War Thunder: Introducing the Panzerhaubitz 2000

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15 December, 2024

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Gaijin announced the Panzerhaubitz 2000 to War Thunder, one of the world’s most advanced howitzers, coming into play for two nations at once.

The Panzerhaubitz 2000

In a major Storm Warning update, the Panzerhaubitze 2000 joins Germany in the main tech tree and Italy in War Thunder as a premium Hungarian variant with a unique camouflage net. The 155mm cannon and devastating HE grenades are all you need to annihilate any enemy! Let’s take a closer look.

The Panzerhaubitz 2000 can be considered one of, if not the best howitzer in the world (it’s also the most expensive artillery system), thanks to its devastating 155mm L52 howitzer, which is approximately 8 meters long. The strength of this weapon is its ballistics – it can fire HE grenades with a high muzzle velocity, capable of hitting enemy vehicles at long range. At long ranges, a handy laser rangefinder can be used in conjunction with the main howitzer to ensure accurate firing.

Weighing approximately 58 tonnes, the Panzerhaubitze 2000 can reach an excellent top speed of 60 km/h on the road thanks to its 1,000 HP engine. You’ll be able to use this speed to your advantage by taking tactical positions early or performing fast, aggressive manoeuvres at closer ranges.

However, having an excellent gun and mobility has a downside, and that is its armor and crew space. The Panzerhaubitze 2000 has thin steel armor all around and additional armor on the roof (known as “Hedgehog Armor”), which is enough to withstand light or heavy machine gun fire, but any hit from the tank’s guns will easily penetrate it. Once penetrated, the 5 crew members, consisting of the commander, gunner, driver and two loaders, can be easily disabled due to the size of the vehicle and the compact arrangement of the crew and ammunition. Keep this in mind.

History of PZH 2000

The Panzerhaubitze 2000 dates back to the SP70 program, which was established in the early 1970s in cooperation with Germany, Great Britain and Italy. The goal of this program was to replace the aging M109 howitzers in the armament of these three countries with a more modern vehicle with a longer and more powerful 155mm caliber howitzer. However, the project was cancelled in 1986 due to design problems and the companies involved went their separate ways. The UK continued to design and produce the AS-90 and Germany the Panzerhaubitz 2000. Design work on the Panzerhaubitz 2000 by Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann began in 1987 and was completed in 1995, with the vehicle entering service with the German Army in 1998.

Hungary ordered 24 brand new Panzerhaubitz 2000s in 2018 and received the first two in August 2022. 23 were delivered by summer 2024. These vehicles replaced the outdated Soviet D-20 152 mm calibre artillery systems previously in service with the Hungarian Army.

War Thunder: Introducing the Tiger and Ostwind Pack!

War Thunder

By

Mat

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15 December, 2024

War Thunder - Tiger I and Oswind II premium pack: Tiger Ost (East) 1 3

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

We’re pleased to see a trio of new World War II premium vehicles to War Thunder, all coming as part of one pack. Two premium Tiger I tanks and a premium Ostwind II SPAA.

The Bundle

A concept that Gaijin has been considering for some time is the idea of collection bundles, in this case a premium bundle that includes multiple vehicles along with other goodies. The advantage of such a package is that it comes as a set that is more useful overall than a single vehicle, giving those who take it more options in battle and the potential to gain more research points through multiple spawns. Plus, it’s a good option if you haven’t played Germany yet.

Beasts of the East and West

The two premium Tiger H1 models represent the battlefields of the eastern and western fronts and include aesthetic elements inspired by both. The Eastern Tiger clearly saw a lot of action and is much more rugged and rustic, with some of that extra belt armor on the front of the hull and bundles of sticks attached to the sides.

However, these are more for improvised camouflage than protection, and don’t offer much more survivability than regular ammo. However, the additional belt armour may prove effective when tilted, and will make this Eastern Tiger more effective for close-range engagements. However, the Western Tiger is much more comfortable among the green fields and hedgerows of the western front. It features an extensive camouflage net that nicely masks its silhouette at longer ranges, especially against aircraft! This tiger (while versatile in its own right) is better suited for waiting in ambush and sniping from long distances, where its extra stealth really comes into play.

Importantly, as these two Tigers depict modified, battle-hardened vehicles, both have been given another makeover – the anti-personnel mortars on the top of the hull have been removed, which often interfered with the gun. This does not give them any extra possible gun reduction over the base variant, but instead means that these two new versions can achieve maximum gun reduction over the hull corners.

Canopy Protection

These big “cats” are accompanied by the premium Ostwind II, complete with its own special camouflage netting along with wider Ostketten tracks (as a module) to improve its maneuverability.

Gaijin considered a more classic variant in War Thunder, such as the regular Ostwind I or Wirbelwind, but ultimately stuck with the Ostwind II, even though it was a prototype, it would better match the Battlen Rating of the other two Tigers and make the overall build more functional – plus it could be used more effectively in higher level builds this way.

War Thunder - Tiger I and Oswind II premium pack: Tiger West 1 3 — War Thunder – Tiger I and Oswind II premium pack: Tiger West 1 3

The Green Hell Goes Open World: Asseto Corsa EVO’s Bold Gamble

Assetto Corsa

By

Mat

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11 December, 2024

KUNOS just announced they’re digitizing the entire German Eifel region around our beloved Nordschleife for Assetto Corsa Evo. My inner purist twitched seeing virtual car rentals and shop integration, until I remembered – these are the same obsessive engineers who argue about tire temperature decimals.

They’re laser-scanning 1600 square kilometers of German countryside. Sounds like someone got carried away with their new toys, and honestly? I’m here for it. The classic track experience remains untouched, while this massive playground opens up around it.

Sure, seeing “BUY NOW” buttons floating around the Ring feels like finding a gift shop at the summit of Everest. But when has KUNOS ever sacrificed physics for flash? That virtual BMW M4 rental will still try to bite your head off at Flugplatz, just as nature intended.

Coming Summer 2025, it’s either going to be a brilliant expansion of the sim racing universe or the world’s most overengineered track day menu. Meanwhile, the Nordschleife stays its glorious, unforgiving self – though now with more scenic places to contemplate your inevitable Carousel mishaps.

VBCI: France’s Wheeled Warrior Rolls Into War Thunder

War Thunder

By

Mat

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11 December, 2024

War Thunder - VBCI Tactical Titan another view

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

The French Ground Forces are getting a fresh face – the VBCI infantry fighting vehicle is joining the ranks in the next major update of War Thunder. If you’re thinking “another wheeled French tank,” hold that thought. This 25mm-packing speedster might just change your mind about modern IFVs.

Non-Premium French Sibling

Veterans of the French tech tree will spot familiar lines here – it’s the non-premium sibling of the VBCI-2. While it trades the beefier 30mm for a 25mm GIAT M811 cannon, don’t let the smaller caliber fool you. This autocannon spits out 400 rounds per minute, alternating between APFSDS for punch and HEI-T for splash. Full stabilization, laser rangefinding, and thermal imaging mean you’ll actually land those shots, and the higher rate of fire might just make you the bane of helicopter pilots everywhere.

VBCI Protection Against Missiles

Here’s where it gets interesting – the VBCI packs an active electro-optical protection system. Translation? It automatically deflects SACLOS-guided missiles, giving missile carriers something to think about before taking shots at you.

Flatting out at 100 km/h

Rolling on eight wheels, this French beast hits 100 km/h on solid roads. But let’s be real – it’s tall, long, and about as graceful as an elephant at a ballet recital when it comes to tight spots. Take it from me: stick to firm ground unless you fancy becoming a very expensive roadside attraction in the sand. The VBCI excels at rapid deployment and fire support; just don’t try to squeeze it through that narrow city alley or that suspiciously soft-looking snow bank.

Veterans and novices, let’s join French ranks in War Thunder this evening.

War Thunder: Thai Aircraft Series For Japan

War Thunder

By

Mat

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10 December, 2024

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Thailand’s Royal Thai Air Force currently uses a wide range of aircraft, from capable fighters to powerful ground attack aircraft. This means a diverse selection of aircraft to support Japan at the higher echelons in War Thunder air battles.

Strengthening the Aircraft Ranks

The initial launch of the new aircraft is the F-84G, a classic jet that is both a potent fighter and a capable CAS (Close Air Support) platform. This one will do a great job of bolstering ground combat formations as a versatile strike aircraft.

Then there’s the familiar Alpha Jet A variant along with the upgraded Alpha Jet TH. This variant lacks a cannon but carries four all-aspect AIM-9P4 air-to-air missiles and anti-ground armament.

Then we have the Squadron F-5E (which arrived earlier this year), which two more models accompany! F-5A and F-5T SCU “Tigris”. Along with its typical array of anti-surface armament, this Thai modification can be equipped with Python 3 air-to-air missiles.

Other strike options are the AV-8S (Late) and A-7E, both modern strike aircraft with a wide range of CAS capabilities and some air-to-air weapons to make them competitive in all modes.

The range’s highlights are the F-16A Block 15 OCU and the JAS39C Gripen. These capable multi-role fighters will provide an advantage in ground and air combat due to their advanced weapons capabilities. These Thai variants will bring additional play styles to the top rungs, ensuring the Japanese air tree remains versatile and competitive.

A Little on Royal Thai Air Force History.

Today, the Royal Thai Air Force has approximately 46,000 personnel and nearly 500 aircraft, with the likes of the Alpha Jet, F-5, F-16 and JAS 39 still in service as of today. So welcome to War Thunder!