#ww2

Kamikaze (神風 “divine wind”) was a military tactic used in the later stages of the Second World War, used by pilots of the Imperial Japanese Air Force and Naval Air Service. The tactic consisted of an aircraft loaded with explosives; the pilot would then attempt to deliberately ram the aircraft into enemy ships to inflict damage.

This article will explore the development and service history of the Sd.Kfz. 234 heavy armoured car family, which includes the Sd.Kfz. 234/1, 234/2, 234/3, and 234/4. The Sd.Kfz. 234 series were the last to be produced by Germany during the Second World War, and were relatively uncommon. Despite this, they remain some of the most well-known armoured cars of their time. 

The Heinkel He 162 Volksjäger was Nazi Germany’s desperate last-ditch attempt to field a cheap, easily produced jet fighter in the closing months of World War II. Designed in a matter of weeks, it was meant to be the savior of the crumbling Luftwaffe, a mass-produced miracle piloted by barely trained teenagers. Instead, it became a symbol of the Reich’s technological ambition outstripped by harsh reality, a war machine built in frantic haste as Germany spiraled into defeat.

The Panzerkampfwagen II, also known as the PzKpfw II, Panzer II, or Sd.Kfz 121 was a light German tank used in World War II and the pre-war period. Developed in the 1930s by MAN and Daimler-Benz, it was intended as a temporary solution and formed the backbone of the Wehrmacht’s armored divisions at the beginning of the war. A total of 3,404 Panzer II’s of various types were built. They were used not only by Germany but also by Romania, Slovakia, and Norway.

The Supermarine Spitfire was first flown by Belgian pilots at the beginning of World War II. The pilots and pilot candidates came from various parts of the world: Europe, North and South America, Africa, and even China. A number of them were from Belgium, having spent time in French, Portuguese, or Spanish prisoner-of-war camps. Most of them joined the Royal Air Force and were assigned to various Bomber and Fighter Squadrons. On February 11, 1941, a Belgian flight was formed within the 609 Squadron. After just a year, their numbers had grown so large that it was decided to establish a full Squadron on February 11, 1942: the 350 Squadron, with the code MN. In November of the same year, a second Squadron was formed: the 349 Squadron, with the code GE. They were equipped with Spitfire Mk II A aircraft from the Royal Air Force.

The M22 Locust was a light tank developed and used by the Americans and British during World War II. It was only used once during the war: Operation Varsity. Eight of the 260 British M22 Locusts were deployed in Operation Varsity in the German towns of Hamminkeln and Wesel. Of these, only four reached the rendezvous point on high ground; two were damaged during landing and two others were damaged or destroyed in the fighting. After World War II, the Locust was quickly deemed obsolete and retired.

The IS-3 is the third tank in the IS series. It retains the same 122mm cannon, gets a dome-shaped turret, and most famously - the armour has been heavily upgraded. Able to tank hits from most foes, it has gained an infamous reputation for being hard to kill. It also faces many tanks with the similar characteristic of a big gun with a slow reload. However - how do you get in those situations? And how is it played?

The T25 is an American prototype medium tank developed in 1944 for WW2, rejected for its complicated electric transmission. Without the Sherman’s stabilizer and Pershing’s armor, even in War Thunder this vehicle appears lacking. However, you can use its few strengths to great effect, as this tank has excellent reverse speed and a punchy gun. You surprise the enemy, annihilate the target, and disappear quickly. And to improve survivability, just fight backward! It’s not just a mini M26, it’s a mini killing machine. Let’s look further into this vehicle to transform it into an effective warrior.

The Bf 109 (or Me 109) really needs no introduction. It is one of the most famous and popular aircraft of the Second World War, and the fighter with the most aerial victories ever. In my previous article, I wrote about the history of the Messer’s development. This one will focus on these fighters in War Thunder (primarily in Air RB), their performance, strengths & weaknesses, tactics, recommendations, and some fancy graphs.

The Kyushu J7W1 Shinden (meaning "Magnificent Lightning") was the only canard-configured aircraft ordered for mass production during World War II, and it was one of the most unique aircraft designs to come out of Japan. The concept for this distinctive configuration originated with Captain Masaoki Tsuruno of the Japanese Navy's Technical Staff. Captain Tsuruno envisioned replacing the rear-mounted radial engine driving a six-blade propeller with a turbojet engine.