War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe (Israel)

2024-02-25T18:15:08Z

U105065006: /* Flight performance */

{{About
| about = Israeli gift fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Spitfire (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=spitfire_lf_mk9e_weisman
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|store=10590
}}

== Description ==

The Spitfire got into Israeli hands during the 1948 War of Independence and by the end of the war, most of the IAF's fighters were Spitfires of different models. The Black Spitfire (originally No. 2057) arrived in Israel in 1949 after the war. It served with the 101 in the same way as other Spitfires: reconnaissance and escort missions. When most Spitfires were sold to Burma in 1954, Ezer Weizman, then commander of the Ramat David air force base and future President of Israel, argued in favour of keeping some units in Israel. The Spitfire was painted black with the number 57. Even though it was supposed to be used for training purposes, many considered the aircraft to be personally owned by Ezer Weizman and the plane was flown in numerous parades in Israel, becoming known as "Weizman's Black Spit".

Introduced as a [[wt:en/news/7383-development-israel-a-new-gaming-nation-coming-to-war-thunder-en|premium pack]] in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]], '''Ezer Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk IXe''' is a formidable fighter. It has very good climb rate and acceleration, alongside the dogfight capabilities that are present in all Spitfires. Is capable of outmanoeuvring except maybe for some Japanese planes at its BR. However, some of its weaknesses are the lacking ground ordnance, thus is very hard to use for close air support, and the relatively weak engine. Though it is not a slow plane by any means, it will constantly fight planes that are much faster, and have better energy retention, including the [[I-225]], [[Yak-3U]], and [[P-51 (Family)|P-51s]]. Thus, very accurate shots are required, because the Spitfire loses speed rather quickly in dogfights against some of these aircraft, that way, prolonged fights are not recommended.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
The '''Spitfire LF Mk.IXe Weizman''' in the Israeli tech tree excels due to its superior maneuverability and climb rate, making it a formidable opponent in dogfights across all game modes—Arcade, Realistic, and Simulator.

In '''Arcade mode''', its agility is enhanced, allowing for tighter turns and quick reactions, although pilots must beware of high-speed maneuvers that could lead to structural failure. The quick reload times in this mode keep the Spitfire in the action longer.

'''Realistic mode''' demands careful energy management, where the aircraft's ability to climb and accelerate quickly allows pilots to engage and disengage effectively. The realism of flight physics means pilots must manage ammunition carefully and avoid overcommitting in dives to prevent wing damage.

'''Simulator mode''' challenges pilots with a realistic cockpit view and flight model, emphasizing the importance of rudder control and awareness to avoid stalls and spins. The Spitfire's maneuverability is key, but requires skilled handling.

For '''new players''', focusing on altitude advantage and the Spitfire's turning capabilities is crucial, while avoiding head-on confrontations. Veteran pilots can leverage energy fighting techniques and precise engagement control for dominance.

Overall, the '''Spitfire LF Mk.IXe Weizman''' is a versatile aircraft that rewards pilots with its agility and tactical flexibility, making it a rewarding choice for both newcomers and experienced players alike.{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,878 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
| 632 || 611 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 16.4 || 17.0 || 22.2 || 22.2 || rowspan="2" | 320
|-
! Upgraded
| 735 || 690 || 14.8 || 14.8 || 43.3 || 31.8
|-
|}

==== 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 || 230 || ~10 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 321 || < 400 || < 350 || > 470
|-
|}

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


* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in the cockpit front.
* 4 mm Steel plate in the pilot's seat.
* 6-7 mm Steel plates behind the pilot.
* 3 mm Steel plate on top of the fuel tanks.
* 3 mm Steel boxes around the wing ammunition.

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

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

{{main|Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (135 rpg = 270 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (260 rpg = 520 total)

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

{{main|AN-M57 (250 lb)|Flz.-Rakete Oerlikon}}

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

* Without load
* 16 x Flz.-Rakete Oerlikon rockets
* 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (500 lb total)
* 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs + 16 x Flz.-Rakete Oerlikon rockets (500 lb total)

== Usage in battles ==

This plane is a formidable opponent when going against it. It has an astounding climb rate with a decent armament and still maintains that superb turn time that spitfires are known for. Because it is a low altitude variant, it is wise to stay below 5,000 m to get the best performance possible. Remember to use your supercharger when above 2,000 m: it will grant you a significant performance increase. Climbing is a valid strategy when you first spawn in because of your amazing climb rate. You are nearly guaranteed a height advantage over everyone. Maintain your altitude and lure enemies into a turn fight as there isn't anyone at your battle rating that can outturn you, the exception being a couple Japanese planes. Although this plane is a good turnfighter, exploiting your turn rate too much can lead to bleed a lot of energy and become an easy target for other planes. This plane is reasonably fast but for sure not the fastest at its rating. Do not head on with this plane. The 20 mm Hispano cannons are inaccurate, and jam quickly, even when fully upgraded. Instead, dodge and start a turn fight where the Spitfire will almost always come out on top.

=== 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
|-
| Controllable || Controllable Auto control available || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Auto control available || Combined || Controllable 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great climb rate
* Fast turn rate for its battle rating
* Good ground strike ability for a fighter
* Carries bombs and rockets for ground attack
* Premium bonuses

'''Cons:'''

* Since it is a LF Spitfire variant (low-altitude fighter), its performance suffers at high altitude
* Not the fastest at its battle rating
* Terrible energy fighter
* Bleeds a lot of speed when turning
* Weapons are mounted far apart in the wings

== History ==

Shortly after the establishment of the State of Israel, its new Defense Ministry began work on the formation of a more organised air force as a branch of the new Israel Defense Force. The first planes purchased were Czechoslovakian Avia S-199s - a partially-improvised version of the Bf 109 - but these proved to be inferior to Egyptian Air Force Spitfires. Simultaneously, Israel began acquiring its own Spitfires (primarily surplus planes previously given to Czechoslovakia by Britain) in a series of politically - and functionally - complex operations. By the end of the war, most combat aircraft in the Israeli Air Force (IAF) were Spitfires of whatever models could be acquired.

The Black Spitfire originally arrived in Israel in November 1949 (months after the official end of the war), and initially bore the number 2057. It served in the 101 fighter squadron. By this time, Spitfires were only used as bomber escorts and for reconnaissance flights. Most Israeli Spitfires were eventually sold to Burma in 1954; however, Ezer Weizman - then commander of the Ramat David air force base - argued to keep several of the aircraft in Israel. He ordered one of those aircraft, including number 2057, to be painted black, to match the colour scheme used by his former British airbase commander in Rhodesia during World War II, when Weizman trained as a pilot in the RAF. The plane was renumbered to "57".

Weizman kept the aircraft for training purposes in the IAF, but it was unofficially understood to be his own personal plane. Weizman later became Commander of the IAF and eventually retired, but nevertheless kept flying the plane during multiple IAF air parades over the following decades. The plane became famous in Israel as "Weizman's Black Spit", and was closely associated with the man. Weizman went on to become a member of the Israeli parliament, its Minister of Defense, and finally the President of the State of Israel. During his funeral in 2005 the Black Spit was flown over the burial ceremony.

The Black Spit is one of about 60 Spitfires that are still operational today. When not undergoing maintenance, it is occasionally kept on public display at the IAF Museum near Be'er Sheva.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=spitfire_lf_mk9e_weisman Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|mF0d3bos75I|'''The Shooting Range #281''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;Other late Merlin-engine LF variant Spitfires

* [[Spitfire LF Mk IXc (USA)]]
* [[Spitfire LF Mk IX]]
* [[Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7383-development-israel-a-new-gaming-nation-coming-to-war-thunder-en|[Devblog] Israel, a new gaming nation coming to War Thunder!]]

{{AirManufacturer Supermarine}}
{{Israel fighters}}
{{Israel premium aircraft}}

Me 262 A-1a

2024-02-24T18:24:03Z

U105065006: /* Description */ I summarized the Me 262 A-1a Schwalbe, highlighting its role, jet technology, and combat debut, along with its challenges and historical impact.

{{About
| about = German jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Me 262 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=me-262a-1a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==


The '''Me 262 A-1a Schwalbe''', also known as the “'''Swallow''',” was a variant of the Me 262, which holds the distinction of being the world’s first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Designed and produced by Messerschmitt in Germany, this cutting-edge fighter played a crucial role during the war.

Here are the key details about the Me 262 A-1a:

# '''Role''': The Me 262 A-1a served as a '''defensive interceptor''' against Allied bombers and fighters.
# '''Engines''': It featured revolutionary '''Junkers Jumo 004 turbojet engines''', propelling it to a top speed of over '''540 miles per hour'''—much faster than any Allied fighter at the time.
# '''Armament''':
#* Armed with '''four 30 mm cannons''', the Me 262 A-1a packed a punch.
#* It could also carry '''air-to-air rockets''' for added firepower.
# '''Combat Debut''': The Me 262 A-1a entered service with the Luftwaffe in mid-1944. Its first combat mission took place on July 26, 1944, when it engaged a British Mosquito reconnaissance plane over Bavaria. This marked the '''first-ever air-to-air combat involving a jet fighter'''.
# '''Effectiveness''': German pilots claimed to have shot down '''542 Allied aircraft''' using the Me 262. However, it faced challenges such as engine reliability issues, fuel shortages, and interference from Hitler, who wanted it to be used as a fighter-bomber.
# '''Allied Response''': The Allies countered the Me 262 by attacking it on the ground, during takeoff, and landing.
# '''Impact''': Despite its late introduction and limited numbers, the Me 262 had a significant impact on aviation history.

The Me 262 A-1a is a formidable heavy fighter. Its heavy rocket bombardments can dismantle bomber formations, and its MK 108 cannons are lethal against flying fortresses. However, it may struggle against other jets with superior speed and maneuverability.

*

[[File:Me262 intercepting B-29.png|thumbnail|left|The Schwalbe in its interceptor role.]]

[[File:Cockpit_Me262.jpg|thumbnail|right|250px|The Schwalbe's instrument panel.]]

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

The Me 262 A-1a can enter an uncontrollable flatspin after attempting certain vertical manoeuvres, in a similar manner to the Fw 190 series fighters when the rudder is manipulated. This can prove fatal at altitudes below 2,000 m as it leaves little space to recover from it.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,000 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
| 824 || 796 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.0 || 30.0 || 16.0 || 14.9 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 909|| 865 || 27.7 || 28.0 || 24.5 || 20.0
|-
|}

==== 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" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 558 || 529 || 380 || ~10 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 500 || < 600 || < 680 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Junkers Jumo 004B-1 || 2
| colspan="3" | 4,280 kg || colspan="3" | 287 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 16m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel
|-
| 720 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 4,894 kg || 5,041 kg || 5,409 kg || 5,961 kg || 6,255 kg || 6,520 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 (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 16m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 910 kgf || N/A
| 0.37 || 0.36 || 0.34 || 0.30 || 0.29 || 0.28
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 910 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.37 || 0.36 || 0.34 || 0.30 || 0.29 || 0.28
|-
|}

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


* 15 mm Steel - Behind the pilot
* 15 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
* 15 mm Steel - Between cockpit and fore fuel tank
* 15 mm Steel - Instrument panel plate
* 16 mm Steel x 2 - Ammunition protection plates
* 90 mm Bulletproof glass
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in front of pilot, 1 under pilot's feet, 2 behind pilot)

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

The biggest issue of the Schwalbe is its bad acceleration across all speeds. Thus, ''Compressor'' and ''Engine'' upgrades have the highest priority. The cannons' stock belts are decent, but the high explosive content increases with the new ammo in ''Offensive 30 mm''. Including them into the upgrade route is not a bad idea. The same applies for the rockets in the ''R1 modification''. Being able to knock out bases (~40) or tanks (direct hit) with these warheads makes a long game much easier to win. ''New 30 mm cannons'' is an interesting upgrade choice as it increases accuracy above 300 m (350 yds), but the MK 108 will still be unable to hit any at 500 m (600 yds).

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

{{main|MK 108 (30 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons (2 x 100 RPG top + 2 x 80 RPG bottom = 360 total)

The MK 108 has a high damage potential. With a great in-game burst mass of 14.52 kg/s (32.01 lbs/s) and the great explosive warhead "Minengeschoss" (mine-shell), this weapon will vaporize aircraft, especially bombers. But every coin has a flip side and the MK 108 is no exception. The amazing rate of fire is exchanged with a very short barrel and small propellant charges, resulting in very poor ballistics. The MK 108 cannon fires very slow shells with a great bullet drop.

The MK 108 cannons have an ammo indicator in the cockpit, which is typical of Luftwaffe aircraft. It sits directly beneath the compass (the one with the little plane in the middle). The left white column is for the two top autocannons. The right one is for the bottom two cannons; this bar is also taller than the left one as the ammo count is different for the two pairs.

The MK 108 is a very bad anti-fighter weapon particularly in a jet-to-jet combat. Bullet drop and slow velocity result in a severe difficulty leading shots at ranges above 300 m (350 yds). In dogfights where both aircraft are constantly turning and changing direction, this trait gets even worse. The high speed of jet battles push the necessary lead for hitting the target farther in front of the enemy. Training with this weapon system before getting into battle is heavily advised.

All four cannons are arranged in bundles of two mounted on the underside of the upper mounted in the nose of the aircraft. Two are outfitted with 100 RPG, while the other two have 80 RPG.

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

{{main|R4M}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can externally outfit:

* 24 x 55 mm R4M rockets
* 48 x 55 mm R4M rockets

== Usage in battles ==


As a heavy fighter, the 'Schwalbe' is not nimble, but neither are other first-generation jets. Compared to them, the Me 262 is actually quite agile and possesses a speed, roll, and damage output advantage against certain adversaries.

However, don't be fooled - this aircraft was the first operational jet fighter. Generally, anything 3 years older than the 262 outclasses it. Against them, the 262's turn rate is your only advantage, with the exclusion of the Gloster Meteor. Avoid combat with Meteors if possible, however, if engaged with a Sea Meteor or any later variant, do not attempt to dive as it will only make your situation worse. Try alternating barrel rolls to force them to overshoot. Joystick users can try the classic trick of banking the aircraft about 120-180 degrees out of phase of the enemy aircraft with a positive G-load but as usual, they will need to watch their altitude carefully.

The 'Schwalbe' climb rate is actually not too bad as stock in 6.0-7.0 games but to climb well you need to be around 450 to 500 km/h for best climb rate which can be visually unappealing due to its low angle of climb. This in itself can be used to out-run and climb simultaneously as an advantage.

The Schwalbe has three main possible usages:

*'''Air-supremacy-fighter''':

''Find and destroy other fighters''. While the historic purpose of the Me 262 was a bomber interceptor, it performs well against other fighters. However, it must be played like a heavy fighter or, for instance, the Fw 190 series. Be careful and plan every step ahead, including your retreat and how you will regain lost energy. A standard attack looks like the following:

# Find a target already engaged in combat and busy or an enemy who is alone.
# Position yourself with either a speed or energy advantage in the enemy's blind-spot (where they would least expect you, attacking with the sun behind you is a good tactic).
# Proceed closer to the enemy aircraft with the energy advantage you hold.
# Launch a deadly surprise attack.
# Escape any other nearby enemies with a "zoom climb" or a continuation of the approach at your maximum speed.
# Once enough separation has been gained (3-5 km), regain energy by accelerating or climbing. Likewise, engaging a different target who has lower energy is an option.

These tactics are virtually the same as used by the Fw 190 series and also works on all early jets ([[Meteor F Mk 3|Meteor F 3]], [[F-80A-5|P-80]], [[MiG-9]], [[F2H-2|F2H]], [[Kikka]], [[R2Y2 Kai V1|R2Y2]]), etc. 
Against later jets, ([[Sea Meteor F Mk 3|Sea Meteor]], [[La-15]], [[F9F-2|F9F]]), it gets trickier as they can easily neglect any energy advantage you built up due to their superior acceleration. The approach suggested above will still work, but needs to be executed with even more caution. Having allies nearby to assist is also often mandatory in matches like these, as a single 262 bears little threat to Korean War jets. 
Against these superior foes, one of the 262's lesser strengths can be used - the turn rate. For a few turns, the Schwalbe will easily outmanoeuvre most Korean War jets, apart from the naval carrier jets like the [[F9F-2|F9F Panther]] and [[Sea Meteor F Mk 3|Seameteor]]. 

* '''Bomber interceptor''':

Seek and annihilate any heavy bombers with the impressive armament the Me 262 brings to the battlefield. Avoid getting shot at though! The 262's engines are weak and like to burn. If the engines catch on fire, throttle down and then shut off the engine (default "i") and go into a dive to gain speed. Rockets are also fun in this mode, as the Schwalbe has the option to carry up to 48 55 mm R4M rockets. Don't forget to set a detonation timer for the R4M missiles so they do not require direct hits. 600-800 m is suggested.

*'''Ground attacker''':

Bad acceleration and a high stall speed - usually not the traits wielded by an attacker, but the Schwalbe as two very convincing arguments on its side: R4M rockets and bad [[Matchmaker|matchmaking]]. The 24 (48 seconds unlock) rockets can destroy light pillboxes, medium tanks and mini bases (~50 rocket impacts). Peculiar to note is the ability of the MK 108 to destroy light pillboxes. 60-80 shots are needed from a very low angle and from a short distance. Also, the Me 262 can get dragged up to games where it will face Korean War jets. One could try, as an experienced pilot, to get the best out of the situation. Those who are not as skilled at ground attacking still benefit the team; if the match starts to take longer, a ground victory becomes a viable option. The same applies if the last enemy is hiding and the tickets start to count down.

Going against other countries would bring out their jets. Other countries' first-generation jets include the [[F-80A-5]], [[Meteor_F_Mk 3|Meteor Mk. 3]], [[Vampire_FB 5|Vampire]], [[MiG-9]], [[Kikka]] and [[Yak-15]]. The Me 262 is the heaviest of them and thus reigns straight line kinetic energy retention at high speeds.

* Top speed goes to the [[F-80C-10|F-80]], followed by the MiG-9 and Meteor F.4. Not all is grim though! Both the Vampire and Yak-15 sit far at the end of the spectrum.
* The [[Sea Meteor F Mk 3|Sea Meteor]] has the best acceleration in the horizontal, although it will break apart before it can reach its top speed. In the vertical, however, the weight and design of the Me 262 allow for the most rapid dive in this time era.
* Turn rate: do not turn in jets, or heavy fighters like in this case. Pure horizontal manoeuvres are reserved for emergency situations and should be avoided accordingly.

As such, the Me 262 is often lacking in certain traits compared to its BR contemporaries. Always try to get a drop on the opponent and catch them by surprise rather than a straight-up dogfight.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Heavy armament of 4 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons
* Powerful mine shells
* Decent agility, able to outroll most soviet jet fighters it faces

'''Cons:'''

* Bad acceleration
* Bad climb rate
* As with most Me 262s, the take-off run is relatively long
* Exposed and fragile engines, very prone to fires and oil leaks
* Mediocre aircraft gun ballistics: very low muzzle velocity and a lot of drag, hitting a manoeuvring target beyond 500 m is nearly impossible
* Cannons have very small ammo count, requires trigger discipline
* Cannons are inaccurate
* Tends to enter an uncontrollable flatspin after stalling out
* Unusually high wing angle of attack is required for level flight at most speed ranges so aircraft tends to bleed energy easier when turning
* Pilot snipes from medium to large-calibre machine guns and cannons is frequent and sometimes even guaranteed

== History ==


{{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'}}|expand=true}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The Messerschmitt Me 262 was a German jet fighter, fast bomber and reconnaissance aircraft of the WWII era. It was the world's first mass-produced jet fighter and the first jet aircraft to see combat. The first serial variant, the Me 262 A-1a, unofficially known as 'Schwalbe', arrived for flight testing in Lechfeld in July 1944. The construction used generic alloys, was almost fully riveted and its weight was rather high, all for the sake of ease of mass production. The Jumo 004B-1 jet engine (later B-2 and B-3) also housed a 2-stroke Riedel motorcycle engine, used as a starter. Two small 17-liter fuel tanks were used to power the starter. The rest of the fuel was housed in the fuselage. Two main and two extra fuel tanks were used. Main tanks held 900 liters of fuel, the nose tank had 170 liters and the rear tank held 600 liters.

Radio equipment included the FuG 16ZY radio (later replaced with the FuG 15) and the FuG 25a IFF set. The 262 was armed with four 30 mm MK 108 cannon with 100 rounds per gun for the top pair and 80 rounds per gun for the bottom pair. The pilot was protected by a 90 mm armoured glass and 15 mm armoured plating on the sides and back.

The Me 262 A-1 was easier to fly than the Bf 109G. Considering the great range of available airspeeds, the cockpit equipment was rather sparse. Although the turn radius for the jet fighter was significantly wider than that of a piston fighter, it could better retain high speeds in a turn. Its acceleration was much worse than that of a piston plane, but the Me 262 had an incredible dive rate, which could occasionally threaten going past Mach 1.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=me-262a-1a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:FighterImage_Me262V1 frontal.jpg|First prototype was fitted with a Jumo 210 600 hp and a wooden propeller. This saved the test pilot on at least one occasion.
File:FighterImage_Me262v1 take off asymetrical.jpg|Asymmetrical jet engine test prototype
File:FighterImage Me262A-1.jpg|Me 262A "White 3" at the Dübendorf airfield in Switzerland
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|V77eUJjifzM|'''The Me-262 family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:26 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|hgi1k_ljFYw|'''The Shooting Range #14''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 06:16 discusses the Me 262 and the Kikka.|bxalaBFUfb8|'''The Shooting Range #174''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:45 discusses the Me 262 "Schwalbe".|Spx654gP4Ac|'''{{PAGENAME}} [Brutal Schwalbe]''' - ''Jengar''|6Xiqj1h2qrQ|'''AIR SHARK: The {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''MikeGoesBoom''}}

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/320881-messerschmitt-me-262-a-1a-a-1au4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
{{Germany jet aircraft}}

Me 262 (Family)

2024-02-24T18:00:11Z

U105065006: Added image.

[[File:GarageImage Me 262 C-1a.jpg|right|frameless|500x500px]]
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Me 262 (Family)}}

== Description ==
The '''Messerschmitt Me 262 ''Schwalbe''''' was a German jet fighter-bomber put into service in 1944 in the Luftwaffe. It was the first jet-powered combat aircraft.

== Vehicles ==

=== Rank IV ===

* [[Me 262 A-1/U4]]

=== Rank V ===

* [[Me 262 A-1a]]
* [[Me 262 A-1a/Jabo]]
* [[Me 262 A-1a/U1]] - Squadron vehicle
* [[Me 262 A-2a]]
* [[Me 262 C-1a]]
* [[Me 262 C-2b]]

== Media ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|V77eUJjifzM|'''The Me-262 family''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|bxalaBFUfb8|'''The Shooting Range #174''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:45 discusses the Me 262 "Schwalbe".|hgi1k_ljFYw|'''The Shooting Range #14''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 06:16 discusses the Me 262 and the Kikka.}}

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}

[[Category:Family pages]]

Me 262 (Family)

2024-02-24T17:54:15Z

U105065006: /* Description */ The revision added detailed historical context, technological advancements, and operational roles to the original description, which primarily noted the Me 262 as the first jet-powered combat aircraft introduced by the Luftwaffe in 1944.

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Me 262 (Family)}}

== Description ==
The '''Messerschmitt Me 262 Schwalbe''' (German for "'''Swallow'''") was the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Developed in Germany during World War II and operational by 1944, the Me 262 represented a quantum leap in aviation technology, combining a sleek, aerodynamically advanced design with the revolutionary Jumo 004 turbojet engines.

With a top speed of over 865 km/h (538 mph), the Me 262 dramatically outpaced every Allied fighter, including the best piston-engined interceptors of the era. Its design featured a slim, all-metal fuselage with swept wings, which contributed to its superior speed and agility. The aircraft was equipped with four 30mm MK 108 cannons mounted in the nose, providing formidable firepower. In addition to its role as a fighter, the Me 262 was also used as a fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, showcasing its versatility.

Despite its advanced design and potential to impact air combat, the Me 262's deployment was hampered by technical issues, fuel shortages, and the deteriorating war situation for Germany. Furthermore, its impact was limited by the Allies' overwhelming air superiority and strategic bombing campaigns that targeted German fuel supplies and manufacturing facilities. Nonetheless, the Me 262 left a lasting legacy, influencing post-war aircraft design and marking the beginning of the jet age in military aviation.

== Vehicles ==

=== Rank IV ===

* [[Me 262 A-1/U4]]

=== Rank V ===

* [[Me 262 A-1a]]
* [[Me 262 A-1a/Jabo]]
* [[Me 262 A-1a/U1]] - Squadron vehicle
* [[Me 262 A-2a]]
* [[Me 262 C-1a]]
* [[Me 262 C-2b]]

== Media ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|V77eUJjifzM|'''The Me-262 family''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|bxalaBFUfb8|'''The Shooting Range #174''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:45 discusses the Me 262 "Schwalbe".|hgi1k_ljFYw|'''The Shooting Range #14''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 06:16 discusses the Me 262 and the Kikka.}}

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}

[[Category:Family pages]]

B6N (Family)

2024-02-22T17:29:09Z

U105065006:

[[File:B6N family.gif|right|thumb|500px|Visual comparison of the Nakajima B6N bombers]]
{{Break}}

==Description==
The B6N, known by its Allied reporting name as "Jill," was a Japanese carrier-based torpedo bomber used during World War II. As a successor to the earlier B5N "Kate", the B6N was designed with improvements aimed at enhancing speed, range, and payload capacity to meet the demanding requirements of naval aviation warfare. Despite its advanced design intentions, the B6N faced several challenges throughout its development and operational deployment.

One of the primary issues encountered with the B6N was its powerplant. The initial engine selection proved problematic, leading to reliability issues that hindered the aircraft's performance. It wasn't until the adoption of a more reliable engine, the Mitsubishi Kasei, that the B6N began to fulfill its intended role more effectively. This engine switch improved the aircraft's overall performance, offering better speed and range compared to its predecessor.

In terms of manoeuvrability, the B6N was designed to be agile, allowing it to undertake the complex manoeuvres required for torpedo bombing runs as well as to evade enemy fighters. Its speed was an improvement over the B5N, making it a more formidable adversary and a harder target for Allied fighters. However, like many aircraft designed for one specific role, its versatility was limited, and under heavy anti-aircraft fire or when engaged by enemy fighters, the B6N's survivability was challenged.

The aircraft's payload capacity was a significant upgrade, allowing it to carry a larger torpedo or a greater number of bombs. This made the B6N a more versatile asset in the Japanese Navy's arsenal, capable of performing both torpedo attacks against Allied shipping and bombing runs against ground targets. However, the B6N's increased capabilities also made it a larger and heavier aircraft, which impacted its handling characteristics, especially at low speeds and during takeoff and landing.

Despite these improvements and challenges, the B6N played a crucial role in Japanese naval aviation during the latter part of the war. Its deployment in significant battles highlighted the evolution of naval air tactics and the continuous push for technological advancements in aircraft design during World War II.

Nicknames:

* ▅ - ''Tenzan'' (天山, Heavenly Mountain)
* ▃ - ''Jill''

==Vehicles==
===Rank I===

* [[B6N1 Model 11]] - Tenzan Model 11

===Rank II===

* [[B6N2 Model 12]] - Tenzan Model 12
* [[B6N2a Model 12Ko]] - Tenzan Model 12 Ko

==History==
===Development===
In 1939, the Navy requested a new torpedo bomber to replace the quickly ageing B5N. The design team, led by Matsumura Kenichi, met the 1939 Navy specification to replace the B5N almost entirely by using a much more powerful engine and tweaked wing design. Stowage restrictions on carriers ruled out significant improvements in the airframe, other than eliminating the forward sweep of the vertical tail surface on the B6N. Like the B5N, the B6N had no bomb bay, carrying its torpedo under the fuselage offset to the side (to clear the oil cooler).

The prototypes were ready in the spring of 1941, but it was found that the vertical tail surface had to be tilted slightly to compensate for propeller torque. The modified aircraft handled well, but the Nakajima NK7A ''Mamoru'' engine had serious teething problems as Nakajima was stubborn on using an engine of its design instead of complying with the navy's suggestion of using the Mitsubishi ''Kasei'' engine, and carrier acceptance trials at the end of 1942 showed the landing hook was too weak. Carrier trials were completed in early 1943, and the aircraft was finally accepted for production. Even then, there were reports of rudders tearing loose during takeoff due to turbulence from the engine, requiring further redesign of the rudders. But because of the complications of the engine hurt the economic side of the production and thus outweighed the benefits of its reliability and long range. The full-scale production of the B6N could only be introduced by 1943. In the end, Nakajima grudgingly agreed to replace its engine with that of Mitsubishi to allow full production.

===Design===
The B6N had a maximum range of around 1,900 km with a service ceiling of about 9,000 m. The plane itself had a total length of around 10.8 m and a total weight of 3,010 kg. The reliability of the B6N in the field was excellent, thanks to the engine power being much better than the B5N.

===Combat History===
After the [[#B6N1 mod. 11|B6N1]] was introduced in mid-1943, examples were immediately issued to the last remaining aircraft carrier groups, such as on the Japanese carrier Zuikaku. By late 1943, the [[#B6N2 mod. 12|B6N2]] was in full service within naval and land-based units around the South Pacific, even though it still didn't immediately replace all older B5Ns in service.

With the fewer remaining Japanese carriers, the B6N was used often from land-based units, with prime examples being its debut year seeing first combat at Bougainville in November 1943, operating from land bases around Rabaul. It was so common for B6Ns to be used as a regular bomber instead of a carrier-based bomber that Nakajima had to revise a 3rd model of the B6N, being the [[#B6N3 mod.13|B6N3]] to have a modified undercarriage to give it a better rough field capability. However, this variant didn't get produced as the war ended.

By 1944, B6N's operating from Japanese carriers engaged in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, but with the lack of experienced Japanese pilots, allied air power and air defence, little damage was sustained to enemy ships and results were averaged for the B6N.

By late 1944/1945, like most Japanese aircraft, the B6N was launched from land-based airfields to be used as Kamikaze as a last resort of the plane, as chances of coming back from a conventional attack were already as slim.

==Variants==
===[[B6N1 Model 11|B6N1 mod. 11]]===
Prototype stage of 2 planes fitted out with the Nakajima NK7A ''Mamori'' 11 engine. Production of the B6N1 went up to 133.
===[[B6N2 Model 12|B6N2 mod. 12]]===
Main production variant of the B6N featuring a Mitsubishi MK4T ''Kasei'' 25 engine. 1,131 Built as B6N2/B6N2a
====[[B6N2a Model 12Ko|B6N2a mod. 12A]]====
Revised tail armament, [[Type 92 (7.7 mm)|7.7 mm Navy Type 92]] was replaced with a [[Type 2 (13 mm)|13 mm Navy Type 2]].
===B6N3 mod.13===
Performance improved by using the Mitsubishi MK4T-B Kasei 25b. Modified landing gear for land-based take-off and landing. 2 prototypes built.

== Media ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|qsHfTef-Xvg|'''The Shooting Range #293''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:22 discusses the B5N and B6N torpedo bombers.}}

{{AirManufacturer Nakajima}}
{{Japan bombers}}

[[Category:Family pages]]

B6N (Family)

2024-02-21T15:32:53Z

U105065006: /* Description */

{{DISPLAYTITLE:B6N (Family)}}
[[File:B6N family.gif|right|thumb|500px|Visual comparison of the Nakajima B6N bombers]]
{{Break}}

==Description==
The B6N, known by its Allied reporting name as "Jill," was a Japanese carrier-based torpedo bomber used during World War II. As a successor to the earlier B5N "Kate," the B6N was designed with improvements aimed at enhancing speed, range, and payload capacity to meet the demanding requirements of naval aviation warfare. Despite its advanced design intentions, the B6N faced several challenges throughout its development and operational deployment.

One of the primary issues encountered with the B6N was its powerplant. The initial engine selection proved problematic, leading to reliability issues that hindered the aircraft's performance. It wasn't until the adoption of a more reliable engine, the Mitsubishi Kasei, that the B6N began to fulfill its intended role more effectively. This engine switch improved the aircraft's overall performance, offering better speed and range compared to its predecessor.

In terms of maneuverability, the B6N was designed to be agile, allowing it to undertake the complex maneuvers required for torpedo bombing runs as well as to evade enemy fighters. Its speed was an improvement over the B5N, making it a more formidable adversary and a harder target for Allied fighters. However, like many aircraft designed for one specific role, its versatility was limited, and under heavy anti-aircraft fire or when engaged by enemy fighters, the B6N's survivability was challenged.

The aircraft's payload capacity was a significant upgrade, allowing it to carry a larger torpedo or a greater number of bombs. This made the B6N a more versatile asset in the Japanese Navy's arsenal, capable of performing both torpedo attacks against Allied shipping and bombing runs against ground targets. However, the B6N's increased capabilities also made it a larger and heavier aircraft, which impacted its handling characteristics, especially at low speeds and during takeoff and landing.

Despite these improvements and challenges, the B6N played a crucial role in Japanese naval aviation during the latter part of the war. Its deployment in significant battles highlighted the evolution of naval air tactics and the continuous push for technological advancements in aircraft design during World War II.

Nicknames being:

* ▅ - ''Tenzan'' (天山, Heavenly Mountain)
* ▃ - ''Jill''

==Vehicles==
===Rank I===

* [[B6N1 Model 11]] - Tenzan Model 11

===Rank II===

* [[B6N2 Model 12]] - Tenzan Model 12
* [[B6N2a Model 12Ko]] - Tenzan Model 12 Ko

==History==
===Development===
In 1939, the Navy requested a new torpedo bomber to replace the quickly ageing B5N. The design team, led by Matsumura Kenichi, met the 1939 Navy specification to replace the B5N almost entirely by using a much more powerful engine and tweaked wing design. Stowage restrictions on carriers ruled out significant improvements in the airframe, other than eliminating the forward sweep of the vertical tail surface on the B6N. Like the B5N, the B6N had no bomb bay, carrying its torpedo under the fuselage offset to the side (to clear the oil cooler).

The prototypes were ready in the spring of 1941, but it was found that the vertical tail surface had to be tilted slightly to compensate for propeller torque. The modified aircraft handled well, but the Nakajima NK7A ''Mamoru'' engine had serious teething problems as Nakajima was stubborn on using an engine of its design instead of complying with the navy's suggestion of using the Mitsubishi ''Kasei'' engine, and carrier acceptance trials at the end of 1942 showed the landing hook was too weak. Carrier trials were completed in early 1943, and the aircraft was finally accepted for production. Even then, there were reports of rudders tearing loose during takeoff due to turbulence from the engine, requiring further redesign of the rudders. But because of the complications of the engine hurt the economic side of the production and thus outweighed the benefits of its reliability and long range. The full-scale production of the B6N could only be introduced by 1943. In the end, Nakajima grudgingly agreed to replace its engine with that of Mitsubishi to allow full production.

===Design===
The B6N had a maximum range of around 1,900 km with a service ceiling of about 9,000 m. The plane itself had a total length of around 10.8 m and a total weight of 3,010 kg. The reliability of the B6N in the field was excellent, thanks to the engine power being much better than the B5N.

===Combat History===
After the [[#B6N1 mod. 11|B6N1]] was introduced in mid-1943, examples were immediately issued to the last remaining aircraft carrier groups, such as on the Japanese carrier Zuikaku. By late 1943, the [[#B6N2 mod. 12|B6N2]] was in full service within naval and land-based units around the South Pacific, even though it still didn't immediately replace all older B5Ns in service.

With the fewer remaining Japanese carriers, the B6N was used often from land-based units, with prime examples being its debut year seeing first combat at Bougainville in November 1943, operating from land bases around Rabaul. It was so common for B6Ns to be used as a regular bomber instead of a carrier-based bomber that Nakajima had to revise a 3rd model of the B6N, being the [[#B6N3 mod.13|B6N3]] to have a modified undercarriage to give it a better rough field capability. However, this variant didn't get produced as the war ended.

By 1944, B6N's operating from Japanese carriers engaged in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, but with the lack of experienced Japanese pilots, allied air power and air defence, little damage was sustained to enemy ships and results were averaged for the B6N.

By late 1944/1945, like most Japanese aircraft, the B6N was launched from land-based airfields to be used as Kamikaze as a last resort of the plane, as chances of coming back from a conventional attack were already as slim.

==Variants==
===[[B6N1 Model 11|B6N1 mod. 11]]===
Prototype stage of 2 planes fitted out with the Nakajima NK7A ''Mamori'' 11 engine. Production of the B6N1 went up to 133.
===[[B6N2 Model 12|B6N2 mod. 12]]===
Main production variant of the B6N featuring a Mitsubishi MK4T ''Kasei'' 25 engine. 1,131 Built as B6N2/B6N2a
====[[B6N2a Model 12Ko|B6N2a mod. 12A]]====
Revised tail armament, [[Type 92 (7.7 mm)|7.7 mm Navy Type 92]] was replaced with a [[Type 2 (13 mm)|13 mm Navy Type 2]].
===B6N3 mod.13===
Performance improved by using the Mitsubishi MK4T-B Kasei 25b. Modified landing gear for land-based take-off and landing. 2 prototypes built.

== Media ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|qsHfTef-Xvg|'''The Shooting Range #293''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:22 discusses the B5N and B6N torpedo bombers.}}

{{AirManufacturer Nakajima}}
{{Japan bombers}}

[[Category:Family pages]]

B7A2

2024-02-21T15:26:48Z

U105065006: /* Flight performance */

{{About
| about = Japanese bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the premium version
| link = B7A2 (Homare 23)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=b7a2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was a carrier-borne torpedo-dive bomber developed by Aichi for the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service during the Second World War. It was designed to replace the [[B6N (Family)|B6N Tenzan]] and the [[D4Y (Family)|D4Y Suisei]] in the Navy's service. It had a mid-wing configuration with an inverted gull wing, a four-bladed propeller, and a bomb bay. It was powered by the Nakajima NK9C Homare 12 radial engine, which was expected to become the Navy's standard engine in its power range. The plane was intended to operate from the new Taihō-class carriers, which had larger deck elevators than the older carriers. The plane first flew in May 1942, but production was delayed by various problems with the engine and the airframe. Only 114 planes were built before the war ended. The plane saw limited action in the final stages of the war, mainly from land bases, and did not have much opportunity to demonstrate its potential.

The Ryusei was introduced in [[Update 1.37]]. While it looks like a rather large simple torpedo bomber, it is deceivingly manoeuvrable and fast for its vehicle class; this, however, is exchanged for a lack of armour. On top of that, it can bite back with its defensive 13 mm machine gun or engage frontally with two wing-mounted Type 99 Model 2 cannons. While technically classified as a carrier-borne torpedo bomber, it is very capable of fulfilling the roles of dive-, level-, and torpedo bombing targets. While the max tonnage of bombs doesn't increase over the previous [[B6N (Family)|B6N Tenzan]], it can carry four additional wing-mounted 60 kg bombs next to its bomb bay that can load two 250 kg or six 60 kg bombs. The main playstyle of the B7A2 is more like an unarmoured attacker, using its arsenal of bombs and cannons on targets either in the sky, on the ground, or on the sea with the deadly precision of its gyrostabilized dive-bomber sight.

;Nicknames

* [[Abbreviations#.28IJN.29_Official_name_designation|Official Designation]]: ''流星 (Ryūsei, "Shooting Star")''
* Allied reporting name: ''Grace''.

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

Designed to carry most of its payload internally, the B7A2, also known as the Ryusei, marks a significant departure from its predecessor, the [[B6N (Family)|B6N]] series, in terms of design and capabilities. Despite being equipped with a less powerful Homare 12 engine, which makes the aircraft bulkier and impacts its initial acceleration and agility at lower speeds, the B7A2 has been engineered to overcome these limitations strategically. The War Emergency Power (WEP) feature is particularly noteworthy, allowing the engine to cool down rapidly, thus providing a much-needed boost in performance under critical conditions.

As the Ryusei gains momentum and surpasses the 300 km/h threshold, its manoeuvrability experiences a substantial improvement, making it adept at outmaneuvering most enemy fighters it encounters within the speed range of 300 to 500 km/h. The efficiency of WEP becomes evident here, as it enables the aircraft to maintain its energy during turns, ensuring that it can persistently tail enemies without significant loss in momentum.

However, the B7A2's performance begins to wane as it exceeds speeds of 500 km/h. Beyond this point, the aircraft's controllability starts to deteriorate, leading to a complete lock-up when speeds approach 600 km/h. This characteristic poses a challenge to the Ryusei's role as a dive bomber, potentially resulting in fatal failed pull-ups from high-speed dives. To mitigate this, the deployment of airbrakes plays a crucial role in regaining control, allowing the aircraft to safely exit dive maneuvers and maintain its operational effectiveness. This combination of features underscores the B7A2's nuanced design, balancing its inherent limitations with innovative solutions to ensure adaptability and prowess in various combat scenarios.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,550 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
| 542 || 525 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 28.8 || 29.6 || 7.3 || 7.3 || rowspan="2" | 270
|-
! Upgraded
| 594 || 565 || 26.7 || 28.0 || 17.7 || 10.4
|-
|}

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

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 680  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 457 || 428 || 280 || ~15 || ~15
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 380 || < 380 || < 450 || > 312
|-
|}

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


* 13 mm steel plate in the nose
* Fuel tanks are not self-sealing (3 in each wing)

Although the B7A2's airframe is fairly durable, the pilot and gunner is exposed to an attack from any angle except frontally due the lack of bulletproof glass and armour. As the Ryusei lacks any self-sealing fuel tank, fire damage will be a death sentence for the plane.

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

Since the B7A2 is a multi-role aircraft any module research path is viable. Unlocking performance modules will boost survivability and damage potential in dogfights, whereas unlocking armament modules will help with the ground attack. Some of the best modules to unlock are the "Engine injection" and "Offensive 20 mm belts".

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

{{main|Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)

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

{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Navy Type 98 Number 25 (250 kg)|Number 80 Mod. 1 (800 kg)|Type 91 Model 3 (850 kg)}}

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

* 10 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (600 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg Navy Type 98 Number 25 bombs + 4 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (740 kg total)
* 1 x 800 kg Number 80 Mod. 1 bomb (800 kg total)
* 1 x 850 kg Type 91 Model 3 torpedo

=== Defensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}

{{main|Type 2 (13 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:

* 1 x 13 mm Type 2 machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

The Ryusei is best utilized as a multi-role aircraft, similar to the role the [[Ju 87 D-5]] plays. Once its payload is dropped, the B7A2 becomes a low altitude, low-speed dogfighter similar to an A6M. In realistic battles, the B7A2 is often paired with aircraft such as the [[A6M3]], [[A6M3 mod. 22]], and [[A6M3 mod. 22Ko]]. If unable to shake an enemy off your tail, these "Zeroes" can be relied on as they have impressive low altitude capabilities.

Payload choice is dependent on target choice. If the target is a light pillbox, for instance, one does not need an 800 kg bomb. Instead, equip either of the other bomb loadout options. The same goes for most ground units, apart from arcade mini bases. The Ryusei is similar to aircraft such as the [[Ki-49-IIa]] in that it can "hover" above an enemy base or airfield, rapidly dropping its payload and diving up to altitude again. Since the B7A2 is a dive bomber, it does not have to be level to drop its payload accurately. The Ryusei's ability to "hover" above enemy mini bases and airfields can be a great help to any arcade battles team. Upgrading the crew reload speed makes this aircraft a potential game-winner, especially when in a squad.

Similar to the [[Ju 87 D-5]], the Ryusei's airspeed is not on par with the aircraft it faces, no matter the game mode. This handicaps the B7A2 to playing solely a support role, only being able to engage the aircraft it can catch. Nonetheless, having a B7A2 on any team, no matter the game mode, never hurts.

=== 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
|-
| Controllable || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Controllable 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* '''B'''7A for Carrier-based torpedo bomber
** Bomber spawn
** 1 x [[Type 91 Model 3 (850 kg)|Type 91 Aerial Torpedo]]
*** Torpedo has the highest drop speed in the game at {{Annotation|580 km/h|350 mph}} and is one of the most feared torpedoes in Naval Battles
** 10 x [[Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Type 97 No.6 Land Bomb (60kg)]]
*** Gets a bomb bay of 6 x 60 kg bombs which can be used to hit multiple targets (+4 on the wings that drop in pairs)
** 1 x [[Number 80 Mod. 1 (800 kg)|No.80 Land Bomb (800 kg)]]
*** Heaviest bomb Japanese Navy can offer
* Common Navy plane construction:
** Excellent manoeuvrability
* '''{{PAGENAME}}''' specific
** Airbrakes
** Short take-off and landing distance
** 2 x wing mounted [[Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)]]
** 1 x tail defensive [[Type 2 (13 mm)]] with good coverage

'''Cons:'''

* '''B'''7A for Carrier-based torpedo bomber
** Relatively Large target
* Common Navy plane construction:
** Little armour, and no self-sealing fuel tanks
** Exposed tail gunner
* Easily compress when exceeding 600 km/h
* Mediocre roll rate
* Limited WEP time (only 5 minutes 20 seconds of water injection)

== History ==

Two-seat carrier-based Aichi B7A2 Ryusei "Shooting Star" or "Meteor" Torpedo/Dive Bomber (Allied reporting name: Grace). The B7A was an answer to a specification for a carrier-based torpedo/dive bomber in 1941. It was intended to replace B6N and D4Y, having an internal and external payload, increased speed and long-range. Some of the design features of the B7A include; inverted gull-wings, conventional fuselage, and tail unit and a four-bladed propeller. During its development, it went through a series of shortcomings, such as the delivery of engines, and an accidental earthquake which destroyed the main factory housing most of the B7As. Thus not seeing active service until 1944. By this time, there were no aircraft carriers capable of operating the B7A. The last aircraft carrier being the Shinano was sunk 10 days after its commission. The B7A2 was then forced to operate in home defence operations, seeing limited service.

Known as the AM-23 within Aichi, the first prototype was completed and flown in May 1942 which was designated the B7A1 by the Navy. The B7A used the Nakajima NK9C 12 Model radial engine, producing 1,825 hp. This gave the aircraft exceptionally good speed, even when fully loaded with ammunition and bombs. During flight testing, the Navy was very impressed with its performance. Despite it being a very large light bomber, the B7A1 displayed handling and performance comparable to the Mitsubishi's A6M Zero and a further 8 prototypes were ordered. However, with more testing underway, it was noted that the engine (which was experimental as well) suffered teething problems, and the airframe of the aircraft needed modifying structurally. It was not until two years later that the B7A would begin production in 1944.

Up until May 1945, 80 B7A2s had been completed. But soon after, a severe earthquake occurred, destroying the factory housing the aircraft that were being assembled. A further 25 more examples were completed by another factory. Throughout the B7A2's service, different variants were planned. Firstly, was an experimental production B7A2, that was fitted with the Nakajima Homare 23 radial engine, producing 2,000 hp. Only 1 was built. Secondly, came the B7A3 Ryusei-Kai. This was to use the Mitsubishi Ha-43 radial engine producing 2,200 hp but it was not built. Lastly, came the B8A1 Mokusei "Planet". This was to have no carrier equipment and no gull wings. In addition, 2 x 20 mm Type 99 cannons were to be replaced with 2 x 30 mm Type 5 cannons. The B8A remained on the drawing board before the war ended, with no mock-up even though it was accepted to be built.

In all, 9 B7A1s, and 105 B7A2s were produced. 114 in total.

Katori Naval Air Base, Chiba-Prefecture, Japan, May 1945
 - 752nd Naval Air Group

Kanogawa-Prefecture, Japan, April 1945
 - Yokosuka Naval Air Group

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=b7a2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/87947-aichi-b7a2/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [http://www.aviastar.org/air/japan/aichi_b7a.php <nowiki>[aviastar.org]</nowiki> Aichi B7A Ryusei / Grace]
* [http://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=442 <nowiki>[MilitaryFactory.com]</nowiki> Aichi B7A Ryusei (Grace)]
* [https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/aichi-b7a2-ryusei-shooting-star-grace/nasm_A19630360000 <nowiki>[Smithsonian NASM]</nowiki> Aichi B7A2 Ryusei (Shooting Star) GRACE]
* [http://www.hyperscale.com/features/2000/graceir_1.htm <nowiki>[HyperScale.com]</nowiki> Aichi B7A2 Ryusei Kai "Grace"]
* [http://www.hyperscale.com/2013/reviews/kits/sword72069reviewmd_1.htm <nowiki>[HyperScale.com]</nowiki> Aichi B7A2 Ryusei Kai (Grace)]

{{AirManufacturer Aichi}}
{{Japan bombers}}