War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Desert Warrior

2024-06-23T12:06:09Z

U126556775: Updated the description

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

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (or simply {{Specs|pseudonym}}) was developed in the 1990s by GKN Defence for export markets, particularly those in arid regions. Based on the proven FV510 Warrior chassis, it features a new Delco two-man turret armed with a 25mm M242 Bushmaster chain gun and two BGM-71 TOW missiles mounted on the turret sides. Primarily designed for infantry transport and support, the vehicle has the capacity to carry seven fully equipped troops in addition to its crew. Kuwait became the primary operator of the Desert Warrior, integrating 254 of the type into their armored forces. The Desert Warrior has been in service with the Kuwaiti Army since its introduction in 1995, continuously receiving upgrades such as new fire control and thermal sight systems.

The {{Specs|pseudonym}} was introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]]. It is a pleasant upgrade to the older [[Warrior|FV510 Warrior]], finding much needed upgrades in terms of its firepower. The newly equipped M242 Bushmaster 25mm chain gun proves highly effective against light-armored targets and is capable of engaging heavier vehicles from the side. To engage tougher opponents, the Desert Warrior is equipped with two deadly TOW missile launchers. The vehicle offers three types of missiles: the basic TOW-2 for standard anti-armor use, the TOW-2A with a tandem warhead effective against reactive armor and heavily armored targets, and the TOW-2B with a top-attack profile for hitting enemies in defilade or behind cover. Overall, the upgrades bring it close to the performance of its American counterpart, the [[M3A3 Bradley]].
== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}

''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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

''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=852|rbMinHp=486|AoAweight=}}

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

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

{{main|M242 (25 mm)}}

''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[M242 (25 mm)|25 mm M242]] || 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" | 480 (120) || rowspan="2" | 200 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+60° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | 10.4 || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 23.8 || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''M791:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''PMB 090:''' {{Annotation|APFSDS|Armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot}}

{{:M242 (25 mm)/Ammunition|HEI-T*, APDS, APFSDS}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''4''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|BGM-71 TOW}}

''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[BGM-71 TOW]] missile || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
| 10 (2) || -3°/+20° || - || - || 13.0 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:BGM-71 TOW/Ammunition|TOW-2, TOW-2B, TOW-2A}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''5''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|M240 (7.62 mm)}}

''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''

{| 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
| 1400 (___) || ___ || __° || __°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

=== [[wt:en/news/8929-development-desert-warrior-horseman-of-the-apocalypse-en|Devblog]] ===
Following the Warrior’s introduction into the British Army, GKN Defence, the designers of the Warrior, were looking to export their vehicle to other countries. To attract potential customers, they opted to modify the Warrior to increase its outreach and interest, naming it the Desert Warrior. This new vehicle featured better internal cooling for the hotter desert climates, optimized areas for the desert sand, as well as a Delco turret featuring a stabilized 25 mm Bushmaster and TOW ATGMs on each side of the turret. In 1992 Kuwait gained interest in this new vehicle and put it up for trials against other similar vehicles. Following trials, Kuwait purchased around 250 Desert Warriors in 1993, where they have been serving in the Kuwait Army since 1995 until present day.

== Media ==

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

== 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/8929-development-desert-warrior-horseman-of-the-apocalypse-en|Desert Warrior: Horseman of the Apocalypse [Devblog]]]

{{Britain light tanks}}
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

Churchill I

2024-06-22T21:53:35Z

U126556775: Updated the description

{{About
| about = British heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other variants
| link = Churchill (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_a_22_mk_1_churchill_1941
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (or just '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') was introduced to British service in 1941 as an infantry tank to assist ground forces in World War II. The Churchill I emphasized strong armor and firepower for breakthrough missions. It had thick armor and was equipped with a dependable 2-pounder cannon and a 3-inch howitzer, allowing it to effectively engage enemy armoured vehicles and fortifications. However, its slow speed and mechanical reliability problems restricted its overall performance in combat. It served in various theaters, including Operation Torch and Operation Overlord, and served with the British Army until 1952. The tank was named in honor of John Churchill, a British general and royal.

The Churchill Mk I is one of the more capable heavy tanks at rank II. The tank has excellent frontal armour that can absorb and bounce shots. Tanks such as the [[Panzer III]], [[T-34 (1941)|T-34]], [[M4|M4 Sherman]], and even the dreaded [[Pz.IV F2|Panzer IV F2]] can be blocked if angled. Very few tanks can deal with the Churchill Mk I effectively from the front, such as the [[M10 GMC]] or [[Achilles]]. Its 2-pounder gun, however, is sub-par in dealing damage for its battle rating. It is of small calibre and has low penetration and damage. Use its very fast reload to make follow-up shots to finish off enemies. Its secondary howitzer is able to fire HE shells, however, due to their inefficiency, it is recommended to use smoke rounds to cover your team's advance or to smoke out enemy positions. The Churchill Mk I, despite being a heavy tank, is quite fast and can turn just as swiftly via neutral steering. However, a driver must be skilled to utilise this to the tank's advantage, as turning while in forward motion is slower than the neutral steer, which the enemy can take advantage of when flanking. The Churchill's engine is also easily damaged due to its large appearance.

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

The main attribute of the Churchill I is obviously its armour. the 89 to 178 mm of the front hull together with the 63.5 mm of side armour means that this tank performs very well when angled. However overangling can reveal the thinly armoured engine in the back. The very big tracks also aid in protection as they can soak up a lot of shells. However, this leaves you vulnerable to being detracked. Do not let the enemy get to your rear as all tanks at the Churchill I's BR can penetrate it.

The turret of the Churchill I is very well armoured overall, it has 89 mm all around except 114 mm on the front. On the front, there is also a 50 mm thick mantlet plate below the main plate that when combined offers superb frontal protection. The turret front has a couple of small weak spots in the front where the turret MG and sight are placed: the armour is only 50 mm thick and can be penetrated by any opposing tank. Always keep the turret in motion when at close range.

The roof armour of the turret and hull are both very thin and can be easily strafed by aircraft with a calibre of 20 mm or larger. Little can be done, but sticking close to an SPAA vehicle or keeping under trees can help mitigate these risks.

The 5 crew members of the Churchill allow for decent survivability, however, due to the packed crew in the turret, an APHE shell will knock the crew entirely if it goes through. If this happens you'll have to wait for the hull-gunner (presuming they're still alive) to take up the gunner's position.

The abundance of smoke munitions on the vehicle (roof-mounted smoke grenades as well as howitzer-fired smoke rounds) allows for increased survivability in most situations.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret)
* Cast homogeneous armour (Driver viewport, Machine gun area, Gun mantlet)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 89 mm ''Front plate'' 89 + 89 mm ''Front plate (MG Port)'' 38 mm (63°) ''Front glacis'' 76.2 mm (19°) ''Lower glacis'' || 63.5 mm ''Overall side armour'' 76.2 mm ''Side hatch'' 38.1 mm ''Side edge'' || 50.8 mm 25.4 mm (68°) ''Bottom'' || 15.87 mm
|-
| Turret || 89 mm ''Turret front'' 89 mm (0-30°) ''Gun mantlet'' 18 mm (76°) ''Roof area'' || 76.2 mm || 76.2 mm || 18 mm
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 19 mm thick.
* A 8 mm Structural steel plate separates the engine and crew compartment.
* 50 mm internal mantlet that can be either a weak spot or an extra layer of armour
* The 8 mm engine vents on the side of the tank lead directly to the engine and fuel tanks

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


As a heavy infantry support tank. the Churchill I is slow and will not be the first to reach the frontline. It has a top speed of 28 km/h (30 km/h in AB) and will reach that top speed fairly quickly due to a good engine and transmission. The Churchill I has a very poor reverse speed (-3 km/h), so it should not be relied on for peaking a hill or corner. The Churchill I can neutral steer allowing for good positioning, however the neutral steering is very slow. Short brakes can be used to pivot the tank much faster (keybinds can be defined in-game in the Controls menu: Controls > Ground vehicles > Short brakes).

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=452|rbMinHp=310}}

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

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

{{main|QF 2-pounder (40 mm)}}

The 40 mm QF 2-pounder has poor penetration even with its best round at its BR (89 mm point blank). You will still be able to penetrate most light or medium vehicles frontally at close range, but at ranges greater than 500 m the cannon becomes mostly ineffective due to both its lack of penetration and its inaccuracy. From the side, the round will usually go through, even at medium ranges. The 2-pounder's best attribute is its reload speed. Because of this you will in most cases be able to fire 2 rounds in the same times as the enemy can fire only one. It is advised to use the 2-pounder's reload speed to methodically take out key components within the enemy vehicle. This will also be necessary as the only round with explosive filler is the 76mm, and the HE round has terrible penetration. The 2-pounder is equipped with a shoulder stabilizer allowing for stable fire at slow speeds.

The gun has excellent elevation and depression angles as well as a turret with decent traverse speeds, however in a lot of situations the hull may be in the way of the gun, keep this in mind when engaging on uneven or hilly terrain.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[QF 2-pounder (40 mm)|40 mm QF 2-pounder]] || 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" | 150 || rowspan="2" | -15°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Shoulder|up to 10 km/h}} || 19.42 || 26.88 || 32.64 || 36.10 || 38.40 || rowspan="2" | 3.64 || rowspan="2" | 3.22 || rowspan="2" | 2.97 || rowspan="2" | 2.80
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.40 || 22.56 || 24.00
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:QF 2-pounder (40 mm)/Ammunition|Shot Mk.1 AP/T, Shot Mk.IXB APCBC/T, Shot Mk.1 APHV/T, Shell Mk.1 AP/T}}

==== [[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
! 6th rack empty
! 7th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''150''' || 110 ''(+40)'' || 80 ''(+70)'' || 58 ''(+92)'' || 36 ''(+114)'' || 26 ''(+124)'' || 16 ''(+134)'' || 1 ''(+149)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* Racks disappear after you've fired all shells in the rack.
* Centre & turret empty: 58 ''(+92)'' shells.

==== Optics ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
|-
! Which ones
! Default magnification
! Maximum magnification
|-
! Main Gun optics
| x1.85 || x3.5
|-
! Comparable optics
| colspan="2" | [[T-34 (1940)]]
|-
|}

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|OQF 3-inch Howitzer Mk I (76 mm)}}

The hull-mounted 76 mm OQF 3-inch Howitzer Mk I has only 2 types of rounds available to it: HE and smoke. This is due to the fact that it was intended to be used against infantry. In the game, the HE round can be used to overpressure the roof or floor of lightly armoured vehicles and can obliterate open-topped vehicles by hitting them almost anywhere. The smoke round is self-explanatory, and can be used to fire smoke at a greater distances compared to smoke dischargers. The smoke rounds can be used to "smoke out" enemy positions by firing on them with the 76 mm howitzer to force them to move from a good position, or to cover advancing allies from enemy fire.

This weapon also receives aim assist in AB, but to see it the player must select the howitzer as a "primary weapon" which makes regular main weapon inoperable. To return back to the turret cannon it is adviced to use "reset" weapon selection rather than choosing it again, as otherwise it will be impossible to use both weapons at once anymore, which is inconvenient. Due to the extremely low muzzle velocity of the shell the howitzer can fire over tall builings and hills, which allows AB Churchill I to fire almost anywhere. Enemy open topped vehicles must react to the shell coming from the sky (if they even can see it coming) to dodge or they will not survive.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[OQF 3-inch Howitzer Mk I (76 mm)|76 mm OQF 3-inch Howitzer Mk I]] || 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" | 58 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+9° || rowspan="2" | ±15° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 12.0 || 17.0 || 20.0 || 23.0 || 24.0 || rowspan="2" | 8.1 || rowspan="2" | 7.2 || rowspan="2" | 6.7 || rowspan="2" | 6.3
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 8.9 || 10.0 || 13.0 || 14.0 || 15.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:OQF 3-inch Howitzer Mk I (76 mm)/Ammunition|3-inch Mark II, 3-inch Smoke}}

==== [[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
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''58''' || 45 ''(+13)'' || 31 ''(+27)'' || 16 ''(+42)'' || 1 ''(+57)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* Racks disappear after you've fired all shells in the rack.
* Minimal load: 16 ''(+42)'' shells.

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

{{main|BESA (7.92 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[BESA (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm BESA]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 4,950 (225) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

This tank can use a playstyle similar to the Matilda or a weaker Churchill III. It is best played up close, to make use of the armour and also gun. Since the tank is rather boxy, it is very good at angling. Unlike the Churchill III, its gun isn't capable of taking on most other tanks of its rank. Its main role in the battlefield is to soak up and take shots, with its thick armour, that can withstand most tanks of its rank. In RB mode you will most likely have the Americans on your team, with the M10s and Shermans providing support for you. Main enemies for this tank would be the M10, the Achilles, and most Panzer IVs and StuGs.

The Churchill has heavy armour, especially when it is angled, but this certainly does not mean that it is invincible. In fact, there are a lot of guns around BR 3.0 that can destroy the Churchill, even at long range.

'''Germans'''

* Almost every RB/SB battle the British will be facing them. By far the most lethal tanks are the Panzer IVs with the long barrel 75 mm. They can penetrate the Churchill Mk I frontally at long range. Later versions of the Panzer IV also have armour which the Churchill's 40 mm will really struggle to penetrate at long range, putting the Churchill at a big disadvantage. The same applies to any vehicle armed with the long barrel 75 mm gun, including the [[StuG III F]]/[[StuG III G|G]] and [[Marder III H]].
* The [[8,8 cm Flak 37 Sfl.]] "Flak Truck" is a massive threat. The 88 mm gun will easily penetrate an unangled Churchill, and the explosive mass will knock out all your crew. Your 40 mm is subpar against the Flak Truck as it will have to take each crew member out individually due to the lack of post-penetration damage of the 2-pounder. Luckily, the Churchill Mk I has access to the 76 mm howitzer, which provides well needed explosive firepower. Aim for the ammo box at the back to quickly dispatch the Flak Truck.
* Watch out for tanks armed with HEAT (such as Panzer III/IVs with the short-barreled 75 mm), as it has up to 100 mm penetration. The [[StuH 42 G]] is also dangerous, with a powerful HE round and a high penetration HEAT round. Luckily, these tanks will have to close in to shorter ranges to effectively attack the Churchill Mk I, as their guns have poor ballistics. This means that Churchill's 40 mm gun will be more effective. Also, watch out for the [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]] or [[Sd.Kfz.234/4]]. These are vehicles based on the Puma armoured car. The 234/2 has a 50 mm and the 234/4 has a 75 mm gun. Both are excellent flanking vehicles, extremely fast and potent. They will easily outflank the slow Churchill, and destroy you from your less-armoured sides.

'''Soviets'''

* At medium to long range, the [[ZiS-30]] proves to be a real threat. it has a high penetration gun and is great at ambushing. Luckily, it has light armour and can be destroyed easily with the 76 mm howitzer or even with machine guns.
* Soviet armour is a bigger threat. Tanks like the [[T-34 (Family)|T-34]] are highly resistant to the 2-pdr gun due to their steep sloping armour. The L-11 gun on the [[T-34 (1940)]] will struggle to penetrate the Churchill, but the F-34 gun found on post-1940 versions is much more effective. Below 500 m, the F-34 guns can destroy the Churchill with its potent BR-350B APHEBC rounds or APCR rounds (though they do less damage). An even bigger threat is the [[KV-1 (Family)|KV-1]] type tanks. A Churchill vs a [[KV-1 (L-11)]] can end in a stalemate situation, as both tanks will struggle to penetrate the other frontally. However, later KV-1 models have the ZiS-5 gun, which is pretty much identical to the F-34 gun found on the T-34. There is also the German premium KV-1B which has upgraded armour but a weaker gun, which is a dangerous opponent and quite common despite being a premium vehicle.
* When fighting the T-34s aim for their turret weak spots or at the sides. On the T-34 (1940) and [[T-34 (1941)|(1941)]], aim for the flat spot on their sloped turret cheeks, or shoot below at the shot trap. This will either disable their turret crew or destroy them. When fighting the KV-1 frontally, you cannot do much damage against it unless you manage to get a lucky shot through their turret cheeks. Otherwise, let your teamates distract it, or use smokes, and flank so that you can shoot its less angled 75 mm sides.

'''Japanese'''

* Be careful of the [[Ho-Ro]] with its massive howitzer, or the [[Chi-Nu]] with its powerful 75 mm gun. However, they don't have much armour and you will be able to destroy both relatively easily.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent armour
** Almost immune to small calibre guns
** Well armoured sides and a strong mantlet, incredibly hard to dislodge or destroy when properly angled
** Large suspension sides have side hits more likely to break tracks than penetrate the hull
** Works well as the spearhead of an assault when capturing a point, absorbing damage
* Extremely fast-firing 40 mm gun, it will pretty much always get another shot off before the enemy does, making it easy to disable enemy tanks
* This Churchill can fire APHE shells with some post-penetration damage to finish off crippled tanks
* The Churchill's size, movement speed and shoulder stabilizer eliminates shake or recoil from the gun, making it easy to fire in any situation
* 76 mm howitzer can be used to obliterate open topped tanks or smoke out enemy positions at long ranges or even to cover allied retreats
* Although it is slow, it can move out of the way due to the good acceleration and ability to pivot steer

'''Cons:'''

* 40 mm gun is ineffective against anything with sloped or heavy armour
** Has difficulty engaging other heavy tanks
* Shell Mk.1 AP/T with explosive mass has a low penetration of 66 mm at best
* Up-gunned Panzer IVs ([[Pz.IV F2]], [[Pz.IV G]], etc.) will penetrate flat face with ease
* Rather poor mobility when compared to other heavy tanks from other nations
** Will take a lot of time just to reach the combat zone from spawn points
** Will lose a lot of speed when making a sharp turn in motion
** Terrible reverse speed
* Has a frontal 50 mm thick weak spot (machine gun port)
* Roof armour is very thin, attacks with stronger than usual HE can easily destroy this tank
** Priority target for planes due to the size and bad speed, can be removed with a single rocket from a good pilot
* Giant exposed tracks leave the tank incredibly vulnerable to being completely immobilized

== History ==

===Development===
The General Staff specification ''A20'' was implemented before World War II and was meant to replace the [[Matilda Mk II|Matilda II]] and [[Valentine Mk XI|Valentine]] infantry tanks. The specification was based around the British infantry tank doctrine and with the expectation that the coming war would be based off the World War I trench warfare, thus the tank was needed to travel across unfavourable terrain and able to destroy enemy defenses and infantry obstacles. As speed and heavy firepower was not taken with priority, the vehicle was to have two 2-pounder gun on side sponson mounts with a coaxial machine gun, with another machine gun and smoke dischargers on the front hull, armour was about 60 mm on the turret. Four prototypes were made by June 1940 by Harland and Wolff. The front hull would see an upgrade in armament with a 3-inch howitzer during the prototype stages, the 43 ton tank had a 300 hp Meadows engine from the Covenanter tank and was made the tank underpowered. The A20 project was cancelled with the Battle of France, which saw the emergency evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk that left a majority of their heavy equipment behind.

The Battle of France proved that the coming World War II was not going to be a stagnant battlefield like the trench warfare from World War I. The entire concept had to be redesigned and was done so by Henry Merrit, the director of Tank Design at Woolwich Arsenal. His new concept, the '''A22''' or '''Infantry Tank Mark IV Churchill''', was given to Vauxhall Motors in June 1940. War Office requested that the A22 be ready to enter production within the year due to growing pressure of a German invasion of Britain. The designs were ready in July 1940 and the first prototypes were made by December of the same year, production soon followed in June 1941. The rushed development was acknowledged in the company to being the cause of many faults and defects in the tank, but the demand by the government was so great that it must be carried out, with the expectation that the issues will be fixed during production. The Churchill tank suffered from an under-powered engine, weak armament, and mechanical issues. The weak armament from a 2-pounder was fixed with the arming of a 6-pounder on the Churchill, but the other issues caused poor performance of the Churchill in the battlefield. In fact, the Churchill production was almost cancelled in favour of the [[Cromwell (Family)|Cromwell]] due to its issues, but its usage in the Second Battle of El Alamein proved its value and kept it in service.

The Churchill would carry on the rest of the war as one of the most versatile tank design in British service, serving in many specialist roles other than its tank role. Altogether, a total of 7,568 Churchill units produced from 1941 to 1945, with 5,968 as tanks.

===Variants===
The Churchill, used in a multitude of roles, is made into many different variants. 12 different kinds of tank variants were produced for combat roles, with 11 more variants in specialized roles ranging from armoured personnel carrier, a bridge-layer, mine clearer, a [[Gun Carrier (3-in)]], flamethrower tank, and an armoured recovery vehicle.

===Combat usage===
The Churchill tank was first used in the Dieppe Raid in August 1942. While it was really a test on how an opposed landing would work, the 60 Churchill tanks to support the Canadian units suffered from mechanical issues, and those that did work are not able to penetrate past the sea wall due to impassable defenses. None of the Churchill tanks that landed returned from the beaches and with a 70% casualty rate, the raid's attempt to establish a beachhead was a failure.

The next use of the Churchill was in North Africa during the Second Battle of El Alamein. At this point, the Churchills have been upgraded to the '''Mk.III''' variants with 6-pounders as their main armament. The detachment, code named "King Force", help supported the 7th Motor Brigade in their attack. The Churchills were fired upon by many German anti-tank weapons, but none were taken out with only one receiving note worthy damage. "King Force", as a test bed for the feasibility of Churchills operating in the desert environment, was disbanded with the establishment of the 25th Army Tank Brigade with the Churchills to see action in February 1943 in Tunisia. In the German offensive Operation Ochsenkpf, two Churchill Mk.III from the 51st Royal Tank Regiment came across an entire German transport column that they ambushed. The end result was a loss of twelve artillery pieces, 25 wheeled vehicles, two [[Panzer III]]s and 200 casualties on the German side with no losses for the British. The Churchill also played a key role in the Battle of Longstop Hill, where Churchill tanks in the 48th Royal Tank Regiment faced off with Germany's newest heavy tank [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]]. Though suffering losses, a lucky 6-pounder shot from the Churchill ended up jamming the Tiger's turret and turret ring that injured the crew, forcing them to abandon the tank. The Tiger tank was captured by the British for intelligence purpose on Germany's armoured forces. The Tiger Tank is named Tiger 131.

After the North African campaign, the Churchill began to see widespread usage in the British army as a support unit for the infantry. The Churchill saw much more operation hours than any other British tank in service. It was at this point that the Churchill Mk.III began a conversion into the 75 mm guns that were used on the American [[M4|M4 Sherman]] tanks. These conversions, known as NA75, proved to be more efficient than the Shermans and were used more effectively. Some Churchills were also converted into close support vehicles with 95 mm howitzers as their main armaments. In response to the growing German anti-tank firepower in the later years of World War II, the Churchill tanks were also upgraded in armour by a large degree, though their engines were also upgraded to compensate for the additional weight. The [[Churchill VII]], for example, has armour ranging up to 152 mm thick in the front, in comparison to the Mk.III 89 mm thick front hull. The Churchills also saw service in Europe during Operation Overlord. At the time, it was considered that the Churchill would become severely outdated with the growing tank technology, so an experimental program under specification A43, otherwise known as the [[Black Prince]], to uparmour and upgun the Churchill. While this experimented seem fruitful, the development of more agile tanks with the same level of protection and armament such as the [[Centurion Mk 3|Centurion]] rendered the project obsolete.

The Churchills were also given out to the Allies to help combat the Axis forces. The Australian Army received a handful of Churchills for testing alongside the M4 Sherman with the Matilda II as the basis, to which proved that the Churchill was superior in jungle warfare. Of the 510 Churchills ordered by the Australians in the war, only 46 arrived in time and were not used in the Pacific War, the rest were cancelled with the end of World War II. The USSR also used the Churchills given by the British as part of the Lend-Lease act. 301 Churchills were sent, but 43 were lost to the sea by German naval forces. Of those that arrived, the Soviets gave the Churchills to the 5th Guards Tank Army in the Battle of Prokhorovka during the Kursk Offensive.

After World War II, the Churchill stuck around in the British Army until the Korean War, where the British sent the Churchill Crocodile Squadron (C squadron of the 7th Royal Tank Regiment) to Korea to fight with the Allied coalition. They fought as gun tanks in battle such as the Third Battle of Seoul. The Churchills were instrumental in some victories and were widely praised by both British and American forces and historians. After the Korean war, the Churchills remains in combat service until 1952, with the specialized bridge-layer variant staying until the 1970s. The Irish Army also received three Churchill tanks in 1948 and another in 1949 as rentals until 1954, where they were purchased after trials with the vehicles. Despite running out of spare parts for the Churchill, the Irish Army took them in and experimented with using different engines to keep them functional, though this ended with a failure and by 1967, only one was still functional. All were retired in 1969 and one was preserved at the Curragh Camp.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_a_22_mk_1_churchill_1941 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|gR3JPNt0iPw|'''Heavyweight Brits''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:32 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|zGxTG16T4Bs|'''Churchill Mk I- Out of place''' - ''Oxy''}}

== See also ==


* [[Matilda (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/4793-vehicle-profile-a22-churchill-mk-i-first-of-its-breed-en|[Vehicle Profile] A22 Churchill Mk I - "First of Its Breed"]]

{{TankManufacturer Vauxhall}}
{{Britain heavy tanks}}

MiG-21bis-SAU (Italy)

2024-05-19T18:18:52Z

U126556775: Flight performance

{{About
| about = fighter aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = MiG-21 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mig-21_bis_sau_hungary
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

In 1977, the Hungarian People's Republic Air Force started receiving the [[MiG-21bis]] to supplement their fighter-interceptor fleet alongside their recently acquired [[MiG-21MF (Italy)|MiG-21MF]] fleet. Hungary would receive exactly 63 of the type, with 39 of them being the "Fishbed-L" variant, equipped with the Lazur-M GCI (Ground Controlled Intercept) guidance system. The other 24 would be the "Fishbed-N" variant, equipped with the Polyot-OI landing system instead. To differentiate the two variants, the aircraft received unique names in export service, with the Polyot equipped variant being called '''MiG-21bis-SAU''' (''Sistema Avtomaticheskovo Upravleniya''). The only way to visually tell apart the two aircraft is by a single antenna under the forward fuselage, which is missing on one of the variants due to its different guidance system, or by the countermeasure system; the Lazur equipped MiG-21bis had the wiring required for build-in ASO-2 countermeasure dispensers in the rear of the fuselage, while the Polyot equipped versions did not have this wiring and required an external SPS-141 countermeasures pod.

Introduced in [[Update "Alpha Strike"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Hungarian aircraft found in the Italian tech tree, and builds upon the playstyle of the previous [[MiG-21MF (Italy)|MiG-21MF]] in the tree, relying a lot more on its incredible flight performance to utilize hit-and-run tactics against unsuspecting enemies, and to dogfight its way out of most trouble it finds its way in. The MiG-21bis may have great flight performance and engine power, but lacks in most other departments. Being a delta wing, its energy retention is abysmal, although that problem is slightly mitigated by the very powerful engine, which can quickly regain speed if the aircraft safely disengages and flies in a straight line. The aircraft's avionics and suspended weaponry is where the largest let-down is. While other aircraft at your battle rating range will have pulse-doppler radars, powerful missiles with IRCCM, and very informative RWR systems, the MiG-21bis has none of that. Instead, you get what is easily one of the worst dedicated radar sets at this battle rating, subpar missiles, a complete lack of BVR capability, and the weak SPO-10 RWR system. All in all, the MiG-21bis falls under the same loop of the late Fishbed family, relying a lot more on the skill of the pilot due to its strong flight performance and weak systems. It is truly a hard plane to learn, but a very rewarding one if mastered correctly. One must keep in mind in mixed battles that the weight and drag of the SPS-141 Countermeasures pod makes the Bis-SAU very slightly (so slightly that its barely noticeable) worse in flight performance than the Lazur equipped versions with built-in flares, so avoid extended dogfights with Lazur equipped Fishbeds.

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

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 13,000 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
| 2,177 || 2,142 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 37.8 || 38.8 || 191.0 || 179.8 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,300 || 2,237 || 36.4 || 37.0 || 261.0 || 224.0
|-
|}

==== 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" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 500 || 450 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 650 || < 600 || < 950 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
|-
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

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

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! EEGS
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (250 rpg)

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="14" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_MiG-21bis.png]]</div>
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 4 || || 4 ||
|-
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| 16 || 16, 32 || || 16, 32 || 16
|-
! [[S-24]] rockets
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-3R]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-3S]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-13M1]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-60MK]] missiles
| 1, 2 || 1 || || 1 || 1, 2
|-
! Countermeasures
| || || 64 || ||
|-
! 490 l drop tanks
| 1 || || 1 || || 1
|-
| colspan="6" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 570 kg
|-
|}

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

* 3 x 490 l drop tanks
* 2 x R-60MK missiles
* 4 x R-3S missiles
* 4 x R-3R missiles
* 4 x R-13M1 missiles
* 4 x R-60MK missiles
* 6 x R-60MK missiles
* 64 x S-5K rockets
* 64 x S-5K rockets
* 4 x S-24 rockets
* 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (800 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (500 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
* 64 x countermeasures
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mig-21_bis_sau_hungary Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Related development
* [[MiG-21 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8767-development-the-hungarian-aircraft-line-is-coming-to-the-italian-tree-en|[Devblog] The Hungarian Aircraft Line is Coming to the Italian Tree!]]

{{AirManufacturer MiG}}
{{Italy jet aircraft}}

F-4J(UK) Phantom II

2023-12-26T00:52:06Z

U126556775: Minor edit in the description for clarity

{{About
| about = premium British jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = the American version
| link-1 = F-4J Phantom II
| usage-2 = other versions
| link-2 = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4jk
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_002.jpg}}
|store=11808
}}

== Description ==

Shortly after the Falklands War, the British Ministry of Defence decided to assign a dedicated air defence squadron to protect the islands from future attacks. However, this left a hole in the UK's mainland defence capabilities, and a decision was made to look for a surplus fighter until the Tornado F.3 could enter service. Both the F-14 and F-15 were considered, but seeing as those would cost more than intended for a short-term solution, the RAF instead opted for 15 upgraded ex-USN F-4Js, later known as the F-4J(UK)/Phantom F.3. These had maintained their General Electric J79-GE-108 engines and had largely adhered to the F-4J's original specifications but had undergone additional wiring to allow the carriage of British Skyflash missiles and the Telescopic Sighting System for visual identification of targets. The official rollout of the first complete F-4J(UK) was at North Island on August 10, 1984, and it was assigned to No. 74 Squadron RAF 'Tiger Squadron' at RAF Wattisham. The RAF received several batches of F-4J(UK)s, each one undergoing a Tiger Trial. This was a transatlantic flight from San Diego to Goose Bay, Canada, and then another flight to the UK with the help of tanker aircraft for aerial refueling. The F-4J(UK) served as a Quick Reaction Force for the RAF from 1984 to mid-1991, when they were replaced by the Tornado F.3.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]]. It is similar to its American counterpart, the [[F-4J]] in the way it plays. However, there are some noticeable differences between the two aircraft. First thing you may notice is its lack of AIM-7F missiles, being instead equipped with the traditional Skyflash (DF) missiles from British Phantom models. It also lacks a Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) which makes it harder to acquire targets. Still, even with those minor drawbacks, it can hold its own against most enemies if you adjust your playstyle accordingly. Staying low, trying to separate out your targets, and using your superior acceleration and energy retention to your advantage are some of the key tactics for this plane.

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

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ 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
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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}} || - || 618 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-10 || 2
| colspan="2" | 14,205 kg || colspan="2" | 408 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel
|-
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,964 kg || 18,066 kg || 20,070 kg || 26,478 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 5,250 kgf || 8,159 kgf
| 1.02 || 0.90 || 0.81 || 0.61
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,311 kgf (1,458 km/h) || 10,361 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.30 || 1.15 || 1.03 || 0.78
|-
|}

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

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}


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

* A choice between two presets:
** Without offensive armament
** 60 x countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-4C_Phantom_II.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GAU-4 (20 mm)|20 mm GAU-4]] cannons (1,200 rpg)
| || || || || || 1 || || || || ||
|-
! [[Mk.M2 (540 lb)|540 lb Mk.M2]] bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13]] bombs
| 2 || 2 || || || || 3 || || || || 2 || 2
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117]] bombs
| 2 || 2 || || || || 3 || || || || 2 || 2
|-
! [[SNEB type 23]] rockets
| 36 || 54 || || || || 54 || || || || 54 || 36
|-
! [[AIM-7E Sparrow]] missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
| || || 2 || || || || || || 2 || ||
|-
! [[Skyflash]] missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! 600 gal drop tanks
| || || || || || 1 || || || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon (1,200 rpg)
* 1 x 600 gal drop tank
* 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 4 x Skyflash missiles
* 234 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 11 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (11,000 lb total)
* 11 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (11,000 lb total)
* 13 x 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs (7,020 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x Skyflash missiles
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 10 x 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs (5,400 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x Skyflash missiles + 8 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x Skyflash missiles + 180 x SNEB type 23 rockets
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


The F-4J (UK) is a great aircraft but will feel out of place to new players. The main attraction to any Phantom is its missiles, however [[Skyflash]] missiles do not complement the F-4J(UK)'s gameplay. Being essentially an improved [[AIM-7E-2 Sparrow]], the Skyflash does not have the long range performance of the [[AIM-7F Sparrow]] nor [[AIM-7M Sparrow]] (Skyflash with a 50 km launch range compared to AIM-7F's 100 km launch range). Not to mention you cannot roll out of the way of these high performance SARH missiles, forcing you to dump your lock and go 90° to attempt to force the missiles to overlead the other direction. In terms of raw G performance however, the Skyflash will absolutely pull all 25 Gs to hit a target (especially at short range) if you can maintain a radar lock. As a dogfight missile, the Skyflash starts pulling "off the rail", and will start pulling as soon as it clears the plane. Don't be afraid to fire at a non maneuvering target just within 2 kilometers (in a direct head on engagement).

As with all F-4s, sharp turns will quickly deplete your energy and speed. Made worse by the lack of a maneuvering speed, the F-4J(UK) will lose speed in nearly every turn at any speed. The F-4J(UK) is a heavy plane and will take an unacceptable (in terms of dodging missiles) amount of time to regain its speed in order to dodge another. Limit your time in open air and on the enemy's radar scopes if at all possible. Stay behind a teammate or behind the pack in general.

The [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] is a good missile, but its relatively low G overload becomes a serious issue in dogfights. The AIM-9G will take a second to begin tracking and takes even longer to start pulling. A 3-4 km launch with a positive closure rate will usually be your best shot of hitting the target. The 18 G maximum overload is insufficient for anymore than a flat tail chase and the overload is only enough to allow the missile to maintain lock while leading a target. The AIM-9G will nearly always go for flares as there is nearly no flare resistance. Having a long burn time, the AIM-9G does have an exceptional range for an IR missile. The trade off is that it will burn nearly all the way to the target and have an exceptionally long boost/sustain phase, making the missile very easy to detect. Overall the AIM-9G is not a dogfight missile and will not fill in all the gaps left by the Skyflash.

The [[AN/APG-59]] radar on the F-4J(UK) is a very average pulse-Doppler radar. Although you can theoretically get a radar lock on a target that is moving away from you at less that 540 km/h, the SARH missiles will have a difficult time getting a lock even if the radar is locked. Other than that the PD mode performs as you would expect, being especially potent in a head-on engagement.

If you are using this plane to grind out the UK tech tree, always bring at least 8 x 1,000 lb bombs. You will lose turn performance, however, your playstyle shouldn't change too much. the F-4J(UK) already is not competitive with other planes at this BR (in terms of turning performance) so when entering the merge, try and pick out a target you know has poor/no decent radar missiles. Other than that just take a few seconds to hit a base before turning back to reengage. Don't be afraid to Skyflash an enemy who is blocking your path to a base.

This combination of radar and missile leaves much to be desired and locks you into a less than optimal playstyle. The usual strategy is to go for head-on attacks to negate your lacklustre manoeuvrability and make the most out of your decent radar and missiles. But keep in mind you are almost always bringing a pistol to a long range sniper range. A competent opponent can easily roll out of the way of your missile and even then still might maintain a radar lock long enough to win the joust. The F-4J(UK) doesn't manoeuvre well enough to make a reliable last minute dodge so it is advisable to think ahead two steps when you anticipate a SARH joust. One thing you might want to get used to is pushing your nose down when dodging all aspect IR missiles. As your countermeasure pods fire directly upwards. The F-4J(UK) suffers from wing rip problems when pulling negative Gs so you will need to work out a techniques that works for you.

The best way to dodge long-mid range SARH shots and remain in position for the merge is to use hills and terrain features. The Phantom simply lacks the performance to pull multiple 90° turns and still be in a firing position for the merge. This is doubly important with any sort of bombload as you may find yourself struggling to notch within visual range distances (>20 km). If you miss the merge you will find yourself at the centre of a furball, attempting to outmanoeuvre significantly more agile and/or better-performing aircraft with much higher performance. Entering a fight at anything less than Mach 1 leaves you open to getting jumped by dedicated dogfighters without a clear way to escape.

Flying at treetop level will disrupt a radar lock by making the radar believe you are slightly lower than where you are (mistakes the ground below as part of the aircraft). This provides a safety from top-down attacks while still allowing you to maintain course for your own down-up SARH shots into the open sky.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* The F-4J(UK) does not lock up at high speed
* Sturdy airframe: hard to overspeed and hard to rip wings in positive G turns
* Effective air-to-air Skyflash missiles
* Can take 8 missiles without sacrificing bomb load
* Has access to a pulse doppler radar for "look-down, shoot-down" performance
* Heavy and effective bomb load for bombing either bases or ground targets

'''Cons:'''

* Doesn't turn very well, worse so with suspended weaponry like gunpods
* Wings rip easily in negative G manoeuvres
* Poor nose authority
* Skyflash missiles have relatively short range and can be kinetically dodged
* Skyflash missiles also have a tendency to not detonate or lose track at the last second
* AIM-9Gs fare poorly in dogfights and are easy to counter with flares

== History ==

In 1984, following the deployment of a squadron of Phantoms to the Falkland Islands, the UK government decided that the gap this left in the UK air defences needed to be filled. They therefore sought to purchase another squadron of Phantoms, but as the ones already in RAF service were a special production batch it would not be possible to have the new ones be identical. It was decided that 15 Phantoms would be obtained from ex-USN F-4Js that were in storage. The F-4J was chosen as it was the closest to the current RAF Phantoms.

Following an extensive refurbishment at NAS North Island, where the Phantoms were brought to nearly F-4S standard (lacking leading-edge slats and a Helmet Gun Sight) the planes were delivered to the UK.

The major difference between the F-4J(UK) and the other UK operated Phantoms was the different engines, with the F-4J(UK) retaining the General Electric J79-10B turbojet, instead of the Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan. Upon initial delivery, the Skyflash AAM and SUU-23A gun pod were not compatible, however this was quickly rectified. Despite modifications to allow them to integrate with the other Phantoms, the F-4J(UK)s retained the vast bulk of their American equipment, even requiring the crews to use American helmets.

Although the new Phantoms were technically designated F.3, they were generally referred to as the F-4J(UK) to avoid confusion with the in service Tornado F.3.

Assigned to 74 Squadron at RAF Wattisham, they stood up in October 1984, 2 months after their first flight. Remaining in service through the transition to Tornado and the F-4M Squadrons being replaced with Tornados, the F-4J(UK) was retired in January 1991.

== Media ==


;Skins
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4jk Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8015-shop-pre-order-new-rank-vii-premium-jet-fighters-part-2-en|[Shop] Pre-order: new rank VII Premium jet fighters (part 2)]]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

F-4J(UK) Phantom II

2023-12-25T15:15:47Z

U126556775: New description format

{{About
| about = premium British jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = the American version
| link-1 = F-4J Phantom II
| usage-2 = other versions
| link-2 = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4jk
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_002.jpg}}
|store=11808
}}

== Description ==

Shortly after the Falklands War, the British Ministry of Defence decided to assign a dedicated air defence squadron to protect the islands from future attacks. However, this left a hole in the UK's mainland defence capabilities, and a decision was made to look for a surplus fighter until the Tornado F.3 could enter service. Both the F-14 and F-15 were considered, but seeing as those would cost more than intended for a short-term solution, the RAF instead opted for 15 upgraded ex-USN F-4Js, later known as the F-4J(UK)/Phantom F.3. These had maintained their General Electric J79-GE-108 engines and had largely adhered to the F-4J's original specifications but had undergone additional wiring to allow the carriage of British Skyflash missiles and the Telescopic Sighting System for visual identification of targets. The official rollout of the first complete F-4J(UK) was at North Island on August 10, 1984, and it was assigned to No. 74 Squadron RAF 'Tiger Squadron' at RAF Wattisham. The F-4J(UK)s were delivered in several batches, each named a Tiger Trial. A Tiger Trial involved flying from San Diego to Goose Bay, then across the Atlantic with tanker support. The F-4J(UK) served as a Quick Reaction Force for the RAF from 1984 to mid-1991, when they were replaced by the Tornado F.3.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]]. It is similar to its American counterpart, the [[F-4J]] in the way it plays. However, there are some noticeable differences between the two aircraft. First thing you may notice is its lack of AIM-7F missiles, being instead equipped with the traditional Skyflash (DF) missiles from British Phantom models. It also lacks a Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) which makes it harder to acquire targets. Still, even with those minor drawbacks, it can hold its own against most enemies if you adjust your playstyle accordingly. Staying low, trying to separate out your targets, and using your superior acceleration and energy retention to your advantage are some of the key tactics for this plane.

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

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ 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
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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}} || - || 618 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-10 || 2
| colspan="2" | 14,205 kg || colspan="2" | 408 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel
|-
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,964 kg || 18,066 kg || 20,070 kg || 26,478 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 5,250 kgf || 8,159 kgf
| 1.02 || 0.90 || 0.81 || 0.61
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,311 kgf (1,458 km/h) || 10,361 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.30 || 1.15 || 1.03 || 0.78
|-
|}

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

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}


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

* A choice between two presets:
** Without offensive armament
** 60 x countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-4C_Phantom_II.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GAU-4 (20 mm)|20 mm GAU-4]] cannons (1,200 rpg)
| || || || || || 1 || || || || ||
|-
! [[Mk.M2 (540 lb)|540 lb Mk.M2]] bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13]] bombs
| 2 || 2 || || || || 3 || || || || 2 || 2
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117]] bombs
| 2 || 2 || || || || 3 || || || || 2 || 2
|-
! [[SNEB type 23]] rockets
| 36 || 54 || || || || 54 || || || || 54 || 36
|-
! [[AIM-7E Sparrow]] missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
| || || 2 || || || || || || 2 || ||
|-
! [[Skyflash]] missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! 600 gal drop tanks
| || || || || || 1 || || || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon (1,200 rpg)
* 1 x 600 gal drop tank
* 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 4 x Skyflash missiles
* 234 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 11 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (11,000 lb total)
* 11 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (11,000 lb total)
* 13 x 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs (7,020 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x Skyflash missiles
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 10 x 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs (5,400 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x Skyflash missiles + 8 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x Skyflash missiles + 180 x SNEB type 23 rockets
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


The F-4J (UK) is a great aircraft but will feel out of place to new players. The main attraction to any Phantom is its missiles, however [[Skyflash]] missiles do not complement the F-4J(UK)'s gameplay. Being essentially an improved [[AIM-7E-2 Sparrow]], the Skyflash does not have the long range performance of the [[AIM-7F Sparrow]] nor [[AIM-7M Sparrow]] (Skyflash with a 50 km launch range compared to AIM-7F's 100 km launch range). Not to mention you cannot roll out of the way of these high performance SARH missiles, forcing you to dump your lock and go 90° to attempt to force the missiles to overlead the other direction. In terms of raw G performance however, the Skyflash will absolutely pull all 25 Gs to hit a target (especially at short range) if you can maintain a radar lock. As a dogfight missile, the Skyflash starts pulling "off the rail", and will start pulling as soon as it clears the plane. Don't be afraid to fire at a non maneuvering target just within 2 kilometers (in a direct head on engagement).

As with all F-4s, sharp turns will quickly deplete your energy and speed. Made worse by the lack of a maneuvering speed, the F-4J(UK) will lose speed in nearly every turn at any speed. The F-4J(UK) is a heavy plane and will take an unacceptable (in terms of dodging missiles) amount of time to regain its speed in order to dodge another. Limit your time in open air and on the enemy's radar scopes if at all possible. Stay behind a teammate or behind the pack in general.

The [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] is a good missile, but its relatively low G overload becomes a serious issue in dogfights. The AIM-9G will take a second to begin tracking and takes even longer to start pulling. A 3-4 km launch with a positive closure rate will usually be your best shot of hitting the target. The 18 G maximum overload is insufficient for anymore than a flat tail chase and the overload is only enough to allow the missile to maintain lock while leading a target. The AIM-9G will nearly always go for flares as there is nearly no flare resistance. Having a long burn time, the AIM-9G does have an exceptional range for an IR missile. The trade off is that it will burn nearly all the way to the target and have an exceptionally long boost/sustain phase, making the missile very easy to detect. Overall the AIM-9G is not a dogfight missile and will not fill in all the gaps left by the Skyflash.

The [[AN/APG-59]] radar on the F-4J(UK) is a very average pulse-Doppler radar. Although you can theoretically get a radar lock on a target that is moving away from you at less that 540 km/h, the SARH missiles will have a difficult time getting a lock even if the radar is locked. Other than that the PD mode performs as you would expect, being especially potent in a head-on engagement.

If you are using this plane to grind out the UK tech tree, always bring at least 8 x 1,000 lb bombs. You will lose turn performance, however, your playstyle shouldn't change too much. the F-4J(UK) already is not competitive with other planes at this BR (in terms of turning performance) so when entering the merge, try and pick out a target you know has poor/no decent radar missiles. Other than that just take a few seconds to hit a base before turning back to reengage. Don't be afraid to Skyflash an enemy who is blocking your path to a base.

This combination of radar and missile leaves much to be desired and locks you into a less than optimal playstyle. The usual strategy is to go for head-on attacks to negate your lacklustre manoeuvrability and make the most out of your decent radar and missiles. But keep in mind you are almost always bringing a pistol to a long range sniper range. A competent opponent can easily roll out of the way of your missile and even then still might maintain a radar lock long enough to win the joust. The F-4J(UK) doesn't manoeuvre well enough to make a reliable last minute dodge so it is advisable to think ahead two steps when you anticipate a SARH joust. One thing you might want to get used to is pushing your nose down when dodging all aspect IR missiles. As your countermeasure pods fire directly upwards. The F-4J(UK) suffers from wing rip problems when pulling negative Gs so you will need to work out a techniques that works for you.

The best way to dodge long-mid range SARH shots and remain in position for the merge is to use hills and terrain features. The Phantom simply lacks the performance to pull multiple 90° turns and still be in a firing position for the merge. This is doubly important with any sort of bombload as you may find yourself struggling to notch within visual range distances (>20 km). If you miss the merge you will find yourself at the centre of a furball, attempting to outmanoeuvre significantly more agile and/or better-performing aircraft with much higher performance. Entering a fight at anything less than Mach 1 leaves you open to getting jumped by dedicated dogfighters without a clear way to escape.

Flying at treetop level will disrupt a radar lock by making the radar believe you are slightly lower than where you are (mistakes the ground below as part of the aircraft). This provides a safety from top-down attacks while still allowing you to maintain course for your own down-up SARH shots into the open sky.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* The F-4J(UK) does not lock up at high speed
* Sturdy airframe: hard to overspeed and hard to rip wings in positive G turns
* Effective air-to-air Skyflash missiles
* Can take 8 missiles without sacrificing bomb load
* Has access to a pulse doppler radar for "look-down, shoot-down" performance
* Heavy and effective bomb load for bombing either bases or ground targets

'''Cons:'''

* Doesn't turn very well, worse so with suspended weaponry like gunpods
* Wings rip easily in negative G manoeuvres
* Poor nose authority
* Skyflash missiles have relatively short range and can be kinetically dodged
* Skyflash missiles also have a tendency to not detonate or lose track at the last second
* AIM-9Gs fare poorly in dogfights and are easy to counter with flares

== History ==

In 1984, following the deployment of a squadron of Phantoms to the Falkland Islands, the UK government decided that the gap this left in the UK air defences needed to be filled. They therefore sought to purchase another squadron of Phantoms, but as the ones already in RAF service were a special production batch it would not be possible to have the new ones be identical. It was decided that 15 Phantoms would be obtained from ex-USN F-4Js that were in storage. The F-4J was chosen as it was the closest to the current RAF Phantoms.

Following an extensive refurbishment at NAS North Island, where the Phantoms were brought to nearly F-4S standard (lacking leading-edge slats and a Helmet Gun Sight) the planes were delivered to the UK.

The major difference between the F-4J(UK) and the other UK operated Phantoms was the different engines, with the F-4J(UK) retaining the General Electric J79-10B turbojet, instead of the Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan. Upon initial delivery, the Skyflash AAM and SUU-23A gun pod were not compatible, however this was quickly rectified. Despite modifications to allow them to integrate with the other Phantoms, the F-4J(UK)s retained the vast bulk of their American equipment, even requiring the crews to use American helmets.

Although the new Phantoms were technically designated F.3, they were generally referred to as the F-4J(UK) to avoid confusion with the in service Tornado F.3.

Assigned to 74 Squadron at RAF Wattisham, they stood up in October 1984, 2 months after their first flight. Remaining in service through the transition to Tornado and the F-4M Squadrons being replaced with Tornados, the F-4J(UK) was retired in January 1991.

== Media ==


;Skins
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4jk Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8015-shop-pre-order-new-rank-vii-premium-jet-fighters-part-2-en|[Shop] Pre-order: new rank VII Premium jet fighters (part 2)]]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

M109A1

2023-12-23T18:54:20Z

U126556775: Minor edit

{{About
|about = American tank destroyer '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage = other versions
|link = M109 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=us_m109a1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced into American service in 1973 as an improved version of the M109 self-propelled howitzer. The main improvement was the installation of a new 155 mm M185 cannon, which had a longer barrel and a higher muzzle velocity than the previous M126. This increased the effective range of the M109A1 from 14.6 km to 18 km, giving it an advantage over foreign artillery. It was known for its role in supporting the US Army's operations in Europe and the Middle East, where it could provide fire support for ground forces and counter-battery fire against enemy artillery. The existing M109A1's were later converted to the M109A2 standard, which incorporated 27 RAM (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability) improvements.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "Kings of Battle"]]. It has similar characteristics to the Soviet [[2S3M]] and can deliver powerful 155 mm shells over long distances and relocate swiftly to evade enemy fire. The M109A1 has an average rate of fire and large ammo capacity, and its mobility is complemented by a good top speed and acceleration. However, its armour is not very thick, so it's recommended to use the M109A1's speed to avoid direct confrontations when possible. Moreover, it is essential to keep in mind that the M109A1 has low gun depression and cannot depend on firing from elevated positions.

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

The armour on the M109 is nearly non-existent, being surrounded by 32 mm thick aluminium alloy 5083, which effectively comes down to 13-20 mm RHA. This leaves the vehicle vulnerable to even light machine gun fire from any angle. The weakness of the armour turns into a strong-suit against AP shells that will pass straight through, unable to fuse or create enough spall to inflict major damage. Direct hits from HE and other chemical shells will most likely leave the M109 a burning wreck. The 6 crew members are pretty spaced apart in the turret, giving a plus to crew survivability.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 32mm || 32mm ''Top'' 32mm ''Bottom'' || 32mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || 32mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 32mm || 32mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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

''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=575|rbMinHp=358}}

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

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

{{main|M185 (155 mm)}}

''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M185 (155 mm)|155 mm M185]] || 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" | 28 || rowspan="2" | -3°/+75° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 9.7 || 13.4 || 16.3 || 18.0 || 19.1 || rowspan="2" | 17.29 || rowspan="2" | 15.30 || rowspan="2" | 14.10 || rowspan="2" | 13.30
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 6.5 || 7.7 || 9.4 || 10.3 || 11.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:M185 (155 mm)/Ammunition|M107, M107 (PF), M110}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''28''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}

''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 600 (200) || 575 || -10°/+50° || ±180°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Access to HE and HE-VT shells with more than 9 kg of TNT
* Top speed of 56 km/h that it can easily reach
* Can be surprisingly survivable, usually not taken out in a single shot
* Impressive 75° elevation limit
* Top mounted .50 cal for taking out softer targets

'''Cons:'''

* Hindered by a limited gun depression of -3 degrees
* The gunner optics have a low zoom level (4X)
* Thin armour, will only stop small arms fire
* Long reload

== History ==


=== [[wt:en/news/8537-development-m109-the-king-of-battle-en|Devblog]] ===
Development of the M109 began in the early 1950s under a U.S. program to develop a common chassis for a number of different SPH designs. Upon entering service, the M109 was immediately deployed to the Vietnam War. However, its operational service during the conflict was cut short due to serious mechanical malfunctions which rendered the fleet inoperable. Nonetheless, after being addressed and receiving its first upgrade to the A1 standard, the M109 would continue service with U.S. forces for decades to come, taking part in virtually all military conflicts where U.S. forces were deployed in. Once its design eventually matured, the M109 successfully resisted replacement on multiple occasions and continuously received upgrades until the present day.

== Media ==

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

== See also ==


* [[M109 (Family)]]
** [[M109A1 (Great Britain)]]
** [[M109G]]
** [[M109G (Italy)]]
** [[M109 (Israel)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8537-development-m109-the-king-of-battle-en|[Devblog] M109: The King of Battle]]

{{USA tank destroyers}}

Rochev

2023-12-23T18:51:42Z

U126556775: Updated gun handling

{{Specs-Card
|code=il_m109a1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''Rochev''' was the name given by the IDF to the M109 self-propelled howitzer gun that was introduced before the Yom Kippur War of 1973. This name was specifically given to the variants between the M109 and the M109A2. During this war only one battalion was equipped with these guns, the ''tiger'' battalion. This battalion lost almost his entire B battery during the first days of the war. The most common version of this vehicle was the M109A1 that featured a longer barrel and various improvements with a maximum range of 18100 metres. The A2 variant provided increase reliability availability and maintainability and safety characteristics for the crew as well as enhanced operational capabilities. The rammer and the recoil mechanism were improved. The engine and the hydraulic systems were improved in the bustle was designed to carry an additional 22 rounds of ammunition. A new M185 cannon was installed in the M178 gun mount. Most of differences between all of these variants were internal and especially regarding the shell loading system.

It was introduced in [[Update "Air Superiority"]]. The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is very similar to the normal M109 in the Israeli tech tree. It features a new cannon specifically the M185 cannon that is of the same 155 millimetre calibre of the regular gun of the M109. This means that the penetration is not improved but the shows have actually a longer range and the higher speed so aiming is much easier with this vehicle. The addition of more HMG's and the like machine gun increases the ability of this vehicle to deal with close air support and light attack planes like the P51 and BF 109 that can be relatively easily destroyed with a precise shot of heavy machine gun. Still the tank has relatively poor survivability and the reload time is quite large however the high explosive shell is powerful enough to deal with most MBTs if aimed properly. No need to mention that like tanks like the AML-90 and the AMX-13 stand very little chance against your high explosive shells since their lack of farmer make them extremely vulnerable to this kind of projectiles.

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

''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 32 mm (74°) ''upper glacis''
32 mm (19°) transmission
| 32 mm || 32 mm || 32 mm
|-
| Turret || 32 mm (24°) ''Turret front'' 32 mm (4°-11°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 32 mm || 32 mm || 32 mm
|-
| Cupola || 32 mm (0°) ''Cylindrical'' || 32 mm || 32 mm || 32 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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

''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''

{{tankMobility}}

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

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

{{main|M185 (155 mm)}}

The [[M185 (155 mm)|155 mm M185]] is a decently competent weapon for its BR, compared to other artillery guns, it has the standard 155mm cannon. It lacks access to a proper HEAT shell, but the HE shell is powerful enough to deal with most threats. The cannon is not stabilized and thus it takes time to aim after a full stop.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M185 (155 mm)|155 mm M185]] || 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" | 28 || rowspan="2" | -3°/+75° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 9.7 || 13.4 || 16.3 || 18.0 || 19.1 || rowspan="2" | 17.29 || rowspan="2" | 15.30 || rowspan="2" | 14.10 || rowspan="2" | 13.30
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 6.5 || 7.7 || 9.4 || 10.3 || 11.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:M185 (155 mm)/Ammunition|M107, M107 (PF), M110}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''28''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}

The machine guns in the Rochev consist of a 12.7mm M2HB and a 7.62mm M1919A4, this guns are not powerful enough to deal with ground targets and don't have enough power to deal with most aircrafts. However they can be used to some extent to destroy the tracks or tires of enemy vehicles.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Rochev should be played like the regular M109. This means that, since it lacks the precision and the agility to be used as a frontline vehicle it works best in the back of your team and flanking under the cover of conventional main battle tanks.

The HE shell in the Rochev is powerful enough to deal with most enemies, however this comes at the cost of precision. You dont have a laser rangefinder or a stabilizer in your cannon. Thus if you want to attack enemy positions, be aware of your surroundings and try to hear the engine sounds coming from enemy tanks. Getting to a good position at the middle of the map or in the sides that allows you to have a good field of view is an excellent tactic with this vehicle, alternatively you can also defend a certain capture point, helping your team while they deal with the main enemy force.

=== Pros and cons ===
'''Pros:'''

* Powerful 155mm HE shell, capable of dealing with most tanks
* Decent mobility for an SPAG
* Access to smoke shells and a long range, useful to create smoke screens in the middle of the map

*

'''Cons:'''

* Very little armour against anything higher than 20mm shots
* Crammed crew compartment, which translates to poor survivability
* Low fire rate at less than 4 rounds per minute
* No access to a stabilizer or dedicated anti tank shells

*

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

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

== 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 ==

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

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

{{Israel tank destroyers}}

M109A1 (Great Britain)

2023-12-23T18:50:43Z

U126556775: Updated. M109A1 no longer has an autoloader.

{{About
|about = tank destroyer '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage = other versions
|link = M109 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_m109a1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Kings of Battle"]].

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

The armour on the M109 is nearly non-existent, being surrounded by 32 mm thick aluminium alloy 5083, which effectively comes down to 13-20 mm RHA. This leaves the vehicle vulnerable to even light machine gun fire from any angle. The weakness of the armour turns into a strong-suit against AP shells that will pass straight through, unable to fuse or create enough spall to inflict major damage. Direct hits from HE and other chemical shells will most likely leave the M109 a burning wreck. The 6 crew members are pretty spaced apart in the turret, giving a plus to crew survivability.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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

''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=575|rbMinHp=358}}

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

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

{{main|M185 (155 mm)}}

''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M185 (155 mm)|155 mm M185]] || 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" | 28 || rowspan="2" | -3°/+75° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 9.7 || 13.4 || 16.3 || 18.0 || 19.1 || rowspan="2" | 17.29 || rowspan="2" | 15.30 || rowspan="2" | 14.10 || rowspan="2" | 13.30
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 6.5 || 7.7 || 9.4 || 10.3 || 11.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:M185 (155 mm)/Ammunition|M107, M107 (PF), M110}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''28''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}

''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 600 (200) || 575 || -10°/+50° || ±180°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

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

== See also ==

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

* [[M109 (Israel)]]
* [[M109A1]]
* [[M109G]]
* [[M109G (Italy)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8537-development-m109-the-king-of-battle-en|[Devblog] M109: The King of Battle]]

{{Britain tank destroyers}}

M109A1

2023-12-23T18:48:57Z

U126556775: Updated. M109A1 no longer has an autoloader.

{{About
|about = American tank destroyer '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage = other versions
|link = M109 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=us_m109a1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced into American service in 1973 as an improved version of the M109 self-propelled howitzer. The main improvement was the installation of a new 155 mm M185 cannon, which had a longer barrel and a higher muzzle velocity than the previous M126. This increased the effective range of the M109A1 from 14.6 km to 18 km, giving it an advantage over foreign artillery. It was known for its role in supporting the US Army's operations in Europe and the Middle East, where it could provide fire support for ground forces and counter-battery fire against enemy artillery. The existing M109A1's were later converted to the M109A2 standard, which incorporated 27 RAM (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability) improvements.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "Kings of Battle"]]. It has similar characteristics to the Soviet [[2S3M]] and can deliver powerful 155 mm shells over long distances and relocate swiftly to evade enemy fire. The M109A1 has a fast rate of fire and large ammo capacity, and its mobility is complemented by a good top speed and acceleration. However, its armour is not very thick, so it's recommended to use the M109A1's speed to avoid direct confrontations when possible. Moreover, it is essential to keep in mind that the M109A1 has low gun depression and cannot depend on firing from elevated positions.

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

The armour on the M109 is nearly non-existent, being surrounded by 32 mm thick aluminium alloy 5083, which effectively comes down to 13-20 mm RHA. This leaves the vehicle vulnerable to even light machine gun fire from any angle. The weakness of the armour turns into a strong-suit against AP shells that will pass straight through, unable to fuse or create enough spall to inflict major damage. Direct hits from HE and other chemical shells will most likely leave the M109 a burning wreck. The 6 crew members are pretty spaced apart in the turret, giving a plus to crew survivability.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 32mm || 32mm ''Top'' 32mm ''Bottom'' || 32mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || 32mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 32mm || 32mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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

''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=575|rbMinHp=358}}

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

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

{{main|M185 (155 mm)}}

''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M185 (155 mm)|155 mm M185]] || 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" | 28 || rowspan="2" | -3°/+75° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 9.7 || 13.4 || 16.3 || 18.0 || 19.1 || rowspan="2" | 17.29 || rowspan="2" | 15.30 || rowspan="2" | 14.10 || rowspan="2" | 13.30
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 6.5 || 7.7 || 9.4 || 10.3 || 11.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:M185 (155 mm)/Ammunition|M107, M107 (PF), M110}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''28''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}

''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 600 (200) || 575 || -10°/+50° || ±180°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Access to HE and HE-VT shells with more than 9 kg of TNT
* Top speed of 56 km/h that it can easily reach
* Can be surprisingly survivable, usually not taken out in a single shot
* Impressive 75° elevation limit
* Top mounted .50 cal for taking out softer targets

'''Cons:'''

* Hindered by a limited gun depression of -3 degrees
* The gunner optics have a low zoom level (4X)
* Thin armour, will only stop small arms fire
* Long reload

== History ==


=== [[wt:en/news/8537-development-m109-the-king-of-battle-en|Devblog]] ===
Development of the M109 began in the early 1950s under a U.S. program to develop a common chassis for a number of different SPH designs. Upon entering service, the M109 was immediately deployed to the Vietnam War. However, its operational service during the conflict was cut short due to serious mechanical malfunctions which rendered the fleet inoperable. Nonetheless, after being addressed and receiving its first upgrade to the A1 standard, the M109 would continue service with U.S. forces for decades to come, taking part in virtually all military conflicts where U.S. forces were deployed in. Once its design eventually matured, the M109 successfully resisted replacement on multiple occasions and continuously received upgrades until the present day.

== Media ==

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

== See also ==


* [[M109 (Family)]]
** [[M109A1 (Great Britain)]]
** [[M109G]]
** [[M109G (Italy)]]
** [[M109 (Israel)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8537-development-m109-the-king-of-battle-en|[Devblog] M109: The King of Battle]]

{{USA tank destroyers}}

JAS39C (Great Britain)

2023-12-14T19:06:23Z

U126556775: New description format

{{Specs-Card
|code=saab_jas39c_south_africa
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

During the early 1980s, the South African Air Force (SAAF) was looking for a replacement for its aging Cheetah fleet, which was a locally upgraded version of the French Mirage III. The Cheetahs were subject to an arms embargo due to the apartheid regime, which limited their availability and effectiveness. In 1999, after a long and controversial procurement process, South Africa signed a contract with Saab for 26 Gripens (17 JAS39C and 9 JAS39D), becoming the first export customer of the type. The delivery of the South African Gripens started in 2008 and was completed in 2012. Since then, the South African Gripens have been involved in several operations, both at home and abroad. In 2010, they secured the airspace during the FIFA World Cup hosted by South Africa. In 2013, they provided air support for South African peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and also participated in the funeral of Nelson Mandela, the former president and anti-apartheid leader. However, the South African Gripens have faced some challenges in their service, such as budget constraints, maintenance issues, and political controversies. Due to the high cost of operating the jets, the SAAF has limited their flying hours and reduced their operational readiness. The SAAF has also struggled to maintain the jets' spare parts and technical support, which have been affected by the corruption allegations against Saab. Furthermore, the Gripen deal has been criticized by some sectors of society as unnecessary and wasteful, especially in light of the country's social and economic problems. These issues became more evident when South Africa had to ground its fleet of Gripens in September 2021 due to budget cuts and maintenance problems, which led to concerns about the country's air defense capabilities.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "Air Superiority"]]. As the first South African jet in the tree, it proves worthy of its place due to its exceptional flight performance and loadout capabilities. It has a high-performance engine and a high thrust-to-weight ratio, which gives it excellent acceleration and climb rate, as well as superb agility and energy retention. It can also carry a variety of weapons, including guided bombs, AGM-65 Mavericks, and AIM-9M Sidewinders. However, its main drawback is its Skyflash radar missiles, which are inferior to other top-tier missiles in terms of range, speed, and maneuverability.

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

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ 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
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _ 
|-
|}

{| 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}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

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

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
|-
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

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

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Akan m/85 (27 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 27 mm Akan m/85 cannon, belly-mounted (512 rpg)
* 92 x large calibre countermeasures

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

''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''
*

'''Cons:'''
*

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

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

== 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 ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Britain jet aircraft}}

T-72M2 Moderna

2023-12-13T01:13:03Z

U126556775: Minor edits in the description.

{{About
| about = Soviet medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = T-72 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_t_72m2_moderna
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|market=id50176_t_72m2_moderna_ussr
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Slovakian upgrade of the Soviet T-72M1 main battle tank, developed in the aftermath of the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1992. The Slovakian tank manufacturer ZTS Dubnica, which faced a severe economic crisis and a shrinking domestic market after the split of the former federation, wanted to modernize the existing T-72M1 tanks to meet the demands of potential customers and improve the existing fleet of Slovakian armored vehicles. To achieve this, they joined forces with Belgian SABCA and French SFIM, two leading European companies in the field of systems integration. Together, they embarked on a comprehensive upgrade program, focusing on enhancing the tank’s firepower, protection, and mobility. This partnership resulted in the T-72M2 Moderna, which was equipped with an upgraded 2A46MS 125mm cannon, cutting-edge French electro-optical systems, an improved VEGA Plus fire control system, and a new modular armor package that increased the tank's protection level against kinetic and chemical threats. Other upgrades included a secondary 30mm 2A42 autocannon, a new PZL Wola S12U diesel engine, integration of Slovakian-made TAPNA APFSDS, and a new electronics package from SABCA. The T-72M2 Moderna made its debut at the IDET 1994 exhibition in Brno, Czech Republic, but failed to generate the interest of potential buyers. Later, in 1998, the Slovak Minister of Defense, Ján Sitek, signed a contract for the purchase and delivery of five T-72M2 Moderna tanks. However, only one incomplete prototype was demonstrated two years later, leaving the contract unfulfilled, and eventually the project was abandoned.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced during [[Update "Wind of Change"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/7640-event-the-battle-for-arachis-en|"Battle for Arachis"]] event. As a modernization of ex-Czechoslovakian license-built T-72M1 tanks with French thermal gun sights, new ERA packages, and new APFSDS, the T-72M2 Moderna introduces Slovakia into the game with respectable firepower and overall higher mobility. It is also equipped with a secondary 30mm autocannon, identical to the cannon found on the BMP-2, which gives it additional firepower and utility compared to its counterparts in the [[T-72_(Family)|T-72 family.]]

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

Although it is named the T-72M2 - which may sound more advanced than the contemporary T-72M1s - the base model is still a T-72M, which shares the same chassis as the stock [[T-72A]]. However, the M2 modification adds layers of DYNAS ERA blocks on the UFP and turret front, with each block providing additional protection of up to 100 mm of kinetic penetration, which makes the T-72M2 more survivable than the 72A. While it might not be enough to survive higher tier APFSDS that can go straight through the front plate, it is still fairly adequate protectionwise at range and the turret can stop up to 700 mm from kinetic penetrators from the front.

It is still, however, important to remember that as one of the members of the extensive T-72 family, the tank has a compact design (and as a result a compact interior as well) and shares the same AZ-172 autoloader - any penetrating hit has a high chance of setting off either the fuel tanks or ammunition, and even if you were lucky in that regard losing just two crew is an automatic vehicle loss. As such, it is best to exercise a level of caution when playing the vehicle, similar to its other cousins.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1317|rbMinHp=752}}

Like later T-72s, the T-72M2 has its engine upgraded to a Polish PZL Wola S12U diesel engine with an engine output of 850 HP, which is slightly higher than the T-72B's V-84S with 840 hp, and is the strongest engine in any A and M series T-72. The T-72M2 shares the same top speed of 60 km/h and infamous -4.2 km/h reverse speed, as well as the 44.5 ton weight, of the later T-72Bs. Although a 10 hp difference is not much, the overall mobility of the T-72M2 is still worse than its NATO counterparts.

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

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

{{main|2A46MS (125 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[2A46MS (125 mm)|125 mm 2A46MS]] || 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" | 44 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 19.0 || 26.4 || 32.0 || 35.4 || 37.6 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 11.9 || 14.0 || 17.0 || 18.8 || 20.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:2A46MS (125 mm)/Ammunition|3BK12M, 3OF26, 3BM22, TAPNA}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_T-72A.png|right|thumb|x450px|[[Ammo racks]] of the [[T-72A]] (identical).]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo part
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''44''' || ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants'' || 40 ''(+4)'' 40 ''(+4)'' || 29 ''(+15)'' 29 ''(+15)'' || 23 ''(+21)'' 23 ''(+21)'' || 1 ''(+43)'' 1 ''(+43)'' || No
|}
'''Notes''':

* The {{PAGENAME}} uses two-piece ammunition, composed of propellant bags (orange) and projectiles (yellow). Both have separate racks.
* Shells are modelled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
* A propellant charge remains in rack 2 after it is emptied and is later fired as part of rack 3. For the purpose of clarity, rack 2 is considered empty even if that charge is still present.
* Rack 4 (autoloader carrousel) is a first stage ammo rack containing 22 projectiles and 22 propellant charges.
** This rack gets filled first when loading up the tank and is also emptied first.
** As the {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with an autoloader, manual reloading of the gun is not possible.
** Once the autoloader magazine has been depleted, you can't shoot until the loader has restocked the autoloader with at least one shell. The restocking time is longer than the normal reload time of the gun. Take this into account when playing.
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 to 3 into rack 4. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}

{{main|2A42 (30 mm)}}

A very distinctive feature of the T-72M2 is the 2A42 30 mm autocannon mounted on the right side of the turret. The gun is highly destructive against light vehicles, low-flying aircraft, and vehicles showing their sides; alternatively, it can also be used to knock out enemies' barrels. It is considered as a "machine gun" and is operated by the vehicle gunner, sharing the same optics and thermals as the main gun. The gun uses the stock belt of the 2A42, and changing the belt to any other unlockable belt found on other vehicles (such as the [[BMP-2M]]) like the APDS and APDS-FS belts are unavailable.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[2A42 (30 mm)|30 mm 2A42]]
|-
! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
|-
| 250 (250) || 550 || -4°/+35° || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary (self-destroying)}}

{{:2A42 (30 mm)/Ammunition|HEF-I*, AP-T}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''1''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|PKT (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[PKT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm PKT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 2,000 (250) || 700 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The T-72M2 Moderna excels in mid- to long-range engagements with its powerful and accurate 125mm cannon. The recommended tactic is similar to most other Russian MBTs at this BR: find targets at range using the thermal sights, then use the laser rangefinder and highly capable APFSDS shells to knock out the target from as far away from your vehicle as possible. This is due to some inherent vehicle weaknesses, some of which will appear below, such as the slow turret traverse and poor reverse gear. At range, the T-72M2 suffers far less from these design drawbacks and with its 2nd generation thermal sights for both the gunner and commander, you can scour the battlefield quickly for enemy vehicles. NATO MBTs such as the [[Leopard 2A4]] and [[M1 Abrams]] this tier only have a 1st generation thermal sight for the gunner and lack thermals on the commander sight (or lack a commander sight entirely!), and as such have to rely on a much narrower FOV than your commander sight and with a lower resolution. However, do keep in mind that if your commander is knocked out, you will be unable to exploit this advantage.8

When forced into close-range combat, this vehicle is very mediocre compared to NATO vehicles with its painful reverse speed, lack of neutral steering, and subpar turret traverse. However, the liberal application of ERA, slat armour, and the underlying composite armour can sometimes save you from smaller-calibre or poorly-aimed shells. IFVs in particular, even ones with high-penetrating APFSDS like the [[M3A3 Bradley]] and [[Strf 9040C]], will be almost helpless against the frontal protection of a Moderna, while your 30mm autocannon can shred through them with little worry.

Against enemy air units, your survivability is for the most part decent. You have a Laser Warning System (LWS), and this alerts you of both enemy tanks using their laser rangefinders near you as well as enemy laser guided munitions. Considering the fact that a sizable portion of enemy guided air to ground ordinance such as the [[AGM-114B Hellfire]] and [[AGM-114K Hellfire II]] are laser guided, you can use your LWS as an early warning for inbound ordinance, allowing you to deploy a smokescreen, turn around (as this is faster than reversing), and reposition to a safer spot. You can differentiate an airborne lock from a ground lock by the length of the warning - ground vehicles only need to rangefind once or twice, while air launched ATGMs from strike drones, helicopter and the odd aircraft continuously trigger the LWS.

This vehicle will feel very reminiscent of the [[T-72AV (TURMS-T)]] with almost identical gun and armour performance. The Moderna has around 1 more HP/t, but overall both vehicles traverse the map similarly and can go through similar spots.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* DYNAS ERA provides up to 100 mm of additional kinetic protection
* Has access 2nd generation thermals for both the gunner and commander, which are also only a Tier II modification
* Powerful 30 mm autocannon tears through light vehicles and aircraft, and will operate even on 2 crew as the gunner controls it
* Has commander fire control
* Good situational awareness thanks to LWS, especially against airborne guided munitions
* TAPNA APFSDS provides greater penetrative capabilities against enemies, even better than the common 3BM42 round used by its Russian contemporaries
* Launches 11 smoke grenades per charge (11/22)

'''Cons:'''

* Poor turret traverse and gun handling
* Somewhat sluggish compared to its NATO counterparts with a horrible reverse speed
* Fixed 8x gunsight decreases vehicle versatility
* Hull and turret armour can easily be penetrated by most contemporary rounds
* 30 mm autocannon has no traverse of its own, can only move vertically
* Does not have access to ATGMs

== History ==


The T-72M2 Moderna is a licensed-produced Slovakian upgrade of the Soviet T-72 MBT. Among the various upgrades, the tank is fitted with DYNAS explosive reactive armour, a modernized 24A5MS 125 mm smoothbore gun, a single 30 mm 2A42 autocannon, a laser warning system, and an automated modern VEGA fire control system, originating from SFIM, a French development partner, and SABCA, a Belgian development partner.<ref name=":0">https://www.military-today.com/tanks/t72m2_moderna.htm</ref>

The first prototype of the T-72M2 Moderna, an improvement on the T-72M1 prototype, was introduced in 1993. Although attempts were made to put the T-72M2 Moderna into production domestically and for export buyers, no production orders were ever placed, therefore, few functioning examples were produced.<ref name=":0" />

=== [[wt:en/news/7639-development-battle-for-arachis-t-72m2-moderna-en|Devblog]] ===
After the division of Czechoslovakia followed by an economic crisis, Slovak tank builders found themselves on the brink of bankruptcy. Tank plant ZTS Dubnica initiated an upgrade project for the Soviet T-72 series MBT in order to make the tank interesting for both domestic and foreign operators. By 1993, together with the French company SFIM and the Belgian SABCA, a project was developed to modernize the T-72M1 tanks with a new VEGA fire control system, a new panoramic sight, an improved engine, domestic ERA protection and two gunpods with 20 mm KAA-200 guns on the turret's sides.

The built prototypes of the new main battle tank were designated T-72M2 Moderna. Later, the tank was equipped by a new DYNAS explosive reactive armour, and two 20 mm guns were replaced with one 30 mm 2A42 cannon. Only a few prototypes of the T-72M2 Moderna were built.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_t_72m2_moderna Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
T-72M2 Moderna_WTWallpaper001.jpg
T-72M2 Moderna_WTWallpaper002.jpg
T-72M2 Moderna_WTWallpaper003.jpg
T-72M2 Moderna_WTWallpaper004.jpg
T-72M2 Moderna_WTWallpaper005.jpg
T-72M2 Moderna_WTWallpaper006.jpg
</gallery>

== See also ==


;Related development
* [[T-72 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7639-development-battle-for-arachis-t-72m2-moderna-en|[Devblog] "Battle for Arachis": T-72M2 Moderna]]
* [http://www.military-today.com/tanks/t72m2_moderna.htm <nowiki>[Military Today]</nowiki> T-72M2 Moderna]

=== References ===
<references />

{{TankManufacturer ZTS Dubnica}}
{{USSR medium tanks}}

T-72M2 Moderna

2023-12-12T18:05:02Z

U126556775: New description format

{{About
| about = Soviet medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = T-72 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_t_72m2_moderna
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|market=id50176_t_72m2_moderna_ussr
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Slovakian upgrade of the Soviet T-72M1 main battle tank, developed in the aftermath of the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1992. The Slovakian tank manufacturer ZTS Dubnica, which faced a severe economic crisis and a shrinking domestic market after the split of the former federation, wanted to modernize the existing T-72M1 tanks to meet the demands of potential customers and improve the existing fleet of Slovakian armored vehicles. To achieve this, they joined forces with Belgian SABCA and French SFIM, two leading European companies in the field of systems integration. The final prototypes were outfitted with an upgraded 2A46MS 125mm cannon, cutting-edge French electro-optical systems, an improved VEGA Plus fire control system, and a new modular armor package that increased the tank's protection level against kinetic and chemical threats. Other upgrades included a secondary 30mm 2A42 autocannon, a new PZL Wola S12U diesel engine, integration of Slovakian-made TAPNA APFSDS, and a new electronics package from SABCA. It was first displayed at the IDET 1994 exhibition in Brno, Czech Republic, but failed to generate the interest of potential buyers. Later, in 1998, the Slovak Minister of Defense, Ján Sitek, signed a contract for the purchase and delivery of five T-72M2 Moderna tanks. However, only one unfinished prototype was demonstrated two years later, leaving the contract unfulfilled, and the project was eventually abandoned.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced during [[Update "Wind of Change"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/7640-event-the-battle-for-arachis-en|"Battle for Arachis"]] event. As a modernization of ex-Czechoslovakian license-built T-72M1 tanks with French thermal gun sights, new ERA packages, and new APFSDS, the T-72M2 Moderna introduces Slovakia into the game with respectable firepower and overall higher mobility. It is also equipped with a secondary 30mm autocannon, identical to the cannon found on the BMP-2, which gives it additional firepower and utility compared to its counterparts in the [[T-72_(Family)|T-72 family.]]

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

Although it is named the T-72M2 - which may sound more advanced than the contemporary T-72M1s - the base model is still a T-72M, which shares the same chassis as the stock [[T-72A]]. However, the M2 modification adds layers of DYNAS ERA blocks on the UFP and turret front, with each block providing additional protection of up to 100 mm of kinetic penetration, which makes the T-72M2 more survivable than the 72A. While it might not be enough to survive higher tier APFSDS that can go straight through the front plate, it is still fairly adequate protectionwise at range and the turret can stop up to 700 mm from kinetic penetrators from the front.

It is still, however, important to remember that as one of the members of the extensive T-72 family, the tank has a compact design (and as a result a compact interior as well) and shares the same AZ-172 autoloader - any penetrating hit has a high chance of setting off either the fuel tanks or ammunition, and even if you were lucky in that regard losing just two crew is an automatic vehicle loss. As such, it is best to exercise a level of caution when playing the vehicle, similar to its other cousins.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1317|rbMinHp=752}}

Like later T-72s, the T-72M2 has its engine upgraded to a Polish PZL Wola S12U diesel engine with an engine output of 850 HP, which is slightly higher than the T-72B's V-84S with 840 hp, and is the strongest engine in any A and M series T-72. The T-72M2 shares the same top speed of 60 km/h and infamous -4.2 km/h reverse speed, as well as the 44.5 ton weight, of the later T-72Bs. Although a 10 hp difference is not much, the overall mobility of the T-72M2 is still worse than its NATO counterparts.

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

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

{{main|2A46MS (125 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[2A46MS (125 mm)|125 mm 2A46MS]] || 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" | 44 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 19.0 || 26.4 || 32.0 || 35.4 || 37.6 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 11.9 || 14.0 || 17.0 || 18.8 || 20.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:2A46MS (125 mm)/Ammunition|3BK12M, 3OF26, 3BM22, TAPNA}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_T-72A.png|right|thumb|x450px|[[Ammo racks]] of the [[T-72A]] (identical).]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo part
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''44''' || ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants'' || 40 ''(+4)'' 40 ''(+4)'' || 29 ''(+15)'' 29 ''(+15)'' || 23 ''(+21)'' 23 ''(+21)'' || 1 ''(+43)'' 1 ''(+43)'' || No
|}
'''Notes''':

* The {{PAGENAME}} uses two-piece ammunition, composed of propellant bags (orange) and projectiles (yellow). Both have separate racks.
* Shells are modelled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
* A propellant charge remains in rack 2 after it is emptied and is later fired as part of rack 3. For the purpose of clarity, rack 2 is considered empty even if that charge is still present.
* Rack 4 (autoloader carrousel) is a first stage ammo rack containing 22 projectiles and 22 propellant charges.
** This rack gets filled first when loading up the tank and is also emptied first.
** As the {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with an autoloader, manual reloading of the gun is not possible.
** Once the autoloader magazine has been depleted, you can't shoot until the loader has restocked the autoloader with at least one shell. The restocking time is longer than the normal reload time of the gun. Take this into account when playing.
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 to 3 into rack 4. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}

{{main|2A42 (30 mm)}}

A very distinctive feature of the T-72M2 is the 2A42 30 mm autocannon mounted on the right side of the turret. The gun is highly destructive against light vehicles, low-flying aircraft, and vehicles showing their sides; alternatively, it can also be used to knock out enemies' barrels. It is considered as a "machine gun" and is operated by the vehicle gunner, sharing the same optics and thermals as the main gun. The gun uses the stock belt of the 2A42, and changing the belt to any other unlockable belt found on other vehicles (such as the [[BMP-2M]]) like the APDS and APDS-FS belts are unavailable.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[2A42 (30 mm)|30 mm 2A42]]
|-
! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
|-
| 250 (250) || 550 || -4°/+35° || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary (self-destroying)}}

{{:2A42 (30 mm)/Ammunition|HEF-I*, AP-T}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''1''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|PKT (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[PKT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm PKT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 2,000 (250) || 700 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The T-72M2 Moderna excels in mid- to long-range engagements with its powerful and accurate 125mm cannon. The recommended tactic is similar to most other Russian MBTs at this BR: find targets at range using the thermal sights, then use the laser rangefinder and highly capable APFSDS shells to knock out the target from as far away from your vehicle as possible. This is due to some inherent vehicle weaknesses, some of which will appear below, such as the slow turret traverse and poor reverse gear. At range, the T-72M2 suffers far less from these design drawbacks and with its 2nd generation thermal sights for both the gunner and commander, you can scour the battlefield quickly for enemy vehicles. NATO MBTs such as the [[Leopard 2A4]] and [[M1 Abrams]] this tier only have a 1st generation thermal sight for the gunner and lack thermals on the commander sight (or lack a commander sight entirely!), and as such have to rely on a much narrower FOV than your commander sight and with a lower resolution. However, do keep in mind that if your commander is knocked out, you will be unable to exploit this advantage.8

When forced into close-range combat, this vehicle is very mediocre compared to NATO vehicles with its painful reverse speed, lack of neutral steering, and subpar turret traverse. However, the liberal application of ERA, slat armour, and the underlying composite armour can sometimes save you from smaller-calibre or poorly-aimed shells. IFVs in particular, even ones with high-penetrating APFSDS like the [[M3A3 Bradley]] and [[Strf 9040C]], will be almost helpless against the frontal protection of a Moderna, while your 30mm autocannon can shred through them with little worry.

Against enemy air units, your survivability is for the most part decent. You have a Laser Warning System (LWS), and this alerts you of both enemy tanks using their laser rangefinders near you as well as enemy laser guided munitions. Considering the fact that a sizable portion of enemy guided air to ground ordinance such as the [[AGM-114B Hellfire]] and [[AGM-114K Hellfire II]] are laser guided, you can use your LWS as an early warning for inbound ordinance, allowing you to deploy a smokescreen, turn around (as this is faster than reversing), and reposition to a safer spot. You can differentiate an airborne lock from a ground lock by the length of the warning - ground vehicles only need to rangefind once or twice, while air launched ATGMs from strike drones, helicopter and the odd aircraft continuously trigger the LWS.

This vehicle will feel very reminiscent of the [[T-72AV (TURMS-T)]] with almost identical gun and armour performance. The Moderna has around 1 more HP/t, but overall both vehicles traverse the map similarly and can go through similar spots.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* DYNAS ERA provides up to 100 mm of additional kinetic protection
* Has access 2nd generation thermals for both the gunner and commander, which are also only a Tier II modification
* Powerful 30 mm autocannon tears through light vehicles and aircraft, and will operate even on 2 crew as the gunner controls it
* Has commander fire control
* Good situational awareness thanks to LWS, especially against airborne guided munitions
* TAPNA APFSDS provides greater penetrative capabilities against enemies, even better than the common 3BM42 round used by its Russian contemporaries
* Launches 11 smoke grenades per charge (11/22)

'''Cons:'''

* Poor turret traverse and gun handling
* Somewhat sluggish compared to its NATO counterparts with a horrible reverse speed
* Fixed 8x gunsight decreases vehicle versatility
* Hull and turret armour can easily be penetrated by most contemporary rounds
* 30 mm autocannon has no traverse of its own, can only move vertically
* Does not have access to ATGMs

== History ==


The T-72M2 Moderna is a licensed-produced Slovakian upgrade of the Soviet T-72 MBT. Among the various upgrades, the tank is fitted with DYNAS explosive reactive armour, a modernized 24A5MS 125 mm smoothbore gun, a single 30 mm 2A42 autocannon, a laser warning system, and an automated modern VEGA fire control system, originating from SFIM, a French development partner, and SABCA, a Belgian development partner.<ref name=":0">https://www.military-today.com/tanks/t72m2_moderna.htm</ref>

The first prototype of the T-72M2 Moderna, an improvement on the T-72M1 prototype, was introduced in 1993. Although attempts were made to put the T-72M2 Moderna into production domestically and for export buyers, no production orders were ever placed, therefore, few functioning examples were produced.<ref name=":0" />

=== [[wt:en/news/7639-development-battle-for-arachis-t-72m2-moderna-en|Devblog]] ===
After the division of Czechoslovakia followed by an economic crisis, Slovak tank builders found themselves on the brink of bankruptcy. Tank plant ZTS Dubnica initiated an upgrade project for the Soviet T-72 series MBT in order to make the tank interesting for both domestic and foreign operators. By 1993, together with the French company SFIM and the Belgian SABCA, a project was developed to modernize the T-72M1 tanks with a new VEGA fire control system, a new panoramic sight, an improved engine, domestic ERA protection and two gunpods with 20 mm KAA-200 guns on the turret's sides.

The built prototypes of the new main battle tank were designated T-72M2 Moderna. Later, the tank was equipped by a new DYNAS explosive reactive armour, and two 20 mm guns were replaced with one 30 mm 2A42 cannon. Only a few prototypes of the T-72M2 Moderna were built.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_t_72m2_moderna Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
T-72M2 Moderna_WTWallpaper001.jpg
T-72M2 Moderna_WTWallpaper002.jpg
T-72M2 Moderna_WTWallpaper003.jpg
T-72M2 Moderna_WTWallpaper004.jpg
T-72M2 Moderna_WTWallpaper005.jpg
T-72M2 Moderna_WTWallpaper006.jpg
</gallery>

== See also ==


;Related development
* [[T-72 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7639-development-battle-for-arachis-t-72m2-moderna-en|[Devblog] "Battle for Arachis": T-72M2 Moderna]]
* [http://www.military-today.com/tanks/t72m2_moderna.htm <nowiki>[Military Today]</nowiki> T-72M2 Moderna]

=== References ===
<references />

{{TankManufacturer ZTS Dubnica}}
{{USSR medium tanks}}

M109A1

2023-11-02T18:17:48Z

U126556775: Expanded

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_m109a1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced into American service in 1973 as an improved version of the M109 self-propelled howitzer. The main improvement was the installation of a new 155 mm M185 cannon, which had a longer barrel and a higher muzzle velocity than the previous M126. This increased the effective range of the M109A1 from 14.6 km to 18 km, giving it an advantage over foreign artillery. The M109A1 also had a new loading assist system that automated some of the loading procedures and reduced the workload of the crew. It was known for its role in supporting the US Army's operations in Europe and the Middle East, where it could provide fire support for ground forces and counter-battery fire against enemy artillery. The existing M109A1's were later converted to the M109A2 standard, which incorporated 27 RAM (Reliability, Availability, Maintability) improvements.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "Kings of Battle"]]. It has similar characteristics to the Soviet [[2S3M]] and can deliver powerful 155 mm shells over long distances and relocate swiftly to evade enemy fire. The M109A1 has a fast rate of fire, thanks to its semi-automatic loader and large ammo capacity, and its mobility is complemented by a good top speed and acceleration. However, its armor is not very thick, so it's recommended to use the M109A1's speed to avoid direct confrontations when possible. Moreover, it is essential to keep in mind that the M109A1 has low gun depression and cannot depend on firing from elevated positions.

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

''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


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

''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=575|rbMinHp=358}}

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

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

{{main|M185 (155 mm)}}

''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M185 (155 mm)|155 mm M185]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Autoloader
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 28 || rowspan="2" | -3°/+75° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__
|-
! ''Realistic''
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:M185 (155 mm)/Ammunition|M107, M107 (PF), M110}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''28''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}

''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''
* Access to HE and HE-VT shells with more than 9 kg of TNT
* Top speed of 56 km/h that it can easily reach
* Good reloading rate of 13.3 seconds, which easily surpasses its counterparts
* Can be surprisingly survivable, usually not taken out in a single shot
* Automatic loading mechanism for the main cannon
* Impressive 75° elevation limit

'''Cons:'''
* Hindered by a limited gun depression of -3 degrees
* The gunner optics have a low zoom level (4X)
* Thin armor, will only stop small arms fire

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

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

== 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 ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{USA tank destroyers}}

Buccaneer S.1

2023-10-25T23:11:14Z

U126556775: New description format

{{About
| about = gift British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the regular version
| link = Buccaneer S.2
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=buccaneer_s1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|market=id50146_buccaneer_s_1_great_britain
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced into British service in 1962 as a low-level strike aircraft for the Royal Navy. It was designed to carry a variety of weapons, including nuclear bombs, conventional bombs, rockets, and missiles. The Buccaneer S.1 had a distinctive shape, with a large nose, swept wings, and a tailcone that could be split to become an airbrake. The aircraft was powered by two de Havilland Gyron Junior DGJ.2 turbojets, which gave it a maximum speed of around 650 mph. The Buccaneer S.1 was deployed on several aircraft carriers, such as HMS Ark Royal, HMS Eagle, and HMS Hermes. It saw action in various conflicts, such as the Aden Emergency, and the Beira Patrol. The Buccaneer S.1 was also used for reconnaissance and maritime patrol missions. The Buccaneer S.1 was gradually replaced by the improved Buccaneer S.2, which had more powerful engines, improved avionics, and an increased bomb loadout capacity. The last Buccaneer S.1 was retired from service in 1970.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced during [[Update "Red Skies"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/7267-event-summer-landing-en|2021 Summer Landing event]]. It is a unique aircraft, as it is one of the few jet bombers without guns or air-to-air missiles for self-defense. This means that the Buccaneer S.1 is very vulnerable to enemy fighters, especially those with radar and infrared missiles. The Buccaneer S.1 also lacks any countermeasures to evade incoming missiles. Therefore, the best strategy is to fly low and fast, using the terrain and clouds to avoid detection and interception.

== 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 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,094 || 1,087 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.0 || 34.7 || 33.6 || 31.2 || rowspan="2" | 900
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,115 || 1,105 || 30.2 || 32.0 || 51.2 || 42.0
|-
|}

==== 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 
|-
|}

{| 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}} || 518 || 463 || 370 || ~9 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 585 || < 600 || < 548 || 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" | de Havilland Gyron Junior DGJ.2 (Mk.101) || 2
| colspan="3" | 12,406 kg || colspan="3" | 382 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel
|-
| 1,451 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 14,071 kg || 14,490 kg || 15,532 kg || 17,094 kg || 17,955 kg || 25,950 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,190 kgf || N/A
| 0.45 || 0.44 || 0.41 || 0.37 || 0.36 || 0.25
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 3,254 kgf (1,000 km/h) || N/A
| 0.46 || 0.45 || 0.42 || 0.38 || 0.36 || 0.25
|-
|}

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

The Buccaneer S.1 is a large target and does not feature any armour plates or bulletproof glass. All of the aircraft's fuel tanks are mounted down the centre of the aircraft in the upper fuselage (above the bomb bay). The engines are fairly small compared to those on other aircraft but are exposed to enemy fire (they are mounted right at the front near the air intakes).

Much like the Buccaneer S.2 the Buccaneer S.1 uses drooping ailerons (the ailerons deflect downwards with the flaps) to produce additional lift. While offering improved flight performance this has a fairly major drawback in terms of survivability in some situations. As the ailerons are considered parts of the flaps if you exceed your flaps' rip speed then the ailerons will likely be ripped off as well, this can easily lead to loss of control in the immediate aftermath of losing your flaps and make the aircraft very hard to control afterwards.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="7" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Buccaneer_S.2.png]]</div>
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13]] bombs
| || || 4 || ||
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 4 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[L.D H.E. M.C. Mk.1 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb L.D H.E. M.C. Mk.1]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[RP]] rockets
| 36 || 36 || || 36 || 36
|-
! [[RP-3]] rockets
| 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4
|-
! [[AGM-12B Bullpup]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* 4 x 1,000 lb L.D H.E. M.C. Mk.1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 8 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 144 x RP rockets
* 16 x RP-3 rockets
* 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (4,000 lb total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

In Realistic Battles, the Buccaneer's focus is bombing as it has zero air-to-air capability. Be careful on take-off with a full load, use most of the runway and get up to a good 350 km/h IAS before retracting gear and flaps. The aircraft can get up to its top-speed in level flight fully-loaded eventually. However, doing this will often lead to bad results. The best tactic is to gently side climb, get to around 550 km/h IAS and then climb at around 12 degrees keeping IAS above 500 km/h until reaching a position to strike from. Keep a careful eye on the positions of enemies and try and stay a healthy distance from them. Line up with the ground targets Drop into a shallow dive which will quickly increase speeds to ~1000 km/h. Once empty, it's often possible to fly straight back to the airfield and reload. On a return trip, if the friendly team has an advantage, fly straight back towards your target otherwise repeat the above manoeuvres.

Since almost all friendly bombers are going to reach targets first, it's a good idea to guess which targets are still going to be up as to which side to climb on. When picking targets (assuming the use of the loadout with a total of eight 1,000lb bombs), the wing mounted bombs (1000 lb L.D H.E. M.C. Mk.1) are more powerful and will do roughly 25% damage to a base each and drop in pairs whereas the 4 bombs in the bomb bay (1000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13) do roughly 20% damage to a base and drop individually. Speed and positioning are the only defence, generally speaking, if you need to get past an enemy plane, it's not a bad idea to go head-to-head and force them to turn hard to get back onto you, this will often drain enough of their speed that you are out of range by the time they come back around. It's also possible to force enemies past in an emergency by making use of air breaks. Otherwise use friendly aircraft to keep fast enemies off you.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Has a maximum payload of 8,000 lb
* Has a [[Ballistic Computer]] with both CCIP and CCRP
* CCIP works in level flight unlike on most other aircraft equipped with it
* Has a [[HUD#Buccaneer HUD|Head-Up Display]] in the cockpit which provides flight information and weapon aiming functionality
* Wings are harder to rip than on the [[Buccaneer S.2]]
* Bullpup AGM weaponry is excellent for ground targets
* Has a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)
* Has the ability to land on and take off from aircraft carriers

'''Cons:'''

* Has no guns or air-to-air missiles; relies on speed and teammates for survival
* A large and overall defenceless aircraft; likely to be targeted by enemy aircraft
* Has no countermeasures; only means of defence is terrain masking and smart manoeuvring
* Ailerons can be ripped off alongside flaps if you fly too fast

== History ==

===[[wt:en/news/7263-development-summer-marathon-vehicles-buccaneer-s-1-en|Devblog]]===
The Blackburn Buccaneer was developed in the early stages of the Cold War as a response to new cruisers being built by the Soviet Union at the time. After the first prototype conducted its maiden flight in the late 1950's, it didn't take long for the first production version - the Buccaneer S.1 - to enter service with the Fleet Air Arm in the early 1960's.

In service, the Buccaneer S.1 replaced the outdated Supermarine Scimitar in the naval attack role and served throughout the 1960's. In the early 1970's however, several accidents occurred caused by the Buccaneer S.1's troublesome engines. Following this, all Buccaneer S.1s were grounded and decommissioned, ending their service prematurely. However, the much more reliable Buccaneer S.2 replaced the older variant in service and continued its service for many more years.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=buccaneer_s1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" caption="Buccaneer S.1 Devblog Images" heights="200">
File:Buccaneer S.1 WTWallpaper001.jpg|
File:Buccaneer S.1 WTWallpaper002.jpg|
File:Buccaneer S.1 WTWallpaper003.jpg|
File:Buccaneer S.1 WTWallpaper004.jpg|
File:Buccaneer S.1 WTWallpaper005.jpg|
File:Buccaneer S.1 WTWallpaper006.jpg|
</gallery>

== See also ==


* [[Canberra B Mk 2]]
* [[B-57A]]
* [[S.O.4050 Vautour IIB]]
* [[Vautour IIA IDF/AF (France)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7263-development-summer-marathon-vehicles-buccaneer-s-1-en|[Development] Summer marathon vehicles: Buccaneer S.1]]

{{AirManufacturer Blackburn}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

EC-665 Tiger UHT

2023-10-25T22:11:17Z

U126556775: Minor fix

{{About
| about = German attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| and
| usage = other versions
| link-1 = EC-665 Tiger HAD
| link-2 = EC-665 Tiger HAP
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=tiger_uht
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced into German service in 2005 as a multi-role fire support helicopter. It is a variant of the Eurocopter Tiger, which was developed by a joint venture of France and Germany in response to a requirement for an advanced anti-tank helicopter. The development of the Tiger started in 1984 and lasted until 2003, when the first production model flew. The Tiger UHT is equipped with a mast-mounted sight, which allows it to operate from behind cover and engage targets with precision-guided missiles. The Tiger UHT has also participated in several overseas deployments, such as Afghanistan and Mali, where it provided reconnaissance and fire support for ground forces. The Tiger UHT is one of the four versions of the Eurocopter Tiger, along with the HAP, HAD and ARH models used by France, Spain, and Australia, respectively. The UHT stands for Unterstützungshubschrauber Tiger, which means "support helicopter Tiger" in German. The UHT differs from the other variants by having a different armament configuration, which includes PARS 3 LR fire-and-forget missiles and HOT 3 anti-tank missiles. In 2018, an upgrade program was contemplated that would enhance its performance and survivability, as well as enable it to fire the new Spike ER2 anti-tank missile; however, no final decision has been made regarding the implementation of the upgrade program.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]]. It has a unique advantage over most other helicopters in its ability to engage targets from behind cover using its mast-mounted sight and fire-and-forget missiles. The mast-mounted sight allows the pilot to scan the battlefield without exposing the helicopter too much, while the fire-and-forget missiles can be launched without maintaining a lock on the target. Unfortunately, the fire-and-forget missiles are not very reliable, as they frequently lose their lock due to obstacles and smoke. They are also slow and have a fairly limited range, which means that the target could be destroyed by other players or move out of range before the missile hits. Therefore, the pilot should always be aware of the situation and choose the best moment to fire and withdraw.

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

As a Eurocopter, it has the best agility and flight performance compared to other helicopters as the rest of the EC-665 seen in game. It is able to do barrel rolls metres from the ground. Despite not having the best top speed (Russian helicopters excel at that part) it is able to perform "unique" tricks mid-air for helicopters. It is not the best strike helicopter when you want to do lighting strikes (fast attacks with minimal exposure time) but it is able to "peek-a-boo" with enemies, specially since the collective pitch on the EC-665 can be increased and decreased very quickly. One of the pros, at least for flight performance, of the UHT compared to other EC-665s is the lack of the 30 mm autocannon. This reduces the weight of the helicopter, increasing speed, manoeuvrability and agility overall.

{| 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
| 268 || 256 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| 309 || 290
|-
|}

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


As with most helicopters in the game, the Tiger UHT can be shot down easily by even 7.62 mm machine gun fire. However, the EC-665 crew is inside what looks like an "armoured bathtub". The crew is protected by AMAP-AIR (Advanced Modular Armour Plating Air) which is able to protect the crew from fragmentation only. It is not able to withstand machine gun fire without being damaged badly. However, the EC-665's best armour is to not be seen at all. This is something the Tiger excels at. Thanks to the GPS (Gunner Primary Sight) displacement, if the real life combat usage is followed (staying behind trees and mountains and poke just the rotor), the survivability of the EC-665 can be tremendously improved, thanks to this, it is not detected by anti-aircraft at all and will be hard to spot unless thermals are being used.

The fuel and transmission sit in the middle of the aircraft, between the gunner and the engine. There is no armour protection for the transmission and fuel, and their placement in the middle of the helicopter make them vulnerable to enemy fire.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}


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

* A choice between two presets:
** Without offensive armament
** 64 x countermeasures

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

{{main|APKWS II (M151)|APKWS II (M282)|ATAS (AIM-92)|HOT-3|PARS 3 LR}}
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|FN M3P (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 14 x APKWS II (M151) missiles
* 14 x APKWS II (M282) missiles
* 4 x HOT-3 missiles
* 8 x HOT-3 missiles
* 8 x PARS 3 LR missiles
* 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns (250 rpg = 500 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
| rowspan="8" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns (250 rpg)
| || 1* || 1* ||
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| || 3*, 19 || 3*, 19 ||
|-
! APKWS II (M151) missiles
| || 7 || 7 ||
|-
! APKWS II (M282) missiles
| || 7 || 7 ||
|-
! ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
| 2 || || || 2
|-
! HOT-3 missiles
| || 2, 4 || 2, 4 ||
|-
! PARS 3 LR missiles
| || 4 || 4 ||
|-
| colspan="6" | * Gunpods can be carried concurrently with triple FFAR rockets on the same hardpoint
|}

== Usage in battles ==


;Overview

The EC-665 Tiger UHT is a great tank hunting helicopter, enabled through the help of its superb avionics, electronics, optronics and one-of-a-kind PARS 3 LR anti-tank guided missiles. Although the playstyle is similar to its predecessors, the Tiger UHT is quite unlike other helicopters previously found in its tech tree. With the addition of all-new MAW, thermal optics, air-to-air missiles and unique heat-seeking anti-tank guided missiles, the EC-665 Tiger UHT presents the leading edge of anti-tank helicopters. With support from friendly fighters occupying hostile aircraft and helicopters, the Tiger UHT can singlehandedly wipe out entire teams on the ground, even the latest anti-air vehicles have great difficulty taking out a Tiger UHT when piloted accordingly.

;Air-to-air combat

Although possible, the Tiger UHT should avoid actively hunting other helicopters and especially aircraft(unless unavoidable), as it is far more important to prioritize hunting ground targets instead. If required, the Tiger UHT is equipped with 4 Stinger heat-seeking missiles that work best against slow-flying targets within 750m-5km with 2km being the optimal launch distance. With an all aspect locking seeker, the missile can engage aircraft directly coming towards it, however, this is limited to a maximum distance of roughly 4km.

;Short-range anti tank combat

Just like air combat, close-range anti-tank combat is not a very viable option, the 38 Mighty Mouse rockets or 12.7 mm gun pods don't present a great tool to destroy anything that isn't soft targets. If rockets are used, the ballistics computer will assist with landing precise hits.

;Long-range anti-tank combat

For the Tiger UHT, there are 2 choices of anti-tank guided missiles: HOT-3 and PARS 3 LR. Although HOT-3 has the highest penetration of any armament in-game, it does not perform well due to its very lacking 4.3 km range. PARS 3 LR however is the highlight of the Tiger UHT, with its unique ability to home-in on the target on its own after launch, allowing the pilot to seek cover immediately after firing the missile. The only disadvantage to the missile is the requirement to lock the target beforehand, which isn't too important due to the short 1-second warm-up timer. This also allows all 8 missiles to be fired within 10 seconds at either the same or 8 different targets at once.

;Engaging ground targets with PARS 3 LR

[[File:Pars_3_LR_demonstration.mp4|right|thumb|x300px|Engagement of multiple tank targets using PARS 3 LR]]
When picking out targets to engage, there are a few criteria to be checked to ensure a good hit. Targets that are moving towards cover such as buildings, terrain, or smoke, or sitting behind bushes (not bushes as 3D decorations). The task of finding targets is greatly improved through the optics being mounted above the main rotor overseeing the entire helicopter and being equipped with thermal/night vision systems. This allows for great viewing angles of over -60° to 60° in the horizontal plane, and -40° to 10° in elevation.

An important feature about PARS 3 LR is the infrared seeker, being able to engage aircraft and especially helicopters too. Although not reliable due to the lack of a proximity fuse, this can be a live saver when fighting at ranges that exceed the range of Stinger.

;Altitude is key - Fighting against and around anti-air

In almost all cases, the Tiger UHT will face anti-air vehicles, especially missile-based systems. For these kinds of threats, there are multiple layers of protection against these types of threats. The first one being the radar warning receiver, informing about any radar pings or locks from hostile as well as friendly anti-air. For best results, it is highly advised to differentiate how many pings are picked up, and how many friendly radar-equipped anti-air units are present so that one can prepare for possible attacks. Although a radar lock can be a giveaway if anti-aircraft is active, a missile warning system is installed in addition to the radar warning system. It will inform you if any type of missile has been launched at the Tiger UHT, either ground or air-based missiles. Following the missile warning, multiple ways of evasion and countermeasures can be deployed and used, commonly being flares, quickly lowering altitude, changing the direction of flight, bringing hard cover between the helicopter and launch direction.

The most important part about defending against missile systems is altitude, in cases when the missile is below 25 metres over the ground, which will disable the proximity fuse until it reaches above 25 metres again, greatly limiting its effectiveness against low flying/hovering helicopters. This can be used to reliably evade missiles when no hard cover such as a hill is available.

;Conclusion

When deployed properly, the Tiger UHT is a great addition to any line-up. What it lacks against aircraft, it will quickly make up against any ground targets or helicopters.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Optic is mounted above the rotor, has the ability to only expose the optic and fire on enemies
* Wide viewing angles on the Optics allow for instant target acquisition and engagement
* Fire-and-forget PARS-3 LR Missiles
* Very manoeuvrable
* Has RWR and MAW
* Low thermal signature
* Thermal sight
* Very high Zoom on the optics
* PARS-3 can be used against aircraft

'''Cons:'''

* With the optic mounted above the rotor looking down you will see the rotor spinning
* Only hardpoint mounted machine guns
* No radar
* IR missiles will lose lock through smoke and obstacles
* Stinger is not effective against fast moving targets greatly limiting self-defence against aircraft
* Only 8 ATGMs compared to its contemporaries with 12 or even 16 ATGMs
* PARS-3 missiles are relatively slow
* Lacks IRCM to counter incoming AAM

== History ==
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

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

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Eurocopter Tiger UHT WTWallpaper 001.jpg
File:Eurocopter Tiger UHT WTWallpaper 002.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|ADl4WeY-R2A|'''The Shooting Range #167''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the Eurocopter Tiger.}}

== 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 helicopter;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6338-development-eurocopter-tiger-pouncing-on-the-prey-en|[Development] Eurocopter Tiger: Pouncing on the Prey]]

{{AirManufacturer Eurocopter}}
{{Germany helicopters}}

EC-665 Tiger UHT

2023-10-25T22:10:25Z

U126556775: New description format

{{About
| about = German attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| and
| usage = other versions
| link-1 = EC-665 Tiger HAD
| link-2 = EC-665 Tiger HAP
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=tiger_uht
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced into German service in 2005 as a multi-role fire support helicopter. It is a variant of the Eurocopter Tiger, which was developed by a joint venture of France and Germany in response to a requirement for an advanced anti-tank helicopter. The development of the Tiger started in 1984 and lasted until 2003, when the first production model flew. The Tiger UHT is equipped with a mast-mounted sight, which allows it to operate from behind cover and engage targets with precision-guided missiles. The Tiger UHT has also participated in several overseas deployments, such as Afghanistan and Mali, where it provided reconnaissance and fire support for ground forces. The Tiger UHT is one of the four versions of the Eurocopter Tiger, along with the HAP, HAD and ARH models used by France, Spain, and Australia, respectively. The UHT stands for Unterstützungshubschrauber Tiger, which means "support helicopter Tiger" in German. The UHT differs from the other variants by having a different armament configuration, which includes PARS 3 LR fire-and-forget missiles and HOT 3 anti-tank missiles. In 2018, an upgrade program was contemplated that would enhance its performance and survivability, as well as enable it to fire the new Spike LR2 anti-tank missile; however, no final decision has been made regarding the implementation of the upgrade program.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]]. It has a unique advantage over most other helicopters in its ability to engage targets from behind cover using its mast-mounted sight and fire-and-forget missiles. The mast-mounted sight allows the pilot to scan the battlefield without exposing the helicopter too much, while the fire-and-forget missiles can be launched without maintaining a lock on the target. Unfortunately, the fire-and-forget missiles are not very reliable, as they frequently lose their lock due to obstacles and smoke. They are also slow and have a fairly limited range, which means that the target could be destroyed by other players or move out of range before the missile hits. Therefore, the pilot should always be aware of the situation and choose the best moment to fire and withdraw.

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

As a Eurocopter, it has the best agility and flight performance compared to other helicopters as the rest of the EC-665 seen in game. It is able to do barrel rolls metres from the ground. Despite not having the best top speed (Russian helicopters excel at that part) it is able to perform "unique" tricks mid-air for helicopters. It is not the best strike helicopter when you want to do lighting strikes (fast attacks with minimal exposure time) but it is able to "peek-a-boo" with enemies, specially since the collective pitch on the EC-665 can be increased and decreased very quickly. One of the pros, at least for flight performance, of the UHT compared to other EC-665s is the lack of the 30 mm autocannon. This reduces the weight of the helicopter, increasing speed, manoeuvrability and agility overall.

{| 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
| 268 || 256 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| 309 || 290
|-
|}

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


As with most helicopters in the game, the Tiger UHT can be shot down easily by even 7.62 mm machine gun fire. However, the EC-665 crew is inside what looks like an "armoured bathtub". The crew is protected by AMAP-AIR (Advanced Modular Armour Plating Air) which is able to protect the crew from fragmentation only. It is not able to withstand machine gun fire without being damaged badly. However, the EC-665's best armour is to not be seen at all. This is something the Tiger excels at. Thanks to the GPS (Gunner Primary Sight) displacement, if the real life combat usage is followed (staying behind trees and mountains and poke just the rotor), the survivability of the EC-665 can be tremendously improved, thanks to this, it is not detected by anti-aircraft at all and will be hard to spot unless thermals are being used.

The fuel and transmission sit in the middle of the aircraft, between the gunner and the engine. There is no armour protection for the transmission and fuel, and their placement in the middle of the helicopter make them vulnerable to enemy fire.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}


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

* A choice between two presets:
** Without offensive armament
** 64 x countermeasures

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

{{main|APKWS II (M151)|APKWS II (M282)|ATAS (AIM-92)|HOT-3|PARS 3 LR}}
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|FN M3P (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 14 x APKWS II (M151) missiles
* 14 x APKWS II (M282) missiles
* 4 x HOT-3 missiles
* 8 x HOT-3 missiles
* 8 x PARS 3 LR missiles
* 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns (250 rpg = 500 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns + 6 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
| rowspan="8" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! 12.7 mm FN M3P machine guns (250 rpg)
| || 1* || 1* ||
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| || 3*, 19 || 3*, 19 ||
|-
! APKWS II (M151) missiles
| || 7 || 7 ||
|-
! APKWS II (M282) missiles
| || 7 || 7 ||
|-
! ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
| 2 || || || 2
|-
! HOT-3 missiles
| || 2, 4 || 2, 4 ||
|-
! PARS 3 LR missiles
| || 4 || 4 ||
|-
| colspan="6" | * Gunpods can be carried concurrently with triple FFAR rockets on the same hardpoint
|}

== Usage in battles ==


;Overview

The EC-665 Tiger UHT is a great tank hunting helicopter, enabled through the help of its superb avionics, electronics, optronics and one-of-a-kind PARS 3 LR anti-tank guided missiles. Although the playstyle is similar to its predecessors, the Tiger UHT is quite unlike other helicopters previously found in its tech tree. With the addition of all-new MAW, thermal optics, air-to-air missiles and unique heat-seeking anti-tank guided missiles, the EC-665 Tiger UHT presents the leading edge of anti-tank helicopters. With support from friendly fighters occupying hostile aircraft and helicopters, the Tiger UHT can singlehandedly wipe out entire teams on the ground, even the latest anti-air vehicles have great difficulty taking out a Tiger UHT when piloted accordingly.

;Air-to-air combat

Although possible, the Tiger UHT should avoid actively hunting other helicopters and especially aircraft(unless unavoidable), as it is far more important to prioritize hunting ground targets instead. If required, the Tiger UHT is equipped with 4 Stinger heat-seeking missiles that work best against slow-flying targets within 750m-5km with 2km being the optimal launch distance. With an all aspect locking seeker, the missile can engage aircraft directly coming towards it, however, this is limited to a maximum distance of roughly 4km.

;Short-range anti tank combat

Just like air combat, close-range anti-tank combat is not a very viable option, the 38 Mighty Mouse rockets or 12.7 mm gun pods don't present a great tool to destroy anything that isn't soft targets. If rockets are used, the ballistics computer will assist with landing precise hits.

;Long-range anti-tank combat

For the Tiger UHT, there are 2 choices of anti-tank guided missiles: HOT-3 and PARS 3 LR. Although HOT-3 has the highest penetration of any armament in-game, it does not perform well due to its very lacking 4.3 km range. PARS 3 LR however is the highlight of the Tiger UHT, with its unique ability to home-in on the target on its own after launch, allowing the pilot to seek cover immediately after firing the missile. The only disadvantage to the missile is the requirement to lock the target beforehand, which isn't too important due to the short 1-second warm-up timer. This also allows all 8 missiles to be fired within 10 seconds at either the same or 8 different targets at once.

;Engaging ground targets with PARS 3 LR

[[File:Pars_3_LR_demonstration.mp4|right|thumb|x300px|Engagement of multiple tank targets using PARS 3 LR]]
When picking out targets to engage, there are a few criteria to be checked to ensure a good hit. Targets that are moving towards cover such as buildings, terrain, or smoke, or sitting behind bushes (not bushes as 3D decorations). The task of finding targets is greatly improved through the optics being mounted above the main rotor overseeing the entire helicopter and being equipped with thermal/night vision systems. This allows for great viewing angles of over -60° to 60° in the horizontal plane, and -40° to 10° in elevation.

An important feature about PARS 3 LR is the infrared seeker, being able to engage aircraft and especially helicopters too. Although not reliable due to the lack of a proximity fuse, this can be a live saver when fighting at ranges that exceed the range of Stinger.

;Altitude is key - Fighting against and around anti-air

In almost all cases, the Tiger UHT will face anti-air vehicles, especially missile-based systems. For these kinds of threats, there are multiple layers of protection against these types of threats. The first one being the radar warning receiver, informing about any radar pings or locks from hostile as well as friendly anti-air. For best results, it is highly advised to differentiate how many pings are picked up, and how many friendly radar-equipped anti-air units are present so that one can prepare for possible attacks. Although a radar lock can be a giveaway if anti-aircraft is active, a missile warning system is installed in addition to the radar warning system. It will inform you if any type of missile has been launched at the Tiger UHT, either ground or air-based missiles. Following the missile warning, multiple ways of evasion and countermeasures can be deployed and used, commonly being flares, quickly lowering altitude, changing the direction of flight, bringing hard cover between the helicopter and launch direction.

The most important part about defending against missile systems is altitude, in cases when the missile is below 25 metres over the ground, which will disable the proximity fuse until it reaches above 25 metres again, greatly limiting its effectiveness against low flying/hovering helicopters. This can be used to reliably evade missiles when no hard cover such as a hill is available.

;Conclusion

When deployed properly, the Tiger UHT is a great addition to any line-up. What it lacks against aircraft, it will quickly make up against any ground targets or helicopters.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Optic is mounted above the rotor, has the ability to only expose the optic and fire on enemies
* Wide viewing angles on the Optics allow for instant target acquisition and engagement
* Fire-and-forget PARS-3 LR Missiles
* Very manoeuvrable
* Has RWR and MAW
* Low thermal signature
* Thermal sight
* Very high Zoom on the optics
* PARS-3 can be used against aircraft

'''Cons:'''

* With the optic mounted above the rotor looking down you will see the rotor spinning
* Only hardpoint mounted machine guns
* No radar
* IR missiles will lose lock through smoke and obstacles
* Stinger is not effective against fast moving targets greatly limiting self-defence against aircraft
* Only 8 ATGMs compared to its contemporaries with 12 or even 16 ATGMs
* PARS-3 missiles are relatively slow
* Lacks IRCM to counter incoming AAM

== History ==
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

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

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Eurocopter Tiger UHT WTWallpaper 001.jpg
File:Eurocopter Tiger UHT WTWallpaper 002.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|ADl4WeY-R2A|'''The Shooting Range #167''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the Eurocopter Tiger.}}

== 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 helicopter;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6338-development-eurocopter-tiger-pouncing-on-the-prey-en|[Development] Eurocopter Tiger: Pouncing on the Prey]]

{{AirManufacturer Eurocopter}}
{{Germany helicopters}}

Fw 190 A-5/U12

2023-10-25T17:39:42Z

U126556775: New description format

{{About
| about = German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Fw 190 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=fw-190a-5
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_Fw_190_A-5_U12.jpg|ArtImage Fw 190 A-5-U12.png}}
|card_name=Fw 190 A-5/U12
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was a variant of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, a German single-seat, single-engine fighter aircraft that was widely used during World War II. The Fw 190 A-5 was developed in 1942 to shift the plane's center of gravity and increase the payload capacity of the Fw 190 by moving the engine forward and allowing more weight to be carried aft. In the course of the war, the Fw 190 A-5 was used by the Luftwaffe as a ground-attack aircraft, night fighter, fighter-bomber, and fighter in several locations, such as France, the Soviet Union, North Africa, and Britain. The Fw 190 A-5 proved to be superior to the Spitfire Mk. V at low and medium altitudes but suffered from decreased performance at high altitudes. The Fw 190 A-5 was also loaned to Japan for evaluation but was not adopted by the Japanese Army. Nonetheless, the aircraft was notable for its versatility and effectiveness, as well as its use by some of the most accomplished Luftwaffe aces during WWII. The "U-12" stands for "Umrüst-Bausatz 12", which means "conversion kit 12" in German. This was a designation for a series of field modifications that were applied to some Fw 190 A-5s to enhance their capabilities for specific missions. Specifically, the Fw 190 A-5/U12 was equipped with two underwing 20 mm MG 151/20 gunpods for air-to-air combat.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]], splitting the Fw 190 A-5 into a folder with /U12 and the /U2. The A-5/U12, similar to other Fw 190s, is an excellent climber and diver while being a poor turner. The plane can manoeuvre vertically quite well and can out-dive opponents. However, after about 600 km/h the controls tend to stiffen up, so care should be taken while in dives. Rocking two [[MG 151 (20 mm)|20 mm MG 151]] cannons, an armoured radial engine, armoured fuel tanks, and sometimes external gunpods, this aircraft is far from shy in the role of giving and taking. Anything at 12 o'clock is soon to be dead. The wing root mounted cannons should be additionally placed on a separate key for head-on attacks. You have a lot of ammunition at your expense, 1800 rounds of 7.92 mm [[MG 17 (7.92 mm)|MG 17]], and 500 rounds of 20 mm MG 151, meaning that aces are achievable in one sortie with excellent aim.

== 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 6,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 642 || 621 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.7 || 22.5 || 10.6 || 10.6 || rowspan="2" | 391
|-
! Upgraded
| 693 || 666 || 19.5 || 20.6 || 18.4 || 14.1
|-
|}

==== 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 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 912  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 700 || 310 || ~13 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 420 || < 300 || < 550 || > 320
|-
|}

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


* 3 mm Steel - Engine cowling
* 5 mm Steel - Engine cowling
* 6 mm Steel - Under engine plate
* 8 mm Steel - Under fuel tanks
* 5 mm Steel - Behind rear fuel tank
* 8 mm Steel - Seat plate
* 6 mm Steel - Seat plate
* 12 mm Steel - Headrest plate
* 57 mm Bulletproof glass

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

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

{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 17 (7.92 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
* 2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns, nose-mounted (900 rpg = 1,800 total)

The two cannons are arranged with one mounted in each of the wings near the wing roots and the two machine guns mounted in the upper fuselage just in front of the pilot. The wing mounted cannons are armed with 250 rounds of ammunition each while the upper fuselage machine guns are armed with 900 rounds each.

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

{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)}}

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

* Without load
* 4 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons, wing-mounted (gunpods) (125 rpg = 500 total)

The four cannons are arranged into two bundles of two mounted under each wing. If fired continuously with the aircraft-mounted cannons, the gun pods will run out of ammo first.

== Usage in battles ==

At the beginning of a battle, it is preferable to climb slightly to the sides to ensure that you have the altitude advantage over the enemy without having to encounter them head-on in a low energy climb state, while staying close enough to the engagement to intervene once they appear. Like all Fw 190s, the turn rate of the A-5/U12 is abysmal compared to most other aircraft you will meet, so out-turning opponents should not be attempted. However, the short wings on the plane are do give it an advantage over similar craft at its BR in terms of strength, and can easily survive several magnitudes of G-force - which is one of the few options available to the A-5/U12 for defence. Vertical engagements and energy retention are a must.

Once researched, the plane gains the option to mount two dual 20 mm MG 151 gun pods; however, as expected, this add-on hampers climb rate and aerodynamics and should be reserved for bomber hunting missions.

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful engine - steady climber, does not overheat frequently
* Access to dual 20 mm MG 151 cannon pods - one on each wing
* Resilient wings - great diver
* Good accuracy
* Amazing roll rate
* Great resiliency - shrugging off hits
* Up to six 20 mm MG 151 will shred bombers with ease
* One of the highest amount of unlockable camouflages in-game
* Long and sturdy landing gears allows some tough landings

'''Cons:'''

* External cannon pods negatively affect aerodynamics and weight
* Poor turning as a monoplane fighter
* Mediocre climb rate
* Has thick canopy frames and tall instrument panel that block the pilot's forward views in simulator
* Sensitive in roll axis, can be hard for new simulator pilots to pull off accurate shots without over-rolling the plane
* No combat flaps
* Poor stall control

== History ==


{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Wuerger (Shrike) was a single-seat, single-engine monoplane fighter used by the Luftwaffe in WWII. One of the best fighters of the time, it was widely used during the Second World War. A total of over 20,000 were produced, including some 6,000 fighter-bomber variants. The 190 remained in production from 1941 until the end of the war, going through multiple redesigns. The Fw 190 made a name for itself as a true Luftwaffe workhorse and was used in a wide variety of roles, including a high-altitude interceptor (especially the Fw 190 D), escort fighter, fighter-bomber and night fighter.

1942 flight tests of the Fw 190 A-3 proved that the installation of additional equipment could shift the plane's center of gravity. To address the issue, the aircraft had to be lengthened. First examples, designated Fw 190 A-5, saw combat in November 1942. Other modifications were minor and included improved oxygen equipment and a new artificial horizon. All production aircraft were also equipped with the FuG 25a IFF set. The armament remained unchanged.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fw-190a-5 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|3rItAzE_zVU|'''Gunpod Baby! or not? Fw 190 A-5/U12 - Germany - Review!''' - ''Jengar''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Fw 190 A-5]]{{-}}[[Fw 190 A-5 (Japan)]]
* [[Fw 190 A-5/U2]]
* [[Fw 190 A-5/U14]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:Focke-Wulf_Fw_190_Würger|[Wikipedia] Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Würger]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.ru/index.php?/topic/197160-fw-190-a-5-u12/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance (Russian Forum)]

{{AirManufacturer Focke-Wulf}}
{{Germany fighters}}

Me 262 A-1a

2023-10-25T16:57:47Z

U126556775: New description format

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

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was a variant of the Me 262, the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. It was designed and produced by Messerschmitt in Germany during World War II. The Me 262 A-1a, also known as Schwalbe (Swallow), was used as a defensive interceptor against Allied bombers and fighters. It had revolutionary Junkers Jumo 004 turbojet engines that gave it a top speed of over 540 miles per hour, making it much faster than any Allied fighter at the time. The Me 262 A-1a was armed with four 30-mm cannons and could also carry air-to-air rockets. The Me 262 A-1a entered service with the Luftwaffe in mid-1944 and proved to be an effective dogfighter against Allied fighters. It made its first combat mission on July 26, 1944, when it attacked a British Mosquito reconnaissance plane over Bavaria. It was the first time in history that a jet fighter engaged in air-to-air combat. German pilots claimed 542 Allied aircraft were shot down by the Me 262, although higher claims have sometimes been made. However, the Me 262 also faced many problems, such as reliability issues with the engines, shortages of fuel and materials, and interference from Hitler, who wanted the Me 262 to be used as a fighter-bomber instead of an interceptor. The Allies also countered the Me 262 by attacking it on the ground and during takeoff and landing. The Me 262 had little impact on the war because of its late introduction and the small numbers that entered service. The Allies captured several Me 262's, which they examined and tested in flight. Some were also operated by Czechoslovakia until 1951.

The {{Specs|name}} has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. This aircraft is a true heavy fighter in every way: bomber "box formations" fall apart under your heavy rocket bombardments, flying fortresses perish within seconds by this machine's MK 108 cannons, whose unusually low velocity you will have to take into account. However, it may struggle against other jets that have superior speed and maneuverability. The armament is what makes the Me 262 a formidable opponent but also a challenging one to master.
[[File:Me262 intercepting B-29.png|thumbnail|left|The Schwalbe in its interceptor role.]]

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

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

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 824 || 796 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.0 || 30.0 || 16.0 || 14.9 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 909|| 865 || 27.7 || 28.0 || 24.5 || 20.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 558 || 529 || 380 || ~10 || ~5
|-
|}

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

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Junkers Jumo 004B-1 || 2
| colspan="3" | 4,280 kg || colspan="3" | 287 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 16m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel
|-
| 720 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 4,894 kg || 5,041 kg || 5,409 kg || 5,961 kg || 6,255 kg || 6,520 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 16m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 910 kgf || N/A
| 0.37 || 0.36 || 0.34 || 0.30 || 0.29 || 0.28
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 910 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.37 || 0.36 || 0.34 || 0.30 || 0.29 || 0.28
|-
|}

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{{main|R4M}}

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

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

== Usage in battles ==


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

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

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

The Schwalbe has three main possible usages:

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

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

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

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

* '''Bomber interceptor''':

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

*'''Ground attacker''':

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

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

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

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

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

'''Cons:'''

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

== History ==


{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The Messerschmitt Me 262 was a German jet fighter, fast bomber and reconnaissance aircraft of the WWII era. It was the world's first mass-produced jet fighter and the first jet aircraft to see combat. The first serial variant, the Me 262 A-1a, unofficially known as 'Schwalbe', arrived for flight testing in Lechfeld in July 1944. The construction used generic alloys, was almost fully riveted and its weight was rather high, all for the sake of ease of mass production. The Jumo 004B-1 jet engine (later B-2 and B-3) also housed a 2-stroke Riedel motorcycle engine, used as a starter. Two small 17-liter fuel tanks were used to power the starter. The rest of the fuel was housed in the fuselage. Two main and two extra fuel tanks were used. Main tanks held 900 liters of fuel, the nose tank had 170 liters and the rear tank held 600 liters.

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

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


;Skins

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

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

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

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

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

== External links ==


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

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

Stormer HVM

2023-10-25T16:25:17Z

U126556775: New description format

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

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a variant of the Alvis Stormer AFV that was designed to provide short-range air defense for British ground forces. It was created in response to the growing danger of attack helicopters, such as the Soviet Mi-24 Hind. The British Army opted for the Starstreak missile due to its three-dart warhead, which can overcome both armour and countermeasures. The Stormer's chassis offered excellent crew protection and mobility, making it a suitable platform for the Starstreak missile. The vehicle can hold a maximum of 12 Starstreak missiles, which can destroy low-flying targets, including helicopters, jets, and drones, up to 7 km away. The Stormer HVM entered service in 1997 and was later deployed to Iraq. Oman also purchased some for their own defense needs, while Ukraine received some of the units. As air threats to Western forces diminished, the British Army retired the Stormer HVM in 2009 and sought more advanced alternatives like the Sky Sabre.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]]. It is a unique and powerful vehicle that can challenge any airborne opponent with its missiles. However, despite its capabilities, the Stormer HVM does have some drawbacks. One of the main drawbacks is its limited range. With a maximum range of 7 km, it will not be able to engage targets that are located further away. Additionally, the Stormer HVM's effectiveness may be reduced against highly maneuverable and fast-moving aerial threats. Overall, it is best used as an early-spawn vehicle to quickly neutralize helicopters and possibly engage lightly armoured targets.

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


This tank uses the chassis of Scorpion, which you might be familiar with since [[Striker]]. As before, it can only take punishment from the front and it's best to avoid anything more serious than autocannon armed light tanks or [[KPz-70]], since most 9.0+ tanks have at least 100 mm gun along with their coaxial weapons.

The launcher on the back was replaced with a turret carrying Starstreak HVM and search optics. The usually small camera next to commander cupola now has heavy optics and is much bigger as a result. The turret is much higher than the old launcher and is very hard to hide.

The missiles do not have any protection this time around and user should avoid being bombed and shot by artillery '''at any cost'''. Even a 7.62 mm machine gun can ignite missiles on a good hit. Even close artillery or HE miss might set off Starstreaks and cause the entire rack to explode, annihilating the carrier and probably taking it's allies nearby with it in process. Even if missiles did not explode, it is very likely that the hull will take enough overpressure damage to take out the crew.

The missile carrier has very short burnout time, so even if it survived a strafe run from a gunship while just being set on fire, it will burn fast and explode in about 8 seconds.

As such, Stormer should avoid fighting anything directly, if possible. To ensure not a single aircraft knows about its presence, an IRST system is used instead of radar - not even best helicopters around can detect it. In arcade mode, they can still see the Stormer, but the optronic system will allow the tank to destroy them before they have even a chance to aim at it.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=355|rbMinHp=221}}

As with [[Striker]], the {{PAGENAME}} is capable of driving both forward and backwards relatively fast even with no upgrades. The ability to drive forward and turn around at same time still relies on driver being maxed out, so your crew must be very high level.

The more you upgrade the chassis and engine, the more obscure position you can climb and take over in order to avoid being spotted and destroyed by other tanks.

Do not race against Japanese [[Type 90]] and Italian scout tank [[Centauro ROMOR]], they are much faster.

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

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

{{main|Starstreak}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Starstreak]] missile || 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" | 16 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+60° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 61.6 || 85.3 || 103.6 || 114.6 || 121.9 || rowspan="2" | 1.30 || rowspan="2" | 1.15 || rowspan="2" | 1.06 || rowspan="2" | 1.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 41.6 || 49.0 || 59.5 || 65.8 || 70.0
|-
|}

The {{PAGENAME}} uses surface-to-air Starstreak missiles and their unique properties make it hard to use them for anything else. There are 8 of them mounted on the turret and there are 8 more spares in the back of the tank.

The missiles are launched in two stages - the carrier missile and the "darts". The information in the stat-card is presented for the carrier missile and differs from the actual payload unleashed after ~580 m of flight.

In spite of the indicated top speed, Starstreaks bleed their speed very fast when forced to chase jets at an angle, so consider practising fire discipline or look for spots from which you can hit them head-on or in the back.

The missiles are guided by a laser, which makes them trigger LWS upon launch, but also allows to guide multiple launches at once and renders jammers and most countermeasures useless.

==== Ammunition ====
{{:Starstreak/Ammunition|Starstreak HVM}}

==== [[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
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''16''' || 11 ''(+5)'' || 9 ''(+7)'' || 1 ''(+15)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* Missiles are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
* Rack 4 (launcher) is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 8 shells.
** The launcher gets filled first when loading up the tank and is also emptied first.
** Once the launcher rack has been depleted, you can't shoot until at least one missile has been restocked .
** Simply not firing when the launcher is ready to fire will move ammo from racks 1 and 2 into rack 3. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
** The depletion order at full capacity is: 3 - 1 - 2.

===Radars===

Stormer HMV uses special infrared search devices to detect targets. While they have a significantly shorter range than "normal" radar and cannot tell the range towards target until specifically locked onto it, they can tell which targets are friendly and do not target them, or at least specifically mark them as "friendly". They also scan Stormer HVM surroundings approximately 6 times a second even when locked on, which makes bypassing it next to impossible.

Infrared detectors are invisible to "radar detectors" and will not alert helicopters or supersonic jets of your presence. There is no benefit in powering it down as of now.

Trees and smokes can completely block IRST system - if you cannot see your opponent yourself through thick forest, neither will the system.

The search system will react to flares launched during night battles and flares launched by helicopters. It is possible to lock onto them by accident as well, but once the enemy aircraft was locked onto, the tracker will ignore everything else.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="5" | Thales ADAD - Passive Infared Search
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Detection Range|The range, below which, a target cannot be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum relative speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be detectable by the radar}}
|-
| ~8,000 m || N/A || 360° || -__°/+__° || N/A
|-
! colspan="5" | Thales ADAD - Passive Infared Track
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum target speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be tracked by the radar}}
|-
| ~8,000 m || N/A || 360° || -__°/+__° || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


It is best to hide from sight of others when using this SPAA - move around battlefield and use terrain and caves as a hiding spot for yourself. Exploit mobility upgrades to stand on mountain edges, if necessary.

Avoid participating in direct combat with medium tanks at any cost, as you definitely will not help in winning the fight directly and they might use the gigantic ammo rack as a way to destroy your allies. The only logical exception is if you are supporting allied ATGM tank by removing hostile tank ERA and turning their attention towards you, then immediately retreat. Any attempts to do sneaky shots on medium tanks should only be done if you are sure it's worth it.

In case if you managed to spot hostile SAM, you can try to remove them by igniting their missiles to help your team achieve air superiority. Remember, you cannot fire on move, so if they will also notice you and have actual guns, the tables will turn immediately. At long range you can fire at least three times before missiles of most other SAM tanks would reach you.

Using forests as cover is less reliable than just using terrain, as IRST will likely fail to detect your opponents through trees, unlike radar which only get its signal halved in power.

In case if you have nothing better to do at the moment or spotted an enemy tank, you can scout it from a remote location. Do not try to scout if enemy team is actively searching for you.

{{Notice| Be aware, that while Stormer HVM itself is nigh undetectable in RB, it still uses laser pointer to guide missiles. Some modern helicopters and some tanks have Laser Warning System and will receive attack alert on launch, and probably will try to dodge. Do not expect every static target to never move.|!}}

'''General missile behaviour and ground targets:'''

;First Launch

The carrier missile drags the actual missiles away from Stormer at a speed of about 800 m/s and unleashes them at about ~450 m range. Until that point, the missile can be used as a weak form of HE ATGM and if it hits enemy light tank or SPG weak spot it can do fatal overpressure damage.

Carrier missile does shrapnel-like damage and it will deteriorate after hitting '''any''' obstacles, so it is necessary for an explosion to hit the target weak spot directly, almost like with HESH. The explosion range also seems to be halved compared to HE. '''Anything''', including simplest forms of side skirts, will block SAM from destroying an enemy tank. Most of BR 9-10 tanks have not just side skirts but either ERA or NERA screens all over them and will not take any damage from single missile and hitting those randomly is going to only damage machine guns and the screens.

At short ranges other SPAA, SPG and light tanks are fair game and it is preferable to try and destroy them via overpressure damage if they try to attack Stormer HVM, as simply running away from them is rather difficult.

;After ~450 m

Three missiles disassemble from carrier missile and start increasing their speed to the extreme, easily reaching 1178 m/s. To not lose control over their movement due to speed, they constantly spiral. Missiles have acceptable agility and will instantly react to any scope movements, so aim them using sniper mode. Be quick and precise, if possible.

They have minimal penetration and, mostly due to their spiralling nature, aiming them at ground forces is practically pointless, unless you try to disintegrate tanks which have little to no armour, like other SPAA or ATGM tanks - in the case of such tanks, if you somehow hit their weak spot, they still can be destroyed by smaller missiles, so it is worth trying.

Medium tanks will shrug off Starstreaks and usually it does little more than just annoy them.

[[File:Stormer HMV passive system lock on.jpg|right|thumb|325px|Make sure there aren't any trees around or the lock will become unstable.]]
'''Against air targets:'''

To helicopters, the missiles usually are fatal, as they are almost bound to get hit by at least one of Starstreaks, and explosion either tears off the tail or knocks out the pilot. However, even in the case of this missile, there are cases when Support helicopters somehow survived a direct hit, so you might want to launch two attacks at once just to be sure.

To use the missiles against moving aircraft (mainly, planes) properly, you need to lock on to an aerial target. The IRST system cannot tell you where the targets really are, just the direction they're in. Instead of wasting time while looking for them manually, simply lock onto any target on your "radar" display via hotkeys like with [[Chieftain Marksman]] and turret will near instantaneously turn towards them by itself.
[[File:Stormer HVM hit with weird lock-on data.jpg|right|thumb|325px]]

As could be seen on the screenshots, in full IRST mode sniper crosshair tries to imitate the drag of missile as it tracks the aircraft, and by keeping sniper crosshairs on plane or helicopter you can guide your missiles towards an aircraft. Keeping '''an actual missile''' on target is more important, however, as system accuracy is generally far from stellar and it shouldn't be trusted too much.

{{Notice| "Targeting" and "leadership" on your crew should be maxed out. This SPAA cannot track targets properly without it and should not be used by a level 1 crew. You have been warned.|!}}

Do note, that a plane approaching at a sharp angle will mess with turret automatic guidance, due to it passing by too fast.

It is also very difficult for the darts to catch up to jets not flying straight away from or towards the Stormer HVM at speeds above 600 km/h, as the missiles bleed their speed very fast. It's better to attack when jet is further than 3 km away, slows down or flies in a straight line, so that you can attempt to adjust the shot yourself.

The Stormer HVM has huge gaps in optics: 10-40X optics, which can be manually adjusted during AA duty, simply hitting "maximum zoom" will probably result in a miss at some angles of attack.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Invisible to anti-radar - helicopters do not receive radar alert from it, greatly reducing the chances of it being detected and targeted with rockets or missiles
* Unique anti-air missiles - triple missile with one of the highest speeds in a straight line in-game
* Has far more agreeable rearm sequence and timings than the latter [[ADATS (M113)]]
* While triple missiles only explode on contact, they still can manoeuvre at maximum speed and always spiral, which allows them to bypass rocket walls, Vulcan gun fire and other countermeasures. Proximity missile attack from [[XM1069]], [[ZPRK 2S6]] and other such SAM SPAA in same circumstances would fail due to their missiles getting a false positive and exploding without reaching the target (which subsequently results in their user being hit by a rocket rain), which makes the Stormer in some ways better against helicopters
** Missiles are also immune to flares, IRCM and chaff; If the Stormer HVM is locked on it is nearly impossible to just block them
* Good speed of chassis
* X10-40 optics and powerful thermal scope allow it to track enemy until the very end of the map
* Can scout as well, when isn't busy
* Carrier missile can be used against light and some older medium tanks at close range, many hostile ATGM and SAM tanks have no armour whatsoever, being somewhat vulnerable to mini-missiles as well

'''Cons:'''

* High profile of ammo rack, which is also a weak spot, which can be ignited even by 7.62 mm machine guns or close artillery miss. Any damage to the missiles causes entire vehicle to explode, unlike with [[Striker]]
* On top of high profile, ammo racks visually remind players of [[XM1069]] and will likely make ground forces drop everything and immediately attack it - stealth approach is required at all times
* Two-stage launch, lack of proximity fuse, questionable lock-on accuracy and speed bleed on turns make it difficult for missiles to hit jets, at least at ranges below 3,000 m
* Hull defences are inadequate against tanks and aircraft with weapons bigger than 20 mm autocannon, even if your ammo rack happened to be empty
* While technically invisible, the Stormer HVM will still trigger laser Warning Systems on launch, potentially spooking away targets which have LWS (though usually they only have a second to react before missiles hit them)
* Lock-on does not provide a 100% accurate targeting solution - turret and the optical system sometimes fail to track planes properly, relying on the crew and operator skills to compensate, especially noticeable when the inappropriate zoom level is used
* Lock-on can become unstable around trees and immediately breaks if visual contact is lost
* Due to a huge gap in optics zoom levels, the operator is often required to manually adjust scope, instead of just hitting "maximum zoom" button, and to lock on different aircraft without leaving the sniper seat
* After dispersing, triple missiles constantly spiral, making precise long-range aiming at ground forces pointless, not to mention that most tanks in its natural battle rating range are immune to triple missile attack unless hit at a perfectly flat angle

== History ==

In the mid-1980's it became clear that supersonic aircraft and strike helicopters proved to be dangerous against ground troops. To counter these threats back in 1986, the British Ministry of Defence began development of the "Starstreak HVM" (High-Velocity Missile) anti-aircraft missile system. The production was done by the Shorts Missile Systems company. On the 1st of September in 1997, the famous Starstreak anti-aircraft missile system had been put into service by the British Army. Initially, it was developed in 3 different variants: portable, stationary and mobile, although later they additionally developed an air version but it didn't find a practical application.

The armoured personnel carrier Stormer was created by using the propulsion system, the transmission and chassis of the light scouting FV101 Scorpion tank for the mobile version of the system. In 1975 on the base of this armoured personnel carrier, the self-propelled anti-tank missile system FV102 Striker was created. Since the vehicle proved itself well, it was decided to additionally create the self-propelled anti-aircraft system Alvis Stormer HVM on its platform.

''- From [[wt:en/news/6208-development-alvis-stormer-hvm-control-of-the-skies-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

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

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|VNoalq4WIt4|'''The Shooting Range #151''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the Stormer HVM.|luvhoX8Ht1I|'''New anti-air defence''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 6:16 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== 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/6208-development-alvis-stormer-hvm-control-of-the-skies-en|[Devblog] Alvis Stormer HVM: Control of the skies!]]

{{Britain anti-aircraft vehicles}}

Ho 229 V3

2023-10-24T18:43:16Z

U126556775: New description format

{{Specs-Card
|code=go229_v3
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was the third prototype of the Horten Ho 229, a jet-powered flying wing aircraft designed by the Horten brothers in Nazi Germany during World War II. It was part of the Emergency Fighter Program, which aimed to produce cheap and simple fighters that could defend the Reich from Allied bombers. The {{Specs|name}} was intended to be the testbed for the first production model, capable of carrying two 30 mm cannons and, later on, possibly a 1,000 kg bomb load. The {{Specs|name}} was never completed, as it was captured by US forces in April 1945 at the Gothaer Waggonfabrik factory. The {{Specs|name}} was the only surviving example of the Ho 229, and it is currently on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update 1.43]]. It is the first jet in the "Zerstörer" tech tree of the Luftwaffe and currently comes before the [[G.91 R/3]]. Ironically, it goes against much of the doctrine set by the previous planes, favouring speed and manoeuvrability over armament and durability. Something that will immediately stand out with the {{Specs|name}} is how incredibly manoeuvrable it is compared to most other jet fighters. The {{Specs|name}} can almost quite literally turn on a dime and can even in some circumstances out-turn late super props such as the [[P-51H-5-NA|P-51H]] if manoeuvred correctly. However, if its manoeuvrability is used to its full extent, it also causes the plane to bleed speed at a crippling rate, making a sustained turn fight impossible to win. As such, it is advised to use the {{Specs|name}} as a Boom & Zoom fighter in order to maintain airspeed and altitude. Remember that jet engines' efficiency is directly proportional to the IAS, due to the increased air intake, meaning the {{Specs|name}} will be accelerating very slowly between 0-500 km/h, but beyond will be able to outrun any propeller-driven aircraft.

== 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 8,000 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
| 871 || 847 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.8 || 25.4 || 17.0 || 16.1 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 950 || 910 || 23.4 || 24.0 || 25.5 || 21.0
|-
|}

==== 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" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 980  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 558 || 529 || 380 || ~10 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 570 || < 600 || < 420 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Junkers Jumo 004D || 2
| colspan="3" | 4,800 kg || colspan="3" | 188 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 57m fuel
|-
| 750 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 5,541 kg || 5,667 kg || 6,088 kg || 6,720 kg || 7,255 kg || 7,500 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 57m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 1,050 kgf || N/A
| 0.38 || 0.37 || 0.34 || 0.31 || 0.29 || 0.28
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 1,050 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.38 || 0.37 || 0.34 || 0.31 || 0.29 || 0.28
|-
|}

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


An obvious flaw of the Ho 229 is the large surface area created by the flying wing design. This means that is it easier for enemies to land a shot on the plane. It can be countered by turning the side of your plane towards the enemy, henceforth decreasing the surface area that can be shot.

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

Given the Horten's weight, the acceleration is an issue on the stock plane. Go for ammunition, engine and compressor upgrades first.

After that, any upgrade is equally good. Weapon upgrades can wait, as the Mk 103 is the best gun in-game, with high accuracy and long bursts stock. The belts also shouldn't be a priority unless using the Ho 229 as an attacker. In that case, the "Armoured targets" belt is very useful against tanks & light pillboxes.

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

{{main|MK 103 (30 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 30 mm MK 103 cannons, wing-mounted (170 rpg = 340 total)

====Ammunition====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T|High-explosive incendiary tracer (minengeschoß)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|Incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}; okay against planes.
* '''Armoured targets:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|Incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}; the armoured target belt is different for the Ho 229 V3, compared to all other Mk 103 armed aircraft, and is only a 1/2 as effective, due to the belt being filled with incendiary shells.
* '''Air targets:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T|High-explosive incendiary tracer (minengeschoß)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary (minengeschoß)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI|High-explosive incendiary (minengeschoß)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|Incendiary}}; each Minengeschoß (mine-shell) has the same HE power as a 37 mm round, wonderful against anything that flies and light ground targets.
* '''Stealth:''' {{Annotation|AP-I|Armour-piercing incendiary}}; difficult to use; cannot destroy most tanks nor pillboxes, lacks the destructive force of HE shells against planes.

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:FighterImage_Ho-229Vunknown.jpg|thumbnail|Horten 229 Version 3 with its wings attached by the USAF in 1950.]]
The Horten 229 flying wing is a dogfighter, heavy-fighter, or even an attacker.

Its single wing design allows for amazing manoeuvrability despite its weight of up to 8 tonnes, when equipped with full fuel load. This is, however, the Horten's literal downfall; the weight. Its acceleration is awful, even for jets. But the energy retention is great and climb acceptable. With that in mind rule number one of jet battle comes into play: do not turnfight! The 229 will tempt anyone though. The low wing loading for a jet and even some piston planes allows for tight turning circles. Being heavy also allows to keep that velocity well in the initial turns, but with the inability to regain that speed afterwards... leads to a flaming wreck thanks to an opportunistic enemy. The classic dogfight is thus only for emergency situations!

As a fighter, stick with Boom & Zoom, in which the Ho 229's heavy weight is of assistance in zoom climbs. However, it will also dampen the Horten's starting acceleration in a dive, making out diving an enemy difficult. The bad roll rate makes it hard to get some shots on target, But watch out! Don't pull too hard on the elevator to get that shot, or the Horten will lose much speed (which cannot be regained quickly) or rarely, lose a wing.

The heavy fighter role equals the fighter one in every aspect, just that the targets are usually bombers. Stay fast, and try to get shots off in head-ons, or in slight diving turns from the bomber's six (tail), to make it difficult for the defensive gunners to hit the Ho 229.

The attacker role is a dangerous one. The Ho 229 will have to fly slow, in order to have time to properly aim, hit & evade trees. While all of these aren't difficult in the Horten 229 V3, it leaves the plane in a dangerous spot: low and without speed. Both are vital though for the sluggish plane. In this role, be sure to have good escort fighters, as enemies can come at any time in jet combat.

Once the Horten is fully upgraded, or at least the performance parts are, one detail to notice is that the wings won't rip so easily like before, but the Ho 229 still has to turn cautiously, because it is still a wooden plane after all.

Perhaps the most dangerous enemy of the Horten 229 is the F-84 Thunderjet. Since the Thunderjet gets an air spawn it already has all the energy it needs to get around the map quickly. There are occasions when players spawn in late, only to be strafed by an F-84 Thunderjet on the runway. The Ho-229 is decent at accelerating once up to about 550 km/h, past that point, the Ho 229 becomes a V2 rocket in terms of acceleration until about ~750-800 km/h, then there will be a hard time accelerating again.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent armament, MK 103 is one of the best guns in the game
* Great ammunition supply with 170 rounds per gun
* Low wing loading, incredibly good at turning when flown at medium speeds (400-600 km/h)
* Good energy retention if not manoeuvred too harshly
* Outruns piston-engine aircraft and all Allied jets, except for the F-84 Thunderjet when up-tiered
* Low stall speed of 165 km/h
* Fast when diving if flown at medium to high speeds before committing to a dive
* The air brake can bleed airspeed efficiently

'''Cons:'''

* Acceleration is slow- even its initial acceleration in a dive
* Only 2/4 of its armoured target belt is comprised of HVAP-T shells, unlike other MK 103 equipped aircraft, which have only HVAP-T shells
* Is easy to hit when turning, above, or below because of the size
* Easy to destroy wings in hard turns at high speed
* Terrible yaw rotation
* Poor roll rate - Significantly hinders the ability to counter defensive scissors
* Slow rate of fire results in occasional misses when sweeping quickly behind enemies if aiming at wings, which have a thin profile
* Have to land slow, cause of the lack of brakes
* Loses speed quickly in elevator turns
* Gets matched against enemy jets that have superior performance

== History ==

In the 1930s, the Horten Brothers were really interested by the concept of "flying wing" for the potential of drag reduction.

In 1943, Marshal Hermann Göring requested a plane that could carry a 1,000 kg bomb load to a range of 1,000 km at a speed of 1,000 km/h. Because jet engines of the time had poor efficiency, the Horten Brothers thought putting them in a flying wing, which had reduced drag, was the solution.

The Horten Brothers proposed their project for a bomber, Ho IX, but the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) thought the plane would be better as a jet fighter than a long range bomber and requested that two MK 103 cannons were mounted. The result was the prototype Ho 229.

Only one example of a Ho 229 V3 was in final phase of assembly at the end of the war, and sent on to the United States by the allies.

The Ho 229 had three prototypes before the facility was overrun.
[[File:FighterImage_Draeger suit from the side.jpeg|thumb|right|Pilot with Draeger suit in Ho 229]]

# '''V1''' was a glider to test the design.
# '''V2''' was a down-scaled prototype fitted with the Jumo 004B.
# '''V3''' was a testbed for serial production, it was however not completely finished when the US Army arrived.

Originally the V3 was intended to have the Jumo 004C jet engines, these weren't ready though and the Me 262 A's 004B was installed. 
The final production version would have had the ability to load bombs, switch the main armament to four [[MK 108 (30 mm)|MK 108]] and the pilots were to be equipped with the Draeger pressure suit ([[G-Suit]]).

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=go229_v3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|INb9VjLxKf0|'''Most unusual aircraft''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:54 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|hNfRQMZUMQg|'''The Shooting Range #195''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:05 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|80rCNzTtk9w|'''{{PAGENAME}} Gameplay''' - ''PhlyDaily''|1iGO6MPhC_A|'''{{PAGENAME}} - Gameplay and Tips''' - ''WhooptieDo''}}

== 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/189462-horten-ho-229-v3/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Gothaer}}
{{Germany jet aircraft}}

Harrier GR.3

2023-10-23T21:20:59Z

U126556775: New description format

{{About
| about = British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Harrier (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=harrier_gr3
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was a further development of the Harrier series of vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) jet fighters. It entered service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1976 and was used in various combat operations, including the Falklands War in 1982. The {{Specs|name}} had a number of improvementsover the earlier Harrier GR.1, such as a more powerful Pegasus Mk 103 engine, a nose-mounted Laser Rangefinder and Marked Target Spotter (Ferranti LRMTS) for use as a laser receiver, an AN/ALE-40 chaff/flare dispenser for increased survivability, provision for Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and the addition of a Radar Warning Receiver. The {{Specs|name}} was stationed at several bases worldwide, such as RAF Wittering in England, RAF Gütersloh in Germany, and RAF Stanley in the Falkland Islands. The {{Specs|name}} was also capable of operating from austere and improvised airfields thanks to its V/STOL capability and rugged design. It could take off and land on short runways, roads, or even ships, using a combination of vectored thrust and reaction control systems. This gave it a tactical advantage over conventional jet fighters, which required long runways and extensive support facilities. The {{Specs|name}} proved its versatility and effectiveness during the Falklands War, where it flew from the decks of Royal Navy carriers and from a remote airstrip on the island of Ascension. It flew 126 sorties with four losses due to enemy fire. A total of 102 Harrier GR.3s were produced or converted and served in the RAF until they were replaced by newer models in the early 1990s.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]]. Like all members of the [[Harrier (Family)|Harrier family]], the {{Specs|name}} is a [[VTOL]] aircraft with thrust vectoring nozzles, which allow it to take off and land vertically. This version of the Harrier is much easier to operate in air-to-air combat than the Harrier GR.1, thanks to its Aim-9G air-to-air missiles and countermeasures. The Harrier GR.3 can operate at higher altitudes and utilize its Sidewinder missiles to target other aircraft from above, so it is not just confined to operating at low altitudes.

== 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 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
|1,150||1,144|| rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} ||32.5||33.7||69.5||67.8|| rowspan="2" |550
|-
! Upgraded
|1,168||1,159||31.5||32.0||106.1||87.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 829 || 556 || ~14 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
|< 648||< 950||< 790 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot, engine oil, and full water tank; but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.103 || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,918 kg || colspan="3" | 439 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
|-
| 1,640 kg || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan
| 6,605 kg || 7,292 kg || 7,978 kg || 8,253 kg || 12,679 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 9,071 kgf || 9,625 kgf
| 1.46 || 1.32 || 1.21 || 1.17 || 0.76
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 9,071 kgf (0 km/h) || 9,625 kgf (0 km/h)
| 1.46 || 1.32 || 1.21 || 1.17 || 0.76
|-
|}
{{Notice|The Pegasus engine loses a significant amount of thrust as your speed increases}}

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

The Harrier GR.3 has no armour. The engine and all fuel tanks are packed in a tight cluster in the centre of the fuselage.

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

Your first priorities should be flares and then AIM-9Gs (if you are planning to use the Harrier in an air-to-air combat role). After that you can either focus on flight performance upgrade or ground attack loadouts depending on your preference.

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|ADEN Mk.4 (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons, belly-mounted (130 rpg = 260 total)
** 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons + 60 x countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="6" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.II (500 lb)|500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II]] bombs
| 1 || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 || 1
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[SNEB type 23]] rockets
| 18 || 36 || || 36 || 18
|-
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || || 1
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 108 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 5 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (4,000 lb total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

Despite originally being designed as a ground-attack aircraft, the Harrier GR.3 can be considered a multi-role aircraft that can focus on air-to-air combat, air to ground combat and air to sea combat. Its firepower and ordnance make it a competitive aircraft in all game modes. The roles can be divided into:

'''As fighter:'''

The Harrier has access to AIM-9G Sidewinder air to air missiles capable of taking down all enemy aircraft in the game. It should be noted that the AIM-9G is a rear-aspect lock-on missile, meaning the Harrier must be behind the enemy aircraft to be able to launch the missile. It is not recommended to use them against enemy helicopters neither, since the IR seeker requires a rear-aspect lock; thus the autocannons are way more effective.

When fighting enemy fighters, it is best to launch your AIM-9Gs from 2.5 to 3 km away as they are agile enough to be able to take down any enemy jet. It is also best to not engage in a turnfight as almost any aircraft is more manoeuvrable than you are making you an easy target for enemy guns and missiles.

''When facing enemy bombers:''

Enemy bombers are the easiest targets for the Harrier both in gun strafe and when using missiles as they lack agility when dogfighting against the Harrier and countermeasures such as flares to be able to counter the missiles. It is unlikely to face enemy bombers besides the [[Vautour IIA IDF/AF (France)|Vautour IIA IDF/AF]] as most of them stay at 8.0. AI-controlled bombers are the exception.

''When facing enemy attackers:''

When facing player-controlled attackers ([[A-4E Early]] for example), the pilot must stay aware that, besides the Harrier superior mobility, they can outturn you as they will often fly at lower speeds than you, meaning their turn radius compared to yours will be much smaller. Most of the enemy planes that do CAS runs will often be enemy fighters (not labelled as attackers) but with ground ordnance, meaning they can or will be heavier than you, increasing drag and reducing agility when in a dogfight, use this as an advantage.

'''As an attacker/bomber:'''

The Harrier has access to a wide variety of ground ordnance capable of destroying enemy ground units and bases. It also has access to CCIP ballistics computer (refer to [[Ballistic Computer]] for explanation) meaning the pilot has access to ground ordnance crosshairs which will increase ordnance accuracy, both rockets and bombs. It is not recommended to fly as a bomber (in terms of altitude) but fly as a tree cutter (as close to the ground as possible). This is recommended to achieve multiple things: radar interference, max speed, reduce enemy visibility and awareness. It also makes bombing easier without the need of ballistics computer (although it is recommended to use it since it will not require any practice). Time fuze MUST BE ADDED to avoid assault fuze explosion, risking your plane to be hit by the explosion causing a death. Ground striking ordnance should be taken at pilot's discretion, but it is recommended to take the 3 x 1,000 lb bombs in order to take a whole base completely and still maintain high speeds. This bomb loadout and AAM are recommended if the pilot wants to engage enemy air targets upon taking an enemy base.

''*Note: radar interference is mostly irrelevant in air realistic battles as the plane will still be highlighted and enemy pilots could use eye aiming. However, it will interfere with radar homing missiles (SARH missiles such as AIM-7E, R-3R, etc carried by F-4 Phantoms and MiG-21's) and will be your main line of defence when flying in simulator battles, you will be able to fly stealthily if flying in tree cutting tactic.''

'''When in combined battles (ground realistic battles):'''

This is where the Harrier is able to shine as an attacker, primarily using VTOL and hovering mode to an advantage (will be explained more detailed later). There is multiple loadouts which can be used in order to make the Harrier a scary attacker.

''Bomb payload:''

This is often the most used payload for multiple reasons: has the biggest explosion radius compared to rockets, are more forgiving when missing by couple metres, can take multiple targets with a single bomb. The use of ballistics computer makes their aiming much easier than with eye aiming both in realistic and simulator battles. The 4 x 1,000 lb bombs are recommended as, if aimed correctly, will destroy one or multiple enemy targets with a single bomb, meaning you are able to get at least 2 kills (as bombs drop in pair)

''Rocket payload:''

This is the trickiest but most rewarding payload the Harrier can carry (rewarding as it is able to make much more kills than bombs). Tanks can be taken with one to three rocket salvos (launched in pairs, meaning with 2 to 6 rockets in total). This means you are able to get 18 kills (considering you take 6 rockets per tank) if you take the 108 x SNEB rocket payload.

''VTOL trick:''

Harrier can be used as a helicopter thanks to the VTOL capabilities, rockets are recommended if used like this. It is able to hide behind mountains, poke to attack and go back into cover as a helicopter would do. Handling this technique can be tricky and will require practice but is an alternate way of playing CAS.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Exceptional thrust to weight ratio
* Extremely good acceleration, even without WEP
* Vertical Take-off and Landing capabilities
* At the expense of speed, can improve manoeuvrability significantly with the use of thrust vectoring nozzles
* [[AIM-9G]] missiles have long range and good turning capability
* Countermeasures and RWR available, unlike the [[Harrier GR.1]]
* CCIP available for accurate use of unguided weapons
* Has a [[HUD#410SUM1|Head-Up Display]] in the cockpit which provides flight information and weapon aiming functionality

'''Cons:'''

* Engine overheats extremely quickly at high throttle and WEP
* Below average top speed
* Poor energy retention; bleeds speed quickly in turns
* Rather light payload options for a strike aircraft
* ADEN Cannons have low velocity and under-fuselage placement makes it awkward to aim

== History ==


===Development===
The Harrier GR.3 was an upgraded version of the [[Harrier GR.1]], it featured the more powerful Pegasus 11 (also known as the Pegasus Mk.103) engine and avionics upgrades.<ref name="AirVectorsHarrier">Goebel 2019</ref> The most noticeable external change was a new longer nose featuring the Ferranti 106 Laser Ranger & Marked Target Seeker (LRMTS). The LRMTS was provided with target locations from the Harrier's Inertial Navigation and Attack System (INAS) and would accurately measure the distance to the target, feeding this data into the Harrier's Weapons Aiming Computer.<ref name="HarrierCaseStudy">Fozard 1978</ref> The LRMTS could also search for targets designated by a ground-based laser designator, and provide accurate target locations on the pilot's Heads Up Display (HUD).<ref name="FirstReportOnFarnborough">First Report on Farnborough 1980</ref> The system was proven to offer significant increase in bombing accuracy. Another improvement on the Harrier GR.3 was the fitment of a Radar Warning Receiver in the aircraft's tail.<ref name="HarrierCaseStudy" />

===Falklands War===
====Deployment====
The Harrier GR.3's most noteworthy deployment was to the Falkland Islands during, and after, the 1982 Falklands War. When the war began on 2nd April 1982 with the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands, Britain was forced to rapidly assemble a task force to retake the islands, located some 8,000 miles away from the British mainland. The decommissioning of the aircraft carrier HMS Hermes was cancelled and along with HMS Invincible (itself in the process of being sold to Australia), it was rapidly prepared for deployment. The two aircraft carriers left Portsmouth Naval Base three days later (on 5th April), setting sail to Ascension Island (a small British island in the South Atlantic); which was the designated rendezvous point from where the task force would then sail to the Falklands. The two carriers were carrying Sea King helicopters and Sea Harrier FRS.1 fighters (12 Sea Harriers on Hermes and 8 on Invincible).

It was thought that the Sea Harriers would have a very high attrition rate (with all of them expected to be lost within the first few days of the war) and so reinforcements would be needed.<ref name="AirWarInTheFalklands">Posey 2002</ref> With the task force having left Ascension Island on the 18th April, and now en route to the Falklands, getting the additional aircraft to it would be a major logistical challenge. In need of transport, the British Government requisitioned the Atlantic Conveyor, a civilian container ship, and rapidly modified it to carry aircraft.<ref name="AirWarInTheFalklands" /> The Atlantic Conveyor set sail for Ascension Island on 25th April, carrying six Wessex and five Chinook helicopters. Meanwhile, eight additional Sea Harriers were obtained from a training squadron, and ten RAF Harrier GR.3s were re-assigned from their squadron to the task force.<ref name="MikeBeerVictor1">Beer n.d. 1</ref> The additional aircraft would have to be flown to Ascension Island in order to join the Atlantic Conveyor and be transported the rest of the way to the Falklands.

Over the 30th April - 2nd May the eight Sea Harriers completed the >4,000 mile flight to Ascension Island (via Banjul, Gambia). They were followed by the ten GR.3s, which flew directly to Ascension Island through 3rd May - 6th May; nine of the GR.3's completed the journey, with one turning back due to engine trouble.<ref name="MikeBeerVictor1" /> Once at Ascension Island the Harriers were serviced and loaded onto the Atlantic Conveyor; the Harrier's VTOL capabilities were put to good use with each one taking off from the island's air base, flying to the Atlantic Conveyor, and landing vertically on the ship's deck. All the Sea Harriers and six of the GR.3s were loaded onto the Atlantic Conveyor, with three of the GR.3s being left behind to provide air defence for RAF Wideawake (the UK base on Ascension Island).<ref name="MikeBeerVictor1" /> Having been originally designed for use purely as ground-attack aircraft, the Harrier GR.3s on the Atlantic Conveyor and stationed at Wideawake were hastily modified to allow them to partake in air-to-air combat; support was added for AIM-9G/AIM-9L Sidewinders and AN/ALE-40 flare dispensers were added in the underside of the rear fuselage.<ref name="IwmHarrier">Imperial War Museum 2010</ref> The Atlantic Conveyor set sail for the Falkland Islands, arriving in the area on 18th May.<ref name="AirWarInTheFalklands" />

====Arrival in the Falklands====

Once the Atlantic Conveyor had reached the task force the Harriers were prepared for flight. Over the next two days, the Sea Harriers and Harrier GR.3s took off vertically from the ship's deck and flew to their assigned aircraft carriers; the Sea Harriers were split between the two carriers (with four going to Hermes, and four to Invincible), while all six of the GR.3s were sent to Hermes. By the end of 20th May, all Harriers had safely arrived at their assigned carriers.<ref name="MikeBeerVictor1" /> The Atlantic conveyor stayed with the task force, still carrying a large number of helicopter and other supplies. On the 25th May the Atlantic Conveyor unloaded its first Chinook helicopter (the now-famous "Bravo November") and shortly afterwards was hit by two Exocet missiles, killing twelve crew members and causing an uncontrollable fire. The Atlantic Conveyor was abandoned and sank a few days later with the loss of all remaining helicopters and supplies onboard.<ref name="NewdickBravoNovember">Newdick 2020</ref>

Once in the Falklands, the Harrier GR.3s primarily focussed on ground attack missions, it was originally expected that they would be forced to take over the fleet air defence role when the Sea Harriers were lost, however the Sea Harrier proved remarkably effective, with only six being lost during the conflict (all due to accidents or ground fire). Not being designed for naval use, the Harrier GR.3's INAS proved unusable during ship-borne operations, due to an inability for it to be properly calibrated while on a moving platform.<ref name="AirVectorsHarrier" /><ref name="AirWarInTheFalklands" /> On the 21st of May British forces had carried out an amphibious landing at Port San Carlos (located on the west coast of East Falkland), and by 2nd of June they had managed to construct a temporary airstrip.<ref name="ThinkDefence1">Think Defence n.d. 1</ref> Although the runway was only 260 m long it was enough for the VTOL-capable Harriers and Sea Harriers operate on.<ref name="ThinkDefence1" /><ref name="IwmHarrier" /> As well as allowing the Harriers to operate from a location closer to the battle, operating from Port San Carlos allowed the GR.3s to make full advantage of their advanced INAS systems for ground attack missions.

====Additional Harrier GR.3s deployed====

With the Harriers performing well in the Falklands, the British worked to deploy additional GR.3s to the conflict. Over the 24th - 26th May three RAF Phantom FGR.2s were deployed to Ascension Island to take over air defence duties from the three Harrier GR.3s stationed there.<ref name="MikeBeerVictor2">Beer n.d. 2</ref> Then over 29th May - 2nd of June, six additional GR.3s were flown the >4,000 mile journey from the UK to Ascension Island, bringing the total number of GR.3s on the island to nine.<ref name="MikeBeerVictor2" /> On the 1st June two GR.3s flew the 3,800 mile trip from Ascension Island to HMS Hermes, landing after nearly eight and a half hours of continuous flight.<ref name="MikeBeerVictor2" /> This process was repeated on the 8th June, bringing the total number of GR.3s in the Falklands to ten. After this, the four remaining serviceable GR.3s on Ascension Island were flown to the Contender Bezant (another requisitioned civilian cargo ship); they landed vertically on the ship's deck and were transported to the island in the same manner as those on the Atlantic Conveyor. They arrived at the Falklands on 10th June, however they were not unloaded until 7th July, after the war had ended (on 14th June).<ref name="MikeBeerVictor2" />

The four Harriers which flew directly to the Falklands were unique in that they had their starboard (right-hand side) ADEN gun pod replaced with the "Blue Eric" electronic countermeasure pod to provide self-defence against enemy radars.<ref name="IwmHarrier" /><ref name="GreenallHarrier">Greenall n.d.</ref> The pod was developed incredibly quickly, going from initial concept to first prototype in seven days, and having ten examples having been produced and ready for combat in fifteen days (from initial concept).<ref name="FalklandsECM">Falklands Campaign: Electronic Warfare Story Revealed</ref> The Blue Eric pod was essentially a simplified Marconi "Sky Shadow" ECM pod fitted into the shell of a Harrier ADEN gun pod.<ref name="IwmHarrier" /><ref name="FalklandsECM" />

====End of the war and No. 1453 Flight RAF====
[[File:1453_Harrier_Falklands.jpg|thumb|400px|right|A No. 1453 Flight RAF Harrier GR.3 at RAF Stanley in 1984.]]
Argentina surrendered on 14th June 1982, bringing an end to the Falklands War after 74 days of fighting. The Harriers performed far better than originally expected in the Falklands; the 28 Sea Harrier FRS.1s completed 1,435 sorties, achieving 20 confirmed (and 3 probable) kills against Argentine aircraft, with only 6 losses. The 10 Harrier GR.3s which saw combat completed 126 sorties with 4 losses. All Harrier/Sea Harrier losses in the conflict were due to ground fire or accidents, with no losses in air-to-air combat.

Following the end of the war, there was a need to defend the islands against any possible future attack. The long term plan was to deploy Phantom FGR.2s to the defend the Islands; however the runway at Port Stanley Airport (the main airport on the islands) had been damaged from multiple British attacks while it was in use by Argentine forces, and was also too short to allow for Phantom operations.<ref name="ThinkDefence2">Think Defence n.d. 2</ref> After the conflict ended the RAF took control of Port Stanley Airport, renaming it to RAF Stanley. They began the process of clearing unexploded mines/ordnance, repairing the runway, and converting it into a temporary RAF base. With the runway repair and extension set to take several months, the Harrier GR.3s were once again called upon for air defence duties. A detachment of six GR.3s were stationed at RAF Stanley on 4th July 1982.<ref name="ThinkDefence2" /> Each armed with two AIM-9L Sidewinders, these Harriers became No. 1453 Flight RAF and were responsible for defending the islands from air attack.

[[File:1453 Flight Falklands 1984.jpg|thumb|400px|left|Some of the No. 1453 Flight RAF Harrier GR.3s at RAF Stanley in 1984.]]

The runway repairs and extension were completed on 27th August 1982<ref name="ThinkDefence2" /> and over the 18th - 22nd October 1982 six Phantom FGR.2s arrived on the Falklands Islands (having previously flown to Ascension Island).<ref name="MikeBeerVictor2" /> With the Phantoms taking over as the main air defence of the Falklands, the role of the Harrier GR.3s shifted to providing back-up air defence when needed, as well as being prepared for a ground attack role in the event of another invasion. The No. 1453 Flight Harriers remained stationed at RAF Stanley until the RAF's new purpose-built base RAF Mount Pleasant opened in 1985.

{{clear}}

===Other Deployments===
Harrier GR.3s spent a large amount of their life deployed to West Germany. In the event of a war, the airfields in West Germany would have been highly vulnerable to Soviet attack, so the Harriers were often stationed away from established airfields, using their VTOL capabilities to operate off of small areas of rough ground.<ref name="RafMuseum">RAF Museum n.d.</ref> Harrier GR.3s also saw deployments to Norway and Belize.<ref name="RafMuseum">RAF Museum n.d.</ref>

===[[wt:en/news/6918-development-jump-jets-arrive-in-war-thunder-meet-the-harrier-en|Devblog]]===
In the late 1950's, the Bristol company was conducting work on developing an engine featuring innovative thrust vectoring technology. Hawker, impressed with the new engine, began closely working with Bristol to develop an aircraft which could successfully harness the full potential of the Pegasus thrust vectoring engine. The basic idea was to design an aircraft with V/STOL capabilities. From that point, the project became known as the P.1127.

In the early 1960s, a growing interest for V/STOL strike aircraft could be observed among most NATO member states. This resulted in an agreement between the US, Great Britain and West Germany in 1961 to order nine modified versions of the P.1127 - the first versions of which were test flown in the previous year - as evaluators. At the same time, the British evaluation aircraft received the designation Kestrel FGA.1.

Despite suffering setbacks with the P.1154 - a supersonic version of the aircraft developed by Hawker in parallel - evaluations of the Kestrel continued as planned during the early 1960's and concluded in November of 1965. After the P.1154 was ultimately cancelled, the RAF, pleased with the evaluation results of the Kestrel, put up a requirement to modify the Kestrel and placed an order for six pre-production aircraft, designated P.1127 (RAF). Following its maiden flight in August of 1966, the RAF extended the purchase order to 60 production aircraft, now receiving the official designation Harrier GR.1.

The Harrier GR.1 undertook its maiden flight in December 1967 and officially entered service with the RAF in April of 1969. Being involved early on with the aircraft's development, the US also expressed interest in procuring the Harrier. This ultimately resulted in a partnership agreement between Hawker Siddeley and McDonnell Douglas in the late 1960's for a large delivery of Harriers to the USMC in the early 1970's. In US service, the aircraft would receive the designation "AV-8 Harrier".

The Harrier was initially deployed with British forces in West Germany in the early 1970's. However, the Harrier saw the peak of its service career during the Falkland War in 1982, flying both ground attack as well as combat air patrol missions (modification Sea Harrier FRS.1) with great success, thus earning itself a high reputation.

Apart from British and American service, variants of the Harrier were also operated by Spain, Thailand and India. In total, around 270 Harriers were produced across all variants with the last being decommissioned from active service in the early 2000's. The original Harrier was subsequently succeeded by a further developed variant - the Harrier II - but more importantly, it had successfully proven the viability of V/STOL aircraft, thus generating a sustained interest in such designs which can still be seen today.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=harrier_gr3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


* [[Yak-38]]
* [[Yak-38M]]
* [[Jaguar GR.1]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6918-development-jump-jets-arrive-in-war-thunder-meet-the-harrier-en|[Devblog] Jump Jets arrive in War Thunder: Meet the Harrier]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/504157-harrier-gr3/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

===References===

;Citations
<references />

;Bibliography

* Beer, M. (n.d. 1). A Close Run Thing – The Harrier Deployments to the South Atlantic. Retrieved from [http://www.victorxm715.co.uk/a-close-run-thing-the-harrier-deployments-to-the-south-atlantic/ Victor XM175]
* Beer, M. (n.d. 2). F4s – and more Harrier GR3s Head South. Retrieved from [http://www.victorxm715.co.uk/f4s-and-more-harrier-gr3s-head-south/ Victor XM175]
* Falklands Campaign: Electronic Warfare Story Revealed. (1984). Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 56 No. 12, 13-14.
* First Report on Farnborough. (1980). Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 52 No. 8, 11-17.
* Fozard, J. (1978). The British Aerospace Harrier Case Study in Aircraft Design. American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics.
* Goebel, G. (2019, August 01). First-Generation Harriers / Sea Harrier. Retrieved from [http://www.airvectors.net/avav8_2.html AirVectors]
* Greenall, N. (n.d.). Falklands War Harriers and Sea Hrriers. Retrieved from [https://web.archive.org/web/20040410043918/http://harrier.hyperlinx.cz/FAQ-falklandwar.htm Harrier Special Interest Group]
* Imperial War Museum. (2010). BAe Harrier GR.3. Retrieved from [https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/70000080 Imperial War Museum]
* Posey, C. (2002, September). Air War in the Falklands. Retrieved from [https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/air-war-in-the-falklands-32214512/ Air & Space Magazine]
* RAF Museum. (n.d.). Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR3. Retrieved from [https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/hawker-siddeley-harrier-gr3/ Royal Air Force Museum]
* The Amazing Tale Of Bravo November, The British Chinook Helicopter That Refused To Die. (2020, November 23). Retrieved from [https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/37788/the-amazing-tale-of-bravo-november-the-british-chinook-helicopter-that-refused-to-die The Drive]
* Think Defence. (n.d. 1). The San Carlos Forward Operating Base. Retrieved from [https://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/san-carlos-fob/ ThinkDefence]
* Think Defence. (n.d. 2). Post Conflict and RAF Stanley. Retrieved from [https://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/operation-black-buck/post-conflict-and-raf-stanley/ ThinkDefence]

{{AirManufacturer Hawker}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

Harrier GR.1

2023-10-22T17:24:53Z

U126556775: Again, minor fix. I misinterpreted a source.

{{About
| about = premium British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Harrier (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=harrier_gr1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was developed from the Hawker-Siddeley P.1127 and the Hawker-Siddeley Kestrel FGA.1, prototype aircraft that demonstrated the feasibility of using vectored thrust to achieve V/STOL capability. Recognizing the potential of this technology to operate from unprepared sites and evade enemy air defenses, the Royal Air Force (RAF) adopted it for their use. In 1969, the {{Specs|name}} was officially introduced into service. It was primarily designed for ground-attack and reconnaissance missions, capitalizing on its unique ability to take off and land in a variety of environments. This flexibility made it a valuable asset in the RAF’s arsenal. Beyond its primary roles, the {{Specs|name}} was also tested with Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (SRAAMs), a British project that spanned from 1968 to 1980. These infrared homing missiles were capable of executing high-g turns, making them ideal for close-range dogfights. It paved the way for future advancements in aircraft design and missile technology, setting the stage for the next generation of combat aircraft and air-to-air missiles.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]]. Like all members of the [[Harrier (Family)|Harrier family]], the Harrier GR.1 is a [[VTOL]] aircraft with thrust vectoring nozzles, which allow it to take off and land vertically. The Harrier GR.1 can be equipped with a variety of ordnance, including SRAAMs, bombs, and rockets. It excels at low-altitude combat, where it can use its VTOL capabilities to surprise enemies and evade attacks. However, it also has low top speed and agility, making it easy prey for faster and more maneuverable enemies. Additionally, it lacks any kind of countermeasures, such as chaff or flares, leaving it vulnerable to enemy missile attacks. On the bright side, the aircraft can use its SRAAMs to intercept incoming missiles head-on. It is a challenging but rewarding aircraft to master, offering a unique gameplay experience and a versatile loadout.

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

The Harrier GR.1 has an impressive climb rate, though it is put down by Soviet jets that it may face, like the [[MiG-19PT]], [[Su-7B]], and [[Su-7BKL]]. The Harrier's climb rate also suffers the more armament it carries; even just 4 [[SRAAM]]s drops the climb rate from 80 m/s to 68.2 m/s. Equipping 4 x 1,000 lb bombs cuts the climb rate by more than half. Because the Pegasus engine loses thrust at higher altitudes, the climb rate decreases with it.

The Pegasus engine has amazing low-altitude acceleration, but continues to suffer more at higher altitudes. In the early game, the [[Harrier (Family)]] planes will usually be seen pulling ahead of planes with afterburner (From the airfield, air spawns start the planes with a higher top speed at a higher start speed), but the subsonic status makes the planes with a higher speed catch up after a bit.

The turn rate of the GR.1 is mediocre compared to other planes it may face, especially planes from the [[F-86 (Family)]] and the previously mentioned Soviet planes. The rate of turn suffers the higher it climbs, as with the climb rate. Takeoff flaps, with their very high limit, can be utilized to turn sharper, as well as using the [[VTOL]] function correctly.

'''''Controls tend to lock up at altitudes over 7,000 m (23,000 feet), because of the massive lost of thrust in the Pegasus engine.'''''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,124 || 1,118 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.5 || 33.9 || 63.0 || 61.5 || rowspan="2" | 550
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,143 || 1,133 || 31.5 || 32.0 || 98.5 || 80.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 829 || 556 || ~14 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 648 || < 950 || < 790 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot, engine oil, and full water tank; but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.101 || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,868 kg || colspan="3" | 439 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
|-
| 1,640 kg || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan
| 6,542 kg || 7,216 kg || 7,890 kg || 8,160 kg || 12,679 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 8,708 kgf || 9,240 kgf
| 1.41 || 1.28 || 1.17 || 1.13 || 0.73
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 8,708 kgf (0 km/h) || 9,240 kgf (0 km/h)
| 1.41 || 1.28 || 1.17 || 1.13 || 0.73
|-
|}
{{Notice|The Pegasus engine loses a significant amount of thrust as your speed increases}}

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


The Harrier GR.1 has no armour. The engine and all fuel tanks are packed in a tight cluster in the centre of the fuselage. However, a Harrier with critical damage, even losing both wings, can often still make it back to the airfield. This has to be done at VTOL speeds, meaning under 300 km/h, making you a big target.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|ADEN Mk.4 (30 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons, belly-mounted (130 rpg = 260 total)

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="7" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Harrier_GR.3.png]]</div>
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.II (500 lb)|500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II]] bombs
| 1 || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 || 1
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[SNEB type 23]] rockets
| 18 || 36 || || 36 || 18
|-
! [[SRAAM]] missiles
| 2 || || || || 2
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* Without load
* 4 x SRAAM missiles
* 108 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 5 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 5 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


Despite having a weaker engine than other members of the [[Harrier (Family)|Harrier family]], the Harrier GR.1 still possesses exceptional acceleration and rate of climb. Coupled with a decent selection of load-outs (including the extremely powerful [[SRAAM]] missiles), and VTOL capability; this makes the Harrier GR.1 a very potent aircraft for both air-to-air combat and ground attack.

Generally a good way to start the game in the Harrier GR.1, when you are are facing aircraft around your BR or lower, is to takeoff and use your incredible acceleration and climb rate to get up and above the enemy aircraft. Climb slightly to the side of the battle and once you have sufficient altitude begin to swoop down on enemy aircraft below you, dispensing of them with your SRAAMs, or ADEN cannons. When climbing it is best to keep the throttle at only 90-95%, and to not use WEP; even at 90% throttle the mighty Pegasus engine is still capable of giving the Harrier a very impressive climb rate. This is advisable as the Harrier only has about 90 seconds of total WEP time, and there are better uses for it than climbing; in addition the Pegasus engine is not designed to be run a full power for extended periods of time and will overheat if left on 100% throttle for too long. As the battle goes on you can drop down to lower altitude to engage your enemies; you should generally avoid turn fighting, instead opting to make high speed attacks from the side of enemies. How much fuel you take is up to you: the minimum load of 10 minutes gives you an incredible thrust to weight ratio and can be enough for short battles, however it is not enough to last longer battles without refuelling.

When facing enemy aircraft which are mostly above your BR (i.e. top tier jets) you need to be much more cautious when taking the climbing approach. Against top tier jets the Harrier's climb rate is less impressive, and being at high altitude leaves you vulnerable to attack from long range [[Air-to-air_missiles#Semi-Active_Radar_Homing_.28SARH.29_missiles|semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile]], an issue exacerbated by the Harrier GR.1's lack of a radar warning receiver. In such battles it is better to stay low and fast, picking off top tier jets with fast approaches from the side, or by forcing an overshoot (thrust vectoring helps with this).
[[File:Harrier SRAAM Kill.mp4|thumb|400px|right|Getting a side-attack kill with an SRAAM. When launched in this way the SRAAMs are extremely hard to dodge.]]
The primary air-to-air weapon of the Harrier GR.1 are its four incredibly powerful [[SRAAM]] missiles. The SRAAMs are missiles of extremes, outside of 1.0-1.2 km they are near useless, however once you get to within 1.2 km of your target they transform into one of the hardest missiles in the game to dodge. The thrust vectoring nature of SRAAMs make them extremely manoeuvrable and hard to dodge, but mean the missiles cannot manoeuvre at all after the motor burns out, significantly limiting their range. To get the most out of SRAAMs you need to play to their advantages, the SRAAMs' poor range means that firing them from directly behind a target while chasing them is not the best idea unless you are very close, have a speed advantage, or the target is manoeuvring. Instead, the optimal way to use SRAAMs is to approach perpendicular to the target and attempt to obtain a lock from as far out as possible. With a lock obtained you should close on the target from the side; as you approach the 1.2 km mark you should turn into the target and "lead" the missile like you would your guns. Fire the missile within 1 km of the target and there is little they will be able to do about it; the SRAAM's extreme manoeuvrability allows them to follow the target through most evasive manoeuvres. A video of this method can be seen to the right. A key weakness of the SRAAMs (other than their limited range) is that they are highly susceptible to flares. You should either pick targets not equipped with flares, or if a target is equipped with flares try to attack when they are distracted or approach from an angle where you will hopefully not be noticed until it is too late.

While the addition of SRAAMs makes the Harrier GR.1 a potent fighter, it was designed as a ground attack aircraft, and it is very capable at filling this role in-game. The Harrier GR.1 has a good selection of bombs or rockets, coupled with a [[Ballistic Computer|ballistic computer]] providing CCIP this makes the Harrier a powerful ground attacker in both air and ground battles. In air battles the two ADEN cannons are very effective at killing ground targets up to medium tanks and light pillboxes (a task made easier with the ballistic computer), and have a plentiful ammo supply. The ability to reliably kill ground targets is useful for both opportunistic attacks for extra RP and for winning matches (if it comes to it).

The defining feature of the Harrier GR.1 is of course its [[VTOL]] (Vertical Take Off and Landing) capability; while this might at first seem like a "party trick" with limited utility there are situations where it can be surprisingly useful. Obviously VTOL allows for short/vertical takeoffs, and while conventional takeoffs are usually the better option (you typically get up to speed quicker) there are occasions where such capability is desirable (e.g. getting out of the way of players strafing the airfield). A more useful feature of VTOL on takeoff is that it allows the Harrier to take-off from aircraft carriers. Taking off from carriers allows you approach the battle from a different angle, sometimes this an be tactically useful depending on how you want to play the match. Where carriers particularly come in useful is if you need to rearm, but suspect the enemy is waiting for you at your main airfield. Some maps allow you to chose from multiple aircraft carriers to spawn on. These will be one of the [[wt:en/news/6925-development-new-ai-aircraft-carriers-en|three modern carriers]]; there is little to choose from between USS Forrestal and HMS Ark Royal (the Forrestal is a bit larger), however Baku is a little more interesting. If you go with USS Forrestal and HMS Ark Royal you get a speed boost on conventional takeoff (simulating a catapult launch); on Baku you get no such boost, requiring you to use your VTOL capability, but the Baku does have significantly better anti-air protection than the other carriers. Regardless of which aircraft carrier you land on the Harrier has no tail hook or drogue chute, so you will need to make use of your VTOL capability when landing.

Where the Harrier's VTOL capability makes the aircraft unique is in the ability to vector the exhaust nozzles to any angle you want during forward flight, at any speed. Vectoring the nozzles will typically lead to very rapid speed loss and therefore should only be done in certain situations. The most basic use of thrust vectoring is for forcing an overshoot, with the air brake deployed and nozzles fully vectored (so pointing slightly in reverse) the Harrier will slow down quite a bit faster than other aircraft; you can use this to make the aircraft on your tail overshoot then hit them with an SRAAM as they fly past. This technique should only be used as a last resort in one-on-one battles though, as you will lose all of your energy and leave you vulnerable to any other enemy aircraft in the area. A more advanced use is to vector the nozzles during turns to enhance turning performance; while deflecting the nozzles will make you lose speed quicker and thus hurt sustained turning performance it can sometimes give you the little bit extra instantaneous turning performance you need to get guns on target, or dodge an enemy attack. You will need to practice and find for yourself the correct balance between turning performance and speed loss in different situations. A more obscure situation in which thrust vectoring can help is when pulling out of a dive, if you have left it too late then pointing the nozzles downwards can sometimes give you enough lift to avoid hitting the ground.

In Ground RB, usually planes have to fly back to their airfield to rearm/repair. In the Harrier, the VTOL capability can be used to land on helicopter pads which are closer to the battlefield, saving precious time, but with the downside of exposing the aircraft to hostile CAS and helicopters.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Exceptional thrust to weight ratio; high altitude climb is achieved with ease
* Extremely good acceleration
* Thrust vectoring VTOL aircraft: in Ground RB, it can rearm on helicopter pads and nozzles can be deflected in-flight for improved manoeuvring
* Four powerful [[SRAAM]] missiles; four confirmed frags if used correctly.
* Has a Ballistic Computer for all types of armament available
* Has a [[HUD#410SUM1|Head-Up Display]] in the cockpit which provides flight information and weapon aiming functionality
* Able to spawn from aircraft carriers and land/take off from anywhere.

'''Cons:'''

* Limited WEP duration of ~90 seconds because of rapid engine overheating
* Although deflecting nozzles in flight can help with manoeuvrability, doing so bleeds a lot of speed
* Weaker engine than other later [[Harrier (Family)|Harriers]]; engine performance declines as the altitude increases
* Countering the [[SRAAM]] is possible with flares and by outrunning their ~1.5 km effective range.
* Has no radar nor RWR; the player won't easily notice incoming planes and missiles
* No countermeasures; evading IR and SARH missiles requires skills and anticipation

== History ==

The Harrier GR.1 was the first operational version of the Harrier Jump Jet, an iconic family of vertical / short takeoff & landing (V/STOL) fighters developed by the UK in the 1960s. Developed from the P.1127, a prototype aircraft demonstrating vertical takeoff & landing capabilities, the Harrier was the first V/STOL aircraft to enter service in the world. The GR.1 was the initial production version of the Harrier, totalling sixty aircraft: the aircraft was highly successful, and heavily-modified variants of the Harrier remain in service today.

=== Initial development ===
Following the end of the Korean War, several nations began investigating the possibility of jets capable of vertical takeoff & landing. Jet aircraft required long concrete runways to take off, which was considered a major weakness; at the time, most airfields and runways would've been destroyed early during a conflict, rendering most combat jets useless as they would not be able to take off. The VTOL jet fighter was thought of as the solution to these problems, as the aircraft could take off vertically from fields, roads, or even from the rooftops of buildings; because the aircraft could take off vertically, they would be combat-ready even if the country's airfields were destroyed by initial strikes.

In 1957, the Bristol Engine Company began developing a new directed-fan engine based on their existing Olympus and Orpheus engines. The new engine, soon to be named Pegasus, featured two "cold" jets that expelled non-combusted air from the jet engine compressor, and two "hot" jets that expelled combusted air from the combustion chamber. At the same time, the Hawker design firm was developing the P.1121, a advanced jet fighter to replace the Hawker Hunter; following the cancellation of the P.1121, Hawker began development of a new jet using the Pegasus engine, designated P.1127.

The aircraft was designed to use a single Pegasus engine with four nozzles, each nozzle being capable of swivelling between vertical and forward positions. As well, the Hawker firm began developing a new reaction control system for the aircraft, as traditional control surfaces would have no airflow (and thus, no control) during hover. Much of this development was done with the assistance of the United States, due to the low military spending of the UK during the time. Finally, in 1959, the Hawker firm authorized full funding for the P.1127 program; soon after, the British government ordered the production of two flight-ready prototypes.
[[File:Hawker Siddeley XV-6A Kestrel USAF.jpg|thumb|One of the nine Hawker Kestral FGA.1s with USAF markings.]]
In July of 1931, the first P.1127 prototype, designated XP831, was rolled out for engine testing; after various ground tests, the aircraft first hovered on November 19th, 1960. The first three P.1127 aircraft all crashed, including XP831 which crashed at the 1963 Farnborough Airshow; the pilot survived. At this point, the aircraft had proven itself to the point where Britain, the United States and Germany agreed to a collaboration on the P.1127 project. The three countries collectively funded the first nine pre-production P.1127s, now designated Kestrel FGA. 1.

=== Development and production ===
In 1961, while the P.1127 performed flight testing, NATO issued a new requirement for a supersonic VTOL fighter. As the P.1127 was subsonic, Hawker pursued the design of two new aircraft, the P.1150 and P.1154. The P.1150 was essentially a supersonic version of the P.1127 while the P.1154 was a heavily-modified design capable of Mach 2.0 at altitude. The P.1154 was declared the winner of the NATO competition, causing France (with its Mirage IIIV) to back out of the procurement project. As a result, in 1965, the P.1154 was cancelled.

At that point, the RAF began to study a simple derivative of the P.1127 as a production strike aircraft, and in late 1965, orders were placed for six pre-production P.1127 airframes. The first P.1127 (RAF) would fly on August 31st, 1966; orders were placed for 60 aircraft, soon to be designated Harrier GR.1. The aircraft were named after a small bird of prey: the Harrier name had initially been planned for the cancelled P.1154. The Harrier GR.1 first flew in December of 1967 and soon entered service with the RAF.

=== Operational history ===
Three Harrier squadrons would be operational by 1970: the No. 1 squadron at RAF Wittering and two squadrons at RAF Wildenrath, in West Germany. The Harrier was used primarily as a close air support aircraft and remained stationed in West Germany for long periods of time, as a deterrent to a potential Soviet invasion. The Harrier GR.1 would also be used to test the SRAAM, an innovative air-to-air missile utilizing thrust-vector control for manoeuvring. The missile failed to reach production but became the basis for the later ASRAAM, which is used on British fighter aircraft today. While the GR.1 would not see combat service abroad, [[Harrier GR.3|GR.3 Harriers]] were used during the Falklands war, along with the Sea Harrier.

The Harrier was also marketed extensively for export. The Spanish Navy and Thai navy both operated first-generation Harriers while Argentina, Australia, China and Switzerland had considered the purchase of Harriers for their respective air forces. Additionally, the Indian navy would procure the Sea Harrier, a derivative of the Harrier, for their aircraft carriers. In total, 61 Harrier GR.1s were produced along with 17 GR.1As, which were GR.1 airframes with uprated engines. 62 of these Harrier GR.1s and GR.1As would be converted to the GR.3 standard later in their operational life.

=== [[wt:en/news/6918-development-jump-jets-arrive-in-war-thunder-meet-the-harrier-en|Devblog]] ===
In the late 1950's, the Bristol company was conducting work on developing an engine featuring innovative thrust vectoring technology. Hawker, impressed with the new engine, began closely working with Bristol to develop an aircraft which could successfully harness the full potential of the Pegasus thrust vectoring engine. The basic idea was to design an aircraft with V/STOL capabilities. From that point, the project became known as the P.1127.

In the early 1960's, a growing interest for V/STOL strike aircraft could be observed among most NATO member states. This resulted in an agreement between the US, Great Britain and West Germany in 1961 to order nine modified versions of the P.1127 - the first versions of which were test flown in the previous year - as evaluators. At the same time, the British evaluation aircraft received the designation Kestrel FGA.1.

Despite suffering setbacks with the P.1154 - a supersonic version of the aircraft developed by Hawker in parallel - evaluations of the Kestrel continued as planned during the early 1960's and concluded in November of 1965. After the P.1154 was ultimately cancelled, the RAF, pleased with the evaluation results of the Kestrel, put up a requirement to modify the Kestrel and placed an order for six pre-production aircraft, designated P.1127 (RAF). Following its maiden flight in August of 1966, the RAF extended the purchase order to 60 production aircraft, now receiving the official designation Harrier GR.1.

The Harrier GR.1 undertook its maiden flight in December 1967 and officially entered service with the RAF in April of 1969. Being involved early on with the aircraft's development, the US also expressed interest in procuring the Harrier. This ultimately resulted in a partnership agreement between Hawker Siddeley and McDonnell Douglas in the late 1960's for a large delivery of Harriers to the USMC in the early 1970's. In US service, the aircraft would receive the designation 'AV-8 Harrier'.

The Harrier was initially deployed with British forces in West Germany in the early 1970's. However, the Harrier saw the peak of its service career during the Falkland War in 1982, flying both ground attack as well as combat air patrol missions (modification Sea Harrier FRS.1) with great success, thus earning itself a high reputation.

Apart from British and American service, variants of the Harrier were also operated by Spain, Thailand and India. In total, around 270 Harriers were produced across all variants with the last being decommissioned from active service in the early 2000's. The original Harrier was subsequently succeeded by a further developed variant - the Harrier II - but more importantly, it had successfully proven the viability of V/STOL aircraft, thus generating a sustained interest in such designs which can still be seen today.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=harrier_gr1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 005.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 006.jpg|
</gallery>
<gallery mode="packed" heights="250">
File:Harrier GR.1A XV755.png|A Harrier GR.1A (XV755) pulling away from the burning wreck of an enemy after firing an SRAAM at close range.Note the port side missile cover missing, indicating a fired missile
File:Harriers XV755 & XZ145.png|2 Harrier GR.1s of No.1 Sqn RAF (marketplace camo) & 899 Naval Air Squadron (user skin) are seen flying in formation during a battle
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|-Z0ihOEb1tw|'''The Shooting Range #230''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


*[[Yak-38]]
*[[Yak-38M]]
*[[Jaguar GR.1]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6918-development-jump-jets-arrive-in-war-thunder-meet-the-harrier-en|[Devblog] Jump Jets arrive in War Thunder: Meet the Harrier]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/504155-harrier-gr1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Hawker}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

Harrier GR.1

2023-10-22T17:23:26Z

U126556775: Fix in date

{{About
| about = premium British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Harrier (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=harrier_gr1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was developed from the Hawker-Siddeley P.1127 and the Hawker-Siddeley Kestrel FGA.1, prototype aircraft that demonstrated the feasibility of using vectored thrust to achieve V/STOL capability. Recognizing the potential of this technology to operate from unprepared sites and evade enemy air defenses, the Royal Air Force (RAF) adopted it for their use. In 1967, the {{Specs|name}} was introduced into service. It was primarily designed for ground-attack and reconnaissance missions, capitalizing on its unique ability to take off and land in a variety of environments. This flexibility made it a valuable asset in the RAF’s arsenal. Beyond its primary roles, the {{Specs|name}} was also tested with Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (SRAAMs), a British project that spanned from 1968 to 1980. These infrared homing missiles were capable of executing high-g turns, making them ideal for close-range dogfights. It paved the way for future advancements in aircraft design and missile technology, setting the stage for the next generation of combat aircraft and air-to-air missiles.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]]. Like all members of the [[Harrier (Family)|Harrier family]], the Harrier GR.1 is a [[VTOL]] aircraft with thrust vectoring nozzles, which allow it to take off and land vertically. The Harrier GR.1 can be equipped with a variety of ordnance, including SRAAMs, bombs, and rockets. It excels at low-altitude combat, where it can use its VTOL capabilities to surprise enemies and evade attacks. However, it also has low top speed and agility, making it easy prey for faster and more maneuverable enemies. Additionally, it lacks any kind of countermeasures, such as chaff or flares, leaving it vulnerable to enemy missile attacks. On the bright side, the aircraft can use its SRAAMs to intercept incoming missiles head-on. It is a challenging but rewarding aircraft to master, offering a unique gameplay experience and a versatile loadout.

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

The Harrier GR.1 has an impressive climb rate, though it is put down by Soviet jets that it may face, like the [[MiG-19PT]], [[Su-7B]], and [[Su-7BKL]]. The Harrier's climb rate also suffers the more armament it carries; even just 4 [[SRAAM]]s drops the climb rate from 80 m/s to 68.2 m/s. Equipping 4 x 1,000 lb bombs cuts the climb rate by more than half. Because the Pegasus engine loses thrust at higher altitudes, the climb rate decreases with it.

The Pegasus engine has amazing low-altitude acceleration, but continues to suffer more at higher altitudes. In the early game, the [[Harrier (Family)]] planes will usually be seen pulling ahead of planes with afterburner (From the airfield, air spawns start the planes with a higher top speed at a higher start speed), but the subsonic status makes the planes with a higher speed catch up after a bit.

The turn rate of the GR.1 is mediocre compared to other planes it may face, especially planes from the [[F-86 (Family)]] and the previously mentioned Soviet planes. The rate of turn suffers the higher it climbs, as with the climb rate. Takeoff flaps, with their very high limit, can be utilized to turn sharper, as well as using the [[VTOL]] function correctly.

'''''Controls tend to lock up at altitudes over 7,000 m (23,000 feet), because of the massive lost of thrust in the Pegasus engine.'''''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,124 || 1,118 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.5 || 33.9 || 63.0 || 61.5 || rowspan="2" | 550
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,143 || 1,133 || 31.5 || 32.0 || 98.5 || 80.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 829 || 556 || ~14 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 648 || < 950 || < 790 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot, engine oil, and full water tank; but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.101 || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,868 kg || colspan="3" | 439 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
|-
| 1,640 kg || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan
| 6,542 kg || 7,216 kg || 7,890 kg || 8,160 kg || 12,679 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 8,708 kgf || 9,240 kgf
| 1.41 || 1.28 || 1.17 || 1.13 || 0.73
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 8,708 kgf (0 km/h) || 9,240 kgf (0 km/h)
| 1.41 || 1.28 || 1.17 || 1.13 || 0.73
|-
|}
{{Notice|The Pegasus engine loses a significant amount of thrust as your speed increases}}

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


The Harrier GR.1 has no armour. The engine and all fuel tanks are packed in a tight cluster in the centre of the fuselage. However, a Harrier with critical damage, even losing both wings, can often still make it back to the airfield. This has to be done at VTOL speeds, meaning under 300 km/h, making you a big target.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|ADEN Mk.4 (30 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons, belly-mounted (130 rpg = 260 total)

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="7" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Harrier_GR.3.png]]</div>
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.II (500 lb)|500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II]] bombs
| 1 || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 || 1
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[SNEB type 23]] rockets
| 18 || 36 || || 36 || 18
|-
! [[SRAAM]] missiles
| 2 || || || || 2
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* Without load
* 4 x SRAAM missiles
* 108 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 5 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 5 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


Despite having a weaker engine than other members of the [[Harrier (Family)|Harrier family]], the Harrier GR.1 still possesses exceptional acceleration and rate of climb. Coupled with a decent selection of load-outs (including the extremely powerful [[SRAAM]] missiles), and VTOL capability; this makes the Harrier GR.1 a very potent aircraft for both air-to-air combat and ground attack.

Generally a good way to start the game in the Harrier GR.1, when you are are facing aircraft around your BR or lower, is to takeoff and use your incredible acceleration and climb rate to get up and above the enemy aircraft. Climb slightly to the side of the battle and once you have sufficient altitude begin to swoop down on enemy aircraft below you, dispensing of them with your SRAAMs, or ADEN cannons. When climbing it is best to keep the throttle at only 90-95%, and to not use WEP; even at 90% throttle the mighty Pegasus engine is still capable of giving the Harrier a very impressive climb rate. This is advisable as the Harrier only has about 90 seconds of total WEP time, and there are better uses for it than climbing; in addition the Pegasus engine is not designed to be run a full power for extended periods of time and will overheat if left on 100% throttle for too long. As the battle goes on you can drop down to lower altitude to engage your enemies; you should generally avoid turn fighting, instead opting to make high speed attacks from the side of enemies. How much fuel you take is up to you: the minimum load of 10 minutes gives you an incredible thrust to weight ratio and can be enough for short battles, however it is not enough to last longer battles without refuelling.

When facing enemy aircraft which are mostly above your BR (i.e. top tier jets) you need to be much more cautious when taking the climbing approach. Against top tier jets the Harrier's climb rate is less impressive, and being at high altitude leaves you vulnerable to attack from long range [[Air-to-air_missiles#Semi-Active_Radar_Homing_.28SARH.29_missiles|semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile]], an issue exacerbated by the Harrier GR.1's lack of a radar warning receiver. In such battles it is better to stay low and fast, picking off top tier jets with fast approaches from the side, or by forcing an overshoot (thrust vectoring helps with this).
[[File:Harrier SRAAM Kill.mp4|thumb|400px|right|Getting a side-attack kill with an SRAAM. When launched in this way the SRAAMs are extremely hard to dodge.]]
The primary air-to-air weapon of the Harrier GR.1 are its four incredibly powerful [[SRAAM]] missiles. The SRAAMs are missiles of extremes, outside of 1.0-1.2 km they are near useless, however once you get to within 1.2 km of your target they transform into one of the hardest missiles in the game to dodge. The thrust vectoring nature of SRAAMs make them extremely manoeuvrable and hard to dodge, but mean the missiles cannot manoeuvre at all after the motor burns out, significantly limiting their range. To get the most out of SRAAMs you need to play to their advantages, the SRAAMs' poor range means that firing them from directly behind a target while chasing them is not the best idea unless you are very close, have a speed advantage, or the target is manoeuvring. Instead, the optimal way to use SRAAMs is to approach perpendicular to the target and attempt to obtain a lock from as far out as possible. With a lock obtained you should close on the target from the side; as you approach the 1.2 km mark you should turn into the target and "lead" the missile like you would your guns. Fire the missile within 1 km of the target and there is little they will be able to do about it; the SRAAM's extreme manoeuvrability allows them to follow the target through most evasive manoeuvres. A video of this method can be seen to the right. A key weakness of the SRAAMs (other than their limited range) is that they are highly susceptible to flares. You should either pick targets not equipped with flares, or if a target is equipped with flares try to attack when they are distracted or approach from an angle where you will hopefully not be noticed until it is too late.

While the addition of SRAAMs makes the Harrier GR.1 a potent fighter, it was designed as a ground attack aircraft, and it is very capable at filling this role in-game. The Harrier GR.1 has a good selection of bombs or rockets, coupled with a [[Ballistic Computer|ballistic computer]] providing CCIP this makes the Harrier a powerful ground attacker in both air and ground battles. In air battles the two ADEN cannons are very effective at killing ground targets up to medium tanks and light pillboxes (a task made easier with the ballistic computer), and have a plentiful ammo supply. The ability to reliably kill ground targets is useful for both opportunistic attacks for extra RP and for winning matches (if it comes to it).

The defining feature of the Harrier GR.1 is of course its [[VTOL]] (Vertical Take Off and Landing) capability; while this might at first seem like a "party trick" with limited utility there are situations where it can be surprisingly useful. Obviously VTOL allows for short/vertical takeoffs, and while conventional takeoffs are usually the better option (you typically get up to speed quicker) there are occasions where such capability is desirable (e.g. getting out of the way of players strafing the airfield). A more useful feature of VTOL on takeoff is that it allows the Harrier to take-off from aircraft carriers. Taking off from carriers allows you approach the battle from a different angle, sometimes this an be tactically useful depending on how you want to play the match. Where carriers particularly come in useful is if you need to rearm, but suspect the enemy is waiting for you at your main airfield. Some maps allow you to chose from multiple aircraft carriers to spawn on. These will be one of the [[wt:en/news/6925-development-new-ai-aircraft-carriers-en|three modern carriers]]; there is little to choose from between USS Forrestal and HMS Ark Royal (the Forrestal is a bit larger), however Baku is a little more interesting. If you go with USS Forrestal and HMS Ark Royal you get a speed boost on conventional takeoff (simulating a catapult launch); on Baku you get no such boost, requiring you to use your VTOL capability, but the Baku does have significantly better anti-air protection than the other carriers. Regardless of which aircraft carrier you land on the Harrier has no tail hook or drogue chute, so you will need to make use of your VTOL capability when landing.

Where the Harrier's VTOL capability makes the aircraft unique is in the ability to vector the exhaust nozzles to any angle you want during forward flight, at any speed. Vectoring the nozzles will typically lead to very rapid speed loss and therefore should only be done in certain situations. The most basic use of thrust vectoring is for forcing an overshoot, with the air brake deployed and nozzles fully vectored (so pointing slightly in reverse) the Harrier will slow down quite a bit faster than other aircraft; you can use this to make the aircraft on your tail overshoot then hit them with an SRAAM as they fly past. This technique should only be used as a last resort in one-on-one battles though, as you will lose all of your energy and leave you vulnerable to any other enemy aircraft in the area. A more advanced use is to vector the nozzles during turns to enhance turning performance; while deflecting the nozzles will make you lose speed quicker and thus hurt sustained turning performance it can sometimes give you the little bit extra instantaneous turning performance you need to get guns on target, or dodge an enemy attack. You will need to practice and find for yourself the correct balance between turning performance and speed loss in different situations. A more obscure situation in which thrust vectoring can help is when pulling out of a dive, if you have left it too late then pointing the nozzles downwards can sometimes give you enough lift to avoid hitting the ground.

In Ground RB, usually planes have to fly back to their airfield to rearm/repair. In the Harrier, the VTOL capability can be used to land on helicopter pads which are closer to the battlefield, saving precious time, but with the downside of exposing the aircraft to hostile CAS and helicopters.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Exceptional thrust to weight ratio; high altitude climb is achieved with ease
* Extremely good acceleration
* Thrust vectoring VTOL aircraft: in Ground RB, it can rearm on helicopter pads and nozzles can be deflected in-flight for improved manoeuvring
* Four powerful [[SRAAM]] missiles; four confirmed frags if used correctly.
* Has a Ballistic Computer for all types of armament available
* Has a [[HUD#410SUM1|Head-Up Display]] in the cockpit which provides flight information and weapon aiming functionality
* Able to spawn from aircraft carriers and land/take off from anywhere.

'''Cons:'''

* Limited WEP duration of ~90 seconds because of rapid engine overheating
* Although deflecting nozzles in flight can help with manoeuvrability, doing so bleeds a lot of speed
* Weaker engine than other later [[Harrier (Family)|Harriers]]; engine performance declines as the altitude increases
* Countering the [[SRAAM]] is possible with flares and by outrunning their ~1.5 km effective range.
* Has no radar nor RWR; the player won't easily notice incoming planes and missiles
* No countermeasures; evading IR and SARH missiles requires skills and anticipation

== History ==

The Harrier GR.1 was the first operational version of the Harrier Jump Jet, an iconic family of vertical / short takeoff & landing (V/STOL) fighters developed by the UK in the 1960s. Developed from the P.1127, a prototype aircraft demonstrating vertical takeoff & landing capabilities, the Harrier was the first V/STOL aircraft to enter service in the world. The GR.1 was the initial production version of the Harrier, totalling sixty aircraft: the aircraft was highly successful, and heavily-modified variants of the Harrier remain in service today.

=== Initial development ===
Following the end of the Korean War, several nations began investigating the possibility of jets capable of vertical takeoff & landing. Jet aircraft required long concrete runways to take off, which was considered a major weakness; at the time, most airfields and runways would've been destroyed early during a conflict, rendering most combat jets useless as they would not be able to take off. The VTOL jet fighter was thought of as the solution to these problems, as the aircraft could take off vertically from fields, roads, or even from the rooftops of buildings; because the aircraft could take off vertically, they would be combat-ready even if the country's airfields were destroyed by initial strikes.

In 1957, the Bristol Engine Company began developing a new directed-fan engine based on their existing Olympus and Orpheus engines. The new engine, soon to be named Pegasus, featured two "cold" jets that expelled non-combusted air from the jet engine compressor, and two "hot" jets that expelled combusted air from the combustion chamber. At the same time, the Hawker design firm was developing the P.1121, a advanced jet fighter to replace the Hawker Hunter; following the cancellation of the P.1121, Hawker began development of a new jet using the Pegasus engine, designated P.1127.

The aircraft was designed to use a single Pegasus engine with four nozzles, each nozzle being capable of swivelling between vertical and forward positions. As well, the Hawker firm began developing a new reaction control system for the aircraft, as traditional control surfaces would have no airflow (and thus, no control) during hover. Much of this development was done with the assistance of the United States, due to the low military spending of the UK during the time. Finally, in 1959, the Hawker firm authorized full funding for the P.1127 program; soon after, the British government ordered the production of two flight-ready prototypes.
[[File:Hawker Siddeley XV-6A Kestrel USAF.jpg|thumb|One of the nine Hawker Kestral FGA.1s with USAF markings.]]
In July of 1931, the first P.1127 prototype, designated XP831, was rolled out for engine testing; after various ground tests, the aircraft first hovered on November 19th, 1960. The first three P.1127 aircraft all crashed, including XP831 which crashed at the 1963 Farnborough Airshow; the pilot survived. At this point, the aircraft had proven itself to the point where Britain, the United States and Germany agreed to a collaboration on the P.1127 project. The three countries collectively funded the first nine pre-production P.1127s, now designated Kestrel FGA. 1.

=== Development and production ===
In 1961, while the P.1127 performed flight testing, NATO issued a new requirement for a supersonic VTOL fighter. As the P.1127 was subsonic, Hawker pursued the design of two new aircraft, the P.1150 and P.1154. The P.1150 was essentially a supersonic version of the P.1127 while the P.1154 was a heavily-modified design capable of Mach 2.0 at altitude. The P.1154 was declared the winner of the NATO competition, causing France (with its Mirage IIIV) to back out of the procurement project. As a result, in 1965, the P.1154 was cancelled.

At that point, the RAF began to study a simple derivative of the P.1127 as a production strike aircraft, and in late 1965, orders were placed for six pre-production P.1127 airframes. The first P.1127 (RAF) would fly on August 31st, 1966; orders were placed for 60 aircraft, soon to be designated Harrier GR.1. The aircraft were named after a small bird of prey: the Harrier name had initially been planned for the cancelled P.1154. The Harrier GR.1 first flew in December of 1967 and soon entered service with the RAF.

=== Operational history ===
Three Harrier squadrons would be operational by 1970: the No. 1 squadron at RAF Wittering and two squadrons at RAF Wildenrath, in West Germany. The Harrier was used primarily as a close air support aircraft and remained stationed in West Germany for long periods of time, as a deterrent to a potential Soviet invasion. The Harrier GR.1 would also be used to test the SRAAM, an innovative air-to-air missile utilizing thrust-vector control for manoeuvring. The missile failed to reach production but became the basis for the later ASRAAM, which is used on British fighter aircraft today. While the GR.1 would not see combat service abroad, [[Harrier GR.3|GR.3 Harriers]] were used during the Falklands war, along with the Sea Harrier.

The Harrier was also marketed extensively for export. The Spanish Navy and Thai navy both operated first-generation Harriers while Argentina, Australia, China and Switzerland had considered the purchase of Harriers for their respective air forces. Additionally, the Indian navy would procure the Sea Harrier, a derivative of the Harrier, for their aircraft carriers. In total, 61 Harrier GR.1s were produced along with 17 GR.1As, which were GR.1 airframes with uprated engines. 62 of these Harrier GR.1s and GR.1As would be converted to the GR.3 standard later in their operational life.

=== [[wt:en/news/6918-development-jump-jets-arrive-in-war-thunder-meet-the-harrier-en|Devblog]] ===
In the late 1950's, the Bristol company was conducting work on developing an engine featuring innovative thrust vectoring technology. Hawker, impressed with the new engine, began closely working with Bristol to develop an aircraft which could successfully harness the full potential of the Pegasus thrust vectoring engine. The basic idea was to design an aircraft with V/STOL capabilities. From that point, the project became known as the P.1127.

In the early 1960's, a growing interest for V/STOL strike aircraft could be observed among most NATO member states. This resulted in an agreement between the US, Great Britain and West Germany in 1961 to order nine modified versions of the P.1127 - the first versions of which were test flown in the previous year - as evaluators. At the same time, the British evaluation aircraft received the designation Kestrel FGA.1.

Despite suffering setbacks with the P.1154 - a supersonic version of the aircraft developed by Hawker in parallel - evaluations of the Kestrel continued as planned during the early 1960's and concluded in November of 1965. After the P.1154 was ultimately cancelled, the RAF, pleased with the evaluation results of the Kestrel, put up a requirement to modify the Kestrel and placed an order for six pre-production aircraft, designated P.1127 (RAF). Following its maiden flight in August of 1966, the RAF extended the purchase order to 60 production aircraft, now receiving the official designation Harrier GR.1.

The Harrier GR.1 undertook its maiden flight in December 1967 and officially entered service with the RAF in April of 1969. Being involved early on with the aircraft's development, the US also expressed interest in procuring the Harrier. This ultimately resulted in a partnership agreement between Hawker Siddeley and McDonnell Douglas in the late 1960's for a large delivery of Harriers to the USMC in the early 1970's. In US service, the aircraft would receive the designation 'AV-8 Harrier'.

The Harrier was initially deployed with British forces in West Germany in the early 1970's. However, the Harrier saw the peak of its service career during the Falkland War in 1982, flying both ground attack as well as combat air patrol missions (modification Sea Harrier FRS.1) with great success, thus earning itself a high reputation.

Apart from British and American service, variants of the Harrier were also operated by Spain, Thailand and India. In total, around 270 Harriers were produced across all variants with the last being decommissioned from active service in the early 2000's. The original Harrier was subsequently succeeded by a further developed variant - the Harrier II - but more importantly, it had successfully proven the viability of V/STOL aircraft, thus generating a sustained interest in such designs which can still be seen today.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=harrier_gr1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 005.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 006.jpg|
</gallery>
<gallery mode="packed" heights="250">
File:Harrier GR.1A XV755.png|A Harrier GR.1A (XV755) pulling away from the burning wreck of an enemy after firing an SRAAM at close range.Note the port side missile cover missing, indicating a fired missile
File:Harriers XV755 & XZ145.png|2 Harrier GR.1s of No.1 Sqn RAF (marketplace camo) & 899 Naval Air Squadron (user skin) are seen flying in formation during a battle
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|-Z0ihOEb1tw|'''The Shooting Range #230''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


*[[Yak-38]]
*[[Yak-38M]]
*[[Jaguar GR.1]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6918-development-jump-jets-arrive-in-war-thunder-meet-the-harrier-en|[Devblog] Jump Jets arrive in War Thunder: Meet the Harrier]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/504155-harrier-gr1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Hawker}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

Harrier GR.1

2023-10-22T17:08:21Z

U126556775: Minor edit

{{About
| about = premium British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Harrier (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=harrier_gr1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was developed from the Hawker-Siddeley P.1127 and the Hawker-Siddeley Kestrel FGA.1, prototype aircraft that demonstrated the feasibility of using vectored thrust to achieve V/STOL capability. Recognizing the potential of this technology to operate from unprepared sites and evade enemy air defenses, the Royal Air Force (RAF) adopted it for their use. In 1969, the {{Specs|name}} was introduced into service. It was primarily designed for ground-attack and reconnaissance missions, capitalizing on its unique ability to take off and land in a variety of environments. This flexibility made it a valuable asset in the RAF’s arsenal. Beyond its primary roles, the {{Specs|name}} was also tested with Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (SRAAMs), a British project that spanned from 1968 to 1980. These infrared homing missiles were capable of executing high-g turns, making them ideal for close-range dogfights. It paved the way for future advancements in aircraft design and missile technology, setting the stage for the next generation of combat aircraft and air-to-air missiles.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]]. Like all members of the [[Harrier (Family)|Harrier family]], the Harrier GR.1 is a [[VTOL]] aircraft with thrust vectoring nozzles, which allow it to take off and land vertically. The Harrier GR.1 can be equipped with a variety of ordnance, including SRAAMs, bombs, and rockets. It excels at low-altitude combat, where it can use its VTOL capabilities to surprise enemies and evade attacks. However, it also has low top speed and agility, making it easy prey for faster and more maneuverable enemies. Additionally, it lacks any kind of countermeasures, such as chaff or flares, leaving it vulnerable to enemy missile attacks. On the bright side, the aircraft can use its SRAAMs to intercept incoming missiles head-on. It is a challenging but rewarding aircraft to master, offering a unique gameplay experience and a versatile loadout.

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

The Harrier GR.1 has an impressive climb rate, though it is put down by Soviet jets that it may face, like the [[MiG-19PT]], [[Su-7B]], and [[Su-7BKL]]. The Harrier's climb rate also suffers the more armament it carries; even just 4 [[SRAAM]]s drops the climb rate from 80 m/s to 68.2 m/s. Equipping 4 x 1,000 lb bombs cuts the climb rate by more than half. Because the Pegasus engine loses thrust at higher altitudes, the climb rate decreases with it.

The Pegasus engine has amazing low-altitude acceleration, but continues to suffer more at higher altitudes. In the early game, the [[Harrier (Family)]] planes will usually be seen pulling ahead of planes with afterburner (From the airfield, air spawns start the planes with a higher top speed at a higher start speed), but the subsonic status makes the planes with a higher speed catch up after a bit.

The turn rate of the GR.1 is mediocre compared to other planes it may face, especially planes from the [[F-86 (Family)]] and the previously mentioned Soviet planes. The rate of turn suffers the higher it climbs, as with the climb rate. Takeoff flaps, with their very high limit, can be utilized to turn sharper, as well as using the [[VTOL]] function correctly.

'''''Controls tend to lock up at altitudes over 7,000 m (23,000 feet), because of the massive lost of thrust in the Pegasus engine.'''''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,124 || 1,118 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.5 || 33.9 || 63.0 || 61.5 || rowspan="2" | 550
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,143 || 1,133 || 31.5 || 32.0 || 98.5 || 80.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 829 || 556 || ~14 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 648 || < 950 || < 790 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot, engine oil, and full water tank; but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.101 || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,868 kg || colspan="3" | 439 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
|-
| 1,640 kg || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan
| 6,542 kg || 7,216 kg || 7,890 kg || 8,160 kg || 12,679 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 8,708 kgf || 9,240 kgf
| 1.41 || 1.28 || 1.17 || 1.13 || 0.73
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 8,708 kgf (0 km/h) || 9,240 kgf (0 km/h)
| 1.41 || 1.28 || 1.17 || 1.13 || 0.73
|-
|}
{{Notice|The Pegasus engine loses a significant amount of thrust as your speed increases}}

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


The Harrier GR.1 has no armour. The engine and all fuel tanks are packed in a tight cluster in the centre of the fuselage. However, a Harrier with critical damage, even losing both wings, can often still make it back to the airfield. This has to be done at VTOL speeds, meaning under 300 km/h, making you a big target.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|ADEN Mk.4 (30 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons, belly-mounted (130 rpg = 260 total)

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="7" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Harrier_GR.3.png]]</div>
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.II (500 lb)|500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II]] bombs
| 1 || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 || 1
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[SNEB type 23]] rockets
| 18 || 36 || || 36 || 18
|-
! [[SRAAM]] missiles
| 2 || || || || 2
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* Without load
* 4 x SRAAM missiles
* 108 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 5 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 5 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


Despite having a weaker engine than other members of the [[Harrier (Family)|Harrier family]], the Harrier GR.1 still possesses exceptional acceleration and rate of climb. Coupled with a decent selection of load-outs (including the extremely powerful [[SRAAM]] missiles), and VTOL capability; this makes the Harrier GR.1 a very potent aircraft for both air-to-air combat and ground attack.

Generally a good way to start the game in the Harrier GR.1, when you are are facing aircraft around your BR or lower, is to takeoff and use your incredible acceleration and climb rate to get up and above the enemy aircraft. Climb slightly to the side of the battle and once you have sufficient altitude begin to swoop down on enemy aircraft below you, dispensing of them with your SRAAMs, or ADEN cannons. When climbing it is best to keep the throttle at only 90-95%, and to not use WEP; even at 90% throttle the mighty Pegasus engine is still capable of giving the Harrier a very impressive climb rate. This is advisable as the Harrier only has about 90 seconds of total WEP time, and there are better uses for it than climbing; in addition the Pegasus engine is not designed to be run a full power for extended periods of time and will overheat if left on 100% throttle for too long. As the battle goes on you can drop down to lower altitude to engage your enemies; you should generally avoid turn fighting, instead opting to make high speed attacks from the side of enemies. How much fuel you take is up to you: the minimum load of 10 minutes gives you an incredible thrust to weight ratio and can be enough for short battles, however it is not enough to last longer battles without refuelling.

When facing enemy aircraft which are mostly above your BR (i.e. top tier jets) you need to be much more cautious when taking the climbing approach. Against top tier jets the Harrier's climb rate is less impressive, and being at high altitude leaves you vulnerable to attack from long range [[Air-to-air_missiles#Semi-Active_Radar_Homing_.28SARH.29_missiles|semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile]], an issue exacerbated by the Harrier GR.1's lack of a radar warning receiver. In such battles it is better to stay low and fast, picking off top tier jets with fast approaches from the side, or by forcing an overshoot (thrust vectoring helps with this).
[[File:Harrier SRAAM Kill.mp4|thumb|400px|right|Getting a side-attack kill with an SRAAM. When launched in this way the SRAAMs are extremely hard to dodge.]]
The primary air-to-air weapon of the Harrier GR.1 are its four incredibly powerful [[SRAAM]] missiles. The SRAAMs are missiles of extremes, outside of 1.0-1.2 km they are near useless, however once you get to within 1.2 km of your target they transform into one of the hardest missiles in the game to dodge. The thrust vectoring nature of SRAAMs make them extremely manoeuvrable and hard to dodge, but mean the missiles cannot manoeuvre at all after the motor burns out, significantly limiting their range. To get the most out of SRAAMs you need to play to their advantages, the SRAAMs' poor range means that firing them from directly behind a target while chasing them is not the best idea unless you are very close, have a speed advantage, or the target is manoeuvring. Instead, the optimal way to use SRAAMs is to approach perpendicular to the target and attempt to obtain a lock from as far out as possible. With a lock obtained you should close on the target from the side; as you approach the 1.2 km mark you should turn into the target and "lead" the missile like you would your guns. Fire the missile within 1 km of the target and there is little they will be able to do about it; the SRAAM's extreme manoeuvrability allows them to follow the target through most evasive manoeuvres. A video of this method can be seen to the right. A key weakness of the SRAAMs (other than their limited range) is that they are highly susceptible to flares. You should either pick targets not equipped with flares, or if a target is equipped with flares try to attack when they are distracted or approach from an angle where you will hopefully not be noticed until it is too late.

While the addition of SRAAMs makes the Harrier GR.1 a potent fighter, it was designed as a ground attack aircraft, and it is very capable at filling this role in-game. The Harrier GR.1 has a good selection of bombs or rockets, coupled with a [[Ballistic Computer|ballistic computer]] providing CCIP this makes the Harrier a powerful ground attacker in both air and ground battles. In air battles the two ADEN cannons are very effective at killing ground targets up to medium tanks and light pillboxes (a task made easier with the ballistic computer), and have a plentiful ammo supply. The ability to reliably kill ground targets is useful for both opportunistic attacks for extra RP and for winning matches (if it comes to it).

The defining feature of the Harrier GR.1 is of course its [[VTOL]] (Vertical Take Off and Landing) capability; while this might at first seem like a "party trick" with limited utility there are situations where it can be surprisingly useful. Obviously VTOL allows for short/vertical takeoffs, and while conventional takeoffs are usually the better option (you typically get up to speed quicker) there are occasions where such capability is desirable (e.g. getting out of the way of players strafing the airfield). A more useful feature of VTOL on takeoff is that it allows the Harrier to take-off from aircraft carriers. Taking off from carriers allows you approach the battle from a different angle, sometimes this an be tactically useful depending on how you want to play the match. Where carriers particularly come in useful is if you need to rearm, but suspect the enemy is waiting for you at your main airfield. Some maps allow you to chose from multiple aircraft carriers to spawn on. These will be one of the [[wt:en/news/6925-development-new-ai-aircraft-carriers-en|three modern carriers]]; there is little to choose from between USS Forrestal and HMS Ark Royal (the Forrestal is a bit larger), however Baku is a little more interesting. If you go with USS Forrestal and HMS Ark Royal you get a speed boost on conventional takeoff (simulating a catapult launch); on Baku you get no such boost, requiring you to use your VTOL capability, but the Baku does have significantly better anti-air protection than the other carriers. Regardless of which aircraft carrier you land on the Harrier has no tail hook or drogue chute, so you will need to make use of your VTOL capability when landing.

Where the Harrier's VTOL capability makes the aircraft unique is in the ability to vector the exhaust nozzles to any angle you want during forward flight, at any speed. Vectoring the nozzles will typically lead to very rapid speed loss and therefore should only be done in certain situations. The most basic use of thrust vectoring is for forcing an overshoot, with the air brake deployed and nozzles fully vectored (so pointing slightly in reverse) the Harrier will slow down quite a bit faster than other aircraft; you can use this to make the aircraft on your tail overshoot then hit them with an SRAAM as they fly past. This technique should only be used as a last resort in one-on-one battles though, as you will lose all of your energy and leave you vulnerable to any other enemy aircraft in the area. A more advanced use is to vector the nozzles during turns to enhance turning performance; while deflecting the nozzles will make you lose speed quicker and thus hurt sustained turning performance it can sometimes give you the little bit extra instantaneous turning performance you need to get guns on target, or dodge an enemy attack. You will need to practice and find for yourself the correct balance between turning performance and speed loss in different situations. A more obscure situation in which thrust vectoring can help is when pulling out of a dive, if you have left it too late then pointing the nozzles downwards can sometimes give you enough lift to avoid hitting the ground.

In Ground RB, usually planes have to fly back to their airfield to rearm/repair. In the Harrier, the VTOL capability can be used to land on helicopter pads which are closer to the battlefield, saving precious time, but with the downside of exposing the aircraft to hostile CAS and helicopters.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Exceptional thrust to weight ratio; high altitude climb is achieved with ease
* Extremely good acceleration
* Thrust vectoring VTOL aircraft: in Ground RB, it can rearm on helicopter pads and nozzles can be deflected in-flight for improved manoeuvring
* Four powerful [[SRAAM]] missiles; four confirmed frags if used correctly.
* Has a Ballistic Computer for all types of armament available
* Has a [[HUD#410SUM1|Head-Up Display]] in the cockpit which provides flight information and weapon aiming functionality
* Able to spawn from aircraft carriers and land/take off from anywhere.

'''Cons:'''

* Limited WEP duration of ~90 seconds because of rapid engine overheating
* Although deflecting nozzles in flight can help with manoeuvrability, doing so bleeds a lot of speed
* Weaker engine than other later [[Harrier (Family)|Harriers]]; engine performance declines as the altitude increases
* Countering the [[SRAAM]] is possible with flares and by outrunning their ~1.5 km effective range.
* Has no radar nor RWR; the player won't easily notice incoming planes and missiles
* No countermeasures; evading IR and SARH missiles requires skills and anticipation

== History ==

The Harrier GR.1 was the first operational version of the Harrier Jump Jet, an iconic family of vertical / short takeoff & landing (V/STOL) fighters developed by the UK in the 1960s. Developed from the P.1127, a prototype aircraft demonstrating vertical takeoff & landing capabilities, the Harrier was the first V/STOL aircraft to enter service in the world. The GR.1 was the initial production version of the Harrier, totalling sixty aircraft: the aircraft was highly successful, and heavily-modified variants of the Harrier remain in service today.

=== Initial development ===
Following the end of the Korean War, several nations began investigating the possibility of jets capable of vertical takeoff & landing. Jet aircraft required long concrete runways to take off, which was considered a major weakness; at the time, most airfields and runways would've been destroyed early during a conflict, rendering most combat jets useless as they would not be able to take off. The VTOL jet fighter was thought of as the solution to these problems, as the aircraft could take off vertically from fields, roads, or even from the rooftops of buildings; because the aircraft could take off vertically, they would be combat-ready even if the country's airfields were destroyed by initial strikes.

In 1957, the Bristol Engine Company began developing a new directed-fan engine based on their existing Olympus and Orpheus engines. The new engine, soon to be named Pegasus, featured two "cold" jets that expelled non-combusted air from the jet engine compressor, and two "hot" jets that expelled combusted air from the combustion chamber. At the same time, the Hawker design firm was developing the P.1121, a advanced jet fighter to replace the Hawker Hunter; following the cancellation of the P.1121, Hawker began development of a new jet using the Pegasus engine, designated P.1127.

The aircraft was designed to use a single Pegasus engine with four nozzles, each nozzle being capable of swivelling between vertical and forward positions. As well, the Hawker firm began developing a new reaction control system for the aircraft, as traditional control surfaces would have no airflow (and thus, no control) during hover. Much of this development was done with the assistance of the United States, due to the low military spending of the UK during the time. Finally, in 1959, the Hawker firm authorized full funding for the P.1127 program; soon after, the British government ordered the production of two flight-ready prototypes.
[[File:Hawker Siddeley XV-6A Kestrel USAF.jpg|thumb|One of the nine Hawker Kestral FGA.1s with USAF markings.]]
In July of 1931, the first P.1127 prototype, designated XP831, was rolled out for engine testing; after various ground tests, the aircraft first hovered on November 19th, 1960. The first three P.1127 aircraft all crashed, including XP831 which crashed at the 1963 Farnborough Airshow; the pilot survived. At this point, the aircraft had proven itself to the point where Britain, the United States and Germany agreed to a collaboration on the P.1127 project. The three countries collectively funded the first nine pre-production P.1127s, now designated Kestrel FGA. 1.

=== Development and production ===
In 1961, while the P.1127 performed flight testing, NATO issued a new requirement for a supersonic VTOL fighter. As the P.1127 was subsonic, Hawker pursued the design of two new aircraft, the P.1150 and P.1154. The P.1150 was essentially a supersonic version of the P.1127 while the P.1154 was a heavily-modified design capable of Mach 2.0 at altitude. The P.1154 was declared the winner of the NATO competition, causing France (with its Mirage IIIV) to back out of the procurement project. As a result, in 1965, the P.1154 was cancelled.

At that point, the RAF began to study a simple derivative of the P.1127 as a production strike aircraft, and in late 1965, orders were placed for six pre-production P.1127 airframes. The first P.1127 (RAF) would fly on August 31st, 1966; orders were placed for 60 aircraft, soon to be designated Harrier GR.1. The aircraft were named after a small bird of prey: the Harrier name had initially been planned for the cancelled P.1154. The Harrier GR.1 first flew in December of 1967 and soon entered service with the RAF.

=== Operational history ===
Three Harrier squadrons would be operational by 1970: the No. 1 squadron at RAF Wittering and two squadrons at RAF Wildenrath, in West Germany. The Harrier was used primarily as a close air support aircraft and remained stationed in West Germany for long periods of time, as a deterrent to a potential Soviet invasion. The Harrier GR.1 would also be used to test the SRAAM, an innovative air-to-air missile utilizing thrust-vector control for manoeuvring. The missile failed to reach production but became the basis for the later ASRAAM, which is used on British fighter aircraft today. While the GR.1 would not see combat service abroad, [[Harrier GR.3|GR.3 Harriers]] were used during the Falklands war, along with the Sea Harrier.

The Harrier was also marketed extensively for export. The Spanish Navy and Thai navy both operated first-generation Harriers while Argentina, Australia, China and Switzerland had considered the purchase of Harriers for their respective air forces. Additionally, the Indian navy would procure the Sea Harrier, a derivative of the Harrier, for their aircraft carriers. In total, 61 Harrier GR.1s were produced along with 17 GR.1As, which were GR.1 airframes with uprated engines. 62 of these Harrier GR.1s and GR.1As would be converted to the GR.3 standard later in their operational life.

=== [[wt:en/news/6918-development-jump-jets-arrive-in-war-thunder-meet-the-harrier-en|Devblog]] ===
In the late 1950's, the Bristol company was conducting work on developing an engine featuring innovative thrust vectoring technology. Hawker, impressed with the new engine, began closely working with Bristol to develop an aircraft which could successfully harness the full potential of the Pegasus thrust vectoring engine. The basic idea was to design an aircraft with V/STOL capabilities. From that point, the project became known as the P.1127.

In the early 1960's, a growing interest for V/STOL strike aircraft could be observed among most NATO member states. This resulted in an agreement between the US, Great Britain and West Germany in 1961 to order nine modified versions of the P.1127 - the first versions of which were test flown in the previous year - as evaluators. At the same time, the British evaluation aircraft received the designation Kestrel FGA.1.

Despite suffering setbacks with the P.1154 - a supersonic version of the aircraft developed by Hawker in parallel - evaluations of the Kestrel continued as planned during the early 1960's and concluded in November of 1965. After the P.1154 was ultimately cancelled, the RAF, pleased with the evaluation results of the Kestrel, put up a requirement to modify the Kestrel and placed an order for six pre-production aircraft, designated P.1127 (RAF). Following its maiden flight in August of 1966, the RAF extended the purchase order to 60 production aircraft, now receiving the official designation Harrier GR.1.

The Harrier GR.1 undertook its maiden flight in December 1967 and officially entered service with the RAF in April of 1969. Being involved early on with the aircraft's development, the US also expressed interest in procuring the Harrier. This ultimately resulted in a partnership agreement between Hawker Siddeley and McDonnell Douglas in the late 1960's for a large delivery of Harriers to the USMC in the early 1970's. In US service, the aircraft would receive the designation 'AV-8 Harrier'.

The Harrier was initially deployed with British forces in West Germany in the early 1970's. However, the Harrier saw the peak of its service career during the Falkland War in 1982, flying both ground attack as well as combat air patrol missions (modification Sea Harrier FRS.1) with great success, thus earning itself a high reputation.

Apart from British and American service, variants of the Harrier were also operated by Spain, Thailand and India. In total, around 270 Harriers were produced across all variants with the last being decommissioned from active service in the early 2000's. The original Harrier was subsequently succeeded by a further developed variant - the Harrier II - but more importantly, it had successfully proven the viability of V/STOL aircraft, thus generating a sustained interest in such designs which can still be seen today.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=harrier_gr1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 005.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 006.jpg|
</gallery>
<gallery mode="packed" heights="250">
File:Harrier GR.1A XV755.png|A Harrier GR.1A (XV755) pulling away from the burning wreck of an enemy after firing an SRAAM at close range.Note the port side missile cover missing, indicating a fired missile
File:Harriers XV755 & XZ145.png|2 Harrier GR.1s of No.1 Sqn RAF (marketplace camo) & 899 Naval Air Squadron (user skin) are seen flying in formation during a battle
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|-Z0ihOEb1tw|'''The Shooting Range #230''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


*[[Yak-38]]
*[[Yak-38M]]
*[[Jaguar GR.1]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6918-development-jump-jets-arrive-in-war-thunder-meet-the-harrier-en|[Devblog] Jump Jets arrive in War Thunder: Meet the Harrier]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/504155-harrier-gr1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Hawker}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

Harrier GR.1

2023-10-22T17:02:26Z

U126556775: New description format

{{About
| about = premium British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Harrier (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=harrier_gr1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was developed from the Hawker-Siddeley P.1127, a prototype that demonstrated the feasibility of using vectored thrust to achieve V/STOL capability. Recognizing the potential of this technology to operate from unprepared sites and evade enemy air defenses, the Royal Air Force (RAF) adopted it for their use. In 1969, the {{Specs|name}} was introduced into service. It was primarily designed for ground-attack and reconnaissance missions, capitalizing on its unique ability to take off and land in a variety of environments. This flexibility made it a valuable asset in the RAF’s arsenal. Beyond its primary roles, the {{Specs|name}} was also tested with Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (SRAAMs), a British project that spanned from 1968 to 1980. These infrared homing missiles were capable of executing high-g turns, making them ideal for close-range dogfights. It paved the way for future advancements in aircraft design and missile technology, setting the stage for the next generation of combat aircraft and air-to-air missiles.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]]. Like all members of the [[Harrier (Family)|Harrier family]], the Harrier GR.1 is a [[VTOL]] aircraft with thrust vectoring nozzles, which allow it to take off and land vertically. The Harrier GR.1 can be equipped with a variety of ordnance, including SRAAMs, bombs, and rockets. It excels at low-altitude combat, where it can use its VTOL capabilities to surprise enemies and evade attacks. However, it also has low top speed and agility, making it easy prey for faster and more maneuverable enemies. Additionally, it lacks any kind of countermeasures, such as chaff or flares, leaving it vulnerable to enemy missile attacks. On the bright side, the aircraft can use its SRAAMs to intercept incoming missiles head-on. It is a challenging but rewarding aircraft to master, offering a unique gameplay experience and a versatile loadout.

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

The Harrier GR.1 has an impressive climb rate, though it is put down by Soviet jets that it may face, like the [[MiG-19PT]], [[Su-7B]], and [[Su-7BKL]]. The Harrier's climb rate also suffers the more armament it carries; even just 4 [[SRAAM]]s drops the climb rate from 80 m/s to 68.2 m/s. Equipping 4 x 1,000 lb bombs cuts the climb rate by more than half. Because the Pegasus engine loses thrust at higher altitudes, the climb rate decreases with it.

The Pegasus engine has amazing low-altitude acceleration, but continues to suffer more at higher altitudes. In the early game, the [[Harrier (Family)]] planes will usually be seen pulling ahead of planes with afterburner (From the airfield, air spawns start the planes with a higher top speed at a higher start speed), but the subsonic status makes the planes with a higher speed catch up after a bit.

The turn rate of the GR.1 is mediocre compared to other planes it may face, especially planes from the [[F-86 (Family)]] and the previously mentioned Soviet planes. The rate of turn suffers the higher it climbs, as with the climb rate. Takeoff flaps, with their very high limit, can be utilized to turn sharper, as well as using the [[VTOL]] function correctly.

'''''Controls tend to lock up at altitudes over 7,000 m (23,000 feet), because of the massive lost of thrust in the Pegasus engine.'''''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,124 || 1,118 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.5 || 33.9 || 63.0 || 61.5 || rowspan="2" | 550
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,143 || 1,133 || 31.5 || 32.0 || 98.5 || 80.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 829 || 556 || ~14 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 648 || < 950 || < 790 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot, engine oil, and full water tank; but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.101 || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,868 kg || colspan="3" | 439 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
|-
| 1,640 kg || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan
| 6,542 kg || 7,216 kg || 7,890 kg || 8,160 kg || 12,679 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 8,708 kgf || 9,240 kgf
| 1.41 || 1.28 || 1.17 || 1.13 || 0.73
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 8,708 kgf (0 km/h) || 9,240 kgf (0 km/h)
| 1.41 || 1.28 || 1.17 || 1.13 || 0.73
|-
|}
{{Notice|The Pegasus engine loses a significant amount of thrust as your speed increases}}

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


The Harrier GR.1 has no armour. The engine and all fuel tanks are packed in a tight cluster in the centre of the fuselage. However, a Harrier with critical damage, even losing both wings, can often still make it back to the airfield. This has to be done at VTOL speeds, meaning under 300 km/h, making you a big target.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|ADEN Mk.4 (30 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons, belly-mounted (130 rpg = 260 total)

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="7" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Harrier_GR.3.png]]</div>
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.II (500 lb)|500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II]] bombs
| 1 || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 || 1
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[SNEB type 23]] rockets
| 18 || 36 || || 36 || 18
|-
! [[SRAAM]] missiles
| 2 || || || || 2
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* Without load
* 4 x SRAAM missiles
* 108 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 5 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 5 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


Despite having a weaker engine than other members of the [[Harrier (Family)|Harrier family]], the Harrier GR.1 still possesses exceptional acceleration and rate of climb. Coupled with a decent selection of load-outs (including the extremely powerful [[SRAAM]] missiles), and VTOL capability; this makes the Harrier GR.1 a very potent aircraft for both air-to-air combat and ground attack.

Generally a good way to start the game in the Harrier GR.1, when you are are facing aircraft around your BR or lower, is to takeoff and use your incredible acceleration and climb rate to get up and above the enemy aircraft. Climb slightly to the side of the battle and once you have sufficient altitude begin to swoop down on enemy aircraft below you, dispensing of them with your SRAAMs, or ADEN cannons. When climbing it is best to keep the throttle at only 90-95%, and to not use WEP; even at 90% throttle the mighty Pegasus engine is still capable of giving the Harrier a very impressive climb rate. This is advisable as the Harrier only has about 90 seconds of total WEP time, and there are better uses for it than climbing; in addition the Pegasus engine is not designed to be run a full power for extended periods of time and will overheat if left on 100% throttle for too long. As the battle goes on you can drop down to lower altitude to engage your enemies; you should generally avoid turn fighting, instead opting to make high speed attacks from the side of enemies. How much fuel you take is up to you: the minimum load of 10 minutes gives you an incredible thrust to weight ratio and can be enough for short battles, however it is not enough to last longer battles without refuelling.

When facing enemy aircraft which are mostly above your BR (i.e. top tier jets) you need to be much more cautious when taking the climbing approach. Against top tier jets the Harrier's climb rate is less impressive, and being at high altitude leaves you vulnerable to attack from long range [[Air-to-air_missiles#Semi-Active_Radar_Homing_.28SARH.29_missiles|semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile]], an issue exacerbated by the Harrier GR.1's lack of a radar warning receiver. In such battles it is better to stay low and fast, picking off top tier jets with fast approaches from the side, or by forcing an overshoot (thrust vectoring helps with this).
[[File:Harrier SRAAM Kill.mp4|thumb|400px|right|Getting a side-attack kill with an SRAAM. When launched in this way the SRAAMs are extremely hard to dodge.]]
The primary air-to-air weapon of the Harrier GR.1 are its four incredibly powerful [[SRAAM]] missiles. The SRAAMs are missiles of extremes, outside of 1.0-1.2 km they are near useless, however once you get to within 1.2 km of your target they transform into one of the hardest missiles in the game to dodge. The thrust vectoring nature of SRAAMs make them extremely manoeuvrable and hard to dodge, but mean the missiles cannot manoeuvre at all after the motor burns out, significantly limiting their range. To get the most out of SRAAMs you need to play to their advantages, the SRAAMs' poor range means that firing them from directly behind a target while chasing them is not the best idea unless you are very close, have a speed advantage, or the target is manoeuvring. Instead, the optimal way to use SRAAMs is to approach perpendicular to the target and attempt to obtain a lock from as far out as possible. With a lock obtained you should close on the target from the side; as you approach the 1.2 km mark you should turn into the target and "lead" the missile like you would your guns. Fire the missile within 1 km of the target and there is little they will be able to do about it; the SRAAM's extreme manoeuvrability allows them to follow the target through most evasive manoeuvres. A video of this method can be seen to the right. A key weakness of the SRAAMs (other than their limited range) is that they are highly susceptible to flares. You should either pick targets not equipped with flares, or if a target is equipped with flares try to attack when they are distracted or approach from an angle where you will hopefully not be noticed until it is too late.

While the addition of SRAAMs makes the Harrier GR.1 a potent fighter, it was designed as a ground attack aircraft, and it is very capable at filling this role in-game. The Harrier GR.1 has a good selection of bombs or rockets, coupled with a [[Ballistic Computer|ballistic computer]] providing CCIP this makes the Harrier a powerful ground attacker in both air and ground battles. In air battles the two ADEN cannons are very effective at killing ground targets up to medium tanks and light pillboxes (a task made easier with the ballistic computer), and have a plentiful ammo supply. The ability to reliably kill ground targets is useful for both opportunistic attacks for extra RP and for winning matches (if it comes to it).

The defining feature of the Harrier GR.1 is of course its [[VTOL]] (Vertical Take Off and Landing) capability; while this might at first seem like a "party trick" with limited utility there are situations where it can be surprisingly useful. Obviously VTOL allows for short/vertical takeoffs, and while conventional takeoffs are usually the better option (you typically get up to speed quicker) there are occasions where such capability is desirable (e.g. getting out of the way of players strafing the airfield). A more useful feature of VTOL on takeoff is that it allows the Harrier to take-off from aircraft carriers. Taking off from carriers allows you approach the battle from a different angle, sometimes this an be tactically useful depending on how you want to play the match. Where carriers particularly come in useful is if you need to rearm, but suspect the enemy is waiting for you at your main airfield. Some maps allow you to chose from multiple aircraft carriers to spawn on. These will be one of the [[wt:en/news/6925-development-new-ai-aircraft-carriers-en|three modern carriers]]; there is little to choose from between USS Forrestal and HMS Ark Royal (the Forrestal is a bit larger), however Baku is a little more interesting. If you go with USS Forrestal and HMS Ark Royal you get a speed boost on conventional takeoff (simulating a catapult launch); on Baku you get no such boost, requiring you to use your VTOL capability, but the Baku does have significantly better anti-air protection than the other carriers. Regardless of which aircraft carrier you land on the Harrier has no tail hook or drogue chute, so you will need to make use of your VTOL capability when landing.

Where the Harrier's VTOL capability makes the aircraft unique is in the ability to vector the exhaust nozzles to any angle you want during forward flight, at any speed. Vectoring the nozzles will typically lead to very rapid speed loss and therefore should only be done in certain situations. The most basic use of thrust vectoring is for forcing an overshoot, with the air brake deployed and nozzles fully vectored (so pointing slightly in reverse) the Harrier will slow down quite a bit faster than other aircraft; you can use this to make the aircraft on your tail overshoot then hit them with an SRAAM as they fly past. This technique should only be used as a last resort in one-on-one battles though, as you will lose all of your energy and leave you vulnerable to any other enemy aircraft in the area. A more advanced use is to vector the nozzles during turns to enhance turning performance; while deflecting the nozzles will make you lose speed quicker and thus hurt sustained turning performance it can sometimes give you the little bit extra instantaneous turning performance you need to get guns on target, or dodge an enemy attack. You will need to practice and find for yourself the correct balance between turning performance and speed loss in different situations. A more obscure situation in which thrust vectoring can help is when pulling out of a dive, if you have left it too late then pointing the nozzles downwards can sometimes give you enough lift to avoid hitting the ground.

In Ground RB, usually planes have to fly back to their airfield to rearm/repair. In the Harrier, the VTOL capability can be used to land on helicopter pads which are closer to the battlefield, saving precious time, but with the downside of exposing the aircraft to hostile CAS and helicopters.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Exceptional thrust to weight ratio; high altitude climb is achieved with ease
* Extremely good acceleration
* Thrust vectoring VTOL aircraft: in Ground RB, it can rearm on helicopter pads and nozzles can be deflected in-flight for improved manoeuvring
* Four powerful [[SRAAM]] missiles; four confirmed frags if used correctly.
* Has a Ballistic Computer for all types of armament available
* Has a [[HUD#410SUM1|Head-Up Display]] in the cockpit which provides flight information and weapon aiming functionality
* Able to spawn from aircraft carriers and land/take off from anywhere.

'''Cons:'''

* Limited WEP duration of ~90 seconds because of rapid engine overheating
* Although deflecting nozzles in flight can help with manoeuvrability, doing so bleeds a lot of speed
* Weaker engine than other later [[Harrier (Family)|Harriers]]; engine performance declines as the altitude increases
* Countering the [[SRAAM]] is possible with flares and by outrunning their ~1.5 km effective range.
* Has no radar nor RWR; the player won't easily notice incoming planes and missiles
* No countermeasures; evading IR and SARH missiles requires skills and anticipation

== History ==

The Harrier GR.1 was the first operational version of the Harrier Jump Jet, an iconic family of vertical / short takeoff & landing (V/STOL) fighters developed by the UK in the 1960s. Developed from the P.1127, a prototype aircraft demonstrating vertical takeoff & landing capabilities, the Harrier was the first V/STOL aircraft to enter service in the world. The GR.1 was the initial production version of the Harrier, totalling sixty aircraft: the aircraft was highly successful, and heavily-modified variants of the Harrier remain in service today.

=== Initial development ===
Following the end of the Korean War, several nations began investigating the possibility of jets capable of vertical takeoff & landing. Jet aircraft required long concrete runways to take off, which was considered a major weakness; at the time, most airfields and runways would've been destroyed early during a conflict, rendering most combat jets useless as they would not be able to take off. The VTOL jet fighter was thought of as the solution to these problems, as the aircraft could take off vertically from fields, roads, or even from the rooftops of buildings; because the aircraft could take off vertically, they would be combat-ready even if the country's airfields were destroyed by initial strikes.

In 1957, the Bristol Engine Company began developing a new directed-fan engine based on their existing Olympus and Orpheus engines. The new engine, soon to be named Pegasus, featured two "cold" jets that expelled non-combusted air from the jet engine compressor, and two "hot" jets that expelled combusted air from the combustion chamber. At the same time, the Hawker design firm was developing the P.1121, a advanced jet fighter to replace the Hawker Hunter; following the cancellation of the P.1121, Hawker began development of a new jet using the Pegasus engine, designated P.1127.

The aircraft was designed to use a single Pegasus engine with four nozzles, each nozzle being capable of swivelling between vertical and forward positions. As well, the Hawker firm began developing a new reaction control system for the aircraft, as traditional control surfaces would have no airflow (and thus, no control) during hover. Much of this development was done with the assistance of the United States, due to the low military spending of the UK during the time. Finally, in 1959, the Hawker firm authorized full funding for the P.1127 program; soon after, the British government ordered the production of two flight-ready prototypes.
[[File:Hawker Siddeley XV-6A Kestrel USAF.jpg|thumb|One of the nine Hawker Kestral FGA.1s with USAF markings.]]
In July of 1931, the first P.1127 prototype, designated XP831, was rolled out for engine testing; after various ground tests, the aircraft first hovered on November 19th, 1960. The first three P.1127 aircraft all crashed, including XP831 which crashed at the 1963 Farnborough Airshow; the pilot survived. At this point, the aircraft had proven itself to the point where Britain, the United States and Germany agreed to a collaboration on the P.1127 project. The three countries collectively funded the first nine pre-production P.1127s, now designated Kestrel FGA. 1.

=== Development and production ===
In 1961, while the P.1127 performed flight testing, NATO issued a new requirement for a supersonic VTOL fighter. As the P.1127 was subsonic, Hawker pursued the design of two new aircraft, the P.1150 and P.1154. The P.1150 was essentially a supersonic version of the P.1127 while the P.1154 was a heavily-modified design capable of Mach 2.0 at altitude. The P.1154 was declared the winner of the NATO competition, causing France (with its Mirage IIIV) to back out of the procurement project. As a result, in 1965, the P.1154 was cancelled.

At that point, the RAF began to study a simple derivative of the P.1127 as a production strike aircraft, and in late 1965, orders were placed for six pre-production P.1127 airframes. The first P.1127 (RAF) would fly on August 31st, 1966; orders were placed for 60 aircraft, soon to be designated Harrier GR.1. The aircraft were named after a small bird of prey: the Harrier name had initially been planned for the cancelled P.1154. The Harrier GR.1 first flew in December of 1967 and soon entered service with the RAF.

=== Operational history ===
Three Harrier squadrons would be operational by 1970: the No. 1 squadron at RAF Wittering and two squadrons at RAF Wildenrath, in West Germany. The Harrier was used primarily as a close air support aircraft and remained stationed in West Germany for long periods of time, as a deterrent to a potential Soviet invasion. The Harrier GR.1 would also be used to test the SRAAM, an innovative air-to-air missile utilizing thrust-vector control for manoeuvring. The missile failed to reach production but became the basis for the later ASRAAM, which is used on British fighter aircraft today. While the GR.1 would not see combat service abroad, [[Harrier GR.3|GR.3 Harriers]] were used during the Falklands war, along with the Sea Harrier.

The Harrier was also marketed extensively for export. The Spanish Navy and Thai navy both operated first-generation Harriers while Argentina, Australia, China and Switzerland had considered the purchase of Harriers for their respective air forces. Additionally, the Indian navy would procure the Sea Harrier, a derivative of the Harrier, for their aircraft carriers. In total, 61 Harrier GR.1s were produced along with 17 GR.1As, which were GR.1 airframes with uprated engines. 62 of these Harrier GR.1s and GR.1As would be converted to the GR.3 standard later in their operational life.

=== [[wt:en/news/6918-development-jump-jets-arrive-in-war-thunder-meet-the-harrier-en|Devblog]] ===
In the late 1950's, the Bristol company was conducting work on developing an engine featuring innovative thrust vectoring technology. Hawker, impressed with the new engine, began closely working with Bristol to develop an aircraft which could successfully harness the full potential of the Pegasus thrust vectoring engine. The basic idea was to design an aircraft with V/STOL capabilities. From that point, the project became known as the P.1127.

In the early 1960's, a growing interest for V/STOL strike aircraft could be observed among most NATO member states. This resulted in an agreement between the US, Great Britain and West Germany in 1961 to order nine modified versions of the P.1127 - the first versions of which were test flown in the previous year - as evaluators. At the same time, the British evaluation aircraft received the designation Kestrel FGA.1.

Despite suffering setbacks with the P.1154 - a supersonic version of the aircraft developed by Hawker in parallel - evaluations of the Kestrel continued as planned during the early 1960's and concluded in November of 1965. After the P.1154 was ultimately cancelled, the RAF, pleased with the evaluation results of the Kestrel, put up a requirement to modify the Kestrel and placed an order for six pre-production aircraft, designated P.1127 (RAF). Following its maiden flight in August of 1966, the RAF extended the purchase order to 60 production aircraft, now receiving the official designation Harrier GR.1.

The Harrier GR.1 undertook its maiden flight in December 1967 and officially entered service with the RAF in April of 1969. Being involved early on with the aircraft's development, the US also expressed interest in procuring the Harrier. This ultimately resulted in a partnership agreement between Hawker Siddeley and McDonnell Douglas in the late 1960's for a large delivery of Harriers to the USMC in the early 1970's. In US service, the aircraft would receive the designation 'AV-8 Harrier'.

The Harrier was initially deployed with British forces in West Germany in the early 1970's. However, the Harrier saw the peak of its service career during the Falkland War in 1982, flying both ground attack as well as combat air patrol missions (modification Sea Harrier FRS.1) with great success, thus earning itself a high reputation.

Apart from British and American service, variants of the Harrier were also operated by Spain, Thailand and India. In total, around 270 Harriers were produced across all variants with the last being decommissioned from active service in the early 2000's. The original Harrier was subsequently succeeded by a further developed variant - the Harrier II - but more importantly, it had successfully proven the viability of V/STOL aircraft, thus generating a sustained interest in such designs which can still be seen today.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=harrier_gr1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 005.jpg|
File:Harrier GR.1 WTWallpaper 006.jpg|
</gallery>
<gallery mode="packed" heights="250">
File:Harrier GR.1A XV755.png|A Harrier GR.1A (XV755) pulling away from the burning wreck of an enemy after firing an SRAAM at close range.Note the port side missile cover missing, indicating a fired missile
File:Harriers XV755 & XZ145.png|2 Harrier GR.1s of No.1 Sqn RAF (marketplace camo) & 899 Naval Air Squadron (user skin) are seen flying in formation during a battle
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|-Z0ihOEb1tw|'''The Shooting Range #230''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


*[[Yak-38]]
*[[Yak-38M]]
*[[Jaguar GR.1]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6918-development-jump-jets-arrive-in-war-thunder-meet-the-harrier-en|[Devblog] Jump Jets arrive in War Thunder: Meet the Harrier]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/504155-harrier-gr1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Hawker}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

Sea Harrier FRS.1

2023-10-21T23:50:52Z

U126556775: New description format

{{About
| about = squadron British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = the regular version
| link-1 = Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e)
| usage-2 = other versions
| link-2 = Harrier (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=harrier_frs1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was a specialised version of the Hawker-Siddeley Harrier, designed for naval operations. It joined the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom in 1978 and gained fame for its role in the Falklands War in 1982, where it defended the fleet from enemy aircraft attacks with great success. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Sea Harriers shot down 21 Argentinean planes without losing any of their own, a remarkable accomplishment that demonstrated the superiority of the aircraft. In a subsequent upgrade, the Sea Harrier FRS.1 was equipped with a 2x2 Aim-9L configuration, further enhancing its air combat capabilities.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]]. The Sea Harrier is available as an option for rank VII through unlock as a squadron vehicle. It can present experienced pilots familiar with the GR.1/3 with a further improvement in the form of deadly AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles and a unique position as the only model of Harrier in-game with a search radar. Ultimately, the Sea Harrier builds on the strengths of the Harrier GR.3 with improved air-to-air combat capability. However this comes at a cost of being heavier and slightly more sluggish than its contemporaries. All in all, the Sea Harrier can be a powerful opponent in the hands of a veteran pilot and provides an almost preparatory experience for the [[Harrier GR.7]].

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

The Sea Harrier possesses a flight performance very similar to the aircraft it is derived from, the Harrier GR.3, possessing the same Pegasus 103 engine. It is worth noting however that the Sea Harrier carries additional weight in the form of the radar equipment within its nose and an altered aerodynamic profile to accommodate this.

Comparatively, the Sea Harrier turns more sluggishly than contemporary Harriers, but it still maintains the exceptional thrust and climb rate prevalent among its kind, able to climb up to lofty heights where it can maximise the range potential of its all-aspect AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles. It comes with the same thrust vectoring of other Harriers allowing the aircraft to pull tighter turns and make split second adjustments at the cost of speed and energy.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,150 || 1,144 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.5 || 34.0 || 70.2 || 68.5 || rowspan="2" | 550
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,168 || 1,159 || 31.5 || 32.0 || 105.2 || 87.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 829 || 556 || ~14 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 648 || < 950 || < 790 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{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" | Rolls-Royce Pegasus Mk.104 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,258 kg || colspan="3" | 462 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 33m fuel
|-
| 1,650 kg || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan
| 6,959 kg || 7,661 kg || 8,363 kg || 8,593 kg || 11,409 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 33m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 9,150 kgf || 9,709 kgf
| 1.40 || 1.27 || 1.16 || 1.13 || 0.85
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 9,150 kgf (0 km/h) || 9,709 kgf (0 km/h)
| 1.40 || 1.27 || 1.16 || 1.13 || 0.85
|-
|}

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


The Sea Harrier FRS.1 possesses no armour. All of its internal modules are arrayed in close proximity within the fuselage centred around the engine.

The Sea Harrier is not a sturdy aircraft and can be destroyed fairly easily owing to its compact assembly. However, if the damage taken is not enough to outright down the Harrier such as damage to flaps or wings, the Harrier can in an emergency leverage its thrust vectoring to compensate for lift lost from wing damage and limp back to the airfield for repair at the cost of being exceptionally vulnerable to enemy aircraft on the way.

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

As with most aircraft at the tier the Sea Harrier competes at, it is advisable to prioritise unlocking the Flare/Chaff upgrade to greatly increase survivability of the Harrier against very commonly encountered IR missiles. After which, pursuing the unlock of the Sea Harrier's own AIM-9L Sidewinder capability is highly recommended as this will encompass most of the jet's offensive capability when dealing with other aircraft.

A further advantageous unlock would be to acquire the 1,000 lb bombs which can be grabbed while prioritising the unlock of the AIM-9L's: these will allow unlocking further upgrades and RP by bombing bases before turning to engage enemy aircraft. Once sufficient weapons and countermeasures are unlocked then it is recommended to focus entirely on flight performance upgrades to make the most of the superb climbing and thrust of the Pegasus engine.

Recommended path:

Flares/Chaff -> 1000 LB bombs -> New Boosters -> AIM-9L -> Wings Repair -> Engine -> Compressor -> Cover -> Airframe -> Fuselage Repair -> G-suit > EFS -> Offensive 30 mm belts -> New 30 mm cannons -> Matra No7 Mk 1 rockets

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|ADEN Mk.4 (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons, belly-mounted (130 rpg = 260 total)
** 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons + 60 x countermeasures

The 30 mm ADEN cannons are identical to those found on the GR.1/3 and the AV-8A/C found in the USA tech tree. These are very hard-hitting guns that can bring down an enemy aircraft with even glancing blows. However on the Harrier family they are often located low on the belly in an awkward spot, possess low muzzle velocity, and often very limited ammunition. They can however be used to great effect on larger aircraft such as A-10s or Su-25s when a quick and snappy burst needs to do fatal damage.

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="6" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Harrier_GR.3.png]]</div>
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117]] bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! [[RP]] rockets
| || 36 || || 36 ||
|-
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1, 2 || || || || 1, 2
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 72 x RP rockets
* 3 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 72 x RP rockets
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles + 72 x RP rockets
{{Navigation-End}}

'''AIM-9G Sidewinder missile:'''

The AIM-9G is a potent missile but may begin to feel a little lacklustre at the BR the Sea Harrier operates at. The stock missile option for the Sea Harrier and only able to hold 2 of them on wing-mounted pylons. 9Gs are rear-aspect only but come with a very large seeker cage, 18G of maximum overload and the option for radar-slaving which the Sea Harrier is uniquely able to capitalise on amongst its brethren Harriers. When employing these with the Harrier in particular, it is advisable to deploy them from an altitude advantage on unaware enemies.

'''AIM-9L Sidewinder missile''':

The AIM-9L is a further upgrade of the Sidewinder missile. It retains the radar-slaving capability of the 9G but with a much smaller seeker cage. However instead the 9L now enables the Sidewinder to have all-aspect functionality and up to 30G of maximum overload. This greatly enhances the killing and lock-acquiring capability of the missile with the added benefit of some flare-resistance which will be noticeable especially when firing from a rear-aspect on an aircraft with an afterburner. A potent missile which can be used more widely than the 9G with particular regards to the Sea Harrier, but again is very strong capitalising on the climb rate of the sea Harrier to be deployed almost in a 'sniping' way.

'''1000 LB Mk.13 bomb:'''

A common bomb found on British aircraft, the Mk.13 can be employed with the onboard CCIP to be accurately delivered and the Harrier can carry a maximum of 5 alongside its AAM loadout of choice. A full payload of these bombs can destroy a single base in Air battles and are sufficient to destroy enemy armoured vehicles in ground battles with a TNT explosive equivalent of 296.48 kg per bomb.

'''RP rocket:'''

The Harrier can carry up to 72 RP rockets, these rockets are simple and can be aimed using the onboard CCIP. Each rocket is equivalent to 691.2 g of TNT and will require multiple hits to damage light vehicles to the point of destruction. However with only 10 mm of penetration these rockets will see little to no effect on MBTs or more thoroughly armoured vehicles.

== Usage in battles ==


Use the Sea Harrier's quick takeoff and climb to ascend high above the normal altitude for battle, somewhere around 5-8 km depending on the map and approaching enemies. Due to the lacklustre turn capabilities and muzzle velocity of the cannons, it's not recommended to engage in dogfights. Instead, use your AIM-9Ls to your advantage and target enemies already engaged or simply oblivious to your presence above them. When done correctly and carefully, this can quietly get you 2-3 kills in a single flyout.

Your cannons are also effective at destroying ground targets which can provide extra RP and SL once your missiles are expended. The Sea Harrier may also carry unguided rockets or bombs for additional ground pounding at the further expense of performance. However, it's important to note that you are at a disadvantage at lower altitude since you cannot climb as fast as other jets at the BR, and it's hard to shake off and outrun an opponent once they're on your tail. MiG-21s, F-5s, and J35s will easily outmanoeuvre you, and A-10s, Su-25s and Su-22s, while slower, can still outturn you and easily put you in their sights.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Retains the great climb rate and thrust of earlier Harrier's
* Addition of a search radar that can be used to slave the AAM's the Harrier can bring for off-angle shots
* 4 powerful AIM-9L all-aspect missiles

'''Cons:'''

* Subsonic in a bracket mostly populated with supersonic aircraft
* Sluggish in its turn radius
* Engines will overheat if run for too long at 100% throttle, management is required
* Limited WEP

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=harrier_frs1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==

;[[Harrier (Family)|Other Harriers:]]
* [[Harrier GR.1]]
* [[Harrier GR.3]]
* [[Harrier GR.7]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8011-development-squadron-vehicles-sea-harrier-frs-1-en|[Devblog] Squadron vehicles: Sea Harrier FRS.1]]

{{AirManufacturer BAe}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}
{{Squadron aircraft}}

Jaguar GR.1

2023-10-21T18:43:50Z

U126556775: Minor edit

{{About
| about = British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Jaguar (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=jaguar_gr1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was developed from the SEPECAT Jaguar, a joint project between Britain and France in the 1960s and 1970s. The Jaguar was originally designed as a trainer and light attack aircraft but later evolved into a supersonic strike aircraft with precise strike capability. It entered service with the Royal Air Force in 1974. It was also exported to India, Oman, Ecuador, and Nigeria. The Jaguar saw combat in several conflicts, such as the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the Kargil War. It remained in service with the RAF until 2007, when it was replaced by the Eurofighter Typhoon.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "Raining Fire"]]. It is fit with afterburning engines and totes an incredibly heavy air-to-ground payload, with full ballistics computer capability to match, though its flight performance does not lend well to air-to-air combat. It’s also worth noting that the aircraft lacks any kind of countermeasures. This means that players need to be strategic and cautious when using this aircraft. Nonetheless, its payload options make it a worthwhile jet for ground attack missions.

== 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 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
| 1,464 || 1,453 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 31.8 || 32.4 || 74.6 || 67.7 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,524 || 1,490 || 28.6 || 30.0 || 108.7 || 90.0
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,273  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 926 || 525 || 410 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 585 || < 600 || < 649 || 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" | Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Limited Adour Mk.102 || 2
| colspan="3" | 7,616 kg || colspan="3" | 453 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel
|-
| 709 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 8,592 kg || 8,838 kg || 9,448 kg || 10,365 kg || 10,869 kg || 13,500 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 1,998 kgf || 3,094 kgf
| 0.72 || 0.70 || 0.65 || 0.60 || 0.57 || 0.46
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 2,242 kgf (200 km/h) || 3,307 kgf (200 km/h)
| 0.77 || 0.75 || 0.70 || 0.64 || 0.61 || 0.49
|-
|}

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

The Jaguar GR.1 has no armour plating or armoured glass. The entire wingspan of the Jaguar GR.1 is composed of fuel tanks, along with most of the upper fuselage, with flight controls being exposed in the "spine" of the aircraft, making it very vulnerable to damage received anywhere along the mid-section or wings of the aircraft.

The two jet's engines take up a small amount of room in the very rear of the fuselage and the Jaguar's elevators are separated from each other, allowing the aircraft to potentially survive a glancing blow to its tail section. The Jaguar's nosecone is also devoid of any avionics, and the pilot is seated relatively far back, causing strikes there to deal little damage.

The Jaguar GR.1 is fit with an AN/APR-25 radar warning receiver inside the vertical stabiliser, providing the pilot with advanced warning when being tracked by a radar system, such as an advanced anti-air emplacement or fighter aircraft.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|ADEN Mk.4 (30 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons, belly-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total)

The Jaguar's ADEN Mk.4s are excellent against air targets, capable of dealing critical damage even with glancing blows and otherwise outright destroying aircraft with a single hit, although their ballistics are only average compared to the Jaguar's opponents and the cannons are not particularly lethal against ground targets with any amount of armour.

As the ADEN Mk.4 is typically only used in air-to-air engagements, it may be advisible to steer away from the ''Ground targets'' belt, and instead use one of the other three to increase the number of high-explosive shells in the belt.
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="6" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[Mk.M2 (540 lb)|540 lb Mk.M2]] bombs
| 1 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13]] bombs
| 1 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117]] bombs
| 1 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1
|-
! [[CRV7 M247]] rockets
| 19 || 19 || || 19 || 19
|-
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || || 1
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* Without load
* 8 x 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs (4,320 lb total)
* 8 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 8 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 76 x CRV7 M247 rockets
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

As a strike aircraft, the Jaguar GR.1 is well-suited to engaging ground targets with its ability to carry up to eight 1,000 lb bombs and access to a complete ballistics computer allowing it to shine in this role, particularly in ground battles. The aircraft's moderately high speed and good agility allow it to easily manoeuvre near terrain while providing close air support, although the aircraft bleeds considerable energy in turns making it highly unsuitable for air-to-air combat.

The Jaguar GR.1 includes a pair of internal ADEN Mk.4 30 mm cannons for self-defense against aircraft, and can additionally be fitted with a pair of AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles, at the expense of two bombs, allowing the Jaguar to pose a threat to enemy fighters in its airspace, and making it particularly lethal against distracted aircraft, although the Jaguar's poor energy retention and top speed only barely cresting mach 1.0 make it vulnerable to the many dedicated fighters it can face in battle. Where possible, the Jaguar should be employed in combat with supporting allied aircraft, particularly in air battles.

The aircraft features a drag chute, air brakes, and an arresting hook, as well as large landing flaps, making landings with the Jaguar simple and quick. Given the Jaguar's high speed (when not manoeuvring) contrasted with its mediocre dogfight capability and the ADEN's relatively poor performance in ground strike, the Jaguar is best when it relies on its secondary weapons, returning to the airfield once they are expended rather than remaining in combat when it is down to only its 30 mm cannons.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

[[MiG-21 (Family)]] - As a western aircraft, the Jaguar GR.1 often faces operators of the MiG-21's many variants. The [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] are dangerous opponents, with their 30 mm cannons easily destroying the Jaguar in a single hit, although their missiles are not typically a threat; they are the equivalent of AIM-9Bs, and can lose track if the Jaguar is further away or turning. Ideally, these planes will engage the Jaguar when it is distracted or at lower speeds. The [[MiG-21SMT]] and [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MF]] variants of the jet are much more serious threats, featuring higher performance and the deadly [[R-60]] missiles, with the Jaguar GR.1's lack of countermeasures leaving it seriously vulnerable to these aircraft.

[[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]] - The Jaguar GR.1 typically only encounters the [[F-4C Phantom II]] variant in realistic battles which, although suffering from the same dogfighting deficiency as the Jaguar, carries a much more lethal missile payload as well as an air-to-air radar. The F-4C's [[AIM-7D Sparrow]]s are very potent against the Jaguar GR.1 as, although it has a radar warning receiver to alert the pilot of the threat, the Jaguar's lack of chaff gives it little response to an incoming missile, and the F-4C's GAU-4 20 mm cannon and AIM-9E Sidewinders are a notable threat to the Jaguar at closer ranges.

[[F-5C]] - The premium F-5C Skoshi Tiger is perhaps the biggest threat the Jaguar GR.1 will face on the battlefield. With a noticably superior engine, considerably better dogfight characteristics, and a full countermeasures package, the F-5C is capable of out-manoeuvring the Jaguar at every turn, and its flares make the Jaguar's AIM-9G Sidewinders almost entirely useless against a Skoshi Tiger pilot aware of their launch. To make matters worse, the F-5C's incredibly durable airframe means that the Jaguar is not guaranteed a victory even should it successfully hit the aircraft.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Access to AIM-9G Sidewinders, which have a reasonably long range and manoeuvrability.
* Reasonably agile, particularly compared to heavier fighters like the [[F-4C Phantom II]], alongside a good roll rate.
* Heavy air-to-ground loadouts, able to carry up to eight 1,000 lb bombs.
* Equipped with a full ballistics computer for its cannon, rockets, and bombs.
* Armed with powerful ADEN Mk.4 30 mm cannons for anti-air usage
* Fitted with a radar warning receiver
* Comfortable to land, thanks to large landing gear, airbrakes, a drogue chute, and large landing flaps
* Equipped with [[HUD#410SUM1|Head-Up Display]] in the cockpit, which displays a large variety of flight information and has full integration with weapon systems.

'''Cons:'''

* Mediocre top speed, only barely capable of crossing mach 1.
* Middling climb rate and acceleration, with poor energy retention.
* Only able to cary two AIM-9G Sidewinders.
* Does not come equipped with any kind of radar, leaving it unable to use radar-homing missiles.
* Incredibly heavy when loaded with bombs.
* Does not carry any sort of countermeasures, leaving it susceptible to AA missiles.

== History ==

[[File:Jaguar GR.1 in the Gulf.jpg|thumb|400px|right|British and U.S. ground crew members refuel a Royal Air Force Jaguar GR.1 during the Gulf War.]]
The SEPECAT Jaguar was a joint program between the British and French to develop a cheap subsonic trainer and light attack aircraft. The British and French bought a total of 403 aircraft with Britain receiving 203 of the aircraft. Other exports include to the Indian Air force (160 total aircraft ordered ), The Royal Air force of Oman (26 total aircraft ordered), The Ecuadorian Air force (12 total aircraft ordered) and the air force of Nigeria (18 total aircraft ordered). The Jaguar was used in several military conflicts in countries such as: Mauritania, Chad, Iraq, Bosnia, Pakistan and The Chenepa war but most notably it saw service in the 1990 Gulf War during Operation Desert Storm, where it was used to destroy Iraqi artillery and missile positions. During the Bosnian bombing campaign of 1995 Jaguars of the 41 squadron carried out the first raids in Europe since the second world war. During the Bosnian airstrikes jaguars were fitted with laser designators and would laze Bosnian-Serb forces for RAF Harriers to strike. These re-fitted more modern Jaguars were re-designated as SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1 B.

===[[wt:en/news/6841-development-sepecat-jaguar-raining-fire-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1960's, both Great Britain and France were looking into procuring a new jet trainer for their respective air forces. Despite differences in specifications and requirements, the two nations were united in their pursuit for such a new aircraft, thus leading to an agreement being signed in 1965 which would kick off development of what would eventually become the Jaguar.

The Jaguar was being developed under a specially formed consortium of British and French aviation companies, namely Breguet and BAC, called SEPECAT (you can look up what the acronym stands for on your own - we promise you won't be disappointed though). Continuing with the theme of joint projects, Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca also joined forces to develop a new turbofan engine - the Adour - for the new aircraft.

The first of eight prototypes of the Jaguar successfully conducted its maiden flight in September of 1968. Following the conclusion of further testing, the Jaguar went into production in two major variants - the Jaguar A being the modification used by the French Air Force and the Jaguar S (Jaguar GR.1) being the variant employed by the RAF. Both variants of the machine entered production in the early 1970's, with the first production models being delivered in 1973/'74.

The Jaguar primarily served with France and Great Britain, most notably distinguishing itself in action during the Gulf War of the 1990's. However, Ecuador, Nigeria and Oman also operated modifications of the Jaguar, while India still operates the Jaguar to this day. In total over 540 SEPECAT Jaguars were built.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jaguar_gr1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" caption="Jaguar GR.1 Devblog Images" heights="150">
File:Jaguar GR.1 WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:Jaguar GR.1 WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:Jaguar GR.1 WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:Jaguar GR.1 WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
File:Jaguar GR.1 WTWallpaper 005.jpg|
</gallery>

== See also ==


* [[Jaguar GR.1A]]
* [[Jaguar A]] (France)
* Japanese-developed aircraft inspired by the SEPECAT Jaguar
** [[F-1]]
** [[T-2]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6841-development-sepecat-jaguar-raining-fire-en|[Devblog] SEPECAT Jaguar: Raining Fire]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/497250-jaguar-gr1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer SEPECAT}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

Jaguar GR.1

2023-10-21T18:42:40Z

U126556775: Expanded

{{About
| about = British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Jaguar (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=jaguar_gr1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was developed from the SEPECAT Jaguar, a joint project between Britain and France in the 1960s and 1970s. The Jaguar was originally designed as a trainer and light attack aircraft but later evolved into a supersonic strike aircraft with precise strike capability. It entered service with the Royal Air Force in 1974. It was also exported to India, Oman, Ecuador, and Nigeria. The Jaguar saw combat in several conflicts, such as the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the Kargil War. It remained in service with the RAF until 2007, when it was replaced by the Eurofighter Typhoon.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "Raining Fire"]]. It is fit with afterburning engines and totes an incredibly heavy air-to-ground payload, with full ballistics computer capability to match, though its flight performance does not lend well to air-to-air combat. However, it’s worth noting that it lacks any kind of countermeasures. This means that players need to be strategic and cautious when using this aircraft. Nonetheless, its payload options make it a worthwhile jet for ground attack missions.

== 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 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
| 1,464 || 1,453 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 31.8 || 32.4 || 74.6 || 67.7 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,524 || 1,490 || 28.6 || 30.0 || 108.7 || 90.0
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,273  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 926 || 525 || 410 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 585 || < 600 || < 649 || 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" | Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Limited Adour Mk.102 || 2
| colspan="3" | 7,616 kg || colspan="3" | 453 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel
|-
| 709 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 8,592 kg || 8,838 kg || 9,448 kg || 10,365 kg || 10,869 kg || 13,500 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 1,998 kgf || 3,094 kgf
| 0.72 || 0.70 || 0.65 || 0.60 || 0.57 || 0.46
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 2,242 kgf (200 km/h) || 3,307 kgf (200 km/h)
| 0.77 || 0.75 || 0.70 || 0.64 || 0.61 || 0.49
|-
|}

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

The Jaguar GR.1 has no armour plating or armoured glass. The entire wingspan of the Jaguar GR.1 is composed of fuel tanks, along with most of the upper fuselage, with flight controls being exposed in the "spine" of the aircraft, making it very vulnerable to damage received anywhere along the mid-section or wings of the aircraft.

The two jet's engines take up a small amount of room in the very rear of the fuselage and the Jaguar's elevators are separated from each other, allowing the aircraft to potentially survive a glancing blow to its tail section. The Jaguar's nosecone is also devoid of any avionics, and the pilot is seated relatively far back, causing strikes there to deal little damage.

The Jaguar GR.1 is fit with an AN/APR-25 radar warning receiver inside the vertical stabiliser, providing the pilot with advanced warning when being tracked by a radar system, such as an advanced anti-air emplacement or fighter aircraft.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|ADEN Mk.4 (30 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons, belly-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total)

The Jaguar's ADEN Mk.4s are excellent against air targets, capable of dealing critical damage even with glancing blows and otherwise outright destroying aircraft with a single hit, although their ballistics are only average compared to the Jaguar's opponents and the cannons are not particularly lethal against ground targets with any amount of armour.

As the ADEN Mk.4 is typically only used in air-to-air engagements, it may be advisible to steer away from the ''Ground targets'' belt, and instead use one of the other three to increase the number of high-explosive shells in the belt.
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="6" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[Mk.M2 (540 lb)|540 lb Mk.M2]] bombs
| 1 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13]] bombs
| 1 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117]] bombs
| 1 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1
|-
! [[CRV7 M247]] rockets
| 19 || 19 || || 19 || 19
|-
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || || 1
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* Without load
* 8 x 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs (4,320 lb total)
* 8 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 8 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 76 x CRV7 M247 rockets
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

As a strike aircraft, the Jaguar GR.1 is well-suited to engaging ground targets with its ability to carry up to eight 1,000 lb bombs and access to a complete ballistics computer allowing it to shine in this role, particularly in ground battles. The aircraft's moderately high speed and good agility allow it to easily manoeuvre near terrain while providing close air support, although the aircraft bleeds considerable energy in turns making it highly unsuitable for air-to-air combat.

The Jaguar GR.1 includes a pair of internal ADEN Mk.4 30 mm cannons for self-defense against aircraft, and can additionally be fitted with a pair of AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles, at the expense of two bombs, allowing the Jaguar to pose a threat to enemy fighters in its airspace, and making it particularly lethal against distracted aircraft, although the Jaguar's poor energy retention and top speed only barely cresting mach 1.0 make it vulnerable to the many dedicated fighters it can face in battle. Where possible, the Jaguar should be employed in combat with supporting allied aircraft, particularly in air battles.

The aircraft features a drag chute, air brakes, and an arresting hook, as well as large landing flaps, making landings with the Jaguar simple and quick. Given the Jaguar's high speed (when not manoeuvring) contrasted with its mediocre dogfight capability and the ADEN's relatively poor performance in ground strike, the Jaguar is best when it relies on its secondary weapons, returning to the airfield once they are expended rather than remaining in combat when it is down to only its 30 mm cannons.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

[[MiG-21 (Family)]] - As a western aircraft, the Jaguar GR.1 often faces operators of the MiG-21's many variants. The [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] are dangerous opponents, with their 30 mm cannons easily destroying the Jaguar in a single hit, although their missiles are not typically a threat; they are the equivalent of AIM-9Bs, and can lose track if the Jaguar is further away or turning. Ideally, these planes will engage the Jaguar when it is distracted or at lower speeds. The [[MiG-21SMT]] and [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MF]] variants of the jet are much more serious threats, featuring higher performance and the deadly [[R-60]] missiles, with the Jaguar GR.1's lack of countermeasures leaving it seriously vulnerable to these aircraft.

[[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]] - The Jaguar GR.1 typically only encounters the [[F-4C Phantom II]] variant in realistic battles which, although suffering from the same dogfighting deficiency as the Jaguar, carries a much more lethal missile payload as well as an air-to-air radar. The F-4C's [[AIM-7D Sparrow]]s are very potent against the Jaguar GR.1 as, although it has a radar warning receiver to alert the pilot of the threat, the Jaguar's lack of chaff gives it little response to an incoming missile, and the F-4C's GAU-4 20 mm cannon and AIM-9E Sidewinders are a notable threat to the Jaguar at closer ranges.

[[F-5C]] - The premium F-5C Skoshi Tiger is perhaps the biggest threat the Jaguar GR.1 will face on the battlefield. With a noticably superior engine, considerably better dogfight characteristics, and a full countermeasures package, the F-5C is capable of out-manoeuvring the Jaguar at every turn, and its flares make the Jaguar's AIM-9G Sidewinders almost entirely useless against a Skoshi Tiger pilot aware of their launch. To make matters worse, the F-5C's incredibly durable airframe means that the Jaguar is not guaranteed a victory even should it successfully hit the aircraft.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Access to AIM-9G Sidewinders, which have a reasonably long range and manoeuvrability.
* Reasonably agile, particularly compared to heavier fighters like the [[F-4C Phantom II]], alongside a good roll rate.
* Heavy air-to-ground loadouts, able to carry up to eight 1,000 lb bombs.
* Equipped with a full ballistics computer for its cannon, rockets, and bombs.
* Armed with powerful ADEN Mk.4 30 mm cannons for anti-air usage
* Fitted with a radar warning receiver
* Comfortable to land, thanks to large landing gear, airbrakes, a drogue chute, and large landing flaps
* Equipped with [[HUD#410SUM1|Head-Up Display]] in the cockpit, which displays a large variety of flight information and has full integration with weapon systems.

'''Cons:'''

* Mediocre top speed, only barely capable of crossing mach 1.
* Middling climb rate and acceleration, with poor energy retention.
* Only able to cary two AIM-9G Sidewinders.
* Does not come equipped with any kind of radar, leaving it unable to use radar-homing missiles.
* Incredibly heavy when loaded with bombs.
* Does not carry any sort of countermeasures, leaving it susceptible to AA missiles.

== History ==

[[File:Jaguar GR.1 in the Gulf.jpg|thumb|400px|right|British and U.S. ground crew members refuel a Royal Air Force Jaguar GR.1 during the Gulf War.]]
The SEPECAT Jaguar was a joint program between the British and French to develop a cheap subsonic trainer and light attack aircraft. The British and French bought a total of 403 aircraft with Britain receiving 203 of the aircraft. Other exports include to the Indian Air force (160 total aircraft ordered ), The Royal Air force of Oman (26 total aircraft ordered), The Ecuadorian Air force (12 total aircraft ordered) and the air force of Nigeria (18 total aircraft ordered). The Jaguar was used in several military conflicts in countries such as: Mauritania, Chad, Iraq, Bosnia, Pakistan and The Chenepa war but most notably it saw service in the 1990 Gulf War during Operation Desert Storm, where it was used to destroy Iraqi artillery and missile positions. During the Bosnian bombing campaign of 1995 Jaguars of the 41 squadron carried out the first raids in Europe since the second world war. During the Bosnian airstrikes jaguars were fitted with laser designators and would laze Bosnian-Serb forces for RAF Harriers to strike. These re-fitted more modern Jaguars were re-designated as SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1 B.

===[[wt:en/news/6841-development-sepecat-jaguar-raining-fire-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1960's, both Great Britain and France were looking into procuring a new jet trainer for their respective air forces. Despite differences in specifications and requirements, the two nations were united in their pursuit for such a new aircraft, thus leading to an agreement being signed in 1965 which would kick off development of what would eventually become the Jaguar.

The Jaguar was being developed under a specially formed consortium of British and French aviation companies, namely Breguet and BAC, called SEPECAT (you can look up what the acronym stands for on your own - we promise you won't be disappointed though). Continuing with the theme of joint projects, Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca also joined forces to develop a new turbofan engine - the Adour - for the new aircraft.

The first of eight prototypes of the Jaguar successfully conducted its maiden flight in September of 1968. Following the conclusion of further testing, the Jaguar went into production in two major variants - the Jaguar A being the modification used by the French Air Force and the Jaguar S (Jaguar GR.1) being the variant employed by the RAF. Both variants of the machine entered production in the early 1970's, with the first production models being delivered in 1973/'74.

The Jaguar primarily served with France and Great Britain, most notably distinguishing itself in action during the Gulf War of the 1990's. However, Ecuador, Nigeria and Oman also operated modifications of the Jaguar, while India still operates the Jaguar to this day. In total over 540 SEPECAT Jaguars were built.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jaguar_gr1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" caption="Jaguar GR.1 Devblog Images" heights="150">
File:Jaguar GR.1 WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:Jaguar GR.1 WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:Jaguar GR.1 WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:Jaguar GR.1 WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
File:Jaguar GR.1 WTWallpaper 005.jpg|
</gallery>

== See also ==


* [[Jaguar GR.1A]]
* [[Jaguar A]] (France)
* Japanese-developed aircraft inspired by the SEPECAT Jaguar
** [[F-1]]
** [[T-2]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6841-development-sepecat-jaguar-raining-fire-en|[Devblog] SEPECAT Jaguar: Raining Fire]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/497250-jaguar-gr1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer SEPECAT}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

Jaguar GR.1A

2023-10-21T18:37:06Z

U126556775: New description format

{{About
| about = British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Jaguar (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=jaguar_gr1a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

In 1983, the RAF began upgrading its Jaguars with new avionics and engines, resulting in the GR.1A variant. A key upgrade was the Ferranti FIN 1064 navigation system, which significantly improved navigational capabilities with its INS and new computer. The GR.1A also featured Adour Mk. 104 engines, offering increased thrust and performance over the original GR.1 model’s engines. This resulted in better speed, manoeuvrability, and combat performance. Additional upgrades included provisions for countermeasure and targeting pods, as well as improvements in IFF and radio fit. The {{Specs|name}} proved its mettle during the Gulf War in 1991, where it played a major role in various missions including close air support, interdiction, and reconnaissance.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]]. While having similar flight performance to its predecessor, it is significantly better in terms of CAS and air-to-air combat. Its biggest advantage over the previous version is the addition of Mk. 13 GBUs, which come with a TIALD targeting pod. Moreover, it gets access to countermeasures that significantly enhance its defensive capabilities, and make the Jaguar a formidable opponent in both air-to-ground and air-to-air engagements.

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

The Jaguar GR.1A handles nearly the same as the previous [[Jaguar GR.1]]. However, due to having access to Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Limited Adour Mk.104 engines, the acceleration, cruise speed, and maximum speed are significantly increased. It generally maintains similar flight performance and use, with a slightly reduced turn-time at high speeds. It has the same loadout capacity as the previous Jaguar, performing nearly exactly the same with mounted ordnance. It is nowhere near being the fastest plane at its battle rating but can become a difficult opponent when being hunted down, especially if the Jaguar has a speed advantage.

'''When on take-off:'''

Taking off with the Jaguar GR.1A is pretty straightforward, no changes from the GR.1 with the exception that it reaches the minimum lift velocity faster than the GR.1. Flaps are not required for take-off even with the 8 x 1,000 lb bomb payload. However, it is recommended to be used for an easier take-off. Carrier take-off are the same but with a much shorter take-off time. Be aware of centering the aircraft correctly with the deck or else a landing gear might break.

'''When on landing:'''

Landings should be done below 500 km/h but depending on the situation, map and place where the Jaguar will land (aircraft carrier or airfield) this may vary. When landing on a carrier, maintain greater speeds than 360 km/h but less than 480 km/h, this is to ensure a safe pull up if the hook is missed. When landing on an airfield, maintain speeds greater than 300 km/h but less than 450 km/h, this is to ensure the plane has enough space to brake and slow down. Upon reaching 300 km/h while on the ground, a drag chute is deployed to assist in slowing down the aircraft. Use the airbrake in order to slow down faster.

{| 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/secSond)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,557 || 1,540 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 31.7 || 32.2 || 75.8 || 67.7 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,643 || 1,591 || 29.2 || 30.0 || 118.1 || 95.0
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,273  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,273 || 525 || 410 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 585 || < 600 || < 649 || 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" | Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Limited Adour Mk.104 || 2
| colspan="3" | 7,656 kg || colspan="3" | 455 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 51m fuel
|-
| 709 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 8,632 kg || 8,916 kg || 9,546 kg || 10,491 kg || 10,909 kg || 13,500 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 51m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 2,061 kgf || 3,354 kgf
| 0.78 || 0.75 || 0.70 || 0.64 || 0.61 || 0.50
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 2,313 kgf (200 km/h) || 3,585 kgf (200 km/h)
| 0.83 || 0.80 || 0.75 || 0.68 || 0.66 || 0.53
|-
|}

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

The aircraft gets no extra armoured protection, therefore it's extra weak against autocannons. The fuel tanks are self-sealing. This will help you a lot when getting shot at by enemy autocannons, but not air-to-air missiles, which are very common at this battle rating. As seen in the previous Jaguar, damage done to the engines will most likely result in making a non-recoverable manoeuvre and they are prompt to catch fire easily. Keep this in mind when fighting other aircraft and SPAA. The Jaguar has access to a Radar Warning Receiver, which can be useful to alert the pilot of incoming aircraft with radar-guided missiles, or ground based radar anti-air.

The use of chaff and flares significantly improves the survivability of the aircraft in all game modes. Flares are a very useful tool to combat both IR-guided air-to-air missiles and ground vehicles such as the [[Ozelot]], [[Type 93]], and [[SIDAM 25 (Mistral)]]. However, chaff still remains useless against SPAA radars. The best countermeasure against them is to stay out of sight by flying too high or too low.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|ADEN Mk.4 (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons, belly-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total)
** 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons + 60 x countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
| rowspan="10" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[Mk.M2 (540 lb)|540 lb Mk.M2]] bombs
| 1 || 2 || || 2 || || 2 || 1
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13]] bombs
| 1 || 2 || || 2 || || 2 || 1
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117]] bombs
| 1 || 2 || || 2 || || 2 || 1
|-
! [[Mk.13 (546 kg)|546 kg Mk.13]] bombs
| || 1* || || || || 1* ||
|-
! [[CRV7 M247]] rockets
| 19 || 19 || || || || 19 || 19
|-
! [[SNEB type 23]] rockets
| 18 || 18 || || || || 18 || 18
|-
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
| || || 1 || || 1 || ||
|-
! TIALD targeting pod
| || || || 1* || || ||
|-
| colspan="9" | * The TIALD pod must be carried when equipping Mk.13 bombs
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 8 x 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs (4,320 lb total)
* 8 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 8 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 76 x CRV7 M247 rockets
* 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 2 x 546 kg Mk.13 bombs (1,092 kg total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

The Jaguar is mostly a strike aircraft with defensive capabilities against aircraft. The role of the Jaguar is pretty straightforward when it comes to air battles: base bombing or ground/naval units bombing. It is recommended to utilize the different bomb payloads combined with flares and the AIM-9G. Rockets are not recommended to be taken as they are inaccurate and useless against lightly armoured vehicles, even with the ballistic computer. GBUs are the main weapon against any vessel. They are recommended to be used against destroyers, cruisers, battleships, and even enemy carriers. A well-placed Mk.13 is enough to sink a carrier.

The Jaguar has a wide variety of payloads for all types of players: for those who want to be fast and engage bases or ground targets as quickly as possible, and for those who want to carry out as much destruction as possible. The main advantage of the GR.1A over other strike aircraft is its ability to carry AIM-9G as well as significant ground ordnance due to the over-wing pylons.

The recommended payload for a fair trade in speed, firepower and defensive capabilities is the 2 x AIM-9G + 6 x 1,000 lb bombs payload, which provides more than enough bombs to take 2 bases in maps where there are only 3 bases and airfield, or 1 of the 4 respawning bases which take double the payload. If the player wants to play a more aggressive full bomb payload, then the 8 x 1,000 lb bombs payload can be carried.

=== In Air Battles ===

==== In Arcade ====
The high nose authority of the aircraft in Arcade lends it the ability to land very clean shots on enemy aircraft in a dogfight. Furthermore, the low muzzle velocity of the autocannons are better accommodated in Arcade, due to the presence of the lead indicator. However, it is not recommended to be used in Arcade due to its poor overall flight characteristics. Its only advantage in this field is its indestructible combat flaps, which are moot in Arcade, as this is the case with all Arcade flight models.

The recommended payload in Arcade is:

* 2× AIM-9Gs
* 6× 1,000lb bombs

This is because bomb targets have greater survivability in Arcade.

==== In Realistic ====
The Jaguar lacks the speed and acceleration to make it to bomb targets before any other teammates. Players should therefore expect to encounter the possibility that most bomb targets have been destroyed by the time they reach the battlefield, and be willing to adjust their flight path towards other bases in this instance.

Furthermore, players are rather limited in their versatility. The Jaguar lacks air-to-air capabilities, and is very vulnerable to being attacked by other players, as most fighters it encounters unilaterally out-perform it in every way. A lack of precision ordnance also renders it inept against most ground targets. Targeting bases should always be the priority of a Jaguar GR.1A pilot, as this gives the largest bang for your buck.

At the beginning of each battle, players should check the battle rating of enemies they are engaging, by referencing it against their own team. If the highest-rated player is at 10.7, players should exclusively take flares in their countermeasure slots. If, however, the player is at 11.0 or 11.3, the player should take chaff too, as many aircraft begin to carry Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH) missiles at this battle rating.

The recommended payload in Realistic is to carry a custom loadout.

* 2× AIM-9Gs on over-wing pylons
* 2× 540lb bombs under the fuselage
* 4× 1,000lb bombs mounted on wing pylons (2 on each wing)

This is exactly enough to destroy one base. Carrying 6× 1,000lb bombs only serves to limit your flight performance, as the 1,000lb bombs always drop in pairs, and it takes ~5,000lbs of payload to destroy a base.

==== In Simulator ====
The Jaguar is surprisingly effective in Air Simulator battles. Less players focusing on air-to-air combat gives it much needed breathing room to focus on ground attack, without having to always check your six.

The Jaguar can focus on both base and unit destruction in GSB.

For destroying bases, the recommended payload is the same as in Realistic battles:

* 2× AIM-9Gs on over-wing pylons
* 2× 540lb bombs under the fuselage
* 4× 1,000lb bombs mounted on wing pylons (2 on each wing)

For destroying ground targets, the recommended payload is the guided bombs and the TIALD pod.

* 2× AIM-9Gs on over-wing pylons
* 1× TIALD targeting pod beneath the fuselage
* 2× Mk.13 guided bombs mounted on wing pylons
* 2× 1,000lb bombs mounted on wing pylons

For maximum efficiency, it is recommended to focus on naval units if acting as CAS. This nets the greatest reward for each unit destroyed. Using the guided bombs on naval units is highly recommended, as a well-placed bomb can even sink a carrier on occasion. On the other hand, the unguided bombs should be used on ground targets, due to their inaccuracy.

=== In Ground Battles ===
The Jaguar should be played the same way in both Ground Realistic Battles and Ground Simulator Battles; it is highly effective regardless. Your greatest threat is enemy SPAA units, so you should carry some chaff in your countermeasure slots to interrupt enemy radar systems.

The recommended bombload in both Ground Realistic Battles and Ground Simulator Battles is:

* 2× AIM-9Gs on over-wing pylons
* 1× TIALD targeting pod beneath the fuselage
* 2× Mk.13 guided bombs mounted on wing pylons
* 2× 1,000lb bombs mounted on wing pylons

If a player is comfortable with using the Constantly Computed Impact Point (CCIP) in Ground Realistic Battles, and cares more about total damage output rather than accuracy, it is also recommended to use:

* 2× AIM-9Gs on over-wing pylons
* 2× 540lb bombs under the fuselage
* 4× 1,000lb bombs mounted on wing pylons (2 on each wing)

=== Using Mk.13 GBU and TIALD ===
[[File:Jaguar GR.1A TIALD Display.png|thumb|379x379px|As seen in picture, TIALD shares similarities with the helicopter gunner sights.]]
The Jaguar GR.1A brings completely new systems to Great Britain's aircraft tech-tree. While similar to the French [[Jaguar A]], it does has its changes, pros and cons. The guided munitions features have been seen in other aircraft in-game such as the [[MiG-27M]], [[MiG-23 (Family)|MiG-23]], [[A-7D]] and the like. However, the Jaguar GR.1A is the only penultimate strike aircraft to lack access to guided air-to-ground missiles, only bombs.

==== TIALD ====
The TIALD (Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designator) is a new targeting pod added to the Jaguar GR.1A which, unlike the French Jaguar, has access to thermal vision, making target acquisition a much easier task. While in use, it acts very similar to helicopter gunner sights for modern helicopters, utilizing almost the exact same functions. Range is not displayed in the HUD as seen in helicopters. However, this is not a crucial aspect of accurate bombing as the range is fully dependent on the aircraft's attitude (altitude, speed, angle of attack, etc). If the user is familiar with helicopter HUD, you will be familiar with the indicators to the left of the reticle.
[[File:Jaguar GR.1A TIALD Display 2.png|left|frame|TIALD indicators]]
These indicators signal the following: THR (throttle), IAS (indicated air speed), ALT (altitude). These indicators will stay fixed to the sight regardless of the loadout. The lower indicators will vary according to the loadout carried at the time, in this case: GBU (Mk.13 guided bombs) and FLR (chaff and flares according to the loadout). The TIALD has a double functionality, not only working as the laser designator for GBUs but can work as an additional scouting tool for better situational awareness, both for air-to-ground and air-to-air. Functionalities of the TIALD will be explained further below.

Something to keep in mind is that while the TIALD pod can look backwards it cannot look directly downwards, this means that if you have the pod locked to a target and you fly directly over the target the pod can lose its lock on the target when it hits the downwards limit. If you allow this to happen, it is likely the bomb will miss the target before you are able to get the targeting pod pointed at it again. In order to avoid this, you can fly slightly off to the side of your target (rather than passing straight over it) so that the pod can keep pointed at the target by swivelling sideways, rather than straight down like it would have to if you few directly over it.

==== Mk.13 GBU ====
The Mk.13 GBU are capable laser-guided bombs able to destroy any ground unit with a single hit and cause significant damage to any vessel in-game, including aircraft carriers. Unlike other unguided bombs, the GBU have extended range even if no lock is made. This is due to having surface controls that keep the bomb level during flight when there is no guidance. In order to successfully perform precision airstrikes, some basic keybind controls have to be done first for this to work properly. First, the "Sight Stabilization" keybind under the Controls > Aircraft > Weaponry must be set, to lock on to a target.
[[File:Jaguar GR.1A TIALD Display 4.png|left|thumb|323x323px|Successful lock with free camera movement]]
In order to properly make a laser lock, a target that can be locked onto must be found, which is easily achieved by using the thermal imagery on the TIALD targeting pod. If a target is successfully acquired, a fully enclosed square will be displayed around the target. A non-locked target will show the box as a striped square. With a successful lock, GBU can be released in multiple ways. However, there are some things to keep in mind before dropping the GBU. If we have a locked-on target, hitting the "Sight Stabilization" key again will pop up a circle over the box. The circle gives free camera motion while staying slaved to the movement of the target. This is particularly useful to compensate for speed when hitting moving targets, or to simply adjust the desired point of contact. Once the guidance position is satisfactory, the bomb can be released. The GBU tends to maintain a horizontal flight path if it does not have a laser lock, for this same reason the GBU must be dropped at an angle. This is particularly easy as the CCIP ballistic computer shows the general area of the impact zone. As long as bomb is released inside the circle of the CCIP marking, the bomb will hit the marked location precisely.
[[File:Jaguar GR.1A GBU usage.png|right|thumb|The angle of attack and altitude has been exaggerated for a more visual example]]
As soon as the bombs are released, they will instantly start to guide themselves towards the target as long as the laser lock is active. Keep in mind the bombs are dependent on gravity and are not self-propelled, so when attacking a moving target, make sure to compensate for the target's movement for a successful hit. There is a slight delay between the bomb's release and it beginning to guide itself in to the target.

A single GBU is needed per ground target, not only because the bomb has the equivalent to 288 kg of TNT, but the pinpoint accuracy will, most of the time, hit the enemy vehicle's roof, destroying it 99% of the time. Assault fuze is advised here, no need for a time fuze for multiple reasons: There is no risk of explosion self-damage as bombing can be easily done at stand-off distance, assault fuze will ensure the bomb explodes when it hits on target which, in case the target is not hit directly, reduces the escape window for the target.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can outrun most enemy aircraft in a full down-tier
* Excellent roll rate
* Combat flaps cannot rip off
* Sufficient quantity of countermeasures
* A sufficient and potent autocannon armament
* Diverse array of ordnance
** Effective air-to-air missiles that can be mounted on over-wing pylons to avoid sacrificing underwing pylons to carry them (unlike on the other [[Jaguar (Family)|Jaguar]] variants)
** Sizeable bomb load
** Access to laser-guided bombs with a thermal imaging TIALD targeting pod (unlike the prior ATLIS II targeting pod on the [[Jaguar A]])

'''Cons:'''

* Poor overall flight performance
** Very poor acceleration, even when afterburning
** Low top-speed
** Very poor energy retention, leading to severe loss of speed in evasive manoeuvres
** Propensity to stall
** Horrendous stock performance
* Limited air-to-air ordnance
* Rather lacking ammunition for the 30 mm cannons
* Very high fuel consumption when using afterburner (more so than on other aircraft)

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jaguar_gr1a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|DekpjJT2Yws|'''The Shooting Range #279''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


* [[F-1]]
* [[T-2]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/538757-jaguar-gr1a Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer SEPECAT}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

Jaguar GR.1

2023-10-21T18:23:34Z

U126556775: New description format

{{About
| about = British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Jaguar (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=jaguar_gr1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was developed from the SEPECAT Jaguar, a joint project between Britain and France in the 1960s and 1970s. The Jaguar was originally designed as a trainer and light attack aircraft but later evolved into a supersonic strike aircraft with precise strike capability. It entered service with the Royal Air Force in 1974. It was also exported to India, Oman, Ecuador, and Nigeria. The Jaguar saw combat in several conflicts, such as the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the Kargil War. It remained in service with the RAF until 2007, when it was replaced by the Eurofighter Typhoon.

The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "Raining Fire"]]. It is fit with afterburning engines and totes an incredibly heavy air-to-ground payload, with full ballistics computer capability to match, though its flight performance does not lend well to air-to-air combat.

== 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 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
| 1,464 || 1,453 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 31.8 || 32.4 || 74.6 || 67.7 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,524 || 1,490 || 28.6 || 30.0 || 108.7 || 90.0
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,273  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 926 || 525 || 410 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 585 || < 600 || < 649 || 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" | Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Limited Adour Mk.102 || 2
| colspan="3" | 7,616 kg || colspan="3" | 453 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel
|-
| 709 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 8,592 kg || 8,838 kg || 9,448 kg || 10,365 kg || 10,869 kg || 13,500 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 1,998 kgf || 3,094 kgf
| 0.72 || 0.70 || 0.65 || 0.60 || 0.57 || 0.46
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 2,242 kgf (200 km/h) || 3,307 kgf (200 km/h)
| 0.77 || 0.75 || 0.70 || 0.64 || 0.61 || 0.49
|-
|}

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

The Jaguar GR.1 has no armour plating or armoured glass. The entire wingspan of the Jaguar GR.1 is composed of fuel tanks, along with most of the upper fuselage, with flight controls being exposed in the "spine" of the aircraft, making it very vulnerable to damage received anywhere along the mid-section or wings of the aircraft.

The two jet's engines take up a small amount of room in the very rear of the fuselage and the Jaguar's elevators are separated from each other, allowing the aircraft to potentially survive a glancing blow to its tail section. The Jaguar's nosecone is also devoid of any avionics, and the pilot is seated relatively far back, causing strikes there to deal little damage.

The Jaguar GR.1 is fit with an AN/APR-25 radar warning receiver inside the vertical stabiliser, providing the pilot with advanced warning when being tracked by a radar system, such as an advanced anti-air emplacement or fighter aircraft.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|ADEN Mk.4 (30 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons, belly-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total)

The Jaguar's ADEN Mk.4s are excellent against air targets, capable of dealing critical damage even with glancing blows and otherwise outright destroying aircraft with a single hit, although their ballistics are only average compared to the Jaguar's opponents and the cannons are not particularly lethal against ground targets with any amount of armour.

As the ADEN Mk.4 is typically only used in air-to-air engagements, it may be advisible to steer away from the ''Ground targets'' belt, and instead use one of the other three to increase the number of high-explosive shells in the belt.
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="6" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[Mk.M2 (540 lb)|540 lb Mk.M2]] bombs
| 1 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13]] bombs
| 1 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117]] bombs
| 1 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1
|-
! [[CRV7 M247]] rockets
| 19 || 19 || || 19 || 19
|-
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || || 1
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* Without load
* 8 x 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs (4,320 lb total)
* 8 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 8 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 76 x CRV7 M247 rockets
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

As a strike aircraft, the Jaguar GR.1 is well-suited to engaging ground targets with its ability to carry up to eight 1,000 lb bombs and access to a complete ballistics computer allowing it to shine in this role, particularly in ground battles. The aircraft's moderately high speed and good agility allow it to easily manoeuvre near terrain while providing close air support, although the aircraft bleeds considerable energy in turns making it highly unsuitable for air-to-air combat.

The Jaguar GR.1 includes a pair of internal ADEN Mk.4 30 mm cannons for self-defense against aircraft, and can additionally be fitted with a pair of AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles, at the expense of two bombs, allowing the Jaguar to pose a threat to enemy fighters in its airspace, and making it particularly lethal against distracted aircraft, although the Jaguar's poor energy retention and top speed only barely cresting mach 1.0 make it vulnerable to the many dedicated fighters it can face in battle. Where possible, the Jaguar should be employed in combat with supporting allied aircraft, particularly in air battles.

The aircraft features a drag chute, air brakes, and an arresting hook, as well as large landing flaps, making landings with the Jaguar simple and quick. Given the Jaguar's high speed (when not manoeuvring) contrasted with its mediocre dogfight capability and the ADEN's relatively poor performance in ground strike, the Jaguar is best when it relies on its secondary weapons, returning to the airfield once they are expended rather than remaining in combat when it is down to only its 30 mm cannons.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

[[MiG-21 (Family)]] - As a western aircraft, the Jaguar GR.1 often faces operators of the MiG-21's many variants. The [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] are dangerous opponents, with their 30 mm cannons easily destroying the Jaguar in a single hit, although their missiles are not typically a threat; they are the equivalent of AIM-9Bs, and can lose track if the Jaguar is further away or turning. Ideally, these planes will engage the Jaguar when it is distracted or at lower speeds. The [[MiG-21SMT]] and [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MF]] variants of the jet are much more serious threats, featuring higher performance and the deadly [[R-60]] missiles, with the Jaguar GR.1's lack of countermeasures leaving it seriously vulnerable to these aircraft.

[[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]] - The Jaguar GR.1 typically only encounters the [[F-4C Phantom II]] variant in realistic battles which, although suffering from the same dogfighting deficiency as the Jaguar, carries a much more lethal missile payload as well as an air-to-air radar. The F-4C's [[AIM-7D Sparrow]]s are very potent against the Jaguar GR.1 as, although it has a radar warning receiver to alert the pilot of the threat, the Jaguar's lack of chaff gives it little response to an incoming missile, and the F-4C's GAU-4 20 mm cannon and AIM-9E Sidewinders are a notable threat to the Jaguar at closer ranges.

[[F-5C]] - The premium F-5C Skoshi Tiger is perhaps the biggest threat the Jaguar GR.1 will face on the battlefield. With a noticably superior engine, considerably better dogfight characteristics, and a full countermeasures package, the F-5C is capable of out-manoeuvring the Jaguar at every turn, and its flares make the Jaguar's AIM-9G Sidewinders almost entirely useless against a Skoshi Tiger pilot aware of their launch. To make matters worse, the F-5C's incredibly durable airframe means that the Jaguar is not guaranteed a victory even should it successfully hit the aircraft.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Access to AIM-9G Sidewinders, which have a reasonably long range and manoeuvrability.
* Reasonably agile, particularly compared to heavier fighters like the [[F-4C Phantom II]], alongside a good roll rate.
* Heavy air-to-ground loadouts, able to carry up to eight 1,000 lb bombs.
* Equipped with a full ballistics computer for its cannon, rockets, and bombs.
* Armed with powerful ADEN Mk.4 30 mm cannons for anti-air usage
* Fitted with a radar warning receiver
* Comfortable to land, thanks to large landing gear, airbrakes, a drogue chute, and large landing flaps
* Equipped with [[HUD#410SUM1|Head-Up Display]] in the cockpit, which displays a large variety of flight information and has full integration with weapon systems.

'''Cons:'''

* Mediocre top speed, only barely capable of crossing mach 1.
* Middling climb rate and acceleration, with poor energy retention.
* Only able to cary two AIM-9G Sidewinders.
* Does not come equipped with any kind of radar, leaving it unable to use radar-homing missiles.
* Incredibly heavy when loaded with bombs.
* Does not carry any sort of countermeasures, leaving it susceptible to AA missiles.

== History ==

[[File:Jaguar GR.1 in the Gulf.jpg|thumb|400px|right|British and U.S. ground crew members refuel a Royal Air Force Jaguar GR.1 during the Gulf War.]]
The SEPECAT Jaguar was a joint program between the British and French to develop a cheap subsonic trainer and light attack aircraft. The British and French bought a total of 403 aircraft with Britain receiving 203 of the aircraft. Other exports include to the Indian Air force (160 total aircraft ordered ), The Royal Air force of Oman (26 total aircraft ordered), The Ecuadorian Air force (12 total aircraft ordered) and the air force of Nigeria (18 total aircraft ordered). The Jaguar was used in several military conflicts in countries such as: Mauritania, Chad, Iraq, Bosnia, Pakistan and The Chenepa war but most notably it saw service in the 1990 Gulf War during Operation Desert Storm, where it was used to destroy Iraqi artillery and missile positions. During the Bosnian bombing campaign of 1995 Jaguars of the 41 squadron carried out the first raids in Europe since the second world war. During the Bosnian airstrikes jaguars were fitted with laser designators and would laze Bosnian-Serb forces for RAF Harriers to strike. These re-fitted more modern Jaguars were re-designated as SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1 B.

===[[wt:en/news/6841-development-sepecat-jaguar-raining-fire-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1960's, both Great Britain and France were looking into procuring a new jet trainer for their respective air forces. Despite differences in specifications and requirements, the two nations were united in their pursuit for such a new aircraft, thus leading to an agreement being signed in 1965 which would kick off development of what would eventually become the Jaguar.

The Jaguar was being developed under a specially formed consortium of British and French aviation companies, namely Breguet and BAC, called SEPECAT (you can look up what the acronym stands for on your own - we promise you won't be disappointed though). Continuing with the theme of joint projects, Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca also joined forces to develop a new turbofan engine - the Adour - for the new aircraft.

The first of eight prototypes of the Jaguar successfully conducted its maiden flight in September of 1968. Following the conclusion of further testing, the Jaguar went into production in two major variants - the Jaguar A being the modification used by the French Air Force and the Jaguar S (Jaguar GR.1) being the variant employed by the RAF. Both variants of the machine entered production in the early 1970's, with the first production models being delivered in 1973/'74.

The Jaguar primarily served with France and Great Britain, most notably distinguishing itself in action during the Gulf War of the 1990's. However, Ecuador, Nigeria and Oman also operated modifications of the Jaguar, while India still operates the Jaguar to this day. In total over 540 SEPECAT Jaguars were built.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jaguar_gr1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" caption="Jaguar GR.1 Devblog Images" heights="150">
File:Jaguar GR.1 WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:Jaguar GR.1 WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:Jaguar GR.1 WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:Jaguar GR.1 WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
File:Jaguar GR.1 WTWallpaper 005.jpg|
</gallery>

== See also ==


* [[Jaguar GR.1A]]
* [[Jaguar A]] (France)
* Japanese-developed aircraft inspired by the SEPECAT Jaguar
** [[F-1]]
** [[T-2]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6841-development-sepecat-jaguar-raining-fire-en|[Devblog] SEPECAT Jaguar: Raining Fire]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/497250-jaguar-gr1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer SEPECAT}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

DB-3B

2023-10-18T16:48:41Z

U126556775: Minor fix

{{About
| about = Soviet bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = DB-3 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=db_3b
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The Ilyushin DB-3 (Дальний бомбардировщик - Long-range Bomber) was introduced in the Soviet Union in 1936 and quickly became the core of the Soviet long-range bomber fleet. The aircraft carried up to 2,000 kg of bombs and had three 7.62mm ShKAS machine guns for defensive armament. It was powered by two Mikulin M-85 engines, each producing 850 horsepower, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 390 km/h and giving it a range of more than 2,000 kilometers. During the early stages of World War II, the DB-3 aircraft played a decisive role due to its specialized use in night bombing missions against German targets, resulting in significant damage to infrastructure and military installations. Its long-range capability allowed it to penetrate deep into enemy territory, making it a valuable asset for air raids. The DB-3B variant represented an upgrade over the original model. In line with the typical Soviet upgrade initiatives of that time, the objective was to outfit the aircraft with more powerful engines, specifically the Tumansky M-87A/B, which boosted the maximum engine power to 950 hp.

The Ilyushin DB-3 was introduced in [[Update 1.67 "Assault"]]. Although it may not be the fastest bird in the sky, it more than compensates with its impressive array of loadouts. Whether you need to do a multitude of tasks, ranging from precision bombing missions to engaging enemy aircraft and even destroying naval vessels, the DB-3B has the tools and armament to get the job done. However, its Achilles’ heel lies in its limited maneuverability, which can make it a tempting target for enemy fighters.

== 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 6,250 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
| 389 || 374 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 35.0 || 35.8 || 7.1 || 7.1 || rowspan="2" | 326
|-
! Upgraded
| 429 || 410 || 33.0 || 33.8 || 12.5 || 9.8
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 280 || ~6 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 280 || < 240 || < 300 || > 270
|-
|}

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


* 6 mm steel behind pilot
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing)

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

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

{{main|FAB-50sv (50 kg)|FAB-100sv (100 kg)|FAB-250sv (250 kg)|FAB-500sv (500 kg)|FAB-1000 (1,000 kg)}}
{{main|45-36AN (450 mm)}}

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

* 10 x 50 kg FAB-50sv bombs (500 kg total)
* 10 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250sv bombs (500 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250sv bombs + 10 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 1 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000 bomb (1,000 kg total)
* 1 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000 bomb + 2 x 500 kg FAB-500sv bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 1 x 450 mm 45-36AN torpedo

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

{{main|ShKAS (7.62 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun, nose turret (1,000 rpg)
* 1 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)
* 1 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==


In Simulator, the DB-3 has distinct pros and cons. It is a brilliant base / airfield-bombing plane with a maximum bombload of 1x 1,000 kg + 2x 500 kg bombs, allowing it to easily finish a base or cripple airfield modules in one run. The bombs drop one by one, allowing flexible targeting. (Note that the 1,000 kg bomb drops slightly in-front of the 500 kg bombs.) It is also one of the few USSR planes with torpedoes. It has greatly improved handling and stability comparing with the previous SB 2M, making flying a lot easier. However the DB-3 is quite slow, making it an easy target to pick on. It also has next to no defensive firepower: only 3 x 7.62 mm MGs in total; the one in the nose has great coverage, however most opponents are not likely to take head-ons. The top turret cannot even aim horizontally nor directly at the tail, meaning that the seemingly suicidal tactic of tailing a bomber can actually destroy a DB-3. The belly gun has good negative angle but its horizontal guidance is too limited. Therefore you can only target opponents at your front, upper half and lower rear.

When taking off, the DB-3 will shift to the right, so it is best to set separate keybind for left and right brakes to counter the torque. Given your weak guns, you can only survive if the room is rather empty or if the opponent also has weak firepower. If you are bombing a base, fly at treetop level to force any attacker to engage you from above so you can fight back. Bombing airfield is more dangerous, as you are not only exposed to AAA fire, but also attackers hiding in your gunner's deadzones. Climb to at least 2,000 m before approaching the airfield, then target the modules of fuel sector (surrounded by 4 towers), residential area (a bunch of tents) and hangar (6 giant houses). Bombing the airstrip is the easiest but it seems to give less rewards. If you see an attacker trying to shoot at you, you will have to nudge the plane so that the target is within your gunner's guidance which is very awful. The bullets will not do lots of damage as the target might constantly get into your deadzones. Most of the times against manoeuvring or heavily armed / armoured attackers, you will not survive long.

Landing is easy and similar to the style of the SB 2M. Line up with the airstrip when it occupies around 1/3 of your windscreen and descent to treetop level. Cut throttle to around 0-40% to drop speed to 200 km/h, and deploy landing flaps and gears. Control the throttle so that the touchdown speed is around 140km/h. Like the SB 2M, if you don't slow down enough the DB-3 will bounce off again and again which might lead to a crash. Once you have landed, you can keep braking as the nose will not dip down and cause a propeller strike.

=== 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 || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great maximum bombload of 2 x 500 kg + 1 x 1,000 kg bombs allows you to finish a base in one go, or even have spare bombs for other targets
* Has a wide range of bomb combinations, meaning that you can choose between large and small targets
* Can break continuously until full stop, its nose will never strike the ground
* Nose turret has wide coverage

'''Cons:'''

* Extremely weak defensive firepower: terrible gun coverage at the rear/bottom, you cannot aim at planes on your side, tail, or underside, gunners are unprotected, and the 7.62 mm MGs lack damage
* Quite slow and large, making it an easy target
* Below average climb rate
* Only has landing flaps
* Negative deflection of elevator will not pitch the plane down at >390 km/h

== History ==

After Sergei Ilyushin's BB-2 failed to compete with Tupolev's SB bomber in 1934, Ilyushin converted the BB-2 into a long-range bomber to compete again against Tupolev's DB-2 in order to recover the resources, energy, and time he had invested in the BB-2. He redesigned the BB-2, using a high-performance engine licensed by the Soviet Union in 1934, to exceed military standards.

Ilyushin began designing the prototype of the DB-3 bomber, the TSKB-26, in 1934. The TSKB-26 was actually a proof-of-concept, featuring a largely wooden fuselage, and made its first flight in the summer of 1935. It flew well and was the first Soviet aircraft to perform double aerobatics, tested by test pilot, V. K. Okkinaki. The real prototype of the DB-3 bomber, the TSKB-30, was completed in March 1936. Compared to the TSKB-26, it had an all-metal structure, extended nose, sliding cockpit canopy, fixed windshield, improved engine fairing and more. The prototype TSKB-30 was demonstrated over Moscow's Red Square on May 1, 1936, performing a 360-degree somersault with test pilot Kirkinarsky at the controls, impressing Stalin and accelerating production. On September 7, the same year, another TSKB-26 prototype set a ceiling record of flying to 11,005 metres with a payload of 2,000 kg.

From 1938 to 1939, the DB-3 bomber's aero-development system gradually changed to the Tumansky M-87A engine and VISH-3 variable pitch propeller, which became the DB-3 2M-87A (DB-3B). The M-87 had the same take-off power, but more high-altitude power output.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=db_3b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|h3i18ARAn4M|'''War Thunder Realistic: DB-3B [Solid Little Bugger]''' - ''Jengar''}}

== See also ==


* [[SB 2M (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/355500-db-3/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Ilyushin}}
{{USSR bombers}}

DB-3B

2023-10-18T16:47:43Z

U126556775: New description format

{{About
| about = Soviet bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = DB-3 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=db_3b
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The Ilyushin DB-3 (Дальний бомбардировщик - Long-range Bomber) was introduced in the Soviet Union in 1936 and quickly became the core of the Soviet long-range bomber fleet. The aircraft carried up to 2,00 kg of bombs and had three 7.62mm ShKAS machine guns for defensive armament. It was powered by two Mikulin M-85 engines, each producing 850 horsepower, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 390 km/h and giving it a range of more than 2,000 kilometers. During the early stages of World War II, the DB-3 aircraft played a decisive role due to its specialized use in night bombing missions against German targets, resulting in significant damage to infrastructure and military installations. Its long-range capability allowed it to penetrate deep into enemy territory, making it a valuable asset for air raids. The DB-3B variant represented an upgrade over the original model. In line with the typical Soviet upgrade initiatives of that time, the objective was to outfit the aircraft with more powerful engines, specifically the Tumansky M-87A/B, which boosted the maximum engine power to 950 hp.

The Ilyushin DB-3 was introduced in [[Update 1.67 "Assault"]]. Although it may not be the fastest bird in the sky, it more than compensates with its impressive array of loadouts. Whether you need to do a multitude of tasks, ranging from precision bombing missions to engaging enemy aircraft and even destroying naval vessels, the DB-3B has the tools and armament to get the job done. However, its Achilles’ heel lies in its limited maneuverability, which can make it a tempting target for enemy fighters.

== 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 6,250 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
| 389 || 374 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 35.0 || 35.8 || 7.1 || 7.1 || rowspan="2" | 326
|-
! Upgraded
| 429 || 410 || 33.0 || 33.8 || 12.5 || 9.8
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 280 || ~6 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 280 || < 240 || < 300 || > 270
|-
|}

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


* 6 mm steel behind pilot
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing)

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

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

{{main|FAB-50sv (50 kg)|FAB-100sv (100 kg)|FAB-250sv (250 kg)|FAB-500sv (500 kg)|FAB-1000 (1,000 kg)}}
{{main|45-36AN (450 mm)}}

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

* 10 x 50 kg FAB-50sv bombs (500 kg total)
* 10 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250sv bombs (500 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250sv bombs + 10 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 1 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000 bomb (1,000 kg total)
* 1 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000 bomb + 2 x 500 kg FAB-500sv bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 1 x 450 mm 45-36AN torpedo

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

{{main|ShKAS (7.62 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun, nose turret (1,000 rpg)
* 1 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg)
* 1 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==


In Simulator, the DB-3 has distinct pros and cons. It is a brilliant base / airfield-bombing plane with a maximum bombload of 1x 1,000 kg + 2x 500 kg bombs, allowing it to easily finish a base or cripple airfield modules in one run. The bombs drop one by one, allowing flexible targeting. (Note that the 1,000 kg bomb drops slightly in-front of the 500 kg bombs.) It is also one of the few USSR planes with torpedoes. It has greatly improved handling and stability comparing with the previous SB 2M, making flying a lot easier. However the DB-3 is quite slow, making it an easy target to pick on. It also has next to no defensive firepower: only 3 x 7.62 mm MGs in total; the one in the nose has great coverage, however most opponents are not likely to take head-ons. The top turret cannot even aim horizontally nor directly at the tail, meaning that the seemingly suicidal tactic of tailing a bomber can actually destroy a DB-3. The belly gun has good negative angle but its horizontal guidance is too limited. Therefore you can only target opponents at your front, upper half and lower rear.

When taking off, the DB-3 will shift to the right, so it is best to set separate keybind for left and right brakes to counter the torque. Given your weak guns, you can only survive if the room is rather empty or if the opponent also has weak firepower. If you are bombing a base, fly at treetop level to force any attacker to engage you from above so you can fight back. Bombing airfield is more dangerous, as you are not only exposed to AAA fire, but also attackers hiding in your gunner's deadzones. Climb to at least 2,000 m before approaching the airfield, then target the modules of fuel sector (surrounded by 4 towers), residential area (a bunch of tents) and hangar (6 giant houses). Bombing the airstrip is the easiest but it seems to give less rewards. If you see an attacker trying to shoot at you, you will have to nudge the plane so that the target is within your gunner's guidance which is very awful. The bullets will not do lots of damage as the target might constantly get into your deadzones. Most of the times against manoeuvring or heavily armed / armoured attackers, you will not survive long.

Landing is easy and similar to the style of the SB 2M. Line up with the airstrip when it occupies around 1/3 of your windscreen and descent to treetop level. Cut throttle to around 0-40% to drop speed to 200 km/h, and deploy landing flaps and gears. Control the throttle so that the touchdown speed is around 140km/h. Like the SB 2M, if you don't slow down enough the DB-3 will bounce off again and again which might lead to a crash. Once you have landed, you can keep braking as the nose will not dip down and cause a propeller strike.

=== 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 || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great maximum bombload of 2 x 500 kg + 1 x 1,000 kg bombs allows you to finish a base in one go, or even have spare bombs for other targets
* Has a wide range of bomb combinations, meaning that you can choose between large and small targets
* Can break continuously until full stop, its nose will never strike the ground
* Nose turret has wide coverage

'''Cons:'''

* Extremely weak defensive firepower: terrible gun coverage at the rear/bottom, you cannot aim at planes on your side, tail, or underside, gunners are unprotected, and the 7.62 mm MGs lack damage
* Quite slow and large, making it an easy target
* Below average climb rate
* Only has landing flaps
* Negative deflection of elevator will not pitch the plane down at >390 km/h

== History ==

After Sergei Ilyushin's BB-2 failed to compete with Tupolev's SB bomber in 1934, Ilyushin converted the BB-2 into a long-range bomber to compete again against Tupolev's DB-2 in order to recover the resources, energy, and time he had invested in the BB-2. He redesigned the BB-2, using a high-performance engine licensed by the Soviet Union in 1934, to exceed military standards.

Ilyushin began designing the prototype of the DB-3 bomber, the TSKB-26, in 1934. The TSKB-26 was actually a proof-of-concept, featuring a largely wooden fuselage, and made its first flight in the summer of 1935. It flew well and was the first Soviet aircraft to perform double aerobatics, tested by test pilot, V. K. Okkinaki. The real prototype of the DB-3 bomber, the TSKB-30, was completed in March 1936. Compared to the TSKB-26, it had an all-metal structure, extended nose, sliding cockpit canopy, fixed windshield, improved engine fairing and more. The prototype TSKB-30 was demonstrated over Moscow's Red Square on May 1, 1936, performing a 360-degree somersault with test pilot Kirkinarsky at the controls, impressing Stalin and accelerating production. On September 7, the same year, another TSKB-26 prototype set a ceiling record of flying to 11,005 metres with a payload of 2,000 kg.

From 1938 to 1939, the DB-3 bomber's aero-development system gradually changed to the Tumansky M-87A engine and VISH-3 variable pitch propeller, which became the DB-3 2M-87A (DB-3B). The M-87 had the same take-off power, but more high-altitude power output.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=db_3b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|h3i18ARAn4M|'''War Thunder Realistic: DB-3B [Solid Little Bugger]''' - ''Jengar''}}

== See also ==


* [[SB 2M (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/355500-db-3/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Ilyushin}}
{{USSR bombers}}

Yak-38M

2023-10-14T13:16:31Z

U126556775: Expanded on history.

{{About
| about = Soviet strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the premium version
| link = Yak-38
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=yak-38m
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The [[Yak-38]] had many problems, especially with the powerplant, which was complex, heavy, and underpowered, and suffered from inexcusable overheating issues, with some reports even stating that the Yak-38 was grounded during the hot summers of the Mediterranean sea due to the engine overheating dangerously during VTOL take-offs. By comparison to its adversaries such as the Harrier family, the initial Yak-38 was abysmally underperforming. These issues quickly led to a urgent request from the Soviet navy to upgrade the Yak-38 in the late '70s and early '80s to address these issues. This directly resulted in the upgraded Yak-38M, which entered service in 1985. The main upgrade in the Yak-38M variant, was the installation of a new set of engines, the Tumansky R-28V-300 and Rybinsk RD-38 engines respectively, to correct the issues with overheating and low power of the previous model, while also upgrading the aircraft's avionics and armament suite to include new all-aspect variants of the [[R-60]], and better guidance and autopilot systems.

The Yak-38M was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]]. Like the Harrier, it is an aircraft with a VTOL capability. The {{PAGENAME}} is externally almost identical to the Yak-38 and the few differences are difficult to identify in combat, aside from the plane's default livery. These features are the tail boom (long and coloured in red for the 38M while short for the 38) and the forward Pitot tube (striped for the 38M and unicolour for the 38). The Yak-38 is very underwhelming in flight performance, but makes up for it in great armament options and ordnance, and acts as a stepping stone to the far more powerful successor in Soviet VTOL aircraft, the formidable [[Yak-141]].

== 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 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,190 || 1,186 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 39.6 || 40.7 || 87.3 || 78.7 || rowspan="2" | 520
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,205 || 1,197 || 36.9 || 38.1 || 124.5 || 102.4
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 650 || 500 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 650 || < 850 || < 920 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load (NOTE: the Yak-38M's gunpods and removable internal cannon are not counted)}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Tumansky R-28V-300 (main) || 1
| colspan="2" rowspan="2" | 7,240 kg || colspan="2" rowspan="2" | 502 kg/m2
|-
| colspan="2" | Kolesov RD-38 (lift jets) || 2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 6m fuel || 20m fuel || 22m fuel
|-
| 1,420 kg (main) || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust axial-flow turbojet
| rowspan="2" | 8,065 kg || rowspan="2" | 9,716 kg || rowspan="2" | 9,990 kg || rowspan="2" | 10,300 kg
|-
| 210 kg (lift jet) || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum main 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio in forward flight @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 6m fuel || 20m fuel || 22m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 7,120 kgf || N/A
| 0.88 || 0.73 || 0.71 || 0.69
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,120 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.88 || 0.73 || 0.71 || 0.69
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum lift 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio in VTOL (all 3 engines) @ 0 m (100%)
|-
| ''Stationary'' || {{Annotation|3,230 kgf|13,580 kgf total thrust in VTOL (split over 3 engines)}}|| N/A
| 1.68 || 1.40 || 1.36 || 1.32
|-
|}

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

The Yak-38 has no armour. It is a fairly large target with the entire fuselage being taken up with engines and fuel tanks.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (160 rpg)

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
| rowspan="13" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| 4 || 1 || 1 || 4
|-
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[FAB-500M-54 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-54]] bombs
| 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[S-5KP]] rockets
| 16, 32 || 16 || 16 || 16, 32
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| 20 || || || 20
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[Kh-23M]] missiles
| 1* || || || 1*
|-
! [[R-60]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! Delta-NG targeting pod
| || || 1* ||
|-
| colspan="5" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 450 kg
|-
| colspan="6" | * Delta-NG targeting pod must be carried when equipping Kh-23M missiles
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)
* 2 x R-60 missiles
* 4 x R-60 missiles
* 64 x S-5KP rockets
* 64 x S-5KP rockets
* 40 x S-8KO rockets
* 4 x S-24B rockets
* 2 x Kh-23M missiles
* 10 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 4 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
* 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

The Yak-38 is not very fast (you can reach Mach 1 in a slight dive when carrying minimum loadout) and not very nimble (bad energy retention in tight turns) so you'll lose many engagements with dedicated boom and zoom and dogfight optimised aircraft. What really makes this plane shine is the customizable loadout as well as its amazing rate of climb (101.2 m/s when spaded) and acceleration.

Due to your low speed it is wise to avoid high altitude combat as you'll be pitted against supersonic interceptors at this BR. Try to stay low and either ground pound or destroy enemy attackers. Doing this your main opponents are F-86 and Harrier variants. Both of which will out-turn you in a dogfight.

You have two options for dogfighting aircraft:

Use your climb rate to get into an advantageous position. You can out-climb almost all aircraft of your battle rating. And as long as you stay at lower altitudes you'll most likely be able to avoid those aircraft that can out-climb you.

Switch to hover mode. The Yak's hover mode can only be engaged at speeds below 450 km/h so you have to plan ahead a bit or react really fast once you slow down enough. Your goal here should be to get into the center of the enemies turning circle. When executed correctly it is impossible for the enemy to get their aim on you, while you are still perfectly able to fire at them. And if they disengage they set themselves up for you to lock on with AAMs. But be aware that engaging hover mode will make you an easy target for other aircraft that are not part of the dogfight so it's best used in 1 on 1 situations.

'''Air-to-air'''

The Yak-38M has several air-to-air options for its loadout. You can also set one additional 23 mm gun-pod as offensive weapon in your modifications menu. Keep in mind that gun pods add a substantial amount of drag and heavily impact your climb and turn rate and are not dropped after expending their ammo.

All combinations of gun-pods, R-60 and S-24B are viable but emphasize on different ways to approach enemy aircraft.

* Central gun-pod + R-60 keeps your drag quite low and still leaves you with a main gun after firing both missiles.
* Everything from two gun-pods (2 x pods or central pod + 2 x pods) up creates a high volume of fire and makes the Yak-38M deadly in head-on approaches. This can be combined with R-60 for taking out faster planes.
* 4 pods (5 with central pod) give an incredible burst mass of over 40 kg/s and will shred everything in a head-on approach. In many cases this will be overkill though. The pods can't be fired independently and trigger discipline is required to not run out of ammo too fast. Also there is no R-60 in this config.
* 2 x R-60 + 2 x S-24B (+ central pod) opens up the possibility to make snapshots on passing enemies with very deadly anti-bunker rockets. With a bit of practise and setting a detonation distance you are comfortable with the S-24B can be used to reliably take out every plane in its large burst radius. Can also be used in head-on approaches but in contrast to adding more gun-pods they won't create any drag after you have fired them.

'''Air-to-ground'''

You have access to a ballistics computer for your rockets and guns. A ballistics computer is not available for bombs.

As with the Su-7 it gives you firing solutions for your guns on ground and missiles on ground.

The loadout you should choose depends heavily on whether you are playing Air RB or Ground RB. For Air RB gun-pods and rocket-pods are most useful to take out groups of smaller ground targets like vehicles, light tanks, howitzers, etc.

The available bomb loadout is not sufficient to be threatening to enemy bases in any way, so it is recommended to not attempt to bomb enemy bases.

For Ground RB the Kh-23M gives you access to two beam riding ATGMs with an TNT equivalent of almost 100 kg. As with all beam riding missiles you will be an easy target while keeping your nose pointed at the enemy. As you will face SPAAs equipped with SAMs at this BR, taking 2 x 500 kg bombs might be more useful depending on the situation and composition of the enemy team.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* VTOL capabilities
* Very high rate of climb
* Numerous payload options
* Offensive 23 mm cannons have a very high fire rate
* Split elevator

'''Cons:'''

* Subsonic
* Boom and zoom only playstyle
* Offensive 23 mm cannon has low ammo for its fire rate, trigger discipline is required
* Offensive 23 mm belts is a Tier III modification

== History ==

=== [[wt:en/news/6942-development-yak-38-yak-38m-hover-jet-en|Devblog]] ===
Although Soviet engineers were experimenting with VTOL fixed wing aircraft design since the early 1960's, it wasn't until December 1967 before a formal order to develop a light VTOL strike aircraft as well as a corresponding trainer version was issued. As a result, engineers at the Yakovlev design bureau began work on the new aircraft in the late 1960's, basing their design on experience gained from developing the preceding Yak-36 - an early VTOL demonstration design.

The new aircraft, designated Yak-36M, was being developed for immediate frontline service, operating both from land bases as well as aircraft-carrying ships. The aircraft's primary role was that of a strike aircraft, engaging ground and surface targets while also being suited to intercept enemy aircraft and helicopters if necessary.

Not too long after work on the project began, the first prototype saw completion and conducted its maiden flight in December 1970. Subsequent prototypes and trials continued testing the aircraft's performance, particularly its novel VTOL capabilities. By 1973, the aircraft was considered ready and serial production commenced.

After some further testing and crew training, the aircraft officially entered service with the Soviet Navy in August 1977, receiving the designation Yak-38. By 1982, over 140 Yak-38's were built, all of which served aboard the then new Kiev-class aircraft carriers. In the mid 1980's, the modernized Yak-38M version came into service, most prominently featuring more powerful engines as well as other improvements. About 50 Yak-38M's were built before the type was ultimately decommissioned in 1991.

=== Development ===
As the Soviet navy received the last batches of the original Yak-38, it increasingly became evident that the aircraft suffered from a multitude of issues and constraints, which significantly impeded its operational efficacy. These issues prompted the Soviet authorities to initiate a modernization program, and a government decree on August 27, 1981, authorized the development of the Yak-38M, an improved version of the Yak-38 with enhanced performance and capabilities. The main upgrade in the Yak-38M was the installation of new engines, the Tumansky R-28V-300 and Rybinsk RD-38, which increased the thrust and reduced the overheating problems of the previous model. The new engines also allowed the Yak-38M to increase its maximum takeoff weight in VTOL mode from 10,300 kg to 11,300 kg and to 12,000 kg in short takeoff mode; however, the target figures were not finally achieved. Other changes included a new avionics and weapon suite, provision for drop tanks, and minor improvements in the navigation systems. Even so, the Yak-38M still had trouble achieving its desired performance targets. Due to its payload and performance limitations, the aircraft was still referred to as a "moral support aircraft", despite noticeable improvements in engine thrust and fewer overheating problems. By 1988, only 50 of these aircraft had been produced, and their fate was sealed by the collapse of the Soviet bloc and the ensuing budget cuts. Most of the carriers that carried them were either scrapped or sold, and the last Yak-38Ms flew from the Baku carrier until they were relegated to land-based training missions. However, these missions were short-lived, as the Yak-38s were retired for good in early 1993.
=== Further development ===
The Yak-38M was seen as a stepping stone to a better VTOL aircraft by the Yakovlev Design Bureau. A large part of the Yak-38M design would end up in the Yak-41M which instead of having 2 nozzles, would instead pivot a much larger single engine exhaust while still retaining the 2 lift engines at the front, and unlike the Yak-38M it was supersonic capable. In the Western world it was known as the Yak-141 while inside the Soviet military it was the Yak-41M. When the Cold War ended and funding for the project was cut Yakovlev looked for other companies that would like to enter a partnership. In 1991 Yakovlev would enter a partnership with Lockheed-Martin and due to this relationship officially change the designation of the 2 flying prototypes to Yak-141. Lockheed-Martin would end up using the experience they gained from this on their X-35 plane which would end up being the F-35 family of planes, the F-35B is the one that has the general engine layout of the Yak-141.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=yak-38m Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" caption="Yak-38M Devblog Images" heights="200">
File:Yak-38M WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:Yak-38M WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:Yak-38M WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:Yak-38M WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Mc4zh0r8g64|'''Yak-38M: A Detailed Review''' - ''Tims Variety''|1yFd8lx7vQI|'''Yakovlev Yak-38 Soviet Naval Aviation''' - ''yolkhere''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Yak-38]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* [[Harrier (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6942-development-yak-38-yak-38m-hover-jet-en|[Development] Yak-38 & Yak-38M: Hover Jet]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/504154-yak-38m/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [[wikipedia:Yakovlev_Yak-38|[Wikipedia] Yakovlev Yak-38]]
* [http://www.airvectors.net/avredvt.html <nowiki>[Air Vectors]</nowiki> Soviet Jet VTOL: Yak-36, Yak-38, & Yak-41]

{{AirManufacturer Yakovlev}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

Yak-38

2023-10-07T14:43:56Z

U126556775: Expanded on history.

{{About
| about = premium Soviet strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the regular version
| link = Yak-38M
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=yak-38
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage Yak-38 001.jpg|StoreImage Yak-38 002.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_yak-38.jpg
}}

== Description ==

During the late 1960s, Yakovlev Design Bureau set out to build the Soviet Union's first VTOL fighter, after witnessing the success of the Hawker P.1154 VTOL testbed from Great Britain. Initially lacking funding for research and development of proper VTOL technology, Yakovlev presented the Yak-36 created with what little they had. The Yak-36 was a failure by most metrics, with only four built and only one performing VTOL flight, which later crashed in testing. However, to Yakovlev it was a massive success, as this design convinced the Soviet government to fund the development of a proper Soviet VTOL program. Yakovlev presented a supersonic design with swivelling nozzles similar to those found on the Harrier family, but this was deemed too complex and expensive. Instead, the Soviet government ordered a simpler, cheaper VTOL aircraft primarily for naval operation aboard their new Project 1143 Heavy Aircraft Cruisers. This new aircraft would be limited in speed to Mach 0.95, and would function as both a fleet defence fighter, armed with air-to-air missiles for interception, and also as a naval strike fighter, carrying a multitude of both guided and unguided ordnance. Yakovlev OKB got to work, and on September 22nd, 1970, the first prototype of the Yak-38 performed its maiden flight. However, with new technology came many problems, and the Yak-38 would be plagued by an unacceptable amount of issues, which took many years to fix, before the Yak-38 officially entered service six years later in 1976.

The Yak-38 was introduced as a premium pack in [[Update "New Power"]] but was removed from the store after the [[wt:en/news/7748-sale-summer-sale-en|2022 Summer sale]]. The aircraft returned on the 22nd of September 2023 for the [[wt:en/news/8490-special-the-yak-38-is-back-for-its-maiden-flight-anniversary-and-is-here-to-stay-en|52nd anniversary of its maiden flight]] as a premium purchasable using GE {{ge}}. Being a [[VTOL]] aircraft (Vertical Take-Off and Landing), the Yak-38 can perform stationary flight, offering new gameplay possibilities compared to conventional jet aircraft. However, like its tech tree equivalent, the [[Yak-38M]], it is seriously underwhelming in conventional flight performance. However, what it lacks in flying is compensated by the powerful ordnance this aircraft can carry. It is armed with the formidable [[R-60]] air-to-air missile, and its ground striking ordnance is no slouch either, with a selection of rocket pods, bombs, gunpods, and even the [[Kh-23M]] guided air-to-ground missile. All in all, this aircraft's play style serves more as a stepping stone, teaching the player how to work with a sub-optimal airframe that relies completely on its strong weapons to to well, as all other Yakovlev VTOL aircraft work with the same principle.

== 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 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,190 || 1,186 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 40.0 || 41.2 || 77.4 || 70.5 || rowspan="2" | 520
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,207 || 1,199 || 37.3 || 38.6 || 113.1 || 94.3
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 650 || 500 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 650 || < 850 || < 920 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load (NOTE: the Yak-38's gunpods and removable internal cannon are not counted)}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Tumansky R-27V-300 (main) || 1
| colspan="2" rowspan="2" | 6,645 kg || colspan="2" rowspan="2" | 502 kg/m2
|-
| colspan="2" | Kolesov RD-36-35FV (lift jets) || 2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 23m fuel
|-
| 1,350 kg (main) || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust axial-flow turbojet
| rowspan="2" | 7,470 kg || rowspan="2" | 8,939 kg || rowspan="2" | 9,395 kg || rowspan="2" | 10,300 kg
|-
| 198 kg (lift jet) || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum main 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio in forward flight @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 23m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,600 kgf || N/A
| 0.88 || 0.73 || 0.70 || 0.64
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 6,600 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.88 || 0.73 || 0.70 || 0.64
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum lift 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio in VTOL (all 3 engines) @ 0 m (100%)
|-
| ''Stationary'' || {{Annotation|2,840 kgf|12,280 kgf total thrust in VTOL (split over 3 engines)}}|| N/A
| 1.64 || 1.37 || 1.31 || 1.19
|-
|}

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

The Yak-38 has no armour. It is a fairly large target with the entire fuselage being taken up with engines and fuel tanks.

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (160 rpg)

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
| rowspan="13" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Yak-38M.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| 4 || 1 || 1 || 4
|-
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[FAB-500M-54 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-54]] bombs
| 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[S-5KP]] rockets
| 16, 32 || 16 || 16 || 16, 32
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| 20 || || || 20
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[Kh-23M]] missiles
| 1* || || || 1*
|-
! [[R-60]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! Delta-NG targeting pod
| || || 1* ||
|-
| colspan="5" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 450 kg
|-
| colspan="6" | * Delta-NG targeting pod must be carried when equipping Kh-23M missiles
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)
* 2 x R-60 missiles
* 4 x R-60 missiles
* 64 x S-5KP rockets
* 64 x S-5KP rockets
* 40 x S-8KO rockets
* 4 x S-24B rockets
* 2 x Kh-23M missiles
* 10 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 4 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
* 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

The Yak-38 is one of the most versatile aircraft in the Soviet tech tree as it has sufficient armament for all sorts of engagements: air-to-air, air-to-ground, air-to-sea. Thanks to its VTOL capabilities, it is able to achieve a "helicopter" playstyle if needed.

'''When in air battles'''

The Yak-38 has an impressive sort of armaments for all engagements when in air battles. It can be used as a standard fighter with gunpods, ground units destroyer with gunpods, rockets, missiles and bombs or as a missile fighter with its potent R-60 air-to-air missiles.

''As a fighter:''

The Yak-38 has 2 effective loadouts in Air RB. The 1st option is 4 x R-60 air-to-air missiles, which are highly manoeuvrable in short to medium range engagements, and can prove extremely potent against opponents at the battle rating, especially if they cannot use flares to counter them. The other option is to trade 2 of the R-60s for 2 x S-24 air to ground rockets. S-24 rockets have time-fuse capability; setting the time fuse to 1,000 m and shooting the rockets in a head-on at about 1.7-1.5 km distance could result in a kill, surprising your target (it is recommended to shoot both rockets in a quick succession). S-24 rockets can also act as pseudo-flares, just shoot one of them and dodge the other way when a potent IR missile is closing onto to you.

The Yak-38 has access to up to 4 rapid-firing 23 mm gunpods, capable of destroying ground units such as artillery, anti-air emplacements, armoured vehicles and even lightly-armoured vessels such as cargo ships. However, it is not recommended to bring the gunpods at the beginning of the match because it severely limits your performance and air-combat capabilities, use this loadout at the end of the game to ground pound when you are sure of victory. J out once landed and repaired on the airfield to change your loadout.

''As a ground striker:''

The ground ordnance on the Yak-38 leaves nothing to be desired, it carries a vast array of bomb, rockets and missiles loads which can be taken according to the situation. It has access to S-5KP unguided rockets which can be used against pillboxes, armoured vehicles such as tanks, enemy vessels such as destroyers and even enemy bases (not recommended as the TNT equivalent is really low compared to bombs). It has access to [[Ballistic Computer|CCIP ballistic computer]] which make the aiming of suspended ordnance a really easy task when doing CAS strikes.

''As a bomber:''

Thanks to the bomb payload the Yak-38 carries, it is able to act as a low level lightning strike bomber (flying close to the ground as fast as possible) although it is not recommended as the payload it carries is not enough to take a single base completely (2 x 500 kg and 2 x 250 kg bombs). Playing as a bomber is not recommended in terms of cost-benefit but it is up to pilot's discretion.

'''When landing'''

''Normal Landing:''

If you are coming in for a landing, you need to get rid of your speed first. Unfortunately the Yak-38 has no airbrakes and weak flaps, so you can't easily reduce your speed if you are flying past 500 km/h with your flaps only. When you are close to the airport, manoeuvre in circles until you have gotten rid of your speed. Once your speed has significantly reduced, move to the end of the runway and put your gear down and the flaps too if needed.

''VTOL landing:''

Approach the airport and get rid of your speed. When you have reached the conventional landing speed, slowly increase the VTOL (with no engine power the VTOL has no power) and lift the plane so you can get rid of the remaining speed. When you have no forward movement left, you can turn on hover-mode and slowly remove the hover power (0% is stationary height, 100% is increasing height, -100% is lowering height). Reduce the hover power to 0 when close to the ground and avoid making contact with -100% hover power.

'''When in ground battles'''

This is the place where the Yak-38 shines, thanks to an unusual suspended ordnance, the manually-guided Kh-23M air-to-ground missile. The Kh-23M missile is controlled by the player via keyboard input like like other manually-guided missiles such as the Nord and Bullpup missile. Despite only being able to carry 2 missiles, each one can be a knock-out if used correctly. Use them in a top attack preferably at an azimuth greater than 35° from the target so that the missile has clear line of sight with zero obstructions (fences, trees, buildings, etc) and is able to penetrate the roof as it has a really low armour penetration. The missile is able to be fired at a 10 km range from the target although it is not recommended to do so unless the pilot is very skilled in terms of controlling manually guided missiles. Besides the Kh-23M, the Yak-38 has access to bombs and rockets which can be used with the ballistic computer to make pinpoint accuracy attacks on enemy targets. It is up to pilot's discretion to decide the suspended ordnance carried.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* VTOL capability
* Fast acceleration - one of the fastest subsonic jets, can quickly hit Mach 0.98 in level flight!
* Plenty of payload options (20 setups)
* Has access to the very efficient S-24B rockets and Kh-23M AGMs, as well as R-60 AAMs
* CCIP for its guns and rockets mean you can easily target enemy ground units - S-24B rockets are especially effective

'''Cons:'''

* Subsonic
* Very small elevators with poor high-speed performance means slow turns
* Massive energy loss during high speed turns
* Cannot use thrust vectoring in cruise flight or combat, unlike the Harriers - nozzles and lift engines automatically disengage at cruise speed
* No airbrakes, can be difficult to bleed enough speed for a regular landing, though it can use its VTOL engines as an airbrake once slower than 500 km/h
* Vertical landings require careful consideration of your velocity bleed.
* Somewhat fragile gear means careless landings can cause the plane to smash into the strip or carrier deck
* Very high RPM combined with low RPG count means you have to be very careful when using the gun(s)

== History ==

The Cold War era saw intense rivalry between the Western and Eastern blocs, not only in the political and ideological spheres but also in the military domain. A key aspect of this competition involved the development of Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, which could operate from short runways and eventually from aircraft carriers. Several countries, such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, participated in these efforts and produced various prototypes and operational models of VTOL aircraft. However, the Soviet Union was initially reluctant to join this race, as it had a different strategic doctrine and a vast network of airfields. It was not until the late 1950s that the Soviet deputy minister, Dmitri Ustinov, recognized the value of VTOL technology and commissioned a new research platform for their own VTOL aircraft development. Yakovlev OKB (Experimental Design Bureau) was the only design bureau that showed interest in the project and was assigned the task.

The first design by Yakovlev was the Yak-30V (vertikalnyi - vertical), which featured two similar powerplants installed vertically. However, this design was abandoned after the British unveiled the Hawker P.1127 in 1960. Yakovlev OKB realized that they needed a more sophisticated solution to match their rivals. They opted for a similar concept to the P.1127, using thrust-vectoring nozzles to adjust the thrust direction.

The outcome was the Yak-36, which flew for the first time in 1963. The Yak-36 engines were a pair of Tumansky R-27-300 vectored thrust axial flow turbojets, each producing 51.993 kN (11,688 lbf) of thrust. The lower fuselage of the aircraft had swiveling exhaust nozzles on either side, one for each engine, close to the center of gravity. These nozzles could be rotated 90 degrees for VTOL or horizontal flight. The engines were derived from the compact and lightweight Tumansky RU-19-300 turbojet engine, which was originally used for a VTOL system proposal based on the Yak-30 jet trainer. The Yak-36 was designed to be a technology demonstrator, not an operational aircraft. It faced many challenges, such as instability, low thrust, and short range.

Nevertheless, Yakovlev OKB continued to improve the design and developed the Yak-36M, an entirely new aircraft that quickly got its own production designation: Yak-38. The Yak-38 addressed many of the problems faced by its predecessor with improvements in stability, thrust-to-weight ratio, range, and payload. It became the first operational VTOL aircraft in the Soviet Union and was primarily used by the Soviet Navy for shipborne operations. The Yak-38 had three engines: two Kolesov RD-36-35FV lift engines mounted vertically behind the cockpit and one Tumansky R-28V-300 cruise engine mounted horizontally in the rear fuselage with a vectorable nozzle. The lift engines were only used for takeoff and landing, while the cruise engine was used for horizontal flight. The Yak-38 could carry up to 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) of weapons on four underwing hardpoints. The Yak-38 was not without its flaws, however. It still had a limited range and endurance, as well as poor performance at high altitudes and speeds. It also suffered from reliability issues and high maintenance costs. Moreover, it was vulnerable to enemy fire and electronic warfare due to its lack of radar and electronic countermeasures. The Yak-38 was mainly deployed on Kiev-class aircraft carriers (which were actually classified as heavy aviation cruisers), but it could also operate from land bases or small ships. Single-seat Yak-38 production totaled 143 aircraft, and a modernization program was initiated to extend its service life, resulting in the Yak-38M.
=== [[wt:en/news/6942-development-yak-38-yak-38m-hover-jet-en|Devblog]] ===
Although Soviet engineers were experimenting with VTOL fixed wing aircraft design since the early 1960s, it wasn't until December 1967 before a formal order to develop a light VTOL strike aircraft as well as a corresponding trainer version was issued. As a result, engineers at the Yakovlev design bureau began work on the new aircraft in the late 1960s, basing their design on experience gained from developing the preceding Yak-36 - an early VTOL demonstration design.

The new aircraft, designated Yak-36M, was being developed for immediate frontline service, operating both from land bases as well as aircraft-carrying ships. The aircraft's primary role was that of a strike aircraft, engaging ground and surface targets while also being suited to intercept enemy aircraft and helicopters if necessary.

Not too long after work on the project began, the first prototype saw completion and conducted its maiden flight in December 1970. Subsequent prototypes and trials continued testing the aircraft's performance, particularly its novel VTOL capabilities. By 1973, the aircraft was considered ready and serial production commenced.

After some further testing and crew training, the aircraft officially entered service with the Soviet Navy in August 1977, receiving the designation Yak-38. By 1982, over 140 Yak-38s were built, all of which served aboard the then new Kiev-class aircraft carriers. In the mid 1980s, the modernized Yak-38M version came into service, most prominently featuring more powerful engines as well as other improvements. About 50 Yak-38M were built before the type was ultimately decommissioned in 1991.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=yak-38 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" caption="Yak-38 Devblog Images" heights="200">
File:Yak-38 WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:Yak-38 WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:Yak-38 WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:Yak-38 WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
File:Yak-38 WTWallpaper 005.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|eRBzLn1se_Y|'''The Shooting Range #239''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:06 discusses the Yak-38.}}

== See also ==


* [[Yak-38M]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6942-development-yak-38-yak-38m-hover-jet-en|[Development] Yak-38 & Yak-38M: Hover Jet]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/504151-yak-38/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Yakovlev}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}
{{USSR premium aircraft}}

F-8E

2023-09-28T01:34:16Z

U126556775: Edits

{{Specs-Card
|code=f-8e
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The United States Navy showed clear interest in expanding the capabilities of the Crusader series of aircraft as quickly as possible to expand its role in maritime operations and offer primitive close-air support capabilities. This led to the development of the F8U-2NE (later renamed the F-8E), which featured a larger nose cone, new AN/APQ-94 fire control radar, detachable pylons, a more reliable J57-P-20 engine, and guidance equipment for the AGM-12 Bullpup missiles. The first prototype, a modified F8U-1 (No. 143710), was flown on June 30, 1961, and the aircraft was quickly approved for use by the Navy. During the Vietnam War, the Marine Corps made extensive use of the F-8E, with squadrons like VMFA-235 considered to be among the best at using the aircraft in combat.

The F-8E Crusader was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]] as the second Crusader variant in the American tech tree. Compared to the preceding [[F8U-2]], it has largely the same flight performance but improved ordnance options. The infrared-guided AIM-9D Sidewinder returns as a good option for dogfights and sneak attacks, but it can now utilize the radar-guided AIM-9C, which may be useful during head-on engagements. The ground attack options are vastly superior because of the addition of wing pylons. While the F8U-2 was limited to cheek-mounted Zuni rockets and its internal FFAR rocket tray, the F-8E can carry a decent bombload and AGM-12 Bullpup air-to-ground missiles, making it more capable as a multirole fighter. The F-8E can really be considered "The Last Gunfighter" in War Thunder because the succeeding [[F-4J Phantom II|F-4J Phantom]] is a very different aircraft to cap off the US naval jet line: a heavy twin-engine fighter lacking an internal gun and relying on powerful long-range missiles.

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


The F-8E, as a development of the previous [[F8U-2]], will feel very similar to the pilot in command. The Crusader is a highly agile aircraft, capable of dogfighting most enemy aircraft at its rank, blending initial pull with surprising energy retention. This allows the F-8E to pull inside enemy aircraft without bleeding massive amounts of speed like the delta wing aircraft at this rank are prone to doing. The wings have been strengthened to allow for this, so pilots should feel free to perform harsher manoeuvres than while flying the previous F8U-2, albeit the F-8E will still rip in some extreme turns. The engine has been upgraded as well, the extra 560 kgf making up for the slight additional weight of the wings and increasing the climb rate and speed of the aircraft. The F-8E is particularly strong at lower speeds, where the extra engine thrust allows it to sustain turns and accelerate quicker, and it also inherits the unique landing flaps of the Crusader: the wing detaching from the fuselage and angling upwards. This gives large amounts of extra lift, giving the F-8E a sharp advantage at very low speeds, although the plane will "wallow" in the air from the extra lift, and has a difficult time dropping the nose in this flap configuration.

That manoeuvrability and energy retention comes at a cost though, and that is speed. The F-8E is slow for its rank, and struggles to break past mach 1 at sea level. With missiles loaded, it will top out at exactly mach 1, and with any other ordnance loaded it is unable at sea level. At higher altitudes the F-8E is able of exceeding the speed of sound, though not by much and once past mach 1 the acceleration drops dramatically. The plane also compresses around mach .98, so pilots should be wary when diving on targets, as the aircraft may compress and be unable to pull as hard as the pilot may be accustomed to. The rudder on this aircraft is also something to be aware of. The rudder on this aircraft does not work like those on other aircraft, meaning that during a roll or pulling with mouse aim can cause the nose to swing wildly. This is especially a problem at sea level at high speeds, where the rudder will shake the nose around to a great extent. Also, the rudder during rolls throws the nose around unlike other aircraft, meaning it can be hard to get close shots with the gun but can be used for high speed snapshots.

{| 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
| 2,094 || 2,087 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.4 || 30.6 || 108.5 || 98.1 || rowspan="2" | 1,828
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,132 || 2,110 || 28.6 || 29.0 || 158.0 || 131.4
|-
|}

==== 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" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,555  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,070 || N/A || 583 || ~10 || ~4
|-
|}

{| 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-20 || 1
| colspan="3" | 8,953 kg || colspan="3" | 376 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 52m fuel
|-
| 1,592 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 10,200 kg || 10,550 kg || 11,348 kg || 12,545 kg || 13,109 kg || 15,468 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
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 52m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,562 kgf || 8,520 kgf
| 0.84 || 0.81 || 0.75 || 0.68 || 0.65 || 0.55
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,804 kgf (1,000 km/h) || 9,543 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.94 || 0.91 || 0.84 || 0.76 || 0.73 || 0.62
|-
|}

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

Like the earlier [[F8U-2]] (F-8C), the only armour on the F-8E is 25 mm of bulletproof glass on the front windscreen. Most of the central fuselage and wing is filled with large fuel tanks which makes gunfire from above or behind likely to cause fuel leaks and fires. Near enough the entire rear fuselage is taken up by the engine, making engine damage likely from rear attacks. Despite these drawbacks, the F-8E is still more durable than some jets and can often make it back to base with light to moderate damage.

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

As with most high tier jets, the first modification you want to pick up will be the flares/chaff in order to let you effectively counter enemy missiles. From there you want to progress though the missile upgrades as fast as possible, taking your pick of flight performance upgrades in order to unlock each tier (you could also use the ordnance upgrades to unlock each modification tier, but as the F-8E is primarily a fighter flight performance is usually the best pick). Once you have all missiles unlocked your focus will probably be on the remaining flight performance upgrades, although the cannons upgrades are certainly useful if you enjoy gun fighting.

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

{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, nose-mounted (144 rpg = 576 total)
** 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons + 60 x countermeasures

The offensive armament of the F-8E consists of 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 autocannons, grouped into 2 selectable groups. The guns replaced the 20 mm M3 commonly used from the end of WW2 until the Korean war, and has a quick fire rate of 1,000 rpm, outputting 7.30 kg of shells per second towards the enemy. With 144 rounds per gun, this gives pilots of the F-8E 8.64 seconds of trigger time. If ammo capacity is a concern, pilots can select one group of 20 mm to fire at a time, doubling their trigger time. The guns do reliable damage and have a good velocity of 1,012 m/s, only slightly less than the [[M61 (20 mm)|20 mm M61]] found on later jets. This makes getting reliable gun kills easy for pilots.

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
| rowspan="15" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
| 3, 6 || || || 3, 6
|-
! [[Mk 81 Snakeye (250 lb)|250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye]] bombs
| 3, 6 || || || 3, 6
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| 3, 4 || || || 3, 4
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| 3, 4 || || || 3, 4
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| 1, 2 || || || 1, 2
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 Air (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air]] bombs
| 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| 7, 19, 38 || || || 7, 19, 38
|-
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
| 4, 8 || 2*, 4 || 2*, 4 || 4, 8
|-
! [[AGM-12B Bullpup]] missiles
| 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missiles
| || 1*, 2 || 1*, 2 ||
|-
! [[AIM-9C Sidewinder]] missiles
| || 1*, 2 || 1*, 2 ||
|-
! [[AIM-9D Sidewinder]] missiles
| || 1*, 2 || 1*, 2 ||
|-
| colspan="6" | * 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
* 2 x AIM-9C Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9C Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 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 + 2 x AIM-9C Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 12 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 8 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 8 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 2 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

The F-8E has a much more extensive selection of multirole weaponry when compared to the preceding [[F8U-2]], although it is still intended for use mainly as an air supremacy aircraft.

Beginning with the unguided rockets, it gets access to both FFAR Mighty Mouse and Zuni Mk32 rockets. The Mighty Mouse is a small rocket, weighing only 8 kg and with only 290 mm penetration, but it makes up for this in quantity. The F-8E can carry 4 x pods of 19 rockets each, 2 mounted under each wing pylon, for a total of 76 rockets. As for the Zuni rockets, these are much larger at 56 kg and have 457 mm penetration, much more suited for taking out heavier targets. The placement is rather unique however. 4 can be mounted stock, 2 on each side of the fuselage behind the cockpit; however this is not recommended as it takes up the missile rails and greatly limits the anti-air capability of the plane. Once the modification is researched, it gains access to 16 more, mounted in 2 pods of 4 each under the wing pylons.

The F-8E also gains access to unguided bombs: 250 lb, 500 lb, 1,000 lb, 2,000 lb and of course the Mk 77 incendiary bomb. These are all mounted on the wing pylons, and pilots are recommended to use 500 lb or greater bombs if attacking enemy armour. The incendiary bombs work well against open topped vehicles, so these should be used if attacking large groups of open topped vehicles. They can also be used to shield allies from sight or deny a crucial area from open-topped vehicles while the napalm continues to burn.

The last anti-surface weapon is the AGM-12B Bullpup. This is the only guided air-to-ground munition the F-8E can carry, albeit it is manually guided, unlike later weapons like the later [[AGM-65A|Maverick]] missiles. These will take some practice for pilots to get accustomed to aiming, but with 8 km range these are the recommended option for use in ground battles against the long range AA common at this rank. Pilots are recommended to turn off "Relative Control' in the controls for the weapon, as with this setting on the missile will continue pulling in the same direction as the last input until another correction is given.

Now for anti-aircraft missiles, the original purpose of the F-8E. It gains access to three types: the AIM-9B, AIM-9C, and AIM-9D missiles.

The AIM-9B is the most basic missile that planes of this rank get. It is an IR missile with a caged seekerhead, limited range, and only 10Gs of pull. This is one of the two missiles pilots will get with an un-upgraded aircraft. It does not pull very well and is recommended for use against slow or unaware targets, although it can also be used to force enemy pilots to go evasive to allow the F-8E time to close to gun range.

The AIM-9C is a basic {{Annotation|SARH|Semi-Active Radar-Homing}} missile, and the other stock option for the F-8E: it has very similar flight performance to the AIM-9D IR missile also found on this aircraft, with good range, 18Gs of pull, however it does have an uncaged seekerhead and since it is a radar missile, is all-aspect. This missile works well, only limited by the radar set which is rather prone to ground clutter. Pilots are recommended to only use the missile at high altitude, or while below the enemy aircraft. Also, pilots should be aware that this missile uses "pulse" guidance; this means that unlike more advanced radar missiles like the [[AIM-7 Sparrow (Family)|AIM-7 Sparrow]], any amount of chaff from the enemy will immediately decoy it. It is recommended to use this missile against planes without countermeasures or enemy pilots which choose to not equip chaff, as it is more difficult to kinematically dodge the missile without the use of chaff.

The final missile the F-8E gains access to is the AIM-9D. As an IR version of the AIM-9C, this missile features a caged seekerhead like the previously available AIM-9B, so pilots may find it slightly difficult to fire the missile at a manoeuvring target, but once off the rails the missile performs admirably and is one of the better IR missiles at its rank. It is recommended to run 2 of the AIM-9D along with 2 of the AIM-9C if the pilot wishes to engage both with radar and IR missiles, or just the AIM-9D if the pilot prefers no warning to enemy pilots.

== Usage in battles ==

If you intend to play at a high altitude, it is advised to take mixed countermeasures prior to spawning in. This enables you to chaff any pulse-signal missile, such as the [[Matra Super 530F]] and [[R-3R]].

The way you start a battle in the F-8E will depend on what you think the likely composition of the enemy team is. A good place to start would be to climb to a high altitude (roughly 5,000 m) if you believe that the enemy team will only have jets equipped with pulse-signal missiles based on the battle rating of the match and the nations you are up against. Once at altitude, you can use your AIM-9C missiles to engage any other high altitude enemies you find head-on. As the AIM-9C is a rare weapon (only used on the F-8E), most people are not aware of its capabilities and are not expecting to receive a front-aspect missile. This allows you to pick up a couple of easy kills from safely outside the range of enemy cannon fire. If there are no more enemy aircraft to engage at high altitude, you can use your speed and altitude to dive down upon lower altitude enemy aircraft for gun/missile attacks. After completing your attack, you can either use your energy to go back to high altitude and prepare for another attack or use the F-8E's great manoeuvrability to stay at lower altitudes to engage in dogfights with enemy aircraft.

If you judge the enemy team to likely have jets equipped with CW signal missiles, then going to high altitude is very risky; in this case it is better to fly at a lower altitude, probably no more than 2,000 m. This gives you a little bit of altitude to play with and puts you in a position where you can potentially use your AIM-9C missiles against targets above you, while being somewhat protected against enemy CW missiles (aircraft with pulse-Doppler radars will still be able to hit you though, so stay vigilant and be prepared to dive or notch). At low altitude you can use the F-8Es great manoeuvrability and powerful armament to win out against many enemies in a dogfight, though you must always keep an eye out for enemy missiles.

The flight performance of the {{PAGENAME}} is similar enough to the preceding [[F8U-2]] that similar tactics should apply in a dogfight. The F-8E's instantaneous turn isn't the best, but it has great energy retention and sustained turn rate. Avoid scissors or any turn radius fight as the {{PAGENAME}}'s energy retention ability in this case will put the plane at a disadvantage because in a scissors, you will bleed less speed than the enemy and will end up in front of their guns. The plane's low-speed maneouvrability also isn't a strong point, so avoid using the air brakes to bleed speed. Rate fighting makes the most of the {{PAGENAME}}'s ability as in these extended, longer-lasting dogfights, the F-8E's superior energy retention will see that it 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 until they won't be able to keep up in a sustained turn. The {{PAGENAME}} 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 outrate 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.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry four useful air-to-air missiles
** AIM-9C air-to-air missiles are radar guided and can be launched in head-ons to surprise opponents
** AIM-9D air-to-air missiles have above average range (around 3 km)
* Equipped with a RWR (AN/APR-27)
** Provides E, G, I band identification
** Has a maximum range of 50 km
* Landing flaps activate its variable-incidence wings, which provides a lot of lift
* Very good sustained turn rate
* Good acceleration and climb rate
* Has an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) sensor which assists in locating targets by finding their heat signatures
* Has a variety of suspended air-to-ground ordnance

'''Cons:'''

* Fragile wings which can easily rip at high speeds and in high-G turns
* Very likely to set on fire because of the fuel tank placement
* Below average low level top speed compared to other supersonic competitors; can barely break Mach 1 at low altitude
* Lacks a ballistic computer, which greatly limits its ground attack potential

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-8e Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|tQhEl042QE8|'''The Shooting Range #275''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== 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://www.avialogs.com/aircraft-v/vought/item/5195-f-8e-crusader-standard-aircraft-characteristics-1-july-1967 Standard Aircraft Characteristics of the F-8E]

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

F-8E

2023-09-28T01:29:34Z

U126556775: New description format, edits.

{{Specs-Card
|code=f-8e
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The United States Navy showed clear interest in expanding the capabilities of the Crusader series of aircraft as quickly as possible to expand its role in maritime operations and offer primitive close-air support capabilities. This led to the development of the F8U-2NE (later renamed the F-8E), which featured a larger nose cone, new AN/APQ-94 fire control radar, detachable pylons, a more reliable J57-P-20 engine, and guidance equipment for the AGM-12 Bullpup missiles. The first prototype, F8U-1 No. 143710, was flown on June 30, 1961, and the aircraft was quickly approved for use by the Navy. During the Vietnam War, the Marine Corps made extensive use of the F-8E, with squadrons like VMFA-235 considered to be among the best at using the aircraft in combat.

The F-8E Crusader was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]] as the second Crusader variant in the American tech tree. Compared to the preceding [[F8U-2]], it has largely the same flight performance but improved ordnance options. The infrared-guided AIM-9D Sidewinder returns as a good option for dogfights and sneak attacks, but it can now utilize the radar-guided AIM-9C, which may be useful during head-on engagements. The ground attack options are vastly superior because of the addition of wing pylons. While the F8U-2 was limited to cheek-mounted Zuni rockets and its internal FFAR rocket tray, the F-8E can carry a decent bombload and AGM-12 Bullpup air-to-ground missiles, making it more capable as a multirole fighter. The F-8E can really be considered "The Last Gunfighter" in War Thunder because the succeeding [[F-4J Phantom II|F-4J Phantom]] is a very different aircraft to cap off the US naval jet line: a heavy twin-engine fighter lacking an internal gun and relying on powerful long-range missiles.

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


The F-8E, as a development of the previous [[F8U-2]], will feel very similar to the pilot in command. The Crusader is a highly agile aircraft, capable of dogfighting most enemy aircraft at its rank, blending initial pull with surprising energy retention. This allows the F-8E to pull inside enemy aircraft without bleeding massive amounts of speed like the delta wing aircraft at this rank are prone to doing. The wings have been strengthened to allow for this, so pilots should feel free to perform harsher manoeuvres than while flying the previous F8U-2, albeit the F-8E will still rip in some extreme turns. The engine has been upgraded as well, the extra 560 kgf making up for the slight additional weight of the wings and increasing the climb rate and speed of the aircraft. The F-8E is particularly strong at lower speeds, where the extra engine thrust allows it to sustain turns and accelerate quicker, and it also inherits the unique landing flaps of the Crusader: the wing detaching from the fuselage and angling upwards. This gives large amounts of extra lift, giving the F-8E a sharp advantage at very low speeds, although the plane will "wallow" in the air from the extra lift, and has a difficult time dropping the nose in this flap configuration.

That manoeuvrability and energy retention comes at a cost though, and that is speed. The F-8E is slow for its rank, and struggles to break past mach 1 at sea level. With missiles loaded, it will top out at exactly mach 1, and with any other ordnance loaded it is unable at sea level. At higher altitudes the F-8E is able of exceeding the speed of sound, though not by much and once past mach 1 the acceleration drops dramatically. The plane also compresses around mach .98, so pilots should be wary when diving on targets, as the aircraft may compress and be unable to pull as hard as the pilot may be accustomed to. The rudder on this aircraft is also something to be aware of. The rudder on this aircraft does not work like those on other aircraft, meaning that during a roll or pulling with mouse aim can cause the nose to swing wildly. This is especially a problem at sea level at high speeds, where the rudder will shake the nose around to a great extent. Also, the rudder during rolls throws the nose around unlike other aircraft, meaning it can be hard to get close shots with the gun but can be used for high speed snapshots.

{| 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
| 2,094 || 2,087 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.4 || 30.6 || 108.5 || 98.1 || rowspan="2" | 1,828
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,132 || 2,110 || 28.6 || 29.0 || 158.0 || 131.4
|-
|}

==== 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" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,555  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,070 || N/A || 583 || ~10 || ~4
|-
|}

{| 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-20 || 1
| colspan="3" | 8,953 kg || colspan="3" | 376 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 52m fuel
|-
| 1,592 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 10,200 kg || 10,550 kg || 11,348 kg || 12,545 kg || 13,109 kg || 15,468 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
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 52m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,562 kgf || 8,520 kgf
| 0.84 || 0.81 || 0.75 || 0.68 || 0.65 || 0.55
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,804 kgf (1,000 km/h) || 9,543 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.94 || 0.91 || 0.84 || 0.76 || 0.73 || 0.62
|-
|}

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

Like the earlier [[F8U-2]] (F-8C), the only armour on the F-8E is 25 mm of bulletproof glass on the front windscreen. Most of the central fuselage and wing is filled with large fuel tanks which makes gunfire from above or behind likely to cause fuel leaks and fires. Near enough the entire rear fuselage is taken up by the engine, making engine damage likely from rear attacks. Despite these drawbacks, the F-8E is still more durable than some jets and can often make it back to base with light to moderate damage.

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

As with most high tier jets, the first modification you want to pick up will be the flares/chaff in order to let you effectively counter enemy missiles. From there you want to progress though the missile upgrades as fast as possible, taking your pick of flight performance upgrades in order to unlock each tier (you could also use the ordnance upgrades to unlock each modification tier, but as the F-8E is primarily a fighter flight performance is usually the best pick). Once you have all missiles unlocked your focus will probably be on the remaining flight performance upgrades, although the cannons upgrades are certainly useful if you enjoy gun fighting.

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

{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, nose-mounted (144 rpg = 576 total)
** 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons + 60 x countermeasures

The offensive armament of the F-8E consists of 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 autocannons, grouped into 2 selectable groups. The guns replaced the 20 mm M3 commonly used from the end of WW2 until the Korean war, and has a quick fire rate of 1,000 rpm, outputting 7.30 kg of shells per second towards the enemy. With 144 rounds per gun, this gives pilots of the F-8E 8.64 seconds of trigger time. If ammo capacity is a concern, pilots can select one group of 20 mm to fire at a time, doubling their trigger time. The guns do reliable damage and have a good velocity of 1,012 m/s, only slightly less than the [[M61 (20 mm)|20 mm M61]] found on later jets. This makes getting reliable gun kills easy for pilots.

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="11%" | 1 !! width="11%" | 2 !! width="11%" | 3 !! width="11%" | 4
| rowspan="15" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
| 3, 6 || || || 3, 6
|-
! [[Mk 81 Snakeye (250 lb)|250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye]] bombs
| 3, 6 || || || 3, 6
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| 3, 4 || || || 3, 4
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| 3, 4 || || || 3, 4
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| 1, 2 || || || 1, 2
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 Air (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air]] bombs
| 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| 7, 19, 38 || || || 7, 19, 38
|-
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
| 4, 8 || 2*, 4 || 2*, 4 || 4, 8
|-
! [[AGM-12B Bullpup]] missiles
| 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missiles
| || 1*, 2 || 1*, 2 ||
|-
! [[AIM-9C Sidewinder]] missiles
| || 1*, 2 || 1*, 2 ||
|-
! [[AIM-9D Sidewinder]] missiles
| || 1*, 2 || 1*, 2 ||
|-
| colspan="6" | * 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
* 2 x AIM-9C Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9C Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 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 + 2 x AIM-9C Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 12 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 8 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 8 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 2 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

The F-8E has a much more extensive selection of multirole weaponry when compared to the preceding [[F8U-2]], although it is still intended for use mainly as an air supremacy aircraft.

Beginning with the unguided rockets, it gets access to both FFAR Mighty Mouse and Zuni Mk32 rockets. The Mighty Mouse is a small rocket, weighing only 8 kg and with only 290 mm penetration, but it makes up for this in quantity. The F-8E can carry 4 x pods of 19 rockets each, 2 mounted under each wing pylon, for a total of 76 rockets. As for the Zuni rockets, these are much larger at 56 kg and have 457 mm penetration, much more suited for taking out heavier targets. The placement is rather unique however. 4 can be mounted stock, 2 on each side of the fuselage behind the cockpit; however this is not recommended as it takes up the missile rails and greatly limits the anti-air capability of the plane. Once the modification is researched, it gains access to 16 more, mounted in 2 pods of 4 each under the wing pylons.

The F-8E also gains access to unguided bombs: 250 lb, 500 lb, 1,000 lb, 2,000 lb and of course the Mk 77 incendiary bomb. These are all mounted on the wing pylons, and pilots are recommended to use 500 lb or greater bombs if attacking enemy armour. The incendiary bombs work well against open topped vehicles, so these should be used if attacking large groups of open topped vehicles. They can also be used to shield allies from sight or deny a crucial area from open-topped vehicles while the napalm continues to burn.

The last anti-surface weapon is the AGM-12B Bullpup. This is the only guided air-to-ground munition the F-8E can carry, albeit it is manually guided, unlike later weapons like the later [[AGM-65A|Maverick]] missiles. These will take some practice for pilots to get accustomed to aiming, but with 8 km range these are the recommended option for use in ground battles against the long range AA common at this rank. Pilots are recommended to turn off "Relative Control' in the controls for the weapon, as with this setting on the missile will continue pulling in the same direction as the last input until another correction is given.

Now for anti-aircraft missiles, the original purpose of the F-8E. It gains access to three types: the AIM-9B, AIM-9C, and AIM-9D missiles.

The AIM-9B is the most basic missile that planes of this rank get. It is an IR missile with a caged seekerhead, limited range, and only 10Gs of pull. This is one of the two missiles pilots will get with an un-upgraded aircraft. It does not pull very well and is recommended for use against slow or unaware targets, although it can also be used to force enemy pilots to go evasive to allow the F-8E time to close to gun range.

The AIM-9C is a basic {{Annotation|SARH|Semi-Active Radar-Homing}} missile, and the other stock option for the F-8E: it has very similar flight performance to the AIM-9D IR missile also found on this aircraft, with good range, 18Gs of pull, however it does have an uncaged seekerhead and since it is a radar missile, is all-aspect. This missile works well, only limited by the radar set which is rather prone to ground clutter. Pilots are recommended to only use the missile at high altitude, or while below the enemy aircraft. Also, pilots should be aware that this missile uses "pulse" guidance; this means that unlike more advanced radar missiles like the [[AIM-7 Sparrow (Family)|AIM-7 Sparrow]], any amount of chaff from the enemy will immediately decoy it. It is recommended to use this missile against planes without countermeasures or enemy pilots which choose to not equip chaff, as it is more difficult to kinematically dodge the missile without the use of chaff.

The final missile the F-8E gains access to is the AIM-9D. As an IR version of the AIM-9C, this missile features a caged seekerhead like the previously available AIM-9B, so pilots may find it slightly difficult to fire the missile at a manoeuvring target, but once off the rails the missile performs admirably and is one of the better IR missiles at its rank. It is recommended to run 2 of the AIM-9D along with 2 of the AIM-9C if the pilot wishes to engage both with radar and IR missiles, or just the AIM-9D if the pilot prefers no warning to enemy pilots.

== Usage in battles ==

If you intend to play at a high altitude, it is advised to take mixed countermeasures prior to spawning in. This enables you to chaff any pulse-signal missile, such as the [[Matra Super 530F]] and [[R-3R]].

The way you start a battle in the F-8E will depend on what you think the likely composition of the enemy team is. A good place to start would be to climb to a high altitude (roughly 5,000 m) if you believe that the enemy team will only have jets equipped with pulse-signal missiles based on the battle rating of the match and the nations you are up against. Once at altitude, you can use your AIM-9C missiles to engage any other high altitude enemies you find head-on. As the AIM-9C is a rare weapon (only used on the F-8E), most people are not aware of its capabilities and are not expecting to receive a front-aspect missile. This allows you to pick up a couple of easy kills from safely outside the range of enemy cannon fire. If there are no more enemy aircraft to engage at high altitude, you can use your speed and altitude to dive down upon lower altitude enemy aircraft for gun/missile attacks. After completing your attack, you can either use your energy to go back to high altitude and prepare for another attack or use the F-8E's great manoeuvrability to stay at lower altitudes to engage in dogfights with enemy aircraft.

If you judge the enemy team to likely have jets equipped with CW signal missiles, then going to high altitude is very risky; in this case it is better to fly at a lower altitude, probably no more than 2,000 m. This gives you a little bit of altitude to play with and puts you in a position where you can potentially use your AIM-9C missiles against targets above you, while being somewhat protected against enemy CW missiles (aircraft with pulse-Doppler radars will still be able to hit you though, so stay vigilant and be prepared to dive or notch). At low altitude you can use the F-8Es great manoeuvrability and powerful armament to win out against many enemies in a dogfight, though you must always keep an eye out for enemy missiles.

The flight performance of the {{PAGENAME}} is similar enough to the preceding [[F8U-2]] that similar tactics should apply in a dogfight. The F-8E's instantaneous turn isn't the best, but it has great energy retention and sustained turn rate. Avoid scissors or any turn radius fight as the {{PAGENAME}}'s energy retention ability in this case will put the plane at a disadvantage because in a scissors, you will bleed less speed than the enemy and will end up in front of their guns. The plane's low-speed maneouvrability also isn't a strong point, so avoid using the air brakes to bleed speed. Rate fighting makes the most of the {{PAGENAME}}'s ability as in these extended, longer-lasting dogfights, the F-8E's superior energy retention will see that it 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 until they won't be able to keep up in a sustained turn. The {{PAGENAME}} 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 outrate 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.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry four useful air-to-air missiles
** AIM-9C air-to-air missiles are radar guided and can be launched in head-ons to surprise opponents
** AIM-9D air-to-air missiles have above average range (around 3 km)
* Equipped with a RWR (AN/APR-27)
** Provides E, G, I band identification
** Has a maximum range of 50 km
* Landing flaps activate its variable-incidence wings, which provides a lot of lift
* Very good sustained turn rate
* Good acceleration and climb rate
* Has an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) sensor which assists in locating targets by finding their heat signatures
* Has a variety of suspended air-to-ground ordnance

'''Cons:'''

* Fragile wings which can easily rip at high speeds and in high-G turns
* Very likely to set on fire because of the fuel tank placement
* Below average low level top speed compared to other supersonic competitors; can barely break Mach 1 at low altitude
* Lacks a ballistic computer, which greatly limits its ground attack potential

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-8e Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|tQhEl042QE8|'''The Shooting Range #275''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== 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://www.avialogs.com/aircraft-v/vought/item/5195-f-8e-crusader-standard-aircraft-characteristics-1-july-1967 Standard Aircraft Characteristics of the F-8E]

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

Super Etendard

2023-09-24T08:25:08Z

U126556775: Default weapon presets

{{Specs-Card
|code=super_etendard_97
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]].

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

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ 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
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _ 
|-
|}

{| 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}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

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

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
|-
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

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

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

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

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

{{main|DEFA 553 (30 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 553 cannons, belly-mounted (125 rpg = 250 total)

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

''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
* 180 x countermeasures
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
* 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 16 x TBA Multi-Dart 100 AB rockets
* 16 x TBA ECC rockets
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 6 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 6 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 6 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 6 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 6 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 200 bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 6 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (2,400 kg total)
* 6 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 200 bombs (2,400 kg total)
* 1 x ATLIS II targeting pod + 4 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (1,108 kg total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''
*

'''Cons:'''
*

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

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

== 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 ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{AirManufacturer Dassault}}
{{France jet aircraft}}

AGM-65D

2023-09-24T08:08:50Z

U126556775: Added aircraft

{{About
| about = American air-to-ground missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| and
| usage = other versions
| link-1 = AGM-65A
| link-2 = AGM-65B
}}
== Description ==

The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is an American IR-guided air-to-ground missile. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_10a_late}}
* {{Specs-Link|harrier_gr7}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4e_kurnass_2000}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_16c_block_50}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 227 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR
|-
| '''Lock range''' || 20 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 23 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 0.9 M
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 105 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 51.19 kg TNTeq
|-
| '''Warhead type''' || HEAT
|-
| '''Armour penetration''' || 830 mm
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of missile (high explosive, splash damage, etc.)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of missiles that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe situations when you would utilise this missile in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

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

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[AGM-65A]]
* [[AGM-65B]]

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

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

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

Hydra-70 M247

2023-09-24T08:08:47Z

U126556775: Added aircraft

== Description ==
[[File:WeaponImage Hydra-70 M247.png|thumb|left|420px|The Hydra-70 M247 rocket with fins folded and deployed (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104j}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16c_block_50}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}{{Specs-Link|a_10a_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_10a_late}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Attack helicopters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|A129}}{{Specs-Link|a_129_a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_129_cbt}}
{{Navigation-Line|AH-1}}{{Specs-Link|ah_1f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ah_1f_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ah_1z}}
{{Navigation-Line|AH-6}}{{Specs-Link|ah_6m}}
{{Navigation-Line|AH-64}}{{Specs-Link|yah_64}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ah_64a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ah_64a_greece_usa}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ah_64a_peten}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ah_64a_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ah_64a_peten_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ah_64d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ah_64d_japan}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ah_64d_i_saraph}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ahs}}
{{Navigation-Line|MD500}}{{Specs-Link|md_500_tow_late}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Utility helicopters'''}}{{Specs-Link|g_lynx}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|lynx_ah_mk1}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''SPAA'''}}{{Specs-Link|us_lav_ad}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Rocket characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 10 kg
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 739 m/s
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 1.19 kg TNTeq
|-
| '''Warhead type''' || HEAT
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of rocket (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of rockets that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe situations when you would utilise this rocket in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''

'''Pros:'''
*

'''Cons:'''
*

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

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

== 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 article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Rockets}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

FFAR Mighty Mouse

2023-09-24T08:08:45Z

U126556775: Added aircraft

== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage FFAR Mighty Mouse.png|thumb|left|420px|The FFAR Mighty Mouse rocket (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' or Mk 4 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket is a 2.75 inches (70 mm) diameter unguided rocket utilised by military aircraft. This rocket was primarily developed for interceptor aircraft which would utilise them for shooting down enemy bombers which proved difficult to shoot down with guns and cannons at the speeds at which they were travelling. While initially developed for air-to-air combat, the FFAR was found to be very effective when utilised in air-to-surface operations.

Unlike traditional missiles with fixed fins, the FFAR's fins were in a folded position when loaded in a launch tube. Upon the missile being launched and departed the launch tube, the folding fins would flip out into place to help stabilise the spin-rate of the rocket. While a single rocket could by itself bring down a bomber, due to it being unguided, accuracy was not on the side of the attacking pilot. To compensate for the inaccuracy of the rockets, they were usually launched in volleys to increase chances of hitting the target.

By the late 1950s, rockets had largely been removed from air-to-air service and were being fitted to helicopters for an air-to-ground role. For helicopters, a volley of rockets was found to be just as effective as a cannon, however, the rockets were lighter and did not cause recoil that the cannons produced.

The FFAR was given the nickname "Mighty Mouse" after the famous cartoon character of the time which featured a mouse with superpowers and the ability to fly and was known to sing a famous line "Here I come to save the day!" when he flew into action.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|F3H}}{{Specs-Link|f3h-2}}
{{Navigation-Line|F4D}}{{Specs-Link|f4d_1}}
{{Navigation-Line|F11F}}{{Specs-Link|f11f_1_late}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-1}}{{Specs-Link|t2_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|t2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f1}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-4}}{{Specs-Link|f-4c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4ej}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4ej_adtw}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4ej_kai}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f_late}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4j}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4s}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_kurnass_2000}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-5}}{{Specs-Link|f-5a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5a_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e_aidc}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-8}}{{Specs-Link|f8u-2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-8e}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-16}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16aj}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16c_block_50}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10_iaf}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-89}}{{Specs-Link|f-89d}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-100}}{{Specs-Link|f-100d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-100d_france}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-104}}{{Specs-Link|f-104c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_asa}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_cb}}
{{Navigation-Line|G.91}}{{Specs-Link|fiat_g91_ps}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fiat_g91_r1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fiat_g91_r4}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fiat_g91_r4_german}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fiat_g91_y}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fiat_g91_ys}}
{{Navigation-Line|Kfir}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_c2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_c7}}
{{Navigation-Line|MD.460}}{{Specs-Link|md_460_saar}}
{{Navigation-Line|Nesher}}{{Specs-Link|nesher}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-1H}}{{Specs-Link|douglas_a_1h}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-4}}{{Specs-Link|a_4b}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_early_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_late_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4h}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4n}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-6}}{{Specs-Link|a_6e_tram}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-7}}{{Specs-Link|a_7d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7k}}
{{Navigation-Line|AD-4}}{{Specs-Link|douglas_ad_4}}
{{Navigation-Line|AV-8}}{{Specs-Link|av_8a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|av_8c}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-84}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_germany}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_france}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_israel_iaf}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-105}}{{Specs-Link|f-105d}}
{{Navigation-Line|FJ-4}}{{Specs-Link|fj_4b}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fj_4b_agm_12b}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Attack helicopters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-129}}{{Specs-Link|a_129_cbt}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_129_a}}
{{Navigation-Line|AH-1}}{{Specs-Link|ah_1g}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ah_1g_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ah_1q_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ah_1s_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ah_1s_late}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ah_1s}}
{{Navigation-Line|EC-665}}{{Specs-Link|tiger_uht}}
{{Navigation-Line|H-34}}{{Specs-Link|h_34}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Utility helicopters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|A.109}}{{Specs-Link|a_109_eoa2}}
{{Navigation-Line|BO 105}}{{Specs-Link|bo_105cb2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bo_105pah1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bo_105pah1_a1}}
{{Navigation-Line|SA.341}}{{Specs-Link|sa_341f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|sa_342m}}
{{Navigation-Line|UH-1}}{{Specs-Link|uh_1b}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|uh_1b_japan}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|uh_1c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|uh_1c_xm_30}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|uh_1d}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==

[[File:UH-1B_mightymouse.jpg|350px|thumb|right|A side view of a [[UH-1B]] with a side mounted {{PAGENAME}} rocket launcher.]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Rocket characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 8 kg
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 701 m/s
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 1.17 kg TNTeq
|-
| '''Warhead type''' || HEAT
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===

The {{PAGENAME}} is a straight forward unguided high-explosive rocket which can be configured for either a contact fuse, timed fuse or an automatic detonation fuse once the rocket propellent has run out. If the rocket explodes within close proximity of a target aircraft or vehicle, it will still cause splash damage and still potentially disable or destroy the target.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of rockets that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==

Due to the size and inaccurate nature of the {{PAGENAME}}, this rocket is best used against slower moving targets like bombers, hovering helicopters, aircraft parked on a runway and other lightly armoured targets. When attacking bombers, it may be necessary to fire off the entire volley of rockets in one shot to increase the chance of hitting the target. For aircraft parked on the runway, helicopters or other lightly armoured targets it may only be necessary to fire off several rockets to ensure a hit, but not the entire volley. Several rocket attacks may be required due to the inaccurate nature of these rockets.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:Mighty_Mouse_Cartoon_Image.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The {{PAGENAME}} was nicknamed after the fictional cartoon character Mighty Mouse.]]

'''Pros:'''

* Enough explosive value to take out a bomber
* Lightweight

'''Cons:'''

* Extremely inaccurate, requires many to increase chances of hitting a target

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
File:2.75_inch_FFAR_sideview.png
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|yP7Oxx8AY2c|'''Mk 4 Mighty Mouse Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket (FFAR)''' - ''jaglavaksoldier''}}

== 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 article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [http://bulletpicker.com/pdf/TM%209-1950,%20Rockets%20(1958).pdf <nowiki>[Bullet Picker]</nowiki> TM9-1950 - Rockets, Department of the US Army, 1958, p. 74]

{{Rockets}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

BLU-27/B incendiary

2023-09-24T08:08:44Z

U126556775: Added aircraft

== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-4}}{{Specs-Link|f-4c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f_late}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_kurnass_2000}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-16}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16c_block_50}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10_iaf}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-100}}{{Specs-Link|f-100d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-100d_france}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}{{Specs-Link|a_4n}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-105d}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-7}}{{Specs-Link|a_7d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7k}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Jet bombers'''}}{{Specs-Link|b-57b}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 401.4 kg
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 358.3 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Napalm-B
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of incendiary bomb (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of incendiary bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe situations when you would utilise this incendiary bomb in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''

'''Pros:'''
*

'''Cons:'''
*

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

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

== 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 article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Incendiary bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

GBU-10 Paveway II (957 kg)

2023-09-24T08:04:57Z

U126556775: Added aircraft

== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_6e_tram}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4e_kurnass_2000}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_14b}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_16d_block_40_barak_2}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 957 kg (2109.8 lbs)
|-
| '''Guidance''' || Laser
|-
| '''Guidance time''' || 60 s
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 428.7 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Comp. H6
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 578.75 kg
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of bomb (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe situations when you would utilise this bomb in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''

'''Pros:'''
*

'''Cons:'''
*

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

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

== 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 article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Guided bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

GBU-16 Paveway II (1,092 lb)

2023-09-24T08:04:54Z

U126556775: Added aircraft

GBU-12 Paveway II (277 kg)

2023-09-24T08:04:51Z

U126556775: Added aircraft

== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_6e_tram}}
* {{Specs-Link|harrier_gr7}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4e_kurnass_2000}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_14b}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_2000d_r1}}
* {{Specs-Link|mirage_2000_5f}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_16c_block_50}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_16d_block_40_barak_2}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 277 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || Laser
|-
| '''Guidance time''' || 60 s
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 87.1 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Composition H6
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 117.59 kg
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of bomb (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe situations when you would utilise this bomb in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==
{{Youtube
| url = https://youtu.be/tphHsFuzJwg
}}

In this video, Phly Daily utilizes the GBU-12 Paveway II on the A-6E TRAM, showing its effectiveness.

== 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 article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{Guided bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)

2023-09-24T08:02:00Z

U126556775: Added aircraft

{{DISPLAYTITLE:2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb}}
== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''
[[File:LDGP Mk 84.png|left|thumb]]
{{break}}

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|F3H}}{{Specs-Link|f3h-2}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-4}}{{Specs-Link|f-4c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f_late}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_kurnass_2000}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-5}}{{Specs-Link|f-5a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5a_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e_aidc}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-8}}{{Specs-Link|f-8e}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-14}}{{Specs-Link|f_14a_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_14b}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-16}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_20_mlu}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16aj}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16c_block_50}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16d_block_40_barak_2}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-104}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_asa}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_cb}}
{{Navigation-Line|Kfir}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_c2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_c7}}
{{Navigation-Line|Nesher}}{{Specs-Link|nesher}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-1H}}{{Specs-Link|douglas_a_1h}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-4}}{{Specs-Link|a_4b}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_early_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_late_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4h}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4n}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-6}}{{Specs-Link|a_6e_tram}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-7}}{{Specs-Link|a_7d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7k}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-10}}{{Specs-Link|a_10a_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_10a_late}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-84}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_germany}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_france}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_israel_iaf}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-105}}{{Specs-Link|f-105d}}
{{Navigation-Line|FJ-4}}{{Specs-Link|fj_4b}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fj_4b_agm_12b}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 893.6 kg (1,970 lbs)
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 428.6 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Comp. H6
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 578.61 kg
|-
| '''HE max penetration''' || 117 mm
|-
| '''Armour destruction radius''' || 17 m
|-
| '''Fragment dispersion radius''' || 205 m
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of bomb (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===

[[File:LDGP Bombs.png|left|thumb|Comparison to other LDGP (low drag general purpose) bombs]]
{{break}}

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe situations when you would utilise this bomb in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Largest of the Mk.80 series of bombs, capable of destroying vehicles within 21 metres of its detonation

'''Cons:'''

* Weight of the bomb can significantly debilitate aircraft performance

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

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

== 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 article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)

2023-09-24T08:01:57Z

U126556775: Added aircraft

{{DISPLAYTITLE:1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb}}
== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''
[[File:LDGP Mk 83.png|left|thumb]]
{{Break}}

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|F3H}}{{Specs-Link|f3h-2}}
{{Navigation-Line|F9F}}{{Specs-Link|f9f-8}}
{{Navigation-Line|F11F}}{{Specs-Link|f11f_1_late}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-4}}{{Specs-Link|f-4c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f_late}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4j}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4s}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_kurnass_2000}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-5}}{{Specs-Link|f-5a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5a_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e_aidc}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-8}}{{Specs-Link|f-8e}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-14}}{{Specs-Link|f_14a_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_14b}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-16}}{{Specs-Link|f_16d_block_40_barak_2}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-100}}{{Specs-Link|f-100d}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-104}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_cb}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_asa}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_cb}}
{{Navigation-Line|G.91}}{{Specs-Link|fiat_g91_y}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fiat_g91_ys}}
{{Navigation-Line|Kfir}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_canard}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_c2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_c7}}
{{Navigation-Line|Nesher}}{{Specs-Link|nesher}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-1}}{{Specs-Link|douglas_a_1h}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-4}}{{Specs-Link|a_4b}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_late_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4n}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-6}}{{Specs-Link|a_6e_tram}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-7}}{{Specs-Link|a_7d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7k}}
{{Navigation-Line|AV-8}}{{Specs-Link|av_8a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|av_8c}}
{{Navigation-Line|Etendard}}{{Specs-Link|etndard_4m}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-84}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_germany}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_france}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_israel_iaf}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-105}}{{Specs-Link|f-105d}}
{{Navigation-Line|FJ-4}}{{Specs-Link|fj_4b}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fj_4b_agm_12b}}
{{Navigation-Line|SAAB-105}}{{Specs-Link|saab_105g}}
{{Navigation-Line|Tornado}}{{Specs-Link|tornado_gr1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|tornado_ids_de_mfg}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|tornado_ids_de_assta1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|tornado_ids_it_mod95}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 446.8 kg (985 lbs)
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 201.8 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Comp. H6
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 272.43 kg
|-
| '''HE max penetration''' || 94 mm
|-
| '''Armour destruction radius''' || 11 m
|-
| '''Fragment dispersion radius''' || 145 m
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of bomb (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===

[[File:LDGP Bombs.png|left|thumb|Comparison to other LDGP (low drag general purpose) Bombs]]
{{break}}

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe situations when you would utilise this bomb in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==

Early in aviation history, applications for aircraft to serve in a military capacity surfaced, not only with the intent to scout a battlefield from an aerial vantage point but for the possibility to drop explosive bombs too. Due to the frail nature of the early wood-frame and cloth covered aircraft, lifting capacity resulted in the ability to only carry small bombs. Effectively these early bombers were hailed as aerial artillery fire which could reach targets hundreds of miles further than the most powerful land-based cannons of the time. Prior to the war, contests abounded where pilots would drop oranges or flour sacks upon predesignated targets to see who could hit closes to the centre.

Italian aviators were the first to use bombs in a warfare capacity in 1912 during their campaign of Tripoli. These first bombs were conversions of existing cannon ammunition and were effective only against personnel as they did not provide a strong enough provision to damage hardened equipment or structures. As lifting capacity of aircraft increased, so did the ability for them to carry more and larger explosives.

For the United States, bomb design did not become a priority until the middle of 1917 when a French official came to the U.S. with several samples of the Gros Andreau bombs which the French were using in large quantities at that time. Immediately these bombs were accepted by the U.S. and used as a standard in developing the first three sizes to be implemented in the military. These three bombs were known as the early "Mark" series, 25 lb Mk.I demolition bomb, 50 lb Mk.I demolition bomb and the 100 lb Mk.I demolition bomb. By December 1917, only six months later, the military put forth requirements for the development of bombs larger than the existing 100 lb bomb. After two more months of development, production of demolition bombs up to 1,000 lbs was started. Rejected 3-inch artillery rounds were the basis for early 25 lb bombs which were modified into a streamlined shape, very similar to the British Cooper bombs of the time. Larger bombs were manufactured and filled with explosive filler, all of which were placed into a streamlined body, of which a cylindrical shape was the most advantageous.

Early on, the Mark series of bombs proved to be largely unsatisfactory in a number of different areas. The bomb body itself was weak due to the sheet metal it was made from and the number of welds needed to join the pieces together. The stabilizing fins were made of flimsy metal which tended to distort during both the handling and flight of the bomb, adversely affecting accuracy. For the field technicians, inserting the fuse was a complicated process which required removing the stabilizing fin structure potentially damaging the fins. The fuses tended to have a high fail rate and due to their design, they would instantly arm after release from the aircraft posing a direct to the delivery aircraft. Later modifications would eliminate many of the negative factors to include adding a nose fuse, time delaying arming of the fuse, strengthening of the stabilizing fins and adding primer detonators to ensure proper explosive train sequences. Other changes including streamlining all bomb bodies and utilising 100% T.N.T. as an explosive filler resulted in the newer "Modified Mark" series of Army bombs.

Prior to World War II, the military determined that the Modified Mark series of bombs were obsolete requiring newer and up-to-date bombs to be developed. Both the U.S. Army and Navy began development of their own series of bombs, the Army with the "M" series and the Navy with their "Mk" series. Both similar, these bombs were designed with parallel sides, an ogival nose and a boat tail which is a box type-tail reinforced to prevent warping and aid with accurate drops. Due to the shortage of T.N.T., the Army filled their bombs with 50/50 Amatol with T.N.T. ends to seal in the Amatol and protect it from moisture. The Navy, on the other hand, continued to manufacture their bombs with 100% T.N.T.

With the approach of World War II, the U.S. Army (including the Army Air Corps) and the Navy standardized their series of bombs allowing for interchanging between services, consolidating manufacturing capabilities and allowing for modifications which enabled British service aircraft to mount these bombs too. Even after the standardization of bombs in 1941, the standardization process went through a few phases of further refinement, the first of which changed all high-explosive bombs to be termed general purpose (G.P.) or general purpose high-explosive (G.P.H.E). Later the designation of demolition bomb would come back for a few specific bombs.

When bombs are dropped, there is always a chance that something in the explosive train of the bomb will fail and it will not explode. Early AN style bombs were defusable in the event they did not explode on contact, meaning that any unexploded AN bomb could have the fuses and boosters removed without the bomb exploding, rendering it inert. To counter this and allow for the potential "dud" bomb to explode when tampered with, the AN G.P.H.E. series bombs with the modification "A1" annotated that these bombs now had special pins mounted in the bomb's baseplate which fused with the explosive filler making it impossible to remove the booster without causing the bomb to detonate. Other modifications later added would include minor changes to the bomb body or the type of explosive filling used. During this time a second option for bomb tails was added, the box-type tail was already the mainstay of the bombs, however, to create a more aerodynamic bomb a conical tail assembly was added. This stretched out low profile tail improved the aerodynamics of the carrying aircraft, allowing it to carry more ordnance.

Progressing towards the Korean and Vietnam wars, piston-driven aircraft were giving way to jet fighters, bombers and attackers, many of which carried their ordnance on external pylons hung under the wing or underbelly. The new Mk 80 series bombs (Mk 81, 82, 83 and 84) were developed to keep external hung ordnance from creating too much drag on the delivery aircraft. Initially, the Mk 81 250 lb bombs were considered ineffective for their size or required a large amount to be effective and were removed from the munitions inventory. All-weather fighters and attackers were now being outfitted with the Mk series bombs and a new problem developed when it came to low-altitude attacks (typically coming in under low cloud cover) where the aircraft would deploy its ordnance which would hit the ground and explode catching the delivery aircraft in either the explosive blast or the shock-wave from the blast.

Modifications were developed to slow down or retard the flight of bombs, allowing for the delivery aircraft to depart out of the blast zone before they hit and detonated. Several options became available which allowed these bombs to remain aerodynamic low-drag while en-route to the target, but when deployed converted to high-drag, slower falling bombs. One option was to attach four bladed plates to the rear of the bomb so that when the bomb deployed, these plates would pop out and create high-drag to slow the fall. Another option was to use a ballute which was basically an airbag which deployed from the rear of the bomb that acted like a drogue chute, effectively causing high-drag. Later during the fighting in Iraq, the US military brought back the 250 lb Mk 81 bombs due to their ability to be used when deploying against a specific target and to help minimize collateral damage.

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

== See also ==


* [[US Bombs General Information]]

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

M117 cone 45 (750 lb)

2023-09-24T08:01:54Z

U126556775: Added aircraft

{{DISPLAYTITLE:750 lb M117 cone 45 bomb}}
{{About
| about = American '''{{PAGENAME}}''' bomb
| usage = other versions
| link = M117 (Family)
}}

== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''

[[File:M117 cone 45.png|left|thumb]]
{{Break}}

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-1}}{{Specs-Link|t2_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|t2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f1}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-4}}{{Specs-Link|f-4c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4ej}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4ej_adtw}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4ej_kai}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f_late}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4j}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4s}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_kurnass_2000}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-5}}{{Specs-Link|f-5a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5a_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e_aidc}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-16}}{{Specs-Link|f_16d_block_40_barak_2}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-100}}{{Specs-Link|f-100a_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-100d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-100d_france}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-104}}{{Specs-Link|f-104c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_asa}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_cb}}
{{Navigation-Line|Kfir}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_c2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_c7}}
{{Navigation-Line|Nesher}}{{Specs-Link|nesher}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-1H}}{{Specs-Link|douglas_a_1h}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-4}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_late_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4n}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-5}}{{Specs-Link|a_5c}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-7}}{{Specs-Link|a_7d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7k}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-105}}{{Specs-Link|f-105d}}
{{Navigation-Line|SAAB-105}}{{Specs-Link|saab_105g}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Jet bombers'''}}{{Specs-Link|so_4050_vautour_2a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|so_4050_vautour_2b}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|so_4050_vautour_2n}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 362.42 kg (799 lbs)
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 175.1 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Tritonal
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 206.62 kg
|-
| '''HE max penetration''' || 89 mm
|-
| '''Armour destruction radius''' || 9 m
|-
| '''Fragment dispersion radius''' || 134 m
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of bomb (high explosive, splash damage, etc.)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==

This bomb is very good at destroying bases and can be used against lightly-armoured targets in ground battles due to its large amount of explosive. However, it may not be so easy to destroy top-tier Russian MBTs because of their ERA.

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==

Early in aviation history, applications for aircraft to serve in a military capacity surfaced, not only with the intent to scout a battlefield from an aerial vantage point but for the possibility to drop explosive bombs too. Due to the frail nature of the early wood-frame and cloth covered aircraft, lifting capacity resulted in the ability to only carry small bombs. Effectively these early bombers were hailed as aerial artillery fire which could reach targets hundreds of miles further than the most powerful land-based cannons of the time. Prior to the war, contests abounded where pilots would drop oranges or flour sacks upon predesignated targets to see who could hit closes to the centre.

Italian aviators were the first to use bombs in a warfare capacity in 1912 during their campaign of Tripoli. These first bombs were conversions of existing cannon ammunition and were effective only against personnel as they did not provide a strong enough provision to damage hardened equipment or structures. As lifting capacity of aircraft increased, so did the ability for them to carry more and larger explosives.

For the United States, bomb design did not become a priority until the middle of 1917 when a French official came to the U.S. with several samples of the Gros Andreau bombs which the French were using in large quantities at that time. Immediately these bombs were accepted by the U.S. and used as a standard in developing the first three sizes to be implemented in the military. These three bombs were known as the early "Mark" series, 25 lb Mk.I demolition bomb, 50 lb Mk.I demolition bomb and the 100 lb Mk.I demolition bomb. By December 1917, only six months later, the military put forth requirements for the development of bombs larger than the existing 100 lb bomb. After two more months of development, production of demolition bombs up to 1,000 lbs was started. Rejected 3-inch artillery rounds were the basis for early 25 lb bombs which were modified into a streamlined shape, very similar to the British Cooper bombs of the time. Larger bombs were manufactured and filled with explosive filler, all of which were placed into a streamlined body, of which a cylindrical shape was the most advantageous.

Early on, the Mark series of bombs proved to be largely unsatisfactory in a number of different areas. The bomb body itself was weak due to the sheet metal it was made from and the number of welds needed to join the pieces together. The stabilizing fins were made of flimsy metal which tended to distort during both the handling and flight of the bomb, adversely affecting accuracy. For the field technicians, inserting the fuse was a complicated process which required removing the stabilizing fin structure potentially damaging the fins. The fuses tended to have a high fail rate and due to their design, they would instantly arm after release from the aircraft posing a direct to the delivery aircraft. Later modifications would eliminate many of the negative factors to include adding a nose fuse, time delaying arming of the fuse, strengthening of the stabilizing fins and adding primer detonators to ensure proper explosive train sequences. Other changes including streamlining all bomb bodies and utilising 100% T.N.T. as an explosive filler resulted in the newer "Modified Mark" series of Army bombs.

Prior to World War II, the military determined that the Modified Mark series of bombs were obsolete requiring newer and up-to-date bombs to be developed. Both the U.S. Army and Navy began development of their own series of bombs, the Army with the "M" series and the Navy with their "Mk" series. Both similar, these bombs were designed with parallel sides, an ogival nose and a boat tail which is a box type-tail reinforced to prevent warping and aid with accurate drops. Due to the shortage of T.N.T., the Army filled their bombs with 50/50 Amatol with T.N.T. ends to seal in the Amatol and protect it from moisture. The Navy, on the other hand, continued to manufacture their bombs with 100% T.N.T.

With the approach of World War II, the U.S. Army (including the Army Air Corps) and the Navy standardized their series of bombs allowing for interchanging between services, consolidating manufacturing capabilities and allowing for modifications which enabled British service aircraft to mount these bombs too. Even after the standardization of bombs in 1941, the standardization process went through a few phases of further refinement, the first of which changed all high-explosive bombs to be termed general purpose (G.P.) or general purpose high-explosive (G.P.H.E). Later the designation of demolition bomb would come back for a few specific bombs.

When bombs are dropped, there is always a chance that something in the explosive train of the bomb will fail and it will not explode. Early AN style bombs were defusable in the event they did not explode on contact, meaning that any unexploded AN bomb could have the fuses and boosters removed without the bomb exploding, rendering it inert. To counter this and allow for the potential "dud" bomb to explode when tampered with, the AN G.P.H.E. series bombs with the modification "A1" annotated that these bombs now had special pins mounted in the bomb's baseplate which fused with the explosive filler making it impossible to remove the booster without causing the bomb to detonate. Other modifications later added would include minor changes to the bomb body or the type of explosive filling used. During this time a second option for bomb tails was added, the box-type tail was already the mainstay of the bombs, however, to create a more aerodynamic bomb a conical tail assembly was added. This stretched out low profile tail improved the aerodynamics of the carrying aircraft, allowing it to carry more ordnance.

Progressing towards the Korean and Vietnam wars, piston-driven aircraft were giving way to jet fighters, bombers and attackers, many of which carried their ordnance on external pylons hung under the wing or underbelly. The new Mk 80 series bombs (Mk 81, 82, 83 and 84) were developed to keep external hung ordnance from creating too much drag on the delivery aircraft. Initially, the Mk 81 250 lb bombs were considered ineffective for their size or required a large amount to be effective and were removed from the munitions inventory. All-weather fighters and attackers were now being outfitted with the Mk series bombs and a new problem developed when it came to low-altitude attacks (typically coming in under low cloud cover) where the aircraft would deploy its ordnance which would hit the ground and explode catching the delivery aircraft in either the explosive blast or the shock-wave from the blast.

Modifications were developed to slow down or retard the flight of bombs, allowing for the delivery aircraft to depart out of the blast zone before they hit and detonated. Several options became available which allowed these bombs to remain aerodynamic low-drag while en-route to the target, but when deployed converted to high-drag, slower falling bombs. One option was to attach four bladed plates to the rear of the bomb so that when the bomb deployed, these plates would pop out and create high-drag to slow the fall. Another option was to use a ballute which was basically an airbag which deployed from the rear of the bomb that acted like a drogue chute, effectively causing high-drag. Later during the fighting in Iraq, the US military brought back the 250 lb Mk 81 bombs due to their ability to be used when deploying against a specific target and to help minimize collateral damage.

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

== See also ==


* [[US Bombs General Information]]

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

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

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)

2023-09-23T19:50:40Z

U126556775: Added aircraft

{{DISPLAYTITLE:500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bomb}}
== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''
[[File:LDGP Mk 82.png|left|thumb|Side view of the LDGP Mk 82]]
{{Break}}

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with LDGP Mk 82}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|F3H}}{{Specs-Link|f3h-2}}
{{Navigation-Line|F11F}}{{Specs-Link|f11f_1_late}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-1}}{{Specs-Link|t2_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|t2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f1}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-4}}{{Specs-Link|f-4c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4ej}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4ej_adtw}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4ej_kai}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f_late}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4j}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4s}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_kurnass_2000}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-5}}{{Specs-Link|f-5a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5a_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e_aidc}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-8}}{{Specs-Link|f-8e}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-14}}{{Specs-Link|f_14a_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_14b}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-16}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_20_mlu}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16aj}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16c_block_50}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16d_block_40_barak_2}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-100}}{{Specs-Link|f-100a_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-100d}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-104}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_asa}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_cb}}
{{Navigation-Line|G.91}}{{Specs-Link|fiat_g91_y}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fiat_g91_ys}}
{{Navigation-Line|Kfir}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_canard}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_c2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|kfir_c7}}
{{Navigation-Line|Nesher}}{{Specs-Link|nesher}}
{{Navigation-Line|Sa'ar}}{{Specs-Link|md_460_saar}}
{{Navigation-Line|Mirage 2000}}{{Specs-Link|mirage_2000_5f}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-1}}{{Specs-Link|douglas_a_1h}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-4}}{{Specs-Link|a_4b}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_late_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4n}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-6}}{{Specs-Link|a_6e_tram}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-7}}{{Specs-Link|a_7d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7k}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-10}}{{Specs-Link|a_10a_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_10a_late}}
{{Navigation-Line|AV-8}}{{Specs-Link|av_8a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|av_8c}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-84}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_germany}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_france}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-84f_israel_iaf}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-105}}{{Specs-Link|f-105d}}
{{Navigation-Line|FJ-4}}{{Specs-Link|fj_4b}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fj_4b_agm_12b}}
{{Navigation-Line|Mirage 2000}}{{Specs-Link|mirage_2000d_r1}}
{{Navigation-Line|SAAB-105}}{{Specs-Link|saab_105g}}

{{Navigation-End}}

{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with Mk 82 AIR}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|Tomcat}}{{Specs-Link|f_14a_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_14b}}

{{Navigation-End}}

{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with Mk 82 Snakeye}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-4}}{{Specs-Link|f-4c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4ej_adtw}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4ej_kai}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4ej}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f_late}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4j}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4s}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_kurnass_2000}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-5}}{{Specs-Link|f-5a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5a_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e_aidc}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-8}}{{Specs-Link|f-8e}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-16}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_20_mlu}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16aj}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16c_block_50}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16d_block_40_barak_2}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-100}}{{Specs-Link|f-100a_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-100d}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-104}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_cb}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_asa}}
{{Navigation-Line|G.91}}{{Specs-Link|fiat_g91_r3}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fiat_g91_r4}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fiat_g91_r4_german}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fiat_g91_y}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fiat_g91_ys}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-1}}{{Specs-Link|douglas_a_1h}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-4}}{{Specs-Link|a_4b}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4e_late_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_4n}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-6}}{{Specs-Link|a_6e_tram}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-7}}{{Specs-Link|a_7d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7k}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-10}}{{Specs-Link|a_10a_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_10a_late}}
{{Navigation-Line|AV-8}}{{Specs-Link|av_8a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|av_8c}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-105}}{{Specs-Link|f-105d}}
{{Navigation-Line|SAAB-105}}{{Specs-Link|saab_105g}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | Bomb characteristics
|-
! !! LDGP Mk 82 / Mk 82 AIR !! Mk 82 Snakeye
|-
| '''Mass''' || 240.9 kg (531 lbs) || 254 kg (560 lbs)
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || colspan="2" | 87.1 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || colspan="2" | Comp. H6
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || colspan="2" | 117.59 kg
|-
| '''HE max penetration''' || colspan="2" | 82 mm
|-
| '''Armour destruction radius''' || colspan="2" | 7 m
|-
| '''Fragment dispersion radius''' || colspan="2" | 119 m
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of bomb (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===

[[File:LDGP Bombs.png|left|thumb|Comparison to other LDGP (low drag general purpose) Bombs]]
{{break}}

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe situations when you would utilise this bomb in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==

Early in aviation history, applications for aircraft to serve in a military capacity surfaced, not only with the intent to scout a battlefield from an aerial vantage point but for the possibility to drop explosive bombs too. Due to the frail nature of the early wood-frame and cloth covered aircraft, lifting capacity resulted in the ability to only carry small bombs. Effectively these early bombers were hailed as aerial artillery fire which could reach targets hundreds of miles further than the most powerful land-based cannons of the time. Prior to the war, contests abounded where pilots would drop oranges or flour sacks upon predesignated targets to see who could hit closes to the centre.

Italian aviators were the first to use bombs in a warfare capacity in 1912 during their campaign of Tripoli. These first bombs were conversions of existing cannon ammunition and were effective only against personnel as they did not provide a strong enough provision to damage hardened equipment or structures. As lifting capacity of aircraft increased, so did the ability for them to carry more and larger explosives.

For the United States, bomb design did not become a priority until the middle of 1917 when a French official came to the U.S. with several samples of the Gros Andreau bombs which the French were using in large quantities at that time. Immediately these bombs were accepted by the U.S. and used as a standard in developing the first three sizes to be implemented in the military. These three bombs were known as the early "Mark" series, 25 lb Mk.I demolition bomb, 50 lb Mk.I demolition bomb and the 100 lb Mk.I demolition bomb. By December 1917, only six months later, the military put forth requirements for the development of bombs larger than the existing 100 lb bomb. After two more months of development, production of demolition bombs up to 1,000 lbs was started. Rejected 3-inch artillery rounds were the basis for early 25 lb bombs which were modified into a streamlined shape, very similar to the British Cooper bombs of the time. Larger bombs were manufactured and filled with explosive filler, all of which were placed into a streamlined body, of which a cylindrical shape was the most advantageous.

Early on, the Mark series of bombs proved to be largely unsatisfactory in a number of different areas. The bomb body itself was weak due to the sheet metal it was made from and the number of welds needed to join the pieces together. The stabilizing fins were made of flimsy metal which tended to distort during both the handling and flight of the bomb, adversely affecting accuracy. For the field technicians, inserting the fuse was a complicated process which required removing the stabilizing fin structure potentially damaging the fins. The fuses tended to have a high fail rate and due to their design, they would instantly arm after release from the aircraft posing a direct to the delivery aircraft. Later modifications would eliminate many of the negative factors to include adding a nose fuse, time delaying arming of the fuse, strengthening of the stabilizing fins and adding primer detonators to ensure proper explosive train sequences. Other changes including streamlining all bomb bodies and utilising 100% T.N.T. as an explosive filler resulted in the newer "Modified Mark" series of Army bombs.

Prior to World War II, the military determined that the Modified Mark series of bombs were obsolete requiring newer and up-to-date bombs to be developed. Both the U.S. Army and Navy began development of their own series of bombs, the Army with the "M" series and the Navy with their "Mk" series. Both similar, these bombs were designed with parallel sides, an ogival nose and a boat tail which is a box type-tail reinforced to prevent warping and aid with accurate drops. Due to the shortage of T.N.T., the Army filled their bombs with 50/50 Amatol with T.N.T. ends to seal in the Amatol and protect it from moisture. The Navy, on the other hand, continued to manufacture their bombs with 100% T.N.T.

With the approach of World War II, the U.S. Army (including the Army Air Corps) and the Navy standardized their series of bombs allowing for interchanging between services, consolidating manufacturing capabilities and allowing for modifications which enabled British service aircraft to mount these bombs too. Even after the standardization of bombs in 1941, the standardization process went through a few phases of further refinement, the first of which changed all high-explosive bombs to be termed general purpose (G.P.) or general purpose high-explosive (G.P.H.E). Later the designation of demolition bomb would come back for a few specific bombs.

When bombs are dropped, there is always a chance that something in the explosive train of the bomb will fail and it will not explode. Early AN style bombs were defusable in the event they did not explode on contact, meaning that any unexploded AN bomb could have the fuses and boosters removed without the bomb exploding, rendering it inert. To counter this and allow for the potential "dud" bomb to explode when tampered with, the AN G.P.H.E. series bombs with the modification "A1" annotated that these bombs now had special pins mounted in the bomb's baseplate which fused with the explosive filler making it impossible to remove the booster without causing the bomb to detonate. Other modifications later added would include minor changes to the bomb body or the type of explosive filling used. During this time a second option for bomb tails was added, the box-type tail was already the mainstay of the bombs, however, to create a more aerodynamic bomb a conical tail assembly was added. This stretched out low profile tail improved the aerodynamics of the carrying aircraft, allowing it to carry more ordnance.

Progressing towards the Korean and Vietnam wars, piston-driven aircraft were giving way to jet fighters, bombers and attackers, many of which carried their ordnance on external pylons hung under the wing or underbelly. The new Mk 80 series bombs (Mk 81, 82, 83 and 84) were developed to keep external hung ordnance from creating too much drag on the delivery aircraft. Initially, the Mk 81 250 lb bombs were considered ineffective for their size or required a large amount to be effective and were removed from the munitions inventory. All-weather fighters and attackers were now being outfitted with the Mk series bombs and a new problem developed when it came to low-altitude attacks (typically coming in under low cloud cover) where the aircraft would deploy its ordnance which would hit the ground and explode catching the delivery aircraft in either the explosive blast or the shock-wave from the blast.

Modifications were developed to slow down or retard the flight of bombs, allowing for the delivery aircraft to depart out of the blast zone before they hit and detonated. Several options became available which allowed these bombs to remain aerodynamic low-drag while en-route to the target, but when deployed converted to high-drag, slower falling bombs. One option was to attach four bladed plates to the rear of the bomb so that when the bomb deployed, these plates would pop out and create high-drag to slow the fall. Another option was to use a ballute which was basically an airbag which deployed from the rear of the bomb that acted like a drogue chute, effectively causing high-drag. Later during the fighting in Iraq, the US military brought back the 250 lb Mk 81 bombs due to their ability to be used when deploying against a specific target and to help minimize collateral damage.

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
File:Mk 82 bombs being armed Hahn AB 1978.jpg|Preparation of MK 82 bombs
</gallery>

== See also ==


* [[US Bombs General Information]]

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Bombs}}
{{Retarded bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

AIM-9P Sidewinder

2023-09-23T19:44:00Z

U126556775: Added aircraft

AIM-9L Sidewinder

2023-09-23T19:41:43Z

U126556775: Added aircraft

{{About
| about = American air-to-air missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage AIM-9L Sidewinder.png|thumb|left|420px|The AIM-9L Sidewinder missile (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is an American [[Air-to-air_missiles#Infrared_homing_.28heat-seeking.29_missiles|infrared homing air-to-air missile]], it was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

The AIM-9L entered service in 1977 as the first Sidewinder with all-aspect capabilities. It was first used by a pair of F-14 Tomcats in 1981, successfully destroying two Libyan Su-22s. Its first large scale usage was by the United Kingdom during the Falklands War, with an 80% launch-to-kill ratio.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-104}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s_asa}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-4 Phantom II}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e_kurnass_2000}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4ej_kai}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-14}}{{Specs-Link|f_14b}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-16}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_15_adf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_15_adf_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_20_mlu}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16aj}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16c_block_50}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10_iaf}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16d_block_40_barak_2}}
{{Navigation-Line|Tornado}}{{Specs-Link|tornado_f3}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|tornado_adv}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}{{Specs-Link|a_6e_tram}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7k}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-10}}{{Specs-Link|a_10a_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_10a_late}}
{{Navigation-Line|Harrier}}{{Specs-Link|harrier_gr7}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|harrier_frs1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|harrier_frs1_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|av_8b_plus_italy}}
{{Navigation-Line|Tornado}}{{Specs-Link|tornado_gr1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|tornado_ids_de_mfg}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|tornado_ids_de_assta1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|tornado_ids_it_mod95}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Attack helicopters'''}}{{Specs-Link|ah_1z}}
{{Navigation-Line|AH-64}}{{Specs-Link|ah_64a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ah_64a_greece_usa}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==

The AIM-9L variant is the first Sidewinder since the AIM-9B to be jointly used by the USAF and the USN, and was jointly developed by the two branches as well. It is directly based on the USN AIM-9H, but features improvements utilized in the USAF AIM-9J, including a new radar-slavable uncaged seeker head. It features an intermediary payload between the two previous branches of Sidewinder, and an intermediary weight.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 84 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR
|-
| '''Aspect''' || All-Aspects
|-
| '''Lock range in rear-aspect''' || 11 km
|-
| '''Lock range in all-aspect''' || 3 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 18 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 2.5 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 30 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 60 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 4.06 kg TNTeq
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of missile (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===

Compared to every other Sidewinder in-game, it has a high maximum overload of 30 G, a motor burn time identical to the naval Sidewinders, a slightly longer rear-aspect lock range, and is the only Sidewinder to feature all-aspect IR lock, although front-aspect locks are very vulnerable to flares.

{| class="wikitable"
! Missile Characteristics !! AIM-9L !! AIM-9H !! AIM-9J
|-
| '''Mass''' || 84 kg || 88 kg || 76 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR || IR || IR
|-
| '''Aspect''' || All-Aspect || Rear || Rear
|-
| '''Seeker Head''' || Uncaged (radar slavable) || Uncaged (radar slavable) || Uncaged (radar slavable)
|-
| '''Lock range (rear-aspect)''' || 11 km || 5.5 km || 5.5 km
|-
| '''Lock range (all-aspect)''' || 3 km || N/A || N/A
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 18 km || 18 km || 18 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 2.5 M || 2.5 M || 2.5 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 30 G || 18 G || 20 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 60 s || 60 s || 40 s
|-
| '''Explosive Mass''' || 4.06 kg TNTeq || 3.53 kg TNTeq || 7.62 kg TNTeq
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The AIM-9L is best used in rear-aspect within a 3 km range from the target. It is best used against targets who are unaware, do not have flares, or have low energy.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can pull hard with an overload limit of 30 G
* Up to 5 km in which the missile can turn (5.2 s of burn time)
* Has longer range than the AIM-9D/G
* Occasionally completely ignores flares

'''Cons:'''

* Still fairly vulnerable to flares, especially when launched head-on
* Low track rate means it can be defeated by moderate manoeuvres

== History ==

===Development===
The experience with the AIM-9 Sidewinders in the Vietnam War and Yom Kippur War showed that there were still many improvements that could be made to the Sidewinder's performance. Low-altitude performance was poor due to environmental interferences on the Sidewinder's IR seeker, and the IR seeker was only able to attack from the rear to lock onto the engine exhaust of an enemy aircraft. Improving the Sidewinder's seeker capabilities to solve these issues became the key improvement for the next Sidewinder generation.<ref name="Ausairpower_Sidewinder">Kopp 2014</ref>
[[File:Cutaway_of_the_AIM-9L.png|x250px|right|thumb|none|An AIM-9L missile on display. The canard fin shape is the most distinctive external feature of the AIM-9L.]]

The United States Navy had their own development team within China Lake that set to work improving their Sidewinders, which has so far culminated from the [[AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9B]] to the [[AIM-9D Sidewinder|AIM-9D]], [[AIM-9G Sidewinder|AIM-9G]] and their latest [[AIM-9H Sidewinder|AIM-9H]]. The US Air Force had their own development of the Sidewinder splitting off from the US Navy's AIM-9B to the [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9E]] and [[AIM-9J Sidewinder|AIM-9J]]. The US Navy and US Air Force's Sidewinder models were not compatible between the two service branches due to differences in seeker cooling methods. The United States Air Force desired to continue their own missile program named "CLAW", which called for the use of smaller, cheaper missiles so more could be fired at a time. William Perry, the Defense Department's deputy director of research and engineering, disapproved of this path and told the US Air Force to work with the US Navy to work together on a common IR missile for both service branches. The US Air Force, therefore, cooperated with the US Navy's China Lake team to share specifications and technology to produce the next missile. The US Navy would designate this program as the ''AIM-9H Product Improvement Package'' (PIP).<ref name="Westrum_Sidewinder9L">Westrum 2013, 191-193</ref>

The package prioritized improving the seeker with an indium antimonide seeker, which could detect the longer-wavelength infrared radiation given out of warm surfaces of aircraft parts, allowing the missile to obtain all-aspect capability (ALASCA) in acquiring targets.<ref name="Westrum_Sidewinder9L" /> Other improvements with the AIM-9H PIP were the long-span pointed double-delta canards, a new MK 36 solid-fuel rocket motor, WDU-17/B warhead featuring double-layer continuous-rod scheme, and a DSU-15/B Active Optical Target Detector (AOTD) laser proximity fuse system <ref name="AirVector_Sidewinder">Goebel 2021</ref><ref name="Designation_Sidewinder">Parsch 2008</ref> The cooling system was improved to a TMU/72/B argon-gas cooling system that was contained within the missile's seeker, which allowed for use on both USAF and USN missile launchers.<ref name="Ausairpower_Sidewinder" /> The one feature that complicated the US Navy and US Air Force cooperation with the missile was the reticle seeker, with the US Navy desiring an amplitude-modulated (AM) seeker while the US Air Force desired a frequency-modulated (FM) seeker. An AM-FM system was developed by Raytheon,<ref name="Westrum_Sidewinder9L" />, which allowed the Sidewinder to use both traditional AM reticle that is effective in cloudy backgrounds with the benefit of the FM reticle reducing seeker error signal inputs from the target's increasing size as the seeker gets closer.<ref name="Ausairpower_Sidewinder" /><ref name="Westrum_AMSeeker">Westrum 2013, 137</ref>
[[File:Breakout of the AIM-9L.png|x200px|left|none|thumb|An exploded diagram of the AIM-9L and its components.]]

Another improvement Raytheon introduced in the AIM-9H PIP was a rate bias that caused the missile to aim slightly ahead of an aircraft's hot afterburner. Issues arose when the missiles' rate bias adjusts too far ahead and missed the aircraft from the front. Consultation with General Dynamics revealed similar issues had arose during the development of the [[AIM-92 Stinger|FIM-92 Stinger]] missile, and the proper adjustments were made to solve the issue.<ref name="Westrum_Sidewinder9L" /> Sometime prior to 1975, the AIM-9H PIP would be designated as the '''AIM-9L'''. By 1975, the AIM-9L was tested in a joint navy-air force evaluation. Satisfied with the results, the AIM-9L missile was put into production in 1976 with both Raytheon and Ford Aerospace for a missile that was now jointly serving the United States Air Force and Navy.<ref name="Westrum_9LAcceptance">Westrum 2013, 196</ref>

Foreign users were also sought out for the AIM-9L. In one case, the AIM-9L was contested against the German company Bodensee Geratechnik (BGT), which had developed an ALASCA seeker for a proposed Viper missile. To resolve this and bring BGT to help produce AIM-9Ls to European allies, the US Navy and Raytheon waived license and R&D fees for the AIM-9L, causing the end of the Viper missile development and provided AIM-9Ls to Great Britain, Norway, and Germany. Japan were also given the license to produce AIM-9Ls, which was performed by Mitsubishi. Between Raytheon, Ford, BGT, and Mitsubishi, more than 16,000 AIM-9L Sidewinders have been built since their production started.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" />

===Combat===
The AIM-9L would see action in separate theaters by different users in the 1980s.
[[File:F-14A_VF-143_with_Sidewinder_and_Sparrow_missiles.jpg|left|x250px|thumb|none|A [[F-14A Early|F-14A]] equipped with a complement of AIM-9L Sidewinders and AIM-7 Sparrows.]]
On 19 August 1981, two US Navy's [[F-14A Early|F-14A Tomcats]] from VF-41 were engaged by two Libyan [[Su-22M3|Su-22]] in an event that would be known as the Gulf of Sidra incident.<ref name="GuardiaF14Variant">Guardia 2019, 20</ref><ref name="Westrum_F14Combat">Westrum 2013, 1-2</ref> As the Su-22s closed in, the lead plane fired a [[R-3S|AA-2 "Atoll]] missile at the F-14s, but missed.<ref name="GuardiaSidra">Guardia 2019, 30-35</ref> After evading the missile, the F-14s manoeuvred behind the Su-22s and, equipped with AIM-9L Sidewinders, each destroyed a Su-22 with the Sidewinders. The combat was concluded within 45 seconds.<ref name="Westrum_F14Combat" />

In 1982, the British would extensively use AIM-9L during the Falkland War on Sea Harriers. Procuring and using the AIM-9L were difficult as when the British carrier task force set sail to the Falklands in 05 April 1982, only 19 AIM-9L were in inventory. Moreover, the new canards on the AIM-9L did not fit the Sea Harrier's launch rails below the wings, though this was solved by filing down the launch rails for the AIM-9L to fit.<ref name="White_AIM9L">White 2020</ref> Sea Harriers equipped with AIM-9L fought in engagements against Argentine [[A-4B|A-4 Skyhawks]], Super Etendards, and [[Mirage IIIE|Mirage III]]s.<ref name="YoungSidewinder">Young 2021</ref> By the end of the conflict, a total of 27 AIM-9Ls were launched which scored 24 hits on Argentine aircraft, which translates to an 88% success rate for the AIM-9L missile.<ref name="Herbert_1982wars">Herbert 2007</ref>

Another conflict in 1982 that saw AIM-9Ls being used was the Israeli-Lebanon war. The Israelis launched Operation Mole Cricket 19 on 09 June 1982 to eliminate a Syrian air defense network set up in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. The success of the Israeli operation forced the Syrians to commit their [[MiG-21bis|MiG-21s]] and [[MiG-23MLD|MiG-23s]] to prevent the Israeli Air Force (IAF) from achieving aerial superiority. The IAF, consisting of F-15 and F-16 fighter jets, retained control of the sky as Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) aircraft informed Israeli pilots of the presence of Syrian jets, which were then intercepted and destroyed at visual range with AIM-9Ls, [[Shafrir]], or Python missiles. The AIM-9L reportedly earned a kill rate of 85% during this conflict and contributed to the Israeli claim of destroying more than 80 Syrian aircraft, which only had [[R-13M|K-13 missiles]] to fight back against the IAF aircraft.<ref name="YoungSidewinder" /><ref name="Herbert_1982wars" />

===Future Sidewinder variants===
[[File:AH-1W_VX-5_launching_AIM-9L_1987.jpg|right|thumb|none|An AH-1W SuperCobra fires a AIM-9L from a wing-mounted missile launcher at China Lake.]]

Though AIM-9L was a successful Sidewinder variant, there were still more features and improvements to be introduced into the model. Infrared Counter-Countermeasure (IRCCM) capability, a smaller smoke signature from the motor, and an improved WGU-4/B guidance system were implemented into the AIM-9L PIP that became the ''AIM-9M'', which saw use during the Gulf War.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" /> The next significant AIM-9 variant to be developed was the ''AIM-9R'', which attempted to evolve the AIM-9 design with the use of a charge-coupled device (CCD) detector, allowing the missile to use an imaging system to track the target. However, cost overruns, staff mismanagement, use of expensive and complicated components, and the fact the imaging system could not work in the night caused the backers of the program to lose faith and the missile was cancelled by the US Navy in December 1991.<ref name="Westrum_9R">Westrum 2013, 198-203</ref>

The AIM-9L and future variants introduced many radical features that the United States deemed too sensitive for all allies, and export variants were produced that lacked some of the newer features. These export variants were labeled as ''AIM-9N'', ''[[AIM-9P Sidewinder|AIM-9P]]'', and ''AIM-9S''.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" />

[[File:AIM-9X_F-15C_2002.jpg|x200px|left|thumb|none|An AIM-9X Sidewinder on an F-15C.]]
The most recent Sidewinder variant to see use is the ''AIM-9X'', which uses the Mk 36 motor and WDU-17/B warhead from the AIM-9M, but the airframe had been redesigned with smaller fins and canards for lower drag and better flight performance. Rollerons have been removed from the Sidewinder's design as the flight control system was sophisticated enough to no longer need them. The WPU-17/B propulsion section uses a jet-vane steering system to steer the Sidewinder with thrust-vectoring. The result was a more compact missile that could fit within a fighter's internal bay, such as the F-22 and F-35.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" /> The biggest improvement of the AIM-9X over the predecessors was the guidance, using a seeker that was developed for the AIM-132 {{Annotation|ASRAAM|Advanced Short-Range Anti-Air Missile}} with an imaging infrared array, cooled by a Stirling-cycle cryocooler.<ref name="AirVector_Sidewinder" /> The AIM-9X also introduced an "Off-Boresight" capability, allowing the missile to be used with the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) to acquire target with the pilot's helmet.<ref name="AirVector_Sidewinder" /><ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" /> Continually seeing development as late as 2019,<ref name="Drive_AIM9X">Rogoway et al. 2019</ref> the AIM-9X looks to be the main Sidewinder model for the 21st century aerospace.

== Media ==

[[File:AIM-9L.png|thumb|none|none|An AIM-9L Sidwinder hangs off a F-14 Tomcat.]]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|faKyQOTmzDw|'''Best guided missiles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:18 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family)]]

== External links ==


=== References ===

;Citations
<references />

;Bibliography

* Goebel, Greg. 2021. "The Falcon & Sidewinder Air-To-Air Missiles." Air Vectors. Last modified July 01, 2021. [https://www.airvectors.net/avusaam_1.html#m6 Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107173258/https://www.airvectors.net/avusaam_1.html Archive]).
* Guardia, Mike. 2019. ''Tomcat Fury: A Combat History of the F-14''. Maple Grove, MN: Magnum Books.
* Herbert, Adam J. 2007. "The Wars of Eighty-Two". Air Force Magazine. Last modified April 01, 2007. [https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0407eightytwo/ Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107183859/https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0407eightytwo/ Archive]).
* Kopp, Carlo. 2014. "The Sidewinder Story: The Evolution of the AIM-9 Missile." Air Power Australia. Last modified January 27, 2014. [http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Sidewinder-94.html Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107173023/http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Sidewinder-94.html Archive])
* Parsch, Andreas. 2008. "AIM-9." Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles. Last modified July 09, 2008. [http://www.designation-systems.info/dusrm/m-9.html Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107172850/http://www.designation-systems.info/dusrm/m-9.html Archive])
* Rogoway, Tyler and Josephy Trevithick. 2019. "The AIM-9X Sidewinder May Finally Evolve Into A Completely New And Longer-Range Missile". The Drive. Last modified September 03, 2019. [https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29158/the-aim-9x-sidewinder-may-finally-evolve-into-a-completely-new-and-longer-range-missile Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211123183940/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29158/the-aim-9x-sidewinder-may-finally-evolve-into-a-completely-new-and-longer-range-missile Archive]).
* Westrum, Ron. 2013. ''Sidewinder; Creative Missile Development at China Lake''. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press.
* White, Roland. 2020. "Her Majesty's Death Ray: How The AIM-9L Sidewinder Vanquished The Argentine Air Force." The Drive. Last modified October 07, 2020. [https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/36949/her-majestys-death-ray-how-the-aim-9l-sidewinder-vanquished-argentine-air-force Website]. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107182645/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/36949/her-majestys-death-ray-how-the-aim-9l-sidewinder-vanquished-argentine-air-force Archive])
* Young, James. 2021. "Freedom's "Flying Snake": The AIM-9 Sidewinder in the Cold War". Marine Corps University. Accessed January 07, 2022. [https://www.usmcu.edu/Outreach/Marine-Corps-University-Press/Expeditions-with-MCUP-digital-journal/Freedoms-Flying-Snake/ Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107192115/https://www.usmcu.edu/Outreach/Marine-Corps-University-Press/Expeditions-with-MCUP-digital-journal/Freedoms-Flying-Snake/ Archive]).

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]