liked by the crew that used them for armor penetration (89 mm @ 100 m), their reliability and internal comfort, and is also equipped with a HE while the 75 mm High Explosive am- warhead, which increases post- mo proved to be very successful in penetration damage dealt to the crew destroying enemy strong points, AT and modules. It is advised to use this gun nests and bunkers. Overall, over over the stock AP ammo. The armor 6700 models of the M4 were produ- of the Sherman is solid - the front of ced, not counting modifications and the turret is protected by 76 mm of modernised versions. The Sherman rounded amor while the frontal hull tanks saw combat on all fronts of plate, while only 51 mm in thickness, World War II, and the modernised is heavily sloped which increases the variants of this rugged design were effective thickness to around 80 mm also used in the Korean War and the of armor. The side of the hull is signi- Six-Day War. ficantly thinner at only 38 mm of armor. The tank is powered by a 400 horsepower engine which translates to a maximum speed of 38 km/h.

In battle the M4 performs well as an all-rounder; the thick turret front and 10 degrees of gun depression make the tank ideal for taking hull-down positions which protect the thinner hull armor from being penetrated by M4 Sherman wading tank, D day enemy fire. The sloped front upper glacis, when angled, also provides In War Thunder, the M4 is situated in good protection against enemy fire. the US Ground Forces tech tree. It is The reasonable mobility of the Sher- an Era II vehicle, with a Battle Rating man makes flanking a viable tactic. of 3.7 in all game modes. The tank, as The main weakness of the M4 is the in reality, is armed with the 75 mm side armor - not only is it unangled M3 tank gun as used on the M3 Lee and thin, but behind it most of the 21 ammunition is stowed. The tall sil- many variants of this legendary ma- houette of the tank also makes fin- chine. ding suitable cover difficult. Overall, the M4 Sherman can be considered as an armored jack-of-all trades - it will serve a tanker well, however it will not excel in any particular role. The In one of the future updates we will M4 will be your gateway to the Ame- introduce "Major Jim" inscription, 1st rican medium tanks and through your Armored Division, February 1943 progression you will be able to play

X-ray view of the M4 Sherman

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IS-2 1944 ""Месть за брата героя" (“Revenge for the Hero brother”). 1st Belorussian Front, February 1945

[WEAPONS OF VICTORY] IS-2 “Revenge for the Hero brother” 10. April - Author: War Thunder team

The “Revenge for the Hero brother” fought in the battle of Voronezh and inscription is dedicated to Nikolay the First Ukrainian front. He was able Krasikov, recipient of the ‘Hero of the to distinguish himself during the Kiev Soviet Union’ honorary title. It was Offensive for his actions. inscribed on the turret of his tank by his older brother, Mikhail, following Along with his crew, Nikolay was one his death. of the first tankers to enter Lutezhy village, where he immobilised one Nikolay Krasikov was only 17 when tank, destroyed 2 cannons, and ne- the war began, and it was at this utralised up to 40 enemy infantry. young age that he decided to follow in During this battle, 1 enemy tank and the footsteps of his brother and be- about 20 enemy infantry were immo- come a tanker. After graduating from bilised on the right bank of the Dnie- the Armour School in 1943, Nikolay per River, which was done so whilst 23 covering allied soldiers. Two days Nikolay Krasikov was killed near Vin- later, Krasikov’s tank was the first to nitsa on November the 11th, 1943, break into Vyshgorod, where he ne- whilst in battle. He was awarded the utralised 3 cannons and 25 enemy title ‘Hero of the Soviet Union’ po- soldiers. He also lead 2 tank compa- sthumously. After his brother’s death, nies out of danger, and saved the Mikhail Krasikov inscribed “Revenge commander of an allied company. for the Hero brother” on his tank, later using it in Pomerania.

Decal made by Branislav "InkaL" Mirkov

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KV-1E, available in the game via the starter pack & Kolobanov's authentic camouflage, made by Joker

[ACE TANKER] Zinoviy Kolobanov 13. April - Author: Sergej "NuclearFoot" Hrustid

Zinoviy Grigorevich Kolobanov would be immortalized as one of the (Зиновий Григoрьевич Колобaнов) USSR’s most recognized tank aces. was born on 25th December, 1910, in the village of Arefino. After gradua- His real claim to fame would occur ting from college in 1933, he was during the battle at Krasnogvardeysk, drafted into the Red Army. He gra- near Leningrad (now Gatchina and St duated from an armoured forces Petersburg, respectively). There were institute in 1936 as a straight-A stu- three roads leading to the village, dent with the rank of Lieutenant, and each converging at a choke point requested to be stationed in Lenin- encompassed by a swamp. Kolobanov grad. In 1938, he would become knew that three German medium commander of his own tank company, Panzer III divisions were advancing on situated at the Karelian strait, just 5 the area, and he decided to set up an days before the Winter War. For his ambush in the swamp choke point. participation in the Winter War, espe- Including him, there were 5 KV-1 cially at the breakthrough of the tanks, each one carrying nearly Mannerheim Line, Kolobanov re- double the normal ammunition than ceived the award ‘Hero of the Soviet it usually would. Union’, and was promoted to the rank of captain. However, it was during the As the German tank column approa- war on the Eastern Front that he ched their positions, Kolobanov’s 25 gunner, Andrei Usov, shot the leading thick armour. This was due to the tank, which exploded immediately. German tanks being equipped with Thinking that it had stepped on a only a 37mm cannon, which proved landmine, the entire column stopped. inferior to the KV-1’s frontal armour. Usov quickly destroyed another tank in the same manner, and the other Even though he was already awarded KV-1 followed suit, each firing in slight with being a ‘Hero of the Soviet Uni- intervals so as not to give away their on’, he was also granted the ‘Order of true number. Though by now the the Red Banner’. His gunner, Usov, Germans realized they were under received the honour of the ‘Order of attack, they could only see the front Lenin’. He was convicted twice for plate of Kolobanov’s tank. In an at- mild treason. Once, during the Winter tempt to retreat, the Germans moved War, when he was caught “fraterni- into soft mud, which their tracks zing with the enemy”, and another couldn’t handle, and many became when he let one of his subordinates stuck. This made them easy targets escape to the British zone of occupied for the KV-1s. By the end of the half- . He retired from the army in hour battle, there were a total of 43 Minsk, the capital of Belarus, where smoking wrecks, which used to be he worked in the Minsk Auto Works. Panzer III’s. It is worth noting that Two monuments were built in dedica- after the battle, 156 hits were coun- tion to him, one in the village where ted on Kolobanov’s tank, none of his ambush was stationed, and one in which had penetrated through the Minsk.

With an upcoming update, we will add Zinoviy's Kolobanov's tank number made by Branislav 'InkaL' Mirkov

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IS-2 mod. 1944 from 1st Polish Armoured Corps, April 1945 camouflage created by RazNaRok | Download here

[GROUND FORCES] 4th Heavy Tank Regi- ment of the People's Army of Poland 14. April - Author: Adam “BONKERS” Lisiewicz

The 4th Heavy Tank Regiment of the near Warsaw, where it was attached People's Army of Poland was formed to the 1st Army of the People's Army in the vicinity of Berdichiv, a town of Poland. Since November 1944 it situated in today's Ukraine in August was considered a frontline unit, alt- 1944. The creation of this unit was hough it didn't see any combat in not coincidental - the presence of 1944. German Tiger and Panther tanks prompted the Polish commanders to This situation was about to change in create a unit equipped with tanks that 1945. The Soviet command was dra- were capable of fighting those Ger- wing up plans for a major offensive, man vehicles on even terms. After with the aim of crossing the Vistula completing basic training near Ber- river and recapturing Western Poland. dichiv, the unit was transferred to the The 1st Army's task was to attack town of Chełm, where after the offi- through the Pomerania region, with cial creation ceremony it was finally the main targets of capturing Gdaosk equipped with the main equipment - and Kołobrzeg - two vital port cities 21 IS-2 Heavy Tanks. After a short on the Baltic Sea coast. To achieve training period the unit was then those goals the Poles needed to break transferred to the town of Izabelin through the Pomerania Wall - a 27 network of defensive lines designed to move towards a staging area near to defend the Pomerania region from the town of Gryfice, to prepare for the attackers. Throughout January, the assault on Kołobrzeg. The tanks the unit moved from Warsaw towards reached the designated positions on it's staging area for the offensive near the 11th of March. Bydgoszcz. During the march the number of available IS-2 tanks shrank from 21 to 14 because of breakdowns. However, most of the broken down tanks later rejoined the unit after repairs.

The 4th Regiment would finally see action on the 10th of February. A day earlier it was tasked with assaulting and capturing the town of Mirosła- Just two days later, the Regiment was wiec, heavily defended by the Ger- back in action. The town was very man troops manning the Pomerania heavily defended by seasoned Wehr- Wall. The town itself was captured in macht soldiers, who could also count the evening, after heavy street fights. on the artillery support of the pocket The Regiment then supported friendly battleships Admiral Scheer and forces in the area by consolidating Lützow. Regardless, the Poles pushed against German counterattacks, and on, and the support of the IS-2s hel- the next day it participated in the ped in destroying enemy positions further push to the West. The German and nests. Five days defense was strong, but the Poles after the regiment entered the fight, managed to break through after 3 the town was liberated. The Regiment days. The next three days were then then returned to Gryfice and prepa- spent on reinforcing the already cap- red itself for the next offensive. This tured positions. On the 18th of time, it would take part in the opera- February, the Regiment took part in tions in northeast Germany, as a part heavy fighting near the villages of of the force shielding the flanks of the Wierzchowo and Złocieniec, where 1st Belarussian Front during the final the IS-2s supported the infantry with push on Berlin. In April, the main their main gun fire. The heavy tanks objective of the Regiment and the managed to knock out 5 German Polish forces was to cross through the assault guns during an enemy counte- Oder river towards the village of Neu- rattack, however the unit was then karlshof. On the 16th of April, the forced to fall back. It then stayed on Regiment helped the 3rd Infantry the defence up until March, when, Division during the crossing of the after being reinforced, it was ordered Oder river, successfully pushing back 28 the German defenders. Chasing after Even though the 4th Heavy Tank Re- the Germans, the unit reached the giment took part in the fighting for Hohenzollern Canal, whose defenders only 4 months, it proved to be very were defeated on the 25th of April. In valuable for the 1st Army. The unit May, the Regiment still moved on was credited with the destruction of westwards towards the river Elbe. The 12 tanks, 16 self-propelled guns, 76 war trail of the Regiment ended in the towed guns and howitzers, 3 APCs, 60 town of Zuhlsdorf, captured on the cars and 58 machine gun nests, for 8th of May. the loss of 160 dead, wounded and missing, as well as 14 knocked out tanks and 4 tanks damaged.

In one of the future updates we will introduce "Tadeusz" and "5100" decals used on one of the armour from Polish Regiment

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Fury Mk.I Trainer, 5th Flying Training School, RAF Sealand, 1938. camouflage created by Spogooter | Download here

[AIR FORCES] The Dawn of the Royal Air Force 15. April - Author: War Thunder Team

The more mechanical becomes the weapons with which we fight, the less mechanical must be the spirit which controls them.

- Field Marshal Archibald P. Wavell

The (RFC) was These early pioneering days, demon- created by Royal Warrant over 100 strated the potential for using ballo- years ago on the 13th of April, 1912 ons, kites, airships and finally ae- and established the following month roplanes for military purposes. This in May. realisation, combined with the argu- ments put forward by civilian fans of The RFC can trace its origins back to flying at the time and the supposedly the Royal Engineers and the early superior air forces of other European flying experiments undertaken by the countries, persuaded the from the 1870s, and by the Government that a flying corps was a from the 1900s. necessity. As a result the RFC was established in 1912.

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companied them whose job it was to beat off attackers.

On the 1st of April, 1918 the Royal Air Force was born from the union of the and the Royal Flying Corps. Military aviation that had been forged in the fires of the First World War, was finally starting Photo of the first Royal Air Force Vultee- to demonstrate its value. What, at the Stinson Reliant Mk.1 time, were great leaps forward in technology, had shaped the war in It consisted of a Military Wing, a Na- the air. val Wing and a Central Flying School. This small Corps, formed just nine Trenchard, the then Chief of the Air years after the famous Wright Bro- Staff (CAS), wrote in 1919: thers' flight of 1903 would find itself at war in just two years. The First "The whole Service was practically a World War would see the first exten- war creation on a temporary basis, sive and decisive use of air power. without any possibility of taking into account that it was going to remain In 1914 the primary role of the air- on a permanent basis." craft and balloon was that of observa- tion and reconnaissance but soon During World War 2, the Royal Air included artillery spotting to direct Force was ””at its finest” in the truest gunfire. Their function was to see sense of the words, they had little "over hills" and provide ground based manpower to keep the Germans at commanders with information on bay, day after day, hour after hour enemy troop and movements they climbed into their cockpits and and deployments etc which could flew against all the odds, turning the affect the fate of armies and fleets. tide with a selfless valour that kept The early aircraft were not armed Britain from being defeated. At the although pilots and observers would start of the war, Germany fielded over carry pistols or . Soon however, 4000 aircraft compared to Britain's aircraft began to field machine guns frontline strength of 1660. By the mounted on the fuselage in operated time of the fall of France, the Lu- by the crew. These “armed” aircraft ftwaffe had 3000 aircraft based in attacked balloons, slow moving re- north-western Europe alone including connaissance aircraft or those spot- 1400 bombers, 300 dive bombers, ting for the artillery. To protect these 800 single engine fighter planes and vulnerable assets, escort aircraft ac- 240 twin engine attackers. 31

rienced was the fact that they lacked trained and experienced pilots.

Now, the Royal Air Force is the oldest Independent Air Force in existence and a force respected and loved by many. Since the early days of the Royal Air Force, the service has wel- comed and valued warriors from many different nations, flown thou- Airco D.H.2 sands of different aircraft from ballo-

on to Jetfighter, been active in many At the start of the battle of Britain, different campaigns, participated in the Luftwaffe had 2500 aircraft that humanitarian missions, all with the were serviceable and daily, the Lu- motto from 1912: ftwaffe could put up over 1600 pla- nes. The RAF had 1200 aircraft on the Per ardua ad astra "Through adversi- eve of the battle of Britain which ty to the stars" included 800 Spitfires and Hurricanes

- but only 660 of these were service- able. British aircraft production was good but the weakness the RAF expe-

Gladiator II F and Tuck's Gladiator

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M41 Walker Bulldog - US Army camouflage created by JoKeR_BvB09 | Download here!

[VEHICLE PROFILE] M41 Walker Bulldog 20. April - Author: Stephen "Azumazi" Hembree

The M41 started from a program that der. The Rangefinder worked fine, but was initiated near the end of World failures in the gun system and pro- War 2 by General Joseph Stilwell. It blematic upkeep forced them to omit called for a 25 ton light tank to repla- it from the design. ce the M26 Light tank. It called for a vehicle that was mobile armed with a 3 inch gun(76mm) capable of piercing 5 inches of armor (127mm) at a 30 degree angle from 1000 yards.

By 1949 the new pilot, the T37 was produced. It was ran in 3 stages to evaluate 3 different guns, one of which was an autoloader. A few is- sues were found in the design that By 1951 the M41 was a combination were not problematic, but the design of concepts from the T37 and T41 board wanted a bit more. In comes program into a more stable platform. the T41 with some improvements Those including a rear drive system over the initial T37. There was a pro- with automatic transmission for ease blem however with the requirements of use with drivers as well as a stere- for the T41, those being the Vickers oscopic range finder to replace the gun system and coincidence rangefin- coincidence rangefinder. 33

In game the Vehicle should be used as count by hitting either ammo racks or a rapid deployment support vehicle. fuel tanks/engines to disable and or In conjunction with a heavier vehicle, destroy an enemy vehicle. HVAP later like a T32, you run rapid insertion and on makes this job easier for vehicles flanking operations while letting the with better side armor such as the IS- heavier tanks absorb the brunt of the 3 which has an amazing side profile attack. They work well with M26 Me- and nothing to be taken lightly. dium tanks as the M26 has a harder hitting gun to support your advance, The M41A1 can be a very fun and but you maintain a much better climb rewarding vehicle, especially for expe- rate for hills and a much faster accele- rienced players. It requires precision, ration. Your top speed does cap off situational awareness, and constant road which can leave a bit to be de- vigilance to continue to support and sired, but this requires you to play flank your enemy. with the terrain to your advantage.

You lack any real armor and should remember such, try to abuse terrain to hide yourself and relocate after shots. Generally attempt to engage targets already engaging other foes.

Your 76mm gun has great penetrati- X-ray view of M41 in War Thunder on, but due to the solid shot AP rounds you need to make your shots

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[LOCATIONS] Kent, Malta and Midway 22. April - Henry 'DigitalDigging' Rothwell

In this series of articles, we’re taking a break from the hustle and bustle of close en- gagements, and instead taking a tour of some of the locations featured in the game of War Thunder, that also have a very real existence in their own right.

Manston Airfield in War Thunder and through Google Maps

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The small corner of Kent that appears one of the closest mainland airfields in the Dover location, for instance, to the continent. While the RAF and has seen more than its fair share of Luftwaffe were heavily engaged on action over the years. The history of this front, the Italian dictator Benito Manston Airfield alone could fill many Mussolini decided to press his advan- pages: it was home to the first Meteor tage and called for an offensive on Squadron, as well as acting as the Allied forces throughout the Mediter- base for the Lancasters and Welling- ranean, ordering bombing runs on tons used in the testing of Barnes Malta within hours of making the Wallace’s Bouncing experi- announcement. ments. In the game Gaijin have not only In 1943 the trials themselves took recreated the main islands of Malta place to the North of Manston Air- itself, but also paid close attention to field, off the coast near Reculver. The the crucially important port of Vallet- tests took place there because of the ta. It was here that the main action of seclusion of the site, and the shallow the Siege of Malta took place, and waters, which allowed what was left also where the legend of Faith Hope of the to be recovered and and Charity was born – these were studied. This stretch of the coast also the names of three Gloster Sea Gladi- appears in the game. ators which fought off all comers for 10 days. In 1940 Manston also played a vital role during the Battle of Britain, being

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Valletta Port on Malta in War Thunder and through Google Maps

In actual fact there were more like six of Midway, during which the Ameri- Gladiators protecting the whole of can Forces inflicted upon the Japane- Malta, though not all of them were se navy a devastating defeat – its first airworthy at the same time. These since the Battle of Shimonoseki Straits were eventually joined by four Hurri- in 1863. canes which, together with the rema- ining Gladiators, continued to resist The Japanese plan was to lure the the efforts of the American forces into a battle which and Luftwaffe to unseat them. would clear the way for them to esta- blish the Greater East Asia Co- Malta was of crucial strategic impor- Prosperity Sphere without further tance to anyone attempting to control interference from the US, and allow the Med, and therefore of crucial them to be the dominant force in the importance to the outcome of the increasingly ironically named Pacific. war as a whole. In the game, key sites The Japanese were unaware however from Valletta have been faithfully that their encryption had been bro- modelled, as has the wider countrysi- ken, and that the Americans were de around it, including RAF Luqa, the busy setting a trap. airfield above the capital. Aware of the Japanese plan to mount Another small island that was of great an operation at a location known only strategic importance was that of as ‘AF’, American cryptanalysts, Midway Island, the scene of the Battle strongly suspecting ‘AF’ to be code for 37

Midway Island, arranged for an When the battle came, the Americans unencrypted message to be sent sta- were extremely well informed about ting that the water purification at their opposition, while the Japanese Midway Island had broken down. had virtually no sound information Shortly afterwards they intercepted a about theirs at all. Regardless of the Japanese communication stating that advantage, all plans of battle disinte- ‘AF was low on water’, confirming grate into nothing as soon as the first their suspicions. shot is fired, victory is never a cut and dried affair, and a great deal of brave Shortly after this stroke of good for- men on both sides died over the tune, the new code books that were course of the battle. to be distributed to the Japanese navy, the introduction of which would Both islands that make up Midway mean an end to decryption until the Island are included in the game maps new cipher was broken, were delay- – Eastern Island, which contained the ed, giving America a crucial few days airstrip that made it of such strategic in which to glean even more informa- importance at the time, and the tion about the deployment and num- smaller Sand Island, which now also ber of enemy units. has an airstrip.

Midway Island in War Thunder and through Google Maps >>>

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The game features a great many real world locations, rendered in a surprising and impressive amount of detail. Over the coming months we’ll be taking a closer look at a number of these, both in history, and the game of War Thunder.

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F7F-1 Tigercat VC-80 "What If", camouflage created by PROx_GAMING | Download here

[AIRCRAFT PROFILE] Grumman F7F-1 Tigercat 23. April - Author: Jan “RayPall“ Kozák

In 1942, after an unsuccessful XF5F ground attack capabilities, and it Skyrocket (and XP-50, its land-based would be able to outperform and modified variant) project, Grumman outgun any other fighter of that time. Aircraft Engineering Corporation The maiden flight of the prototype, began work on an improved aircraft titled XF7F-1, occurred in December using the same twin-engine concept 1943, and was rushed into production as the Skyrocket, which they named in 1944 under the name F7F-1 Tiger- the XP-65. It was only a year later, cat, continuing the Grumman’s tra- however, that this project was can- dition of giving planes “cat“ names. celled, and Grumman began work on an entirely new plane based on the XF5F concept.

This plane was intended to be opera- ted from new, large Midway-class carriers (the first vessel being the USS Midway, which was commissioned in 1945) and Grumman had two main goals in sight – the plane would have 40

The Tigercat was designed for two the US Marine Corps service. Delive- things – speed and firepower. The ries started in April 1944, but pro- first of these was achieved by the blems with carrier operations clea- combination of its sleek hull and two rance and changes in its operational massive 18-cylinder Pratt & Whitney requirements caused significant dela- R-2800-22W Double Wasp radial ys. As a result, the Tigercat was too engines, producing 2100 horsepower late to participate in World War 2, each. With these power plants, the and only 34 aircraft of initial F7F-1 Tigercat was able to achieve a ma- versions were made. Tigercats even- ximum speed of 700 kph (435 mph) at tually saw combat at last, but no an altitude of 6706 meters (22 000 sooner than during the initial stages feet), and had climb rate of more than of the Korean War, where F7F’s ma- 1372 meters (4500 feet) per minute. naged to shoot down two North Ko- It was nearly 114 kph (71 mph) faster rean Polikarpov Po-2 biplanes. Sub- than the F6F Hellcat, and Captain Fred sequently, due to the developement M. Trapnell, one of the US Navy’s best of jet fighters, Tigercats were phased test pilots, was quoted saying: “It’s out of service, with the last of them the best damn fighter I’ve ever retiring in 1954. flown!“ The Tigercat’s firepower was no less impressing. The Tigercat was armed with four 20 mm M2 cannons in the wing roots, and four .50 M2 nose-mounted machine guns. Additi- onally, it could carry up to two 454 kg (1000 lb) bombs on underwing racks, or one torpedo under the fuselage. It was also the first US Navy twin-engine fighter ever accepted into service, and the first US Navy fighter ever to use a tricycle landing gear configuration. In War Thunder, the F7F-1 Tigercat is However, air tests and trials proved an American rank IV heavy fighter, that the Tigercat was simply too with a Battle Rating of 6.3. Just like its overpowered for Midway-class real-life counterpart, it is armed with carriers. Its landing speed was too four 20 mm AN/M2 cannons with 200 high and it suffered instability in sin- rounds per gun, and four .50 M2 ma- gle-engine flight. The arrestor hook chine guns, carrying 800 rounds per design was also proven to be unrelia- gun. Additionally, it is possible to ble. As a result of these multiple is- research bomb racks, allowing you to sues, the Tigercat was then assigned carry either a single 1000 lb bomb, or to be used as a land-based fighter in two 500 lb bombs. You can also equip 41 a combination of both. Performance- Regarding firepower, the Tigercat wise, the Tigercat has a maximum truly is a beast of the skies. Four 20 speed of 668 kph (415 mph) at an mm cannons and four .50 machine altitude of 5190 meters (17 028 feet), guns, clustered around the center or 695 kph (431 mph) at the same axis, coupled with generous ammu- altitude with WEP. At sea level, the nition supply and high fire rate (it can maximum speed is 619 kph (384.6 fire 7.68 kilograms, or 16.9 lbs, of lead mph), or 638 kph (396.4 mph) with per second) mean that it is bad news WEP. The Tigercat can climb to an for bombers and any fighter foolish altitude of 3000 meters (9843 feet) in enough to go head-on against it. The 155 seconds (135 seconds with WEP), Tigercat’s speed and bomb load also giving it an average climb rate of 19.3 makes it a useful attacker against meters (63.3 feet) per second (22.2 ground forces in tank battles, as you meters or 72.8 feet per second with can approach your target, drop your WEP). It can perform a full horizontal bombs, and escape before enemy turn at 3000 meters in 24 seconds at a anti-air units can detect you effective- speed of 500 kph (310.6 mph), as well ly. as perform a full vertical turn at the same altitude and speed, which it Combining speed, climb rate and completes in 27 seconds. heavy firepower, the Tigercat is an extremely potent heavy fighter, and In terms of gameplay, the Tigercat, with a skilled pilot, can prove to be a put simply, is a brute of an aircraft. It match for any fighter on any given goes fast – both at high altitudes and rank. Research further down its line at sea level, allowing it to easily esca- also leads to the first US Navy jet pe from most other propeller fighters fighter in the game, the F2H Banshee. that may attmept to follow. Also, with an altitude advantage, it can even catch up to first-generation jet figh- ters. It also has a high climb rate – there are only a few aircraft on any given battle rating that can match it, and most of the time, you will have a comfortable altitude advantage. This is crucial if you want to use the Tiger- cat as a boom-and-zoom and energy fighter, as it excels in these roles due to its impressive energy retention, firepower and climb rate.

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With an upcoming update, we will add Emblem of the VMF(AW)-542 Squadron to War Thunder made by Jej 'CharlieFoxtrot' Ortiz

X-ray view of F7F-1 Tigercat in War Thunder

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Ray S. Wetmore P-51D "Daddy's Girl"

[WEAPONS OF VICTORY] P-51D Daddy's Girl 24. April - Author: War Thunder team

In November 1941, an 18-year-old Ray Wetmore was called into military service and entered flight school, which he finished eight months after the training started. In March 1943, he entered active service in the new- ly-created 359th Fighter Group which was based at East Wretham, Norfolk in Great Britain. As part of the 370th Fighter Squadron, Ray achieved his

first 4.25 personal victories between Born on September 30th, 1923 in the February and March of 1944, flying a small town of Kerman, California, Ray Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. S. Wetmore was the eighth best US fighter pilot in World War II's Europe- After retraining to fly a North Ameri- an Theater. At the age of 21, he held can P-51 Mustang, a 20-year-old the rank of Major. Wetmore achieved the title of ace,

shooting down two Bf.109s on May 44

19th, 1944. The young lieutenant flew conflict. The Americans escaped the an aircraft bearing the legend “Dad- battle without loss. dy's Girl”. There were several planes with this title in the 359th Fighter Captain Wetmore's next success was Group at that time. All of Wetmore's on February 14th, 1945, when he shot fighters – a P-47D, a P-51B and a P- down three Fw.190s in one day not 51D – bore this name. By the end of far from the Dümmer Lake airfield. His May 1944, the number of Ray Wet- wingman took down a fourth enemy more's victories had reached 8.25. In plane. In total on that day, the entire a little over a year of military acti- 359th Fighter Group recorded 4.5 vities, Ray had shot down 15 enemy victories. Ray S. Wetmore achieved aircraft and been promoted to the his last victory on March 15th, 1945 rank of Captain. near Wittenberg, destroying an ??.163 rocket fighter. While he was The two tours of duty that Wetmore chasing the Me.163, the air speed served made him a witness to the indicator on Westmore's P-51D 44- downfall of the Luftwaffe. Nonethe- 14733/CS-L showed 600 miles per less, Germany's air force was still hour. In total, Major Wetmore com- showing its teeth. On November 27th, pleted around 142 combat flights 1944, Captain R. Wetmore and Lieu- throughout World War II, achieving tenant ?. York engaged in a skirmish 21.25 air victories and 2.33 ground with almost a hundred Bf.109 fighters victories. to the north of Munster. As Wetmore himself said later: "To defend oursel- Major Wetmore died on February ves, we had to attack." Three Mes- 14th, 1951 when the Republic F-84 serschmitts were shot down in the Thunderjet he was flying crashed.

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FW 190 A-4 with 2x MG FF/M - improved MG FF 20mm cannons

[ARMS] Minengeschoß shells 27. April - Author: Jan “RayPall“ Kozák

In the middle of 1930’s, German Lu- structive potential, and results were ftwaffe started to receive a new type unstatisfactory – standard explosive of auto cannon – 20 mm cannon MG shells were deemed not effective FF, based on Swiss Oerlikon FF. It was enough, as fragments usually pierced significant leap forward in effective- outer sheet metal skin of aircraft, but ness of aircraft armament compared had insufficent effect on construction to - machine guns, since integrity or control surfaces. In 1937, larger shells could carry explosive as a result of these trials, RLM orde- filling, increasing the damage. Regular red a development of new 20 mm high-explosive cannon shells achieved cannon shell with increased explosive destructive effect by exploding upon force at the expense of fragmentation impact, where casing of the shell effect. Deutsche Waffen und Muniti- disintegrated, sending fragments into onfabrik (DWM) was issued with the target. These fragments were lethal task. for old airplanes, constructed from wood covered by fabric, but fragmen- The result of this development was a tation was less effective against all- new type of shell, called Minenges- metal aircraft. Technical Office of choß (aka „mine shell“). Regular shells Reichsluftministerium (RLM), German were cast and cavity for HE filler was aviation ministry, subjected explosive then drilled into the shell. Minenges- 20 mm ammunition to a thorough choß was instead drawn from high series of tests regarding their de- quality steel and had much thinner 46 walls of casings without compromi- only a handful of hits. Minengeschoß sing structural integrity. This reduced was particularly effective against fuel fragmentation effect considerably, tanks, tearing them open and often but also allowed much more explosive setting the highly flammable aviation filler to be added. Regular 20 mm fuel on fire. Minengeschoß had filling of 18-20 g of PETN, while typical contemporary 20 mm shells of other nations had mere- ly 6-10 g of explosives. Increased explosive effect also required diffe- rent fuse to be mounted. If regular impact detonator would be used, force of explosion would be largely dissipated in surrounding air, thus reducing damage significantly. Mi- Hs 129 with 30mm Mk 103 cannon nengeschoß had slightly delayed de- tonators, allowing the shell to pass Minengeschoß was quickly issued as a through target’s outer cover without standard high explosive ammunition explosion, then triggering the explosi- to all existing German 20 mm can- ve in a moment, when two-thirds of nons. To be able to fire these new shell were already past the outer skin. mine shells, MG FF cannon required Subsequent explosion of large HE changes to recoil mechanism, as Mi- filler then caused pieces of target’s nengeschoß was lighter than standard construction to be literally torn away, shells. Modified MG FF weapons were making a large gaping holes and seri- designated MG FF/M, and were ously affecting aerodynamics and mounted on Bf 109 E-4 and BF 110 C- controls of the target. Additionally, 4 fighters from summer 1940 when rate of fire was high enough, onwards. Subsequently, when MG another Minengeschoß would be able 151/20 cannons started to replace to enter the hole made by previous MG FF, Minengeschoß was developed shell, and explode deeper in the tar- for these new weapons as well. High get aircraft construction, further destructive power of the ammunition, increasing damage effect and combined with relatively high rate of compromising target’s structural fire resulted in very effective fighter integrity. This was especially the case weapon – during clashes with Ameri- of MG 151/20 , which had can B-17 , it was calcu- rate of fire 750 rounds per minute lated by Germans, that 15-20 direct and was able to fire up to 12 rounds hits (eg. a little more than one-second per second – this weapon was thus burst from a single cannon) were able to tear wings off or severely usually sufficient to destroy a B-17 damage control surfaces and wires by when shooting from astern, and only 47

4-5 shells when performing a frontal attack. Lethal effect of MG 151/20 mine shells was further increased by mounting multiple cannons. For example dedicated bomber-hunter 30mm Mk 108 cannon versions of Fw 190 fighter could carry up to six MG 151/20 cannons (in War Even bigger Minengeschoß rounds Thunder, there is one of such versions were eventually developed. BK 3,7 - Fw 190 A-5/U2 with option to install gun of 37 mm caliber, found on Ju 87 gunpods with four MG 151/20 can- G-series and Hs 129 attackers, could nons). utilize mine shell, containing nearly 220 grams of PETN, while 50x420R When 30 mm MK 108 or mm ammunition for BK 5 cannon MK 103 were introduced, Minenges- (used on for example Me 410 A-1/U4 , choß for these large weapons were which is also available in War Thun- made too. These shells had truly der) carried as much as 350 grams of enormous explosive loads – original PETN explosive, making a single shell blunt-nosed 30 mm Ausf.A shell more than enough to down a heavy carried 85 grams of PETN explosive bomber. with hexagon explosive base for increased shattering effect. Streamli- Postwar, many countries were inspi- ned Ausf.C 30 mm Minengeschoß red in German Minengeschoß ammu- carried a smaller filler of 72 grams, nition, and utilized its concept in futu- but it was still extreme amount. In re weapon development. Very similar comparison – PGU-13/B high explosi- shells could be then found as an am- ve incendiary round, used in a mo- munition for British ADEN 30 mm dern GAU-8 found on autocannons or French DEFA cannons A-10 Thunderbolt carries „only“ a 58 of the same caliber. You can also test grams of filler. Naturally, sheer Minengeschoß for yourself in War amount of HE filling resulted in de- Thunder, as they are very frequent in vastative effects on target. Only 3-4 German fighter ammunition belts, hits were usually needed to down a accompanied by wide array of incen- heavy bomber, with a single shell diary, armour piercing or high explosi- being sufficient to destroy a fighter. ve tracer shells.

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Mk 103 cannon scheme

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MiG-15Bis number 15 of the Soviet Air Force, camouflage created by Audrey_McKnight | Download here

[VEHICLE PROFILE] MiG-15 28. April - Author: Scott “Smin1080p” Maynard

Top of the Soviet aviation line, the MiG-15 is one of the most iconic jet designs from after the Second World War. Earning its reputation on fame over the skies of Korea against its US contemporary, the F-86 Sabre.

Representing the pinnacle of Soviet The aircraft does however have its Aviation within War Thunder, the downsides. MiG-15 and MiG-15Bis are located at the very top of the Polikarpov and The lack of an “All-flying tailplane” MiG fighter line at Rank V. The MiG- (such as that featured on the Sabre) 15 can be researched from its prede- leads to less control over the aircraft cessor, the MiG-9/L and has a BR of at higher speeds approaching 1000 8.3 in Arcade and Simulator Battles, kph. Whilst the MiG is initially faster with a BR of 8.0 in Realistic Battles. in acceleration by comparison to the The MiG-15 features a powerful can- Sabre, this does mean that when non arrangement of 2 x 23mm and 1x higher speeds are achieved, the Sabre 37mm, excellent high altitude per- will hold some advantages over the formance and is highly effective in MiG-15. As well as this, the combina- vertical maneuvers. Unlike the MiG-9, tion of 37mm and 23mm cannons the MiG-15 is also the first soviet jet creates aiming issues for pilots not aircraft to feature an airbrake which is familiar with their ballistic properties extremely useful in combat situations. or velocity. Due to the size of these 50 cannons, ammo is also restricted by take to the controls of the MiG-15Bis comparison to other top tier jet air- after researching the He-162. craft. First taking to the air in December of Once pilots have learned to use the 1947, the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 MiG-15s excellent rate of climb, acce- jet fighter aircraft came as a massive leration and high altitude capabilities shock to the west when it appeared in to their advantage, the downsides of the skies over Korea in the early the aircraft are far less significant 1950s. The swept wing fighter quickly than the positives. In the right hands proved itself as a capable and effecti- the MiG-15 can be a devastating ve combat aircraft and forged a fear- combatant, capable of dealing with some reputation. any aircraft in game swiftly. Tea- mwork, Squads and communication The prototype I-310 was designed will also be beneficial when flying the around the British Rolls Royce Nene MiG-15 as effective coordination engine which was purchased under between multiple pilots allows you to licence from Great Britain as the RD- use this aircraft to its maximum po- 45. Featuring sleek swept back wings, tential. After mastering the MiG-15, tricycle undercarriage and the same you can research its improved variant, armament as its predecessor, the the MiG-15Bis. MiG-9, in the form of 2 x 23mm NS-23 cannons (Later replaced by NR-23 cannons in the MiG-15Bis model) and a single 37mm N-37D cannon all mounted centrally under the nose intake. The new aircraft was designed as an interceptor with heavy ar- mament capable of quickly taking out bomber formations and was one of the most advanced aircraft in the world at the time.

A North Korean MiG-15Bis in the hands Entering service between 1949-50, USAF the MiG-15 made its operational combat debut in the Korean War, Featuring a BR of 9.0 in Arcade Battles completely outclassing the first gene- and 8.7 in Realistic and Simulator ration jet fighter aircraft of the UN Battles, the MiG-15Bis is commonly forces such as the F-80 and F-84. The regarded as one of the best aircraft in MiG’s excellent rate of climb, high game. As well as being available to speed performance and deadly wea- USSR pilots, German pilots can also ponry proved superior to the early 51 jets and was only challenged by the successful export aircraft, operated by arrival of the North American F-86 countless nations such as Poland, Sabre. At the time, the Sabre was the Czechoslovakia, East Germany, , only aircraft capable of effectively North Korea and Vietnam to name combating the MiG in aerial combat but a few. Licence built versions of and the pair became synonymous the MiG-15 also existed such as the with the conflict. Chinese J-2, Czech S-102/3 and Polish Lim-1. From 1950, the MiG-15 was later developed into the Bis model, featu- The MiG-15 is a true icon of aviation ring a new engine, armament changes and will provide experienced pilots and minor overall improvements, with an impressive top tier jet fighter however the aircraft would ultimately when employed to its strengths, being lead to the development of the MiG- more than a match to any other air- 17. The MiG-15 was also a hugely craft in game.

X-ray view of the MiG-15 in War Thunder

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[WEAPONS OF VICTORY] T-34-85 E 28. April - Author: War Thunder Team

Field modernization of the T-34-85, 1945 with mesh screens. A victory-tank, preser- ved by photos and footage of military chronicles. We wanted to recreate this tank in game.

reality, they were widely used by the enemy forces so caused problems with sheer numbers, it prompted the development of field modifications to enhance the protection of the crews’ vehicle.

One way to increase the safety of the tank was shielding with a thin sheet or mesh screens. However, tests of As Soviet troops moved deeper into the newest types of hand grenade on the Germany, a growing share of shielded tanks showed the low effi- losses in armoured vehicles was due ciency with such screens (armour to hand launched antitank weapons. could still be penetrated), and as a Even though the effectiveness of result this shielding was not these weapons was not very high in widespread. But a number of tanks, 53 were still equipped with this kind of interesting thing was not even the protection and became widely known mesh screens, but the missing frontal thanks to photographs from the stre- mud guards. We had a lot of heated ets of a defeated Berlin. discussions with our colleagues about this - were they removed intentionally The tank will appear in the game just or were they lost while moving like it was in the photos. The most through city barricades?

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