Orion

USSR · Rank Not listed · Strike aircraft

Acquisition Type: Ground battle spawn
Air RB battle rating: Not applicableGround-battle strike drone

Available as a strike-drone spawn in eligible ground battles; not a separately researched or purchased Air RB aircraft.

War Thunder Wiki · Gaijin

Aircraft overview

Orion is a strike-drone spawn for ground battles, not an Air RB aircraft to research or crew. Check the spawn cost and the targets you can actually reach before selecting it. A drone is a poor use of points when enemy fighters and SPAA already control the air.

How to fly it

Choose a useful target
Look for a vehicle whose position matters to the ground fight. Do not spend the whole flight searching behind the enemy spawn while your team loses the objective.
Set up the attack before firing
Identify the target, establish the required guidance and keep it in view for as long as the weapon needs support. Do not fire just because a vehicle briefly crosses the sight.
Reassess after the attack
Check remaining weapons and the air threat before circling back. An empty drone is not another CAS strike; use any further observation only when it helps the team.

Common mistakes

Spawning into enemy air control. A drone will not solve a fighter or SPAA problem by itself. Consider a ground vehicle or air-defense spawn when there is no safe opportunity to use the drone.

Strengths & limitations

Strengths

CAS without an aircraft crew slot

The strike drone gives an eligible ground lineup an attack option without first researching and crewing a separate aircraft. Use it when there is a worthwhile ground target and a workable approach.

Limitations

Slow and easy to intercept

You cannot rely on speed to get out of trouble. Check for fighters and anti-aircraft fire before committing to a target; a long straight approach gives them time to aim.

Spawn & availability

Check the spawn menu first

This is a ground-battle spawn rather than an Air RB loadout choice. Compare its current point cost with another tank, an aircraft or a helicopter before spending the points.

Radar & defenses

Find the target before committing

Use the target camera to identify the vehicle and check the ground around it. Break your focus on the sight regularly to watch for an aircraft or incoming fire.

Ground attack & CAS

Keep the weapon on a useful target

Use the fitted guided weapon against a target you can identify and support. A vehicle moving behind cover may spoil the attack; look for a clear line before committing the missile.

Handling & fuel

Plan around the slow airframe

Choose the approach early. Avoid repeated tight turns near the battlefield and do not expect to outrun a fighter after it has spotted you.

Battle Rating History

Not selectable in Air RB. No Air RB battle rating applies to this ground-battle strike drone.