The upcoming War Thunder "Leviathans" update brings multi-vehicle SAM systems to the game. One of them is the German IRIS-T SLM that we’ll be looking at today!
Introducing Multi-Vehicle SAM Systems!
In War Thunder’s next major update, we’ll be adding new and advanced SAM vehicles to the game! Some of these new machines are not singular units on their own, but consist of multiple vehicles to use in battle, something never seen before in the game. In real life, many modern SAMs consist of several vehicles that work together, including launchers, command centers, support vehicles and radars. In War Thunder, only the radar and launcher vehicles will be available to be controlled by the player — the command and support vehicles are considered to be working further away and in the lore of the game are located outside of the playable area (they’re not really there, but let’s pretend they are).
How do they work exactly?
Multi-Vehicle SAM Systems consist of at least two vehicles — a vehicle with a radar for surveillance and fire control, and one or more launchers. Players can control these vehicles and cycle between them by pressing icons on the hotbar or using keybinds while in-game.
At the start of the battle, players will be in control of a mobile radar vehicle. It’s advised to drive this to a hidden position to conceal it from enemy fire. Afterwards, the player can then place launchers nearby utilizing the same mechanic used for placing ammo boxes. Having placed one launcher, the player will then be able to deploy a second one or leave it in reserve in case the already deployed launcher gets destroyed.
While controlling Multi-Vehicle SAM Systems, the player will have full control over the functionality of both the radar vehicle and the launchers while using any of the vehicles. For example, while driving the radar vehicle, you’ll be able to launch missiles from the deployed launcher vehicles.
As we’ve already mentioned, when one of the launchers is destroyed, the player has the option of using the remaining one they left in reserve. To go further, when the radar vehicle is destroyed, then the entire Multi-Vehicle SAM System is considered lost, and players will get notified that the vehicle is no longer functional and get forced out of it. The exception would be vehicles where the launchers can operate independently in real life. Similarly, Multi-Vehicle SAM Systems will be considered lost when all launchers available to the player are destroyed.
In conclusion
All of the top ranked Multi-Vehicle SAM Systems coming in the “Leviathans” major update each have their own pros and cons. They’ll receive missiles with different types of homing heads (IR or ARH), the presence or absence of radio correction on the trajectory course and different zones of destruction. Let’s now move onto discussing the German IRIS-T SLM.
IRIS-T SLM: A SAM for Germany at Rank VIII
At a glance:
- IRST-SL missiles with IR+IOG+DL
- Three vehicles: radar and two launchers
- Vertical missile launch
- Large in size
Vehicle History
In December 2005, the German Air Force accepted the IRIS-T (Infra Red Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) air-to-air missile with an infrared seeker into service. This missile was developed by the Diehl BGT Defence consortium with the participation of NATO allies. Based on this missile, the IRIS-T SL missile was developed within the MEADS program, where it received a fairing that could be jettisoned to improve aerodynamics during long-range flights. It also received a new and large-diameter engine as well as radio correction of target coordinates and GPS correction for the inertial guidance system.
In 2015, a short-range system was developed and in 2022, tests of the IRIS-T SLM (Surface Launched Medium Range) improved version were completed. This modular system is built on the chassis of a MAN 8x8 truck or in a stationary version and is distinguished by its setup as it includes a detection radar, a command vehicle and up to four launchers and support vehicles. The IRIS-T SLM system is currently in service with the Bundeswehr.
Introducing the IRIS-T SLM!
Today we’re introducing one of the first Multi-Vehicle SAM Systems coming to the game, which is the German medium-range IRIS-T SLM vehicle on the chassis of a MAN truck. Let’s get started!
So we’ve explained how these new systems work and the history of this new vehicle, so let’s now break it down. The IRIS-T SLM radar system is based on the Hensoldt TRML-4D detection radar and is mounted on an 8x8 truck. The antenna has a phased active array and the launchers are mounted on a different vehicle using the same truck.
Each launcher vehicle carries eight IRIS-T SL medium-range missiles in transport and launch containers that fold up when in the stowed position. The missiles feature an all-aspect thermal imaging homing head with an inertial guidance system, they also offer improved noise and IR countermeasure immunity and are capable of hitting targets at distances of up to 40 km. At the mid-course section of the trajectory, guidance is provided by an inertial navigation system with data link — upon approaching its intended target the missile switches to autonomous target tracking using its IR seeker.
Both the launcher vehicle and the radar vehicle have no armor and are truly large in size! The chassis is over 10 meters long and the considerable height increases even more with the antenna on the radar vehicle in operation, and not to mention the launch containers and mast antennas of the launcher when it is deployed. This does mean that it’s not easy to hide these vehicles and they can be easily spotted and hit by enemy ground vehicles and aircraft. Make sure to position wisely.
That’s this one done! We’ll be covering other new SAM Systems coming to the game in the "Leviathans" major update soon enough, so keep an eye out for those — they’re cool!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.