Next Nuclear Thudner 2 Prize!
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i hope, i hope…
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Just gonna copy/paste my suggestion in a ticket under the subject “Game Suggestions” to which I was told “We DoN’t HaNdLe GaMe SuGgEsTiOns,” Okay, so why is it a ticket topic option???
Anyways…
I would like to propose the addition of two strategic bombers: the B-1 Lancer for the American tech tree, and the Tu-160 Blackjack for the Soviet/Russian tech tree. Obviously, variants could be given to the other nations as was done with most modern jet fighters.
I feel these would be surprisingly smooth additions to the game, primarily because the variable sweep wing mechanic is already fully implemented and working beautifully on aircraft like the Tomcat, Aardvark, and Tornado. Both the B-1 and the Tu-160 feature variable-geometry wings that sweep forward for takeoff and landing and sweep back for high-speed flight, so the core flight model would build on systems you have already perfected.
In terms of placement, I believe the B-1 Lancer would fit perfectly in the American bomber line, right between the F-111F and the F-15E. There is currently a sizable Battle Rating gap between 11.7 and 14.0, and I think the B-1 would slot right into that space, offering players a meaningful bridge between those two iconic aircraft.
Now, let me share some of the real-world features that I think would translate wonderfully into War Thunder gameplay:
Bomb Load: The B-1B can carry an incredible 75,000 lbs of ordnance internally—nearly double the capacity of the F-111F. It can haul everything from 84 Mk-82 500-lb bombs to 24 GBU-31 JDAMs, and even 24 AGM-158 JASSM cruise missiles. The Tu-160 is equally impressive, carrying almost 100,000 lbs of weaponry, including 12 Kh-55 cruise missiles in internal rotary launchers. I also want to mention that the Tu-160 was outfitted to carry missiles in addition to bombs, and the B-1 was similarly adapted over its service life. This opens the door for multiple variants in the main tech tree, others as limited-time event vehicles, or even as premium options for players who want to experience these supersonic giants.
Both aircraft feature advanced ground-mapping and terrain-following radars, with the B-1B sporting synthetic aperture radar and full data-link capabilities. These systems would work similarly to targeting pods and ground radar already present on top-tier strike aircraft.
Both bombers are equipped with RWR, chaff and flare dispensers, and electronic jamming systems. The B-1B even carries a towed decoy (ALE-50). This could be a cool, new, niche feature you guys add to the game! These would give them a fighting chance against player-controlled fighters and surface-to-air missiles, much like the defensive suites on existing high-tier aircraft.
I know that adding large, fast bombers always raises questions about balance, but I believe there are creative solutions already seen in the game—like the F-117’s unique implementation—that could inspire how these aircraft are integrated. Perhaps larger maps, new strategic objectives, or restricted loadouts for certain game modes could help them fit right in.
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oh hey didn’t we see that in the datamines, as well as the keybinding for “launch towed decoy” being in the dev server?
considering no air to air, no guns, and very large and most likely mediocre maneuverability (in terms of the tiny maps we get for ground) I would say it fits better 9.3 air and 10.7 ground.
further, maybe as a sub vehicle from the F-111A, because a lot of people are not going to want to play a pure bomber at a mid-high BR just to get to the F-15E (and whatever is next)
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10.7 ground!? GRB maps are the size of playgrounds vs realistic engagement distances. A B1 would level the map twice over.
I don’t see F-111s completely obliterating matches, and those have CAS munitions rather than just… a load of GPS bombs and some missiles.
?! B1 countermeasures are leaps above F111. With 144 SDBs SAMs wouldn’t even be able to move. That’s a ridiculous amount of saturation lmao. If cluster munitions are added then that’s a wrap for any radar system. 24 JSOWs in NT would be an infant annihilator of S300 sites as well.
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IF.
I am thinking with the mindset of gaijin not adding anything special for the B-1, and only giving it weapons and mechanics already present in game. SDBs can only be dropped on 10 specific points at any given time, and you have to either have direct visual with the tank map, or go through the clunky map controls to individually set points for the ten bombs to drop each time. giving the pantsir (or even 2S6! as there is no way you are outmaneuvering that missile) sitting in spawn ample time to blast you.
of course, I would really want gaijin to add ECM and more variety of munition types, but we already got the B-52 without anything special, except for the NT event where it wasn’t even enough to protect it.
I am also thinking they might need to separate NE BR from air and ground BR, that is a good point there.
True. I suppose the small map size works both ways. And yes NT has a much more nuanced/complex dynamic that kinda throws the current BR system out the window.