🎯Aiming Points for Salvo Firing Guided Weapons

Today we’d like to talk about how we’re expanding the functionality of points of interest on top-tier aircraft!

It’s hard to surprise anyone with “smart” weapons in War Thunder anymore, but we’re going to try! In the upcoming major update, we’re implementing another feature for modern weapons systems: multiple aiming points!

Previously, the game only had a single, current point of interest. This made it difficult to fire guided weapons at multiple targets in a salvo, as manual targeting of each subsequent target required reorienting and finding it before launching, which increased the exposure to counterattacks from SAMs. With multiple aiming points, the time between launches, and consequently the time spent in the air defense zone is reduced, increasing the carrier’s chances of successfully returning to base.

How will it work? All aircraft with GNSS-guided weapons will have the ability to set new waypoints — called aiming points — new markers independent of the point of interest. Essentially, these are simply saved coordinates. You’ll be able to set up to 10 aiming points (numbered 0 to 9), switch between them, delete and edit them, and move the point of interest to the current aiming point. This can be done either by using the assigned keys or via the tactical map.

Aiming points can be used for navigation purposes, for example to mark route points or danger zones, or to measure the range to specific targets, such as an airfield, as well as in combat for weapon launch. Now, it will be possible to first detect targets and “remember” their coordinates, and then, by switching between pre-marked points, guide and launch guided weapons. While weapons with IR or TV seekers will still require target acquisition before launch, and laser-guided munitions will require target designation, switching between multiple targets will be faster. This mechanic will be especially helpful against static or slow-moving enemies.

However, this mechanic will expand the capabilities of satellite-guided weapons more than any other, as bombs and missiles guided by GNSS data can be linked to aiming points and launched in a single salvo (with the option of the carrier being hidden from view by terrain). Ammunition can be linked in two modes: manual and automatic. In manual mode, you link a specific munition to the current aiming point, with the ability to link multiple munitions of different types to each if you want. In automatic mode, you simply set aiming points and launch a salvo of the selected weapon. This way, the drop will expend one munition per each aiming point, starting with 0.

You’ll be able to try out the expanded point-of-interest functionality in the game and bomb ground targets very soon! That’s all for now, see you in the next dev blog.

❗️Please note! The mechanic is WIP. This is a non-final variant of the interface. That the mechanics may be refined and changed before being added to the game.

🗺Ground Locations Reworks & Arresting Gear in the Heavy Cavalry Update!

Today we’re talking about the graphical rework of the Ash River, 38th Parallel, and Ardennes (Winter) locations and arresting gear at ground airfields!

The Heavy Cavalry major update brings great news for tankers and pilots! First, we’d like to show you the first screenshots of the locations for Ground Battles. The game environment, objects, buildings, and roads have been completely redesigned for the 38th Parallel and Ash River locations, and a new version of the winter Ardennes map will be added. On all maps, we’ve strived to preserve the navigation and gameplay players are familiar with, while also implementing a major visual update aimed at creating a more realistic, atmospheric, and cinematic combat environment. We hope you enjoy!

▪️Ash River
▪️38th Parallel
▪️Ardennes (Winter)

➡️LEARN MORE

🏁Arresting Gear

Another piece of good news is the addition of arresting gear at ground airfields! An arresting gear is a system of cables arranged in a series, connected to the braking system, that simplifies aircraft braking on aircraft carrier decks and short runways. An aircraft equipped with an arresting hook attaches to one or more sequentially arranged cables, significantly reducing the landing run. Now, at land-based airfields for aircraft with the arresting hook, it will be deployed automatically when the landing gear is lowered — press “G” by default to lower the landing gear!

⚔️A Decal, Bundles and Discounts for D-Day

June 6th 1944 was one of the most important days in the history of the Second World War. As part of the massive Operation Overlord, the Western Front opened in the European theater of operations through the coordinated efforts of the Allied army, air force, and navy. More than 150,000 soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy, marking the beginning of the rapid liberation of France.

Unique Bundles Available in the Gaijin.net Store!

🛍“First in Deed” Bundle -30%
🛍“Sledgehammer” Bundle -30%
🛍“Overlord” Bundle -50%

Please note! You can also get the unique titles and decals if you log into the game from June 5th to June 8th and get at least three victories, while at the same time you have previously purchased all separate packs that are included in the bundles above.

➡️Take part in the Wings Over Water event to get the Spitfire Mk Vb Floatplane!
➡️Pages of History (June): The Beaches of Normandy!

⭐️Get the “D-Day 2026” decal!

Decorate your vehicles with this unique decal.

When: June 5th (11:00 GMT) until June 8th (11:00 GMT).
Task: Earn 3,000 mission points in battles where you used US, British or French vehicles at rank III or higher to receive the “D-Day 2026” decal!

🛍HMS Belfast and USS Arkansas are available at a 50% Discount!

▪️Great Britain: HMS Belfast (Rank IV) for 4,010 Golden Eagles
▪️USA: USS Arkansas (Rank V) for 4,010 Golden Eagles

🏆D-Day Tournaments

Don’t miss the D-Day tournaments! Check the TSS portal through the link below.