Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Su-33 Overview

The Su-33, a powerful member of the Su-27 family, is now available as a Squadron Vehicle in the big Storm Warning update for War Thunder. This modern Russian aircraft brings a unique set of features that make it a valuable addition to any fleet.

Performance

The Su-33 is a large, heavy aircraft with excellent top speed and roll capabilities, allowing for sharp maneuvers when needed. However, its size and tendency to lose energy quickly make it less suitable for nimble aerial combat. While it may not be the most agile, it is still a formidable presence in the skies.

Armament and Combat Role

Like its family members, the Su-33 is capable of performing a wide range of tasks in combat. It lacks missiles with active radar, so combat must be initiated after a long approach. In terms of weaponry, the Su-33 is equipped with the R-73 air-to-air missile, which works in conjunction with the Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD). Additionally, it can carry R-27 missiles, including the R-27ER, a top-tier Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH) missile, as well as the infrared-guided R-27ET. With 12 suspension points, it can carry an impressive variety of missiles for both air-to-air and ground combat.

In ground battles, the Su-33 can carry conventional bombs, such as incendiary bombs, parachute bombs, and conventional bombs up to 500 kg. It can also carry missiles like the S-5 and S-25O. Thanks to its large number of suspension points, the Su-33 can effectively balance both air-to-air and ground-attack munitions.

Admiral Kuznetsov Carrier

The Admiral Kuznetsov, a heavy aircraft carrier, will also be introduced in the next War Thunder update. This carrier model will enhance the naval aspect of air battles, providing a base for aircraft like the Su-33 to launch from and adding new layers to War Thunder’s strategic options.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

RDF/LT: Fast Brutality

Coming to War Thunder, the RDF/LT boasts a reload time of just 1.5 seconds. It’s a close relative of the US HSTV-L light tank, with both vehicles equipped with a 75mm automatic cannon. This gun has excellent vertical aiming angles and can fire both APFSDS rounds for engaging ground vehicles and HE-VT shells for dealing with helicopters. The RDF/LT features a new lightweight hull and engine, giving it decent maneuverability even in rugged terrain. Ideal for aggressive and close combat, it excels in disabling enemy guns and tracks before delivering side shots to incapacitate the crew or detonate the ammunition.

BMD-4M: Useful Monster

The BMD-4M joins War Thunder as one of the most advanced modifications in its series. While its armament remains largely unchanged compared to the BMD-4, it features a new 500 HP engine. This vehicle is armed with a 100mm cannon capable of firing grenades and even launching guided missiles, complemented by a 30mm automatic cannon that excels against helicopters and lightly armored ground vehicles. For its chassis, the BMD-4M has been upgraded with additional armor plating. While this increases its weight and removes its amphibious capability, the trade-off is better protection against shrapnel, machine gun fire, and automatic cannons. Whether supporting allied MBTs or operating independently, the BMD-4M is equipped for a wide variety of combat scenarios in War Thunder.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Today we take a look at the American-made M44 self-propelled howitzer, which made its way to several countries in the major “Storm Warning” update in War Thunder from Gaijin.

Introducing the M44

The M44 self-propelled howitzer is making its way to a handful of nations in a major Storm warning update! Equipped with a massive 155mm cannon, this surprisingly fast vehicle will be a great addition to the Series III. Despite its drawbacks, it will always be able to effectively fight the toughest vehicles in the bracket. Let’s take a closer look at this new beast.

Mounted on a Walker Bulldog light tank chassis, the M44 is quite fast for a vehicle of this type. It can reach speeds of up to 56 km/h on the road and can maneuver and drive effectively off-road. The 155 mm howitzer is mounted in an open bay and can move a maximum of 30 degrees horizontally on each side, with 5 degrees of gun depression. The primary cartridge available is the conventional M107 HE cartridge. It can also fire a large smoke round, but will not have access to proximity HE ammunition.

One of the main drawbacks is, of course, the thin armor and open crew compartment, making the M44 highly vulnerable to ground vehicles and aircraft. Additionally, the reload speed is a bit of a limiting factor. Try to stay close to some form of vertical cover such as buildings or large rocks, this will give you protection when retreating to reload and make you harder to spot from the air. The high mobility definitely makes an aggressive style of melee play possible, but significantly more risky due to reloading and limited gun aiming angles. Despite its fragility, however, the M44 is still a powerful and versatile howitzer, giving it a unique play style at lower levels.

History of the Bulldog Howitzer

The American M44 self-propelled howitzer emerged in the early 1950s as part of a program to develop a new 155 mm caliber self-propelled gun to replace the obsolete M41 howitzer platform. During production, the original vehicle, designated T99E1, revealed several shortcomings that required redesign. The updated model featured a new open top fighting compartment with a modified howitzer. In 1954, the US Army decided to focus on exporting the M44 to other countries. The M44 later ended up in service in Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Turkey, Belgium and Japan.