[EARLY ACCESS] British Aviation: Her Majesty's Winged Lions

Commanders! 🦁 A unique opportunity awaits – gain Early Access to the British aircraft research tree.

Event Dates and Stages

• Early Access Set: 🚩 April 29 – May 14 (ends at 10:00 GMT).
• UK Early Access Event Tasks: 🚩 April 29 – May 14 (ends at 09:00 GMT).
• Event Store: 🚩 May 7 – May 21 (closes at 10:00 GMT).
• UK Battle Pass: 🚩 May 14 – May 21.
• The branch will be publicly available: 🚩 May 14th (opens at 10:00 GMT)

Research tech tree

Be the first to research long-awaited British aircraft, assemble your own lethal wing to dominate the skies, and climb the leaderboards!

“Early Access” Set

The Early Access set includes:

• The legendary British premium fighter Spitfire F Mk IXc (Rank VI) – fully equipped with forward-firing and suspended weapons + the feature to earn Golden Eagles after battles.
• Early access to research the British aviation branch – before it becomes available to other players.
• A commemorative medal for your Player Profile (added after the official release of the British branch).

Don't miss your only chance to obtain the legendary collectible Spitfire F Mk IXc fighter and a commemorative medal honoring a British aviation pioneer, which will remain in your Profile forever! These items will not be available again.

Spitfire F Mk IXc (Rank VI)

Historical Note

The superiority of the Fw 190 over the Spitfire Mk V quickly became apparent after its introduction in late 1941. Although the Merlin 61 engine with a two-stage supercharger had been developed, a new high-altitude airframe was still under construction. As an interim solution, the new engine was installed in the Spitfire Mk Vc, creating the Spitfire Mk IX. Despite lacking the aerodynamic and structural refinements of the planned design, the Mk IX proved to be an effective counter to the Fw 190. It offered significantly improved speed, climb rate, and high-altitude manoeuvrability over the Mk V, while matching its low-level performance. In the end, this variant of the legendary fighter became the most widely produced of all Spitfires.

Brief Overview

• Strengths: Excellent climb rate and manoeuvrability, with powerful quad-cannon armament (4 × 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons).
• Weaknesses: Low top speed at sea level, limited cannon ammunition, and weak suspended armament.
• Role in battle: Primarily an energy fighter capable of effective turn-fighting. Use your altitude advantage to make attack runs from above, then transition into turn engagements when needed.

In battle

When flying the Spitfire F Mk IXc, use its excellent climb rate to gain altitude and attack the enemy from above with short bursts from the four 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, then climb back to safety. It can transition into turn fighting if needed, but at low speeds and near the ground, it loses energy faster than most opponents. The suspended armament consists of 250 lb or 500 lb bombs, though their effectiveness against medium and heavy targets is limited.

UK Early Access Event

Commanders! To celebrate early access to the British aviation tree, we are launching a special event: UK Early Access. Every coin spent in the game contributes to mission progress and earns you British Bonds.

Earn 15,000 Event Bonds, four fantastic British-themed decals, and one unique thematic title!

Tasks

You will have six Supply task tracks. Progress fills as you spend Silver Lions, Golden Eagles, and Platinum Wolves. Play normally, spend currency on what you need, and earn additional bonuses!

This is a great opportunity to earn extra rewards simply by purchasing the in-game items and vehicles you already need.

Event Store

In just one week, the second stage of the "Early Access Britain" event will begin. On the eve of Victory Day, the in‑game shop windows will feature rare Allied vehicles, valuable trophy machines, as well as popular seasonal resources with huge discounts for British Bonds!

*Until the launch of the second stage – which starts on the eve of VE-Day – the shop will remain in preview mode.

In the themed store of the Aviation Campaign, Trophies featuring British premium aircraft have been available since the first day of the event.

Event Battle Pass

From May 14th to 21st, take part in the final stage of the event celebrating the official launch of the British aircraft tech tree in the game! Missed some first-stage tasks or want more rewards? Progress through the stages to earn valuable new prizes.

*The final branch interface and aircraft may differ from those presented in Early Access. Aircraft researched / purchased during Early Access will retain their status after the branch is opened to all players.

We wish you clear skies and a great experience in War Thunder Mobile (WTM), commanders!