#history

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress was a revolutionary aircraft that redefined bomber aircraft and engineering during World War II. Designed as a long-range heavy bomber, it became synonymous with strategic bombing campaigns in the Pacific Theater, including the historic missions over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. With its advanced pressurized cabin, remote-controlled turrets, and ability to reach unimaginable altitudes and distances, the B-29 represented the peak of wartime aviation technology.

The Sholef (שולף= “draw, scoot out” in Hebrew) was an Israeli experimental self-propelled artillery developed in the 1980s by Israel Military Industries (IMI) and Soltam. Considered one of the most advanced self-propelled artillery systems of its time, it never entered production and only 2 prototypes were ever created.

IJN Furutaka (古鷹, named after Mount Furutaka in Etajima, Hiroshima) was the first heavy cruiser built for the IJN, but at the time of commissioning, she was designated as a “first-class cruiser”, as the term “heavy cruiser” was defined later. Originally built as a “fast scout cruiser”, she combines very good mobility with excellent firepower brought by the modified Type 3 №2 main battery guns. This is further enhanced by her very powerful torpedo armament, but at the same time, she is an attractive target for enemy aircraft, as her anti-aircraft and secondary armament are among the worst found on cruisers.

The Battleship Bismarck is without a doubt the most iconic vessel ever built by the German Navy. Measuring an impressive 250.5 meters (822 feet) in length and 36 meters (118 feet) in width, with a maximum displacement of over 50,000 tons, it carried a crew of more than 2,000 sailors. Armed with eight 380 mm (15-inch) main guns and protected by heavy armor, the Bismarck was regarded as the most powerful battleship afloat at the time of its launch. She was also the lead ship of the Bismarck-class and, along with her sister ship Tirpitz, the largest German battleship ever.

In War Thunder, the Churchill Crocodile is generally considered a bit of an oddball as its signature flamethrower is useless against the vast majority of opponents it faces. However, on the battlefields of Western Europe in the 1940s, it was anything but funny for those soldiers unlucky enough to fight against a unit equipped with these armoured dragons.

The Ki-100 (including the premium Ki-100-II) is a fighter-bomber found in the Japanese air tree. It may look similar to the Ki-61, because it is! It’s essentially a Ki-61 with a Ha-112 radial instead of a Ha-40 inline engine. It is known for its unique playstyle, which is a blend of energy and turn fighting. It can be equipped with some ordnance for Ground Battles. The Ki-100 and Ki-100-II are similar, the only differences being that the 100-II has a turbocharger under the engine. During the Second World War, it was introduced far too late, at a time when Japan was being bombed daily by B-29 Superfortresses.

The story of the Mosquito begins with the founding of Geoffrey de Havilland’s aircraft company which bore his namesake, de Havilland. Around 1908, de Havilland designed his first aeronautical engine, which he then used to power his first aircraft — a small biplane. In 1920, when the aircraft company he worked for — Airco — shut down, he was able to create his own company, de Havilland Aircraft Company Limited, more commonly known as de Havilland.

The Pr.183 BM-21 is a rare Soviet-designed Egyptian modification that trades torpedoes for rocket artillery. Designed as a fast assault craft, this unique boat merges a WWII-era hull with Cold War firepower, offering devastating burst damage at the cost of poor survivability. She plays nothing like other ships in her tier—if you master the rockets, you’ll devastate enemies. But if you get spotted first, expect a quick trip back to the hangar.

The Archer was one of the most unusual tanks of World War II, developed and produced by Britain. It was based on the chassis of the Valentine infantry tank and armed with the 17-pounder anti-tank gun. What made the Archer unique was that its gun faced the rear of the vehicle, meaning the tank often had to be reversed into firing position. Approximately 665 units were built.

Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Fremantle, pennant number 203, was a patrol boat commissioned in 1980 as the lead ship of her class. She took the longest voyage made by a lone patrol vessel of her time, and she aided Australian efforts to curb illegal fishing and immigration over the 26 years of her career.