The jet age did not arrive overnight. In the first half of the 1940s, aircraft designers were eagerly exploring new technologies, trying to put them into practice as quickly as possible. It was during this period that many unusual aircraft appeared. In Swedish aviation, one of the clearest examples of this spirit of innovation was the Saab 21: first, a piston-engined fighter, and later, a jet-powered one.
In the years following WWII, the US Airborne units looked to improve their anti-tank capabilities. The result was the M56, an unarmored tank destroyer. When deployed with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the Scorpion saw combat service in Vietnam, before eventually being replaced by the M551 Sheridan.
Today we’re flying two aircraft that look very similar... and yet could hardly be more different. Their story is almost a family one: in the 1990s, Russia and Italy worked together on a next-generation combat trainer. Near the finish line, their paths split, and instead of one aircraft, two were born. Their names are the Yak-130 and the M-346.
StuG III, or Sturmgeschütz III, was the most-produced self-propelled gun (SPG) of the Wehrmacht, with over 9,000 units built. This legendary SPG, built on the chassis of the Panzer III medium tank, was produced by the German industry from 1940 to 1945, undergoing numerous upgrades and improvements. In addition to Germany, the StuG was used by Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Finland, and the Soviet Union. In the game, four StuG III modifications are available.
The Object 122MT “MC” is a unique tank that perhaps unfortunately, often flies under the radar for many players. While similar to the Russian T-62, the Object 122 provides a lethal combination of guided missiles and a 120mm cannon, making this tank a truly unique experience to play. In today’s article, we are going to look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Object 122, the best tactics to use in it, and other tips and tricks to get the most out of playing this tank.
In 1983, the Soviet Union adopted one of the most unusual and technologically advanced tanks of its time: the T-55AD. The decision was unexpected. A vehicle that had already become noticeably outdated was suddenly fitted with highly modern equipment: the Drozd active protection system. Special radars mounted on the turret continuously scanned the area in front of the tank, tracking incoming anti-tank missiles. Once a threat was detected, the system fired a defense charge, destroying the enemy projectile before impact. At the time, no other country in the world was producing such systems in series — not even the United States or Germany, widely regarded as leaders in engineering. The USSR was the first to put what looked like 21st-century technology into practice... and then simply put it on the shelf.
During World War II, the United States and Britain churned out heavy bombers on an industrial scale. The Soviet Union, by contrast, focused on the fast-track production of smaller aircraft. During that era, this policy produced plenty of legendary Soviet warplanes. But in their shadow, one actual production heavy bomber often goes unnoticed. We’re talking about the Pe‑8.
La Combattante was an experimental French coastal ship for the next generation of boats commissioned in 1964. During its service it saw many changes to its armament, mounting SS.11, SS.12, a 30 mm cannon, a 40 mm cannon and even the Exocet anti-ship missile. After being transferred to the Gendarmerie Maritime, it was later decommissioned in 1994. Added in the Dance of Dragons update, La Combattante is the only naval vessel armed with HEAT missiles. It offers similar gameplay to its predecessor the VLT-1 with its twin 40 mm but with a twist.
The unusual Rarden cannon found on a few British light vehicles is something of a Marmite weapon. It is either loved or loathed by most who use it and by those who face it in battle. In this article I’ll cover the history behind this unusual piece of equipment and share a few tips on its use in War Thunder.
Among the few helicopters with a coaxial rotor system that do not have a tail rotor is the Ka-29, a small multi-role shipborne helicopter. It’s not only cute, but also very dangerous, being one of the best early Soviet helicopters. How does it perform in the game? What’s the history of the bun? Read more in this article!
