War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Mi-8TB (Germany)

2023-11-30T15:03:40Z

U134686484: /* Pros and cons */ and /* Usage in battles */ updated

{{About
| about = attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Mi-8 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mi_8tb
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]].

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

''Describe how the helicopter 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"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___
|-
|}

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

''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. 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 systems.''

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

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

{{main|A-12.7 (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 12.7 mm A-12.7 machine gun, nose turret (700 rpg)

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

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

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

* Without load
* 96 x S-5K rockets
* 192 x S-5K rockets
* 192 x S-5K rockets + 2 x 9M14M Malyutka missiles
* 6 x 9M14M Malyutka missiles
* 6 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (600 kg total)
* 6 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 6 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg ZB-500 incendiary bombs (1,000 kg total)

{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

''This helicopter can carry a variety of weapons such as its main gun, rockets, AGMs and bombs to deal with every kind of ground vehicles you can possibly face; Choose the loadout according to the situation of the battle, if there are no enemy SPAA on the battlefield you can feel free to take rockets or bombs and get close to enemy tanks to unleash your bombs or rockets on them but if there are enemy SPAA or aircrafts present on the battlefield take caution and try to use AGMs to launch them at the enemy SPAA from a distance so it is harder for them to spot you but be aware that most of the SPAA vehicles at this battle rating have access to radars and can know of your presence so always try to keep your profile low and use objects on the map to hide yourself behind them like trees and mountains, it is also a good practice to fly down after launching each AGM because being afloat on the sky and not moving at all will make you easy to hit for enemy tanks, try to have a pick-a-boo style of play always fly down only come up to launch a missile and immediately go down behind a mountain or tree to avoid getting hit after the missile has reached the target and come back up only after making sure that it is safe.''

Try to avoid enemy aircrafts as it requires a lot of luck or skill to hit the enemy aircraft manually with only your main gun because you do not have any kind of anti aircraft missiles to protect yourself but thanks to your powerful main gun you can easily hunt enemy helicopters since they fly slow and it is easy to get a lead on them.

=== 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:'''

* Can carry a relatively large amount of different kinds of weapons at its rank
* The main gun has a large amount of ammo and is powerful enough to easily knock out most of the light vehicles at this battle rating

*

'''Cons:'''

* Does not have any weapons to deal with aircrafts except its main gun which must be manually aimed and cannot lock on and follow enemy aircraft's lead
* Does not have [[Ballistic Computer]] so the gun and rocket reticles are not 100% accurate
* A relatively large profile makes it easy to hit this helicopter even for non SPAA vehicles

*

== History ==

This combat ready version of the Mi-8 was developed based on the Mi-8T model in 1974. The "TV" designation stands for "Transportno-Vooruzhenny," literally meaning "Transport-Armed." The helicopter was equipped with a movable 12.7mm machine gun in the nose, along with six pylons designed to carry a wide variety of suspended weaponry, including the Falanga anti-tank guided missile. This armament package brought the helicopter’s combat ability roughly in line with early versions of the Mi-24. Despite being modified for combat, the helicopter retained its full troop transport functionality, being able to carry up to 23 soldiers, who could also fire their personal weapons through loopholes installed in the windows. The Mi-8TV helicopters were produced in limited numbers in Kazan. They were used for various roles in tandem with the Mi-24 and were also supplied to border patrol and naval aviation units.

The German Mi-8TB is an export version capable of carrying up to 6 "Malyutka" ATGMs.

- ''From [[wt:en/news/8442-development-mi-8tv-a-good-mate-to-have-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==

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

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|98kIbV_vNMI|'''Ultimate MI-8 (TV/TB) Guide''' -By Bob Dickinson }}

== 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 ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Mil}}
{{Germany helicopters}}

Me 262 (Family)

2023-11-21T16:49:52Z

U134686484: /* Vehicles */ Me 262 A-1/U4 has been moved to Rank IV

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Me 262 (Family)}}

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

== Vehicles ==

=== Rank IV ===

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

=== Rank V ===

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

== Media ==


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

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}

[[Category:Family pages]]

Battle Pass: Season V, "River Hunter"

2023-10-25T07:55:42Z

U134686484: /* Awards */ award decal and decoration images with captions added

{{Notice
|This article is about the fifth [[Battle Pass]] season.

Season is available from the 27th of October 2021.
}}

== Awards ==
<gallery>
BP V LVT 4 40.jpg|[[LVT-4/40]]
BP V PT-76-57.jpg|[[PT-76-57]]
BP V Beaufighter Mk I 40.jpg|[[Beaufighter Mk I (40-mm)]]
BP V PT-658.jpg|[[PT-658]]
</gallery><gallery>
File:BP V Swimmer.png|“Combat Swimmer” user profile icon
File:BP V APS.png|Ground vehicle decorations “Underwater Assault Rifle”
File:BP V ida 71 u.png|Ground vehicle decorations “Rebreather”
File:BP V zodiac boat.png|naval decoration “Inflatable Boat”
</gallery><gallery>
File:BP V forfurso decal.png|Decal “Commandos Marine” emblem
File:BP V arditi incursor decal.png|Decal “Gruppo Operativo Incursori unit emblem”
File:BP V navy special forces decal.png|Decal “Emblem of combat swimmers of the Russian Navy”
File:BP V kampfschwimmer decal.png|Decal “The emblem of the detachment of combat swimmers of the Bundeswehr”
</gallery>

Legend:

* Level - a cell with a prize. Opens for 10 progress points.
* Free - the award doesn't require Battle Pass to be received.

{| class="wikitable zebra" width="100%"
|-
! width="50px" | Level
! Prize
! width="50px" | Availability
|-
| 1 || 400 {{wb}} Warbond shop level I || Free
|-
| 2 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 3 || Decal “Commandos Marine” || Free
|-
| 4 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 5 || Order || Free
|-
| 6 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 7 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} || Free
|-
| 8 || Universal back-ups ||
|-
| 9 || Beaufighter Mk 1 (40mm) test-drive || Free
|-
| 10 || {{rp}} booster pack ||
|-
| 11 || 500 {{wb}} Warbond shop level II || Free
|-
| 12 || {{Sl}} booster pack ||
|-
| 13 || {{rp}} Booster || Free
|-
| 14 || Vehicle activated on the account (LVT-4/40) ||
|-
| 15 || Universal back-ups || Free
|-
| 16 || Camouflage activated on the account (LVT-4 Bofors: "Jasmin") ||
|-
| 17 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} || Free
|-
| 18 || Wager ||
|-
| 19 || {{Sl}} Booster || Free
|-
| 20 || Back-ups (Ground vehicles, France) ||
|-
| 21 || Access to the first season challenge || Free
|-
| 22 || Decal “Gruppo Operativo Incursori unit emblem” ||
|-
| 23 || 850 {{wb}} Warbond shop level III || Free
|-
| 24 || {{rp}} booster pack ||
|-
| 25 || Order || Free
|-
| 26 || {{Sl}} booster pack ||
|-
| 27 || Wager ||
|-
| 28 || Decal “Emblem of combat swimmers of the Russian Navy” || Free
|-
| 29 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 30 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{rp}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 31 || Universal back-ups || Free
|-
| 32 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{Sl}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 33 || Tank decoration “Underwater Assault Rifle” ||
|-
| 34 || {{Sl}} Booster || Free
|-
| 35 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 36 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 37 || 850 {{wb}} Warbond shop level IV || Free
|-
| 38 || Vehicle activated on the account (PT-658) ||
|-
| 39 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 40 || Access to the second season challenge || Free
|-
| 41 || Camouflage activated on the account (PT-658: Deforming camouflage) ||
|-
| 42 || Back-ups (Coastal fleet, USA) ||
|-
| 43 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} || Free
|-
| 44 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{rp}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 45 || Decal "The emblem of the detachment of combat swimmers of the Bundeswehr" ||
|-
| 46 || Wager || Free
|-
| 47 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 48 || 200 {{wb}} || Free
|-
| 49 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{Sl}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 50 || Order ||
|-
| 51 || Vehicle coupon, non-tradable (Beaufighter Mk I (40mm)) || Free
|-
| 52 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 53 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 54 || Camouflage activated on the account (Beaufighter Mk I: Late bi-color camouflage) || Free
|-
| 55 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 56 || Back-ups (Aircraft, Britain) ||
|-
| 57 || 850 {{wb}} Warbond shop level V || Free
|-
| 58 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 59 || Tank decoration “Rebreather” ||
|-
| 60 || Access to the third season challenge || Free
|-
| 61 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 62 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 63 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{rp}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 64 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} || Free
|-
| 65 || Profile icon “Combat Swimmer” ||
|-
| 66 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{Sl}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 67 || Order ||
|-
| 68 || 200 {{wb}} || Free
|-
| 69 || Universal back-ups ||
|-
| 70 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 71 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 72 || Ship decoration “Inflatable Boat” || Free
|-
| 73 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 74 || Universal back-ups ||
|-
| 75 || Coupon for vehicle, non-tradable (PT-76-57) ||
|-
| 76-78 || 80 {{wb}} || 76 Free
|-
| 79 || Camouflage activated on the account (PT-76-57: Caspian Flotilla) ||
|-
| 80 || 850 {{wb}} Warbond shop level VI || Free
|-
| 81-99 || 80 {{wb}} || 85, 90, 95 Free
|-
| 100 || Loading screen “PT-76-57” || Free
|-
| 101-104 || 100 {{wb}} ||
|-
| 105 || Beaufighter Mk I (40mm) coupon upgrade (can be used to convert a Beaufighter Mk I (40mm) coupon to a tradable one; a set of two upgrade can be used to purchase the next season’s Battle Pass) ||
|-
| 106-124 || 100 {{wb}} || 110, 120 Free
|-
| 125 || PT-76-57 coupon upgrade (can be used to convert a PT-76-57 coupon to a tradable one; a set of two upgrade can be used to purchase the next season’s Battle Pass) ||
|-
| 126-149 || 100 {{wb}} || 130, 140 Free
|-
| 150 || Title «River Hunter» || Free
|-
| 151 upwards || 80 {{wb}} || Free
|}

== Season challenges ==
{| class="wikitable zebra" width="100%"
!Name
!Description
!Requirements
!Time to complete
|-
|Gluttonous Catfish
|Destroy or help allied players destroy the specified number of player vehicles
|250 vehicles
|27.10 — 17.11
|-
|Dexterous Otter
|Receive the specified number of the streaks stated
|20 awards [[Awards|“Professional”]]
|03.11 — 24.11
|-
|Nimble Water snake
|Destroy the specified number of player vehicles on each type of ground vehicle: Tank, Tank Destroyer, SPAA
|7 vehicles each
|10.11 — 01.12
|-
|Sharp-eyed Osprey
|Destroy the specified number of ground and naval player vehicles using a strike aircraft
|20 vehicles
|17.11 — 08.12
|-
|Regal Anaconda
|Play the specified number of battles whilst being ranked 1st in a team
|7 battles
|24.11 — 15.12
|-
|Swift Eel
|Destroy the specified number player vehicles using a torpedo
|10 vehicles
|01.12 — 22.12
|-
|Nimble Kingfisher
|Win the specified number of battles in Soviet vehicles. Battle activity not less than 70%.
|35 battles
|08.12 — 29.12
|-
|Voracious Nymph
|Finish the specified number of battles in each type of vehicle: aircraft, ground and fleet
|30 battles each
|15.12 — 05.01
|-
|Bloodthirsty Piranha
|Deal the specified amount of damage using a coastal vessel
|30,000 damage
|22.12 — 12.01
|-
|Mighty Alligator
|Receive the specified number of the streaks stated
|15 awards [[Awards|“One Shot”]]
|29.12 — 19.01
|-
|Ferocious Bull shark
|Win the specified number of battles whilst destroying at least three enemy vehicles in each battle
|15 battles
|05.01 — 26.01
|-
|Biting Spider
|Destroy the specified number of player vehicles that are at least 1.0 battle rating higher than your vehicle
|20 vehicles
|From the moment of receipt to the end of the season
|-
|Haunting Hydrolycus
|Receive the specified number of the streaks stated
|30 awards [[Awards|“Eye for Eye”]]
|From the moment of receipt to the end of the season
|-
|Cruel Arapaima
|Destroy 2 player vehicles in 15 seconds the specified number of times
|10 times
|From the moment of receipt to the end of the season
|-
|Perfect Predator
|Complete all the Season's Challenges
|14 challenges
|
|}

== External links ==

* [[wt:en/news/7396-battle-pass-season-river-hunter-en|Battle Pass: season "River Hunter"]]

[[Category:Battle Pass seasons]]

Battle Pass: Season VI, "Firepower"

2023-10-25T07:49:44Z

U134686484: /* Awards */ Awards images with caption added

{{Notice
|This article is about the sixth [[Battle Pass]] season.

Season is available from the 26th of January 2022.
}}

== Awards ==
<gallery>
File:M64.jpg|[[M64]]
File:Su-8.jpg|[[Su-8]]
File:41.M Turán II.jpg|[[Turan II]]
File:Higgins 78 ft. HMS MTB-422.jpg|[[MTB-422]]
</gallery><gallery>
File:BP VI Attacker pilot.png|“Attacker pilot” profile icon
File:BP VI UBT.png|tank decoration “UBT machine gun”
File:BP VI Bomb box.png|tank decoration “Bomb cassette”
File:BP VI skoda morser m16.png|ship decoration “Siege mortar”
</gallery><gallery>
File:Stg 2 immelmann decal.png|Decal StG 2 "Immelmann" emblem
File:450 squadron raaf decal.png|Decal emblem of No. 450 Squadron
File:15th attack squadron decal.png|Decal emblem of the 15th Attack Squadron
File:Watchdog decal.png|Decal "Watchdog" emblem
</gallery>

Legend:

* Level - a cell with a prize. Opens for 10 progress points.
* Free - the award doesn't require Battle Pass to be received.

{| class="wikitable zebra" width="100%"
|-
! width="50px" | Level
! Prize
! width="50px" | Availability
|-
| 1 || 400 {{wb}} Warbond shop level I || Free
|-
| 2 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 3 || Decal “StG 2 "Immelmann" emblem” || Free
|-
| 4 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 5 || Order || Free
|-
| 6 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 7 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} || Free
|-
| 8 || Universal back-ups ||
|-
| 9 || M64 test-drive || Free
|-
| 10 || {{rp}} booster pack ||
|-
| 11 || 500 {{wb}} Warbond shop level II || Free
|-
| 12 || {{Sl}} booster pack ||
|-
| 13 || {{rp}} Booster || Free
|-
| 14 || Vehicle activated on the account (Turán II) ||
|-
| 15 || Universal back-ups || Free
|-
| 16 || Camouflage activated on the account (Turán II: Deforming camouflage) ||
|-
| 17 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} || Free
|-
| 18 || Wager ||
|-
| 19 || {{Sl}} Booster || Free
|-
| 20 || Back-ups (Ground vehicles, Italy) ||
|-
| 21 || Access to the first season challenge || Free
|-
| 22 || Decal “Emblem of the No. 450 Squadron” ||
|-
| 23 || 850 {{wb}} Warbond shop level III || Free
|-
| 24 || {{rp}} booster pack ||
|-
| 25 || Order || Free
|-
| 26 || {{Sl}} booster pack ||
|-
| 27 || Wager ||
|-
| 28 || Decal “Emblem of the 15th Attack Squadron” || Free
|-
| 29 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 30 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{rp}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 31 || Universal back-ups || Free
|-
| 32 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{Sl}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 33 || Tank decoration “UBT” ||
|-
| 34 || {{Sl}} Booster || Free
|-
| 35 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 36 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 37 || 850 {{wb}} Warbond shop level IV || Free
|-
| 38 || Vehicle activated on the account (MTB-422) ||
|-
| 39 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 40 || Access to the second season challenge || Free
|-
| 41 || Camouflage activated on the account (MTB-422: Deforming camouflage) ||
|-
| 42 || Back-ups (Coastal fleet, Britain) ||
|-
| 43 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} || Free
|-
| 44 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{rp}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 45 || Decal ""Watchdog" emblem" ||
|-
| 46 || Wager || Free
|-
| 47 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 48 || 200 {{wb}} || Free
|-
| 49 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{Sl}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 50 || Order ||
|-
| 51 || Vehicle coupon, non-tradable (M64) || Free
|-
| 52 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 53 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 54 || Camouflage activated on the account (M64: Tricolor camouflage) || Free
|-
| 55 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 56 || Back-ups (Ground vehicles, China) ||
|-
| 57 || 850 {{wb}} Warbond shop level V || Free
|-
| 58 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 59 || Tank decoration “Bomb cassette” ||
|-
| 60 || Access to the third season challenge || Free
|-
| 61 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 62 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 63 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{rp}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 64 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} || Free
|-
| 65 || Profile icon “Attack pilot” ||
|-
| 66 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{Sl}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 67 || Order ||
|-
| 68 || 200 {{wb}} || Free
|-
| 69 || Universal back-ups ||
|-
| 70 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 71 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 72 || Ship decoration “Siege mortar” || Free
|-
| 73 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 74 || Universal back-ups ||
|-
| 75 || Coupon for vehicle, non-tradable (Su-8) ||
|-
| 76-78 || 80 {{wb}} || 76 Free
|-
| 79 || Camouflage activated on the account (Su-8: Bicolor gray camouflage) ||
|-
| 80 || 850 {{wb}} Warbond shop level VI || Free
|-
| 81-99 || 80 {{wb}} || 85, 90, 95 Free
|-
| 100 || Loading screen “Su-8” || Free
|-
| 101-104 || 100 {{wb}} ||
|-
| 105 || M64 coupon upgrade (can be used to convert a M64 coupon to a tradable one; a set of two upgrade can be used to purchase the next season’s Battle Pass) ||
|-
| 106-124 || 100 {{wb}} || 110, 120 Free
|-
| 125 || Su-8 coupon upgrade (can be used to convert a Su-8 coupon to a tradable one; a set of two upgrade can be used to purchase the next season’s Battle Pass) ||
|-
| 126-149 || 100 {{wb}} || 130, 140 Free
|-
| 150 || Title «Level 150 Attack pilot» || Free
|-
| 151 upwards || 80 {{wb}} || Free
|}

== Season challenges ==
{| class="wikitable zebra" width="100%"
!Name
!Description
!Requirements
!Time to complete
|-
|Fire Superiority
|Destroy the specified number of player vehicles
|125 vehicles
|26.01 — 16.02
|-
|Only Victory!
|Win the specified number of battles
|50 battles
|02.02 — 23.02
|-
|Yin and Yang
|Destroy a specified number of player vehicles from another type of military branch
|10 vehicles “Aircraft” and “Tank”
|09.02 — 02.03
|-
|Fiery gift
|Set enemy vehicles on fire a certain number of times
|60 times
|16.02 — 09.03
|-
|Into the breakout!
|Play a specified number of battles while destroying at least one other player's vehicle
|75 battles
|23.02 — 16.03
|-
|Barrage
|Destroy a specified number player vehicles using each specified weapon: aerial bomb, rocket or AGM
|10 vehicles “Bomb” and “Rocket/AGM”
|02.03 — 23.03
|-
|Flank strike
|Destroy a specified number of player vehicles using a light tank
|50 vehicles
|09.03 — 30.03
|-
|Breakout group
|Play the specified number using the Battle Pass season's vehicles
|20 battles
|16.03 — 06.04
|-
|Air artillery
|Destroy a specified number of player vehicles using aircraft offensive armament with a calibre of at least 35 mm
|15 vehicles
|23.03 — 13.04
|-
|Get up and fight
|Receive a specified number of streaks
|15 awards “[[Awards|Help with Repairing]]” or “[[Awards|Firefighter]]”
|30.03 — 20.04
|-
|At the head of the attack
|Win a specified number of battles while being in the Top-3 of your team
|10 battles
|06.04 — 27.04
|-
|Clear sky
|Destroy specified number of player aerial vehicles by operating the guns of the coastal fleet in manual mode
|10 vehicles
|From the moment of receipt to the end of the season
|-
|Eliminate the threat
|Destroy a specified number of player vehicles while at an strategic point
|25 vehicles
|From the moment of receipt to the end of the season
|-
|Decisive blow
|Receive a specified number of streaks
|7 awards “[[Awards|Hero of the Sky]]” or “[[Awards|Heavy Metal Hero]]” or “[[Awards|Terror of the Sea]]”
|From the moment of receipt to the end of the season
|-
|Crushing victory
|Complete all the Season's Challenges
|14 challenges
|
|}

== External links ==

* [[wt:en/news/7530-battle-pass-season-firepower-en|Battle Pass: season "Firepower"]]

[[Category:Battle Pass seasons]]

File:Watchdog decal.png

2023-10-25T07:45:54Z

U134686484: "Watchdog" emblem Decal

"Watchdog" emblem Decal

File:15th attack squadron decal.png

2023-10-25T07:45:29Z

U134686484: Emblem of the 15th Attack Squadron Decal

Emblem of the 15th Attack Squadron Decal

File:450 squadron raaf decal.png

2023-10-25T07:44:59Z

U134686484: Emblem of No. 450 Squadron Decal

Emblem of No. 450 Squadron Decal

File:Stg 2 immelmann decal.png

2023-10-25T07:44:16Z

U134686484: StG 2 "Immelmann" emblem Decal

StG 2 "Immelmann" emblem Decal

File:Higgins 78 ft. HMS MTB-422.jpg

2023-10-25T07:26:19Z

U134686484: Higgins 78 ft. HMS MTB-422

Higgins 78 ft. HMS MTB-422

File:41.M Turán II.jpg

2023-10-25T07:25:48Z

U134686484: 41.M Turán II

41.M Turán II

File:Su-8.jpg

2023-10-25T07:25:17Z

U134686484: Su-8

Su-8

File:M64.jpg

2023-10-25T07:22:51Z

U134686484: Chinese M64

Chinese M64

Battle Pass: Season VII, "Armoured Elephant"

2023-10-25T07:18:21Z

U134686484: /* Awards */ award images with captions added

{{Notice
|This article is about the seventh [[Battle Pass]] season.

Season is available from the 27th of April 2022.
}}

== Awards ==
<gallery>
File:HMS Cadiz.jpg|[[HMS Cadiz]]
File:F-6C-10.jpg|[[F-6C-10-NA]]
File:Elefant.jpg|[[Elefant]]
</gallery><gallery>
File:Season VII BP Award Profile icon.png|Profile icon "Tanker in a gas mask"
File:Elephant in armor.png|Ship decoration "Elephant in armor"
File:Elephant helmet.png|Tank decoration "Elephant helmet"
File:Ankus.png|Tank decoration "Ankus"
</gallery><gallery>
File:Emblem of the 31st Armored Division.png|Decal “Emblem of the 31st Armored Division”
File:Emblem of the headquarters of the 6th group.png|Decal “Emblem of the headquarters of the 6th group”
File:Emblem of the 1st brigade.png|Decal “Emblem of the 1st brigade”
File:Emblem of the No. 27 Squadron RAF.png|Decal “Emblem of the No. 27 Squadron RAF”
</gallery>

Legend:

* Level - a cell with a prize. Opens for 10 progress points.
* Free - the award doesn't require Battle Pass to be received.

{| class="wikitable zebra" width="100%"
|-
! width="50px" | Level
! Prize
! width="50px" | Availability
|-
| 1 || 400 {{wb}} Warbond shop level I || Free
|-
| 2 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 3 || Decal “Emblem of the 31st Armored Division” || Free
|-
| 4 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 5 || Order || Free
|-
| 6 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 7 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} || Free
|-
| 8 || Universal back-ups ||
|-
| 9 || F-6C-10 test-drive || Free
|-
| 10 || {{rp}} booster pack ||
|-
| 11 || 500 {{wb}} Warbond shop level II || Free
|-
| 12 || Order ||
|-
| 13 || {{rp}} Booster || Free
|-
| 14 || Premium account (10 days) ||
|-
| 15 || Universal back-ups || Free
|-
| 16 || {{sl}} booster pack ||
|-
| 17 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} || Free
|-
| 18 || Wager ||
|-
| 19 || {{Sl}} Booster || Free
|-
| 20 || Universal back-ups ||
|-
| 21 || Access to the first season challenge || Free
|-
| 22 || Decal “Emblem of the headquarters of the 6th group” ||
|-
| 23 || 850 {{wb}} Warbond shop level III || Free
|-
| 24 || {{rp}} booster pack ||
|-
| 25 || Order || Free
|-
| 26 || {{Sl}} booster pack ||
|-
| 27 || Wager ||
|-
| 28 || Decal “Emblem of the 1st brigade” || Free
|-
| 29 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 30 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{rp}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 31 || Universal back-ups || Free
|-
| 32 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{Sl}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 33 || Tank decoration “Ankus” ||
|-
| 34 || {{Sl}} Booster || Free
|-
| 35 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 36 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 37 || 850 {{wb}} Warbond shop level IV || Free
|-
| 38 || Vehicle activated on the account (HMS Cadiz) ||
|-
| 39 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 40 || Access to the second season challenge || Free
|-
| 41 || Camouflage activated on the account (HMS Cadiz: Bicolour deforming camouflage) ||
|-
| 42 || Back-ups (Bluewater ships, Britain) ||
|-
| 43 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} || Free
|-
| 44 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{rp}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 45 || Decal "Emblem of the No. 27 Squadron" ||
|-
| 46 || Wager || Free
|-
| 47 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 48 || 200 {{wb}} || Free
|-
| 49 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{Sl}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 50 || Order ||
|-
| 51 || Vehicle coupon, non-tradable (F-6C-10) || Free
|-
| 52 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 53 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 54 || Camouflage activated on the account (F-6C-10: Olive Drab camouflage) || Free
|-
| 55 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 56 || Back-ups (Aircraft, France) ||
|-
| 57 || 850 {{wb}} Warbond shop level V || Free
|-
| 58 || Tank decoration “Elephant helmet” ||
|-
| 59 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 60 || Access to the third season challenge || Free
|-
| 61 ||{{rp}}Booster
|
|-
| 62 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{rp}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 63 || {{Sl}}Booster ||
|-
| 64 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} || Free
|-
| 65 || Profile icon “Tanker in a gas mask” ||
|-
| 66 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{Sl}} boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 67 || Order ||
|-
| 68 || 200 {{wb}} || Free
|-
| 69 || Universal back-ups ||
|-
| 70 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 71 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 72 || Ship decoration “Elephant in armor” || Free
|-
| 73 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 74 || Universal back-ups ||
|-
| 75 || Coupon for vehicle, non-tradable (Elefant) ||
|-
| 76-78 || 80 {{wb}} || 76 Free
|-
| 79 || Camouflage activated on the account (Elefant: Deforming camouflage) ||
|-
| 80 || 850 {{wb}} Warbond shop level VI || Free
|-
| 81-99 || 80 {{wb}} || 85, 90, 95 Free
|-
| 100 || Loading screen “Elefant” || Free
|-
| 101-104 || 100 {{wb}} ||
|-
| 105 || F-6C-10 coupon upgrade (can be used to convert a F-6C-10 coupon to a tradable one; a set of two upgrade can be used to purchase the next season’s Battle Pass) ||
|-
| 106-124 || 100 {{wb}} || 110, 120 Free
|-
| 125 || Elefant coupon upgrade (can be used to convert a Elefant coupon to a tradable one; a set of two upgrade can be used to purchase the next season’s Battle Pass) ||
|-
| 126-149 || 100 {{wb}} || 130, 140 Free
|-
| 150 || Title “Skillful mahout” || Free
|-
| 151 upwards || 80 {{wb}} || Free
|}

== Season challenges ==
{| class="wikitable zebra" width="100%"
!Name
!Description
!Requirements
!Time to complete (DD.MM)
|-
|Like an elephant in a china shop
|Destroy the specified number of player vehicles
|250 vehicles
|27.04 — 18.05
|-
|Crushing step
|Win a specified number of battles while destroying at least one other player's vehicle
|30 battles
|04.05 — 25.05
|-
|Elemental conqueror
|Receive a specified number of mission points in each of the following modes: air battles, ground battles, naval battles
|10,000 Mission Points on each modes
|11.05 — 01.06
|-
|Fury of the beast
|Destroy 3 player vehicles without losing your own while driving a heavy tank a specified number of times
|10 times
|18.05 — 08.06
|-
|Importunate horsefly
|Destroy a specified number of player vehicles of each military branch while using a fighter
|5 vehicles “Aircraft”, “Ground” and “Vessel”
|25.05 — 15.06
|-
|Thick-skinned
|Receive a specified number of streaks
|25 awards “Professional”
|01.06 — 22.06
|-
|Size matters
|Deal the specified amount of damage while using a coastal vessel gun with a calibre of at least 75 mm
|20,000 damage
|08.06 — 29.06
|-
|Professor Porsche's elephant
|Destroy a specified number of player vehicles using a German tank destroyers
|50 vehicles
|15.06 — 06.07
|-
|Trembling of the earth
|Drop a specified number of tons of bombs on enemy bases
|20 tons (TNT)
|22.06 — 13.07
|-
|Fierce giant
|Receive a specified number of streaks
|25 awards “Adamant”
|29.06 — 20.07
|-
|Winner selection
|Receive a specified number of mission points where vehicles of the current season of the Battle Pass were used
|20,000 Mission Points
|06.07 — 27.07
|-
|Thousand names of Ganesha
|Play the specified number of missions on vehicles of the specified number of nations
|5 missions each in 8 different nations
|From the moment of receipt to the end of the season
|-
|Elephant seal
|Destroy a specified number player vehicles using a Bluewater ship torpedo
|15 vehicles
|From the moment of receipt to the end of the season
|-
|Hunter hunting
|Destroy a given number of the specified player vehicles using a light tank
|5 vehicles “Heavy Tank” and “Tank Destroyer”
|From the moment of receipt to the end of the season
|-
|Age of the titans
|Complete all the Season's Challenges
|14 challenges
|
|}

== External links ==

* [[wt:en/news/7660-battle-pass-battle-pass-season-armored-elephant-en|[Battle Pass] Battle Pass: season "Armored Elephant"]]

[[Category:Battle Pass seasons]]

File:Emblem of the No. 27 Squadron RAF.png

2023-10-25T07:15:42Z

U134686484: Emblem of the No. 27 Squadron RAF decal

Emblem of the No. 27 Squadron RAF decal

File:Emblem of the 1st brigade.png

2023-10-25T07:15:14Z

U134686484: Emblem of the 1st brigade decal

Emblem of the 1st brigade decal

File:Emblem of the headquarters of the 6th group.png

2023-10-25T07:14:49Z

U134686484: Emblem of the headquarters of the 6th group decal

Emblem of the headquarters of the 6th group decal

File:Emblem of the 31st Armored Division.png

2023-10-25T07:14:09Z

U134686484: Emblem of the 31st Armored Division

Emblem of the 31st Armored Division

File:Ankus.png

2023-10-25T07:05:51Z

U134686484: Ankus tank decoration

Ankus tank decoration

File:Elephant helmet.png

2023-10-25T07:05:34Z

U134686484: Elephant helmet tank decoration

Elephant helmet tank decoration

File:Elephant in armor.png

2023-10-25T07:05:04Z

U134686484: Elephant in armor ship decoration

Elephant in armor ship decoration

File:Season VII BP Award Profile icon.png

2023-10-25T07:03:00Z

U134686484: Tanker in a gas mask profile icon

Tanker in a gas mask profile icon

War Thunder Wiki:VisualEditor/Feedback

2023-10-25T06:40:45Z

U134686484: /* Cannot use the uploaded images in gallery */ new section

== Cannot use the uploaded images in gallery ==

:User agent: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64; rv:109.0) Gecko/20100101 Firefox/119.0

URL: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Battle_Pass:_Season_VII,_%22Armoured_Elephant%22?veaction=edit&section=1
I have uploaded 3 images of the vehicles that were awards of this season but I cannot find them in gallery search to add them to the page.
Link to the 3 images: https://wiki.warthunder.com/File:Elefant.jpg https://wiki.warthunder.com/File:F-6C-10.jpg https://wiki.warthunder.com/File:HMS_Cadiz.jpg

[[User:U134686484|U134686484]] ([[User talk:U134686484|talk]]) 06:40, 25 October 2023 (UTC)

File:Elefant.jpg

2023-10-25T06:29:55Z

U134686484: Elefant

Elefant

File:F-6C-10.jpg

2023-10-25T06:29:12Z

U134686484: F-6C-10

F-6C-10

File:HMS Cadiz.jpg

2023-10-25T06:28:38Z

U134686484: HMS Cadiz

HMS Cadiz

Battle Pass: Season X, "Royal Guard"

2023-10-25T06:19:34Z

U134686484: Vehicle names linked to their wiki page

{{Notice
|This article is about the tenth [[Battle Pass]] season.

Season is available from January 25th.
}}

== Awards ==
<gallery>
File:BP X Bf 109 F-4.png|[[Bf 109 F-4 (Hungarian)]]
File:BP X AMX-50 TO90 930.png|[[AMX-50 (TO90/930)]]
File:BP X Pr.183 BM-21.png|[[Pr.183 BM-21]]
</gallery>

<gallery>
File:BP X cardicon danish guardsman 512.png|Profile icon "Royal Guardsman"
File:BP X scepter.png|Tank decoration "Royal sceptre"
File:BP X decor crown.png|Tank decoration "Crown"
File:BP X decor guard post.png|Ship decoration "Guard post"
</gallery>

<gallery>
File:BP X danish royal guard emblem.png‎|Decal "Emblem of the Danish Royal Guard Company"
File:BP X coldstream guard emblem.png|Decal "Emblem of the Coldstream Guards"
File:BP X jordan royal guard emblem.png|Decal "Emblem of the Jordan Royal Guard"
File:BP X spanish royal guard emblem.png|Decal "Emblem of the Spanish Royal Guard"
</gallery>

Legend:

* Level - a cell with a prize. Opens for 10 progress points.
* Free - the award doesn't require Battle Pass to be received.

{| class="wikitable zebra" width="100%"
|-
! width="50px" | Level
! Prize
! width="50px" | Availability
|-
| 1 || 400 {{wb}} Warbond shop level I || Free
|-
| 2 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 3 || Decal “Emblem of the Danish Royal Guard Company” || Free
|-
| 4 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 5 || Order || Free
|-
| 6 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 7 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} || Free
|-
| 8 || Universal back-ups ||
|-
| 9 || Bf 109 F-4 test-drive || Free
|-
| 10 || {{rp}} Booster pack ||
|-
| 11 || 500 {{wb}} Warbond shop level II || Free
|-
| 12 || Order ||
|-
| 13 || {{rp}} Booster || Free
|-
| 14 || Premium account (10 days) ||
|-
| 15 || Universal back-ups || Free
|-
| 16 || {{sl}} Booster pack ||
|-
| 17 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} || Free
|-
| 18 || Wager ||
|-
| 19 || {{Sl}} Booster || Free
|-
| 20 || Universal back-ups ||
|-
| 21 || Access to the first season challenge || Free
|-
| 22 || Decal “Emblem of the Coldstream Guards” ||
|-
| 23 || 850 {{wb}} Warbond shop level III || Free
|-
| 24 || {{rp}} Booster pack ||
|-
| 25 || Order || Free
|-
| 26 || {{Sl}} Booster pack ||
|-
| 27 || Wager ||
|-
| 28 || Decal “Emblem of the Jordan Royal Guard” || Free
|-
| 29 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 30 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{rp}} Boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 31 || Universal back-ups || Free
|-
| 32 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{Sl}} Boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 33 || Tank decoration “Royal sceptre” ||
|-
| 34 || {{Sl}} Booster || Free
|-
| 35 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 36 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 37 || 850 {{wb}} Warbond shop level IV || Free
|-
| 38 || Vehicle activated on the account (Pr.183 BM-21) ||
|-
| 39 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 40 || Access to the second season challenge || Free
|-
| 41 || Camouflage activated on the account (Pr.183 BM-21: Bicolor camouflage) ||
|-
| 42 || Back-ups (Coastal fleet, USSR) ||
|-
| 43 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} || Free
|-
| 44 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{rp}} Boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 45 || Decal "Emblem of the Spanish Royal Guard" ||
|-
| 46 || Wager || Free
|-
| 47 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 48 || 200 {{wb}} || Free
|-
| 49 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{Sl}} Boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 50 || Order ||
|-
| 51 || Vehicle coupon, non-tradable (Bf 109 F-4) || Free
|-
| 52 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 53 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 54 || Camouflage activated on the account (Bf 109 F-4: Tricolor camouflage) || Free
|-
| 55 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 56 || Back-ups (Aircrafts, Italy) ||
|-
| 57 || 850 {{wb}} Warbond shop level V || Free
|-
| 58 || Tank decoration “Crown” ||
|-
| 59 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 60 || Access to the third season challenge || Free
|-
| 61 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 62 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{rp}} Boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 63 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 64 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} || Free
|-
| 65 || Profile icon “Royal Guardsman” ||
|-
| 66 || Battle Pass bonus pack ({{Sl}} Boosters, Back-ups, Silver Lions {{Sl}}) ||
|-
| 67 || Order ||
|-
| 68 || 200 {{wb}} || Free
|-
| 69 || Universal back-ups ||
|-
| 70 || {{rp}} Booster ||
|-
| 71 || Silver Lions {{Sl}} ||
|-
| 72 || Ship decoration “Guard post” || Free
|-
| 73 || {{Sl}} Booster ||
|-
| 74 || Universal back-ups ||
|-
| 75 || Coupon for vehicle, non-tradable (AMX-50 (TO90/930)) ||
|-
| 76-78 || 80 {{wb}} || 76 Free
|-
| 79 || Camouflage (AMX-50 (TO90/930): "Chevalier" camouflage) ||
|-
| 80 || 850 {{wb}} Warbond shop level VI || Free
|-
| 81-99 || 80 {{wb}} || 85, 90, 95 Free
|-
| 100 || Loading screen “AMX-50 (TO90/930)” || Free
|-
| 101-104 || 100 {{wb}} ||
|-
| 105 || Bf 109 F-4 coupon upgrade (can be used to convert a Bf 109 F-4 coupon to a tradable one; a set of two upgrade can be used to purchase the next season’s Battle Pass) ||
|-
| 106-124 || 100 {{wb}} || 110, 120 Free
|-
| 125 || AMX-50 (TO90/930) coupon upgrade (can be used to convert a AMX-50 (TO90/930) to a tradable one; a set of two upgrade can be used to purchase the next season’s Battle Pass) ||
|-
| 126-149 || 100 {{wb}} || 130, 140 Free
|-
| 150 || Title “Chevalier” || Free
|-
| 151 upwards || 80 {{wb}} || Free
|}

== Season challenges ==
{| class="wikitable zebra" width="100%"
!Name
!Description
!Requirements
!Time to complete (DD.MM)
|-
|En garde!
|Destroy the specified number of player vehicles
|150 vehicles
|25.01 — 15.02
|-
|Onslaught of the Hetairoi
|Receive a specified number of mission points in battles that were completed on a tank destroyer
|20,000 Mission Score
|01.02 — 22.02
|-
|Fortitude of the Black Guard
|Win a specified number of battles while destroying at least one other player's vehicle
|35 battles
|08.02 — 01.03
|-
|Cloak and Dagger Technique
|Destroy a specified number of player vehicles using an ammunition belt for stealth attack
|25 vehicles
|15.02 — 08.03
|-
|Bostanji's Tenacity
|Play a specified number of battles using each type of vehicle: Sub-chaser, Destroyer, Light Tank, SPAA, Bomber, Strike aircraft
|3 battles each
|22.02 — 15.03
|-
|Air Guard
|Destroy a specified number of player air vehicles while using a fighter
|10 vehicles of each class: Fighter, Bomber, Strike aircraft
|01.03 — 22.03
|-
|Attack of the midshipmen
|Deal a specified amount of damage to bluewater ships using a coastal vessel
|15,000 damage
|08.03 — 29.03
|-
|Three Musketeers
|Receive a specified number of mission points where vehicles of the current season of the Battle Pass were used
|20,000 Mission Score
|15.03 — 05.04
|-
|Spear and Hammer
|Destroy a specified number player vehicles using each specified naval weapon: torpedo, rocket or missiles or anti-submarine rocket launchers
|5 vehicles "Torpedo" and 5 vehicles "Rocket/Missiles/Anti-submarine rocket launchers"
|22.03 — 12.04
|-
|Gendarme's blow
|Destroy 3 player vehicles without losing your own while driving a heavy tank a specified number of times
|10 times
|29.03 — 19.04
|-
|Accuracy of the Coldstream Guard
|Receive a specified number of streaks
|15 awards [[Awards|"Without a miss"]]
|05.04 — 26.04
|-
|Rage of the Old Guard
|Receive a specified number of streaks
|30 awards [[Awards|"Eye for Eye"]]
|From the moment of receipt to the end of the season
|-
|Life Guards Throw
|Play a specified number of battles while destroying at least one other ground/surface and aerial vehicle and capturing one point in each of the following modes: air battles, ground battles, naval battles
|5 missions on each mode
|From the moment of receipt to the end of the season
|-
|Honor Guard
|Play the specified number of missions in vehicles of the specified number of nations
|5 missions each in 8 different nations
|From the moment of receipt to the end of the season
|-
|Royal Seal
|Complete all the Season's Challenges
|14 challenges
|
|}

== External links ==

* [[wt:en/news/8067-battle-pass-meet-royal-guard-the-10th-season-of-battle-pass-en|[Battle Pass] Meet Royal Guard, the 10th season of Battle Pass]]

[[Category:Battle Pass seasons]]

Ostwind II

2023-10-24T13:41:52Z

U134686484: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = German SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the single-barelled version
| link = Ostwind
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=germ_flakpanzer_IV_Ostwind_2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German self-propelled anti-aircraft gun {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]], replacing the [[Flakpanzer 341]] in the German tech tree.

The {{PAGENAME}} is an average SPAAG which definitely has nothing to look for on the front line, however, there is a great advantage with its double cannon which becomes extremely dangerous for enemy aircraft which fly within range.

The {{PAGENAME}} has sufficient penetrating power to destroy [[M18 GMC|M18]]s or other light armoured vehicles, however, one should rather concentrate on enemy aircraft. The reasoning behind this is because the turret is open from above and weakly armoured on the sides, so is vulnerable to enemy aircraft fire and vehicles that carry .50 calibre machine guns.

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

[[File:Ostwind II armour.jpg|alt=Ostwind II armour|right|thumb|x200px]]

The frontal hull armour (80 mm) is quite well protected against small-calibre weapons and [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|.50 cal HMGs]], the sides (30 mm) and rear (20 mm) are not as well protected.

The turret is open at the top and has a rectangular recess in the right, frontal turret armour, because of the optics.

In addition, the steel of the turret (25 mm) is very weakly armoured, as well as the hull roof (10-12 mm).

Since the vehicle has a crew of six, with the driver and the machine gunner/radio operator in the hull, it usually survives the first attack from enemy aircraft as well as a shot into the turret.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=426|rbMinHp=265}}

The {{PAGENAME}} does not have that great average speed, which means that the 39 km/h will be rare on the battlefield. Forget about trying to turn on the spot as this vehicle does not have neutral steering. Even worse is attempting to use the reverse gear (-7 km/h) which is extremely insufficient presenting an easy target if having to back out of a tight situation.

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

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

{{main|FlaK44 (37 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[FlaK44 (37 mm)|37 mm FlaK44]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 992 (8) || rowspan="2" | 250 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+87° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 30.82 || 42.66 || 51.80 || 57.28 || 60.94 || rowspan="2" | 0.31 || rowspan="2" | 0.27 || rowspan="2" | 0.25 || rowspan="2" | 0.24
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 20.83 || 24.50 || 29.75 || 32.90 || 35.00
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|APHE|Armour-piercing high-explosive}}{{-}}{{Annotation|FI-T|Fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
* '''Sprgr. 18:''' {{Annotation|FI-T|Fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
* '''PzGr:''' {{Annotation|APHE|Armour-piercing high-explosive}}
* '''M.Gr.18:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T|High-explosive incendiary tracer}}

{{:FlaK44 (37 mm)/Ammunition|FI-T, APHE, HEI-T}}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''124''' || 92 ''(+32)'' || 62 ''(+62)'' || 30 ''(+94)'' || 6 ''(+118)'' || 2 ''(+122)'' || 0 ''(+124)'' || Yes
|-
|}

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

{{main|MG34 (7.92 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[MG34 (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm MG34]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Hull || 1,800 (150) || 900 || -5°/+7° || ±10°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


;Realistic Battles

The {{PAGENAME}} should be held in reserve, for towards the end of the game when there tends to be a significant amount of enemy aircraft flying. It is best to avoid the front lines or beating feet toward the enemy tanks as the {{PAGENAME}} tends to be an easy target for a majority of the other tanks in the game.

If your own team is about to lose or it gets very exciting towards the end and there are not many enemies left alive, you can place your {{PAGENAME}} inside an allied capture-point to defend it from enemy light tanks. Due to the location, it is more central to the battlefield and presents a difficult challenge for enemy aircraft to attempt to fly over.

It should also be kept in mind that if impenetrable heavily armoured enemies are encountered and you are left with no other option but to engage them, firing in a sustained manner at their cannon barrel is a semi-viable idea. This is because it is entirely possible that it will result in a damaged cannon barrel for the enemy and a chance to escape for you. Furthermore, you can target the tank tracks as well to leave the enemy both harmless and immobile which may possibly get you a kill assist if a teammate with enough firepower is nearby. Any tank with top mounted machine guns will be sure to ruin the day, as most within the Ostwind's BR range will have plenty of penetrating power to hit anyone inside your turret. Avoidance of most American and Russian armor is highly recommended due to their exterior armaments.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* 2 x 3.7 cm FlaK 44 cannons with a high rate of fire
* M. Gr. 18 rounds have a high muzzle velocity and explosive mass
* Does not need to reload until it is completely out of ammunition
* Enough penetration to destroy enemy light armoured vehicles
* High number of crew members makes it harder to kill this SPAA by knocking out all crew members

'''Cons:'''

* Poorer-than-average mobility and top speed (Panzer IV chassis)
* Slower turret rotation compared to earlier German SPAAs
* Open-topped design makes it vulnerable to rockets, artillery strikes, and aircraft machine gun/cannon fire

== History ==


The Ostwind II was a development of the [[Ostwind]]. First conceived as early as October 1943, the Ostwind II saw the single 3.7 cm FlaK 43 replaced by a twinned 3.7 cm FlaK Zwilling 44 built by the ''Gustloff-Werke'' in Suhl. One single prototype was delivered to the ''Panzerflak-Ersatz und Ausbildungsabteilung Ohrsdurf/Thühringen'' in January of 1945 for evaluation purposes, but due to the rapid events of the war it was never taken into production.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_flakpanzer_IV_Ostwind_2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|naeDoEwZ5Pg|'''German SPAAs''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:44 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|Tvf5Z49Tjc4|'''Ostwind II: Same Old Wind But Stock''' - ''Napalmratte''|KHoF40aIeEU|'''The Ostwind II SPAA''' - ''Orangefan''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Flakpanzer IV]]
** [[Ostwind]] - Predecessor with a single 37 mm FlaK 43 autocannon.

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[Flakpanzer 341]] - Gift vehicle that the Ostwind II substituted in the main tech tree.

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6317-development-changes-and-optimization-in-the-german-tech-tree-en|[Development] Changes and optimization in the German tech-tree]]

{{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}}

IS-2

2023-10-24T13:36:15Z

U134686484: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = Soviet heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = IS-2 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_is_2_1943
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''IS-2''' is the early-generation second variant of the IS heavy tank family. With the arrival of the [[Panzer V Panther (Family)|Panthers]] and [[Tiger I (Family)|Tiger Is]] on the German side, the escalation between German and Soviet engineers reached a new level, and the IS-2 was forced into service as soon as its primary armament was ready. The new heavy tank was the Soviet response to the increasingly superior German tanks, with a partially sloped hull front armour plate and a new enormous 122 mm D-25T tank gun. However, the IS-2 design would prove to have several flaws in the long term, beginning with the tank gun itself, which was difficult to reload and used heavy two-piece naval ammunition. The most innovative feature of both the [[IS-1]] and early-generation IS-2 was their new frontal hull design, which was still sloped but uniformly "blended," with a 120 mm armour plate angled at 30° and a 60 mm armour plate angled at 72°, providing improved protection while still maintaining weight. As a result, the frontal hull could now withstand a German 88 mm armour-piercing shell at 1,000 m. The internal space was restricted because of the huge recoil mechanism of the tank gun and a small 1,800 mm turret ring radius, allowing only a four-man crew, with the commander commanding, ordering fire, and making radio contact. The majority of the production began in February 1944, with around 2,252 units supplied by the end of the year.

Introduced in the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41, the IS-2 provides the same level of protection as the earlier IS-1. The introduction of a new enormous 122 mm D-25T tank gun, however, considerably improves firepower. This effectively puts the IS-2 on par with standard tank destroyers in World War II. Players will be glad to discover that fighting opponents has never been easier, as the IS-2 is capable of eliminating any enemy ground vehicle it encounters in a single shot. A bigger tank gun calibre, on the other hand, leads to longer reload times. Missing a shell can be frustrating, as players will frequently wait more than 20 seconds for the next shell to be ready. As a result, it is critical not to get involved in confrontations with several enemies during engagements.

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

[[File:IS-2 scheme of armour.jpg|right|thumbnail|300px|The historical armour layout of the IS-2 for the 1943 and 44 models]]
The IS-2 has sufficient armour, but will not protect from the guns of its rank. The frontal plate has 120 mm of armour plating, which will not stop anything the IS-2 faces, making slight angle adjustments paramount survivability essential. However, due to a tendency for the driver's view port to literally absorb the round, most players will not aim here. The LFP has a value of 100 mm angled at 27 degrees, and will not bounce any shots. Since behind the LFP is the driver and the 2 main fuel tanks, a penetrating round will have catastrophic results for the {{PAGENAME}}. The side armour is 90 mm, and observing the front of the tank, it has a noticeable curvature to it. When viewed from the front, the 90 mm of armour will deflect or absorb a high number of shots contrary to the 120 mm plate. Angling with large adjustments will cause the {{PAGENAME}} to render this part useless and make the tank extremely vulnerable. The frontal turret armour is 100 mm with a distinctive "cheek" construction. As with any "cheek" construction, the lower part may act as a shot trap and the middle may absorb shots, but it is more than likely to fail against high-penetration guns.

'''Armour type:'''

* Cast homogeneous armour (Hull front and side, turret)
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull roof, engine compartment side & rear, turret and cupola roof, gun mantlet)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 120 mm (27-34°) ''Driver viewport'' 60 mm (74°) ''Front glacis'' 100 mm (28-36°) ''Lower glacis'' || 90 - 100 mm (9-25°) ''Top'' 90 mm ''Bottom''|| 60 mm (49-50°) ''Top'' 60 mm (38°) ''Bottom'' || 30 mm
|-
| Turret || 100 mm (7-72°) ''Turret front'' 100 mm (5-60°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 100 mm (12-22°) || 100 mm (5-35°) || 30 mm
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 90 mm (cylindrical) ''Base'' 90 mm (spherical) ''Upper part'' || 90 mm ''Outer ring'' 30 mm ''Centre''
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and bogies are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 671|rbMinHp= 460}}

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

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

{{main|D-25T (122 mm)}}

Many players find it hard to get used to similar Soviet cannons mainly due to their absurdly long reload. This can be caused by inaccurate aiming, resulting in the shell missing or not penetrating, so the player have to wait for half a minute to reload, which is of course frustrating. Players can overcome this by practising shooting and getting used to the ballistics, to make most if not every shell count. Once one is able to consistently knock out opponents with a single shot, the reload will not seem as long, since it generally takes quite a few minutes before the next target shows up.

Ammunition-wise, the best ammo is of course the BR-471B. The added ballistic cap can really make a difference when shooting angled armour. For example shooting at the UFP of an angling M4A3E2 with BR-471 might not penetrate, however with a BR-471B it will decrease the compound angle at which the shell impacts the armour for quite a bit, therefore easily pierce through. This can be the difference between getting a kill or getting killed. If you want to save silver lions, you can bring a mix of the two shells. The BR-471 works great as well.

The last aspect to overcome is the painful gun depression. Make sure to fight on flat ground so you do not have to aim down. Even if you fight in an urban environment, be careful in the streets, since some curbsides lift up one of your tracks and may prevent you from aiming at an opponent.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[D-25T (122 mm)|122 mm D-25T]] || 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°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 11.3 || 15.7 || 19.0 || 21.1 || 22.4 || rowspan="2" | 27.04 || rowspan="2" | 23.92 || rowspan="2" | 22.05 || rowspan="2" | 20.80
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 8.3 || 9.8 || 11.9 || 13.2 || 14.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:D-25T (122 mm)/Ammunition|BR-471, BR-471B, OF-471}}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo part
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''28''' || ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants'' || 13 ''(+15)'' 27 ''(+1)'' || 1 ''(+27)'' 24 ''(+4)'' || N/A 21 ''(+7)'' || N/A 11 ''(+17)'' || N/A 6 ''(+22)'' || N/A 1 ''(+27)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* The {{PAGENAME}} uses two-piece ammunition, composed of projectiles (yellow) and propellant bags (orange). Both have separate racks.
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
* Centre floor rack emptied: 11 ''(+17)'' shells.

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

{{main|DT (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[DT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm DT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,890 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

As the tank's design purpose suggests, the IS-2 is a heavy tank built with an emphasis on engaging hostile armoured vehicles as well as a breakthrough tank. The tanks heavy armour retains the similar properties of its [[IS-1]] and previous KV line of battle-tanks but introduces some sloped armour on the front plate and turret mantlet. Differing from its IS-1 predecessor, the IS-2 comes equipped with the large 122 mm D-25T gun and a slightly more armoured but elongated turret. Although powerful, the D-25T main cannon of the IS-2 is encumbered by a slow reload time, mimicking that of the Soviet Tank-Destroyer line of vehicles at around the mid-20 seconds. Nevertheless, this vehicle with its powerful cannon and shell will commonly destroy almost all but the most heavily armoured vehicles with a single shot, behaving similarly to the older KV-2 predecessor, albeit with half the time required for reloading. In the tank's BR and rank, the armour of the IS-2 no longer stands up to much punishment with the advent of opponents with more powerful weaponry, and caution should be taken. Close-quarters combat and brawling against more than one target at a time is highly discouraged due to the long reload speed unless the tank operator is trapped and situation requires this as an absolute necessity. Alternatively, if escorted and accompanied by other friendly tanks, the IS-2 can be supplemented and perform better in dire close-quarters situations.

If you are to apply bushes onto the IS-2, consider putting most of them on upper frontal hull and the curved sides next to it. This is because that quite some opponents will automatically target the curved armour, knowing that area is a common weak spot when the IS is angling. By covering up the hull front and the curves, the IS's frontal hull will now look flatter, somewhat resembling the hull of an IS-2 1944. This will cause some confusion and delay the enemy's reaction & aiming time, as they now cannot directly see where your curved armour is, gifting you a few precious seconds before they open fire. For any leftover bushes, the turret front and the lower front plate are also good spots to put them on.

=== General Gameplay ===

==== Arcade Battles ====
In Arcade, the IS-2 proves to be quite mobile when fully upgraded. This can be used effectively to get into superior positions to engage enemies early in the match when they haven't yet set-up camp in well-covered positions and/or presented their strongest armour. Thus, it's easy to gain a kill at the start of the match, if you are comfortable with the 122 mm gun.

Close quarters combat proves even more deadly in Arcade Battles because all opposing vehicles will be able to easily overrun a single IS-2, especially after it has shot and is now waiting through its long reload (> the 20s). Hence why it's advised to use your improved reverse speed to quickly disengage after shooting and retreating towards your teammates, who will likely be able to return fire. If the map forces you to fight in close quarters, attempt to get into a position where your teammates can cover your sides, while you can face forwards and clear the road. If the map allows, you can try taking 5 rounds of ammunition and camp at a capture point (usually one that's given to your team) to snipe all enemies that enter your line of sight while reducing your chances of blowing up at the first incoming shot.

In rare cases, it's possible to rush with the IS-2 and surprise lighter vehicles at a contested capture point in the early stages of a game. This strategy relies on the capture point being unpopular and being lucky to face only one enemy vehicle at a time. Some light tanks are unable to penetrate the IS-2 frontally, especially if they are from a much lower rank (e.g. [[BT-7]], the [[Sd.Kfz.234/2|Puma]] or the [[R3 T20 FA-HS|R3]]), so that's an added benefit of being a decently mobile heavy tank. If successful, the IS-2 can then flank to other objectives or advance to the enemy spawn to destroy another enemy or two. You shouldn't expect a lot of easy targets with this strategy, because it exposes your tank to potentially a lot of enemy fire.

==== Realistic Battles ====
In Realistic, the IS-2 begins to feel like a heavy tank. Its mobility is heavily reduced and its speed is outmatched by practically everything, mostly due to poor acceleration off-roads. However, this should be used as an advantage to gauge where the enemies are set-up, by looking where your teammates are killed from. You can then decide to return fire, although sometimes opponents don't show themselves until later in the match, in which case you should stay passive and try to remain behind your team's front lines.

Due to generally increased map size in Realistic, you will have to get comfortable with the bullet drop. There is an added benefit to that because the following [[IS-3]] and [[IS-4M]] mount the same gun (as does [[T-44-122]] and [[KV-122]], if you have them), and [[T-10M]] has similar bullet drop. Now, the IS-2 performs decently well at longer ranges, but it will cost you a lot if you miss or don't penetrate, because the reload is so long. Often, you will need to rely on the rangefinder, the teammates or map knowledge to gauge how high you need to shoot, so it might be a great idea to take out another vehicle first (such as the [[T-44]] or [[T-34-85]]) remember the distance and then take the IS-2 out. However, on larger maps, it is generally a better idea to take out other vehicles.

A more reliable strategy for the IS-2 is to camp nearby an objective and pick off any enemies who pose a threat. Just make sure to find a flat spot with cover, because your poor gun depression and long reload will be your death in hilly or open areas. It's also a good idea to target heavy enemies, because they are easier to hit, and also will likely pose a larger threat to your general team (e.g the [[Ferdinand]], the [[Ho-Ri Production|Ho-Ri]] or the [[Tiger II (H)]]).

====General Tactics====

Although classified as a heavy tank and an upgraded improved design over the KV predecessor, the IS-2's armour will no longer hold up to its more common and heavier opponents of its BR and rank. Compared with other vehicles such as the new German Tiger II, American heavy T-series tanks; most of which can easily deflect even the most powerful shots of the IS-2 unless targeted specifically and known weak spots. Because of this, it is recommended to always travel and fight in groups of two or more vehicles. The slow and difficult in the manoeuvring of the vehicle (especially in confined spaces) will more than once place the IS-2 in significant danger. It is recommended to field the IS-2 into a fire-support role, peeking over the shoulder of friendly, more heavier vehicles and firing a shot against the opposition in tandem.

Another significant note of this vehicle is the IS-2's considerably fast reverse rate, the highest at its BR for the nation's faction inherited from its IS-1 predecessor, topping at 17 km/h. During situations where engagement is expected, an unorthodox strategy can be utilized where the operator of the IS-2 tank re-positions the vehicle 90 degrees and drive in reverse with the rear-facing towards the enemy. By driving in reverse this way, the engine blocks make a crude yet somewhat effective shield to protect the more delicate crew members. As the fuel tanks are mostly stored at the front on the left and right side of the driver's station, the risk of fire and fuel-tank explosion is reduced significantly (but not completely eliminated) and thus, the tank is able to resist even the most powerful of shots. Be aware that more experienced players may attempt to instead fire at the more exposed turret of the IS tank and instantly knocking out the crew with a common APHE penetrating shell in this way.

Despite the overall below-average protection for a heavy tank, the IS-2 can actually act as a shell magnet without being penetrated. The IS-2 can take advantage of the tactic of "side-scraping" thanks to its sturdily thick side armour and fast reverse speed. First find some solid cover and hide the entirety of the tank's front behind it, then point the rear hull outside a bit so you can reverse and peek the back half of the hull side out at an extremely tiny angle from the direction of incoming shots. Now what the enemy should see is a part of your hull side forming a very small angle of incidence. Due to the fact that not a lot tankers know this tactic, they will take the bait and fire at your side armour. The shell will either hit the side armour and ricochet away, or damage the track but not break it. This way, you can safely lure the enemy to fire first, then poke out and finish them with your powerful cannon. However, do note that in an uptier, there will be vehicles equipped with HEAT/HEATFS shells (e.g. [[ST-A1]], [[M56]], [[T114]], [[Type 60 SPRG (C)|Type 60]]) that can easily penetrate you regardless of how hard you angle. So if you know they are present, do not use this tactic. Your engine/fuel tank will get damaged. Rather, wait until they fire at a teammate or are distracted. Another factor to take into account is the curved armour connecting the front and the side, it will increase the incidence angle of enemy shells, resulting in you being penetrated, so do not expose too much of the side.

In regards to shells, the D-25T cannon is also equipped with powerful High-explosive (HE) Shells which should not go ignored. Firing a HE shell with precise aim directly underneath the chassis of enemy vehicles where the armour is thinnest, like on the top of the vehicle, can cripple or instantly destroy said enemy vehicles. In rare instances, the HE shell of the D-25T is so powerful to the point two or more medium or heavy tanks close to each other can be destroyed with a single exploding HE shell. Alternatively, the powerful armour-piercing capability of the D-25T cannon's APHE rounds has also been documented to pierce two or three light-armoured targets without exploding.

==== Against the IS-2 ====
'''Light tank/SPAA''': the nations that fight the USSR the most are the US and Germany. Their light tanks (e.g. [[M24 (Family)|M24]], [[Sd.Kfz.234/2]]) are usually armed with a rather powerful cannon that can destroy an IS-2 by targeting certain weak spots. Be careful though, only peek out to shoot when you are sure that you will not get hit, the IS-2 will easily knock you out with a single shot. For tanks like the M24, the commander's cupola is a great weakness as it is 90 mm thick without any slopes. The short 75 mm shell will go straight through and explode right at the other side, sending a shower of shrapnel down to every crew in the turret, destroying the IS-2. Other than this, the IS-2 is frontally immune to the M24's short 75 mm. The Puma, on the other hand, can consistently penetrate not only the cupola, but also the lower front plate and the turret cheeks. Avoid the gun mantlet, driver's port and the shot trap between them. The IS-2's side is of course vulnerable to any gun, a penetrating shell through the side of the hull below the turret will knock out all the crew easily. SPAA can use their autocannons and break the IS-2's large gun barrel or tracks, and call for teammates of an artillery strike.

'''Medium tank''': the weak spots for medium tanks are not limited to the cupola, lower front plate and turret cheeks. Now the driver's port and side armour all become vulnerable to common medium tanks such as the [[Comet I|Comet]], [[Panther A|Panther]] and [[M4A2 (76) W|M4A2]]/[[M4A3 (76) W|3 (76) W]]. Explosive-filled shells will knock out the IS-2 with a single shot, while solid shots might need a few more penetrations. Still you want to avoid the gun mantlet as volumetric shells are very likely to scratch the barrel before hitting the mantlet, and it will lose lots of penetration that way. Be more careful, as medium tanks lose the advantage of manoeuvrability and small profile, meaning the IS-2 is more likely to see and shoot you.

'''Heavy tank''': heavy tank commanders should not be any less careful when fighting an IS-2, due to its destructive 122 mm cannon that can frontally penetrate all tanks around its BR. Because that heavy tanks usually have longer reload, you want to make every shell count. In front of a common heavy tank, the IS-2 is no longer protective and you can penetrate it almost anywhere, however there are still spots that you should definitely avoid shooting at. The frontal glacis joining the driver's port and the lower front plate is quite thick, at 60 mm with a slope angle of 74°, drastically increasing its effective thickness to ~210 mm. The side armour, when angled, is very strong too, so if an IS-2 tries to lure you into shooting at its angled side, do not. The shell will certainly bounce.

'''Tank destroyer''': for tank destroyers around the IS-2's BR, its weak spots remain overall the same, and you should still be careful when hunting down an IS-2. But for late-war tank destroyers with absurd armour and huge cannons, like [[T28]], [[Jagdtiger]], [[Ho-Ri Production|Ho-Ri]], the player can be more confident. Sit in front of the IS-2 at a comfortable distance and it will simply not penetrate your armour. If you gunsight magnification is high enough it is better to force the IS-2 into a long range battle. Its gunsight zoom is really poor and the gun is not beginner friendly, meaning that most IS-2 players will miss their shots. Still, its strong points are there to bounce/absorb the most powerful kinetic shells so aim carefully away from the front glacis, gun mantlet and the turret ring.

====Specific enemies worth noting====

German Tiger IIs, Panthers will be common encounters at the IS-2's BR, combined with the more threatening and heavier American T-Series tanks such as the T34 and M26. At this Battle Rating and Rank, more powerful British Tanks such as the Centurions will be encountered. As previously specified above, The IS-2 no longer retains its armour advantage at this BR unlike its IS-1 predecessor and thus, it is important to identify and fire on targets first before they do. In this rank, Tanks such as the Panthers, Tiger II and similar vehicles will be present with sloped armour, strong enough to even withstand the might of the 122 mm Shells of the D-25T gun. A common design flaw, however, is the turret of said vehicles, commonly being mostly blunt and flat and easy to penetrate. A patient and well placed aim and shot against these surfaces will destroy the target with no more than a single shot. Be aware that most opposition vehicles at this rank have the lower calibre and puncturing power than the D-25T of the IS-2, but come with an improved reload speed, a reload speed commonly faster than the IS-2. Japanese line of tanks at the same rank as the IS-2 is of little concern; their poor armour and armaments at the same rank will render them relatively easy to destroy.
[[File:Wsp volumetric shell diagram.png|thumb|Differences between non-volumetric shells and volumetric shells hitting a Tiger I]]
An important note when engaging tanks, especially Tiger I's, is that, with the implementation of volumetric shells, you can no longer expect your shells to pierce through small openings or right past an obstacle. The large 122 mm calibre of your shells will result in it catching on an armour plate's edge very often, losing all of its penetration. For example, a Tiger I has some edges that can absorb your shell unexpectedly, despite having flat armour. Thus you must always make sure that where you are aiming at is absolutely free of obstruction, or it may result in a non-penetration or a ricochet. This can be seen in the diagram to the right.

Another specific enemy vehicle worth noting is the German [[Ferdinand]] tank destroyer. Most new players in Rank IV battles fielding the IS-2 may commonly mistake the front armour of the Ferdinand as appearing as thin as similar-looking tank destroyers such the [[Nashorn]] and are commonly caught unaware that almost the entire front of the Ferdinand consists entirely of heavy 100 mm and 200 mm plate armour, the largest being the fighting compartment located behind the driving compartment. Due to it being such a large target, many players including both IS-2 users and other vehicle type users alike will be tempted into firing at that portion expecting easy wins, only for almost all shots to be absorbed, even the powerful shells of the D-25T. It is recommended to avoid engaging the Ferdinand or ignore it entirely. If the opportunity arises, Ferdinand's weaker side and rear armour should be targeted (80 mm).

=== The Stock Grind ===
When grinding the first modifications, Arcade Battles might be more fun, because of faster-paced gameplay and the ability to see all threats. Now, it's a priority to research Parts and FPE (you may want to activate 3-5 universal vehicle back-ups to be able to respawn twice in one match if you really wish to upgrade this vehicle quickly).

General stock grind advice:

* Don't show your rear to any enemies, because a single fire will be your death.
* Your gun is still very effective, so don't be afraid to attack enemies frontally, just make sure to aim for weak spots if possible.
** Shooting at planes in Arcade with your machine gun (or main gun) and scoring some hits can often award you a kill if the plane crashes, which grants points.
* Play as a support tank - push with your team and let them take fire, then poke out and take your shots, then retreat back into cover.
** Try to push into objectives with your team to gain those points as well.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Excellent firepower with nearly unmatched potential for single-shot knock-outs
* Considerably good speed for a heavy tank: around 40 km/h on road
* Very fast reverse speed at -15 km/h
* Repositioning of fuel tanks reduces chances of fires
* Players proficient with the KV-2 and Soviet heavy tank destroyers will feel comfortable with the IS-2
* Has quite a low profile for a heavy tank

''' Cons:'''

* Sub-par armour for a heavy tank, inherited from the IS-1
* Big weak spots that directly lead to the driver or an ammo rack
* Very cramped interior, causing it to be easily knocked out with a single shot
* Poor manoeuvrability, very bad hull traverse speed, often needing forward acceleration before turning
* Extremely poor gun depression
* Very low rate of fire demanding every shot to count
* Slow turret traverse speed
* Despite being a heavy tank, turret cheeks and lower front plate are vulnerable and usually a single shot by most of the enemies at this BR to these parts kills the IS-2

== History ==

===Development===
The effort began on another heavy tank after the [[IS-1]]'s 85 mm gun no longer had a firepower advantage after the standard [[T-34 (1942)|T-34]] medium tank was upgraded with the same gun into the [[T-34-85]]. Due to that, the IS-1 was discontinued in January 1944 with about 107 units produced.<ref name="ISZaloga">Zaloga, Steven J. ''IS-2 Heavy Tank 1944-73'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 1994</ref> Those in storage still awaited upgrade to become a more powerful heavy tank.

In late 1943, the upgrade of the IS tank began and the choices available were rounded down to two weapons, the 122 mm A-19 gun and the 100 mm D-10 gun. Both guns had their advantages and disadvantages in their specifications, the 100 mm D-10 had a much better armour penetration capabilities and uses a single-piece ammunition, the 122 mm A-19 has a better high-explosive round and used a two-piece ammunition In the end, the 122 mm A-19 (adopted as the D-25T) gun was chosen as the gun of the new IS tank due to larger supply of the gun available for use (the D-10 was a newly produced gun) and the better high-explosive round available. The better high-explosive round is due to the heavy tank's specification as a "breakthrough" tank than an anti-tank role, so it was meant to fight fortifications more than against armour. Nevertheless, against armour, the 122 mm gun proved a very lethal cannon against armour, having the capacity to knock out any German tanks fielded in the war, even the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II]], though the ease of knocking them out vary from their armour protection.

The 122 mm gun's two-piece ammunition was perhaps the gun's worst drawback, this along with the heavy shells and charges that it uses causes reloading speed to only be one and a half rounds per minute maximum. Even after some modernization to the gun including a semi-automatic breech, the rate of fire only increased to two to three rounds per minute. Another drawback of the gun was the size of the ammunition that the 122 mm gun uses, the IS tank interior could only hold 28 of such ammunition, which restricts the time the IS could last in battle before requiring a resupply. In battle, the usual distribution of the shells is 20 high-explosive and 8 armour-piercing rounds.

The finished IS tank with the 122 mm gun, first called the ''IS-122'', was finally approved and renamed the '''IS-2''' heavy tank, some were rearmed IS-1s from the factory with the 122 mm gun. The IS-2 tank, like the IS-1, was superior to the previous [[KV-1 (ZiS-5)|KV-1]] tanks used in the Red Army. Production of the IS-2 started in October or November 1943 and by the end of World War II when production ended, a total of 3,854 units were produced.

===Design===
The IS-2 tank hull was similar to the IS-1 tank, but the turret was modified to accommodate the larger 122 mm D-25T gun. The suspension was a torsion-bar suspension system and the tank was powered by a diesel V2-IC engine. The drivetrain and the engine were taken from the KV-1 tank, yet was considerably more mobile. The armour on the IS-2 was a 120 mm thick front plate sloped at 60 degrees with a small step in the front for the driver's hatch. This "early version", developed from the KV-13 design, was produced from the initial production lines until some time in late 1944, where a [[IS-2 (1944)|IS-2 mod. 1944]] version was modified with the front plate now a single sloped 120 mm plate at 60 degrees with no interruptions in order to eliminate shot traps and weaknesses in the armour design. Other design changes when the IS-2 was upgraded to the 1944 model was a stronger gun mount, wider mantlet, and an addition of a Dshk machine gun on the turret. The formidable armour of the IS-2 is able to withstand the 88 mm shells from the [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]] at 1,000 m out, yet the whole tank weighs less than the Panther at only 46 tons. Despite its construction, the IS-2 was still quite crude in quality and can have signs of being hastily built from the factories. This did not affect its battlefield performance greatly and the crude construction is merely a side effect of the fast production of the tanks to fill battlefield demands.

===Combat usage===
The IS-2 first saw action in early 1944. The IS-2 was organized in heavy tank regiments, each with 21 tanks. Their role was to spearhead the offensives launched at each sector, breaking through enemy emplacements and supporting the infantry by destroying enemy fortifications, they were not meant to exploit breakthroughs and this role was given to the lighter [[T-34-85|T-34]] tanks. Their first reported action was in April 1944 in the 11th Special Guards Heavy Tank Regiment near Tarnopol, Ukraine. The IS-2 presented such a surprise to the Germans as no Soviet tanks before could engage with accurate fire from more than 3 kilometres away. A bigger shock was when they found out the 88 mm of the Tiger I couldn't adequately penetrate their armour. The IS-2 initial combat experience was limited due to the inexperienced crew and organization, but more and more IS-2 started to come in to reinforce the Soviet forces.<ref name="ISZaloga">Zaloga, Steven J. ''IS-2 Heavy Tank 1944-73'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 1994</ref>

The IS-2's next great effort was in Operation Bagration in July 1944. By this time period, the heavy tank regiments were allocated to one for each tank corps. During Operation Bagration, the IS-2 combat effort contributed to the decimation of the German Army Group Center. The IS-2 was able to deal with the troublesome German Panther and Tiger I tanks with ease. By December 1944, enough IS-2 was produced that the Soviets began outfitting them to Guards heavy tank brigades, consisting of 65 IS-2 tanks with other vehicles for support. Though the number of these brigades were still limited, they proved valuable in breaking through German lines, as used in January 1945 against the German in the Oder Offensive. It should be noted that despite having a role similar to the Tiger heavy tank battalions in the German service, they are produced in far greater numbers to enforce every tank corp with one heavy tank regiment that allowed even the IS-2 to overwhelm German defences. The IS-2 continued to see combat service for the Red Army all the way to the Battle of Berlin and the end of World War II.<ref name="ISZaloga">Zaloga, Steven J. ''IS-2 Heavy Tank 1944-73'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 1994</ref>

After World War II, the IS-2 production was replaced by the more heavily armoured [[IS-3]], but the IS-2 stayed in service up until 1982 due to modernization efforts on the IS-2. This modernized IS-2 was named the ''IS-2M'' and were done in the mid-1950s. These modernization efforts added external fuel tanks and stowage bins onto the hull and protective skirts on the edges of the tracks. The IS-2 was finally placed into storage in the 1990s and were kept in reserves or sold out as scrap metal.

Like most of Soviet Union's military hardware, the IS-2 was given out to the Warsaw Pact nations as supplies. The IS-2 was thus lent out to Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, China, North Vietnam, and maybe North Korea. Later in 1960, a shipment of IS-2 was also sent to Cuba, these were converted into bunkers and coastal defences as spare parts for the tank never made it to Cuba due to the US blockade imposed in 1962.

{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The most powerful tank deployed in combat in World War II. The Iosif Stalin IS-2 was developed in the summer of 1943 at the same time as the IS-1 heavy tank armed with an 85 mm cannon. Thanks to its thick armour and high firepower, the IS-2 was a worthy opponent to German heavy tanks. The vehicle's basic armament consisted of the powerful 122 mm D-25T cannon with separate shell loading. The 122 mm weapon's penetration and firing accuracy were quite high. The standard-issue BR-471 sharp-nosed armour-piercing shells allowed it to penetrate the frontal armour of all German tanks.

The tank's layout was standard, with the transmission in the rear. The tank's hull was a fully welded armoured box made of cast and rolled armour.

The hull's nose and the under turret box were made of cast pieces. Its base, sides, rear and roof were rolled steel. The turret had a streamlined shape and was cast steel. Its sides contained small hatches with armoured covers for shooting through with small arms.

Around 450 of them were made between December 1943 and May 1944.

Tanks of this model played a large role in the battles of 1944-1945, particularly excelling in storming cities.

The IS-2's flaws limiting its anti-tank capabilities included its small ammunition supply consisting of 28 shots and its cannon's separate loading, which decreased its rate of fire. Its first battles revealed that the tank's frontal hull armour was insufficient.

The new heavy tanks were provided to Czechoslovakian units and the Polish Army, which participated in the final stage of the Great Patriotic War.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_is_2_1943 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|bVoBUcq25gg|'''The Shooting Range #305''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|z3pEoHfHxlw|'''Famous, Feared and very Soviet! IS-2''' - ''HowToPlay1337''|wDxhzDnCnHY|'''The Shooting Range #111''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 09:49 discusses Alexandra Boiko, IS-2 tank commander.|MhjI_h5FhG4|'''IS-2 vs Tiger E''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|eqLe-I0FRwQ|'''The Shooting Range #72''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:43 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|0tRz1s5AL2M|'''IS-2: When 85mm is not enough''' - ''Military History Visualized''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[IS-2 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/2673--en|[Vehicle Profile] Iosif Stalin 2]]
* [[wikipedia:IS-2|[Wikipedia] IS-2]]
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/soviet/soviet_IS-II.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> IS-2]
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=357 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> IS-2 / JS-2 (Josef Stalin)]

=== References ===
<references />

{{TankManufacturer ChTZ}}
{{USSR heavy tanks}}

Fw 190 F-8

2023-10-24T13:23:23Z

U134686484: /* Usage in battles */

{{About
| about = German strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Fw 190 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=fw-190f-8
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

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

The 190 who thought it was a Stuka. The F-8 version is a peculiar one, designed to replace the ageing Ju 87 series, but could never fully replace it this late into the war (1944). As an attacker, this Focke Wulf gains mid-air start on most maps which can either be used to get to ground targets quickly or get the jump on climbing fighters. Keep in mind though that the very heavy F-8 is not designed for dogfights and will suffer in any fighter engagement. The F-8 is perhaps one of the most versatile Fw 190s in the game, though it tends to be outperformed in most categories by more specialised planes.

== 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 5,400 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
| 605 || 585 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.5 || 25.5 || 11.7 || 11.7 || rowspan="2" | 453
|-
! Upgraded
| 670 || 635 || 21.9 || 23.2 || 21.7 || 15.8
|-
|}

==== 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 
|-
|}

{| 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 || 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}}


* 6 mm Steel - Fore cowl ring
* 10 mm Steel - Cowl ring
* 6 mm Steel - Under engine armour
* 8 mm Steel - Under cockpit/fuel tank armour plate
* 5 mm Steel - Rear fuel tank armour
* 8 mm Steel - Pilot's chair armour
* 6 mm Steel - Pilot's chair armour
* 12 mm Steel - Headrest armour
* 57 mm Bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen

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

The attacker "Würger" has such awful responsiveness from the elevator that anything which improves turn rate should have the highest priority. Otherwise, it will kiss the ground more than cows do! Don't forget, it needs to dive-bomb to hit anything. And grinding the bombs cannot be forgotten!! This is an attacker, so it needs the payload unlocks, but without performance upgrades, it is just a pain to fly. A detour to the new belts could be considered, but two 20 mm cannons are enough to handle any ground units even with stock ammunition, especially as the other performance upgrades are necessary as well due the F-8's great weight.

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

{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 131 (13 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
* 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)

The 13 mm IAI belts are extremely potent against bomber and fighter aircraft alike; featuring a mere 1 g of explosive mass. The belts have a strong chance to simply rupture the airframe or disable many flammable modules at the same time.

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="15%" | 1 !! width="15%" | 2 !! width="15%" | 3
| rowspan="10" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Fw_190_D-9.png]]</div>
|-
! [[MK 103 (30 mm)|30 mm MK 103]] cannons (35 rpg)
| 1* || || 1*
|-
! [[SC50JA (50 kg)|50 kg SC50JA]] bombs
| 2 || 4 || 2
|-
! [[SC250JA (250 kg)|250 kg SC250JA]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[SC500K (500 kg)|500 kg SC500K]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)|1,000 kg SC1000L2]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[Flam C 250 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[Flam C 500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[Pb2]] rockets
| 7 || || 7
|-
| colspan="4" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,220 kg
|-
| colspan="5" | * Cannon pods must be equipped together
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 14 x Pb2 rockets
* 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (200 kg total)
* 8 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (400 kg total)
* 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
* 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (500 kg total)
* 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb (1,000 kg total)
* 1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb
* 1 x Flam C 500 incendiary bomb
* 2 x 30 mm MK 103 cannons (35 rpg = 70 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

The Fw 190 F-8 possesses far below average speed, acceleration and climb ability for its rank. If you spot a bandit at the same altitude, a recommended tactic is to head-on attack, followed by an evasive manoeuvre and then extending away to repeat the processes. If a bandit has superior energy/altitude and is trying to attack you, try to drag them to friendlies, but don't sacrifice too much altitude to do so. If you are skilled enough, another tactic would be to initiate scissors; either rolling or flat, and then break away when he goes to yo-yo to control his overshoot. The scissors manoeuvre is a highly effective manoeuvre in the 190s. Many good pilots have dismembered many superior aircraft simply because of the roll rate and firepower this plane possesses. If you are clever enough to press for a gun solution when scissoring an enemy, you could be greatly rewarded.

In summary for the unintended fighter-role, climb to the side or continue climbing when starting mid-air, Boom & Zoom like a champion, never get in a sustained turn fight, and use the rate of roll to free yourself when cornered. The F-8 is most likely to be successful in realistic battles when used as a ground-attacker or bomber hunter. [[B-17 (Family)|B-17s]] and [[Halifax B Mk IIIa|Halifaxes]] are unlikely to fly at higher altitudes than the F-8 can perform at, which allows for the F-8s armament (especially with the 30 mm gunpods) and decent durability to be useful while not being held back by its relatively poor dogfighting capability. It is best to make quick, diving attack passes targeting the wings and engines before extending out to avoid return fire from the bomber's defensive guns. Do not turn back until you are at least 1 km away from the bomber to avoid being an easy target. Until the frontal gunpods are unlocked, 2-3 passes may be required to fully destroy a bomber. Frontal attacks can also be effective especially with the engines and cockpit both viable targets, but with the trade-off being less time to shoot at the target (this goes both ways, you won't be in the range of defensive guns for very long either).

In combined forces battles, the Fw 190 F-8 can carry a wider range of ordnance than most other German fighters, allowing for ground-attack using rockets, gun pods, bombs or equipping them together because of the ability to make custom load-outs. The 1,000 kg bomb is unique to F-8 among German fighters; while the [[Do 335 (Family)|Do 335 (A-1 & B-2 variants)]] and [[Me 410 (Family)|Me-410 (A1 & B1 variants)]] can carry 1,000 kg worth of bombs, they can only carry 250 kg and 500 kg bombs. The F-8 combines the ability to carry heavy ordnance while still retaining decent fighting capability after dropping said ordnance.

=== 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:'''

* Plenty of ammo for the armaments
* The 30 mm gun pods (with the glorious Minengeschoss shells), steady rate of climb, air spawn, and decent durability combine to make for a potent bomber hunter in realistic battles
* Carrying the 30 mm cannon pods do not have a significant reduction on flight performance when compared to the bombs
* 30 mm HVAP rounds can deal with any surface target except pillboxes
* Ability to carry up to 1,200 kg of payload, and is the only Fw 190 besides Dora series and the A5/U2 that can carry bombs
* Comes stock with 250 kg and 50 kg bomb options
* Access to 30 mm Mk 103 gun pods, Pb2 HEAT rockets, and a 1,000 kg bomb, which aren't available on any other German single-engine fighter
* Great roll rate
* Great energy retention
* Climb rate is consistent until 6,000 m altitude
* Can WEP pretty much nonstop
* Well armoured from the front
* Excellent tank busting capability
* Flaps can tolerate a very high speed before breaking so you can use take-off flaps while turning to make the turns sharper
* One of the best planes available for CAS role in Ground Realistic Battles and even with heavy load-outs can still fight other planes and protect itself
* 1,000 kg bomb has a big blast radius and can be dropped on the ground to kill or critically damage enemy planes when they are chasing you

'''Cons:'''

* Generally outclassed by other 190 models when it comes to air-to-air combat
* 30 mm cannons are mounted on the wings, therefore, is relatively inaccurate compared to nose-mounted
* Firing the 30 mm cannons creates recoil within the plane
* Poor turn rate that many medium bombers can beat
* Manoeuvrability suffers at low speeds
* Elevator has low response & effect at low-medium speeds
* Bad climb rate for an Fw 190 especially with payloads
* WEP doesn't significantly boost performance

== 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 190D), escort fighter, fighter-bomber and night fighter.

The Fw 190 F-8 was the most mass-produced variant of the Fw 190 F series, based on the Fw 190 A-8. By March 1944, Fw 190 F-8s were also produced by the Arado company in Warnemuende, and by April the NDW company in Wismar. The aircraft was powered by the BMW 801 D-2 engine with improved injector on the compressor, which provided emergency power for up to 10-15 minutes at 1,000 m of altitude. Otherwise, the plane's equipment was largely similar to the A-8, although the FuG 16 ZY radio was replaced with the FuG 16 ZS in April 1944. This allowed direct communication with ground troops on the battlefield. A distinctive characteristic of the F-8 was a widened rear canopy. The new canopy was introduced in the latter half of 1944. It improved forward and downward visibility, which was very important for ground attack. On-board armament consisted of twin MG 131 machine guns in the fuselage and two MG 151/20E cannon in the wings.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fw-190f-8 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|1cmaBp6AAzc|'''The Shooting Range #253''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|F08iy59P2_U|'''The Brilliance of Kurt Tank! Fw 190 F-8 - Germany - Review!''' - ''Jengar''|pNNDfnXOMSo|'''Fw 190 Defensive Techniques Tutorial I''' - ''Green Fury''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Fw 190 A-8]]{{-}}[[Fw 190 A-8 (USA)]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:Focke-Wulf_Fw_190_Würger|[Wikipedia] Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Würger]]
* [http://www.airvectors.net/avfw190.html#m4 <nowiki>[Air Vectors]</nowiki> The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 - Fw 190F / Fw 190G]

{{AirManufacturer Focke-Wulf}}
{{Germany strike aircraft}}

Fw 190 F-8

2023-10-24T13:18:08Z

U134686484: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = German strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Fw 190 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=fw-190f-8
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

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

The 190 who thought it was a Stuka. The F-8 version is a peculiar one, designed to replace the ageing Ju 87 series, but could never fully replace it this late into the war (1944). As an attacker, this Focke Wulf gains mid-air start on most maps which can either be used to get to ground targets quickly or get the jump on climbing fighters. Keep in mind though that the very heavy F-8 is not designed for dogfights and will suffer in any fighter engagement. The F-8 is perhaps one of the most versatile Fw 190s in the game, though it tends to be outperformed in most categories by more specialised planes.

== 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 5,400 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
| 605 || 585 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.5 || 25.5 || 11.7 || 11.7 || rowspan="2" | 453
|-
! Upgraded
| 670 || 635 || 21.9 || 23.2 || 21.7 || 15.8
|-
|}

==== 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 
|-
|}

{| 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 || 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}}


* 6 mm Steel - Fore cowl ring
* 10 mm Steel - Cowl ring
* 6 mm Steel - Under engine armour
* 8 mm Steel - Under cockpit/fuel tank armour plate
* 5 mm Steel - Rear fuel tank armour
* 8 mm Steel - Pilot's chair armour
* 6 mm Steel - Pilot's chair armour
* 12 mm Steel - Headrest armour
* 57 mm Bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen

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

The attacker "Würger" has such awful responsiveness from the elevator that anything which improves turn rate should have the highest priority. Otherwise, it will kiss the ground more than cows do! Don't forget, it needs to dive-bomb to hit anything. And grinding the bombs cannot be forgotten!! This is an attacker, so it needs the payload unlocks, but without performance upgrades, it is just a pain to fly. A detour to the new belts could be considered, but two 20 mm cannons are enough to handle any ground units even with stock ammunition, especially as the other performance upgrades are necessary as well due the F-8's great weight.

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

{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 131 (13 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
* 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)

The 13 mm IAI belts are extremely potent against bomber and fighter aircraft alike; featuring a mere 1 g of explosive mass. The belts have a strong chance to simply rupture the airframe or disable many flammable modules at the same time.

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="15%" | 1 !! width="15%" | 2 !! width="15%" | 3
| rowspan="10" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Fw_190_D-9.png]]</div>
|-
! [[MK 103 (30 mm)|30 mm MK 103]] cannons (35 rpg)
| 1* || || 1*
|-
! [[SC50JA (50 kg)|50 kg SC50JA]] bombs
| 2 || 4 || 2
|-
! [[SC250JA (250 kg)|250 kg SC250JA]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[SC500K (500 kg)|500 kg SC500K]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)|1,000 kg SC1000L2]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[Flam C 250 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[Flam C 500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[Pb2]] rockets
| 7 || || 7
|-
| colspan="4" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,220 kg
|-
| colspan="5" | * Cannon pods must be equipped together
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 14 x Pb2 rockets
* 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (200 kg total)
* 8 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (400 kg total)
* 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
* 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (500 kg total)
* 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb (1,000 kg total)
* 1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb
* 1 x Flam C 500 incendiary bomb
* 2 x 30 mm MK 103 cannons (35 rpg = 70 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

The Fw 190 F-8 possesses far below average speed, acceleration and climb ability for its rank. If you spot a bandit at the same altitude, a recommended tactic is to head-on attack, followed by an evasive manoeuvre and then extending away to repeat the processes. If a bandit has superior energy/altitude and is trying to attack you, try to drag them to friendlies, but don't sacrifice too much altitude to do so. If you are skilled enough, another tactic would be to initiate scissors; either rolling or flat, and then break away when he goes to yo-yo to control his overshoot. The scissors manoeuvre is a highly effective manoeuvre in the 190s. Many good pilots have dismembered many superior aircraft simply because of the roll rate and firepower this plane possesses. If you are clever enough to press for a gun solution when scissoring an enemy, you could be greatly rewarded.

In summary for the unintended fighter-role, climb to the side or continue climbing when starting mid-air, Boom & Zoom like a champion, never get in a sustained turn fight, and use the rate of roll to free yourself when cornered. The F-8 is most likely to be successful in realistic battles when used as a ground-attacker or bomber hunter. [[B-17 (Family)|B-17s]] and [[Halifax B Mk IIIa|Halifaxes]] are unlikely to fly at higher altitudes than the F-8 can perform at, which allows for the F-8s armament (especially with the 30 mm gunpods) and decent durability to be useful while not being held back by its relatively poor dogfighting capability. It is best to make quick, diving attack passes targeting the wings and engines before extending out to avoid return fire from the bomber's defensive guns. Do not turn back until you are at least 1 km away from the bomber to avoid being an easy target. Until the frontal gunpods are unlocked, 2-3 passes may be required to fully destroy a bomber. Frontal attacks can also be effective especially with the engines and cockpit both viable targets, but with the trade-off being less time to shoot at the target (this goes both ways, you won't be in the range of defensive guns for very long either).

In combined forces battles, the Fw 190 F-8 can carry a wider range of ordnance than most other German fighters, allowing for ground-attack using rockets, gun pods, or bombs. The 1,000 kg bomb is unique to F-8 among German fighters; while the [[Do 335 (Family)|Do 335 (A-1 & B-2 variants)]] and [[Me 410 (Family)|Me-410 (A1 & B1 variants)]] can carry 1,000 kg worth of bombs, they can only carry 250 kg and 500 kg bombs. The F-8 combines the ability to carry heavy ordnance while still retaining decent fighting capability after dropping said ordnance.

=== 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:'''

* Plenty of ammo for the armaments
* The 30 mm gun pods (with the glorious Minengeschoss shells), steady rate of climb, air spawn, and decent durability combine to make for a potent bomber hunter in realistic battles
* Carrying the 30 mm cannon pods do not have a significant reduction on flight performance when compared to the bombs
* 30 mm HVAP rounds can deal with any surface target except pillboxes
* Ability to carry up to 1,200 kg of payload, and is the only Fw 190 besides Dora series and the A5/U2 that can carry bombs
* Comes stock with 250 kg and 50 kg bomb options
* Access to 30 mm Mk 103 gun pods, Pb2 HEAT rockets, and a 1,000 kg bomb, which aren't available on any other German single-engine fighter
* Great roll rate
* Great energy retention
* Climb rate is consistent until 6,000 m altitude
* Can WEP pretty much nonstop
* Well armoured from the front
* Excellent tank busting capability
* Flaps can tolerate a very high speed before breaking so you can use take-off flaps while turning to make the turns sharper
* One of the best planes available for CAS role in Ground Realistic Battles and even with heavy load-outs can still fight other planes and protect itself
* 1,000 kg bomb has a big blast radius and can be dropped on the ground to kill or critically damage enemy planes when they are chasing you

'''Cons:'''

* Generally outclassed by other 190 models when it comes to air-to-air combat
* 30 mm cannons are mounted on the wings, therefore, is relatively inaccurate compared to nose-mounted
* Firing the 30 mm cannons creates recoil within the plane
* Poor turn rate that many medium bombers can beat
* Manoeuvrability suffers at low speeds
* Elevator has low response & effect at low-medium speeds
* Bad climb rate for an Fw 190 especially with payloads
* WEP doesn't significantly boost performance

== 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 190D), escort fighter, fighter-bomber and night fighter.

The Fw 190 F-8 was the most mass-produced variant of the Fw 190 F series, based on the Fw 190 A-8. By March 1944, Fw 190 F-8s were also produced by the Arado company in Warnemuende, and by April the NDW company in Wismar. The aircraft was powered by the BMW 801 D-2 engine with improved injector on the compressor, which provided emergency power for up to 10-15 minutes at 1,000 m of altitude. Otherwise, the plane's equipment was largely similar to the A-8, although the FuG 16 ZY radio was replaced with the FuG 16 ZS in April 1944. This allowed direct communication with ground troops on the battlefield. A distinctive characteristic of the F-8 was a widened rear canopy. The new canopy was introduced in the latter half of 1944. It improved forward and downward visibility, which was very important for ground attack. On-board armament consisted of twin MG 131 machine guns in the fuselage and two MG 151/20E cannon in the wings.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fw-190f-8 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|1cmaBp6AAzc|'''The Shooting Range #253''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|F08iy59P2_U|'''The Brilliance of Kurt Tank! Fw 190 F-8 - Germany - Review!''' - ''Jengar''|pNNDfnXOMSo|'''Fw 190 Defensive Techniques Tutorial I''' - ''Green Fury''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Fw 190 A-8]]{{-}}[[Fw 190 A-8 (USA)]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:Focke-Wulf_Fw_190_Würger|[Wikipedia] Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Würger]]
* [http://www.airvectors.net/avfw190.html#m4 <nowiki>[Air Vectors]</nowiki> The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 - Fw 190F / Fw 190G]

{{AirManufacturer Focke-Wulf}}
{{Germany strike aircraft}}

Fw 190 F-8

2023-10-24T13:12:06Z

U134686484: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = German strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Fw 190 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=fw-190f-8
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

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

The 190 who thought it was a Stuka. The F-8 version is a peculiar one, designed to replace the ageing Ju 87 series, but could never fully replace it this late into the war (1944). As an attacker, this Focke Wulf gains mid-air start on most maps which can either be used to get to ground targets quickly or get the jump on climbing fighters. Keep in mind though that the very heavy F-8 is not designed for dogfights and will suffer in any fighter engagement. The F-8 is perhaps one of the most versatile Fw 190s in the game, though it tends to be outperformed in most categories by more specialised planes.

== 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 5,400 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
| 605 || 585 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.5 || 25.5 || 11.7 || 11.7 || rowspan="2" | 453
|-
! Upgraded
| 670 || 635 || 21.9 || 23.2 || 21.7 || 15.8
|-
|}

==== 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 
|-
|}

{| 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 || 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}}


* 6 mm Steel - Fore cowl ring
* 10 mm Steel - Cowl ring
* 6 mm Steel - Under engine armour
* 8 mm Steel - Under cockpit/fuel tank armour plate
* 5 mm Steel - Rear fuel tank armour
* 8 mm Steel - Pilot's chair armour
* 6 mm Steel - Pilot's chair armour
* 12 mm Steel - Headrest armour
* 57 mm Bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen

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

The attacker "Würger" has such awful responsiveness from the elevator that anything which improves turn rate should have the highest priority. Otherwise, it will kiss the ground more than cows do! Don't forget, it needs to dive-bomb to hit anything. And grinding the bombs cannot be forgotten!! This is an attacker, so it needs the payload unlocks, but without performance upgrades, it is just a pain to fly. A detour to the new belts could be considered, but two 20 mm cannons are enough to handle any ground units even with stock ammunition, especially as the other performance upgrades are necessary as well due the F-8's great weight.

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

{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 131 (13 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, wing-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
* 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)

The 13 mm IAI belts are extremely potent against bomber and fighter aircraft alike; featuring a mere 1 g of explosive mass. The belts have a strong chance to simply rupture the airframe or disable many flammable modules at the same time.

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="15%" | 1 !! width="15%" | 2 !! width="15%" | 3
| rowspan="10" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Fw_190_D-9.png]]</div>
|-
! [[MK 103 (30 mm)|30 mm MK 103]] cannons (35 rpg)
| 1* || || 1*
|-
! [[SC50JA (50 kg)|50 kg SC50JA]] bombs
| 2 || 4 || 2
|-
! [[SC250JA (250 kg)|250 kg SC250JA]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[SC500K (500 kg)|500 kg SC500K]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)|1,000 kg SC1000L2]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[Flam C 250 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[Flam C 500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[Pb2]] rockets
| 7 || || 7
|-
| colspan="4" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,220 kg
|-
| colspan="5" | * Cannon pods must be equipped together
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 14 x Pb2 rockets
* 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (200 kg total)
* 8 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (400 kg total)
* 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
* 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (500 kg total)
* 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb (1,000 kg total)
* 1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb
* 1 x Flam C 500 incendiary bomb
* 2 x 30 mm MK 103 cannons (35 rpg = 70 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

The Fw 190 F-8 possesses far below average speed, acceleration and climb ability for its rank. If you spot a bandit at the same altitude, a recommended tactic is to head-on attack, followed by an evasive manoeuvre and then extending away to repeat the processes. If a bandit has superior energy/altitude and is trying to attack you, try to drag them to friendlies, but don't sacrifice too much altitude to do so. If you are skilled enough, another tactic would be to initiate scissors; either rolling or flat, and then break away when he goes to yo-yo to control his overshoot. The scissors manoeuvre is a highly effective manoeuvre in the 190s. Many good pilots have dismembered many superior aircraft simply because of the roll rate and firepower this plane possesses. If you are clever enough to press for a gun solution when scissoring an enemy, you could be greatly rewarded.

In summary for the unintended fighter-role, climb to the side or continue climbing when starting mid-air, Boom & Zoom like a champion, never get in a sustained turn fight, and use the rate of roll to free yourself when cornered. The F-8 is most likely to be successful in realistic battles when used as a ground-attacker or bomber hunter. [[B-17 (Family)|B-17s]] and [[Halifax B Mk IIIa|Halifaxes]] are unlikely to fly at higher altitudes than the F-8 can perform at, which allows for the F-8s armament (especially with the 30 mm gunpods) and decent durability to be useful while not being held back by its relatively poor dogfighting capability. It is best to make quick, diving attack passes targeting the wings and engines before extending out to avoid return fire from the bomber's defensive guns. Do not turn back until you are at least 1 km away from the bomber to avoid being an easy target. Until the frontal gunpods are unlocked, 2-3 passes may be required to fully destroy a bomber. Frontal attacks can also be effective especially with the engines and cockpit both viable targets, but with the trade-off being less time to shoot at the target (this goes both ways, you won't be in the range of defensive guns for very long either).

In combined forces battles, the Fw 190 F-8 can carry a wider range of ordnance than most other German fighters, allowing for ground-attack using rockets, gun pods, or bombs. The 1,000 kg bomb is unique to F-8 among German fighters; while the [[Do 335 (Family)|Do 335 (A-1 & B-2 variants)]] and [[Me 410 (Family)|Me-410 (A1 & B1 variants)]] can carry 1,000 kg worth of bombs, they can only carry 250 kg and 500 kg bombs. The F-8 combines the ability to carry heavy ordnance while still retaining decent fighting capability after dropping said ordnance.

=== 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:'''

* Plenty of ammo for the armaments
* The 30 mm gun pods (with the glorious Minengeschoss shells), steady rate of climb, air spawn, and decent durability combine to make for a potent bomber hunter in realistic battles
* Carrying the 30 mm cannon pods do not have a significant reduction on flight performance when compared to the bombs
* 30 mm HVAP rounds can deal with any surface target except pillboxes
* Ability to carry up to 1,200 kg of payload, and is the only Fw 190 besides Dora series and the A5/U2 that can carry bombs
* Comes stock with 250 kg and 50 kg bomb options
* Access to 30 mm Mk 103 gun pods, Pb2 HEAT rockets, and a 1,000 kg bomb, which aren't available on any other German single-engine fighter
* Great roll rate
* Great energy retention
* Climb rate is consistent until 6,000 m altitude
* Can WEP pretty much nonstop
* Well armoured from the front
* Excellent tank busting capability
* Flaps can tolerate a very high speed before breaking so you can use take-off flaps while turning to make the turns sharper

'''Cons:'''

* Generally outclassed by other 190 models when it comes to air-to-air combat
* 30 mm cannons are mounted on the wings, therefore, is relatively inaccurate compared to nose-mounted
* Firing the 30 mm cannons creates recoil within the plane
* Poor turn rate that many medium bombers can beat
* Manoeuvrability suffers at low speeds
* Elevator has low response & effect at low-medium speeds
* Bad climb rate for an Fw 190 especially with payloads
* WEP doesn't significantly boost performance

== 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 190D), escort fighter, fighter-bomber and night fighter.

The Fw 190 F-8 was the most mass-produced variant of the Fw 190 F series, based on the Fw 190 A-8. By March 1944, Fw 190 F-8s were also produced by the Arado company in Warnemuende, and by April the NDW company in Wismar. The aircraft was powered by the BMW 801 D-2 engine with improved injector on the compressor, which provided emergency power for up to 10-15 minutes at 1,000 m of altitude. Otherwise, the plane's equipment was largely similar to the A-8, although the FuG 16 ZY radio was replaced with the FuG 16 ZS in April 1944. This allowed direct communication with ground troops on the battlefield. A distinctive characteristic of the F-8 was a widened rear canopy. The new canopy was introduced in the latter half of 1944. It improved forward and downward visibility, which was very important for ground attack. On-board armament consisted of twin MG 131 machine guns in the fuselage and two MG 151/20E cannon in the wings.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fw-190f-8 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|1cmaBp6AAzc|'''The Shooting Range #253''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|F08iy59P2_U|'''The Brilliance of Kurt Tank! Fw 190 F-8 - Germany - Review!''' - ''Jengar''|pNNDfnXOMSo|'''Fw 190 Defensive Techniques Tutorial I''' - ''Green Fury''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Fw 190 A-8]]{{-}}[[Fw 190 A-8 (USA)]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:Focke-Wulf_Fw_190_Würger|[Wikipedia] Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Würger]]
* [http://www.airvectors.net/avfw190.html#m4 <nowiki>[Air Vectors]</nowiki> The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 - Fw 190F / Fw 190G]

{{AirManufacturer Focke-Wulf}}
{{Germany strike aircraft}}

SC500K (500 kg)

2023-10-24T13:02:45Z

U134686484: /* Vehicles equipped with this weapon */

== Description ==

[[File:SC500K.jpg|left|400px|thumb]]
{{break}}
The '''500 kg SC500K''' is a German aerial-dropped bomb used by the majority of their aircraft. The designation translates to Sprengbombe Cylindrisch (ENG: High-explosive bomb cylindrical), weighing 500 kg, model K indicating a three-piece construction for the bomb body.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Fighters'''}}{{Specs-Link|fw-190a-5_u2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fw-190d-9}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fw-190d-12}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|fw-190d-13}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf-109k-4}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|Bf 110}}{{Specs-Link|bf-110c-4}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf-110f-2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf-110g-2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf_110g_4}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|bf_110g_4_hungary}}
{{Navigation-Line|Do 335}}{{Specs-Link|do_335a_1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|do_335b_2}}
{{Navigation-Line|Fw 190}}{{Specs-Link|fw-190f-8}}
{{Navigation-Line|Me 262}}{{Specs-Link|me-262a-1a_early}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|me-262a-2a}}
{{Navigation-Line|Me 410}}{{Specs-Link|me-410a-1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|me-410b-1}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Bombers'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|Do 217}}{{Specs-Link|do_217e_2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|do_217e_4}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|do_217k_1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|do_217m_1}}
{{Navigation-Line|Fw 200}}{{Specs-Link|fw_200c_1}}
{{Navigation-Line|He 115}}{{Specs-Link|he_115c_1}}
{{Navigation-Line|He 177}}{{Specs-Link|he-177a-5}}
{{Navigation-Line|Ju 87}}{{Specs-Link|ju-87b-2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ju-87d-3}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ju-87d-5}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ju-87r-2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ju-87r-2_snake}}
{{Navigation-Line|Ju 88}}{{Specs-Link|ju-88a-1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ju-88a-4}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ju-88a-4_finland}}
{{Navigation-Line|Ju 188}}{{Specs-Link|ju-188a-2}}
{{Navigation-Line|Ju 288}}{{Specs-Link|ju-288c}}
{{Navigation-Line|Me 264}}{{Specs-Link|me_264}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet bombers'''}}{{Specs-Link|arado-234}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|arado-234c-3}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 500 kg
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 260 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Fp.60/40
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 260 kg
|-
| '''HE max penetration''' || 93 mm
|-
| '''Armour destruction radius''' || 11 m
|-
| '''Fragment dispersion radius''' || 143 m
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===

On maps where you can destroy airfields, 3 bombs will be enough for 1 base. On maps with respawning bases, 6 bombs will be enough for 1 base. The bomb is also suited for killing tanks in ground battles. Note: the amount of bombs given above is for Realistic battles.

=== 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 ==


* [[wikipedia:SC_500_bomb|[Wikipedia] SC 500 bomb]]

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

Bf 109 K-4

2023-10-24T12:51:00Z

U134686484: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Bf 109 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=bf-109k-4
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. The Kurfürst is the pinnacle of the famed [[Bf 109 (Family)|109 series]]. "Kurfürst," representing the letter "K" in the Wehrmacht phonetic alphabet, translates to "prince-elector", a reference to the Electors of the Holy Roman Empire. The K-4's frame is the last iteration and was focused on ease of production rather than performance, yet it features the best power to weight ratio and acceleration of any 109, turning this machine into a beast. However, the age of the design is reflected in its poor high-speed characteristics.

[[File:Bf109 K-4 billythekid 001.png|350px|thumb|left|]]

Use the plane's outstanding climb rate and speed retention. Boom and zoom tactics should be this plane's primary mode of fighting. It has good acceleration when using WEP. This grants the machine reasonable diving and climbing abilities. If chased, dodge away from the enemy with fancy manoeuvres without losing too much speed. In Realistic Battles, try to do a climbing spiral, but be sure to be in a higher energy state than the enemy! A miscalculation and the foe will have the opportunity for an easy deflection shot.

However, there are also downsides. The top speed can be reached quickly, yet the plane is not fast when stock. While it does have an edge in agility, it has bad low-speed manoeuvrability. Furthermore, foes will not usually engage in manoeuvring combat, rendering any manoeuvrability advantage moot.

The K-4 can outmanoeuvre these planes at medium speeds (<450 km/h IAS): [[P-51]] (all types), [[P-47D-28|P-47D]], [[Typhoon_Mk_Ib/L|Typhoons]] and the [[La-9]]. However, it will have a hard time dealing with other late Rank IV aircraft, especially Spitfires. It is highly recommended to use rudder during rolls, as this increases the roll rate dramatically. This is useful if when trying to force an overshoot or when avoiding shots.

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

[[File:Bf109 K-4 call me hyper 001.jpg|300px|thumb|right|]]
For the pilots who flew the Bf 109, it could be a brutal aircraft, with a cramped cockpit and poorly located controls and levers, the pilot could get a serious workout during a dogfight, but don't think this aircraft is not worth the time as a majority of Germany's top aces flew Bf 109s. The {{PAGENAME}} was the final iteration of the aircraft, there really wasn't much more which could have been designed into it to take it any further. In comparison to the early versions which saw combat in the Spanish Civil War, the K-4 was over 300 km/h faster at 2,000 m higher than the Bf 109A. The aircraft morphed from a two-bladed wooden propeller to a three-bladed metal propeller with 20 mm or 30 mm autocannons and 13 mm heavy machine guns over two paltry 7 mm machine guns.

The {{PAGENAME}} is meant to dance in the sky with its quick speed, fast rate of climb and excellent energy retention, it can be used to Boom & Zoom in the vertical, unlike many other aircraft which require wide swaths of space to make their attack runs and retreats. The manoeuvrability of the aircraft allows it to make tight turns or quick evasive manoeuvres, especially those which cause a faster and heavier enemy to overshoot and then become the target themselves. To truly compete as a dogfighter and to milk every last bit of speed and manoeuvrability out of the aircraft, the pilot will want to fly it in the clean configuration without the 20 mm gunpods. The gunpods add weight, but for this aircraft, in the worst possible location with one hooked up under each wing, messing with the aircraft's centre of gravity and hampering the manoeuvrability of the aircraft. While it can still fly and fight, the gunpods will make dogfighting a bigger challenge, however, expert pilots may be able to negate some of those factors through sheer skill and luck.

{| 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
| 685 || 665 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.3 || 21.1 || 18.0 || 18.0 || rowspan="2" | 333
|-
! Upgraded
| 759 || 720 || 18.3 || 19.0 || 32.2 || 23.8
|-
|}

==== 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 
|-
|}

{| 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}} || 437 || 408 || 260 || ~13 || ~7
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 450 || < 390 || < 450 || > 715
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Compressor
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
! Setting 1
| 6,900 m || 1,250 hp || 1,775 hp
|-
|}

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


* 60 mm bulletproof glass in front and rear of the pilot
* Fuel tank with 21 mm steel plate behind it, and 4 mm plates surrounding it
* Pilot's seat has 4 mm steel plates underneath, with 8 mm steel making up the backrest
* 10 mm steel plates surrounding rear bulletproof glass
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150px">
File:BF 109 K-4 All armor.png|All the armour plates on the 109 K-4.
File:Fuel tank 109 K4.png|Picture of the giant fuel tank the pilot is sitting on (self-sealing).
File:Steel 21.png|Seat armour plates of the K-4.
</gallery>

Willy Messerschmitt's design of the Bf 109 is known for its very lightweight construction, eliminating any unnecessary devices, parts, and even structural spars to allow for the fastest that this fighter could be and still be a strong fighter. Part of this challenge was ensuring there was enough protection for the pilot and certain critical components without overburdening the aircraft and making it sluggish with the addition of too much armour. For this aircraft, it makes sense that all the armour is centred around the pilot as this serves two purposes, aiding in the protection of the pilot and two, protecting the fuel tank which the pilot literally sits on top of.

The pilot's protection from the front comes mainly from the 60 mm bulletproof glass windscreen, headrest and various plates of armour between 4 and 10 mm in thickness which makes up the seat and headrest. These plates aid in protecting the pilot from both frontal attacks generally associated from attacking bombers with defensive positions, and also from the rear when being chased by an enemy fighter. Though the fuel tank is self-sealing when it has been shot, 4 mm and 20 mm steel plating also surrounds the tank as the first line of defence against enemy machine gun rounds, however, incoming 20 mm rounds may not have any problems getting through.

When attacking a {{PAGENAME}}, unless you can aim autocannon shots to blow off a wing, the best bet will be to aim for the fuselage starting from right behind the pilot all the way to the propeller. Hitting within this range allows you to hit one of the vital components of the aircraft including the fuel tank, the pilot, any of the coolers or the engine itself. The most successful attacks will happen from underneath the aircraft or from the sides, where there is no armour protection. If, however, you find yourself tailing a {{PAGENAME}}, use short bursts to spook the pilot into manoeuvring where they end up exposing the large surface areas of the aircraft and then unload where the rounds will have less chance to ricochet and more chances of taking out this aircraft.

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

The true acceleration power of the plane is only achieved very late into the grind. Specifically, the Tier 4 Engine injection modification provides a significant boost and is a top priority. On the way there, all engine upgrades should be taken. 13 mm belts are helpful for removing tracer rounds. The 20 mm gunpods with belts and the gun upgrade are viable choices, but engine injection remains a priority.

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

{{main|MK 108 (30 mm)|MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 131 (13 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 30 mm MK 108 cannon, nose-mounted (65 rpg) + 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)
** 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose-mounted (200 rpg) + 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)

Typical for Bf 109s was having a Motorkanone mounted to shoot through the propeller hub. Usually, these aircraft were outfitted with a 20 mm autocannon, which pilots of earlier 109s will have already had experience with, however, the {{PAGENAME}} provides the pilot with the option to choose their Motorkanone of choice, either a 20 mm MG 151 or a 30 mm MK 108. In real life, the 30 mm autocannon tended to jam during combat and can do the same in-game, until that is the module is upgraded and jamming frequency will lessen. For the most part, the difference between the 20 and 30 mm autocannons is power vs. ammunition count.
[[File:Bf109 K-4 bomberpilot1784.png|400px|thumb|right|]]
The 30 mm round is a slow but deadly round and when fired at close range it can have devastating results on its target. A large disadvantage due to its size and weight, it also only carries 65 rounds, which makes it necessary for the pilot to exercise trigger control and only fire when they are sure the rounds will hit. On the other hand, the 20 mm, though powerful in their own right, will not have the same heavy-hitting power as the 30 mm rounds, however, the {{PAGENAME}} can carry 200 of these rounds which travel faster and can be fired more rapidly. Typically, if the {{PAGENAME}} pilot is going to play the role of a bomber interceptor, the 30 mm round will be the most effective, however, when used as to intercept fighters and attackers, the 20 mm Motorkanone will probably be the best bet.

Regardless of the choice of cannons, the pilot will also have access to two 13 mm heavy machine guns, which are mounted on the top of the fuselage engine cowling. Having 300 rounds per gun will allow the pilot to continue to spew out damage even when the autocannons have run dry. Another option is to separate the firing control for the autocannons and the 13 mm MGs and instead track and fire enemy targets with the machine guns, utilise them as range finders and when the pilot sees they have a good firing solution, they can then employ the autocannons, thereby saving valuable ammunition and ensuring there is enough when it is needed.

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

{{main|SC500K (500 kg)|MG 151 (20 mm)}}

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

* Without load
* 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (500 kg total)
* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, gunpods (wing-mounted) (135 rpg = 270 total)

There are a few aircraft which are featured in War Thunder, which become monster planes when they utilise gunpods to increase their firepower. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, especially considering that each pod contains a single 20 mm MG 151 autocannon, each of which holds 135 rounds of ammunition. Attacking enemy aircraft with three autocannons and two machine guns can cause devastating results, however, since the additional guns are wing‑mounted, the pilot will need to calculate for convergence so as not to waste ammunition. While the fuselage weapons fire on the line of sight, the underwing cannons will need additional adjustment to converge at the correct point. A convergence set too far may mean a number of the rounds will easily miss the enemy aircraft, while setting the convergence zone too close will do the same.

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:Cockpit_Bf109k4.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Bf 109 K-4's instrument panel.]]

The MK 108 is a double-edged sword: nicknamed by the allies for its characteristic sound, the Jackhammer lives true to its name: It is slow but powerful, with its main purpose being the demolition of heavy objects, such as the [[B-17G-60-VE|B-17G Flying Fortress]]. However, its common purpose in War Thunder remains to hunt fighter planes. The cannon's rate of fire is surprisingly high for its calibre with 660 rpm, meaning that, while deflection shots can be made, absolute trigger discipline must be maintained, since the 65 rounds will last you less than 6 seconds of continuous fire. Furthermore, the Minengeschoß shells are very slow. One must either become very good at leading the shells or close the distance. Kills are generally done from 300 m away, if not closer. On the plus side, the damage is equivalent to most 37 mm cannons upon hitting. Tip: In order to better learn and understand the cannon's trajectory, do not fire in conjunction with the machine guns.

The two additional machine guns are best fired alone. The MG 131 features HE shells (named IAI in-game, meaning Immediate Action Incendiary) as the Tracer belt. Yet, they are only highly effective in Simulator battles, where they will deal good damage to control surface areas, causing inexperienced pilots to lose control. In Arcade and Realistic battles, however, the instructor will dampen any such effects. Here, the damage-based Stealth and Fighter belts fare better.

The plane should equip one of two load-outs: with either the single 30 mm cannon or two 20 mm cannons. The single 30 mm is very capable of taking out two to three bombers, and the low muzzle velocity matters less due to the size of the targets. Starting the battle with three 20 mm cannons makes the plane very capable of taking out fighters due to the high shell density and sheer damage output. A single 20 mm does not deal enough damage, and the 30 mm with gunpods is rather ineffective due to the differing muzzle velocities of the 30 mm and 20 mm cannons.

One method that can be utilised is the prop pitch technique. Most of the later 109s have this, but it is really effective in the 109 K-4. This technique is using Manual Engine Control (found in sim controls) to set your prop pitch to 100% but throttle to 0%. This will turn your propeller into a giant air brake and is very helpful in forcing overshoots of the enemy aircraft. It can also be very helpful in diving, where you might get dangerously close to your rip speed.

=== Effective Strategies ===

When using the K-4, make sure to always have an altitude advantage. If any enemy is approaching at a higher altitude and/or energy state, the best bet is to dive away. This will usually work, as the enemy will probably lose interest, or be shredded apart in the dive process. Once the plane reaches 450 mph (ca. 724 km/h), hit the brakes and start slowing down so as to not rip the {{PAGENAME}} apart. To retain energy, level off while diving occasionally.

When the {{PAGENAME}} is at a higher altitude, smart enemy pilots will try to steer clear. This can be easily countered with a quick boom-and-zoom. The 30 mm cannon will take care of anything it hits, even bombers. The 30 mm cannon is practically useless in head-ons, however, so don't ever get into one. Use the {{PAGENAME}}'s superior turn rate and energy retention to get the enemy into the crosshairs. Fire away at close distances!

The K-4 performs exceptionally well against certain enemy planes. A pilot should remain vigilant for targets that are currently engaged in or have recently concluded a dogfight, as they may have depleted energy levels. Employing the element of surprise can prove highly effective in such situations. Engaging bombers is a viable option, but pilots should employ strategies that mitigate the threat posed by their defensive gunners.

Enemies worth noting:

* [[F2G-1]] - Despite being a naval plane that's designed for carrier operations, it will always outperform the K-4 at any altitude. The most viable tactic is to ambush one that is engaged. Deflection shooting and accurate shot placement are required, or else the F2G will climb away and loop behind the K-4. Employing the MK 108 helps to ensure that the enemy is destroyed, since this plane can take a ridiculous amount of damage. Lastly, having a teammate to coordinate with can vastly raise the chances of survival.
* [[P-51 (Family)|P-51s]] - They will always try to boom-and-zoom the {{PAGENAME}}. Be on constant lookout for enemies coming from behind. If one is chasing and can catch up, pretend to not notice them. When they start shooting, duck and do a loop towards the ground to gain energy. The P-51 will have a lot of speed when it tries to attack, and fortunately, will have its controls locked up. The P-51 will also bleed far too much speed trying to catch up. Head into a 20-degree climb with WEP and then attack them from above.
* [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfires]] - They are very tough to deal with, and will always out-turn the {{PAGENAME}}, with engagements ending with the Spitfire firing from behind. Spitfires should be attacked alongside two teammates at once. Make sure that the Spitfire gets overwhelmed, then attack the spitfire from behind. Retain enough energy so the {{PAGENAME}} can climb back up to safety if the Spitfire ends up manoeuvring to the plane's rear. When a Spitfire is on the {{PAGENAME}}'s 6, dive. The Spitfire has a lot of drag with its oddly shaped wings and will not be able to keep up.
* [[Template:USA bombers|American bombers]] - While other nation's bombers have varying threat levels, all American bombers are bursting with .50 cal machine guns at almost every angle. This is especially the case for the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-29 Superfortress. As such, the to attack a bomber with numerous defensive armaments, the K-4 pilot should:

# Fly above the bomber at distances where they cannot shoot at the the plane.
# Make sure the {{PAGENAME}} is approaching at a faster speed than the bomber.
# Fly directly above the bomber and descend on it.
# Approach the bomber as fast as possible, and shoot at it when close enough.
# Turn away, and level out to keep speed, regardless if the target is destroyed. Re-climb and re-start as needed.

===Simulator mode tips===
In Simulator, the Bf 109 K is a capable fighter that can perform many tasks. It offers great flight performance with its smooth handling, fast speed, and impressive climb rate. Its nose-mounted armaments do not require any convergence setting, making it very easy to aim. The nose gently slopes down from the windscreen, offering great over-the-nose vision. There are also a few bomb options to choose from, which are beneficial for ground-pounding or base-bombing, although these are not its primary objectives. The K model has an improved canopy side with fewer frames, and the non-transparent armour headset is replaced by a clear bulletproof glass, allowing some rear views. The metal framing around the glass is also thinner than that of the G models, giving you a better field of view on the tail. Finally, an aspect that is often ignored is that, starting from the G-6 model, the rectangular reflector glass of the gun-sight is replaced by a bigger trapezium glass. It is vertically longer, allowing the pilot to move its head up more and still see the reticle, thus getting even better views over the engine.

Before Take Off:

Bring at least 30 minutes of fuel for prolonged patrolling and fighting. The convergence does not really matter, it might be anywhere between 250-600 m. Taking off in a late Bf 109 is harder than in other aircraft, so one should familiarise themselves with the earlier 109s. When taking off, the Bf 109 will shift severely to the left side due to the considerable torque, so consider setting keybinds for left and right brakes, as they are more effective at directional control than the rudder while on the ground. As the plane just lifts off the ground it will automatically roll to the left again due to the torque, so you must immediately roll a little right to keep it level, or the left wingtip will strike the ground.

;Fighting in the air

* Dogfighting in SB involves everyday RB tactics and manoeuvres such as the Immelmann, Split-S, scissor, barrel roll, etc. The Bf 109 K handles very sluggishly on the roll axis at low speed, so take this into account if dogfighting at low speed/altitude. You can even pull the elevator fully for maximum agility, but only if you pull gently and gradually will the Bf 109 K manoeuvre as you wish. If the stick is pulled harshly and suddenly, the plane will start swaying around and enter a flat spin. The aircraft can quite easily recover from a flat spin by fully deflecting the elevators downward and moving the rudder to the opposite side of which the plane is spinning; then wait until it starts a dive and gather some speed to pull up.
* If you want to engage bombers, consider bringing gunpods to maximise your damage output. Against late-war heavy bombers like the B-17 Flying Fortress, relying solely on the one central cannon might also work, but that requires more professional evading and longer aiming which is considerably more dangerous, as the bombers you see will be better armed. Choosing between the 30 mm and 20 mm gunpods is up to you. The extra two MK 108 will significantly boost your one-second burst mass and damage, which can be used to a very destructive effect for experienced pilots doing deflection shots, however the pathetic 35 rounds per gun will not last long in, for example, a "destroy enemy bombers" mission where there are ~10 aircraft to down. The pair of MG151 is more balanced in terms of ammo and velocity, although they do not pack as much punch in a short firing window. Still, with the powerful mine shells, one to three passes are enough to destroy any aircraft. In fact, gunpods can also be helpful in dogfights against certain fighters, as long as the performance of the enemy aircraft is inferior.

;Landing

Landing may need practice for some. It is easy at first: decelerate and descent towards the runway, deploy combat, takeoff, landing flaps and gears in this order, fly at ~210 km/h before touchdown. Now note that you must align the plane with the airstrip correctly before touchdown and do not yaw to one side too much when braking, as the undercarriages are so close together that they cannot support such lateral force, causing the plane to wobble on its tyres dangerously or even tilt towards one side, striking a wingtip into the ground.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Not controllable || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}
[[File:Bf109 K-4 jonigustavo 001.png|thumb|right|300px|]]

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very powerful engine when using WEP, providing excellent acceleration and climb rate
* Good performance at medium altitude
* Can carry additional armament
* 30 mm cannon will usually destroy anything that it hits
* Can research a nose-mounted 20 mm MG 151 cannon, making deflection shooting more reliable
* Exceptional high-speed manoeuvrability
* All weaponry mounted in the nose, allowing easy aiming without having to worry about convergence
* The only Bf 109 plane in the game that can carry a 500 kg bomb ([[SC500K (500 kg)|SC500K]])

'''Cons:'''

* Low ammunition count for the 30 mm MK 108 and the 13 mm MG 131
* 30 mm shell has low velocity and high drop, forcing gigantic lead angle on targets
* Flimsy airframe, prone to react heavily to damage
* Stock 13 mm machine gun belts consist solely out of tracers which alerts the enemy, makes aiming the 30 mm difficult
* Fighters with lower top speeds but better low altitude performances (such as Russia's La-7 fighters) will find it quite easy to shoot down the K-4 when at a low‑energy state
* Very slow-deploying flaps
* In Simulator, canopy frames and razorback greatly limit the all-round view; huge engine torque causes severe drifting on takeoff

== History ==

=== Design and development ===
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) moved ahead at break-neck speeds to develop civilian aircraft which secretly doubled as military fighters and bombers, requiring only minor modifications for militarisation. Aircraft designated as transport and airline variants could easily be converted to bombers, and the initial Bf 109 was no different in its purposes. The birth of the Bf 109 started out as a requirement from Hermann Göring, Reichsminister of Aviation, proposed to the newly appointed Theo Croneiß of Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFW, Bavarian Aircraft Works). The requirement was for a single-seat high-speed courier plane, obviously, one which could be converted into a fighter when the time required. At the same time this requirement went out, the Reichsluftfahrtministerium's (RLM, Reich Aviation Ministry) Technisches Amt (C-AMT) or technical department was tasked with projecting aircraft requirements for potential future air combat and of the four main types determined to be essential, single-seat fighter requirements were published as L.A. 1432/33.
[[File:Bf109 K-4 wallysonbf 001.png|thumb|right|300px|]]
These fighter requirements were as follows:

* Top speed – 400 km/h (250 mph) at 6,000 m (19,690 ft) maintained for 20 minutes
* Total flight duration – 90 minutes
* Critical altitude of 4,000 m reached within 17 minutes
* Operational ceiling – 10,000 m (32,810 ft)
* Armed with 1 x 20 mm Motorkanone and two 7.92 mm machine guns
* Rated performance in the order of level speed, rate of climb and manoeuvrability

During the early years of BFW, Willy Messerschmitt designed the transport aircraft the BFW M.20, however due to several high-profile crashes of these transport aircraft, one of which included test pilot Hans Hackmack, a close friend of Erhard Milch (at the time, head of Luft Hansa and the German civil aviation authorities). With Erhard Milch, a lifelong hatred developed when Messerschmitt responded very callously to events about the crash. During this time, BFW went bankrupt and Messerschmitt went to work designing aircraft for a Romanian airline company. At the time requirements for L.A. 1432/33 were published, Messerschmitt was called back to Berlin and basically told his efforts were to be used for the Fatherland. Messerschmitt acquiesced and was given the specifications for the potential fighter, which after review, he proceeded to relate a very unfavourable opinion of the fighter as if built as described, the fighter would be literally obsolete as it rolled off the assembly line and unable to catch up to even medium bombers. After hearing the report and seeing the truth in Messerschmitt's words, the Technisches Amt awarded BFW the contract to build a fighter aircraft and Willy Messerschmitt was given free rein over the design of the aircraft.

Messerschmitt began design of the P.1034 (later known as Bf 109), and much like its older transport sibling the Bf 108, the new fighter was developed based on Messerschmitt's lightweight construction principle, the basis of which was to minimise the number of separate parts used, which would speed up construction and lead to ease of maintenance. For example, many of the main connection points for the airframe, engine frame and wings all had their connecting load points at the firewall. Another example was having the landing gear attached to the fuselage and not the wings, which allowed for removal of the wings without having to support the aircraft on jack-stands and also reduced the stress on the wing roots during takeoff and landing. One tell-tale sign of a Bf 109 is the landing gear slightly splayed outwards, this was to increase the stability of the aircraft while taxiing on the ground by providing a wider track, making it less prone to flipping over.

Forethought was put into the aircraft, especially for mechanics which would service the aircraft on the front-lines of battle. The entire engine cowling, weapon hatches, and other maintenance access panels could be removed, allowing the mechanics full access to service, repair and even replace critical parts on the aircraft with little difficulty. Pipe connections were colour-coded and electrical cabling plugged into junction boxes, this innovative design allowed for the swift replacement of old engines with new ones, a process that typically took only a matter of minutes. This level of efficiency and ease was unparalleled in most military aircraft of the time.

While a high-speed requirement would necessitate a small wing to decrease surface area, Messerschmitt knew this would require a more powerful engine to generate enough lift to maintain flight. The wings of the Bf 109 had several modifications which would compensate for these issues to include high-lift devices such as automatically opening leading edge slats and trailing edge flaps which had a large camber to allow for a significant increase in lift when deployed. To help increase the overall flap effectiveness, the ailerons would also "droop" to aid in the flap's work. The aircraft's weapons were all centrally located in the fuselage, with the large cannons mounted in the propeller hub and the machine guns located in the upper fuselage, leaving the wings to be very thin and light. This allowed for a significant increase in manoeuvrability.

Messerschmitt was ahead of his time, this was noted when the Bf 109 went to trials. Most experienced military pilots were seasoned World War I pilots who spent their time flying biplane fighters such as the He-51, aircraft with two sets of wings, an open cockpit, low wing loading and light g-forces, one look at the new Bf 109 produced sour reactions, especially from stunt and ace pilot Ernst Udet. At first, Udet had serious doubts about the Bf 109 and requested directly from Messerschmitt to remove the canopy to allow the pilot to judge the aircraft's speed through the air stream and to add a second wing with struts and wires; otherwise the aircraft was destined to fail as a fighter. Udet's initial test flight of the Bf 109 drastically changed his opinion of the revolutionary new fighter, forever altering how Germany designed and manufactured their fighters.

Throughout the years, the Bf 109 went through many iterations involving upgrades and fine-tuning. The last of the series was the Bf 109 K series, also known as Kurfürst. Unfortunately for this series, it was a compilation of model upgrades, modification kits and factory conversions which ultimately made both the production and maintenance of this aircraft a literal nightmare in both cost and complication with its maintenance. Due to problems with the series production and the late stage of the war when it entered, the K-4 model was the only version to be mass-produced. External changes included moving the radio equipment hatch, fuselage fuel tank filler point, the direction-finding loop and the addition of a retractable tail-wheel with clam-shell doors. Armament would include a 30 mm Motorkanone and two 13 mm machine guns with options to attach bombs or 20 mm cannon gondola-style pods; however, the suspended armament was rarely utilised. Between November 1944 and March 1945, a total of 1,593 Bf 109 K-4 fighters were produced, one in four Bf 109s listed in front-line fighting units was a Bf 109 K-4. Unfortunately, at this point in the war, the Bf 109 K-4 had two things going against it, first was the appearance of jet fighters which nullified any advantages the K-4 had achieved and secondly, the hastily trained novice pilots at this point of the war could not exploit the K-4's advantages which would eventually come from experience.

{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was a single-seat monoplane fighter used by the Luftwaffe before and during WWII. It was used as a fighter, interceptor, high-altitude interceptor, fighter-bomber and reconnaissance aircraft.

The Bf 109K "Kurfuerst" was the last mass-produced variant of the Bf 109 family. It first reached front-line units in September 1944 (or early 1945, according to other data). The fighter was powered by the Daimler-Benz DB 605 DCM engine and had more powerful armament, with some variants equipped with two 15 mm or three 30 mm cannon.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bf-109k-4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Bf109 K-4 speedsteer1944.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Bf109 K-4 *olfie- 001.jpg |thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
</ul></div>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|0I9fzmNuJyE|'''Enjoying The Beast - Bf 109 K-4''' - ''Napalmratte''|xMZo89CWWuA|'''Bf 109 K-4 Propeller Pitch Technique''' - ''JZA80 98' Supra''|Luxss9DRoZU|'''Bf 109 K-4 Vs Spitfires - Techniques and Strategies''' - ''Green Fury''|nYXB_a0RA40|'''War Thunder Realistic: Bf 109 K-4 [High-G Resistant]''' - ''Jengar''}}

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* North American [[P-51 (Family)|P-51]] Mustang
* Yakovlev [[Yak-9]]
* Kawasaki [[Ki-61 (Family)|Ki-61]]
* Fiat [[G.55 serie 1|G.55]]
* [[IAR-81C]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/100367-messerschmitt-bf-109-k-4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [https://www.chuckhawks.com/messerschmitt_Bf109.htm <nowiki>[Chuck Hawks]</nowiki> The Best Fighter of its Generation (1935-1945): Messerschmitt Bf 109]
* [https://www.luftkrieg-ueber-europa.de/en/how-good-was-the-messerschmitt-bf-109/ <nowiki>[Luftkrieg über Europa]</nowiki> How good was the Messerschmitt Bf 109?]
* [http://kurfurst.org/ <nowiki>[Kurfürst]</nowiki> The Messerschmitt Bf 109 Performance Resource Site]

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
{{Germany fighters}}

Me 264

2023-10-24T12:37:13Z

U134686484: /* Suspended armament */

{{Specs-Card
|code=me_264
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''Me 264''' was Messerschmitt's submission to the German Air Ministry's specification for a long-range heavy bomber. Hitler reportedly boasted to Mussolini that Germany would have bombers that could fly all the way to the east coast of the United States by 1941. Messerschmitt had thought of creating a long-range aircraft before and finally saw the Amerika Bomber project as a way to design and produce them. Messerschmitt had tough competition like Junkers and Dornier who had an immense amount of experience building bombers. The final design included four engines and had a range of around 7,000 miles (11,265 km). Eventually, the Me 264 failed to compete with the performance of competition like the Junkers 390, Junkers' proposal with six engines. The Kriegsmarine expressed interest in the project and planned to repurpose the Me 264 as a reconnaissance aircraft for the U-boats. However, Doenitz saw the failures of the program and managed to talk Hitler out of it. Finally, after the prototypes were damaged by the Allied bombing campaigns and constant setbacks, Hermann Göring ordered work be stopped on the Me 264.

Introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]], the Me 264 is a powerful and strong heavy bomber. It features an excellent bomb load of up to two 1,800 kg bombs and three 250 kg bombs totalling 4,350 kg. It also has strong defensive capabilities, with two 13 mm turrets and three 20 mm turrets. Combined with the very high altitude bomber air spawn, the Me 264 is a very difficult aircraft for opponents to attack. It's also quite fast for a bomber with an impressive top speed of 519 km/h (324 mph). Players will be satisfied with its performance and capability against both ground targets and enemy aircraft.

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

The first thing the player will notice is the plane's similarity to the famed B-29, as it shares a similarly designed fuselage and glazed nose, but a different twin tail instead of the large single tail on the B-29. Despite being a heavy bomber, the Me 264 is quite responsive and manoeuvrable. However, you are still a heavy bomber and you shouldn't try to turn with anyone. It is also quite speedy for its rank and classification, able to out-speed some of the planes at its BR when at altitude.
In addition to its powerful engines, the Me 264 can be equipped with rocket boosters that provide additional thrust for a short time. The keybind to activate the feature can be set in Controls > Aircraft > Mechanization > Ignite boosters. These boosters will only appear if the bomber spawns on an airfield.

{| 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
| 494 || 477 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 38.4 || 39.4 || 1.2 || 1.2 || rowspan="2" | 900
|-
! Upgraded
| 546 || 519 || 35.8 || 37.0 || 6.6 || 3.5
|-
|}

==== 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 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 609  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 370 || 357 || 290 || ~6 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 340 || < 350 || < 290 || > 290
|-
|}

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


* 7 mm steel behind and to the left of pilot
* 9 mm steel to the right of pilot
* Self-sealing fuel tanks located throughout the wings
* Unarmoured pilots (can be knocked out in head-ons)

Despite not being well armoured, the Me 264 Amerikabomber can take quite a beating and has a knack for surviving fires. Due to its four engines, it can lose one or two and still make it back to base for repairs. However, it is one of the largest planes in the game and thus is impossible to miss, so while you can take a lot of damage, you will be receiving a lot as well.

Although it doesn't have a lot of armour, it has the guns to make up for it. With 3 x MG 151/20's that have access to the dreaded Minengeschoß high-explosive incendiary round complemented by another 3 x MG 131 heavy machine guns, as a few well-placed shots will make short work of any attacker that recklessly tails you.

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

The stock payload is quite poor, so pick up the ETC 500/II modification first, followed by the 20 mm belts to add more Minengeschoß rounds, then the ETC 1000/I and ETC 1800. The rest of the modules are up to you, but survivability modules are recommended to withstand the beating you will be getting.

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

{{main|SC250JA (250 kg)|SC500K (500 kg)|SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)|SC1800B (1,800 kg)}}

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

* 9 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (2,250 kg total)
* 6 x 500 kg SC500K bombs + 3 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (3,750 kg total)
* 4 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 2 x 1,800 kg SC1800B bombs + 3 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (4,350 kg total)

With a massive 4,000 kg payload, the Me 264 has the second-best payload of any non-premium German bomber and one of the best payloads at its battle rating. Ideally, you should use the 4 x 1,000 kg bombs for destroying bases, as this payload has more TNT (2,400 kg TNT) than 2 x 1,800 kg + 3 x 250 kg payload (2,375 kg TNT) despite being lighter. But keep in mind that you cannot destroy a base in one go in Arcade Battles no matter the payload you choose even if you drop all of your bombs a little percentage of the base's health will remain and you have to drop another bomb to finish the base but in Realistic Battles you can destroy up to 2 bases with your 4 x 1,000 kg bombs.

For the mixed bomb loads, the rule of thumb is that the heaviest bombs drop first and the lighter 250 kg bombs drop last.

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

{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 131 (13 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 13 mm MG 131 machine gun, nose turret (750 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, front dorsal turret (450 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, rear dorsal turret (450 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, ventral turret (750 rpg)
* 1 x 13 mm MG 131 machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (500 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==


The Me 264 plays like your typical heavy bomber: a slow and lumbering beast that has amazing defensive armament and a good payload. While you may have one of the best defensive armaments in the German bomber line (or out of bombers in general), it is best to avoid engagements all together to minimize potential damage due to your massive size. However, if an enemy gets on your tail, they're as good as dead thanks to your superb defensive armament that can shred through planes like paper. Never allow a plane to head-on you. Be sure to face your tail towards the attacker, as more than half of your guns face towards the back and your glazed nose makes it easy to snipe your pilot out.

Due to the Me 264's painfully slow turning circle, fly for a bit before turning around in case you miss a base. Turning around prematurely can result in the base being missed once again. Once you have expended all your bombs, reduce throttle to 0-20% and gradually descend towards your airfield. Unlike other German bombers of this rank, its wings are surprisingly tolerant of higher speeds but it is still important to monitor speeds to avoid overload.

Notable enemies include any heavily armed interceptor that has at least semi-decent performance, but notably the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[P-38J-15|P-38J]], [[Mosquito FB Mk VI|Mosquito]] and the [[P-47D-28|P-47D]]s, as all of these planes can climb to your altitude and destroy you with their heavy armament.

The P-61 and P-38J are some of the most deadly, as their powerful armament can tear you in half, especially the P-61 with its quad AN/M2 20 mm cannons. Focus fire on the cockpit in order to snipe the pilot.

The Mosquito is a sort of push-pull. While you can down it easily due to its wooden construction, it can do the same to you with its quad Hispano Mk.II's. Aim for a centre mass near the cockpit, as this is the most vulnerable area or aim for the wings where the fuel tanks are stored and can cause fires.

You can deal with the P-47D's in a similar fashion as the P-61 and P-38J, but you should focus fire on the engine and wings as this can result in fires, broken engines and snapped wings. Watch out for its 8 x .50 cals, as most of the pilots run the Tracer belt which is entirely API-T and is known for starting fires.

'''Playstyles'''

There are three playstyles the 264 can cater to, although the second one is very risky and is not recommended.

'''High-Altitude Strategic Bomber''' - The role the 264 was designed for, and the role it excels the most at. Firstly climb to altitude, anywhere from 6-7 km and then maintain that altitude through a level flight and gain some speed, as would-be attackers will struggle to catch you by keeping a constant speed of 400-435 km/h or 250-270 mph. Make your way towards the bases and drop your bombs.

'''Gunship''' - While being significantly more dangerous to the player, the "Gunship" playstyle is infinitely more fun. It is only recommended to use this playstyle when the plane is spaded. Stay relatively low to the ground and attack ground troops, and if any player comes to attack you, focus your guns on them and let them tail you. The main bonus for flying in this way is that your extremely vulnerable belly is covered, preventing anybody from attacking you from there. The only reason this playstyle is viable is that the lower rank players you will encounter are more likely to make mistakes such as tailing you, allowing you to shoot them down for points.

'''Bomber Hunter''' - Climb to meet enemy bombers at high-altitude. While the enemy bombers will acknowledge the Me 264, they will rarely react against the Me 264 aside from keeping some air space. Deny their evasive manoeuvres and close-in to the enemy bombers. Once in range, use the 20 mm HEI-T belts and attack the enemy. Attempt to approach the target to make use of as many turrets as possible at a time for a quick end to the engagement. If the bomber's defensive is formidable, try to enter and exit the engagement as fast as possible to avoid significant damage to the Me 264.

'''When attacking''':

Never tail a Me 264. Tailing a 264 is basically suicide unless all of their gunners are knocked out. You can treat the 264 almost like a B-29 or B-17 as the planes are very similar in both design and defensive capabilities. It is best to head-on the bomber if you can as you can easily knock out the pilots due to its glazed nose while also taking minimal damage. However, the bomber lacks a ventral turret on its belly, making it easy to deal damage from below, but be wary of the downwards facing rear 20 mm cannon near the tail. When at a higher altitude, it is best to make a dive from an oblique angle and focus fire on the wings and nose.

=== 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 3 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Deadly and accurate defensive armament
* Great payload, unmatched by any non-premium until the [[He 177 A-5]]
* Decent speed and acceleration for a bomber
* Good manoeuvrability
* Surprisingly responsive
* Fast and very hard to catch once it's at altitude
* Durable, can take a beating

'''Cons:'''

* Gunners have a lot of dead zones
* Massive size, one of the biggest planes in the game
* Has trouble diving at high speeds
* No significant armour protection
* Incredibly hard to land, even harder with a damaged airframe
* No air brake
* Very hard to pull the nose down due to high lift
* Limited WEP duration

== History ==

Development of the Me 264 began in the late 1930s when Messerschmitt conducted work on developing a long-range reconnaissance aircraft, designated P.1061. In early 1941, six prototypes of the P.1061 were ordered and the aircraft received the formal designation of Me 264. However, the initial order for six prototypes would shortly afterwards be dropped to three.

Progress on constructing the ordered prototypes was slow at start, but development quickly picked up the pace with the start of the Amerikabomber project in spring 1942. The project called for new very long range strategic bomber designs, resulting in several designs being proposed, among them also the Me 264.

It soon became clear that despite all the advantages of the Me 264 the aircraft would not be able to demonstrate acceptable flight characteristics due to the lack of more powerful engines at that time. Apart from the Amerikabomber project, the Me 264 was also briefly considered by the Kriegsmarine as a possible replacement for the dated Fw 200 in the maritime reconnaissance role.

The first and only prototype of the Me 264 which saw completion, flew on 23 December 1942. While undergoing modifications, the Me 264 project had its further development halted, with the sole completed prototype being used as a transport machine. In 1943, the second prototype was destroyed during an allied bombing raid. The same fate also struck the first and unfinished third prototype in July 1944. After all prototypes were lost, the Me 264 project was officially cancelled in September 1944.

''- From [[wt:en/news/6190-development-me-264-the-teutonic-superfortress-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=me_264 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px">
File:Me 264 WTWallpaper 001.jpg
File:Me 264 WTWallpaper 002.jpg
File:Me 264 WTWallpaper 003.jpg
File:Me 264 WTWallpaper 004.jpg
File:Me 264 WTWallpaper 005.jpg
File:Me 264 WTWallpaper 006.jpg
File:Me 264 WTWallpaper 007.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|lBTQGGr-Kxs|'''The Shooting Range #149''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:10 discusses the Me 264.}}

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Boeing [[B-29A-BN|B-29]] Superfortress
* Tupolev [[Tu-4]]
* Avro [[Lincoln B Mk II|Lincoln]]
* Nakajima [[G8N1]]
* Piaggio [[P.108B serie 1|P.108]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6190-development-me-264-the-teutonic-superfortress-en|[Devblog] Me 264: The Teutonic Superfortress]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/453535-me-264 Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/amerikan-bomber-1942/ <nowiki>[Rare Historical Photos]</nowiki> Messerschmitt Me 264 Amerika bomber]

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
{{Germany bombers}}