Please welcome two more unique Hungarian aircraft! The WM-21 light-reconnaissance bomber and the WM-23 prototype fighter, arriving in War Thunder in the Ninth Wave major update.
WM-21: A Bomber for Italy at Rank I
WM-23: A Fighter for Italy at Rank II
At a glance:
- Light machine guns for the WM-21
- 12.7 mm and 8.56 mm machine guns for the WM-23
- Small bombs for the WM-21
- Over 500 km/h speed for the WM-23
Vehicle History
Developed in Hungary based on the earlier WM-16 model, the WM-21 Sólyom (“Falcon”) was a two-seat biplane intended for short-range reconnaissance and cooperation with ground forces. Its prototype first took to the air in 1937. Serial production of the WM-21 was established at several Hungarian enterprises, and by 1944, 128 machines had been built, of which 80 were used as trainers after retirement from active service. The aircraft saw their first combat use in April 1941 during the Axis invasion of Yugoslavia. With the start of the war against the USSR, the WM-21 biplanes were actively used for reconnaissance and close support of Hungarian troops in Ukraine.
The WM-23 Ezüst Nyil (“Silver Arrow”) fighter was developed by the Hungarian company Weiss Manfred based on the German Heinkel He 112. In the late 1930s, Hungary purchased a license to produce the He 112, and engineers began creating their own modification, adapted for Hungarian engines and armament. The first and only prototype took to the air on February 23, 1940. Testing of the aircraft continued for about a year and revealed a number of problems. During another test flight, the right aileron failed, leading to a serious crash. The damaged prototype was not restored, and the program was closed.
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Introducing the WM-21 and WM-23!
While we’re still finishing work on the major update, we’d like to introduce you to a pair of interesting aircraft that’ll be arriving in the Hungarian branch in the Italian aircraft tree. In the spotlight today are the WM-21 Sólyom and WM-23 Ezüst Nyil!
The WM-21 will arrive at the very start of the line in Rank I. This early Hungarian “Falcon” is a light-reconnaissance bomber, equipped with fast firing rifle caliber machine guns and 12 small 10 kg bombs. While relatively slow and hefty for a bi-plane, its strong machine guns will still allow it to pose a threat to early aircraft.
The WM-23 is a more serious contender, arriving at Rank II. This all-metal monoplane was an attempt to adapt the German He 112 to Hungarian engines and armament. It features a top speed of over 500 km/h and a pair of rapid fire 12.7 mm Gebauer machine guns supplemented by a pair of 8.56 mm caliber machine guns in the wings. It’s fast, agile, and can climb well, making it a powerful new contender for the lower ranks.
That’s all for today, keep an eye out for these distinctive Hungarian machines in the Ninth Wave major update, where they’ll make for an excellent start to the Italian tree. Until then, keep an eye on the news while we wrap up the work on the major update!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.