[Coming Soon] Piston Monsters: Rank VIII in the game

In the next update, the rank VIII airplanes will appear in the game. These are still piston aircraft, which are slightly more powerful than rank VII vehicles, but are too much better than rank VI. Therefore they are marked as a separate rank. This is not a “new era” of aviation, but a continuation of the current branches with balance adjustments.

F8F-1B (Rank VIII)

Historical Note

The F8F-1B was a further development of the U.S. Marine Corps fighter aircraft. One of its main problems was weak forward-firing weapons due to the wing design specifics. In the new modification, four machine guns were replaced by 20-mm M3 automatic cannons.

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: very high rate of climb, excellent controllability, 4 autocannons.
• Weaknesses: poor performance at low altitudes.
• Opportunities: take the altitude early and dive on the enemies!
• Threats: other “senior” fighters.

In battle

In the game, the F8F-1B is characterized by its high flying qualities, especially its high-speed climb – the fighter reaches the altitude before the absolute majority of opponents! Four autocannons make the F8F-1B a completely versatile choice in battles against any enemies.

Fw 190 D-12 (Rank VIII)

Historical Note

The Focke-Wulf 190 D-series, known as “Dora” to the troops, was designed specifically to hunt Allied bombers. An experimental modification of the D-12 was created at the end of 1944. Three prototypes were built.

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: high speed, good energy conservation, armed with 30mm and 20mm cannons.
• Weaknesses: mediocre maneuverability.
• Opportunities: gain altitude, select target below, attack, repeat!
• Threats: maneuverable fighters, energy loss in turn combat.

In battle

The Fw 190 D-12 is an excellent high-altitude fighter with powerful armament. In flight, it quickly gains high speed and is able to maintain it for a long time if it avoids sharp maneuvers. The ideal tactic for the Focke-Wulf is the “boom-and-zoom” tactic.

La-9 (Rank VIII)

Historical Note

The La-9 was a further development of the La-7 fighter. This aircraft appeared after the end of the war. It was the first time in the design of Lavochkin's fighters to use an all-metal airframe without wooden elements, as well as four automatic cannons.

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: excellent flight characteristics, 4 23-mm cannons.
• Weaknesses: relatively little ammo.
• Opportunities: versatile fighter, can use any tactics and fight with any enemy.
• Threats: “top” fighters.

In battle

The La-9 is one of the best piston fighters of the USSR: fast, maneuverable, with excellent armament. Equally good at any altitude and against any enemy!

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still work in progress and may differ on release.

The new aircraft will be available for research at Rank VIII. You can speed up research for GE to get access to top planes before other players, or you can earn research points in battles.