The WAM-4 is an Indian locomotive. It was developed and built by the Indian manufacturer Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (for short: CLW) and the Research Design and Standards Organization (for short: RDSO) between 1970 and 1983, with 500 units produced. Its name is composed of W for wide gauge, A for alternating current, and M for mixed, indicating that it can be used for both freight and passenger trains, just like the Br 52 and the EMD. Finally, the 4 indicates that it is the 4th generation of the WAM series, similar to the EMD. She served with the Indian Railways for almost fifty years until she was retired between 2005 and 2020; nevertheless, she was one of the most successful Indian locomotives.
The Tu-95 (NATO reporting name: “Bear”) is a renowned Soviet turboprop strategic bomber. Originally developed as a replacement for the Tu-4, the Bear served as a heavy bomber, capable of carrying various bombs and missiles and even as a carrier for the “Tsar Bomba” — the most powerful nuclear bomb in the world. But how does the Tupolev perform in the game? What is the history of the world’s loudest turboprop bomber? Read the article to find the answers!
Germany had already toyed with the idea of possessing its own aircraft carrier during the First World War; this was to be called Ausonia, but it was never seriously pursued. However, shortly after the termination of the Treaty of Versailles, a new carrier project was initiated, based on the experience of other major powers such as Japan, the USA, and Great Britain, acquired through exchanges or espionage. Ultimately, not a single aircraft carrier was fully commissioned or built. The Graf Zeppelin was largely completed, but its construction was halted, while its sister ship, Aircraft Carrier B, was abandoned during construction. During the design of the accompanying aircraft, some were built specifically for the project, such as the Arado 197. However, this met with little approval from the Luftwaffe, which is why modifications of existing aircraft like the Bf 109 T, the Ju 87 C or T, or the Fi 167 found more favor.
The B-18A Bolo is an American medium bomber designed in the interwar period, developed from the Douglas DC-2 civilian airliner. It is the first medium bomber available in the American aviation tech tree, and despite its somewhat low top speed, weak defensive armament and rather poor manoeuvrability, its bomb capacity is actually pretty adequate for different missions and allows players to obtain satisfying results when using this aircraft.
After WW2, most French vessels were armed with 5” guns, similar to the American 5"/38 Mk.12 cannon, and Bofors 57 mm guns. However, in 1953, a new gun was developed that would replace both of them and deal with anti-air and anti-surface duties. This led to the development of the 100 mm/55, a cannon that would equip all French vessels, from frigates to aircraft carriers, all the way to the modern day. In game, the 100 mm/55 is among the best French naval guns, combining an excellent fire-rate, great damage, and both anti-air and anti-ship capabilities. Found in both the German and French tech trees, it is the ultimate reward for coastal forces and offers great success in your engagements.
The Wiesel is a small armored weapons carrier (AWC) that can boast a wide variety of armaments capable of accomplishing many tasks. Since its development in 1969, the Wiesel still serves the German Bundeswehr to this day. With its small size and quick agility, the name “Wiesel” was very fitting.
The Fokker G-1 Jachtkruiser was one of the most ambitious aircraft ever developed for the Dutch armed forces in the years preceding the Second World War. Designed in 1934 by engineers Marius Beeling and Erich Schatzki at Fokker, the twin-engined, twin-boom fighter was conceived as a heavily armed multi-role “fighter-cruiser” capable of bomber interception and ground attack. Its distinctive configuration and concentration of nose-mounted firepower made it a technological statement for Dutch aviation. Adopted by the Luchtvaartafdeling (LVA) as the G-1 Mercury variant powered by Bristol Mercury engines, the aircraft entered service only months before the German invasion in May 1940, where it would briefly but fiercely demonstrate its combat potential.
The N.V. Koninklijke Nederlandse Vliegtuigenfabriek Fokker was among the best aircraft manufacturers in WW1, producing some of the most famous planes such as the Fokker Dr.I or the Fokker D.VII. The Fokker D.XXI came on the eve of WW2 and Fokker decided to go the opposite of other aircraft manufacturers and went with a much simpler monoplane design that would do wonders in Finnish hands. The Fokker D.XXI provides an excellent introduction to monoplane fighters after biplane designs and will need you to work around its flaws to achieve its best performance.
The Ratel 90 is an South African Light Tank in the British Tech tree. It is part of the Ratel family of fighting vehicles, a series of 6 wheeled IFV’s developed to replace the obsolete Alvis Saracen APC in South African Service. The Ratel 90 is a variant of the Ratel platform fitted with the turret of the Eland 90, and was utilized in the direct fire support role against enemy armour and fortifications. With a top speed of 65 mph, and a main armament that can penetrate 350mm of armour, it is a fairly decent light tank. However, with minimal armour protection, and a large silhouette, the Ratel 90 can be difficult to use effectively.
