War Thunder’s F/A-18D and Q-5D Pre-Orders Cover Two Different Roles
The Rank VIII US fighter can carry up to six AIM-120B missiles, while China's Rank VI Q-5D is a strike aircraft without air-to-air missiles.
War Thunder’s new F/A-18D and Q-5D pre-orders bring two high-rank aircraft with sharply different jobs. The US Rank VIII Hornet is a multirole fighter with air-to-air and precision ground-attack weapons, while China’s Rank VI Q-5D focuses on fast strikes. Gaijin opened pre-orders on October 29 in its Steam announcement. Both aircraft’s specifications may change before they are added to the game.
The F/A-18D brings air-to-air and precision strike options
The two-seat F/A-18D can carry up to six AIM-120B active radar-homing missiles, alongside AIM-7P radar-guided missiles and all-aspect AIM-9M missiles. For ground attacks, its available weapons include JDAM-ER and LJDAM-ER guided bombs, AGM-65E Maverick missiles, conventional bombs, and unguided rockets. Gaijin describes the jet as highly maneuverable, though its acceleration is moderate.
The F/A-18D pack is priced at 79.99 and includes 30 days of Premium account time, 3,000 Golden Eagles, the “Devilish Sting” title, and the “VMFA-232 Red Devils patch” decal.
The Q-5D trades air-to-air missiles for strike capacity
The supersonic Q-5D is built for ground attack, with more weapon hardpoints than earlier Q-5 variants and capacity for up to eight bombs. Its ballistic computer supports attacks with bombs and rockets, while its speed can help it leave the reach of enemy air defenses after a strike. The aircraft also has 64 countermeasures and a radar warning receiver that detects surface-to-air missile launches. It carries no air-to-air missiles, relying instead on speed, maneuverability, and two 23 mm cannons.
Gaijin places the Q-5D between earlier Q-5 and Q-5A models and the more advanced Q-5L and A-5C. Its Rank VI position is intended to suit Chinese lineups in the 9.0 to 9.3 Battle Rating range and help research higher-rank vehicles. The pack costs 59.99 and includes 15 days of Premium account time, 2,000 Golden Eagles, the “Gambling Dragon” title, “The Flight of Dragon” bonus, and the “White” camouflage.
Which aircraft’s role fits your War Thunder lineup better, the F/A-18D’s mix of fighter and strike weapons or the Q-5D’s dedicated ground-attack kit? Follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram for updates as their specifications develop before release.
War Thunder
Developed by Gaijin Entertainment
War Thunder is a free-to-play vehicular combat MMO featuring aircraft, ground vehicles, and naval craft spanning from the early 20th century to the modern era. Players progress through technology trees across multiple nations, unlocking increasingly advanced military vehicles. The game offers three realism tiers for each vehicle type: arcade, realistic, and simulator modes. Originally developed as a flight simulator under the name "World of Planes," the game expanded to include tanks in 2014 and naval forces later, becoming a combined-arms experience. A mobile version was released in 2023.
- Genre Shooter, Simulator, Tactical
- Platforms Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Mac, Xbox One
- Perspective First person, Third person, Virtual Reality
- Modes Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative, Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO)
- Release January 28, 2013
- Publisher Gaijin Entertainment
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