War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Ystervark

2024-04-20T14:22:33Z

U117037672: Updated usage in battles heavy tank example along with BR, minor grammar edits

{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_ystervark_spaa
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''Ystervark''' is a self-propelled anti-aircraft (SPAA) vehicle operated by the South African Defence Force (SADF). Taking its name from the South African cape porcupine, an animal with a powerful physique protected by an astonishing array of spines to defend itself against predatory animals, a vehicle named after this species should represent those attributes. The Ystervark SPAA is a solid and robust vehicle designed to withstand the harsh South African environment. The Ystervark SPAA was developed in the 1980s in response to a mobile and mine-protected anti-air platform request. It is based on another project, Project Sireb, which produced three mine-resistant vehicles as potential replacements for the Buffel armoured personal carrier (APC). One of the three prototypes, nicknamed the "Bulldog," would serve as the foundation for the Ystervark SPAA by removing the passenger tub and replacing it with the weapons platform.

Introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]], the Ystervark is exceptional at anti-air roles in the right hands. Since the crew is all exposed without armour protection, it is critical to always remain hidden and undetected when driving. This vehicle can easily bring down any aircraft during engagements thanks to its fast-firing and accurate 20 mm GAI C01 autocannon. As the ammunition is limited, it is critical to fire in short bursts. It also has some limited anti-tank capability owing to its high-velocity armour-piercing (HVAP) ammunition, although it is not recommended to use such a vehicle to engage enemy ground targets unless absolutely essential.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}


As is the case with most truck or flatbed-based SPAA vehicles, the entire crew is not protected by any meaningful armour or cover. The commander and gunner sit unprotected in the open, and the driver is protected by thin armour and bulletproof glass at best. The ballistic glass can, in exceptional cases or at extreme impact angles, stop rifle calibre fire or even 20 mm grenades and protect the driver, but the only lightly armoured cabin virtually nullifies any protective effect of the bulletproof glass.

The survivability of this vehicle lies in its compact size and speed, the Ystervark will endure at the hands of a shrewd and map-savvy player. The vehicle can hole up in smaller spaces or bury itself comfortably in thickets and bush. It can find itself nestled amongst burning wrecks or even climb into some building ruins. it also presents a small and hard to hit target when rushing away at its top speed to elude danger.

'''Armour type:'''

* Structural steel (chassis)
* Rolled homogeneous armour (cabin, truck bed, hood)
* Bulletproof glass (windscreen)
* Wheel (tires)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Chassis || 2-5 mm (12-82°) ''Grille & Bumpers'' || 4 mm ''Top'' 4 mm (60°) ''Bottom'' 5 mm ''Chassis'' || 4 mm (19°)
!
|-
| Drivers cabin || 4 mm (12°) ''Cabin'' 60 mm (12°) ''Windshield'' || 4 mm (0-7°) ''Cabin'' 60 mm (0-7°) ''Windshield''
!
| 2 mm (2°)
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Wheels are 10 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick.
* Vents and mudguards are 2 mm thick.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=176|rbMinHp=110}}

With a top speed of 89 Km/h, the Ystervark is a very fast vehicle. Compared to most other vehicles its weight of merely 6 metric tonnes renders it incredibly agile, able to clamber readily up steep slopes and turn tight corners without the loss of much speed. However, this comes with one downside in the form of the reverse speed; the Ystervark has a reverse speed of only -13 Km/h meaning that getting into a position is easy, but not always as easy to escape it when things turn south if accelerating forward is not an option.

The suspension on the Ystervark is superb, maintaining a very stable base on the vehicle when performing manoeuvres such as turns on hills or crossing uneven terrain. The 20 mm gun is very much operable when driving at speed owing to the performance of this suspension even while stock.

As with all wheeled vehicles, beware such terrain types as: Snow, muddy ground and deeper sand. The Ystervark suffers greatly when it is bogged in these terrain types and loses its one greatest asset: its agility.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|GAI C01 (20 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[GAI C01 (20 mm)|20 mm GAI C01]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 600 (75) || rowspan="2" | 996 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+83° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 39.6 || 54.8 || 66.6 || 73.6 || 78.4 || rowspan="2" | 9.10 || rowspan="2" | 8.05 || rowspan="2" | 7.42 || rowspan="2" | 7.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 26.8 || 31.5 || 38.3 || 42.3 || 45.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
* '''M594:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}
* '''M601:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}

{{:GAI C01 (20 mm)/Ammunition|HVAP-T, HEFI-T}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo type
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
|-
| '''8''' '''600''' || ''Magazines'' ''Rounds'' || 7 ''(+1)'' 525 ''(+75)'' || 6 ''(+2)'' 450 ''(+150)'' || 5 ''(+3)'' 375 ''(+225)'' || 4 ''(+4)'' 300 ''(+300)''
|-
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! 7th rack empty
! 8th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
!
|-
| 3 ''(+5)'' 225 ''(+375)'' || 2 ''(+6)'' 150 ''(+450)'' || 1 ''(+7)'' 75 ''(+525)'' || 0 ''(+8)'' 0 ''(+600)'' || No
!
|-
|}
'''Note''':

* Ammunition is divided into 8 magazines of 75 rounds.

== Usage in battles ==

The Ystervark can be an exceptional ambush predator in the right hands. Whether your prey of choice is the flanks of unsuspecting tanks or aircraft buzzing overhead.

Staying low and unseen with a patient mindset when driving the Ystervark can be greatly rewarding to the player. With a 75 round fast firing belt of 20 mm ammunition, the player can use their small size to lurk where aircraft will complacently fly low and not traditionally avoid (Like the opposing team's spawn, where most SPAA prefer to seat themselves.). With this in mind, the gun has the speed and accuracy to seize on opportunities created by the stealthy approach, often snapshot bursts are enough to bring an aircraft down with enough practice.

The same tactics can be employed on vehicles, however bear in mind the 57 mm maximum penetration of the HVAP-T shells is the best the vehicle can get, further modifications from stock only change the belt composition. While this is sufficient for most light and medium tanks the Ystervark will encounter at a BR of 4.0 in ground realistic, it can also encounter heavy tanks such as the M6A1 at 5.0 or the KV-85 at 5.0 in a full uptier. Neither of which the 20 mm HVAP-T can penetrate from the side.

When fighting aircraft such as Strike Fighters, it is advisable to conserve ammunition. 75 rounds is sufficient, but the fast firing rate of the 20 mm GAI C01 cannon can burn through that entire belt in just under five seconds (around 4.8 seconds during testing). At a reload time of 7 seconds with an untrained crew, this can be enough time for a fighter to strafe the defenseless vehicle. Due to the non-existent armour of the Ystervark, this will in most cases end in the destruction of the vehicle.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Fast rate of fire allows it to easily score hits with a burst on an aircraft's flight path
* Small profile makes it very easy to conceal itself
* High top speed of 90 km/h means great agility
* Lack of armour means conventional cannons will struggle to knock it out with a single shot if poorly aimed
* 75-round belt allows it to confidently engage targets without worrying too much about reloading

'''Cons:'''

* The driving compartment can obstruct the autocannon's gun depression, which might be sometimes fatal
* No armour protection, making it highly vulnerable to MG bullets, shrapnel, and even ramming from tanks and aircraft
* Is wheeled, meaning its mobility will be significantly worsened on bad road conditions
* Reverse speed of -13 km/h can be inadequate, especially when compared to its counterpart [[R3 T20 FA-HS|R3 T20]]
* Gunsight is positioned far above the gun, which can be awkward to aim in simulator
* Complex appearance can make it hard to place bushes, decorators, and decals

== History ==

Up to the early 1980s, the SADF anti-air regiments were reliant on towed equipment. However, as the military doctrine shifted towards mobile warfare, the need for a self-propelled anti-air gun unit became clear. As a result, South African engineers began working on a respective design, which had to be rugged enough to withstand the harsh South African terrain and threat of landmines, yet light enough to ensure a high level of mobility.

In 1981, three prototypes of an MRAP vehicle were evaluated as a possible replacement for the Buffel APC. None of these replaced the Buffel, but one of these prototypes, known as the "Bulldog", formed the basis for the Ystervark. The superstructure was removed, and an anti-aircraft gun was placed on the chassis. Entering service almost immediately, the Ystervark was used to accompany South African mechanized battalions and protect strategic assets, such as air bases in the territory of South-West Africa. It was first tested in 1984 during the division-scale exercise Operation Thunder Chariot.

However, the Ystervarks didn't have to wait long for their first combat deployment. Taking part in several operations in the ongoing South African Border War from 1986 on, they were used to great success as deterrents to low-flying Angolan attack aircraft and helicopters, even downing several Angolan MiGs in 1986 and 1987. After the conclusion of the Border War in 1989, the Ystervark was gradually being phased out of service in 1991 and replaced by the Bosvark, an SPAAG based on the SAMIL 100 Kwêvoël mine-protected armoured truck. Officially, the Ystervark was withdrawn from active service in 1997 after more than 70 units were produced.

''- From [[wt:en/news/7390-development-ystervark-the-little-truck-that-could-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_ystervark_spaa 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 vehicles;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7390-development-ystervark-the-little-truck-that-could-en|[Devblog] Ystervark:The Little Truck That Could]]

{{Britain anti-aircraft vehicles}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

F8U-2

2024-03-09T06:40:55Z

U117037672: /* Description */

{{Specs-Card
|code=f8u-2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]].

Nicknamed "The Last Gunfighter", the F8U Crusader is a famous and interesting aircraft with many unique features. The variable-incidence wing can tilt upwards for better low-speed performance during takeoff and landing. It lives up to its nickname with a quartet of nose-mounted 20 mm cannons like the preceding [[F3H-2|F3H-2 Demon]], but it also has access to infrared missiles like the AIM-9D Sidewinder that are mounted on Y-shaped cheek pylons. There is also a belly-mounted tray that can carry 32 FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets internally. Countermeasures are available for better defense against missiles, which are common at its battle rating. As the first supersonic US naval jet available in the tech tree (the [[F11F-1|F11F-1 Tiger]] is an event vehicle), the F8U-2 offers good all-round flight performance and capable armament in a versatile package. Some care should be taken in dogfights due to its fragile wings.

The succeeding [[F-8E]] has access to radar-guided AIM-9C missiles and a much larger array of ground attack options, whereas this model of the aircraft contains an Radar Warning Receiver, and the [[F-8E]] does not.

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

[[File:F8U-2 Wiki Image 1.jpg|thumb|F8U-2 after downing a enemy fighter.]]
The F8U-2 is a single engine supersonic carrier-based jet fighter, its powerplant is the Pratt & Whitney J57-P-16 engine that can produce 8,000 kgf of thrust. The Crusader is able to reach 1 Mach in level flight at sea level and 1.95 Mach at 10,600 m, that puts it on par with many jet fighters like the MiG-19 or the Su-7B, but it is also slower than any F-104 and MiG-21 at low altitude.
The structural speed limit is very high: 1,555 km/h IAS, reaching that speed even when the plane is diving is not that easy, so the player does not have to worry about overspeeding. Its thrust to weight ratio while not being close to 1.0 still is good enough to make the plane very good in any longer fight and makes the level acceleration very good.
The F8U-2 is also decent at climbing, at sea level with full fuel tanks it can reach up to 130 m/s, however other jets like the MiG-19, MiG-21, or Su-7 are better at climbing. With the afterburner on and full fuel tanks it can fly for about 12 minutes at low altitude, flying at higher altitude (5,000 m) increases it to about 16 minutes.

Compared to many other supersonic jet fighters, the Crusader is very good at dogfighting. Although it has quite low G limits (+10G with full fuel tanks) it is capable in both shorter and longer fights because of instantaneous turn rate which can be improved by using slats with the speed limit that is 1,070 km/h IAS (slats which are not automatic are being extended by switching flaps to the combat position, also the flaps itself are being extended after switching them to the landing position) and sustained turn rate, the plane is capable of performing a full horizontal circle at sea level in 22 seconds with 30 minutes of fuel.
The best sustained turn rate can be achieved by flying at ~650 km/h IAS where it reaches 16.2 deg/s, that makes it better at longer turning than many jet fighters, for example any MiG-21, Mirage, F-4 Phantom or F3H, however it will struggle below 300 km/h against anything because of high wing loading. Due to low G limits the plane is very easy to break in RB with the Mouse Aim controls, in SB it also the case, especially after switching to the damping stability augmentation system (SAS) mode, which overrides high speed locking of the elevator.
The roll rate performance is above the average compared to other jet fighters, it is ~135 deg/s at 600 km/h IAS and increases further to ~210 deg/s at 1,000 km/h IAS. The airbrake in this plane is located under the fuselage, that means it is not possible to extend it and the landing gear at the same time.
The most interesting feature about this plane is its variable-incidence wing design which can be pivoted by 7° out of the fuselage during the take-off or landing to make them easier, this functionality can be enabled by lowering flaps to the landing position and the minimum speed is 580 km/h IAS.

With full-real controls the F8U-2 has access to two SAS modes, manual and damping. With the manual mode it is quite challenging to fly, it is very easy to pull too much G or stall it out at lower speed. After switching to the damping mode it gets much more stable, but gets less responsive in roll axis, also makes the plane not lock up at any speed.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 10,668 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
| 2,025 || 2,017 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 28.4 || 29.4 || 113.8 || 104.6 || rowspan="2" | 1,828
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,054 || 2,038 || 27.6 || 28.0 ||162.5 || 137.0
|-
|}

==== 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 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
|  1,555 || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,070 || N/A || 583 || ~10 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 1,000 || < 590 || < 500 || 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" | Pratt & Whitney J57-P-16 || 1
| colspan="3" | 8,339 kg || colspan="3" | 341 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 48m fuel
|-
| 1,592 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 9,531 kg || 9,916 kg || 10,708 kg || 11,925 kg || 12,279 kg || 12,760 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
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 49m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,562 kgf || 8,003 kgf
| 0.84 || 0.81 || 0.75 || 0.67 || 0.65 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,804 kgf (1,000 km/h) || 8,921 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.94 || 0.90 || 0.83 || 0.75 || 0.73 || 0.70
|-
|}

[[File:F8U-2 Wiki Image 3.jpg|thumb|F8U-2 on the USS Forrestal.]]

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


The only protection that this plane offers is a 25 mm bulletproof glass in front of the cockpit.
Fuel tanks are located in the center part of the plane: in the fuselage and wings, getting hit there will most likely set the plane on fire.
Flaps in this plane work also as ailerons, so losing them by overspeeding or being hit will make the plane unable to roll effectively.

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

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

[[File:F8U-2 Wiki Image 4.jpg|thumb|F8U-2 firing its 20 mm cannons.]]
{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, nose-mounted (144 rpg = 576 total)
* 60 x countermeasures

The F8U-2's quartet of 20 mm autocannons are shared with the preceding [[F3H-2|F3H-2 Demon]]. Their muzzle velocity and rate of fire are good but damage per round can be inconsistent. Having four of them tightly clustered in the forward fuselage makes them accurate and quite effective overall. Mind the ammunition capacity, as 144 rounds per gun is less than the Demon's 190.

The F8U-2 also is the first US naval fighter with access to countermeasures, which are welcome for spoofing dangerous missiles like the [[R-60]].

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="15%" | 1 !! width="15%" | 2 !! width="15%" | 3
| rowspan="5" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| || 32 ||
|-
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
| 2*, 4 || || 2*, 4
|-
! [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1*, 2 || || 1*, 2
|-
! [[AIM-9D Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1*, 2 || || 1*, 2
|-
| colspan="5" | * Single missiles can be carried concurrently with dual Zuni rockets on the same hardpoint
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 32 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 32 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
{{Navigation-End}}

Although the Crusaders have a reputation as gunfighters, it is very important to bring suspended armaments as well. For air-to-air combat, two variants of the AIM-9 Sidewinder IR missile are available. The AIM-9B is a primitive weapon that will have a hard time hitting manoeuvring targets and should only be used during the stock grind. The improved AIM-9D is much better, with an 18G overload and a stronger rocket motor that can hit enemies at longer distances. Up to four Sidewinders can be carried on the cheek pylons.

Unlike the preceding Demon, which was a respectable ground attack platform with a large rocket and bomb capacity, the F8U-2 has no wing pylons and in fact cannot carry bombs at all. It still has several curious options for ground attack. Uniquely for a fighter jet, it has an internal rocket tray mounted in the belly that can carry 32 FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets. They have minimal impact on flight performance and a swarm of FFARs can do considerable damage to lightly armoured ground vehicles with their HEAT warheads. Zuni rockets can also be mounted on the cheek pylons: the Zunis are relatively heavy rockets with the same diameter as the Sidewinder missiles and are among the most powerful HEAT rockets in War Thunder with 457 mm of penetration. More importantly, they have 8.91 kg of TNT equivalent, which allows them to destroy targets through overpressure, even on near misses. Unfortunately, the Zunis compete with the Sidewinders for space on the cheek pylons and only 8 can be carried in total. The F8U-2 lacks a ballistic computer, so aiming the limited supply of Zunis and FFARs is a challenge.

== Usage in battles ==

It is recommended to first climb to above 4,000 m in a battle, especially when the enemies do not have any radar-guided missiles. This way, the fragile flight characteristics of the Crusader can be compensated since it is impossible to pull more than 8Gs at such altitude.

When at high altitude, use Boom-and-Zoom tactics and fire your AIM-9Ds at enemies. As it has a maximum overload of 18G , AIM-9Ds should be sufficient for defeating at least two enemy planes in a run. Ideally, the best distance for using these missiles is about 3 km, as it has the longest power stage of all IR missiles in game, and your enemy is less likely to notice the missile at longer ranges. Additionally, if you launch at enemies below you, they will have less chance of noticing the missile.

As the F8U-2 has a great energy retention and good manoeuvring characteristics, it is viable to engage enemies in a dogfight. Just pay attention to the speed, as the F8U-2's wing can be easily ripped when pulling high Gs. When dogfighting, you can avoid extreme overload by either lowering your speed to below 900 km/h or by climb to a higher altitude.

In a dogfight, the F8U-2's instantaneous turn isn't the best, but it has great energy retention and sustained turn rate. This means that the F8U-2 should avoid scissors or any turn radius fight. Its great energy retention in this case will put you at a disadvantage because in a scissors, you will bleed less speed than the enemy and will end up in front of their guns. Air braking to bleed speed also isn't beneficial as your low-speed manoeuvrability isn't a strong point. Therefore, in the F8U-2, the best way to dogfight is in a rate fight. In these extended, longer-lasting dogfights, the F8U-2's superior energy retention will see that the F8U-2 has kept more speed than an enemy aircraft. In this case, even if the enemy has a better initial turn rate, they will lose significantly more speed as the dogfight goes on and therefore won't be able to keep up in a sustained turn. You will start gaining on them, and they will either be forced to pitch down to gain speed and try to gain on you, or they will run away. In these cases, you can simply pitch down too and stay on their tail. Eventually, the dogfight will move to a very low altitude, where there is no longer anywhere for the enemy to pitch down, and you will out-rate them and get guns on them. If you haven't noticed yet, a rate dogfight like this will last a while depending on your position, so it is recommended not to engage in one when there are other enemies in the area.

A major downside to the F8U-2 is its elevator compression at low altitude. After Mach 0.95, the F8U-2's turn capability is diminished due to significant elevator compression. The major problem is that the faster you get after Mach 0.95, the worse this compression gets. This is especially apparent in dives; with your speed constantly increasing, the compression only gets worse, especially after Mach 1, where you will find the aircraft's elevator just barely working (or simply not working at all). Due to this, you must be careful and watch your speed during even very minor dives at low altitude, or else you will find yourself nearing Mach 1, your plane only slowly approaching the ground but with little options to pull out as your elevator is compressing to oblivion. At this point, your best option is to cut the engine, deploy the airbrake, and hope it's enough to stop compressing so you can pull up to safety. Fortunately, this compression only happens at low altitudes, so this isn't a problem above 1,500 meters.

The enemies worth noting are:

* A-5Cs, Jaguar As, French F8Es and Mirages, since R.550 Magic 1s are formidable missiles with good range and manoeuvrability. Most of these aircraft can be beaten in a rate dogfight, while the French F-8E has no flares and will therefore have trouble dodging your AIM-9Ds.
* MiG-21s, since they are significantly faster than you and can keep up with you in a dogfight if you aren't careful. Forcing them into a rate fight will allow you to eventually out turn them using your superior turn rate and energy retention.
* J35 Drakens, since they have great manoeuvrability and instantaneous turn rate. It dumps speed in turns, which makes them an ideal victim for a rate right.
* MiG-19s, as they rate fight even better than you do. Therefore, dogfighting them may not be the best option. Ideally, they can be taken out at range with AIM-9Ds as they lack flares.

'''SB EC'''

The F8U-2 is a great dogfighter, it can deal with almost any fighter in EC7 bracket, its main strengths are very good sustained turn rate, radar with an identification friend or foe feature and quite good missiles: the AIM-9D.
Before spawning in it is the best to select 30 or 45 minutes of fuel, its consumption is very high in combat and it is very easy to run out of it after fighting multiple enemies.
Due to the presence of radar guided missiles and the lack of any countermeasures or systems like the RWR it is recommended to not fly too high, flying even at very lot altitude will work because of the excellent turning capabilities of the Crusader.

Compared to the other jet fighters at a similar battle rating, the F8U-2 has similar low-altitude level speed, and planes like the MiG-21, Mirage III, J35, Lightning F.6 or F-104 will easily be able to outclimb or outrun it. However all of them can easily be outturned, any delta wing jet will struggle in sustained turning, even the MiG-21bis with a very high thrust to weight ratio. Since the F8U-2 has quite high wing loading and the fact it is very easy to break wings, going for scissors should be avoided. Flying at low speed (below 400 km/h) also will end up badly.

The best sustained turn rate can be achieved by flying with the speed range: 550 to 740 km/h, its turn rate will be ~16°/s without missiles and 30 min of fuel and 15 deg/s with missiles and the same fuel amount. The most dangerous delta wing plane, the MiG-21bis is worse by 1-2°/s and the other MiGs like the MF and earlier by 3-4°/s. Other planes like the Mirage or J35 are similar to the MiG-21MF, so outturning them should not be a problem, however the Mirage is equipped with the R.550 missile which can be launched from quite high angles and can pull up to 30G, so it is the best to not allow it to get anywhere near the rear of the F8U, the later MiG-21 versions can also carry a similar missile, the R-60M, which is very dangerous at close range within 2,000 m.
[[File:F8U-2 Wiki Image 2.jpg|thumb|F8U-2 Landing on USS Forrestal.]]

The most dangerous foes that this plane can meet are the MiG-19 and J32B, both are better at dogfighting and as fast as the Crusader at low altitude, engaging them without the speed and altitude advantage is not recommended, although since they carry very early missiles, the R-3S and AIM-9B, it is possible to just run away from them and easily dodge their missiles, but that will work only above 2,000 m. Both these fighters are better at sustained turning by at least 20%, their wing loading is also lower, so forcing them to one circle fight/scissors might be risky.

The last plane worth mentioning is the Su-17M2, its sustained turn rate is also superior to the F8U, but since its wing loading and stall speed are so much higher it can be forced to low speed or one circle fight, it also does not have any radar except for the rangefinding one for its gun. All weapons used by that plane are very similar to the MiG-21Bis, so running away will not end well, it is also one of the fastest planes.

===Radars===

The F8U-2 is equipped with an AN/APS-67 search radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Cannons can fire separately to save ammo
* Good cannons with high velocity and decent fire rate and damage
* Four AIM-9Ds have long range and good turning capability
* Superb acceleration
* Very stable, even at high speed
* Very good sustained turn rate
* Great climb rate
* Landing flaps provide a lot of lift thanks to the variable-incidence wing design
* Radar comes with identification friend or foe

'''Cons:'''

* At low altitudes, experiences significant elevator compression after Mach 0.95 (and gets progressively worse at speeds faster than that; after Mach 1, experiences extreme elevator compression that may be fatal in even minor dives).
* Slower sea level top speed compared to other supersonics; can barely break Mach 1 at sea level
* Fragile wings, can easily rip at high speeds and hard turns.
* Very likely to set on fire because of the fuel tank placement
* Very limited air-to-ground payload options, no ballistic computer either
* Has a rather limited radar capabilities: no lock or elevation control

== History ==

In the early 1950s, the US Air Force and US Navy both realized that with the arrival of the supersonic age, they both needed to develop new fighters to meet the new challenges in the mid and late 1950s. The US Air Force's answer was the North American Aviation Sabre-45 program, this program would be later developed into the famous F-100 Super Sabre that entered service in 1954. But by contrast with the US Air Force, the birth of the first supersonic fighter of the US Navy was much more complicated.

In July 1952, Chance Vought leadership learned that there would be a competition for a simple, lightweight, low-cost day fighter with a maximum speed of Mach 1.0 (670 mph). During the first week of September 1952, Chance Vought's general manager Detweiler met Captain Russel in the chief of naval operations section and discussed the day fighter specifications. As for the result, Detweiler said that he preferred the twin-engine design and the Bureau of Aeronautics (BuAer) was prepared to go ahead with a lightweight refinement of the Westinghouse J46 engine.

On 16th September 1952, the BuAer invited Chance Vought to submit proposals for a new Navy day fighter with special emphasis placed on simplicity, small size, low cost, and a maximum speed of Mach 1. This request for proposals was based on Outline Specification 130 (OS-130) which has often been regarded as the true beginning of the Chance Vought F8U. In general, the Navy wanted a fighter that could maintain air superiority in daylight and fair weather, both over friendly task forces and hostile areas. OS-130 specified a maximum speed of at least Mach 1 at 35,000 feet in level flight at combat weight, the combat radius was to be not less than 300 nautical miles, an altitude of 52,000 feet was the specified combat ceiling at maximum power with a combat load (fuel and weapons).
[[File:F8U-1 of VM-235 "Death Angels" squadron.jpg|left|thumb|353x353px|Vought F8U-1 "Crusader" of VMFA-235 Squadron 'Death Angels', MCAS Beaufort, S.C.]]
At the initial stages, Chance Vought's engineers preferred the twin-engine design, but a single-engine proposal was also put forward as a backup choice, and the powerplant that was chosen was the Wright J65 engine, a license-produced version of the British Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire engine. However, on 31st October 1952, a letter written by Paul Baker to Detweiler suggested that the single J65 engine design couldn't meet the required specification of the OS-130 program, and he recommended the newly developing Pratt Whitney J57 engine for replacement, as well as suggesting a variable-incidence swept wing with a tail configuration. In December 1952, twelve basic configurations was studied by Chance Vought's engineers including six configurations with a variable incidence feature on the wings and six configurations without.

But on 18th November 1952, the BuAer changed some required specifications of the OS-130 day fighter program including the maximum speed, which was increased from Mach 1 to Mach 1.2 at an altitude of 35,000 feet with thrust augmentation, and the Pratt Whitney J57-P-7 engine was chosen to be the only engine that could deliver an airplane to meet or exceed all requirements, the estimated landing speed was 145 to 160 knots depending on the wing area of the design. Also on 29th December 1952, amendment 3 released by the BuAer to the OS-130 program restricted catapulting and arresting accelerations to 5.5G. With the incorporation of these changes and wind tunnel test results, Chance Vought finally had a configuration for their day fighter proposal, the V-380, and the first engineering report of V-380 Navy day fighter was published to the BuAer on 5th September 1953.

To meet the new specification, Chance Vought proposed two aircraft: one maximum performance with the J57 engine and one minimum performance with the J65 engine, both with afterburners, these two proposals were divided from the original V-380 program and were called V-383 and V-384 program. At this stage, the basic weapon configuration for these two programs were sixty 2-inch rockets and three T-160 20 mm cannons, they both had the same variable-incidence wing design. On 19th May 1953, the V-383 proposal was selected by BuAer and a contract was rewarded by Chance Vought for the test of the V-383 proposal, now officially designated XF8U-1.

The first XF8U-1 prototype was delivered to the structures test lab at 7:42 am on 19th February 1955, and during the first flight mission on 25th March 1955, the XF8U-1 prototype with J57-P-11 engine successfully achieved the object of flight speed of Mach 1.1, which was six days ahead of contract schedule and only 22 months from the contract between the US Navy and Chance Vought. After some technical changes of the XF8U-1 prototype, the first production model of F8U-1 began to roll off the Dallas assembly line and successfully completed its first flight mission on 30th September 1955 which was only six months after the first flight of the XF8U-1 prototype.

The first 30 F8U-1s were equipped with a J57-P-12 engine while the later version was equipped with a new J57-P-4 engine which could produce 16,000 lbs of thrust in afterburner mode; the first 30 F8U-1s were retrofitted with new J57-P-4 engines later. The maximum level flight speed of the F8U-1 was nearly Mach 1.5, the basic weapon configuration of F8U-1 was four Colt Mk.12 20 mm cannons with 576 rounds in total and a retractable rocket launcher under the fuselage with twenty-four 2.75 inch Mighty Mouse rockets in total. Apart from that, since the new AIM-9B Sidewinder infrared-guided short-range air-to-air missile was entered into service in 1956, Chance Vought also introduced this new-generation weapon onto F8U-1 which later could carry two Sidewinder missiles in total.

The F8U-1 was equipped with Mk 16 Mod 12 Aircraft Fire Control System including an AN/APG-56 ranging radar (a modified AN/APG-30A ranging radar), this was inferior to the F-100 Super Sabre of USAF in the same period because the US Navy didn't purchase the A-1 or A-4 gun/rocket/bomb calculating gunsight like the USAF, also the only role for the F8U-1 was air superiority missions. The ranging radar system could lock onto any target within range and furnish target information to the fire-control system for gun firing, also the fire control system may be used in conjunction with Sidewinder missile launching. In this case, the missile release indicator displayed optimum missile launching point.

In September 1955, the US Navy decided that all its carrier aircraft needed to be equipped for aerial refuelling. Since the internal space of F8U-1 was already tight with the incorporation of all necessary equipment into the smallest airframe possible for the day competition, Chance Vought decided to install a retractable air-refuelling probe, and the 16th F8U-1 was modified and took place in test program from December 1956 to the end of March 1957. After the test program was finished, since the 50th (another source claim the 66th) production aircraft the In-flight refuel (IFR) ability was added into F8U-1, and the earlier F8U-1s were retrofitted with refuelling probes too. Apart from that, Chance Vought also tested the Boundary Layer Control System (BLC, the first test of BLC system was conducted in the 100th production F9F-4 and was first introduced in F-104A Starfighter) in the sixth F8U-1, and the Boundary Layer Control System was finally introduced into the French Navy F-8E(FN) and American F-8J Crusader (a modernization version of F-8E) in the 1960s.

After the carrier qualifications aboard USS Forrestal in April 1956, the F8U-1s began to come off the assembly line at a rate of eight per month, and VF-32 squadron at NAS Cecil Field became the first combat unit to receive the new F8U-1 in March 1957. It was named Crusader in August 1955 by Detweiler, which was a name that would became a truly nightmare for all MiG pilots. On 21st August 1956, Windsor successfully flew the 15th production F8U-1 Crusader to set a new speed record of 1,015 mph, breaking the previous record of 822 mph held by USAF's F-100C Super Sabre under the name of Project One Grand. This achievement helped him and the Crusader earned the highly prized Thompson trophy. The final F8U-1 came off the production line in 1961 and its name was changed to F-8A in 1962. The total amount of F8U-1 Crusaders to come off the production line was 317.

The second production version of the Crusader which entered into US Navy service was the F8U-1E. The most important change for the F8U-1E compared to the original F8U-1 was the new AN/AWG-3 Fire Control system including AN/APS-67 Search and Range-tracking Radar and a computer group to provide a limited all-weather capability for the Crusader, the computer group used the target range and range rate information from the AN/APS-67 radar to generate a lead angle which was presented to the pilot as gunsight pipper displacement. The prototype of the F8U-1E first flew in 3rd September 1958 and 130 F8U-1Es were produced in total. It was renamed F-8B in 1962.

In the 1960s, the F-8B became the first version of the Crusader family to integrate the new AIM-9D Sidewinder missile which was introduced into service in 1966 (F-8A didn't have provision for the AIM-9D Sidewinder missile). Cooling nitrogen was added to the launcher to permit the use of AIM-9D Sidewinder missile on F-8B Crusader.

On 29th April 1954, a recommendation of BuAer extended the current 5 basic configuration F8U-1 to 75 with an additional 34 being produced out of FY 1956, and an F8U-2 designation would be given to the new version with several new equipment such as Sidewinder missile and in-flight refuel probe etc. Though it was scheduled that 59 F8U-2 would be built from the remaining FY 1956 budget, this decision was be abandoned by BuAer in October 1955.
[[File:F-8C Crusader of VF-111 at NAS North Island 1968.jpg|thumb|331x331px|A US Navy Vought F-8C ''Crusader'' (BuNo 146991) of Fighter Squadron VF-111 "Sundowners" at Naval Air Station North Island, California, USA.]]
In the summer of 1957, the new F8U-2 project was born. The most important change for the new F8U-2 was the Pratt Whitney J57-P-16 engine which replaced the J57-P-4 engine used by F8U-1 and F8U-1E, the new engine could produce 16,900 pound thrust in afterburner mode compared to the former's 16,000 pound maximum thrust in afterburner mode, this improvement increased the maximum level flight speed of F8U-2 to Mach 1.95 and the maximum climb rate at sea level to 200 m/s. Other improvements including low aspect ratio ventral stabilizing fins installed on the lower rear fuselage for additional stability in the extended flight boundary region, external cooling air scoops for added cooling for the afterburner section as well as for increase afterburner thrust due to better air flow characteristics were also introduced into F8U-2, also the AN/AWG-3 fire control system was remained in F8U-2 too.

Apart from that, Chance Vought also introduced the new "Y" type missile racks that permitted the installation of four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles (two on each rack) on F8U-2 Crusader which doubled the firepower. Also in the 1950s, the Swiss Air Force once showed interest on F8U-2 and sent pilots to flew the F8U-2 at the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River and the delivery was scheduled in February 1959, but the Swiss changed their mind to purchase French Mirage IIIs in the end. JASDF once reviewed the F8U-2 but they chose the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter in the end too. The Swordsman Squadron (VF-32) become the first navy unit to receive the new Crusader on March 25th, 1957 and they soon joined the USS Saratoga's first Mediterranean cruise. During the carrier's duties in the 1958 Lebanon crisis, the Swordsman's Crusaders provided air cover for the Marine Corps' landing in Beirut. In 1962, the designation of F8U-2 was changed to F-8C Crusader, and during the Vietnam War, F-8C Crusader flew combat missions by both the US Navy and US Marine Corps, where the Navy's F-8C Crusader scored six air-to-air kills including five MiG-17 and one MiG-21. (Another source claimed five air-to-air kills in total including four MiG-17 and one MiG-21).

=== [[wt:en/news/7078-development-f8u-2-crusader-the-last-of-the-gunfighters-en|Devblog]] ===
In 1952, the American Naval command announced requirements for a new supersonic jet carrier-based fighter to protect carrier groups from enemy aircraft and achieve air superiority. Chance Vought Aircraft Inc., which already had considerable experience working with carrier-based aircraft, became one of the participants in the competition. Their candidate differed from the competition by a variable-incidence wing. The wing tilted upward by 5 degrees, which noticeably improved taking off and landings on short decks of aircraft carriers.

Just 20 months after receiving the contract, the first prototype was built for tests. The fighter successfully passed the initial tests, in the very first flight it easily broke the sound barrier, and in a modified form went to the navy for deck tests. The first prototype series was successfully tested on aircraft carriers in the spring of 1956, after which the F8U-1 Crusader entered service with the US Navy. Work on a promising jet fighter did not stop after the start of mass production. The modified aircraft with a new power plant, advanced navigation system, radar, FCS and improved armament received the designation F8U-2.

The Crusader has become a real legend and a symbol of US carrier-based aviation for its excellent flight characteristics, ease of operation, reliability and significant firepower. The fighter received the baptism of fire almost immediately after entering the service, and since then has been actively used in combat and training missions in many parts of the world, including intensive combat service in Vietnam. Even when more advanced aircraft entered service, the naval pilots were reluctant to say goodbye to the Crusaders. "When you're out of F-8's, you're out of fighters" they said.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f8u-2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:F8U-2 WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:F8U-2 WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:F8U-2 WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:F8U-2 WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:F8U-2 WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:F8U-2 WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
File:F8U-2 WTWallpaper 07.jpg|
</gallery>

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mitsubishi [[T-2]]
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-19 (Family)|MiG-19]]
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)|MiG-21]]
* Hawker [[Hunter F.6|Hunter F.6]]
* Fiat [[G.91 YS|G.91 YS]]
* Saab [[J32B|J32B]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7078-development-f8u-2-crusader-the-last-of-the-gunfighters-en|[Devblog] F8U-2 Crusader: The Last of the Gunfighters]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/521052-f8u-2-crusader/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [https://www.aerosociety.com/publications/jah-an-examination-of-the-f-8-crusader-through-archival-sources/ <nowiki>[Royal Aeronautical Society]</nowiki> An Examination of the F-8 Crusader through Archival Sources]

{{AirManufacturer Vought}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F4U-1C

2023-12-02T22:03:03Z

U117037672: /* History */

{{About
| about = American naval fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F4U (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f4u-1c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f4u-1c.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was among one of the rarest variants of the F4U Corsair, with only ~200 made, and was the first Corsair to be armed with cannons. The 1C was essentially an F4U-1D with 4 x 20 mm Hispano guns and gave the aircraft a more potent armament against ground targets and aircraft. As good as the guns seemed on paper, in practice it was very different. American pilots found the guns unreliable and excessive against the already lightly armoured Japanese aircraft. Many pilots preferred the M2 Browning machine guns due to their large ammo pool and reliability. Although the new guns made the F4U-1C more deadly, they came at the price of hampering performance with added weight.

The F4U-1C, which has been in War Thunder since the start of the Open Beta Test, is like many of the other Corsairs in-game when it comes to performance. It's incredibly fast and allows the Corsair to excel at Boom and Zoom tactics. With the addition of Hispano cannons, the F4U-1C will easily destroy enemy aircraft with a slight burst and is incredibly effective against ground targets. However, much like in real life, the Hispanos are prone to jamming when stock. Nonetheless, it is the lowest battle rating Corsair with cannons and sets it apart from every Corsair near its battle rating.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 7,000 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
| 639 || 618 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 23.1 || 24.0 || 12.9 || 12.9 || rowspan="2" | 250
|-
! Upgraded
| 697 || 667 || 20.9 || 22.0 || 20.7 || 16.4
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || 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}} || 388 || 330 || 252 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 450 || < 450 || < 500 || > 450
|-
|}

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


* 3 mm steel - above the front fuel tank
* 8 mm steel - behind pilot's body
* 12.7 mm steel - behind pilot's head
* 38 mm bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen

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

A major advantage of all US cannons are the default belts. They have the highest ratio of high-explosive shells of any tracer belts, only the stealth one is better in that regard.

This makes the ammunition upgrade unnecessary and allows for focused research on the performance upgrades.

As acceleration is one of this aircraft's flaws, initially researching "Compressor" and "Engine" will increase the ability of this aircraft to fly well.

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

{{main|AN/M2 (20 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannons, wing-mounted (231 rpg = 924 total)

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

{{main|HVAR}}

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

* Without load
* 8 x HVAR rockets

== Usage in battles ==

Loved by its pilots, hated by its enemies, the F4U-1C is an easy to use U.S. Navy fighter, with robust all-round specifications. The Corsair optimally performs with stealth ammunition loaded for best damage output, allowing an experienced pilot to take out several targets before returning to base and reloading. It is best to selectively aim for the most critical parts of an enemy plane if you want to maximise kill efficiency while you're in the sky. A few 20 mm shells to an enemy engine or cockpit will destroy their plane with a little luck. While this may seem easier said than done, diving onto your opponent is almost a guaranteed kill, and if you are unlucky, you still have an incredibly impressive dive speed under your belt to keep you from being a target. While flying this plane, like any U.S. fighter, you'll be in the most danger when you are 'floored' (at a low altitude), since your only escape is diving.

When facing mainly Japanese planes in Realistic Battles and Simulator Battles, do not turn with A6M5s and the like, but to use Boom and Zoom tactics.

The quadruple AN/M2 armament of the Corsair can prove surprisingly effective against all manner of enemy vehicles. Ground target belts will make short work of light armour, but even heavier tanks like the Panther can be dealt with if the pilot attacks the roof from a steep enough angle, though it may take several passes. Diving from one to two thousand metres, as close as possible to the vertical, and hosing down the enemy will reliably cause engine fires and potentially knock out some or all of the turret crew. Using the Corsair's energy retention to regain altitude allows the pilot to repeat this process many times. With enough practice, the F4U-1C's bottomless ammo reserve will allow you to disable or outright destroy several enemies on the ground while maintaining enough energy to take on any aircraft to come your way.

The F4U-1C is an excellent plane in all game modes, however, be aware of the very restrictive cockpit, which makes it extremely difficult to spot targets in Simulator Battles, especially those behind you.

=== 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 || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable 3 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great firepower
* Great ammo reserves, >200 rpg
* Great energy retention
* Fast
* High dive speed
* Good turn time
* Reasonable rate of climb
* Can use the gear as makeshift airbrakes

'''Cons:'''

* Rather slow/sluggish acceleration
* No rear visibility in the cockpit
* Wings can rip at high-speed turns
* The recoil from the cannons will yank the nose down quite a bit
* Cannons are highly inaccurate to the point of uselessness unless upgraded

== History ==

{{main|F4U (Family)|l1=History of the F4U Corsair}}

The F4U-1C was based on the F4U-1D. The F4U-1D Corsair was designed in order to meet the Navy's requirement for capable carrier-based fighter-bombers. To meet this need, the -1D incorporate a Pratt and Whitney R-2800-8W water injection engine, increasing the engine power and the plane's speed from that of the F4U-1A. This gave it the increased performance necessary to carry a larger armament. Two pylons were added to the center wing section, that could hold 154 gallon fuel tanks, bombs up to 1,000 lbs, or napalm bombs. Because of the ability to carry more fuel externally, the 63 gallon fuel tanks in the wing tips were removed. Later in production, the ability to carry four 5 in rockets under each wing was added. In addition, the propeller diameter was reduced from 13 ft 4 in to 13 ft 1 in.

The F4U-1C was basically the same as the F4U-1D, except in primary armament. The -1D had a primary armament of six .50 in machine guns, as was standard for most Corsair variants. The F4U-1C replaced the .50 in machine guns with four 20 mm cannons. When rocket tabs were added to the F4U-1D, they were also added to the F4U-1C. This allowed it to carry eight 5 in rockets, along with the bombs and/or fuel tanks. All of the F4U-1Cs were fitted with the smaller propeller, with a diameter of 13 ft 1 in, whereas the -1D did not change the propeller size until after production had already started.

{{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}}
The Chance Vought F4U Le Corsaire. The F4U-1C "Corsair" was a single-seater, single-engine carrier-based fighter.

The unusual W-shaped wings of the F4U required propeller of a diameter of about four metres. Those were the biggest propellers ever used in a single-engine fighter. Therefore, a conventional wing would have required a significant extension of the landing gear, reducing their strength. So the Chance Vought designers decided to use a new wing design and keep the landing gear at a normal length. Wind tunnel tests proved the new wing design's effectiveness. To reduce weight and improve aerodynamics, the plane's design used spot welding.

In 1943, the F4U-1C variant was developed. It differed mainly from the F4U-1A in its armament: instead of six machine guns, the plane had four 20 mm cannons. Because of its low rate of fire, the new Corsair was used primarily to attack ground targets and for nighttime interceptions and took practically no part in aerial fighter combat.

The F4U-1C was produced on a relatively small scale. Only 200 were made.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f4u-1c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
File:Reworked F4U-1C Model.jpg|Reworked model of the {{PAGENAME}}
</gallery>

== See also ==


* [[F4U (Family)|F4U Family]]
** [[F4U-1A]]
** [[F4U-1D]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/325083-f4u-1ausmccd/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===

;Bibliography

* "[https://www.jdsf4u.be/f4u-1c-vought-corsair F4U-1C Vought Corsair]", ''F4U Corsair - The Bent Wing Bird plane site'', Retrieved on 28 March 2020.
* "[https://www.jdsf4u.be/type-of-plane-f4u Types of Plane F4U - Variants]", ''F4U Corsair- The Bent Wing Bird plane site'', Retrieved on 28 March 2020.

{{AirManufacturer Vought}}
{{USA fighters}}

SB2C-4

2023-11-24T15:31:47Z

U117037672: /* Usage in battles */

{{About
|about = American naval bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage = other versions
|link = SB2C (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=sb2c_4
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_sb2c_4.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American dive bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.53 "Firestorm"]].

The SB2C-4 is an upgrade from the earlier [[SB2C-1c]] dive bomber at Rank II, having a more powerful engine and the ability to mount more payloads, including HVAR rockets. However, this version faces tougher and more deadly aircraft due to a higher ''Battle Rating''.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,998 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
| 440 || 422 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.0 || 24.8 || 3.7 || 3.6 || rowspan="2" | 300
|-
! Upgraded
| 482 || 459 || 22.1 || 23.0 || 9.0 || 6.1
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 503 || 481 || 250 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 257 || < 350 || < 380 || > 325
|-
|}

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


* 8.5 mm Steel - Armour plate, the underside of the engine cowling
* 6.35 mm Steel - Cockpit/Instrument panel protection plate
* 11.11 mm Steel - Behind pilot's seat
* 6.35 mm Steel - Dorsal gunner protection plate
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Front windscreen

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

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

{{main|AN/M2 (20 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="8%" | 1 !! width="8%" | 2 !! width="8%" | 3 !! width="8%" | 4 !! width="8%" | 5
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2 Browning]] machine guns (340 rpg)
| || 2* || || 2* ||
|-
! [[AN-M57 (250 lb)|250 lb AN-M57]] bombs
| || 1 || 2 || 1 ||
|-
! [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|500 lb AN-M64A1]] bombs
| || 1 || 2 || 1 ||
|-
! [[AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb AN-M65A1]] bombs
| || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[AN-Mk 1 (1,600 lb)|1,600 lb AN-Mk 1]] bombs
| || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[HVAR]] rockets
| 4* || || || || 4*
|-
! [[Mk.13-6 Case (2,216 lb)|2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case]] torpedoes
| || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Mk.13-6 (2,216 lb)|2,216 lb Mk.13-6]] torpedoes
| || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Type A Mark I mine|Type A Mark I]] mines
| || || 1 || ||
|-
| colspan="6" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,040 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 420 kg
|-
| colspan="7" | * M2 Browning pods cannot be equipped with HVAR rockets in the adjacent hardpoint
|-
|}

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

* 8 x HVAR rockets
* 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (1,000 lb total)
* 1 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bomb (1,600 lb total)
* 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13-6 torpedo
* 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case torpedo
* 1 x Type A Mark I mine
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns (340 rpg = 1,360 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

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

{{main|Browning (7.62 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)

== Usage in battles ==


;Arcade Battles

The {{PAGENAME}} is very much like it's older sibling model in-game, which is a dive bomber/attacker capable of wreaking havoc to both soft and hard ground targets and enemy bases. Despite its capability to carry rockets and under-wing bombs and be used as an attacker, '''do not''' attempt to do so, unless you are sure a nearby enemy fighter does not immediately single you out as a target. This aircraft has fairly good manoeuvrability but does not fly nearly as well as any of the fighters you may encounter. However, this does not mean you cannot defend yourself in dire times. A distinct advantage of this aircraft is its firepower is more than enough to bring down any attacking enemy pilot with some skill, however, it's instability in coming out of rough turns can cause problems on getting guns on target difficult. Most pilots don't expect you to carry so much firepower with the extra machine guns so taking head-ons with some planes can work in your favour because most pilots do not expect you to have that much firepower. Moreover, due to it's firepower and ''air spawn'', being a bomber hunter is no problem either. It is important to remember to use this plane's main niche to your advantage as you will be vulnerable to enemy gunners. This plane's niche as fast bomber is further reinforced compared to the SB2C-1c as it carries double the bomb load (2,000 lb/ 907 kg) and if you survive long enough with your firepower to defend yourself you can be a considerable drain to the enemy's ticket counter. Overall, this aircraft is a solid performer in Arcade battles which is a delightful blend of defensive/offensive firepower, speed (not fighter-like though), manoeuvrability and bombing capability specifically for a dive bomber. A recommended aircraft to take out in ''tier 3'' battles and as a ''silver lions'' factory!

;Realistic Battles

In Realistic Battles, the {{PAGENAME}} excels at the ground attack role. Use the bombs and rockets against hard targets (such as heavy pillboxes and tanks), and the 20 mm cannons for taking out soft targets and light pillboxes. Even the universal ammo belt with 50/50 HEF and AP can take out light pillboxes when aiming for the roof, but belts with more AP will make it easier. However, its use doesn't end there. The SB2C is surprisingly manoeuvrable for a dive bomber, which combined with its high bomber spawn, effective armament, and dive brakes mean it can be used to dive on enemy fighters and bombers, and can even hold its own in a dogfight, especially if the enemy underestimates the plane's manoeuvrability. These characteristics are also good tactics for defending yourself, markedly since the tail gunner is lacklustre. Unfortunately, this does not apply well when at a low energy state (ex: ground attacking at a low level). The SB2C has poor climb rate and acceleration, and experienced pilots will boom and zoom you and leave you few options to defend yourself (trying to get guns on target after an overshoot, forcing a head-on, etc.). Instead, try to stay above the battle and go for enemy aircraft, and once your team has a numerical advantage, go to ground level and ground attack, preferably under cover of fighters.

;Fighting a {{PAGENAME}}

If you come across a {{PAGENAME}}, attack from it's unprotected bottom which is easy to hit due to plane's low speed and pilots rarely looking below their planes. Avoid attacking it when it is in a dive.

=== 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:'''

* Very effective cannon armament
* Very agile for a dive bomber
* Good ground attack payload options
* Has air brakes
* Gets a bomber spawn
* Can attach gun pods; enemies will not expect you have that much firepower
* Great for bomber hunting
* Good at head-on attacks

'''Cons:'''

* No belly gunner
* Catches fire relatively easily
* Poor climb rate
* Fairly slow
* Tail gunner is ineffective at long range
* Any asymmetrical wing damage makes it very difficult to turn
* Extreme negatively static longitudinal stability for joystick at low speeds (e.g. the aircraft doesn't want to take off, but a slight bump makes the aircraft want to stall and harsh nose-down is required)
* 20 mm shells can almost instantly down your plane
* Elevators may jam in a dive

== History ==


The SB2C-4 Helldiver was an improved model of the SB2C-3, which was in turn based on the [[SB2C-1c]].

The SB2C-3 had added the R-2600-20 engine, which was rated at 1,900 hp. This helped to solve the power to weight issues of the earlier models. The SB2C-4 added eight wing racks for carrying 5 in (127 mm) HVAR unguided rockets, with four on each wing. Additionally, mountings for one 500 lb bomb on each wing were added - a total of two 500 lb bombs; these could be carried when not carrying rockets. These armament options were in addition to the centerline bomb bay in the fuselage, which could carry up to 2,000 lbs of ordnance. 2,045 SB2C-4 aircraft were produced, making it the most produced variant of the SB2C Helldiver.

The SB2C Helldiver was used during the Battle of the Philippine Sea, where 45 were lost after running out of fuel while returning to the carriers. The SB2C took part in combat over the Marianas, Philippines, Taiwan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. In the Battle of Leyte Gulf, during the Philippines Campaign, SB2C Helldivers took part in the sinking of the IJN Musashi; they scored a number of bomb hits to the ship. At Okinawa, Helldivers participated in the sinking of the IJN Yamato during the Japanese Operation Ten-Go, scoring hits on the Yamato and her escorts.

In 1945, Helldivers were used in attacks on the Ryukyu Islands and the Japanese island of Honshū. In those strikes they were used to attack airfields, communication centers, and shipping. After the two atomic bombs were dropped, the Helldiver was used in patrols until the official Japanese surrender and the subsequent occupation of Japan.

After the war, the SB2C remained in active-duty service with the US Navy until 1947, and with the Naval Reserve until 1950.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sb2c_4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|uJziizNMYj8|'''The Shooting Range #164''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:12 discusses the SB2C Helldiver.}}

== 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/272430-curtiss-sb2c-4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Curtiss}}
{{USA bombers}}

XF5F

2023-07-31T06:52:25Z

U117037672: /* History */

{{Specs-Card
|code=xf5f
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
|cockpit=cockpit_xf5f.jpg
|market=XF5F Skyrocket
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.37]].

As a gift vehicle. the XF5F was only obtainable on special occasions throughout the years:

* During the [[wt:en/news/404--en|2014 Winter Magic]] event, the XF5F was given to the players who participated the most in the event.
* During the [[wt:en/news/2598--en|2014 War Thunder Anniversary]] event, the XF5F was one of the few planes that were given away.
* In the [[wt:en/news/3610-special-team-deathmatch-win-rare-vehicles-en|2016 Team Deathmatch]] tournament, the plane was awarded to the top 300 players.
* During the [[wt:en/news/4978-special-us-air-force-day-get-the-xf5f-skyrocket-en|2017 U.S. Air Force day]] event, the plane could be received by performing a single in-game task.
* It was also made available in the [[Warbonds]] shop as a random prize of the Vehicle battle trophy from [[wt:en/news/5432-news-how-can-you-get-premium-vehicles-warbonds-en|April]] to August 2018 and from [[wt:en/news/6349-news-how-can-you-get-premium-vehicles-warbonds-en|September 2019]] to February 2020.
* During War Thunder's [[wt:en/news/7945-special-happy-anniversary-war-thunder-en|10th anniversary]], it was a reward for the "10 rare vehicles" event.

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


The XF5F Skyrocket is an oddity. Its lightweight and surprising manoeuvrability aren't what you'd expect from a twin-engine fighter. Indeed, it is among the most agile twin-engine planes at this rank. Coupled with the low weight and its two powerplants, this aircraft makes for a unique flying style. The responsive roll and pull, in addition to the effective combat flaps, engine throttle management, and acceleration, allows for some nifty dogfighting against heavier planes that may see you as easy prey. It locks up similar to the XP-50's high-speed compression as you go past 600 km/h.

Keep in mind, however, that the engines will overheat badly at low altitude, and even more so at around 2,800 m due to the supercharger. Overheating isn't nearly as serious at higher altitude (around 12,000 ft / 3,600 m), where fresh air will cool your motor apparatus quickly. Alternatively, you may manually set the radiators to ~40% water/20% oil for continuous 100% engine power. Overall, the XF5F is a plane that favours high altitude, medium speed engagements, where it is safe from crashing in the ground and has room to manoeuvre.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,273 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
| 558 || 544 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.9 || 22.6 || 7.4 || 7.3 || rowspan="2" | 280
|-
! Upgraded
| 588 || 574 || 20.2 || 21.0 || 12.1 || 9.7
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 722  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 465 || 436 || 290 || ~11 || ~7
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 350 || < 400 || < 350 || > 300
|-
|}

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


* 9.5 mm Steel plate in the nose
* 9.5 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in each wingroot)

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

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

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

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

* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
* 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

== Usage in battles ==


;Combat tactics

The Skyrocket's primary role is going to be Boom & Zoom; the climb rate is decent, and so is the energy retention if you stay under 550 km/h and opt for smooth, moderate turns. However, the lack of heavy armament means that you will have to keep your guns on target longer in order to achieve considerable damage. Such opportunity comes when the enemy is low on speed and not suspecting any enemies/tunnel-visioned on an ally; for example at the top of a loop, or in a sustained turn fight with an allied plane. If required, you can push the XF5F into a more aggressive energy fighter, similar to the Bf 109 series, where looping back on the enemy while holding superior speed and altitude allows you to extinguish their energy little by little. Some general tips:

* Exploiting the opponent's weakness while relying on a fast straight-line acceleration may allow for escapes out of an unfavourable situation.
* Energy fighters (Bf 109/C.205/La-5) trying to out turn a twin-engine plane can be lured into stall-speed turn fights and intercepted during their subsequent speed recovery.
* Single engagements at low altitude are optimal thanks to fast acceleration trumping dive speed and climb.
* Engagements with multiple opponents are to be avoided since the XF5F needs a substantially longer time to effectively engage and eliminate a target.

;Specific enemies worth noting

In Realistic and Simulator Battles, the stiff opposition, in the form of F4U-1, Bf 109 F, La-5, Yaks, Hurricanes and Ki-61, will give you a serious run for your money. Always make sure you hold the energy advantage at all times and are picking your fights with care.

;Counter-tactics

Countering an XF5F could include out-diving or -stalling with horizontal manoeuvres followed up by a steep ascend, exploiting its weak energy retention and sluggishness at low speeds. Another tactic is to force the XF5F into a head-on attack. Since it's not very well armed, there is a good chance that you will be able to deal damage without receiving much yourself.

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Adequate manoeuvrability overall
* Superb turn time
* Nose-mounted armament
* Can fly on a single-engine, albeit not for long
* Does have an arrestor hook, allowing for it to land on a carrier to repair/rearm

'''Cons:'''

* Weak armament
* Control surfaces compress hard after exceeding around 600 km/h
* Horrible energy retention
* Large profile,making it an easy target
* Large, fragile engines
* Prolonged usage of engines at 100% throttle causes it to overheat
* Poor climb rate
* Terrible high altitude performance
* No WEP in RB/SB
* Arrestor Hook is short/non-extendable, making carrier landings tricky

== History ==

The Grumman XF5F Skyrocket was a prototype twin engine, carrier-borne, interceptor aircraft; developed for the United States Navy. In January 1938, the U.S. Navy issued a specification calling for a lightweight carrier-based fighter / interceptor to replace the obsolete biplanes which were in use at the time. Five companies issued proposals, of which Grumman, Vought and Bell received contracts to produce a prototype. Grumman produced the XF5F Skyrocket, to complete with Vought's XF4U-1 Corsair (the prototype of the legendary [[F4U (Family)|F4U Corsair]]), and Bell's XFL Airabonita (a naval version of the [[P-39 (Family)|P-39 Airacobra]]).

The requirement put an emphasis on the aircraft achieving the highest speed possible, and so for this reason the Grumman engineers chose to design a dual engine fighter. Grumman planned to fit the aircraft with two 23mm Madsen cannons, along with two Browning .30 machine guns; although this would eventually be revised with Browning .50 machine guns replacing the cannons. The main landing gear of the Skyrocket was built into the engine nacelles, and the wings were made to fold upwards just outboard of the engines in order to take up less room on aircraft carriers.

The Skyrocket was the first of the three prototypes to fly, taking to the air for the first time on 1st April 1940 and becoming the worlds first twin engined carrier-borne fighter. It was followed shortly after by the Airabonita on 13th May and the Corsair on 29th May. The XF5F proved to have good overall flight characteristics in it's first flight; however a number of problems were soon found with the aircraft. The oil cooling system was found to be inadequate, and the landing gear doors did not function properly. Following early test flights many modifications were made to the aircraft, including improvements to the cooling system, reducing the size of the cockpit canopy, redesigning aspects of the engine nacelles, and adding spinners to the propellers.

Bell's XFL Airabonita had been plagued with technical and design issues relating to the engine, aircraft balance, and landing gear; leading to it being rejected by the Navy. This left just the XF5F and XF4U in the competition. The XF5F had shown a high top speed of 616 km/h in early tests, and had proven itself to have an excellent climb rate of 4,000 ft/min, compared to the XF4U's 2,660 ft/min. However the single engine XF4U soon proved to be a better overall aircraft, achieving speeds of 650 km/h in later test flights, beating the dual engine XF5F.

On the 30th June 1941 the Navy gave Vought a contract to start producing the Corsair, and it soon became apparent that no such order would be placed for the Skyrocket. The XF5F continued flying as a test bed aircraft, but continued to be plagued by landing gear issues, eventually suffering two gear failures, the second of which lead to the aircraft being written off in December 1944.

Following the rejection of the XF5F Grumman worked on developing a dual engine land based fighter, the [[XP-50]]. The XP-50 was visually similar to the XF5F; however it had a longer nose, extending forwards of the wing, and a tricycle undercarriage. It also had more powerful engines than the XF5F, giving it significantly better flight performance. During testing of the single XP-50 prototype the turbo-supercharger on one of the aircraft's engines exploded, destroying the landing gear and forcing the pilot to abandon the aircraft. Using their experience from the XF5F and XP-50 Grumman finally developed the [[F7F-1|F7F Tigercat]], which was accepted into service, becoming the first dual engine fighter to be deployed by the US Navy.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=xf5f Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|OcYq1It4TAI|War Thunder Premium Review: XF5F Skyrocket [Ugly Duckling]}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[XP-50]]
* [[F7F-1]]
* [[F7F-3]]

;Similar airframe

* [[Ro.57 Quadriarma]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/97454-grumman-xf5f/ War Thunder Aircraft Data Sheet: Grumman XF5F]
* [http://www.aviation-history.com/grumman/xf5f.html Aviation History Online Museum - Grumman XF5F-1 Skyrocket]
* [http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/XF5F-1_and_XFL-1_PD_-_26_December_1942.pdf Performance Data of XF5F-1 and XFL-1 (26 Dec 1942)]
* [http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/SD-260_-_Detail_Specification_for_XF5F-1_(Excerpts)_-_5_May_1938.htm SD-260 Detail Specification for Model XF5F-1 Airplane, May 5, 1938]

{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
{{USA twin-engine fighters}}
{{USA premium aircraft}}
{{Winter Event}}