War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

AH-1Z

2021-09-09T05:24:26Z

U122007826: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = American attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other variants
| link = AH-1 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ah_1z
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].

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


The AH-1Z is a highly agile attack helicopter, with speeds up to 426 km/h in arcade and 411 km/h in realistic & simulator modes. With a maximum height that exceeds the capability of most other attack helicopters in this game, it can go up to 6,000 meters compared to the [[Ka-52]] (5,400 m), the [[AH-64D]] (5,400 m), and the [[EC-665 Tiger HAD]] (4,300 m).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 382 || 366 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| 426 || 411
|-
|}

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


* 12 mm steel - engine
* 20 mm composite boron-carbide - pilot/gunner seats
* 12 mm steel - pilot seat

When fighting the AH-1Z, it is always a good bet to get the "High Ground" or altitude advantage of this vehicle. Try to strafe it and get around to its blinds spot, as it can't use the tail rotor effectively when moving, and will yaw and flip when making a strong attempt to turn-on-target. Always aim for the cockpit, as one the gunner is knocked out the turret becomes unusable. When coming up against a Zulu with gun pods or secondary weapons (especially the lethal AIM-9L), know that the pilot can still fire these even if the gunner is knocked out. However, it is unlikely that a Zulu will take a gun pod over a full missile rack.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}

[[File:AH-1Z Front Aspect.jpg|thumb|300px|AH-1Z displaying one of many armament options. Aim 9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles x 2, 70mm Hydra-70 M247 rocket x 38, 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun x 2]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}

{{main|AIM-9L Sidewinder|M197 (20 mm)}}

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

* A choice between three presets:
** 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon (750 rpg)
** 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon (750 rpg) + 120 x Flares
** 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon (750 rpg) + 120 x Flares + 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}

{{main|AGM-114B Hellfire|Hydra-70 M247|M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)}}

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

* Without load
* 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns (1,500 rpg = 3,000 total)
* 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns + 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
* 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns + 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
* 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 16 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles

[[File:AH-1Z Deploying Flares.jpg|thumb|300px|AH-1Z performs evasive action while deploying flare series.]]

=== Defensive systems ===

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' only has the following Defensive systems installed:

*'''Flares''' - 120 Flares.
*'''MAW''' - Missile Approach Warning system.
*'''AIM-9/MAW''' - two AIM-9L missiles & MAW system.

When unlocked, flares are not installed - this requires the '''MAW''' module (tier I) to be researched and installed, this provides up to 120 Flares. The next module called '''AIM-9/MAW''' Provides two AIM-9L missiles, once installed on each wing tip along with the previous MAW system.

== Usage in battles ==

Using the AH-1Z Viper after the AH-1F requires learning time, the playstyle between this and the AH-1F has some unique differences such as ammunition, views and overall playstyle.

The AH-1Z is an attack helicopter, it does this role very well, in fact, it is one of the best attack helicopters in the game, with speed up to 411 km/h (255 mph). The AH-1Z offers a large array of ordnance selections, from miniguns and rockets, to Hellfire missiles. In addition, the AH-1Z can carry a combination of missiles, rockets or miniguns together. To optimise your loadout, pick a role to specialise, air protection or ground attack, though this attack helicopter can do it all.

To utilise the AH-1Z viper, make sure to adjust the tactics to the map, for example, on maps with rocks and hilly terrain, stay low and use cover whilst you get to into a position which will allow you to dominate the battlefield. For maps which are open and flat, climb to a high altitude and assess the situation, just make sure to scan the map and not get fixated on a location.

The AH-1Z has three main playstyles, the playstyles of this attack helicopter are focused around dominating in the following roles: medium & close range, long range, and air protection/support.

However, the AH-1Z does have one drawback, due to the increase in size changes to the centre of gravity in high pitch and tight turns, it is possible to lose control. It is advisable to always counteract by keeping the nose of the helicopter level or to lessen the turn radius. If required to do one, such as evading surface to air missiles, make sure that there is enough room to recover the helicopter in – ideally at least 1,000 feet and make sure to increase the pitch of the blades to a 100% to adjust for yawing.

====Close/medium range====
The AH-1Z offers a combination of wing-mounted ordnance and ordnance packages which are available from Rocket pods, Machine guns, Hellfire missiles.

In an nonupgraded configuration it can carry up to 76 x Hydra-70 rockets or two pods with machine guns, but taking them to the battle will reduce the amount of Hydras to 38. Using these weapons will force you to get close to the ground units and make the helicopter vulnerable to turret-mounted anti-air weapons or SPAAGs, so it is recommended to stay at very low altitude and use the high level speed to evade fire.

Hydra rockets are not as reliable as long range AGMs, their accuracy is not great and in most cases even if the player manages to get close to the battlefield it will be able to destroy only a few units or disable their weapons and other components.

====Long range - Hellfire missiles====
To utilise the long-range performance of the AH-1Z, hover outside of the combat zone. It is important that you check and make sure that there are no threats in the vicinity which could shoot you down. Once the combat zone has been declared safe from vehicles which could destroy you. Increase altitude, until you have a good visual on the objectives. Hover the helicopter, change the view to the gun camera and locate a target ground vehicle and fire! The Hellfire missiles offer up to 1,100 mm of penetration with a speed of 475 meters per second.

Firing the Hellfire missiles, you will notice that you cannot see them. This is normal, you need to keep the laser designator on the target. On the HUD, left-hand side, you will see a countdown, it takes 10 seconds for the missile to hit the target. When the Hellfire gets close to the target you will see the rocket, this where you can adjust the missile trajectory.

It is very important that after a few Hellfire missile launches that, you disengage the hover and relocate to another part of the battle zone. Performing this action will substantially reduce the chances of being shot down by enemy vehicles.

One of the drawbacks of the Hellfire missiles is, at very close range they cannot engage a target, due to how the Hellfires are launched from the wing racks. The Hellfire missile drops from the wing rack then engages the rocket motor and immediately ascend in height, making it impossible to track from launch.

{{Notice|The Hellfire missiles require time to adapt to, however once learnt they become one of the most potent missiles in the game.|!!!}}

====Self-Defense Armament====
Best role armament selection: AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles and machine guns

An AH-1Z Viper offers a unique set of capabilities compared to any other helicopter on the battlefield. It can be equipped with improved close-range Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. The Sidewinder missiles provide the capability to shoot down up to two enemy aircraft. They can shoot down other rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters) or fixed-wing aircraft (airplanes) provided an adequate missile-lock. The missiles can also be equipped with the additional payloads, such as Hellfires, machine gun pods and rocket pod configurations, providing a versatile offensive and defensive solution.

The AH-1Z can outmanoeuvre and outperform many of its rivals in air-to-air combat. The AH-1Z has a triple rotary M197 cannon with 750 rounds. Combined with a twin 7.62 mm M134 minigun, which also has 1,500 rounds per gun. That's a total of 3,750 rounds of ammunition. Not forgetting the wing-mounted AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles. This combination of impressive weapon systems can support extended air-to-air capabilities on the battle space.

To attack other helicopters with the Sidewinders, you will need a rear aspect shot – get a lock and fire one of the Sidewinder missiles! Bang the enemy aircraft explodes.

To attack using the cannon and miniguns, line up with the foe, come in fast and slow down – align your angle of attack with the side of the enemy, this will yield the best chance of success since the enemy unit has exposed the largest elements of the airframe to your firepower. Aim for the critical components such as cockpit, engine, fuel tanks and rear rotor elements.

=== Pros and cons ===


[[File:AH-1Z sillouette.jpg|thumb|300px|AH-1Z performing an attack run with the 20 mm chin-mounted cannon]]

'''Pros:'''

* Can carry up to 16 Hellfire AGMs
* Flares
* One of the fastest helicopters in the game
* Excellent close range air-to-air missiles for self-defense
* Excellent ground attack capabilities
* Thin front-aspect profile

'''Cons:'''

* Weak airframe: can be taken down by roof-mounted MGs from enemy tanks
* Poor flight performance with full payload
* Making strong banks causes the aircraft to flip rotor down
* Extremely vulnerable to Radar SPAA and jet aircraft
* Lacks passive IRCM countermeasure
* Big target for tanks

<big>History</big>

In 1996, the USMC launched the H-1 upgrade program by signing a contract with Bell Helicopter for upgrading 180 AH-1Ws into AH-1Zs and upgrading 100 UH-1Ns into UH-1Ys. The H-1 program created completely modernized attack and utility helicopters with considerable design commonality to reduce operating costs. The AH-1Z and UH-1Y share a common tailboom, engines, rotor system, drivetrain, avionics architecture, software, controls and displays for over 84% identical components.

Bell participated in a joint government test team during the engineering manufacturing and development phase of the H-1 program. Research and development progressed slowly from 1996 to 2003. The existing two-blade semi-rigid, teetering rotor system was replaced with a four-blade, hingeless, bearingless rotor system. The four-blade configuration provides improvements in flight characteristics including increased flight envelope, maximum speed, vertical rate of climb, payload and reduced rotor vibration level.
{| class="wikitable"
|
|AH-1Z Vipers conduct live-fire exercise

U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Vipers conduct live-fire air assault support exercise at the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, circa 2019
|}
The AH-1Z first flew on 8 December 2000. Bell delivered three prototype aircraft to the United States Navy's Naval Air Systems Command at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in July 2002, for the flight test phase of the program. Low-rate initial production began in October 2003, with deliveries running through 2018. In late 2006 a contract was awarded to Meggitt Defense Systems to develop a new linkless 20 mm ammunition handling system to improve on the gun feed reliability of the existing linked feed system.

In February 2008, the U.S. Navy adjusted the contract so the last 40 AH-1Zs were built as new airframes instead of the previously planned rebuild of AH-1Ws. In September 2008, the Navy requested an additional 46 airframes for the Marine Corps, bringing the total number ordered to 226. In 2010, the Marine Corps ordered 189 AH-1Zs, with 58 of them being new airframes, with deliveries to continue until 2022. On 10 December 2010, the Department of the Navy approved the AH-1Z for full-rate production. Aspects of the AH-1Z date back to the Bell 249 in 1979, which was basically an AH-1S equipped with the four-blade main rotor system from the Bell 412. This helicopter demonstrated Bell's ''Cobra II'' design at the Farnborough Airshow in 1980. The Cobra II was to be equipped with Hellfire missiles, a new targeting system and improved engines. The Cobra 2000 proposal included General Electric T700 engines and a four-blade rotor. This design drew interest from the US Marine Corps, but funding was not available. In 1993, Bell proposed an AH-1W-based version for the UK's new attack helicopter program. The derivative ''Cobra Venom'' featured a modern digital cockpit and could carry wire-guided missiles, Hellfire or Brimstone missiles. The Cobra Venom design was altered in 1995 by changing to a four-blade rotor system. However, the AH-64D was selected instead later that year.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=helicopter&vehicleClass=attack_helicopter&vehicle=ah_1z Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200px">
File:AH-1Z WTWallpaper001.jpg
File:AH-1Z WTWallpaper002.jpg
File:AH-1Z WTWallpaper003.jpg
File:AH-1Z WTWallpaper004.jpg
File:AH-1Z WTWallpaper005.jpg
File:AH-1Z WTWallpaper006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|jqqkMMieZ54|'''The Forgotten Viper - AH-1Z''' - ''JustinPlaysYT''|YhDp-lSh7vk|'''"AH-1Z Viper - "American Thoroughbred" [Helicopters]''' - ''BaconGaming''|yHuUGzezChI|'''Best after-party picks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:35 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|QHz4LwNtVrU|'''The Shooting Range #143''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 06:30 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|hNnQ8_7BfP4|'''{{PAGENAME}} vs Mi-35M''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* Bell [[AH-1 (Family)|AH-1]] SuperCobra
* Bell [[UH-1 (Family)|UH-1]] Iroquois

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Agusta [[A-129_International|A129]] Mangusta

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5756-development-ah-1z-viper-a-lasting-legacy-en|[Devblog] AH-1Z Viper - A Lasting Legacy]]
* [[wikipedia:Bell_AH-1Z_Viper|[Wikipedia] Bell AH-1Z Viper]]

{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
{{USA helicopters}}

HSTV-L

2021-09-07T05:53:57Z

U122007826: /* Pros and cons */

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

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

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

The HSTV-L is a very lightly-armoured vehicle. Depending on where you get shot you might lose 1 crew member but you will still be alive. If you get shot on the left side of the vehicle from the front, the chances of your ammo rack detonating greatly increases. Best case scenario for this vehicle is to not get hit in the first place.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 25.4 mm (80°) ''Upper Glacis'' {{annotation|25.4 mm|Estimated through calculation of effective thickness at angle.}} (55°) ''Lower Glacis (Upper Part)'' {{annotation|25.4 mm|Estimated through calculation of effective thickness at angle.}} (78°) ''Lower Glacis (Lower Part)''
| 25.4 mm ''Upper Sponson Side'' 19 mm ''Lower Sponson Side'' 38.1 mm ''Lower Hull Side''
| 25.4 mm || 19 mm ''Engine Compartment'' 5 mm ''Radiator Vents''
|-
| Turret || 25.4 mm ''Turret front'' 25.4 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm
|-
| Cupola || colspan="4" | 25.4 mm
|-
|Additional Armour
|| {{annotation|25.4 mm|Estimated through calculation of effective thickness at angle.}} (80°) ''Upper Glacis'' || {{annotation|25.4 mm|Estimated through calculation of effective thickness at angle.}} ''Frontal Sponson Side (Upper & Lower)'' 12.7 mm ''Frontal Sideskirts'' 8 mm ''Rear Sideskirts'' || colspan="2" |N/A
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Lower glacis (both parts) is variable thickness armour.
* Upper glacis and frontal sponson sides appliqué armour is variable thickness armour.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,007|rbMinHp=575}}

The HSTV-L has a very good power-to-weight ratio making the vehicle decently fast. The vehicle utilizes a 648 HP gas turbine engine. The HSTV-L is very manoeuvrable due to the gas turbine engine and can get to flanking spots early in the game.

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

'''<big>Unlock order recommendations</big>'''

The order of modifications should be well thought out. Below is a guide of which modifications to unlock first, but it is just a recommendation and can be modified or adapted depending on the tank commander's preferences.

'''Tier 1'''

Tier 1 only has useful modifications but the number one priority should be parts which allows the tank to repair during battle, something that comes in handy in a majority of battles. After that tracks is something that could be researched second as its mobility is more reliant on the tracks upgrade than the firepower is on horizontal drive.

'''Tier 2'''

Moving on to tier 2, this tier is harder to pick modifications from because in general they are less useful modifications, but only two are needed before moving to tier 3. FPE and adjustment of fire are the likeliest candidates except in cases where the goal is to use the scouting ability to spawn planes, in which either of the two could be replaced by airstrike. It's best to move on to tier 3 after two tier 2 modifications are researched.

'''Tier 3'''

In tier 3 it gets more interesting with a number of useful modifications; three modifications are needed to get to tier 4. All the modifications in this tier are useful so some hard choices have to be made. Due to a decent stock elevation speed the elevation mechanism mod isn't strictly necessary and can be put off until later. Smoke grenades are good for concealing the vehicle to make a hasty escape or try to prevent the enemy from hitting the tank, the laser rangefinder is useful for making accurate shots at range which is also very important as the gun does not have much penetration so well aimed shots are necessary, crew replenishment is useful as always, and filters are beneficial to the mobility. It's recommended to unlock laser rangefinder and smoke grenades and then choose between filters and crew replenishment before then moving on to tier 4.

'''Tier 4'''

The most important modifications in tier 4 are NVD to give access to thermal sights for easier spotting of enemies and also the engine modification which greatly increases mobility.

'''Finishing up'''

After tier 4 is unlocked and the priority modifications there are unlocked it is time to clean up the remaining modifications. The order of unlocking modifications at this point is less important but there are a few that should be left until last - suspension and brake system which are generally the least important modifications on any given ground vehicle.

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

{{main|XM274 (75 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[XM274 (75 mm)|75 mm XM274]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 26 || rowspan="2" | -17°/+45° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 54.3 || 75.1 || 91.2 || 100.9 || 107.3 || rowspan="2" | 1.5 || rowspan="2" | 1.5 || rowspan="2" | 1.5 || rowspan="2" | 1.5
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 33.9 || 39.9 || 48.5 || 53.6 || 57.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| XM885 || APFSDS || 276 || 269 || 262 || 252 || 243 || 234
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| XM885 || APFSDS || 1,463 || 2.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''26''' || 7 ''(+19)'' || 1 ''(+25)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Rack 2 is a ready rack, so although shells deplete from that rack after firing, it will refill from rack 1.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|M240 (7.62 mm)}}

The HSTV-L has 2 M240 machine guns. One is fixed to the gun mantlet and the other is mounted on the Commander's cupola. These machine guns can be used to mark enemies for your allies and can also be used to shoot down some lighter aircraft, but be careful as shooting them will give away your location and can result in them strafing and destroying your vehicle.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M240 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M240]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,600 (200) || 941 || N/A || N/A
|-
| Pintle || 1,600 (200) || 941 || -10°/+69° || -180°/+20°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The HSTV-L is a light tank with a quick ready-rack reload, making it adept at dealing with multiple enemies in ambush situations. It can achieve a very good top speed thanks to its light weight and has a similarly good turning ability. With this mobility (which is on par with that of top MBTs), the HSTV-L can achieve desirable early-game positions and move quickly around the map when necessary.

Like most light tanks, this vehicle is lacking in the protection department. It has thin armor in all directions, which is not backed up by any spaced or composite protection, and is susceptible to hull-break. In some situations, the armor may be thin enough that kinetic rounds overpenetration and pass straight through the vehicle without causing much damage. The highly-angled armor can also sometimes bounce shots. In most cases though, the HSTV-L cannot be counted on to sustain heavy fire.

This tank is fairly unique in that it is equipped with an autoloader that can fire every 1.5 seconds, without ever needing to stop to replenish a ready-rack. The shell itself, an APFSDS round, is decent, but may have trouble penetrating the frontal armor of top MBTs. This combined with the vehicle's poor armor means that head-on attacks are rarely advisable, but with the quick reload, multiple shots into an enemy's sides or rear will be very effective.

The HSTV-L is better suited to firing at enemies without their noticing--from ambush positions, from the flanks, and from behind corners. The vehicle's great mobility will aid with this playstyle. Indeed, its mobility is what makes the HSTV-L great on urban maps. Furthermore, in ambush situations the tank is able to easily deal with multiple enemies thanks to its fast ready-rack reload. This tank has a 45 degree gun elevation and a 17 degree gun depression. This gun depression is extremely powerful, and makes the vehicle very effective at hill camping and at firing from behind ridgelines. A thermal sight in both gunner and commander/binocular views makes the HSTV-L a great scouting vehicle. It is recommended to use the vehicle's high mobility to aid in scouting enemies for teammates to locate and destroy.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Thanks to the autoloader, the cannon has a very high rate of fire (1.5s reload time)
* Due to its light armor some kinetic rounds may over penetrate, leaving it undamaged
* Excellent urban fighting vehicle as in up-tiers, side shots are much more effective
* Internal 30 mm armor can help protect crew from spalling
* Thermal sight for both gunner and commander = Great scouting vehicle
* Up to 45° elevation and -17° depression over the sides (-13 depression to the front)
* Very good gun handling
* Flat to the ground and hard to see

'''Cons:'''

* Commander's cupola can be penetrated by heavy machine gun fire
* Limited ammo capacity
* Limited ammo selection
* APFSDS round has low penetration and has problems penetrating frontal armor of some MBTs
* The XM855 APFSDS dart causes minimal damage to modules or crew members after penetration due to its caliber (reduced spall)

== History ==

'''<big>Development</big>'''

The High Survivability Test Vehicle - Lightweight, shortened to HSTV-L, was a light tank project that was developed in the 1970's and 1980's. It was funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and built by the AAI Corporation. The prototype was completed in September 1979 and began field trials soon after. After the field trials the HSTV-L was used for testing of the fire control system (FCS) with different stabilization algorithms tested as well as the hunter-killer sights. The HSTV-L was not chosen for production by the Army or the Marine Corps and was cancelled in 1981. It was later developed into the Rapid Deployment Force Light Tank (RDF/LT).

'''Design'''

'''General'''

The HSTV-L design was based around an incredibly low profile hull and turret with very shallow angles on the frontal portion, in order to deflect projectiles fired at it. The HSTV-L had a crew of 3, with the driver and gunner side by side in the hull front and the commander in the left side of the turret, all of whom sat semi-reclined. All 3 crew members had the ability to fire the gun and both the gunner and driver's position could drive the vehicle. The vehicle had a length of 8.528 m with gun forward and the hull had a length of 5.918 m. The height was only 2.414 m including the equipment on the turret roof, being 1.994 m to the top of the turret and 1.422 m to the top of the hull. The width was 2.794 meters. The vehicle had a combat weight of 14.5 tones or up to 17.0 tones when equipped with an appliqué armor package. During testing the HSTV-L was fitted with additional equipment for data collection and weighed 20.45 tones. The HSTV-L could be airlifted, underslung, by a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter when at the weight of 14.5 tones.

'''Mobility and Power'''

The HSTV-L was propelled by a 650 horsepower (485 kilowatt) Avro-Lycoming gas turbine powerplant and an Allison X-300-4A transmission with four forward and two reverse gears. The transmission had a torque converter. There were five road wheels on each side and the tracks were 450 mm wide. The suspension was built by National Water Lift, being hydropneumatic but not variable; in other words the height could not be adjusted. The ground clearance of the HSTV-L was 0.508 m. The HSTV-L could pivot in place while in neutral gear, and it carried a fuel load of 409 liters giving it a cruising range of 160 km. It could accelerate from 0 to 48 kph in 11.8 seconds and had a maximum speed of 83.68 km/h.

In addition to the main propulsion system there were two 250 ampere generators providing auxiliary power as well as a 60 gpm hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump was used to power an oil cooler fan mounted in the engine compartment as well as the gun control system and automatic loading system.

'''Armament and FCS'''

The main armament of the HSTV-L was an ARES 75 mm XM274 gun mounted in a rotating turret. 26 rounds of ammunition were provided of both depleted-uranium APFSDS-T and multi-fléchette anti-aircraft rounds. The gun was loaded by an automatic loading system which provided the HSTV-L with a high rate of fire.

Secondary armament was provided by a coaxial 7.62 mm M240 machine gun and a second 7.62 mm M240 machine gun pintle-mounted on the commander's cupola. A total of 3,200 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition was split between the two machine guns.

The turret could rotate a full 360 degrees at a speed of 57 degrees per second. The gun could elevate 45 degrees but the depression depended on which direction the turret faced; over the front the gun could depress 17 degrees, 30 degrees over the side, and 6 degrees over the rear of the vehicle. Manual backup was provided for turret traverse and gun elevation but the rate at which they moved was much slower when manual than with power. The main gun was two-plane stabilized, with both the stabilization and gun control systems having been produced by Cadillac Gage.

The hunter/killer fire control system (FCS) was designed and built by Texas Instruments. The commander received a stabilized commander's independent thermal viewer (CITV) which could rotate independently of the turret and included both TV and thermal imaging. The gunner also received a stabilized sight, though this one was slaved to the gun, which included thermal and TV imaging as well, along with an eye safe CO2 laser rangefinder built by Raytheon. This hunter/killer system allowed the commander to locate a target with the hunter sight. Once a target was located the gunner would use his killer sight to fire on the target while the commander began to search for the next target. The fire control system (FCS) used the sights, crosswind sensor, muzzle reference system, vertical reference system, and laser rangefinder to automatically determine the firing solution, leaving the gunner only to fire the gun. The fully stabilized main gun along with advanced FCS allowed the HSTV-L a high first hit probability and high accuracy on the move.

The driver and gunner are given a screen that displays the imaging of the hunter sight which allows them to operate independently of a vehicle commander if necessary. Theoretically, the HSTV-L could be controlled entirely by only one crew member from either the driver or gunner's position since both had driving and gunnery controls.

=== [[wt:en/news/6711-development-hstv-l-view-of-tomorrow-en|Devblog]] ===
By the mid 1970's, the US military initiated a series of studies which looked into the development of new concepts and designs for tanks which combined good firepower and survivability. The latter of which was to be achieved through a smaller size, rather than heavy armor protection.

As at the time, both the US Army and USMC were looking into possible replacements for their M551 Sheridan and M50 Ontos tanks respectively, the two military branches joined forces in a joint research program dubbed "ARMVAL" (Advanced Antiarmor Vehicle Evaluation). The vehicles developed under this program would be used as test beds for various new concepts and ideas in an effort to gain new experiences, which would in turn be used in the development of future tank designs.

One of the later products of this experimental program was the HSTV-L - a compact, lightweight, highly mobile tank design, fitted with an autoloaded 75mm smoothbore cannon, designed to fire kinetic ammunition in short bursts in order to wear down and ultimately defeat composite armor screens. The HSTV-L was built in 1979 and underwent various trials until 1981.

At the start of the 1980's, the 75mm gun was considered inadequate to deal with the most recent Soviet MBTs by the Army, while the USMC questioned the vehicle's effectiveness in amphibious landing operations. This led to the ultimate discontinuation of the collaborative project in 1981.

== Media ==


;Skins

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

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

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|C5cw-_dXhFE|'''The Shooting Range #203''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:30 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|6qzHOvgOWug|'''HSTV-L - Tank History and Review''' - ''Spookston''|PosWOnOGkSo|'''Best experimental vehicles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:00 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


;Light tanks at similar positions in other tech trees:

* [[TAM 2C]]
* [[Object 685]]
* [[VFM5]]
* [[CV 90105 TML]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6711-development-hstv-l-view-of-tomorrow-en|[Devblog] HSTV-L: View of Tomorrow]]
* https://tanknutdave.com/the-american-hstvl-tank/

{{TankManufacturer AAI Corporation}}
{{USA light tanks}}

M13 MGMC

2021-09-07T05:49:10Z

U122007826: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = American SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other half-track vehicles based on the M3
| link = M3 Half-Track (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=us_halftrack_m13
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft (SPAA) vehicle {{Battle-rating}}. It was one of the first American tanks to be released with the American ground tree in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]].

The M13 MGMC is an M3 half-track with a dual-mounted .50 calibre M2 Browning machine guns on the rear. The .50 calibre machine guns are mounted in a Maxson M33 Twin Mount. Each machine gun has 200 rounds each, giving it a total of 400 rounds before reloads. Due to this armament, the M13 is foremost an SPAA that relies on its mobility and fire rate to destroy aircraft, or very thinly-armoured tanks. However, when compared to other tanks of its rank, the M13 is a relatively weak vehicle. The MG-only armament gives the M13 exceptional AAA potential, but not much else.

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


'''Armour type:'''

*Rolled homogeneous armour
*Structural Steel (Gun breech, Suspension)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 6 mm (31°) ''Hood front'' 13 mm (31°) ''Driver port'' || 6 mm || 6 mm || 6 mm ''Engine Compartment''
|-
| Turret || 13 mm || 6 mm || N/A || N/A
|}
Notes:

* Tracks are 7 mm thick.
* Chassis are 10 mm thick, while the caterpillar wheels are 15 mm thick.
* Wheels are 2 mm thick.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=210|rbMinHp=131}}

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}


{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]] (x2) || 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" | 4,800 (200) || rowspan="2" | 577 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+90° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 52.84 || 73.13 || 88.80 || 98.20 || 104.47 || rowspan="2" | 10.40 || rowspan="2" | 9.20 || rowspan="2" | 8.48 || rowspan="2" | 8.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 35.70 || 42.00 || 51.00 || 56.40 || 60.00
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Common:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|M1 incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - These rounds work well until the others are researched.
* '''API:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|M8 armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - These are absolutely devastating in the AA role with slightly less performance against enemy tanks than AP.
* '''AP:''' {{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - These are best against enemy tanks at close range and do good damage to planes.
* '''APIT:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - Better than API in all regards but not as good against tanks as AP, this is the belt of choice in almost all situations. Since every bullet is a tracer, it makes destroying aircraft much easier and detectability is not greatly increased over AP-I, however is increased a bit over AP.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| Common || 31 || 30 || 26 || 22 || 18 || 15
|-
| API || 30 || 29 || 24 || 20 || 16 || 13
|-
| AP || 31 || 30 || 26 || 22 || 18 || 15
|-
| APIT || 30 || 29 || 24 || 20 || 16 || 13
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Belt details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| APIT || API-T || 929 || 0.04 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 56° || 65°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''24''' || 20 ''(+4)'' || 16 ''(+8)'' || 10 ''(+14)'' || 6 ''(+18)'' || 2 ''(+22)'' || No
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


With the M13, the armour is very thin, and the lack of sloping makes the M13 an extremely easy target. Therefore, rely on the exceptional maneuverability, handling, and speed to either stay in cover or flank weaker tanks. Always relocate when faced with an artillery barrage as the shells will tear the thinly-armoured vehicle apart.

Against planes, basic aiming rules apply. Fighters may target you due to the sole designation of SPAA. Hence, always remain on the lookout for enemy aircraft. Strafing aircraft can be extremely deadly; stay in cover and lead your target. The M2s have exceptional AAA ability, take use of their tendency to set opponents alight.

Against tanks, flanking and hit and run are a must. The high rate of fire, good handling/mobility, and turret traverse make the M13 a wonderful hit-and-run tank. Aim for crew hatches and weak points in armour. Many times the high fire rate and penetration can easily knock out a crew of sublime armour. However, against better-armoured tanks such as the T-26 or M3 Lee, always stay out of the line of fire and try to avoid tanks such as these altogether.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great rate of fire
* Exceptional mobility and speed
* M2 MGs are effective against thinly-armoured vehicles (BT-5, Pz. IIC, etc.)
* Maximum reverse speed is 16 km/h (10 MPH)
* Can turn in place, as compared to the [[4M GAZ-AAA]]
* Can penetrate the sides and rear of most contemporary vehicles
* Respectable reload rate for a trained crew
* Traverse rate is acceptable for its peers
* Reload time is acceptable
* AP-T rounds are the same as on the P-51 D models and are extremely effective against planes and thinly armoured vehicles alike

'''Cons:'''

* Armour is extremely thin- coaxial guns attached to other tanks can easily knock out the crew
* Crew exposed - easily taken out by tanks
* Gun does very little damage to heavily armoured vehicles/tanks
* Bullets are small and individually may do little or no damage even if they hit a module
* Vulnerable to all cannon shells
* Artillery strikes can easily destroy this vehicle

== History ==


===Development===
The changing concept of warfare ever since aircraft were introduced into combat led to the role of the anti-aircraft. As such, the US Army submitted a request for the development of a mobile anti-aircraft vehicle to defend themselves against enemy aircraft. Development didn't start until October 1940 to build such a vehicle, with the purpose to protect mechanized troops from airstrikes. The first build up was a 4x4 truck with an anti-aircraft armament of two .50 cal M2 Browning machine guns, this was called the ''T1''. The development went on with ''T1E1'' with a Bendix mount on an M2 half-track car and the ''T1E2'' with the Maxson mount. ''T1E3'' had an electro-dynamic aircraft turret made for bombers from the Glenn L. Martin Company. Of these three, the ''T1E2'' was selected for further development. The turret design on the ''T1E2'' was placed onto the longer M3 half-track for more ammunition storage. This design, known as the ''T1E4'', was accepted into service as the '''M13 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage''' on July 27, 1942. A total of 1,103 units were produced from that day until May 15, 1943, though about 583 units were converted to the [[M16 MGMC|M16 MGMC]] before being delivered. First deliveries came in late 1943.

===Combat usage===
The M13 saw service during the Italian Campaign in the landing at Anzio in January 1944. It served as an anti-aircraft weapon for the initial landings and then later as a ground support role by firing at ground troops and vehicles. The M13 GMC only saw service here, as they were replaced three months later by the newer and better M16 MGMC vehicle, which had four .50 cal machine guns rather than two. Only 139 units of the M13 GMC were deployed overseas by the army.

=== In-game description ===
Work on a mobile anti-aircraft emplacement began in October 1940, as the US Army needed vehicles capable of covering mechanized columns against enemy air units. In 1941 the Diamond T(WMC) M2 half-track, mass produced by the White Motor Company, was selected as the base for the new model. During trials with a number of different weapon types the decision was made to use the double-barreled W.L. Maxson Corporation M33 machine gun turret equipped with two 12.7 mm Browning M2HB machine guns as the main armament. The Maxson turret offered 360° rotation to go along with 90°+ to -11.5° elevation, and was capable of power rotation at 74° per second.

Following trials, the recommendation was made to accept the weapon and launch full-scale production based on the M3 half-track personnel carrier. That decision was based on the fact that the M3 was 250 mm longer, making it an easier fit for the armament and crew.

The first mass-produced vehicles were launched by the White Motor Company in December 1942 as the M13 MGMC (Multiple Gun Motor Carriage). Production of that modification continued through May 1943, with 1,103 units eventually built.

The M13 MGMCs joined the US army's AA battalions. By the time the allies landed in France, 568 of them had been refitted with the later M45 turrets. Some M13 MGMCs fought in Sicily, though none were delivered to other countries.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_halftrack_m13 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|7cPgnOXcpdk|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''}}

== See also ==


;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[M16 MGMC]]
* [[Sd.Kfz.251/21]]
* [[BTR-152A]]
* [[Staghound AA]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/devblog/current/703/|[Devblog] Steel Generals: M13 MGMC]]
* [[wt:en/devblog/current/713/|[Devblog] Developers about M13 MGC]]
* [[wikipedia:M13_Multiple_Gun_Motor_Carriage|[Wikipedia] M13 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage]]
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/US/M3_Halftrack.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Half Track Car M3]

{{TankManufacturer White Motor Company}}
{{USA anti-aircraft vehicles}}
[[Category:Half-tracks]]

P-26A-33

2021-09-07T05:17:26Z

U122007826: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = P-26 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=p-26a_33
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_p-26a_33.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The P-26A-33 Peashooter is a reserve monoplane for the US Faction in War Thunder. The P-26 series are the only reserve monoplanes available to new players other than the [[D.37 (family)|D.37s]] and [[D.500]] aircraft in the French tech tree. The differences between the P-26A and P-26B variants are negligible however, including the B variant receiving a fuel-injected engine.

== 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 2,286 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 367 || 357 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.6 || 19.6 || 9.2 || 9.2 || rowspan="2" | 170
|-
! Upgraded
| 384 || 377 || 17.7 || 18.0 || 16.0 || 12.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| X || X || X || X || 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 || N/A || ~12 || ~8
|-
|}

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

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

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


* No armour
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 under pilot, 1 in each wing)

The P-26 is a typical mid-1930's design, and just like all the contemporaries (other reserve fighters) does not have pilot armour, but instead, is upgraded with self-sealing fuel tanks. Pilot, engine, and fuel are centrally located, but its simple design (no flaps and retractable gear) has less that could be damaged. Although a monoplane its speed is average to other reserve fighters, and do not dare turn fight. One major advantage is the excellent visibility from the cockpit to easily spot threats during simulator battles.

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

On this early tier of aircraft any upgrade is valuable and easy to come by. In general ''"Engine"'' and ''"Compressor"'' are good upgrades, likewise for the ''"Offensive 7 mm belts"'' and ''"New 7 mm MGs"'' unlocks.

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

{{main|Browning (7.62 mm)}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

== Usage in battles ==

Like most US fighters, the P-26A-33 Peashooter is a decent energy fighter even though its high lift creates unstable diving characteristics. Despite being a monoplane, the P-26 is not the fastest reserve fighter. In most regards the P-26A-33 will be outmatched by enemy fighters; for example, the Japanese [[Ki-10 (Family)|Ki-10]]s will not only turn circles around the P-26A-33 but will out-climb it and out-run it too. However, the slow German [[He 51 (Family)|He 51]] makes an easy target for a P-26A. P-26 pilots should instead focus on attacking and harassing enemy bombers.

Unlike the [[P-26A-34 M2]], the P-26A-33 does not have a 12.7 mm (.50 cal) machine gun. Because both fighters are available at the same time and identical in all other regards, this makes the P-26A-34 M2 the clearly superior choice. The P-26A-33 should be reserved for Arcade Battles as a backup.

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Fairly good speed, for a reserve plane
* Stable turning
* Really good at dodging bullets (for a short time)

'''Cons:'''

* Slower than some late biplanes
* No armor
* Poor dive characteristics
* Poor energy retention
* Pilot is exposed to other enemy planes
* Easily detectable because of its color

== History ==

The Boeing P-26 Peashooter was a plane both ahead of its time and quickly made obsolete. First flown in 1932, the P-26 is the oldest plane in the game. It was one of the first all-metal monoplanes adopted into military service in 1933 (in comparison, the [[He 51 A-1|He 51]] and [[Ki-10-I|Ki-10]] entered service in 1935), making it one of the fastest fighters in the world at the time, but it suffered from poor flight performance and dangerous landing characteristics. However, as newer fighters entered service around the world, the P-26s advantages diminished and its disadvantages became vulnerabilities. By the time of World War Two, the P-26 was hopelessly obsolete.

The P-26 saw the most of its combat serving in the Chinese Nationalist Air Force during the Second Sino-Japanese War, against Japanese [[Ki-10-I|Ki-10s]], and notably [[A5M4|A5Ms]] in some of the first all-metal monoplane dogfights. Although it performed admirably in the pursuit role (bomber interception), in air-to-air combat with Japanese fighters, the deficiencies of the model showed.

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

=== In-game description ===
A single-seat, all-metal braced monoplane fighter with an open cockpit and non-retractable landing gear in its fairings. It was designed by the design office of the Boeing Company. The XP-936 (Model 248) prototype made its first flight on 20 March 1932. The aircraft was accepted for service with the USAAC under the designation of P-26А. Full-scale production was started at the Boeing plant in Seattle in December 1933. The first production P-26А (Model 266) got off the ground in January 1934.

The P-26А had a 550 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1340-27 nine-cylinder, air-cooled engine equipped with a Hamilton Standard two-bladed, controllable-pitch metal propeller.

The P-26А's armament consisted of two synchronous 7.62 mm Browning M1 machine guns with 500 rounds each. The machine guns were mounted below the forward fuselage, and they fired through the arc of the spinning propeller. A C-3 gun sight was fitted in front of the cockpit. A G-4 gun camera could be installed over the right wing's centre section.

Under the centre wing sections, an A-3 bomb rack that could carry either two 100 lb (45 kg) high-explosive bombs or five 30 lb (14 kg) fragmentation bombs could be mounted.

Externally, production P-26Аs differed from prototype machines in their wing panels with elliptical tips and short landing gear fairings. Changes were introduced into the wing design, and a radio set was installed. An antenna mast was mounted on the starboard side, in front of the cockpit.

The first P-26А fighters were transferred to the 20th Fighter Group located at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. The P-26 was nicknamed the Peashooter by pilots.

Operational pilots praised the fighter's great flight characteristics, such as its rate of climb and excellent manoeuvrability. Pilot complaints included poor forward visibility during taxiing and takeoff, as well as by landing difficulties. Taxiing out to the start line in the S-curve became a standard Peashooter manoeuvre to reduce the takeoff accident rate.

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[P-26 (Family)]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

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

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

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

PBY-5 Catalina

2021-09-07T05:10:01Z

U122007826: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = American bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = PBY-5 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=pby-5
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The plane is overall good but, when using it in air arcade or custom, it was easy to get shot down even with the AI gunners on the side protecting you. When bombing with it, you will get 16 100 lb (pounds) bombs. The first module unlock is the 100 lb bombs. Beyond that, you can research torpedoes weighing 2216 lbs and are very effective against long boats and ships in general. One torpedo is often enough to sink pretty much anything in the game save AI carriers which require two. Also there are two more unlockable bomb loadouts. In order to get the 1000 lb bomb, you need to get the improved torpedo, and once your done with that you can research it, with the 1000 lb bomb you can destroy 3 tanks at once, possibly even more if it lands in the center of a cluster of enemy tanks. You can also attach 500 lb bombs but they are only limited to four bombs, same with the 1000 lb bombs. The PBY-5 is easy to get shot down or burnt down because it is slow, and most fighter planes could take it down easily, so just stay at high altitude. Overall, it is hard to bomb without getting shot from AAA's or other planes but a fairly decent starter bomber.

== 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 2,135 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
| 260 || 252 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.0 || 29.8 || 2.3 || 2.3 || rowspan="2" | 535
|-
! Upgraded
| 320 || 288 || 27.1 || 28.0 || 9.2 || 4.8
|-
|}

==== 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 || 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 || N/A || ~3 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 220 || < 220 || < 230 || > 312
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 1,886 m || 1,050 hp || 1,491 hp
|-
|}

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


* 9.5 mm steel pilot seats
* 6.35 mm steel behind tail gunner
* 6.35 mm and 4.7 mm steel plates inside the structural pylon
* Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
* 2 self-sealing fuel tanks in the wings

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

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

{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|Mk.13-1 (1,927 lb)|Mk.13-1 Case (1,927 lb)|Type A Mark I mine}}

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

* 16 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,600 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x Type A Mark I mines
* 2 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 torpedoes
* 2 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedoes

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

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

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

* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (478 rpg)
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, nose turret (1,000 rpg)
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

Although technically a medium bomber, the PBY-5's strategies are much like that of heavy bombers in higher tiers such as the B-17. It is best to fly high, as flying low will make you an easy target for fighters and AA. The best tactic for fending off enemy fighters is to use the rudders to direct one of the side gunners towards the attacking plane. It is also smart to use the guns manually in this situation, as the AI is often very inaccurate and will refuse to fire beyond a certain distance. In the worst case scenarios, a dive can be used to greatly increase the plane's speed to get to attack a ground target before a pursuing enemy fighter shoots it down.

The plane is quite unmanageable, and its wings are very weak, being able to snap just by turning just a little too tight at higher speeds in a Realistic Battle. It's also a huge target. Its lack of landing gear means that extra caution should be taken when landing, as it must land on its belly to rearm in a Realistic Battle.

Although the PBY-5 Catalina is slow and clunky, it offers a heavy payload that is sure to be a game changer if used properly. One of the bomber's biggest cons is its lack of landing gear, although it can still belly land onto airstrips. It also has a very good defensive armament for its tier, which can occasionally be a savior against an enemy fighter.

The armament on the PBY-5 Catalina is what makes up for its clunky movement. The plane is capable of carrying a heavy payload of bombs or torpedo's and has defensive gunners on all sides. The two side gunners have .50 caliber machine guns, making it more than capable of destroying enemy aircraft that stay within their range.

=== 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 || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good payload
* Good rear defensive armament with a high coverage angle
* Durable
* Can capture points (in Naval)

'''Cons:'''

* Very bad at climbing
* Slow top speed
* Easily detectable by fighters and can be shot down easily.
* No wheels for landing on hard surfaces (hydroplane only)

== History ==

Produced from the 1930's to the 1940's by Consolidated Aircraft, the PBY-5 was one of the most widely produced (a total of 3,282 were built) and used seaplanes of World War II. During its service lifetime, it was found and operated in every branch of the United States Armed Forces.

Before the start of the war many aviation critics and engineers considered the flying boat obsolete due to its slow speed, its max being 189, but despite this its two big selling points were its amazing range about 2,990 miles (4811.939 kilometres) and durability. Earlier versions of the Catalina were true flying boats and could only land on water. Pilots needing to ground their plane in emergencies could land on water and beach the aircraft. To prevent this unnecessary damage, Consolidated designed and first flew the [[PBY-5a Catalina|PBY-5a]] in 1939 with a retractable landing gear mounted directly between the 2 support beams underneath the wings. With this new ability to land on land it allowed the Catalina to become ERS or Emergency Rescue Squadrons with the role of airlifting stranded bomber crews such as those from a downed [[B-29A-BN|B-29-A-BN]].

After the war, peacetime Catalina's were converted to civilian use whether it be casual flying or emergency duties such as firefighting. It lives on in game the same as it did in battle, being very slow but carrying a great number of armaments which represents its many roles it played in World War II and at its Battle Rating able to take a great number of hits before finally getting shot down.

=== In-game description ===
There were two firms competing for the naval patrol bomber supply contract: Consolidated and Douglas. Although both prototypes met the U. S. Navy demands, on June 29, 1935 the contract was awarded to Consolidated due to lower production costs (the firm projected the cost of one aircraft to be $90,000, while their colleagues from Douglas quoted $110,000).

Manufacturing orders for PBY-2 and PBY-3 were concluded before the delivery of the first production aircraft from the previous series (accordingly, PBY-1 and PBY-2). However, when the order for PBY-4 was signed toward the end of 1937, which consisted of just 33 boat planes (this was the smallest of the PBY series), by the time production began the model was already considered outdated and likely to be the last of the series (when PBY-5 was commissioned, development of the next series of hydroplanes set to replace PBY was already underway).

That's exactly what would have happened if the Germans hadn't attacked Poland on September 1, 1939, thus greatly increasing the demand for patrol aircraft. Great Britain immediately ordered 106 units of PBY-5 (dubbed Catalina I), while the USA ordered 200 units of PBY-5 (which were later officially named Catalina as well). Other countries to place orders for PBY-5 included Australia, Canada, Holland and France.

The main difference between the PBY-5 and its predecessors included a higher-powered Pratt & Whitney R-1830-82 engine (operating at 1200 hp), a redesigned tail unit, and waist gun blisters instead of flat windows.

The PBY was used as a bomber and torpedo carrier, and was often utilized in night operations, as well as on patrol, rescue and transportation missions.

PBY Catalina was the most massive of the hydroplanes. Out of 3300 planes spanning all modifications, more than 100 are operational to this day, redesigned for civil purposes.

== Media ==


;Images

[[File:PBY-5 Catalina Aotea.jpg|thumb|none|This is NZ4020 -a PBY-5 operated by 6 Squadron RNZAF. She was brought on charge at Fiji in October 1943, and given the code XX-W. While on operational duty she was nicknamed "The Wandering Witch" Unfortunately when she visiting New Zealand in May 1945 she stalled on landing and had to be towed to her mooring by crash boat. There were no fatalities but the Witch herself was written off due to damage sustained.|600px]]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|60IVWW1_Flw|'''The Shooting Range #52''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:38 discusses the PBY-5 Catalina.}}

== See also ==


* [[PBY-5a Catalina]]

== External links ==


* https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nmusn/explore/photography/wwii/wwii-atlantic/battle-of-the-atlantic/aviation/pby-5a.html
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consolidated_PBY_Catalina
* https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/consolidated-pby-5-catalina/nasm_A19730277000

{{AirManufacturer Consolidated}}
{{USA bombers}}

TBD-1

2021-09-07T05:02:49Z

U122007826: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=tbd-1_1938
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_tbd-1_1938.jpg
}}

== Description ==

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

The {{PAGENAME}} is the first usable bomber in the U.S. aircraft line-up. While the OS2Us and SB2Us are capable of bombing, they cannot carry a torpedo or up to 1,600 lbs (725 kg) of bombs. The Devastator is adept at bombing either naval or land-based targets. On maps with naval ships, torpedoes require the little naval bomber to release from a very low altitude, a maximum of 340 ft (104 m) or 820 ft (250 m) depending on the torpedo used. For the pilots who prefer using bombs, they can be just as easily dropped on ships as on land-based vehicles. The aircraft needs to fly quite low to the ground to ensure greater accuracy.

The lone offensive machine gun does not offer much, but can be effectively used to pick off damaged ground targets or even damage a critical module on an enemy fighter. The lone rear-facing dorsal machine gun is not a miracle worker, though it does a good job of making it difficult for enemy fighters to sit on the {{PAGENAME}}'s tail. The aircraft is quite manoeuvrable and can quickly whip around to attempt a second bombing run on a target if there are any bombs left over. Though state-of-the-art when developed, this bomber was quickly outdated, but that did not stop it being kept in service at the beginning of World War II. While in War Thunder this bomber might seem to be an easy target for new pilots, those with some practice under their belt can utilise this as a very effective early bomber, racking up destroyed ground vehicles and anti-aircraft artillery targets. You can also use the fact that you look like a fighter to blend in.

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


The TBD-1 Devastator is a very slow but useful aircraft. It has a max speed of 327 km/h in Arcade Battles and 312 km/h in Realistic battles. The TBD-1 devastator has a pretty decent turn time for a bomber, making it viable for the most extreme of the pilots to use it as a basic dogfighter. Its slow speed makes the aircraft vulnerable to enemy fighter attacks, so be sure to bring a fighter escort!

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 2,500 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
| 298 || 287 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.8 || 20.5 || 4.3 || 4.3 || rowspan="2" | 150
|-
! Upgraded
| 327 || 312 || 18.3 || 19.0 || 8.3 || 6.1
|-
|}

==== Details ====
[[File:TBD-1 an trn 26 003.png|400px|thumb|right|Torpedo runs are a specialty of the {{PAGENAME}}.]]
[[File:TBD-1 an trn 26 001.png|400px|thumb|right|A {{PAGENAME}} setting up for a torpedo run against Japanese warships in the Pacific.]]
{| 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}} || 212 || 212 || 212 || ~8 || ~2
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 465 || < 400 || < 380 || > 323
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 2,620 m || 900 hp || 963 hp
|-
|}

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


* 12.7 mm steel - behind the engine
* 12.7 mm steel - behind pilot's head
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in each wing)

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

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

[[File:TBD-1 an trn 26 004.png|400px|thumb|right|A {{PAGENAME}} blitzing ground artillery with a mix of 100 and 500 lb bombs.]]
{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}

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

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

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

{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|Mk.13-1 (1,927 lb)|Mk.13-1 Case (1,927 lb)}}

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

* 12 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,200 lb total)
* 1 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 torpedo
* 1 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedo
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 6 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,600 lb total)

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

{{main|Browning (7.62 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, dorsal turret (600 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:TBD-1 an trn 26 002.png|400px|thumb|right|A {{PAGENAME}} scoring a direct torpedo hit on a Japanese ship.]]

The first thing a pilot will notice about the TBD in gameplay is its "rubber-banding" tendency to return to a stable speed of about 250 km/h. The aircraft has mediocre energy retention, especially in a turn or when coming out of a dive. However, it is a stable and easy plane to fly, even in Realistic Battles. Strangely enough, the TBD has awesome acceleration from a standing start. The acceleration peters off after about 140 km/h (just above its stall speed) but makes it a nice plane to take-off, especially from carriers. The armament on this plane is very bad and will get shot down if engaged with a fighter. The TBD is a very attractive target for fighters so climb to an altitude of 5000 meters. When dropping bombs, decrease your throttle to 50% as the bombs are more accurate when flying slow.

This aircraft is best used in a ground strike role, carpet bombing ground targets with a large quantity of smaller bombs available out of the box, and in this role, it performs respectably. It features a single 12.7 mm MG attached to the starboard side of the engine, with a generous ammo load, but although the TBD has a good turning radius it is not recommended to engage as a fighter. A rear gunner also wields a 7.62 mm MG with a good coverage angle but no coverage under the tail. The 7.62 mm MG is a welcome addition to keep enemies off the TBD's tail but its rate of fire and damage potential are quite mediocre. Aim precisely if you want to hit and spare your ammo.

It is important to note that the TBD suffers from extremely fragile flaps and gear, at least in Realistic and Simulator Battles; even combat flaps will break off at any speed above about 210 km/h, while the gear rips at about 180.

=== 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 || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Easily capable of flying back to base with one wing
* Has a bomb sight
* Has an arrestor hook for carrier landing
* Very stable and easy to fly
* Very maneuverable for a bomber: very good turn and roll rate
* Carries a decent quantity of bombs without requiring any research
* Great standing acceleration
* Cockpit offers decent visibility
* Excellent low-speed handling and low stall speed, great aircraft for pilots to learn how to use torpedoes
* Disguised as a fighter

'''Cons:'''

* Prone to wing snapping when pulling 3 Gs flying at mid to high speeds
* Poor overall armament with limited defensive coverage, with a single 12.7 mm in front and a 7.62 mm in the rear
* Low sustainable "cruise" speed (200-250 km/h)
* Very bad energy retention
* Bombs are mounted on external pylons
* A dive bomber without any air brakes
* No gun sight in cockpit other than a scope with an extremely limited (and very shaky) field of view
* Does not come with its Navy Blue camouflage unlike other US Navy planes
* Fragile flaps and landing gear
* Gunner has no armor protection
* Easily detectable by fighters because of it's yellow wings and red tail
* Slow bomber
* A dive bomber that can easily rip of it's wings

== History ==


The active-duty life of the {{PAGENAME}} Devastator was a relatively short one in which it went from being the Navy's most advanced aircraft in service to being outdated only three years later and then removed from active service within five years. Though seeing limited action during WWII and recorded performance as abysmal later was vindicated when documentation recorded that the U.S. Mk. 13 torpedo, one of the main suspended armaments of this aircraft was to share much of this blame as their failure rate (sinking, not-exploding, running cold, not running true, porposing) was extremely high.

The Devastator had a strong start as a winner of a U.S. Navy competition for a new carrier-based bomber. This aircraft included many firsts for the Navy as the {{PAGENAME}} was a monoplane manufactured from all metal (no fabric covering for any surfaces), and hydraulically folding wings to allowing stowage of more aircraft on the carrier. The Devastator had a crew of three, the pilot would fly the aircraft and operate the single forward-facing machine gun while the bombardier who sat in the centre of the cockpit would lay prone on the bottom of the aircraft and would aim the Norden bombsight located under the pilot's seat through a window in the belly of the aircraft. The third crew member was the radio operator/rear gunner who also operated a single machine gun in the dorsal turret to fend off any attacking enemy aircraft.

A total of 129 {{PAGENAME}} units were purchased and delivered to the U.S. Navy and were farmed out to several aircraft carriers such as the notable Enterprise, Lexington, Wasp and Hornet. Unfortunately, the Navy realized by 1940 that the Devastator was not the frontline bomber it needed and its replacement the Grumman TBF Avenger was not yet at a stage where it could be operational. Though outclassed by many Japanese fighters, the {{PAGENAME}} was still pressed into active service, however, as an example, 41 were deployed during the Battle of Midway with only four returning to the carriers. Though other factors contributed such as miscommunication and uncoordinated sorties, the Devastators flew without fighter cover and were easily picked off when lining up for torpedo runs often flying in a straight line at around 115 mp/h (185 km/h). Ship batteries also had an easy time bearing down on these slow and predictable torpedo runs. Though, the attacks were not a complete waste, as the Devastator attacks tied up the Imperial Japanese Navy and their protective fighters which allowed the late-arriving SBD dauntless dive bombers to inflict massive damage on the IJN carriers with very little resistance allowing them to carry out more effective attacks.

The Battle of Midway showed the technological age of the Devastator and the Navy elected to withdraw the remaining {{PAGENAME}}s from active service and relegate them to training duty for both pilots and mechanics, while others were used by firefighters to practice extinguishing aircraft fires. All surviving Devastators are unsalvageable wrecks (the U.S. Navy will not relinquish ownership and thus cannot be salvaged) with one sitting in the Atlantic Ocean off of Miami, Florida USA, another in the Pacific Ocean just off of the coast of Mission Beach, California USA, two more in Jaluit Lagoon in the Marshall Islands and seven resting near the USS Lexington on the ocean floor of the Coral Sea.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=bomber&vehicle=tbd-1_1938 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|ILLYaoHozag|'''Don't Overlook THIS Plane! TBD-1 - USA - Review!''' - ''Jengar''}}

== 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/272424-douglas-tbd-1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Douglas}}
{{USA bombers}}