Today we’re announcing the Swiss aircraft line coming to the German aviation tree, and we’ll be taking at closer look at the C-3604 from the Second World War!
In the Leviathans major update, several aircraft from Switzerland will come to the game as a separate line in the German aircraft tree. Let’s do a quick breakdown on what you can expect: the Mirage IIIS C.70 export modification, a new variant of the Hawker Hunter F.58, the compact F-5E, as well as two variants of the formidable F/A-18 Hornet (one as a pre-order pack). The earliest Swiss aircraft to come is the C-3604 piston strike aircraft, fully designed by Swiss engineers!
C-3604: A Strike Aircraft for Germany at Rank II
At a glance:
- Powerful autocannons
- Versatile ordnance options
- Tail gunner
Vehicle History
As Switzerland remained neutral during the Second World War, it faced increasing difficulty in importing modern combat aircraft. This fact prompted efforts to build indigenous designs for reconnaissance, ground-attack, and air defense roles. As a result, a line of Swiss military aircraft was developed during the late 1930s and 1940s by Eidgenössische Konstruktionswerkstätte (EKW) to provide domestically-produced alternatives, ultimately culminating in the EKW C-36 series.
The original C-3603 variant entered service in 1942 as a two-seat reconnaissance and light attack aircraft, featuring a mixed construction of metal and wood. While reliable, the C-3603 was underpowered and became vulnerable as aircraft technology advanced rapidly during the war. In response, EKW developed the C-3604 variant — a significantly upgraded version equipped with a more powerful engine and heavier armament. However, by the time of its introduction, the C-3604 was already obsolete compared to contemporary aircraft, and only a small number were produced. Nevertheless, the C-36 series stood the test of time and continued serving the Swiss air force well into the cold war as a trainer and target tug aircraft.
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Introducing the C-3604!
While individual Swiss aircraft have been a common sight in War Thunder’s skies for some time now, the Leviathans major update officially introduces a line of new Swiss aircraft to the German aircraft tree. A highlight of the new Swiss aircraft is the domestically designed C-3604 multirole aircraft. Today’s devblog is all about this new aircraft, so let’s dive right into the details!
The C-3604 is a further developed variant of the C-36 series of Swiss combat aircraft from the early postwar period, intended to remedy some of the shortcomings of the early production variant. The upgrades predominantly center around the aircraft’s engine, which is upgraded to a domestic variant of the Hispano-Suiza 12Y 1,300 HP inline engine. As a result, the aircraft is able to reach a top speed of 560 km/h at medium altitudes along with average agility.
Interesting: Variants of the C-36 served in auxiliary roles with the Swiss air force up until the late 1980s. A remarkable feat considering the aircraft was deemed outdated even as it entered service in the 1940s!
However, flight characteristics are one thing. Which weapons the aircraft brings to the fight is a different element altogether. Fortunately, the C-3604 doesn’t fall short in this aspect either. Equipped with a total of three 20 mm cannons and backed up by a pair of 7.5 mm machine guns, the C-3604 can certainly be considered all but lightly armed. Thanks to the autocannons, this aircraft won’t only make short work of other aircraft in aerial combat, but it can also pose a serious threat to ground targets as well, provided armor piercing ammunition is loaded.
For tougher ground opponents, the C-3604 can also be fitted with suspended ordnance. This means that you can choose to outfit this aircraft with 50 or 200 kg bombs, or also mount the powerful 8 cm Oerlikon rockets, which possess ample penetrating power to defeat most heavily armored targets.
The C-3604 will soon appear in the German aviation tree as part of the upcoming introduction of the Swiss subtree in the Leviathans major update! That’s all for today’s devblog. In the meantime, be sure to follow the news for the latest information regarding the upcoming update. Until then, clear skies and happy hunting pilots!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.
