[Development] Aircraft Campaign Progression System

Announcement of the upcoming airplane campaign - an article about the “meta”, slots, tech tree and blueprints.

Hello, commanders! The development of the Aircraft campaign in War Thunder Mobile is nearing completion, and today we'll be discussing the new progression system in the Aircraft campaign.

When we began working on the aircraft, we carefully considered your feedback regarding the platoon system and the ways to obtain top-tier vehicles. As a result, we established a few basic principles that the new Aircraft сampaign should follow:

Maximum customization – players can create their own aircraft squadrons, choosing aircraft based on their preferred class, nation, and play style.
Fast progression to top-tier vehicles.
Access to top-tier vehicles through events.

So, how do we plan to achieve these goals? Let's dive into the details.

Slots and Upgrades

Platoons in the airplane campaign are being replaced by slots! Players will have access to several slots, each of which is the responsibility of a different crew. All 4 crews can be taken into battle. When you unlock a more advanced airplane, you can install it into a partially upgraded slot, with the crew's characteristics applying to the new airplane.

Each plane placed in a slot will benefit from all the crew bonuses tied to that slot.

Additionally, you can create a full squadron consisting of at least one fighter in each slot. If you prefer, you can avoid using certain plane classes altogether and skip upgrading them.

Thanks to the flexible customization system and crew upgrade mechanics, you can either upgrade all slots evenly or specialize each slot for a specific type of aircraft: fighter, strike aircraft, or bomber.

Vehicle modifications will allow you to choose your preferred forward-firing weapons and suspended weapons for your planes. This mechanic is similar to those found in other campaigns.

Tech tree

The tech tree will replace campaign levels, allowing players to decide not only the sequence of upgrading each nation but also which aircraft branches within that nation to prioritize.

📌 How does the “tech tree” work?

In the tech tree of your chosen nation, you'll select a branch and begin researching the first aircraft. You earn research points from battles, which are needed to unlock planes. Once you accumulate the required points, you can construct the researched unit using Silver Lions. You can then place the new plane in a slot and choose the next unit to research.

You may choose to upgrade branches evenly or focus on a specific one. You can also switch nations at any time without losing access to previously researched aircraft.

This new system offers maximum flexibility in customizing settings, tech tree, crew improvement mechanics and modifications to fit your favorite planes and play style.

📌 Which nations will be available in the OBT?

At the start of the OBT, aircraft from three nations will be available: the USA, Germany, and the USSR. You can choose any of these nations, upgrade their vehicles, and switch between aircraft, nations, or branches as you see fit. In future updates, we plan to add more tech trees for other nations.

Blueprints and events

The tech tree will give players access to common planes, which can be gradually unlocked based on their preferences. New vehicles will be added to the branches less frequently than in the tank and ship campaigns but will appear in full “generations”. However, this is not the only way to obtain aircraft.

Another method to compile a fighting squadron from the best planes available in the game is through blueprints.

We expect, that by actively participating in events and using other in-game methods, players will be able to collect enough blueprints to unlock at least one top-tier common plane without spending Platinum. And yes, these planes will be truly "top-tier”! Such an opportunity will be available due to the addition of blueprints to the game.

Once you've accumulated the required blueprints, they can be used to construct a researched plane using Silver Lions. Extra blueprints will automatically be converted into Golden Eagles.

📌 How do I get the blueprints?

Blueprints can be earned through various means:

from the Medium Trophy – These offer a chance to earn a small number of blueprints each time you open one, or a significant number of blueprints if you win the jackpot;
from the Big Trophy – These provide a greater number of blueprints per opening, or a significant number of blueprints if you win the jackpot;
from the In-game store – Blueprints can be purchased for Silver Lions once per day (with the option to reset the timer using Golden Eagles);
Blueprints will also be awarded as event prizes, among other methods.

Example of Medium and Big Trophy rewards.

You’ll be able to combine planes unlocked through the tech tree with those earned from blueprints, or take to the skies using “blueprint” aircraft to build your ideal squadron!

In addition, “premium” aircraft will also be available in the game. Winning battles with these planes will not only grant you more experience and Silver Lions but also reward you with Golden Eagles. Premium aircraft can be acquired from Big Trophies, though not through the jackpot. By using premium planes, you can earn a certain number of Golden Eagles daily after each battle.

Example of a premium version of an aircraft.

Stay tuned – the final stage of CBT and the much-anticipated OBT with slots, tech trees, blueprints, and an upgraded hangar are just around the corner.

Please note: The tab design, tech tree composition, characteristics, prices, and camouflages shown in this article are preliminary and may differ from the final version.

The main highlight of our game is the vehicle itself: realistic, beautiful, with interesting mechanics and distinct strengths and weaknesses. Whether it's old or modern, nimble or slow but powerful, you'll find the one you've always dreamed of. We’re here to help make those dreams come true. Starting with the updated aircraft “meta,” this could become the foundation for future campaigns.