The MiG-25PD “Foxbat-E” was the Soviet Union’s brute-force answer to the blistering pace of technological advances in speed as the United States worked to produce Mach 3-capable aircraft. While the threat of Mach 3-capable nuclear bombers never came to fruition with the advent of ICBMs, the Lockheed A-12 and later SR-71 Blackbird presented a threat to the USSR’s national security sufficient to justify the production of a unique, record-breaking Mach 3-capable interceptor. In War Thunder, the MiG-25PD presents itself as a very unique aircraft that doesn’t fit the playstyle many players at Rank VII are accustomed to, but when played to its strengths, it becomes one of the most fun and enjoyable aircraft to fly in all of War Thunder.
The PGZ09 is a representation of the blisteringly rapid modernization of Chinese anti-air equipment in War Thunder. Placed at one of the highest BRs of any gun-based SPAA, players used to the antiquated but powerful WZ305 with devastating proxy shells will be taken completely by surprise by the frankly overkill amount of new technology introduced on the PGZ09. This ranges from brand new AHEAD shrapnel shells and hydraulic suspension to a cutting edge radar system with NCTR identification, something typically seen on top-tier jets and surface-to-air missile systems.
The F-4E is an American 3rd generation fighter jet built to address the significant flaws found in the earlier F-4C, most notably its lack of a built-in cannon armament and countermeasures. The upgrades it received gave the F-4E a very wide appeal with export customers and made it the baseline for the vast majority of export variants to the air forces of Western-aligned nations. While many of these exports, like those to Germany and Japan, would receive downgraded avionics, a lack of radar-guided missiles, or reduced flight performance, Israel’s F-4E “Kurnass” fighters are almost identical to their American counterparts, excluding the switch to AIM-9D/G Sidewinder missiles used by the United States Navy. Regardless, American and Israeli players can benefit from the F-4E’s very user-friendly playstyle, with a very high skill ceiling that provides all the tools necessary for success when flying it.
The PTZ89 was born of a need by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army to counter a possible invasion threat by Soviet-made armor. But instead of going the typical route of designing an ATGM carrier like the M113, the People’s Liberation Army instead went with the comparably ancient concept of a gun-based tank destroyer and produced what can be considered by many as the ultimate and final evolution of the concept of a gun-based tank destroyer.
