War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

P-26A-34 M2

2024-10-21T15:35:10Z

U103958459: I have changed some misspelling

{{About
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = P-26 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=p-26a_34_m2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_p-26a_34_m2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

In 1932, before testing with the XP-936 was done, the U.S. Army issued a statement for an improved XP-936 for production. Only a year later, the USAAC ordered over 100 examples with the designation P-26A. It was to be fitted with the Pratt & Whitney R-1340-27 Wasp radial engine that also boasted a supercharger. The R-1340-27 made around 500 hp but later variants made 600 hp. P-26As were delivered not long after and proved to be a decently advanced aircraft for its time.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. Although the P-26 is a monoplane, it has an impressive turn radius but biplanes are still far better in terms of turning. Unlike the other P-26s, this specific variant of the P-26 has a 12.7 mm machine gun which is a big improvement over the standard 7.62 mm machine gun it replaced. It packs a much larger punch, more range, and takes more time to overheat. It also has the landing flaps which were eventually fitted to all P-26 variants.
== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

The P-26 possesses great manoeuvrability for a monoplane thanks to its small wings and low weight. However, its reserve counterparts are biplanes, which are much more manoeuvrable than it. Outturning monoplanes is almost always possible, but outturning biplanes is usually out of the question.

The P-26 is soundly average speed-wise, with many of the reserve biplanes outpacing it. It is still capable of catching some of the slower reserve fighters and many slow low-tier bombers.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 2,286 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 364 || 351 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.6 || 19.7 || 8.2 || 8.2 || rowspan="2" | 170
|-
! Upgraded
| 387 || 377 || 17.7 || 18.0 || 18.6 || 12.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| X || X || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 240 || ~12 || ~8
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 260 || < 180 || < 340 || > 190
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 1,829 m || 600 hp || 666 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

The P-26 is a typical mid-1930's design, and just like all its contemporaries (other reserve fighters), it does not have pilot armour. However, it is upgraded with self-sealing fuel tanks. The pilot, engine, and fuel are centrally located, but its simple design (no flaps and retractable gear) means that the P-26 has fewer critical components that can be damaged or disabled. One major advantage is excellent visibility to easily spot threats in SB battles.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

Players should immediately begin researching the flight performance modifications. Being a monoplane, the P-26 severely lacks in turn rate compared to the biplanes it commonly faces. The acquisition of the flight performance modifications will greatly help P-26 players fend off against enemy biplanes. After, players should begin researching the 12.7 mm ammunition belt modification. The stock .50 cal belt only has one incendiary round every four rounds which is subpar. Once the modification is researched, this will open up the stealth belt which has one incendiary round every three rounds. After the important modifications are researched, players are generally free to choose what modification they want to research.

Qualify the crew to "Expert," as it is very cheap (1,000 SL). It is recommended to put crew points in Pilot Vitality and Weapon Maintenance.

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (200 RPG)
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (500 RPG)

Both of the P-26's guns are mounted in the nose, preventing gun convergence issues and allowing accurate fire at all ranges.

The P-26A-34 M2 is notably better than the other two P-26s thanks to the addition of a M2 Browning 12.7 mm machine gun. The 12.7 mm Browning becomes the standard armament of American fighters, so learning its ballistics early is advantageous. The 12.7 mm Browning on the P-26A-34 M2 is only able to use the "early" set of belts, which consist mostly of less-effective amour-piercing rounds instead of the incendiary rounds that make the 12.7 mm on later aircraft so powerful. Despite the inferior belt options, it still represents a huge upgrade over the 7.62 mm Browning, which has very poor damage output. The 12.7 mm MG is also very effective in head-on engagements.

The best belt for the 12.7 mm is likely either Universal (if you need tracers) or Stealth (if you can aim without tracers or in Arcade Battles). Default is also viable, although it contains a mostly-useless ball round. These belts have M1 incendiary bullets in them, which translates to a higher chance to cause fire, which is where most of the damage will come from when using machine guns.

The best belt for the 7.62 mm is Universal or Stealth, as both contain a good mix of AP rounds (best damage with rifle-caliber machine guns) and incendiary rounds (a little bit of fire chance).

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)

The P-26 can mount two 100 lb bombs which drop together. These bombs can be used to decent effect against light ground targets, such as AI artillery and player-controlled open-topped tanks. The bombs are pretty weak, and therefore a direct hit will be needed to destroy harder targets such as tanks.

== Usage in battles ==


Generally to do well in the P-26, never, ever turn fight, as it has a huge turning radius compared to other reserves. Ideally practice "Boom & Zoom" tactics - climb above, dive in, attack, and climb up again for a new attack. Also, use the "Stealth" ammunition belt, it is the hardest hitting belt for this aircraft and targets will not see where you are, giving you another second or two advantage. Stealth is harder to use, but it is worth it. While a mediocre at best reserve fighter, it is a very good ground attacker, carrying 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs with 24.5 kg of TNT each, which is effective against even some Rank 3 tanks and Rank 2 ships.

A major asset for this P-26 variant is the .50 cal M2 (12.7 mm) upgrade machine gun with 2.5 x the penetration power, making it much deadlier to targets (don't forget it will be on a separate trigger).

Study your opponents; this is critical on how to counter them as there is no single way to counter all targets. The Japanese Ki-10 and Soviet I-15 are this aircraft's greatest threats. If they get on your six, evade like crazy and try to get them to overshoot (never turn); teammates will be essential in this process. Bombs with a 0.5 second delay could work. Other fighters like the German He 51 can be outran, but do not try to turnfight them. With higher BR units, you may be just able to outmanoeuvre, but the best is constantly scan the sky for threats. Other rank 1 aircraft vary in threat level. Besides fighters, attacking bombers is a viable option, however, be mindful of defensive turrets as there are a few 12.7 mm machine guns and 20 mm cannons out there.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Not controllable || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Decently fast for its rank
* Good armament thanks to the .50 cal heavy machine gun

'''Cons:'''

* Not as manoeuvrable as other fighters at the same rank
* No armour
* Poor dive characteristics
* Poor energy retention

== History ==

The Boeing P-26 Peashooter was a plane both ahead of its time and quickly made obsolete. First flown in 1932, the P-26 is the one of the oldest planes in the game. It was one of the first all-metal monoplanes adopted into military service in 1933 (in comparison, the He 51 and Ki-10 entered service in 1935), making it one of the fastest fighters in the world at the time, but it suffered from poor flight performance and dangerous landing characteristics. However, as newer fighters entered service around the world, the P-26s advantages diminished and its disadvantages became vulnerabilities. By the time of World War Two, the P-26 was hopelessly obsolete.

The P-26 saw the majority of its combat serving in the Chinese Nationalist Air Force during the Second Sino-Japanese War, against Japanese Ki-10s and notably A5Ms in some of the first all-metal monoplane dogfights. Although it performed admirably in the pursuit role (bomber interception), in air-to-air combat with Japanese fighters, the deficiencies of the model showed.

In US service, the P-26 had a similar record. During the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, the P-26s scored only a handful of air-to-air kills against Japanese attackers. On December 24, 1941, their crews burnt the remaining planes to prevent their capture. Of the one hundred and fifty-one built, only nine airworthy P-26s remained on Christmas 1941, a single squadron defending the Panama Canal Zone, which was removed from service shortly after.

{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
Many problems were revealed when the P-26's operation began. Due to its narrow landing gear tread and a landing speed too fast for its time, the aircraft was prone to nose over. When this happened, the pilots often lost their lives, although the planes themselves were not seriously damaged. As a result, the fuselage spine fairing was redesigned. Its height was increased by 20 cm, and the reinforced structure could endure a load of more than 12 tons if hit. The 29th production P-26A was the first to obtain this enlarged fuselage spine fairing, and the planes already produced were modified directly on the front lines.

New wing flaps allowed the aircraft's landing speed to be reduced. The plane was also equipped, in the event of an emergency landing on water, with two inflatable sacks occupying the containers in the wing roots. Beginning at the 26th production aircraft, this equipment became standard for the P-26A, but it was not installed on the aircraft already produced. There is no documented evidence that this system was ever used for its intended purpose, but one aircraft crashed after the raft kit opened spontaneously during flight.

P-26As produced later had reinforced armament: one synchronous 7.62 mm Browning M1 machine gun to the left of the fuselage and one synchronous large-calibre 12.7 mm Browning M2 .50 cal machine gun to the right. The magazine capacity of the large-calibre machine gun was 200 rounds.

A combined total of 111 machines of the P-26A variant were produced. The 20th Fighter Group was the first in the USAAC to be armed with Peashooters. It was followed by two more: the 1st Fighter Group based in Selfridge, Michigan, and the 17th Fighter Group at March Air Force Base, California. At various times, P-26s were operated in 22 USAAC fighter squadrons.

Peashooters were flown by many pilots who later occupied high positions in the USAAF and then in the USAF, including Henry Harley "Hap" Arnold, future Commander-in-Chief of the USAF.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-26a_34_m2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|pSfjJcDS1Aw|'''P-26A-34 M2 Peashooter ACE''' - ''ArnoMedia''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[P-26 (Family)]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Heinkel [[He 112 (Family)|He 112]]
* Polikarpov [[I-16 (Family)|I-16]]
* Mitsubishi [[A5M4]]
* Dewoitine [[D.500]]

== External links ==


* [https://www.boeing.com/history/products/p-26-peashooter.page <nowiki>[Boeing]</nowiki> History Page - P-26 Peashooter]

{{AirManufacturer Boeing}}
{{USA fighters}}

F11F-1

2024-10-21T15:30:09Z

U103958459: /* Usage in battles */

{{Specs-Card
|code=f11f_1_late
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f11f_1_late.jpg
|market=items_F11F-1 (USA)
}}

== Description ==

In the early '50s, Grumman began the G-98 project as a privately funded effort to redesign the existing F9F Cougar into a more sleek, high-speed fighter. However, a Cougar redesign was deemed unfeasible and a completely new design was thought of. The G-98 project had a completely different shape compared to the Cougar, utilizing the area rule to reduce drag at transonic speeds. It would also be powered by the Wright J65-18 afterburning turbojet. In 1953, the Navy Bureau of Aeronautics approved an order for two G-98 prototypes. Although a redesign was first thought of, the G-98 project was still called the F9F-9 Cougar until the Navy finally stated it was more than just a Cougar. It was given the designation F11F-1 "Tiger" to keep the Grumman feline naming scheme. The F11F-1 was soon phased out of service after the [[F8U-2|Vought F-8 Crusader]] was deemed more reliable and modern for the time, only lasting 4 years in frontline service. Previous orders were canceled, but the F11F-1 did find a home with the Blue Angels flight demo squadron for over a decade.

Introduced during [[Update "Starfighters"]] as a reward vehicle for the [[wt:en/news/6808-special-operation-s-u-m-m-e-r-2020-en|2020 Operation S.U.M.M.E.R.]] event, the '''{{Specs|name}}''' can almost be thought of as a baby [[F-104 (Family)|Starfighter]]. At its battle rating, the Tiger is relatively fast and can reach supersonic speeds at level flight (notably at lower fuel). If played with boom and zoom tactics, the F11F-1 is almost untouchable except for up tiers. The four 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk 12 cannons are quite good but players should practice trigger discipline, as the 500 rounds will be expended quickly. However, the F11F-1 is able to carry up to four AIM-9B Sidewinders which are useful for forcing enemies to turn and/or launching at slow or non-maneuvering targets.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

[[File:F11F-1 Wiki Image 5.jpg|thumb|Top view of the F11F-1.]]
The F11F-1 Tiger is a supersonic carrier-based jet fighter equipped with the Wright J65-W-18 engine. The plane is able to reach about Mach 1 speed in level speed (climbing may be necessary) making it one of the fastest planes at its battle rating, but getting it past that speed will require some diving. Because of the very high structural speed limit, it basically can dive with an afterburner at any angle and the player will only have to worry about very high speed (Mach .9 or higher) compression.

While other United States supersonic jet fighters like the F-100 or F3H are better at it, the acceleration is decent for this type of plane. The other planes that it will meet at its battle rating will struggle to keep up with it, for example the MiG-17AS, Shenyang F-5 or the German CL-13B Mk.6, especially when the Tiger is flying with 20 or less minutes of fuel.

The F11F is very good at climbing: ~65 m/s at sea level when the plane is fully loaded with no additional armament under its wings and the climb rate increases to 75 m/s with just 20 minutes of fuel. While the engine in this plane does not tend to overheat, the player should still be cautious about flying at full power as the afterburner can be taxing on your fuel load.

The manoeuvrability depends a lot on its speed. When the plane is flying at 500 km/h IAS or below, every subsonic fighter will be able to outturn the F11F, but it gets better once it reaches 700 km/h and above. The best speed for sustained turning is ~650 km/h IAS, at that speed it can perform full horizontal circle at sea level in 24 seconds. The jet can lock up when close to Mach 1, and installing the boosters upgrade is recommended. While it can run circles around something like a Starfighter or F-100, it's not close to a MiG-19, MiG-17 or Sabre in a low speed dogfight. With low fuel, the jet has outstanding acceleration for its tier, and can confidently outrun most of its fighters at the same BR or even some aircraft at higher ones. The turning performance increases to be akin to something like an F-2 Sabre, but this is at <10 minutes of fuel, which you might not see too often in-game.

Its roll rate is as good as in the F-86 series: it can reach up to ~250 degrees per second at its optimal speed, that can make it very hard for the enemy to land some hits on it and make it easier to force the enemy to overshoot.

The airbrake on this plane is questionably effective, and won't help too much even on idle throttle in a straight line. While it can be useful for slowing down when turning, manoeuvring when attempting to land is much more effective. Using flaps can help in a dogfight, but since only landing flaps can be deployed, and they break above 440 km/h, they aren't very effective for landing either.

[[File:F-11F1 Wiki Image 1.jpg|thumb|A group of F11F-1's ready for take off.]]
In simulator battles, the F11 can fly at much higher angles than with the enabled instructor, making it more capable at high angle attacks and snapshots, but it can also lead to a broken wing if the speed is too high. The other downside is even further decreased turning energy retention which is already quite mediocre at low and medium speeds.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,198 || 1,193 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 36.1 || 37.0 || 59.9 || 55.4 || rowspan="2" | 950
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,230 || 1,213 || 34.4 || 35.0 || 90.1 || 74.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Static G|Full fuel tanks without any additional weapons}}
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 500 || ~9 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 650 || < 540 || < 620 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Wright J65-W-18 || 1
| colspan="3" | 6,627 kg || colspan="3" | 415 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 57m fuel
|-
| 1,320 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 7,532 kg || 7,675 kg || 8,199 kg || 8,985 kg || 9,642 kg || 10,500 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 57m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,077 kgf || 4,770 kgf
| 0.63 || 0.62 || 0.58 || 0.53 || 0.49 || 0.45
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 3,077 kgf (0 km/h) || 5,138 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.68 || 0.67 || 0.63 || 0.57 || 0.54 || 0.49
|-
|}

[[File:F11F-1 Wiki Image 4.jpg|thumb|A group of F11F-1's in a formation.]]

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* 38 mm bulletproof glass
* 12.7 mm Steel plate on pilot's seat
* 12.7 mm Steel plate in front of pilot

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

[[File:F11F-1 Wiki Image 6.jpg|thumb|F11F-1 after using its four 20 mm cannons.]]
{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 0 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 0 cannons, cheek-mounted (125 rpg = 500 total)

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
| rowspan="6" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| 7 || 7, 19 || 7, 19 || 7
|-
! [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
| colspan="5" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 620 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


;Air RB

This plane is an extremely potent support fighter. It is one of the fastest aircraft at its battle rating, which will be your greatest advantage over other fighters. If you are in a full down-tier, no one will be able to catch you if you play it right. In low altitude level flight, the F11 can sustain speeds near (but not quite) Mach 1. Mach 1 cannot be achieved in low altitude level flight (unless at low fuel), but putting the plane in even a small dive at low altitude allows you to go supersonic. Actually passing Mach 1 doesn't give you much of an advantage as you are already faster than many planes you will face. In up-tiers where faster supersonics such as the MiG-19 and early MiG-21 variants can be found, the F11's speed isn't as potent, but if you keep your speed up you will find yourself able to keep up with these faster and more maneuverable aircraft. It's worth noting that the F11 compresses substantially near Mach, so if an early air-to-air missile is launched at you at this time, you will need to decide whether to maneuver to avoid it, or pitch up to drain it of its likely low energy.

The great speed of the F11 comes at a cost; its dogfighting ability is questionable. The F11 does not turn well compared to its subsonic foes and loses quite a bit of speed while turning, so it is ill-advised to dogfight other enemy fighters as it will most likely result in you losing the dogfight. If dogfighting cannot be avoided, do not horizontally turn-fight; try to use the superior engine power of the F11 in the vertical to gain the energy advantage over a slower opponent.

The four nose-mounted 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12s have a good fire rate, good ballistics, an adequate ammo pool of 500 rounds, and decent killing power. However, they are inaccurate and prone to jamming when stock. The best belt choice for air combat is not the Air targets belt, but actually the Default belt since it has a better ratio of high explosive shells. If you are comfortable with aiming the guns, Stealth is also a very good option for the higher proportion of high explosive rounds and lack of tracers.

The AIM-9B Sidewinder air-to-air missiles give the F11 a huge advantage over other fighters. The plane starts off with two of them and can carry a maximum of four. These missiles, though easily dodged, can become a very dangerous weapon when used correctly. The main thing that sets the F11 apart from other AIM-9B carriers around its BR such as the A-4 Skyhawk and G.91s is the F11's speed. Because the F11 goes fast, missiles that are launched start off faster than on other planes, which gives them better range. Due to the low G-overload of the AIM-9B, they should not be wasted and should only be used under the right conditions.

The best enemies to engage are usually going to be bombers like the IL-28 and B-57s as they are slow to maneuver and easy to catch up to. Fighters that are damaged, or extremely slow as a result from just leaving (or attempting such) an engagement with an enemy fighter are easy picks too, as they can't maneuver as much and are much easier to hit. Generally, any enemy unaware of you or in an engagement themselves are obvious targets.

As a general rule of thumb against non-maneuvering enemies:

* When approaching a similar speed enemy from behind, AIM-9Bs will be able to hit at a maximum range of around 2 km.
* When approaching a slightly slower enemy from behind at a fast speed, AIM-9Bs will be able to hit at a maximum range of around 2.25 km.
* When approaching a very slow enemy at a fast speed, AIM-9Bs will be able to hit at a maximum range of around 3.25 km.
* At high altitudes (>6 km), the AIM-9B becomes very difficult to dodge without the use of flares due to aircraft losing maneuverability and thrust while the missile doesn't. AIM-9Bs will hit enemies at ranges of 3-5 km depending on the speed and altitude of you and the enemy.

Ideal launch conditions (assuming you are in ideal launch range):

* You are behind an enemy who is unaware of you or distracted by a target in front of them. You should use the missile to hit them at longer ranges. Launching at longer ranges increases the chance the unaware enemy doesn't see you and the incoming missile.
* An enemy is very slow/stalling out. Aircraft need speed to dodge even the "weakest" of air-to-air missiles, so slow jets are prime targets for your missiles.
* An enemy has gone fully vertical. Aircraft are losing speed constantly in a vertical and will have some difficulty dodging your missile.
* You are behind any enemy at high altitude.
* You are behind an aircraft that is faster and that you want to catch up to. Even if they are aware of your missile and dodge it, they will lose some speed, which may put them in your gun range. If they are a much faster aircraft and are far in front of you (>1.5 km), then don't do this as they will simply regain the lost speed back, and you will have wasted a missile.

Unideal launch conditions:

* You are not in ideal launch range (as indicated above).
* You are behind an enemy who is aware you are there. There doesn't tend to be much purpose in wasting a missile on someone who will easily dodge it because they know it's coming.
* You are behind an enemy in front of you who is in the process of turning. Don't waste a missile if the enemy is already turning; AIM-9Bs don't turn well and will not follow the enemy in their turn.
* You are behind an enemy who is flying into the sun.
* Your intended target's engine exhaust is very close to that of a friendly's. Don't risk the teamkill.

The F11 is able to carry some air-to-ground ordnance, but it isn't the best. It can take a maximum of four 500 lb bombs, two 1,000 lb bombs, or 76 FFAR rockets. The bomb loads are pretty small and generally shouldn't be taken unless it's late game and you need to lower the enemy's tickets by bombing pillboxes or finishing off a damaged base. The FFAR rockets are pretty hard to aim and so taking them is generally not recommended.

In a full down-tier, the F11 is pretty much untouchable thanks to its great speed. If there are some friendly strike aircraft (commonly many A-4Es), you will want to rush in full speed to support them because they are, after all, a part of your team. If they all end up dying, you can simply run away with hopefully a kill or two. Ideally, you will want to find a furball and use your great speed to rush in, missile or gun down a vulnerable enemy, and rush out. Speed away, make sure no one is following you, and turn back in to rinse and repeat. Be wary of Sea Vixens; they are fast subsonic than can keep up with you if you aren't at your top speed, and their missiles can be difficult to dodge.

In an up-tier, you are still hard to catch, but no longer untouchable. There are a few aircraft to worry about: MiG-19s, early MiG-21 variants, and T-2s can out speed and outturn you, and Yak-38s have difficult to dodge missiles, though you can dogfight them easily. If a MiG-19, 21 or T-2 gets on your six, your best bet is to push them into a scissors, where you can airbrake behind them to hopefully get a firing opportunity on them before you are left slow and vulnerable. If they also airbrake or go vertical, your luck will run out, and you will probably die. Your worst nightmare is J35As, which you can't outrun and definitely can't outturn; if one gets on your six, consider yourself dead. Don't be the first to the battlefield where you will be alone and a prime target for these aircraft; let them engage slower turn-fighters first, then swoop in and kill them while they're distracted, using your speed to make yourself a hard to catch target. Again, if one decides to focus you, you will have to resort to the options above, which are only last-ditch efforts, so try not to have them notice you.

In a full up-tier, you will want to play very cautiously. Certain aircraft are a great threat to you; Harrier GR.1s and A-5Cs can descend from space and launch very hard to dodge missiles at you. MiG-21 SPS-Ks have difficult to dodge missiles and also have much better performance in basically every way (unlike the Yak-38). You will want to fly low and keep your speed up so these aircraft don't find the lengthy process of catching up to you worth it.

The F11 has a high landing speed and no drag parachute, so it takes a very long time to come to a stop on the runway. Due to this, it may be more convenient to attempt a belly-landing as the increased friction will slow the aircraft's speed more quickly.

;SB EC

In simulator battles, when used in EC6 bracket, the plane is a very capable fighter. It is the most capable at hit-and-run tactics and high speed vertical maneuvers, it is also decent at sustained horizontal turning when its speed is above 650 km/h IAS. The player should however be careful when performing them: some of the jets in this bracket are equipped with missiles which are not able to hit a turning target in most cases but once the plane gets slow or stops turning, they will easily destroy it. It is best to take off from some airfield close to the edge of the map with 45 minutes of fuel (since turning with anyone will end up badly for the plane and huge fuel consumption that can be a problem), reach at least 800 km/h IAS in level flight and start climbing to between 2000 and 4000 m altitude. Flying at this altitude is very important: the plane will have a lot of space for maneuvers and thus be able to make the most of its good level speed performance. This will make sure the F11F is not easily shot down unlike at lower altitude where it can not really get away by diving and where any zoom climbing attempt can also end up badly because of planes that can carry missiles.

At very high speed, the plane does not suffer from compressibility issues and it can easily get a proper lead on its target. It has an amazing forward cockpit visibility with a gunsight whose reticle is projected on the armored frontal glass. This is a gyro gunsight so there is an additional circle that can help with leading your shots. It is also connected to the rangefinder radar which can also be used to check the distance to the target and launch the missile from the proper distance (around 2 km), depending on how fast the enemy is. Since the best missile that the enemies can use is the AIM-9B or the Russian and Chinese equivalents, the best way to avoid them is to just pull 5-6G turns for a few seconds at very high speed. Reducing the engine power against this kind of missile is optional, as long as the plane keeps turning it will no be able to hit it anyway.

Against the MiG-15 and 17 and other similar jets without missiles, the best tactics is just to either boom and zoom them, or in the defensive situation to start running in a straight line, get some distance between two planes, then use the superior climb rate to get above it and proceed to boom and zooming the enemy. Any dogfighting will end up very badly: its very bad turning energy retention when the plane starts flying at high angle of attack and worse sustained turn rate will lead to losing the fight in a few seconds.
[[File:F11F-1 Wiki Image 2.jpg|thumb|F11F-1 shooting down a [[Tu-4]].]]
When fighting the Shenyang F-5 or MiG-17AS or any other planes with missiles, it is best to not allow them to get behind the Tiger (your excellent cockpit visibility will help you detect when it happens). While they can be avoided, it is still risky and can lead to the plane slowing down and becoming an easy target for higher maneuverable fighters. One of the tactics is to make the enemy waste all his missiles by baiting them into launching the missile by running away and pulling a few G (depends on the speed, 4-5G works at ~700 km/h TAS, at higher speed you need more G), then avoiding them. For example both MiG-17 variants are able to carry only two of them. Once they run out of missiles, deal with them like with any other jet fighter. The only exception is the Yak-38: it also carries the R-60 missiles which have much higher tracking ability and can pull much more G but its maneuverability is even worse, so it can be outturned in any situation, especially after forcing it to prolonged turning: its energy retention is awful.

There are a few fighters that can be beaten by dogfighting at high speed, most of British fighters like the Scimitar or Hunter F.1 are worse at turning, especially at low speed. They also will not be able to escape: in the case of the Scimitar the level speed is almost the same, but it does have better climb rate performance and acceleration. When it starts to run, it is the best to launch the missile and force it to slow down. Both Supermarine Swifts are also inferior to the F11F in both turn rate and flight performance. The other nation with fighters worse at both turning and flight performance is France, the Super Mystèe B2 and Étendard IVM still can pose a treat, both are able to carry missiles. The first one has an engine with afterburner, this way it can be spotted from a few kilometers away, it is also as fast as the F11F. The other one does not have access to it, however its climbing performance and level acceleration are superior to the Super Mystère and the Tiger.

=== Radars ===

The F11F-1 is equipped with an AN/APG-30 range finding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft. It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - Rangefinding radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:F-11F1 Wiki Image 3.jpg|thumb|F11F-1 landing.]]
'''Pros:'''

* Very high top speed
* Good acceleration
* Outstanding roll rate
* Has access to 4x AIM-9B sidewinder missiles
* Good cannon armament with high velocity and decent fire rate and damage

'''Cons:'''

* Poor energy retention; loses tons of speed in turns
* Poor turn time
* No takeoff or combat flaps, only landing flaps
* Significant compression when approaching Mach 1
* High stall speed means long takeoff/landing distance (additionally, doesn't have a drogue chute)

== History ==

The F11F Tiger was a carrier-based fighter aircraft used by the US Navy between 1955 and 1968. The aircraft was originally designed as an advanced derivative of the F9F Panther, but soon became a completely new design. The aircraft has the distinction of being the second supersonic navy aircraft, after the F4D Skyray. F11F aircraft served in operational units between 1957 and 1961, while trainer variants served into the early 1970s. The aircraft also enjoyed a long service life with the Blue Angels demonstration team, which used the aircraft from 1957 to 1968 when it was superseded by the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II.

=== Design and Development ===
[[File:F11F-1 on USS Ranger.jpg|thumb|400px|An F11F-1 Tiger on board of USS Ranger.]]
The F11F Tiger had its origins in an advanced variant of the F9F Panther, by incorporating new technological advances to allow for higher speeds. However, the design had changed so much by 1953 that the aircraft no longer bore any resemblance to its older cousin, despite having an initial designation of F9F-9. The aircraft had full-length leading-edge slats and rear flaps on the swept wing, and utilized a pair of spoilers for roll control. The aircraft also had an all-moving tail to improve turning ability at higher speeds. It was fitted with the Wright J65 turbojet, a license-built version of the Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire.

The US Navy had considerable interest in such a fighter, and thus, two prototypes were ordered. The aircraft almost went supersonic on the first flight, despite having a non-afterburning engine due to delays with the readiness of the J65. The second prototype was fitted with the afterburning J65, and became the second supersonic US Navy aircraft after the F4D Skyray. Carrier trials were started in 1956, when an F11F-1 Tiger landed on the deck of the USS Forrestal.

=== Operational Service ===
The F11F-1 Tiger entered service in early 1957, operating from Essex-class and Forrestal-class carriers. However, it was retired in 1961 after just four years of service, as the aircraft's performance was inferior to the F8U Crusader. A total of 199 F11F-1 Tigers were built, while the remaining 231 aircraft on order were cancelled. The F11F-1 Tiger also enjoyed a longer service life with the Blue Angels, which started using them from 1957. They would fly with the demonstration team until 1968, when they were replaced by the F-4 Phantom II.

The F11F-1 Tiger also had the unfortunate distinction of being the first jet aircraft to shoot itself down. In 1956, during a test-firing of the aircraft's cannons, test pilot Tom Attridge fired the aircraft's cannons in a dive, only to run into the bullets as the F11F's trajectory passed the rounds. The aircraft was damaged, forcing him to crash-land; he survived. Following the end of operational service, several F11F-1 aircraft were used as advanced trainers to prepare pilots for flying supersonic aircraft; these trainers went on to serve into the 1970s, when they were retired and replaced with the T-38 Talon.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f11f_1_late Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|srKv5v9zoGA|'''The Shooting Range #216''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:31 discusses the {{PAGENAME}} Tiger.|cfM7dzLz2wk|'''Should You Grind The F11F?''' - ''Sako Sniper''}}

== See also ==


* [[F3H-2]]
* [[Scimitar F Mk.1]]
* [[FJ-4B]]
* [[FJ-4B VMF-232]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6812/current|[Devblog] Operation S.U.M.M.E.R. F11F-1 Tiger]]
* [http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/F11F-1_Tiger_SAC_-_30_June_1957.pdf Standard Aircraft Characteristics of the F11F-1]

{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}