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Gepard

2024-10-13T02:52:08Z

U136998922: HullBreak was changed to "Overpressure"

{{About
| about = German SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = Gepard 1A2
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=germ_flakpz_I_Gepard
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer (Flakpanzer) Gepard''' is a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun designed to operate in all weather conditions. It was created in the 1960s, deployed in the 1970s, and has since been updated several times with cutting-edge technologies to keep up with modern warfare. It is equipped with twin 35 mm Oerlikon KDA autocannons mounted on the chassis of a Leopard 1 main battle tank and has served as a cornerstone of air defence for the German Army and several other NATO countries. The turret has a full traverse, providing complete coverage for the system. The search and tracking radars are also mounted on the chassis, behind and in front of the turret, respectively.

Introduced in [[Update 1.63 "Desert Hunters"]], the Flakpanzer Gepard is a capable weapon platform that can provide reliable cover from enemy air attacks for friendly ground units. This vehicle, outfitted with search and tracking radars, can actively scan the skies for hostile air units and provide a lead indicator once locked onto the target. It also has some minor anti-ground capabilities, but it is not recommended that it be used extensively in anti-ground roles. It is recommended to wait for enemy aircraft to approach before unleashing a barrage of shells to make it difficult to dodge and avoid. To conserve ammunition and prevent overheating of the cannons, always shoot in bursts.

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


Common among almost all SPAAs, the Gepard's armour can only withstand heavy machine guns and aircraft cannons and such, even other SPAAs and light tanks will pose a threat. Having 30mm of armour at its thickest point, in the game, the Gepard can be hull broken by shells of a calibre of 75mm and higher.

[[File:X-RayImage TopView Gepard.jpg|thumb]]

The Gepard has a crew of 3, consisting of a gunner, a commander and a driver with the first 2 residing in the turret and the third in the hull. The ammunition is stored in its entirety in the turret basket, below the crew; in practice, the Gepard is rarely ammo racked, and most often it is your crew that will be knocked out or the tank being burned down by chemical munitions fired from enemy aircraft that it faces, such as helicopters and jet attack aircraft which are both a threat and a tricky target.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 30 (59°) ''Front glacis'' 30 mm (48°) ''Lower glacis'' || 25 mm (40-41°) ''Top'' 20 mm ''Lower'' || 20 mm (6°) ''Top'' 20 mm (49°) ''Bottom'' || 30 mm ''Driver/Co-driver port area'' 15 mm ''Everywhere else''
|-
| Turret || 25 mm (1-30°) || 20 mm ''Turret side'' 10 mm ''Cannon mounts'' || 20 mm (3°) || 15 mm
|-
|}

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,179|rbMinHp=734}}

Having the chassis of the Leopard 1, the {{PAGENAME}} is almost identical in mobility to the MBT, possessing the same engine power, making it useful at capturing zones and getting out of harm's way.

Its top speed is 57 km/h forward and -22 km/h backwards, with acceleration time and neutral steering speed depending on the installed modules.
The engine is the same as in the Leopard 1, the MTU (Motoren- und Turbinen-Union Friedrichshafen GmbH) MB 838 CaM-500 610 kW outputting 830 hp at 2200 rpm.

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

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

{{main|Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)}}

The armament consists of 2 x 35 mm Oerlikon KDA cannons with 340 RPG with a quick, fixed fire rate and can make use of 3 types of munitions:

* High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying, note that the self-destruction range coincides with the radar's lead indicator maximum distance, making the shell inadequate at longer ranges)
* Armour-piercing incendiary tracer, which can be used against lightly armoured vehicles and enemy SPAAs, though the damage to enemy aircraft is reduced, the shell can be used outside radar range since it does not self destruct
* High-velocity armour-piercing tracer (APDS), which can be used against targets mentioned above and additionally, can be used to attack the side profile of enemy MBTs with reasonable effectiveness. Use against air targets is possible but the damage output is highly reduced.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)|35 mm Oerlikon KDA]] (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" | 680 (320) || rowspan="2" | 550 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 79.3 || 109.7 || 133.2 || 147.3 || 156.7 || rowspan="2" | 1.30 || rowspan="2" | 1.15 || rowspan="2" | 1.06 || rowspan="2" | 1.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 53.5 || 63.0 || 76.5 || 84.6 || 90.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DM11A1:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DM13:''' {{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DM23:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}

{{:Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)/Ammunition|HEI-T*, API-T*, APDS}}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! Ammo type
! 1st rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''4 680''' || ''Belts'' ''Rounds'' || 0 ''(+4)'' 0 ''(+680)'' || Yes
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* The rack empties when all rounds are spent.
* The visual discrepancy concerns the number of belts: 4 belts can be fired but only 2 are modeled.

===Radars===
{{main|MPDR 12|Albis}}
The Gepard is equipped with a [[MPDR 12]] search radar and an [[Albis]] tracking radar. Both radars are located on the turret, the MPDR 12 is mounted at the rear of the turret and folds back when not in use, the Albis is mounted on the front of the turret. The radar system is capable of tracking a target while scanning, but can only track targets within a 200° arc from the front of the turret.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="5" | [[MPDR 12]] - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Detection Range|The range, below which, a target cannot be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum relative speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be detectable by the radar}}
|-
| 15,000 m || 500 m || 360° || ??? || 10 m/s (36 km/h)
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Albis]] - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum target speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be tracked by the radar}}
|-
| 15,000 m || 75 m || ±100° || -20°/+85° || 15 m/s (54 km/h)
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The Gepard performs best when stalking enemy aircraft, scanning the sky for a target and waiting until it gets in range of the radar, and only attacking when the radar can provide a lead estimation, thus preserving ammunition which is critical since the cannons will expend it quickly in combat situations. Helicopters will more than often chose to keep a reasonable distance, usually outside your radar's range but this can be countered by using the API-T rounds in short burst until the range of the enemy has been deduced, it only takes a few rounds to destroy an enemy aircraft.

Engaging ground vehicles comes with the risk of being destroyed without doing any significant damage so weigh your options carefully, unsuspecting light tanks are fair game but most tanks will pose a threat even when attacking their side without the appropriate ammunition belts.

Capturing points is also an option thanks to the good mobility of the vehicle, although you will have to make sure the capture point is clear and there is no risk of being attacked by an enemy tank.

Against enemy threats:

* Arcade: Keep your head on a swivel, and when enemies start air battles be prepared to react very soon; jets can reach the battle in seconds. Try to fire as soon as the enemy reaches within 2 kilometres, any closer and you risk the aircraft being able to open fire on you or even ram you and induce overpressure. Helicopters should be treated with a similar deal of respect, so try to limit the amount of time they have within firing range by coating them in a blank of anti-air fire as soon as the lead indicator appears.

* Realistic/Simulator: If using the Gepard in higher rank games, be mindful of aircraft such as the [[AH-1Z]] and [[FJ-4B VMF-232]]. Their long-range guided missiles allow them to attack you outside of the range of your lead indicator or even out of the range of your guns themselves. Stay hidden until they draw closer, and then attempt to "ambush" them as they are pre-occupied attacking other allies. Stay away from common traffic areas if your only goal is to take out these aircraft, and try to sneak as close as possible to them so that you can re-acquire the lead indicator. Thanks to the fact the Gepard is vulnerable to being overpressured, it only takes a missile landing near to completely disable the anti-aircraft vehicle.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Has the mobility of the Leopard tank, though the increased weight is noticeable
* Very fast turret rotation
* Good stock grind thanks to its already good gun handling
* Can penetrate many tanks from the side even with its default belt
* High penetration with DM23 belt that is also cheaper to restock than other belts
* Twin 35 mm cannons are very deadly against both aircraft and tanks with a high rate of fire and accuracy
* Has stabilizer - can shoot targets while on the move, air and ground ones alike
* Good amount of ammo in reserve
* Search and tracking radars, the search radar finds targets while the tracking radar gives a very accurate lead indicator
* Search radar dish can be folded when not in use to reduce vehicle height and visibility

'''Cons:'''

* Relatively high profile, and a spinning radar dish atop the vehicle
* Very thin armour that can be easily destroyed by overpressure
* Cannons are mounted on the sides of the turret that can make shooting weak spots at close range almost impossible
* Relatively low rate-of-fire compared to the [[M163]] and [[ZSU-23-4]]
* Incredibly long reload time when all ammo is expended
* Can only take 40 x DM23s to battle, must be fired very carefully
* Expensive unlockable ammo belts (except the DM23 belt)

== History ==


===Development===
Development began on a dedicated self-propelled anti-aircraft gun for the German Bundeswehr in the 1960s. The first pilot models were produced in 1969 testing 30 and 35 mm autocannons for the armament. The decision to use a 35 mm autocannon as the basis of the anti-aircraft armament came on 25 June 1970. In 1971 the second phase of pilot models was tested, the Dutch Army expressed interest in the project and ordered a few models once completed. It was around this phase that the [[Leopard I|Leopard 1]] was chosen as the chassis of the vehicle, and a modified variant was produced. In September 1973, the order was made to Krauss-Maffei manufacturer to produce 432 turret and 430 hulls. The Bundeswehr accepted the vehicle as to the '''Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer Gepard''' (''Anti-aircraft cannon tank "Cheetah"''), or better known as the '''Flakpanzer Gepard'''. At least 430 Flakpanzer Gepard units were produced in total from 1973 onwards.

===Design===
The Flakpanzer Gepard uses the 35 mm Oerlikon KDA autocannon, which was a dual-mounted cannon that each can fire around 550 rounds per minute. The Gepard has a search radar on the back, a tracking radar in front, and a laser range finder in the front to track air targets. The Flakpanzer Gepard uses a modified Leopard chassis, modified by different wheel spacing and battery placement. The vehicle was powered by a multi-fuel engine capable of pumping around 819 horsepower. There was also an auxiliary engine that powers the turret functions so the main engine can run the vehicle unhindered by additional energy requirement. The Gepard as a whole actually cost three times more than a standard Leopard 1 tank, possibly due to all the guidance system and radars needed to make the Gepard an effective anti-aircraft gun.

===Usage===
The Gepard entered service in the German Bundeswehr in 1973 and made up a core of West Germany's anti-aircraft power. The Gepard was constantly upgraded with better guidance systems and other electronic hardware. From the 1980s onward, the Gepard units were attached to Stinger surface-to-air missile systems to exploit the Gepard's extended tracking system to locate targets for the Stingers. A proposal was made to combine these two units into one vehicle with a dual Stinger launcher mounted onto a Gepard, but budget restrictions prevented this. The Flakpanzer Gepard still sees use today in the storage of the Bundeswehr, although in reduced numbers from 377 originally to just 94. They are expected to be replaced by the SysFla project, which is a stationary and mobile platform armed with the MANTIS gun system and the new LFK NG missiles.

The Gepards were successful in the export market. The first to order were Belgium and the Dutch, 55 and 95 units respectively. When the Bundeswehr started the downsize their forces, their Gepards were sold to various countries such as Brazil, Romania, and Chile; though Chile returned their Gepards due to the high costs maintaining them. The Dutch also sold 60 of their surplus stock to Jordan. Belgium and the Dutch have recently withdrawn the Gepards from military service.

== Media ==


;Skins

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

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
File:GarageImage Gepard (2).jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|1R9OL0Hf-yw|'''The Shooting Range #33''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:30 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|naeDoEwZ5Pg|'''German SPAAs''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:30 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|8YLI7vBI88U|'''Gepard: Review & How To AAA''' - ''Napalmratte''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Leopard (Family)]]
** [[Gepard 1A2]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)]]
** [[File:Japan flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Type 87]]
** [[File:Britain flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Chieftain Marksman]]
** [[File:Finland flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ItPsV Leopard]]
** [[File:South Africa flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ZA-35]]
** [[File:China flag.png|30px|link=]] [[PGZ09]]
* [[File:Sweden flag.png|30px|link=]] [[VEAK 40]]
* [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[AMX-30 DCA]]
* [[File:USSR flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ZSU-37-2]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/4241-development-flakpz-i-gepard-the-second-and-last-of-its-name-en|[Devblog] Flakpanzer I Gepard - The second and last of its name]]
* [[wikipedia:Flakpanzer_Gepard|[Wikipedia] Flakpanzer Gepard]]
* [https://mtu-online-shop.com/media/files_public/952ae139f0fae50b15702ddf661cad33/3061601_MTU_Defense_Brochure.pdf MTU Defense Brochure]

{{TankManufacturer KMW}}
{{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}}

AMX M4

2024-10-05T01:59:56Z

U136998922: Fixed spelling mistake: M4A3E8 -> M4A3E2

{{About
| about = French medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = M4 (Disambiguation)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=fr_amx_m4
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

In the late 1940s, the French Army sought to replace its aging medium tanks with a new 50-ton medium tank that would serve as the main asset in armoured divisions. The French company AMX initially proposed an under-armoured version of the Tiger II tank with 30 mm plates, but after feedback from the army, the armour was enhanced to 80 mm in the front and 40 mm on the sides. Changes were made to reduce weight in other aspects of the tank, such as introducing a new oscillating turret and redesigning the suspension wheels. The first prototype, named M4, featured a 90 mm SA47 gun and was slightly over 50 tons. A second prototype with a 100 mm SA 47 L/50 gun led to the development of the AMX-50 tank.

It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]]. It uses an improved 90 mm SA47 cannon over the [[ARL-44]] and has a 7-round autoloader and a better armour layout while being more mobile. Marking a new generation of French tanks, the AMX M4 is the prototype of what to expect from French tank development moving forward. The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is the sturdiest representative of French rank IV vehicles, from which it shares some common features: good mobility, an oscillating turret (fitted with an autoloader), sloped armour in front and back, high hull, high gun placement, good gun depression, 4 crew members, a coaxial MAC 31 machine gun and large tracks. What distinguishes the AMX M4 is its [[Panther D|Panther]]-like hull, its efficient 90 mm SA47 gun developed from the [[ARL-44]] and the thickest armour pattern of all French ground forces with 80 mm sloped at ~55° in the frontal area.

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


'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret rear)
* Cast homogeneous armour (turret, cupola)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 80 mm (54°) ''Front glacis'' 35 mm (61°) ''Lower glacis'' 60 mm (38°) ''Front cheeks'' || 60 mm (38°) ''Top - Front cheeks'' 40 mm (24°) ''Top - Centre & rear'' 40 mm ''Bottom'' || 40 mm (1°) ''Upper plate'' 40 mm (29°) ''Lower glacis'' || 20 mm 5 mm ''Radiator vents''
|-
| Turret || 85 mm (60°) ''Turret front - Upper glacis'' 40+85 mm (cylindrical) ''Turret front - Base'' 60 mm (56-60°) ''Gun mantlet'' 85+100 mm ''Barrel shroud'' || 60 mm (0-61°) ''Turret'' 40 mm (0-27°) ''Turret base'' || 40 mm (0-60°) ''Turret bustle'' 25 mm (16-25°) ''Pivot ball'' 20 mm ''Turret underside'' || 20 mm
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 60 mm (spherical) || 60 mm ''Outer ring'' 20 mm ''Centre''
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick. Suspension wheels are interleaved and thus overlap in some areas.
* The turret and the base overlap in some areas, leading to cumulative armour.
* The internal armour plate separating the crew compartment and the engine bay is 5 mm thick.
* Floor armour is 20 mm thick, with the underside of the sponsons also being 20 mm thick.

The AMX M4, a post-war French tank, is a remarkable fusion of German tank design elements, drawing inspiration from the [[Panther tank (Family)|Panther]] for its robust armour, the [[Tiger (Disambiguation)|Tiger I/II]] for its mobility and firepower, and integrating French innovation with an oscillating turret and autoloader.

The armour profile is a notable feature, featuring an 80 mm angled front glacis and 60 mm pre-angled front cheeks, rendering it somewhat resilient in frontal engagements. Against WW2 tanks like the T-34-85 and M4A3E2, the AMX M4's frontal armour is quite resilient, being able to take shots confidently (unless the shot strikes a weakspot on the oscillating turret). It can even bounce shots from a Tiger I if angled properly! However, against its Cold War counterparts such as the M41, T29, etc, the armour will get easily penetrated. Moreover, the side and rear armour are thin, only being able to shrug off small calibre rounds when angled, underscoring the significance of strategic positioning during combat scenarios.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,550|rbMinHp=884}}

Post-war French designs are all very good at moving around: they have good engines, wide tracks and can easily achieve ~40 km/h offroad. The {{PAGENAME}} may be the worst of them all, on par with the [[AMX-50 (TOA100)]] as they share a very similar hull; but they still have above average mobility, when compared to other medium tanks at the same BR.

With a speed of 50 km/h and nice acceleration, the AMX M4 can quickly relocate to anywhere on the map, giving it an advantage over most other tanks. The player should favour straight routes and/or minimal uphills when moving, to maximise speed throughout the manoeuvre.

The reverse speed of -20 km/h is fast enough for short range retreats and relocating, but for long range it is still best to turn the hull around.

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

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

{{main|SA47 (90 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[SA47 (90 mm)|90 mm SA47]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
!Autoloader
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 49 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 28.6 || 39.5 || 48.0 || 53.1 || 56.5 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 17.9 || 21.0 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
|-
|}

The gun has exceptionally good armour penetration for its rank, exceeding even that of the [[KwK 43 (88 mm)|8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 gun]] used on the [[Tiger II (Family)|Tiger II]], allowing the AMX M4 to effortlessly penetrate the front of the toughest nuts around this BR, such as the Tiger II, [[T29]], and even the [[Maus]] at close range! This firepower advantage is further exaggerated by its autoloader, providing a fast reload of 6.7 seconds until the 7-shot magazine is empty, a very good rate of fire for the BR. All French medium rank IV tanks share this good reload rate, this is their most prominent selling point.

The 90 mm only fires solid-shot armour-piercing rounds like most French tanks of this period. However, the fragmentation effect of these larger shells is much greater than the long 75 mm gun of the [[AMX-13]] and is sufficient for one-shot kills on most enemy vehicles with careful aiming. It is also recommended to bring a few rounds of high-explosive shells to deal with lightly armoured vehicles (e.g. [[Pbv 501]], [[M53/59]], [[M50]], etc), especially since the autoloader speeds up the ammo-switching process.

The oscillating turret design also allows a high gun placement, which means you can fire over hills by exposing only the strong top portion of your tank, even more so with its good -10° depression angle. When it comes to elevation, there is a problem: this tank can only lift its gun 15°, which makes defending against planes impossible and an uphill battle a bit challenging. Lastly, the fast turret rotation of around 25°/s is great for the AMX M4 to deal with threats from multiple directions with ease.

==== Ammunition ====
{{:SA47 (90 mm)/Ammunition|PCO-50, 90 mm Obus explosif}}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! 7th rack empty
! 8th rack empty
! 9th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''49''' || 45 ''(+4)'' || 43 ''(+6)'' || 36 ''(+13)'' || 29 ''(+20)'' || 22 ''(+27)'' || 15 ''(+34)'' || 11 ''(+38)'' || 8 ''(+41)'' || 1 ''(+48)'' || No
|-
|}
Notes:

* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
* Rack 9 (autoloader magazine) is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 7 shells.
** This racks gets filled first when loading up the tank and is also emptied first.
** As the {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with an autoloader, manual reloading of the gun is not possible.
** Once the autoloader magazine has been depleted, you can't shoot until the loader has restocked the autoloader. The restocking time is longer than the normal reload time of the gun (about 15 seconds). Take this into account when playing.
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 to 5 into rack 7* then 6*. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
** The depletion order at full capacity is: 9 - 1 - 2 up to 8.

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

{{main|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 5,100 (150) || 551 || - || -
|-
|}

The small calibre of the MAC 31 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.

== Usage in battles ==

At its BR, 80 mm of sloped frontal armour might be sufficient to endure close range fights (as long as it is facing the correct enemy with its frontal armour). But what this tank is really good at is, as any other French rank IV, sniping: a very good gun, great depression and fire rate make it very deadly.

Beyond its armour head-on, the oscillating turret and autoloader on top of its mobility provide a tactical edge in engagements, ensuring rapid and precise responses. This technological enhancement transforms the tank into a formidable force during flanking manoeuvres, allowing for a rapid succession of shots followed by a tactical withdrawal. While this dynamic manoeuvre adds a layer of unpredictability to its tactics, it introduces the vulnerability of exposing the tank's comparatively weaker side armour.

This tank can be used in almost all roles on the battlefield, as long as the context is on its side. Here are some roles this tank is the most efficient at:

'''Sniper:'''

This is clearly this tank's intended role: at all BR placements, it provides the best results for this tank. There is only a few things that can defeat such tactic: drastically better firepower and thick frontal armour faced towards it. This gun's performance is not the best at its rank, in that way, the AMX M4 may have to rely on surprise attacks to its foes' sides in order to disable them. Use this tank's great mobility to get into a good spot and reposition whenever it is needed do not allow approaching targets as they increase their chances to take you out. Plan you escape in advance: your reverse speed won't allow for hasty retreats.

'''Frontline fights:'''

When facing lower BR tanks, the AMX can easily be used in the same role as Panther tanks: breakthrough... but with reserve, your side armour won't allow even the slightest side shot. Use your good reload speed and turret rate to their best: fast reaction times and multi-target engagements are possible.

'''Flanking:'''

Use your speed and firepower to outpace the enemy advance. All considerations from the sniper role can be taken into consideration when flanking, the only difference being a more consistent usage of this tank's mobility.

'''Support:'''

The AMX M4 will not be fit for brawling against more advanced tanks. However, there is still a place for it in the Frontline if its commander is ever so daring. The supporting tank follows closely behind the heavy tanks, using them as shields. When an enemy fires at the heavy tank, the support tank should momentarily get out of cover, fire into the soft part of their frontal armour, cannon barrel, and/or the enemy's tracks. The support tank then comes back behind cover, readying itself for attacking again.

The AMX M4 wields this role well, as it has good manoeuvrability, good acceleration, and a quick-firing cannon. It is however, a tall tank, so be wary of seeking cover behind any low-profile heavy tank and it has a below average reverse speed.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

* [[M109 (Family)|M109]]: this is a commonly seen self-propelled howitzer armed with a 155 mm cannon, firing HE shells. This plus its good speed means that it can easily over-pressure the AMX M4 at any distance and angle, making it a huge threat. Luckily, it has thin armour, so a shot to the hull or turret will be deadly to the M109.
* [[Maus]]: this moving fortress can seem very formidable. Indeed, one AMX M4 alone usually isn't enough to destroy a Maus, but the player can still utilise the tank's good speed, agility, and penetration to weaken the Maus until reinforcements arrive. Firstly, do not peek out to fire if the Maus is aiming at your general direction. If it's not or it's reloading, target the tracks first, then the main gun barrel. Then if the turret or hull is at a good flat angle to you, target the flat armour. Try to maintain a rough distance of 150-400 m, as any closer makes it very easy for the Maus to angle and render the AMX M4's shots useless, and too far the penetration of the 90 mm SA47 gun will drop below the point where it can go through the Maus' frontal turret. Lastly, call an artillery strike on a disabled Maus, and mark it on the minimap for your teammates.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Fast 51 km/h speed and good agility (-20 km/h reverse, neutral steering)
* Frontal armour is tough against WW2 tanks like [[T-34-85]], [[M18 Hellcat (Family)|M18]]
* Potent 90 mm gun (same as [[ARL-44]] or [[Char 25t]]: easy learning curve)
* Good gun depression and turret rotation
* Fast reload between 7 shots due to autoloader

'''Cons:'''

* Overall thin armour and low survivability against Cold War opponents
* Bad gun elevation angles
* Long reload time after 7 autoloader shots
* Ammo always held in reload mechanism makes it easy ammo rack targets
* Large hull, hard to hide

== History ==


===Design===
In the late 1940s, the French Army was looking to replace the medium tanks Panther and ARL 44 that were becoming obsolete with a new 50t medium tank. The new tank was to be the future spearhead of French armoured divisions. The French company AMX started working on a proposal which was essentially an improved Tiger II on the drawing board. The project evolved and later resulted in the AMX-50 tank. The AMX M4 present in the game is the first prototype of the project.

===Development===
In order to save weight from the Tiger II's initial weight of 70 tons, the first AMX proposal was an underarmoured version of the Tiger II with only 30 mm armour plates. The French Army quickly indicated that such a thickness was too weak for the intended purpose. The armour of the hull was increased to 80 mm frontally and 40 mm for the sides and the weight-saving measures were then applied to other components. The original turret was changed for an oscillating turret whose design was already available and the suspension wheels were redesigned to get rid of the interleaving wheels. The new version was approved and a first prototype was produced at the end of 1949. It sported the already available 90 mm SA 45 gun from the ARL 44, whose performance was equal to the 88 mm KwK43 equipping the Tiger II. The first prototype was dubbed M4 and had a weight slightly above 50 tons. The second prototype was produced 1 year later with the 100 mm SA 47 L/50 gun and a slightly modified turret, and resulted in the AMX-50 tank.

===Combat usage===
The AMX M4 was the first prototype of what would be the AMX-50 and never saw either service or combat action with the French Army.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_amx_m4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|3aCHooDoyCI|'''AMX M4, French, Tier-4, Medium Tank''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''|zUDt1Fhrjpk|'''AMX M4 - Last Man Running - Don't Be This Guy!''' - ''Napalmratte''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[AMX-50 (Family)]]

;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[Panther II]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5265-vehicle-amx-m4-en|[News] AMX M4]]
* [[wikipedia:AMX-50|[Wikipedia] AMX-50]]

{{TankManufacturer AMX}}
{{France medium tanks}}

T-80BVM

2024-10-01T02:15:08Z

U136998922: Undo revision 193048 by U44629479 (talk)

{{About
| about = Russian medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = T-80 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_t_80bvm
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}_AddArmour.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Object 219RV-M) is the current spearhead of the Russian Army as the T-80BV upgraded in the late 2010s by Omsktransmash. The idea for such upgrade was likely based on the other latest MBT of Russian Army, the T-90M, which was first shown in the early 2010s as the future baseline of T-90 tanks with improved FCS, gun-laying motors, and new gun system compatible with new ammunition. In the T-80BVM's case, all front-side ERA is replaced by new Relikt ERA with better overall protection and it now shares the similar, arrowhead design of ERA placement as the T-72B3, while the sides were covered by 4S24 ERA packages (for more recent productions). The gun system is also revised to fit the latest Russian ammunition, new full-electric gun laying motors to update the tank to latest MBT standards, new French-based/domestic TVD gun sights, as well as replacing the original gas turbine engine with the higher output GTD-1250 from T-80U. Since 2018, the new T-80BVM has become the new standard for the remaining fleet of T-80BV in Russian arsenal and one of the icons of Russian Army in the 2020s.

Introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]], the T-80BVM is a significantly upgraded [[T-80B]]. Although the T-80B is an older variant than the previous [[T-80U]], this upgrade package is more than enough to bring it to par. Distinctive arrays of third-generation "Relikt" ERA offer high protection against both chemical and kinetic rounds, the gun can now fire top-notch 3BM60 "Svinets" APFSDS and 9M119M1 "Refleks" ATGMs with improved handling, and the engine has been upgraded to the T-80U's 1,250 horsepower. The T-80BVM once again achieves a triple threat of high protection, firepower, and mobility on top of a low profile, making it an excellent capstone for the T-64/T-80 line.

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

The armour protection of the T-80BVM is one of the best, especially if the incoming round hits one of the Relikt ERA plates which are twice as effective as Kontakt-5 against kinetic projectiles (meaning that the Leopard 2A6, one of the most dangerous opponents, cannot easily penetrate the UFP). The strongest parts of the tank are the turret front and a majority of the upper front plate. It does, however, have some weaker areas, the most important being the driver's hatch, the immediate areas of the turret surrounding the gun and its breech, and its lower frontal plate. These weak spots are however pretty small targets at range, and thus by hiding them properly, the risk of being hit can be minimized. Owing to its very low profile, a hull-down T-80BVM is a small target in itself; the weaker parts of its armour are even smaller.

Fuel tanks on either side of the driver can soak up some shrapnel and add to the overall survivability. However, as with all Russian auto-loaded MBTs, there are only three crew members so a well-placed shot is capable of causing a crew knock-out. It's also worth noting that the placement of the ammo rack, below the turret in a carousel-style setup, leaves the T-80BVM particularly vulnerable to side shots causing ammunition detonation. The protection of the T-80BVM is very similar to the T-80U in terms of the size and placement of the weak areas. The sides of your tank should always be protected, and when engaging an enemy, your front armour should always be aligned directly towards him to reduce the risks of a shot tearing through your weaker side. The tank does, however, have some Relikt ERA plates on its upper front skirts, meaning that you have some extra protection against KE penetrators, and a lot against chemical shells, until the ERA bricks are detonated (leaving the area vulnerable for another hit).

As mentioned above, the T-80BVM also benefits from the typical low silhouette Russian tankers will be accustomed to, with the vehicle being significantly smaller than its competitors. This allows the T-80BVM to be hidden behind small terrain deformities which other MBTs would otherwise be visible. It's also harder for an enemy tank commander to immediately tell which area is the most vulnerable.

The turret ring is also slightly tilted forward giving the tank an extra degree of depression when facing the turret forward.

'''Armour type:'''

* Cast homogeneous armour (turret, cupola, gun mantlet)
* Rolled homogeneous armour (gunner hatch)
* High-hardness rolled armour (hull)
* Rubber-fabric (mudguards)
* Alloy BT-6 (engine roof)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 50 mm (68°) || 80 mm ''Top'' 20 mm ''Bottom'' || 50 mm || 20-30 mm
|-
| Turret || Variable thickness ''Turret front'' Variable thickness ''Gun mantlet'' || Variable Thickness || Variable Thickness || 30-45 mm
|-
| Cupola || 80 mm || 80 mm || 80 mm || 45 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Relikt: 20 mm High Hardness Rolled Armour
* Tracks: 20 mm

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

Overall mobility is good, it can easily keep up with most top-tier MBTs.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1937|rbMinHp=1106|AoAweight=1|weight=47}}

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

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

{{main|2A46M-1 (125 mm)}}
The T-80BVM has access to the 2A46M-1 125 mm smoothbore main gun. This gun fires the same ammunition as the previous [[T-64 (Family)|T-64]] and [[T-80 (Family)|T-80]] models but with new projectiles such as the 3BM60 "Svinets-2" APFSDS round and the 9M119M1 "Invar-M" ATGM, a modernized 9M119 "Svir" with a tandem charge and a slightly reduced speed. The T-80BVM has excellent gun handling on par with tanks such as the [[M1A2 Abrams|M1A2]] and [[Leopard 2A6]]. It also has a steady reload rate at 6.5 seconds.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[2A46M-1 (125 mm)|125 mm 2A46M-1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
!Autoloader
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 38 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 6.50
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
The T-80BVM has access to capable rounds, able to destroy any enemy tank or vehicle it faces at the battle rating. Its most notable round is the powerful 3BM60 "Svinets-2" APFSDS.

'''3BK18M''', HEAT-FS - The 3BK18M is one of the first rounds the T-80BVM has access to, it can be considered a mediocre round for close to medium range as most of the enemies which will be faced will be able to withstand it due to composite armour. However, it is particularly useful when facing light armoured vehicles which are prompt to overpressure (SPAA, light tanks, etc) and useful when facing enemy helicopters as it has enough explosive mass and flight speed to be competitive as last resort. As a hollow charge, it is prompt to detonate mid air due to trees, bushes and fences. This makes the round difficult to use when in long range engagements as some field elements (forage, objects, etc.) may not be rendered and the round's velocity make aiming harder.

'''3OF26''', HE-FS - A familiar and useful stock round of 125 mm gun, the 3OF26 pack big amount of explosive filler that can kill light vehicles and overpressure hull down MBT with precision shots. As a high explosive, it is prompt to detonate mid air due to trees, bushes and fences. Its suitable for close range combat and terrain with less trees and bushes.

'''3BM42, 3BM60''', APFSDS - The T-80BVM has access to 2 types of APFSDS: the 3BM42 and 3BM60. The 3BM42 is a decent round with decent penetration and stopping power. While it lacks penetration to penetrate Leopard 2 tanks, Leclercs or M1A1/2 turret plates, it has enough penetration to hit and cause critical damage in weak spots and side shots. The 3BM60 however, different from the 3BM42, has much more penetration which can penetrate all tanks from all sides (be aware of Leopard 2 turret wedges and firing at M1A2 turret with an obliquity greater than 45°).

'''9M119M1''', ATGM (tandem) - The 9M119M1 is a tandem version of the previously seen 9M119 ATGM. The main upgrade is the tandem charge, everything else remains practically the same with exception of reduction of flight speed.

{{:2A46M-1 (125 mm)/Ammunition|3BK18M, 3OF26, 3BM42, 9M119M1, 3BM60}}

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''38''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|NSVT (12.7 mm)|PKT (7.62 mm)}}
The 12.7 mm NSVT machine gun, seen on all previous Soviet MBTs, can help take out some lightly armoured vehicles from the side as well as to destroy low-flying aircraft and helicopters.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[NSVT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm NSVT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 300 (150) || 700 || -5°/+60° || ±180°
|-
|}
The coaxial 7.62 mm PKT machine gun however is lacking against enemy vehicles, it still can mow down some small bushes and fences to provide better view or use it to help pin enemies.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[PKT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm PKT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,250 (250) || 700 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

==== The "Flying Fortress" on Tracks ====
The T-80 family is known to be the first serial tanks to use gas turbine engines to propel the tank itself, earning its nickname "Flying Tank" and also marked one of its good traits - its mobility. T-80BV retained the same GTD-1000 from the previous B series while BVM upgraded its engine packs to '''GTD-1250''' used on T-80U at higher engine output; not only this migrates the weight problem caused by extra protection and new gun systems, it can still push T-80BVM at up to 70 km/h on road. This might not be the fastest MBT in-game, but the output and power-to-weight ratio ensures T-80BVM will arrive the battle at a relatively fast pace than the T-72 series. The other traits of T-80 series is the overall good protection, especially against HEAT shells; some might even refer the tank as a fortress thanks to all the '''Relikt (Relics)''' ERA packages on the UFP and turret front, the baseline T-80BV has T-80U equivalent base protection while BVM further enhance the protection at average of 780 mm RHAe; this is currently the highest protection among all Russian-era MBTs in-game, tanks at lower tier, especially when stock, will be hopeless against T-80BVM with its lower glacis hidden from sight; the sides are covered by Relikt packages at lesser protection, but once upgraded to the "UBH" packages, the sides will also be covered by the "soft" '''4S24 ERA packages''' extended to the center of the tank which protected the tank even from the sides at angles. While the turret is covered by Relikt as mentioned, the turret is in fact the same design from T-80B with lesser composite armor coverage, oncoming shots will still have the chance to completely disable the turret or the gun. For firepower, the gun is now replaced by the new 2A46M-1 and revised autoloader for new Russian ammunitions including the '''3BM60 APFSDS''' and '''9M119M1 ATGM'''; in most cases, unless T-80BVM runs into [[ZTZ99 (Family)|ZTZ99]] series or [[Strv 122]] series, the selection of both high-velocity APFSDS and tandem ATGM is more than enough to defeat NATO tanks from long distance, which is further enhanced by the new FCS with 3rd generation TVD and sufficient magnification. Sometimes, when players run into a sudden strike, some enemies will leisurely turn their gun onto T-80BVM from the stereotypes of the inferior gun handlings, this problem has been eliminated on T-80BVM thanks to the new electric gun laying motors that could travel up to 40° bi-directional. With these traits, some might even consider T-80BVM as an undefeatable fortress; but there are still some Achilles heels to be exploited with.

A tradition for Warsaw-Pact tanks are the rather poor gun-depression due to the low-profile turret design, at only -5° in this case; it will cause problems at complicated terrains or when the tank is crossing road embankments if players did not traverse the turret fast enough, enemies behind terrains will also take this as an exploit to defeat T-80BVM as the lower glacis is nowhere as protected. Another problem goes to the long-lasting design philosophy; Soviet tankers has referred their crew of 3 as the result of Tri Tankista ''(Three Tankers; a song in 1939)'' since T-64, for a tank with autoloader, 3 tankers are more than enough to engage enemies with even one less crew; but this also means that 2 crew losses equal to a knock-out, this is especially true when the tank was hit from the sides as the tank is rather cramped and the turret crews are parallel to each other. While the carousel autoloader maintained consistent reload rate at around 6.5 seconds, it is also infamous for being the most dangerous part of the tank; any hits on the propellent will very likely cause chain reactions and detonates the remaining propellent, either knocking out the crews right away or in the worst case: jack-in-the-box effect ''(catastrophic kill or k-kill)'' that vaporize the vehicle and sending the turret hundreds of meters away. This further worsen by the relatively slow reverse speed at only 12 km/h as this gives enemies enough time to aim for the lower glacis where the carousel is just behind the driver.

Overall, T-80BVM does fit its purpose to assault enemies at high crossroad speed and higher power-to-weight ratio thanks to its weight, as well as good overall protection and sufficient gun systems; but players would have to be extra careful not exposing the sides to the enemies or keeping the gun operational at all cost - either mistakes will end the service of T-80BVM rather quickly.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Equipped with composite armor and Relikt ERA, protection is superb on the frontal armor, even better when hull down
* "Additional ERA Package" modification adds increased side protection on the hull and turret
* Access to the powerful 3BM60 APFSDS shell
* Autoloader grants a short and constant reload time
* Most of the rounds are placed in the autoloader which helps the tank stay in active combat longer
* Great mobility
* Great gun handling
* Has 3rd generation thermals for the gunner
* Better -11 km/h reverse gear over the T-72 series

'''Cons:'''

* While the front is covered in ERA plates, gaps between plates present small weak spots
* Stock 3BM42 is not sufficient at all times
* A tightly packed crew in a cramped interior leads to poor survivability in case of penetration
* Poor gun depression of -5° due to the low turret height, making it difficult to perform well in hilly terrain
* High risk of ammo rack detonation due to the vertical orientation of propellant charges in the carousel
* Still a relatively low reverse speed, hard to make a full retreat
* Turret breach armor can be easily penetrated

== History ==

The T-80BVM is a current program for the Russian army in the modernization of Soviet T-80BV tanks to the level of the T-72B3 and T-90M main battle tanks, as well as unification with them. The modernization includes an up-to-date fire control system with a duplicate sight for the commander, and the ability to operate the 9M119 tandem ATGMs, as well as the "Relikt" ERA pack instead of outdated "Kontakt-1". Thanks to the latter, the protection of the vehicle from HEAT and AP projectiles was significantly increased.

The modernization of the T-80BVM takes place at the facilities of the Omsk heavy machinery plant (Omsktransmash) and enter service with units of the marines and motorized infantry of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

''- Taken from [[wt:en/news/7192-development-t-80bvm-era-of-improvements-en|Devblog.]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_t_80bvm Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|LufGqZTfvoI|'''MBTs with Best Armor''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 05:10 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|X08w5IAydF4|'''The Shooting Range #258''' - ''Round Study'' section at 08:34 discusses how to penetrate the {{PAGENAME}}.|4NPt7dr-fKo|'''The Shooting Range #256''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:25 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7192-development-t-80bvm-era-of-improvements-en|[Devblog] T-80BVM: ERA of improvements]]

{{TankManufacturer Kirov}}
{{USSR medium tanks}}
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

JAS39A

2024-10-01T02:13:40Z

U136998922: Undo revision 193047 by U44629479 (talk)

{{About
| about = Swedish jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = SAAB 39 Gripen (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=saab_jas39a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Swedish multirole fighter that entered service in 1996 to replace the aging [[JA37D]] and [[AJS37]] for the Swedish air force. The {{PAGENAME}} is developed by SAAB and was designed to carry out tasks such as defending Swedish airspace, engaging with hostile ground targets, and reconnaissance missions.

The {{PAGENAME}} was introduced in [[Update "Air Superiority"]] as top rank jet fighter for Sweden, able to fight toe to toe with [[MiG-29 (Family)|MiG-29]]s and [[F-16 (Family)|F-16]]s on more even terms than the preceding [[JA37D]]. The {{PAGENAME}} can be equipped with different types of anti-air missiles for air engagements, but also does come with different bomb loadouts making it able to be used in a ground supporting role, giving it a multirole ability to engage a variety of enemies. The {{PAGENAME}} handles differently than its predecessor [[JA37D]], but will be more similar to the [[F-16 (Family)|F-16]] that some may be used to.

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

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 11,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,175 || 2,138 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.1 || 24.1 || 207.3 || 194.7 || rowspan="2" | 500
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,306 || 2,240 || 23.9 || 24.0 || 285.8 || 245.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,543  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || - || - || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 519 || < 700 || < 1,543 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Svenska Flygmotor RM12 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,865 kg || colspan="3" | 307 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel
|-
| 1,054 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 7,567 kg || 8,308 kg || 9,032 kg || 9,205 kg || 13,906 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 5,340 kgf ||8,050 kgf
|1.06||0.97||0.89||0.87||0.58
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,340 kgf (0 km/h) || 9,100 kgf (1,000 km/h)
|1.20||1.10||1.01||0.99||0.65
|-
|}

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

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

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

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

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

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

* 1 x 27 mm Akan m/85 cannon, belly-mounted (120 rpg)
* 80 x large calibre countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8
| rowspan="17" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[m/71 (120 kg)|120 kg m/71]] bombs
| || 4 || 4 || || || 4 || 4 ||
|-
! [[GBU-12 Paveway II (277 kg)|277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II]] bombs
| || 1† || 1† || || || 1† || 1† ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || 2 || 2 || || || 2 || 2 ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || 2 || 2 || || || 2 || 2 ||
|-
! [[GBU-10 Paveway II (957 kg)|957 kg GBU-10 Paveway II]] bombs
| || || 1† || || || 1† || ||
|-
! [[GBU-16 Paveway II (1,092 lb)|1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II]] bombs
| || 1† || 1† || || || 1† || 1† ||
|-
! [[GBU-24 Paveway III (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III]] bombs
| || || 1† || || || 1† || ||
|-
! [[psrak m/70]] rockets
| || 6 || 6 || || || 6 || 6 ||
|-
! [[RB71]] missiles
| || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[RB 74]] missiles
| 1 || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* || 1
|-
! [[RB 74(M)]] missiles
| 1 || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* || 1
|-
! [[RB 75]] missiles
| || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! Countermeasures
| || 160* || 160* || || || 160* || 160* ||
|-
! LITENING II targeting pod
| || || || 1† || || || ||
|-
! 1,100 l drop tanks
| || || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
| colspan="9" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,250 kg
|-
| colspan="10" | * Countermeasures can be equipped with RB 74 missiles on the same hardpoint † LITENING II pod must be equipped when equipping guided bombs
|}

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

* 3 x 1,100 l drop tanks
* 2 x RB 74 missiles
* 6 x RB 74 missiles
* 6 x RB 74 missiles + 640 x countermeasures
* 6 x RB 74(M) missiles
* 6 x RB 74(M) missiles + 640 x countermeasures
* 4 x RB71 missiles
* 640 x countermeasures
* 24 x psrak m/70 rockets
* 4 x RB 75 missiles
* 16 x 120 kg m/71 bombs (1,920 kg total)
* 8 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 16 x 120 kg m/71 bombs (1,920 kg total)
* 8 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (1,108 kg total)
* 4 x 1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II bombs (4,368 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bombs (4,000 lb total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


Gripens needs to be played in one way which is very different from all the other top-tier jets. The JAS39A has an underwhelming radar-guided missile out of all its opponents, meaning it will not play ever in BVR engagements, since it will always end up losing. Instead, the Gripen shines in the furballs, where the chaos prevents anyone from being totally aware of its surroundings. There, it can use its two best assets: the RB 74(M) (a Swedish Version of the AIM-9M ) and the nearly-unlimited flares loadout the plane can carry. When approaching the danger zone, activate the automatic countermeasure release, set to cycle 1 sec with 0.5 sec between each release and 2 releases per cycle. You have about 4:30 minutes of pure adrenaline before you run out of flares (using flares and chaff should half the time, but sticking to the deck makes radar-guided missiles easily dodgeable). Now the player can pay less (not none) attention to their surroundings and focus on launching the RB 74(M) missiles. Do not focus too much on one target, lock on with radar so the missile won't go for the flares during the lock-on phase and prefer targets that are showing you their side: this way even if they flare the missile will be less likely to notice the flares at all.
The Gripen is also a good dogfighter, use the air brake until you get into the 700-850 km/h, that way you will pull like a monster.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High speed; good acceleration gets you back in the fight after losing speed in turns or climbs
* Extreme maneuverability - currently possibly the most agile fighter in the game, outturns even F-16s!
* High amount of countermeasures available; a total of 720 when carrying four BOL rails on the wings
* Countermeasures deploy directly behind the engine, making them very effective
* Well balanced loadouts available, ranging from dumb bombs and rockets to F&F AGMs and laser guided bombs
* Helmet mounted sight lets the pilot slew both IR missile seekers as well as the radar onto off-bore targets
* Access to very competitive RB74(M) missiles which are highly resistant to flares

'''Cons:'''

* Prone to tear off wings at high speed; its high agility may result in over-G breaking the plane apart with reckless maneuvering
* Mediocre radar missiles; very short range compared to the AIM-7Ms and R-27ERs carried by contemporaries
* Low ammo count for a relatively rapid firing cannon
* Canard-delta design combined with its tiny size means that any hit is likely to cause critical damage to your flight surfaces

== History ==

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

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=saab_jas39a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|YpAvtM4iUWo|'''The Shooting Range #390''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:25 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Saab}}
{{Sweden jet aircraft}}

Breda 501

2024-10-01T02:10:42Z

U136998922: Undo revision 193046 by U44629479 (talk)

{{Specs-Card
|code=it_semovente_breda_501
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The Semovente Controcarro Breda 501 (introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].) is an experimental prototype made by Breda during the late stages of the Second World War. In 1942, the Italian MOD came up with a set of requirements for a new platform which would build up on the proven gun truck concept used in North Africa by the Italian army. The main improvements would include increasing protection and mobility, this enough would suffice as being able to quickly react to enemy threats was key to slow down an advance. One singular prototype of the Breda 501 would be made. During its testing, its main armament consisting of a 90mm cannon proved to be more than adequate to deal with the threats of the era. Due to the Italian capitulation in late 1943 the program, like many others, had to be stopped. In game, the Breda 501 is placed after the Carro Leggero M24, and even while stock, the main armament is still really good. Once you unlock the most potent munition, you will have a lot of one-shot potential against enemy targets. Your mobility assures that you will mostly be able to reach spots on the battlefield much quicker than both your teammates and the enemies. Use this to your advantage as setting up ambushes with this platform can be effective if done right. Your main weakness when playing the Breda 501 is your lack of armour, as you are an open-top vehicle with all of your crew exposed to the elements. Most, if not all enemy vehicles you face have access to a machine gun of some kind so at times they won't even need to use their primary armament to get rid of you. Overall, the Breda 501 is a great vehicle in the Italian tech tree and is very rewarding once you master its strengths and weaknesses.

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

The {{PAGENAME}} represents a large and poorly armoured target for any enemy vehicle. The crew members, barring the driver, are extremely exposed to machine gun fire and players will regularly find themselves being strafed by aircraft.

The vehicles' internal modules are spread throughout, with the engine and ammo racks being placed high up at the rear behind only 8 mm of armour. This makes it possible for the Breda to be immobilized entirely by machine gun fire. As well as this, the {{PAGENAME}}'s gun breech is totally exposed and rises above even the minimal side armour, making it incredibly easy to knock out from the sides.

The thickest armour on the vehicle is the 30 mm gun shield and frontal plate. This protects from heavy machine guns but does little to stop any kind of tank shell, making the {{PAGENAME}} easy to penetrate even for even an lower-rank SPAA.

Despite the {{PAGENAME}}'s thin armour and large size, these traits can often work in the tank destroyer's favour. The thin plating of the vehicle means that shells will often over-penetrate, and the large size of the truck and the well spaced crew means that if a shell ''does'' hit the truck, the damage is minimized and often non-lethal. Additionally, the nature of the {{PAGENAME}} as an open-top tank means that enemy tankers will often instinctively attempt to kill it not with their main cannons, but rather their MGs, which require precise aiming to hit the 4 exposed crew members. Most of said rounds will often just bounce off the 30 mm gun shield, which can buy valuable seconds to either kill the enemy or to run away.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull)
* Structural steel (gun mount, gun breech)
* Wheel (tires)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 30 mm (41°) ''Upper glacis'' 40 mm (41°) ''Driver port'' 30 mm (20°) ''Lower glacis'' || 8 mm || 5-8 mm ''Radiator vents'' 8 mm (53°) ''Lower glacis'' 8 mm ''Gun platform-Engine bay wall''|| 8 mm ''Driver compartment'' 3 mm ''Engine compartment'' 3-5 mm (7°) ''Radiator vents''
|-
| Gun shield || 150 mm ''Gun breech'' 30 mm (15°) ''Shield - centre'' 15 mm (11°) ''Shield - sides'' || 150 mm ''Gun breech'' 40 mm ''Gun mount''
!
!
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Wheels are 10 mm thick.
* The belly is 3 mm thick.
* The floor of the gun platform is 8 mm thick.
* The gun mount is 40 mm thick.
* Additional tires cover the engine compartment on each side.

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

As a wheeled vehicle the {{PAGENAME}} struggles on any kind of soft ground such as snow, sand and wet mud. It also cannot turn on the spot as a tracked vehicle can, making turning the vehicle around in a confined space extremely time-consuming when combined with its very slow reverse speed.

However, the {{PAGENAME}} does boast a high straight-line speed, and can easily hit 50 km/h on flat smooth ground allowing it to outrun the majority of vehicles it faces. It can also corner quickly when moving forward, allowing it to zip around the streets of urban maps at high rates of speed, perfect for a flank-minded playstyle

{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 202|rbMinHp= 126}}

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

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

{{main|90/53 mod.41 (90 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[90/53 mod.41 (90 mm)|90 mm 90/53 mod.41]] || 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" | 30 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+21° || rowspan="2" | ±145° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 9.7 || 13.4 || 16.3 || 18.0 || 19.1 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 6.5 || 7.7 || 9.4 || 10.3 || 11.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:90/53 mod.41 (90 mm)/Ammunition|Granata Perforante da 90, Granata da 90, Granata Perforante mod.43}}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''30''' || 16 ''(+14)'' || 1 ''(+29)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Notes''':

* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.

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

{{main|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)|8 mm Breda Mod. 38]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle mount (Rear left) || 1,680 (24) || 600 || -10°/+25° || ±20° (facing backwards)
|-
| Pintle mount (Rear right) || 1,680 (24) || 600 || -10°/+25° || ±20° (facing backwards)
|-
|}
The small calibre of the Breda Mod. 38 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. Facing backwards, it can't even be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.

== Usage in battles ==

The Breda 501 boasts a very effective high-velocity gun for its rank, offering high penetration and excellent post-penetration damage. This combines well with the vehicles' high top speed and allows players to quickly get into strong flanking positions early in the game. The Breda can heavily punish enemy vehicles from a variety of ranges in these positions.

The Breda can also be used in a more aggressive role on some urban maps. The 90 mm gun has an excellent horizontal traverse range, meaning players can get their gun sighted around corners without fully exposing the vehicle. With a high top speed, the Breda can knock out enemy tanks before quickly disengaging, although players must beware of the slow reverse speed when planning an ambush.

This vehicle performs best from flanking positions where other players are less likely to spot your vehicle. Always move once getting a few kills as aircraft will often spawn to get revenge by strafing you.

The Breda will often encounter the Sherman Jumbo, whose thick, angled frontal armour presents a significant challenge. If possible the Breda should look to flank the Jumbo, where its gun can easily obliterate the US tank from the side. If forced to engage an angled Jumbo from the front, the Shermans' machine gun port represents a small weak spot. Aside from this, shots into the turret ring can penetrate the Jumbo, but this may not be reliable. Another option would be to aim for the 38mm thick plates behind the tracks, remember this should only be employed if the jumbo is angling a lot.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent gun with a fast reload, great penetration and an insanely high explosive mass
* Wide horizontal gun traverse
* High top speed and excellent agility on flat hard ground
* Turning radius is small for a wheeled vehicle, allows for quick retreats

'''Cons:'''

* Next to no armour for the ammunition and crew - you can be killed by light machine guns
* Significant recoil combined with the vehicle's high profile and low weight means that each shot, especially when firing to the sides, will violently shake the vehicle and throw your aim
* Poor depression of only -4 degrees hinders use of hull down positions behind hills
* Machine guns only fire over the back of the vehicle with limited arcs of fire and very small magazine capacity
* Poor mobility on soft ground and lacks neutral steering
* Relatively slow reverse speed
* Lowered side skirts get caught on terrain quite a lot

== History ==

The Italians had truck-mounted their heavy AA guns beginning in 1927 with the Autocannoni da 75/27, mounted on an unarmoured Ceirano chassis. 24 of these were manufactured and used during the Spanish Civil War, and some were still in service in the early stages of the North Africa campaign. The first Autocannone da 90/53 was a similar Lancia 3 RO 4x4 heavy truck with bolt-on frontal armour and the 90mm AA gun, and intended to be used as a dual-purpose anti-tank weapon as well. Somewhere around 50 may have been built, and they served throughout the Italian War, beginning in early 1942 with the 132nd Artillery Regiment in the Ariete Division. The Italians planned a change to the Breda Dovunque 6x6 truck in its place, which would have made the Breda 501 shown in game.

During the North African campaign, the Italian military quickly realized the effectiveness of their 90mm heavy AA cannon, commonly mounted on utility trucks. The cannon turned out to be just as good at dealing with enemy tanks as it was combating aircraft, being able to pierce the armor of virtually any allied tank it faced in the deserts of North Africa. However, whilst the mounting on truck chassis allowed the guns to be moved around with relative ease, the large silhouette and lack of armor protection heavily exposed these vehicles and their crews to even rifle-caliber fire, yet alone to shrapnel from nearby explosions. In 1942, the military top brass came up with a set of requirements for a new vehicle which would build up on the proven gun truck concept used in North Africa by increasing protection and mobility. The new vehicle would be designed as a dedicated SPG, intended solely to provide support to armored regiments in combating enemy tanks. Shortly after, the Breda company began work on a vehicle around those specifications. Breda based their new design on a chassis of an existing utility truck and added armor plating to the vehicle's front and sides. The 90mm cannon would be installed in an open fighting compartment in the vehicle's rear. In 1943, the prototype was finished and began undergoing testing as the Breda 501. Although the Breda 501 had successfully proven itself during testing, further development and potential mass production was hindered by Italy's capitulation in late 1943. The project was ultimately cancelled with the signing of the armistice in late 1943 with only a couple prototypes of the Breda 501 being built of which none saw any combat use.

''- From [[wt:en/news/5899-development-breda-501-when-looks-deceive-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_semovente_breda_501 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|xF4-TcnyWw0|'''Best tank destroyers''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:53 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|zKlnIjv6H8g|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' - ''MagzTV''|3iQOkkIpft8|'''{{PAGENAME}}, Italian, Tier-3, Tank Destroyer''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''}}

== See also ==


;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[T55E1]]
* [[Breda 90/53]] Same cannon but on a chassis with significantly less armour

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5899-development-breda-501-when-looks-deceive-en|[Devblog] Breda 501 - When Looks Deceive]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/434109-breda-501/ [Forum<nowiki>]</nowiki> Official Forum Thread for {{PAGENAME}}.]

{{Italy tank destroyers}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Breda 501

2024-09-26T02:15:30Z

U136998922: Minor P&C's edit again

JAS39A

2024-09-26T01:54:52Z

U136998922: Small edit about the CM's on the Grippy boy

T-80U

2024-09-26T01:52:11Z

U136998922: Small P&C's edit again

{{About
| about = Soviet medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = T-80 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_t_80u
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}_TVD.jpg|T-80U WebsiteImage 1.jpg|T-80U WebsiteImage 2.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].

The T-80U is an all-round upgrade to the [[T-80B]] and one of the most advanced MBTs fielded by the Soviet Union. With a new turret and Kontakt-5 ERA, it visually distances itself from its T-64 ancestors and boasts hefty protection against both chemical and kinetic rounds. The engine power has been improved by about 14% and the resulting power-to-weight ratio matches contemporary NATO tanks like the [[Leopard 2A4]] and [[IPM1]]. The firepower has also kept up with the times because of its top 3BM46 APFSDS and 9M119 ATGM. The combination of good armour, low profile, high mobility, and a punchy gun make the T-80U a versatile tank that doesn't leave very much to be desired. The post-penetration survivability and reverse speed could still be better, but Soviet tankers will be used to these flaws by now and the latter is still much better than on the T-64s and T-72s.

Fans of the T-80U will be happy with with the succeeding [[T-80BVM]], a upgrade of the [[T-80B]] with even more advanced ERA and ammunition to cap off the T-64/80 tech tree line.

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

The armour protection of the {{PAGENAME}} is adequate, especially if the incoming round hits one of the KONTAKT-5 ERA plates while newer shells such as the DM53 can still frontally penetrate the hull armour at close range. The strongest parts of the tank are the turret front and a majority of the upper front plate. It does, however, have some weaker areas, the most important being the driver's hatch, the immediate areas of the turret surrounding the gun and its breech, and its lower frontal plate. These weak spots are however pretty small targets at range, and thus by hiding them properly, the risk of being hit can be minimized. Owing to its very low profile, a hull-down T-80U is a small target in itself; the weaker parts of its armour are even smaller.

Fuel tanks on either side of the driver cannot soak up some shrapnel as recent changes have added fuel explosions, and these tanks detonate dramatically. As with all Russian auto-loaded MBTs, there are only three crew members so a well-placed shot is capable of causing a crew knock-out. It's also worth noting that the placement of the ammo rack, below the turret in a carousel-style setup, leaves the T-80U particularly vulnerable to side shots causing ammunition detonation. The protection of the T-80U is very similar to the T-64B in terms of the size and placement of the weak areas. The sides of your tank should always be protected, and when engaging an enemy, your front armour should always be aligned directly towards him to reduce the risks of a shot penetrating your weaker side. The tank does, however, have some KONTAKT-5 ERA on its upper front skirts, meaning that you have some extra protection against kinetic penetrators, and a lot against chemical shells, until the ERA bricks are detonated (leaving the area vulnerable for another hit).

As mentioned above, the T-80U also benefits from the typical low silhouette Russian tankers will be accustomed to, with the vehicle being significantly smaller than its competitors. This allows the T-80U to be hidden behind small terrain deformities which other MBTs would otherwise be visible. It's also harder for an enemy tank commander to immediately tell which area is the most vulnerable. But armour cannot be relied on in any circumstance, the tank is no longer new, and weaknesses are well known. Most tankers will have a steady aim at hitting weak spots even on the move.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,937|rbMinHp=1,106}}

The mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} is actually much better than that of the [[T-80B]], despite the U model weighing three tons more. This is thanks to the improved engine mounted in the {{PAGENAME}} which has a stock engine power of 1,106 hp, going up to 1,250 hp once the appropriate modules have been researched. It has a maximum speed of 70 km/h (43 mph) forward and -11 km/h (-6.8 mph) in reverse. The one downside is the traverse in neutral, taking around 19 seconds for a full 360° spin, but this can be greatly reduced if the tank is already in at least in 3rd gear.

As with most Russian MBTs, the reverse speed (-11 km/h (-6.8 mph)) does leave the tank vulnerable in situations where a fast retreat would be preferable. The commander should always be aware of his immediate surroundings and have a plan to get out of the area in case of a debilitating hit.

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

The T-80U has two night vision modifications. The first modification "NVD" grants access to an image intensifier for each crew member. The second modification "NVD Upgrade" replaces the gunner's image intensifier with a thermal imager.

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

[[File:T-80U No.864 in Vietnam.jpg|400px|thumb|right|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' No.864 engaged in combat in Vietnam]]
{{main|2A46M-1 (125 mm)}}

The T-80U is armed with the same 125 mm cannon found in the [[T-80B]], with its 3BM46 "Svinets" round proving adequately competitive against other Rank VII offerings (The 3BM42 round has lost quite a bit of its luster however, and struggles with some of the more heavily armoured opponents at range, and lacks reliable post pen effect). As with previous vehicles of the family, the main gun is auto-loaded, so the loss of a crew member or an engine fire does not affect the loading times and the 6.5-second loading speed is competitive when compared to the 120 mm guns on the Leopard 2A5 and M1A1 Abrams. One notable perk of the auto-loader mechanism is that the gun will be reloaded even if the gunner is knocked out, if you're fighting a fire, or repairing. It does however also come with the drawbacks of a reload time that cannot be improved, the large ammo carousel concentric with the turret, and the chance of a single penetrating shot detonating the ammo racks. Another thing to note, since update 1.97 if the tanks battery runs out of power, the autoloader will not function and the cannon will need to be manually loaded, which is a much slower process.

Like with the T-80B and T-64B, the T-80U can launch missiles out of its gun. Unlike the previous two vehicles though, it gets the upgraded 9M119 which has 700 mm of penetration compared to the previous ATGM's 650 mm penetration. These ATGMs can prove useful for shooting over hills to hit a hiding enemy or to engage helicopters or low-flying aircraft.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[2A46M-1 (125 mm)|125 mm 2A46M-1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
!Autoloader
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 6.50
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
The 3BK18M HEAT shell is the stock ammunition, along the 3OF26 HE shell. The HE can deal overpressure damage even to enemy MBTs if carefully aimed at the turret roof or frontal deck. The researchable 3BM46 APFSDS and 9M119 ATGM prove powerful and can be used against tanks and helicopters alike.

{{:2A46M-1 (125 mm)/Ammunition|3BK18M, 3OF26, 3BM42, 9M119 (T-80), 3BM46}}

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

{| 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
! 7th rack empty
! 8th rack empty
! 9th rack empty
! 10th rack empty*
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''45''' || style="text-align:right" | ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants'' || 45 ''(+0)'' 45 ''(+0)'' || 44 ''(+1)'' 44 ''(+1)'' || 43 ''(+2)'' 43 ''(+2)'' || 38 ''(+7)'' 41 ''(+4)'' || 37 ''(+8)'' 39 ''(+6)'' || 34 ''(+11)'' 38 ''(+7)'' || 31 ''(+14)'' 37 ''(+8)'' || 30 ''(+15)'' 30 ''(+15)'' || 29 ''(+16)'' 29 ''(+16)'' || 1 ''(+44)'' 1 ''(+44)'' || No
|-
|}
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|Ammo racks of the {{PAGENAME}}.]]
The T-80U main ammo rack consists of a mechanized carousel at the bottom of the turret which carries 28 propellants and projectiles.

'''Notes''':

* The {{PAGENAME}} uses two-piece ammunition, composed of projectiles (yellow) and propellant bags (orange). Both have separate racks.
* Projectiles and propellants are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
* The 10th Rack is the carousel at the bottom of the turret; it serves as First-Stage ammo stowage.

==== Optics and night vision ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
|-
! rowspan="3" |Type of optic
! rowspan="3" |Magnification
! colspan="5" |[[Night Vision Devices]]
|-
! colspan="3" |Image Intensifier
! rowspan="2" |{{Annotation|Thermal Imager Resolution|The higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image is}}
! rowspan="2" |Notes
|-
! {{Annotation|Resolution|The higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image is}}
! {{Annotation|Light Mult|By how much the image intensifier amplifies the existing light, primarily useful for comparing image intensifiers}}
! {{Annotation|Noise Level|How much noise is present in the image (how grainy the image is)}}
|-
! Gunner's Sight
| X2.7 - X12 || 1600 x 1200 || 9.0 || High || 500 x 300 || Thermal imager unlocked by "NVD Upgrade" mod (tier 4), replaces image intensifier.
|-
! Commander's View
| X6 || 1600 x 1200 || 9.0 || High || Not Fitted || Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" mod (tier 3)
|-
! Driver's View
| X1 || 1600 x 1200 || 5.0 || High || Not Fitted || Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" mod (tier 3)
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Night_Vision_Devices#Infrared_Spotlights|IR Searchlight]]
|-
! Max Range
! Beam Width
! Location / Notes
|-
| 1,400 m || 8.2° || Searchlight mounted on turret front, just right of the gun. Light moves up and down with main gun.
|-
|}

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

{{main|NSVT (12.7 mm)|PKT (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[NSVT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm NSVT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 500 (100) || 700 || -5°/+60° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[PKT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm PKT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,250 (250) || 700 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


Learning to use terrain to hide the lower front plate and hull if possible is key to surviving. Like any other tank at the top rank, do not let enemies see your side armor. This is especially true for the T-64/T-80 line since their ammo is stored vertically and makes it very easy to hit. Since the Russian MBTs are relatively small, you can also use teammates as cover.

The {{PAGENAME}} is a fantastic sniper due to the great penetration and thick turret, so that is also a viable option as long as you keep your eyes open on your flanks. The most dangerous enemy to the {{PAGENAME}} are helicopters, although the CONTACT-5 will usually protect against one missile. However, it is still ERA, and will be blown off after it is detonated. Since the interior of the tank is so compact, this makes it easy for good pilots to knock you out in 2-3 rapid missile shots. To avoid helicopters, stay close to buildings or hide next to trees/large bushes and wait for an anti-air vehicle or plane to take it out. Or use the ATGM or range finder to shoot down the enemy yourself.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great armor combined with CONTACT-5 ERA provides solid protection against both KE and Chemical munitions
* Various powerful ammunition types available, namely HE, APFSDS and ATGMs
* Accurate high muzzle velocity gun combined with a laser rangefinder provides great long range capability
* Autoloader provides a constant and decently quick reload
* Nimble tank for its size and weight; a fully upgraded T-80U is much more responsive than the T-80B
* Low silhouette, a hull-down T-80U is hard to spot and harder to hit
* -11 km/h reverse speed is much better than its brother, the T-72

'''Cons:'''

* Classical Soviet tank weakspots, namely the breach, lower front plate, and the drivers port
* Gaps between ERA plates can be weakspots
* The cramped interior and crew presents low survivability from a penetrating hit
* High risk of an ammo rack detonation due to the vertical ammunition carousel in the center of the hull
* Spare ammunition is distributed around the hull and turret, so it is advised to take no more than 29 shells
* Still a relatively low reverse speed and lack of neutral steering, making traversing the hull and retreating difficult
* Poor gun depression of -5° due to the low silhouette and turret height, makes it difficult to perform well on hilly terrain

== History ==

Work on improving the existing T-80 MBT begun as early as the mid-1970s with the design bureau in Leningrad. Here, developers were responsible for the production of the T-80 and started working on a joint project to further enhance the T-80's capabilities.

In the early 1980s, the first prototypes were being built and after extensive testing and design tweaking, the new tank was considered ready for production. The resultant tank was accepted by the Soviet military under the designation T-80U.

The T-80U received turret and upper frontal enhancements as part of its new construction along with being equipped with a second generation ERA protection system known as Kontakt-5. In contrast to the previous generation of dynamic protection, Kontakt-5 increased the tank's protection against HEAT ''and'' armour-piercing shells. The modifications also affected the armament of the tank - the T-80U is equipped with a new 1A45 fire control system and Reflex ATGM, which used more advanced 9M119 guided missiles. Subsequently, the tank was equipped with a new, more powerful GTD-1250 gas turbine engine which helped compensate for the increased weight of the vehicle and improved its dynamics.

The T-80U had been factory produced in Leningrad in 1987, but in 1989, its production was moved to Omsk. Work on upgrading the T-80 was carried out in Kharkov, but there, they constructed their own vehicle equipped with a diesel engine, which was designated 'T-80UD'. The latter would evolve into further developed Ukrainian derivatives of the T-80.

T-80Us served with the Soviet military until the collapse of the Soviet Union in the late 1980s and have since continued serving with the Union's successor states to this day. The vehicle also saw service abroad with some other countries as well, primarily with South Korea and Cyprus. Overall, around 700 T-80Us have been produced since 1985, but this vehicle has yet to be put into any actual combat situations.

''- From [[wt:en/news/6051-development-t-80u-making-contact-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_t_80u Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|3BbIiDovPPk|'''The Shooting Range #139''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:35 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|p6cWlyUnJQA|'''Top 7 off-road beasts''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:04 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


* ␙T-80U - ([[wt:en/news/6286-esport-war-thunder-youtube-cup-results-en|YouTube Cup 2019]] prize)

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6051-development-t-80u-making-contact-en|[Devblog] T-80U: Making Contact]]

{{TankManufacturer Kirov}}
{{USSR medium tanks}}
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

T-80BVM

2024-09-26T01:45:30Z

U136998922: Small P&C's edit

Su-27SM

2024-09-26T01:35:44Z

U136998922: Updated pros and cons, previous were quite lacking

{{About
| about = Russian jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Su-27 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=su_27sm
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==


After the dissolution of the USSR, the Russian Federation cancelled many future aircraft projects meant to replace the existing inventory, such as the Su-37 and MiG-1.44. Due to the tight budget of the post-Soviet era, it was instead decided to upgrade existing aircraft with modern avionics and weaponry. The first of such upgrades was the '''Su-27SM''' (NATO reporting name: '''Flanker-B'''). The Su-27SM upgrade focused primarily on avionics, fire control, and flight control systems, with the primary upgrades being a new cockpit overhaul featuring HOTAS controls, multiple new multi-function displays replacing the old analog instruments, an entirely new navigation system using GLONASS (the Russian equivalent to GPS), a new fire-control system with an improved radar and electro-optical sighting system (IRST) allowing compatibility with new missiles such as the R-77 and slaving of weaponry such as the Kh-29 to the air-to-ground modes in the radar, and a far more advanced mission computer. Finally, the defensive suite was also overhauled, with the SPO-15 ''Beryoza'' being replaced by the modern ''Pastel'' radar warning receiver, and the famous ''Sorbtsiya'' wingtip jamming pods were also replaced by the more modern ''Khibiny'' system. The first Su-27SMs began trials in the late '90s and started entering service shortly after the turn of the century. The Su-27SM standard would receive various upgrades throughout its life, culminating in the modern day Su-27SM3 variant.

Introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]], the Su-27SM will be very familiar and is in most aspects similar to the previous [[Su-27]] in the tech tree. The primary differences are its armament, as the Su-27SM has access to the new R-77 Active Radar Homing missile to increase its lethality in air combat. More importantly, the Su-27SM offers guided ordnance options over its predecessor, in the forms of the KAB-500 TV guided bombs, the Kh-29TD medium range TV guided missiles, and the unique KAB-1500Kr, one of the largest TV guided weapons in-game. The Su-27SM unfortunately does not fix the main shortcomings of its predecessor against its contemporaries, such as the insufficiently low amount of countermeasures, the sub-par radar system, or the unstable flight dynamics. All in all, the Su-27SM serves as a step up from its predecessor, and in the right hands, can prove to be a dangerous aircraft in both air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements.

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

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 12000 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
| 2401 || 2357 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.5 || 25.0 || 186.7 || 174.6 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

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

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

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

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Saturn AL-31F || 2
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
|-
| 1,520 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

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

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

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

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

{{main|GSh-30-1 (30 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, wing root-mounted (150 rpg)
* 96 x large calibre countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9 !! width="5%" | 10
| rowspan="23" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Su-27.png]]</div>
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 1 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250-270 (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250-270]] bombs
| || 1 || 1, 2, 6 || 1, 5 || 1, 4 || 1, 2 || 1, 5 || 1, 2, 6 || 1 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[KAB-500Kr (500 kg)|500 kg KAB-500Kr]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[KAB-1500Kr (1,500 kg)|1,500 kg KAB-1500Kr]] bombs
| || || || || 1 || || || || ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| || || 20, 40 || || || || || 20, 40 || ||
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| || || 5, 10 || || || || || 5, 10 || ||
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-25OF]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-25OFM]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29TD]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27ER]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27ET]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27R]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27T]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-73]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[R-77]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 2 x R-73 missiles + 2 x R-77 missiles
* 6 x R-73 missiles
* 2 x R-27T missiles
* 6 x R-27R missiles
* 2 x R-27ET missiles
* 6 x R-27ER missiles
* 6 x R-77 missiles
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
* 4 x S-25O rockets
* 4 x Kh-29TD missiles
* 38 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,800 kg total)
* 30 x 250 kg OFAB-250-270 bombs (7,500 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg KAB-500Kr bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 1 x 1,500 kg KAB-1500Kr bomb (1,500 kg total)
* 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very effective dorsal airbrake
* Deadly at close range when using the R-73/R-77
* The largest amount of A2A missiles mounted on a jet, at 12
* Access to the largest GBU in game, the KAB-1500Kr
* Can carry 4 Kh-29TD guided missiles

'''Cons:'''

* Poor energy retention, effective turn rate between 400-850 km/h below ≈3,500 m
* R-77's have practically half the range of its adversary, the AIM-120 AMRAAM
* Can only datalink two targets, making it hard to keep up with its contemporaries

== History ==

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

=== [[wt:en/news/8903-development-su-27sm-ferocious-flanker-en|Devblog]] ===
The modernization program for the aging Su-27s in the Russian Air Force fleet was developed at KnAAPO at the end of 2002. This program aimed to qualitatively improve the combat qualities of the aircraft, improve flight performance and expand its capabilities. The Su-27 received a new RWR, an updated weapons control system and an updated radar for operating R-77 missiles, air-to-surface missiles and KAB-500Kr and KAB-1500Kr guided bombs. The first serially modernized Su-27SM were put into service in 2003, where it's currently in service with the Russian Air Force.

== Media ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|gbn8Ss5Vk-s|'''The Shooting Range #417''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:24 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8903-development-su-27sm-ferocious-flanker-en|[Devblog] Su-27SM: Ferocious Flanker!]]

{{AirManufacturer Sukhoi}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

F-111F

2024-09-25T02:47:32Z

U136998922: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=f_111f
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Dance of Dragons"]].

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

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

* 120 x countermeasures
* 60 x large calibre countermeasures

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

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

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

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon (2,000 rpg) + 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x 600 gal drop tanks
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 24 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (18,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 6 x AGM-65D missiles
* 2 x AGM-65G missiles
* 4 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (1,108 kg total)
* 4 x 957 kg GBU-10 Paveway II bombs (3,828 kg total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-15(V)2/B bombs (8,000 lb total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* The absolute fastest plane on the deck, at a whopping Mach 1.34
* A diverse selection of weaponry for ground and air battles alike
* [[MAW|MAWS]] (Missile Approach Warning System) is present, which detects missile launches, although very sensitive
* The [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L]] Sidewinder missile comes stock and is proficient for self-defense

'''Cons:'''

* Due to its immense size, the F-111F is not maneuverable compared to other planes at its battle rating
* Similar to its predecessor, it has poor energy retention when its wings are swept back

== History ==

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

== Media ==

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

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/9054-development-f-111c-f-when-pigs-fly-en|[Devblog] F-111C & F: When Pigs Fly!]]

{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

Su-17M4

2024-09-25T00:56:19Z

U136998922: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = Soviet strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Su-17/22 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=su_17m4
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

During the late 1970s, a final and ultimate modernization of the Su-17M fighter-bomber was ordered. The aircraft was upgraded with RSDN navigation, Klyon-57 laser targeting system, SPO-15LE RWR system, the IT-23M optical targeting system for the TUBUS-3 seeker on the Kh-29T missile, and the ability to use the BA-58 targeting system for anti-radiation missiles. The only way to externally distinguish the Su-17M4 over its predecessor, the Su-17M3, is by the presence of multiple extra bleed-air intakes in the rear fuselage, the most noticable one being at the base of the vertical stabilizer. The aircraft would first fly in 1980 and quickly enter service shortly after, supplementing the Su-17M3 fleet throughout the '80s and early '90s, when it was finally withdrawn from Russian service shortly after the dissolution of the USSR. At least one Su-17M4 remains in private service today with Sukhoi, performing the peaceful role of a camera chase plane.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''', introduced in [[Update "Danger Zone"]], is the final culmination of the [[Su-7 (Family)|Su-7]]/[[Su-17/22 (Family)|Su-17]] "Fitter" family of fighter-bombers. The Su-17M4 is a later model of the family, which when compared to the previous [[Su-17M2]], is a major upgrade in almost every way. From the upgraded engine, airframe, and air-to-air missile selection enabling it to perform in dedicated air battles like its predecessor never could, to the major upgrades in ground ordnance allowing it to rain hell from above in mixed battles, all supplemented by the cherry on top: 250+ countermeasures and an upgraded SPO-15LE RWR greatly boosting its survivability in either game mode. The Su-17M4 "Fighter-bomber" is not as great for CAS as its [[MiG-27K|MiG-27]] swing wing brother, nor is it as great at dogfighting as well as its [[MiG-23M|MiG-23]] cousin. But it performs at a very nice equilibrium of both, allowing it to perform well in either role utilizing hit and run tactics with its large quantity of ground ordnance and generous amount of all-aspect [[R-60M]] air to air missiles at the same time.

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

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 11,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,028 || 2,011 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.3 || 27.5 || 167.9 || 161.2 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,062 || 2,052 || 26.7 || 27.0 || 212.1 || 190.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="60%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="60%"
|-
! rowspan="2" | 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 !! + !! -
|-
! Min sweep
| 1,050 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 476 || 473 || ~10 || ~3
|-
! Max sweep
| 1,417 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 740 || < 650 || < 650 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Saturn AL-21F-3 || 1
| colspan="2" | 11,245 kg || colspan="3" | 391 - 436 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel
|-
| 1,800 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 12,385 kg || 13,103 kg || 14,031 kg || 15,045 kg || 19,367 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,400 kgf || 9,039 kgf
| 0.73 || 0.69 || 0.64 || 0.60 || 0.47
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,232 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 13,188 kgf (1,417 km/h)
| 1.06 || 1.01 || 0.94 || 0.88 || 0.68
|-
|}

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

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

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

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

{{main|NR-30 (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 30 mm NR-30 cannons, wing-mounted (80 rpg = 160 total)
** 2 x 30 mm NR-30 cannons + 12 x large calibre countermeasures + 256 x countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8
| rowspan="21" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
| 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| 5 || || 1 || 4 || 4 || 1 || || 5
|-
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || 3 || 3 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || 3 || 3 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || 2 || 2 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || 2 || 2 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || || || 1 || 1 || || || 1
|-
! [[S-3K]] rockets
| 7 || || || 7 || 7 || || || 7
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| 32 || || 32 || || || 32 || || 32
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| 20 || || 20 || || || 20 || || 20
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| 5 || || 5 || || || 5 || || 5
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| 1 || || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[Kh-25ML]] missiles
| 1* || || || 1* || 1* || || || 1*
|-
! [[Kh-29L]] missiles
| || || || 1* || 1* || || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29T]] missiles
| || || || 1* || 1* || || ||
|-
! [[R-60M]] missiles
| || 1 || 2 || || || 2 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25L]] missiles
| 1* || || || || || || || 1*
|-
! 820 l drop tanks
| 1 || || || 1 || 1 || || || 1
|-
| colspan="9" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 4,160 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 700 kg
|-
| colspan="10" | * Kh-29T missiles cannot be mixed with the marked options
|-
|}

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

* 4 x 820 l drop tanks
* 2 x R-60M missiles
* 6 x R-60M missiles
* 28 x S-3K rockets
* 128 x S-5K rockets
* 6 x S-24B rockets
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
* 2 x S-25O rockets
* 20 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 10 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,500 kg total)
* 10 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,500 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
* 2 x S-25L missiles
* 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
* 2 x Kh-29L missiles
* 2 x Kh-29T missiles
* 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

Compared to the Su-17M2, the Su-17M4 has a few new toys to play with. It has access to two new types of rockets shared by the [[Su-25]]. The S-25O heavy rockets are massive, single-shot bunker busters that put the returning S-24s to shame, but only 2 can be carried on the outboard hardpoints, which is a much lower capacity than the Frogfoot's capacity of 8. The S-13OFs are podded HE rockets that can be mounted on the same pylons as the other rocket pods, very effective against light vehicles and sometimes even against armoured targets.

Several new types of guided weapons are available. The Kh-25ML is an improved, extended range variant of the original Kh-25 laser-guided AGM. The S-25L is a laser-guided variant of the S-25 rocket but unfortunately it loses much of its explosive yield. The Kh-29L is a heavy laser-guided AGM with a massive warhead and the Kh-29T is a TV-guided variant. The Kh-29T is the Su-17M4's most important precision weapon: it packs an enormous punch, is fire-and-forget, and most importantly has decent optics and tracking capabilities. Because the Su-17M4 still lacks a built-in TV camera or tracking system like the [[Su-25T]] or [[MiG-27K]], it is incapable of using laser-guided weapons to their full potential.

The Kh-23M MCLOS missiles have been removed from the arsenal, but such weapons are largely outdated at the Su-17M4's rank and battle rating.

In terms of air-to-air armament, the main boon is the addition of R-60MK all-aspect IR missiles, which completely replace the original R-60s. Up to 6 can be carried, which is an impressive capacity for a fighter-bomber. Another bonus is that they do not use the same pylons as the guided ordnance, and two pylons are specifically reserved for them. So unlike the contemporary [[MiG-27M]], the Su-17M4 can be prepared for air combat at all times.

== Usage in battles ==

In air battles, the Su-17M4 will suffer against most targets it comes across as the plane itself is an attacker. You are not manoeuvrable and engaging in dogfights is strongly discouraged. Due to the presence of radar missiles, the best way to play the plane in RB is to be a support fighter, trying to stay away from the action before coming in either from the side or on top of a furball/enemy while everyone is distracted, using your R-60Ms to your advantage. Your RWR will be useful and if you do receive a radar lock, it is best to notch and/or try to run away from the enemy, hoping to deter him from attacking you. Head-on attacks are usually not advised as while the R-60Ms are all aspect, they can be easily flared, and it's better to keep them for a more useful situation, unless it's a last ditch effort. Bombing bases can be done but flying directly straight in to the map is risky. On bigger maps such as EC matches, it may be a good idea to take some ground ordnance, and hit ground targets to bleed the enemy tickets, as being a pure "fighter" will usually end in a bad situation.

===Ground RB===

The Su-17M4 invites comparison to its Mikoyan counterpart, the [[MiG-27M]]. Both are swing-wing fighter-bombers with comparable flight performances and arsenals at the same battle rating in Realistic Battles. The Sukhoi's main advantage is that it can carry R-60Ms at all times and has access to lethal S-13OF and S-25O rockets. In contrast, the MiG has to abandon all AAMs if it wants to carry Kh-29Ts, and the remaining hardpoints can only be used for unguided ordnance. The Flogger's can uniquely carry TV-guided bombs for high-altitude standoff bombing against spawn points or capture zones, and boasts an extremely powerful internal cannon, but the Su-17 is a better generalist aircraft for opportunistic tank-busting and combat air patrol.

Another comparison is to the [[Su-25]], another Sukhoi product but a very different aircraft at a lower battle rating. The Frogfoot is a subsonic aircraft with significantly inferior speed, but it also has plenty of reinforced hardpoints and can carry a lot more S-25O and S-13OF rockets, so it is a better and more easily attainable rocket truck for low-altitude surprise attacks. The Fitter's main advantage is in having Kh-29T TV-guided missiles and superior flight performance for competent long-range attacks, which is important when there are enemy SAM systems around.

In general, the Su-17M4 is a jack-of-all trades fighter-bomber. Although it can't keep up with the [[MiG-27K]]'s ability to annihilate vehicles in infamous high-altitude "orbital strikes", or the [[Su-25T]]'s ability to repeatedly wipe out an enemy team with high-capacity Vikhrs when the airspace is favorable, the combination of good flight performance and a big capacity of R-60Ms is a strong advantage when enemy jets, helicopters, and strike drones may be around. A loadout of 2x Kh-29T, 6x R-60M, and two S-25O or S-13OF pods is enough to dish out a lot of pain on ground targets and give enemy attackers something to worry about in the low-altitude environment of Ground RB — just remember that as in Air RB, it is unwise to tackle contemporary fighters directly if they have superior agility or long-range weapons.

=== Radars ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | SRD-5 - Rangefinding radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 7,000 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good overall turn rate and energy retention, can hold 800-1,000 km/h in turns with wings fully un-swept and afterburner deployed
* Strong elevator authority, can pull out of low-skimming attack runs with no problem
* Overflowing with countermeasures: 256 x small and 12 x large countermeasures is more than enough
* NR-30 cannons are very powerful, can also mount 4 x GSh-23L gunpods for extra firepower
* Excellent loadout options for both AAMs and ground ordnance alike
* Can act as a very strong supporting fighter with 6 x R-60M AAMs and swing wings

'''Cons:'''

* Poor stock grind
* Poor energy retention
* Maneuverability is poor below 500 km/h
* Primitive RWR
* No search radar, just an acquisition radar that is best kept off
* No radar missiles
* With wings fully swept-forward, the maximum speed is limited to approximately Mach 0.8 at sea level otherwise the wings will rip
* No semi-automatic option for managing wing-sweep, only full-manual or automatic wing-sweep settings
* Payload is somewhat low, at only 4,000 kg of bombs
* Cannot carry GBUs or R-13 AAMs like the MiG-27s

== History ==

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

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=su_17m4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|JBsxfmmBLho|'''The Shooting Range #311''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;;Related Development
;*[[Su-17/22 (Family)]]

; '''Other jet planes with variable sweep wings'''

* [[Tornado (Family)]]
* [[MiG-23 (Family)]]
* [[F-14 (Family)|F14 (Family)]]
* [[F-111A]]

== External links ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Sukhoi}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

Tiger H1

2024-09-25T00:40:30Z

U136998922: /* Usage in battles */

{{About
| about = German heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Tiger I (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=germ_pzkpfw_VI_ausf_h1_tiger
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausführung H1 (Tiger H1)''' is the first (early-production) variant of the [[Tiger I (Family)|Tiger I heavy tank family]], designed and built by Henschel and used by the German Army during World War II. It offered the German Army its first armoured fighting vehicle equipped with the 88 mm Kampfwagenkanone (KwK) 36 tank gun, developed from the 88 mm Flugabwehrkanone (FlaK) 36 anti-aircraft gun. Henschel and Ferdinand Porsche were ordered on May 26, 1941, to submit proposals for a 45-ton heavy tank that would be available by June 1942. Porsche developed an improved version of its VK 30.01 (P) prototype (which was originally intended to compete for the Panther contract), while Henschel developed two prototypes: the VK 45.01 (H) H1 with an 8.8 cm KwK36 L/56 tank gun and the VK 45.01 (H) H2 with a 7.5 cm KwK42 L/70 tank gun. The Henschel VK 45.01 (H) H1 prototype was accepted after evaluation, primarily because the Porsche [[VK 45.01 (P)]] prototype design used a petrol-electric transmission system that required large amounts of copper for the manufacture of its electrical drivetrain components, a strategic war material of which Germany had limited supplies. Early Tiger H1s with the Krupp-designed turret featured a high commander cupola. Later in the war, the design was modified, resulting in the [[Tiger E]], which had a new dome-shaped cast-armour commander's cupola and a ring installed on the commander's cupola to accommodate the mounting of an anti-aircraft light machine gun. There are additionally five S-Mine dischargers on the hull-roof, three on the left side and two on the right. Two Feifel air cleaner units designed for dusty environments are located on the hull's back. Between August 1942 and August 1944, a total of 1,347 units were constructed. The Tiger I was phased out of production after August 1944 in favour of the [[Tiger II (Family)|Tiger II]].

Introduced in the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41, the Tiger H1 was the German Army's first truly heavy tank during World War II, due mostly to combat experience against the French and British Matilda heavy tanks, which demonstrated that the German Army needed better armed and armoured tanks. Within 2,500 metres, Tiger H1 had higher penetration than the 75 mm KwK40 L/43 on the [[StuG III (Family)|Sturmgeschütz IIIs]] and [[Pz.IV (Family)|Panzer IVs]] but poorer penetration than the 75 mm KwK42 L/70 on the [[Panther tank (Family)|Panthers]]. At longer ranges, the 88 mm KwK36 L/56 performed better in terms of penetration and accuracy. The Tiger H1, capable of fighting any adversary at any range, is a true marvel of German engineering during World War II and will undoubtedly reward players well.

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

[[File:TigerIHTank Armour Angling.png|right|thumbnail|The ideal angling of hull armour on {{PAGENAME}} for maximum effective armour all-around|300px]]
One may feel the need to charge head-on into battle, blaring that 88 mm gun as shells bounce off the front armour while the Schachtellaufwerk suspension system runs over the ground; this is a short-lived strategy.

The Tiger H1 should be played more like a bulky medium tank rather than a heavy tank despite its status, supporting allies from the sideline or from a distance rather than leading directly from the front. This is due to the poor armour arrangement, most of the thickness of the tank is concentrated on the front face of the tank and leaves the sides exposed, especially since this model of tiger has a 'boxier' design. This is even more important to remember as ammunition is stowed along the sides the tank, protected by the inferior side armor. One must remain a distance, exploit the 88 mm long-distance power, and maintain a diamond-shape compound angling to maximize armour thickness against the trailing enemy shells that will inevitably come towards the Tiger's way.

The Tiger H1 is equipped with 12 smoke grenades that can help cover the vehicle while it escapes or repairs. Smoke grenades discharge in 2 salvos of 6 (3 to each side of the turret) covering a 120° sector 10 m in front of the vehicle. The grenades deploy smoke in 4 seconds and last 25 seconds. Both salvos are separated by a 1-minute reload time.

The commander cupola is tall and weak: this can lead APHE shells to detonate inside, knocking out at best the loader or even the commander, loader, and gunner.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Cupola)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear (Slope angle) !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 102 mm (9°) ''Front plate'' 62 mm (80°) ''Front glacis'' 102 mm (25°) ''Lower glacis''|| 82 mm ''Top'' 62 mm ''Bottom''|| 82 mm (9°)|| 26 mm
|-
| Turret || 100 mm ''Turret front'' 90 - 200 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 82 mm || 82 mm || 26 mm
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 80 mm (cylindrical) || 26 mm
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Turret front covered by gun mantlet has variable thickness depending on exact place, ranging from 90 to 200 mm of armour.
* Turret side (about 1/3) is covered by attached tracks, adding additional 30 mm of armour.
* While the hull side of the tank is 82 mm, the side where the suspension is located is only 62 mm thick so be aware of this weak point.
* On paper, the best angle is roughly 38.8° with armour all-round being from the front 130 mm.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 839|rbMinHp= 575}}

Speed is not the strong suit of the Tiger H1. While the Tiger H1 can generate speed on flat surfaces, it does this very slowly. When stopping, do not expect a burst of power when moving from a complete stop. Like most heavy tanks, the Tiger H1 does not take well to hills. Inclines can quickly bog down the heavy Tiger HI, so try to avoid them when ever possible. However, when on a hill, the Tiger H1 can use the hill's decline to your advantage to build up speed quickly in order to get across open areas.

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

For Tier I modifications obtain the vital "Parts" and "Horizontal Drive" modifications as the former will give the Tiger the ability to repair and the latter will provide a much-needed boost to the Tiger's slow turret traverse rate.

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

{{main|KwK36 (88 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[KwK36 (88 mm)|88 mm KwK36]] || 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" | 92 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+16° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 9.71 || 13.44 || 16.32 || 18.05 || 19.20 || rowspan="2" | 9.62 || rowspan="2" | 8.51 || rowspan="2" | 7.84 || rowspan="2" | 7.40
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 7.10 || 8.40 || 10.20 || 11.30 || 12.00
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''PzGr 39''': The go-to shell for all Tiger H1 drivers as this is arguably the best. It will do incredible damage to any tank shot by it, except SPAA, or any extremely thin armoured vehicles. Heavier tanks like the IS-1, IS-2, or American heavy tanks are able to resist the round at longer ranges, but well-placed shots from close range or sides will do the job. All other medium and light tanks will be history as soon as this shell make contact with them. This shell, however, will almost always over-penetrate all but the most armoured SPAA vehicles, so it is best to use HE or machine gun fire on thin-skinned vehicles.
* '''PzGr ''': This shell is also very useful. It has very similar characteristics as PzGr 39, but sacrifices some penetration for about 150% more Explosive Filler, meaning even more damage than already powerful PzGr 39. It is recommended to carry some of these shells and use them regularly, as the penetration is still enough to deal with most targets (at least when being down-tiered), and switch to PzGr 39 when shooting targets far away, or those that are heavily armoured.
* '''Hl.Gr. 39''': On paper the HEAT rounds don't bring anything new to the table, however they can be used as a substitute for the HE shells due to the greater explosive mass and still gives a fighting chance if caught with pants down.
* '''Sprgr. L/4.5''': The HE shell is completely ineffective against all but SPAA or the AI artillery on the Kursk and Ash River maps, and the machine gun mounted on the Tiger has proven quite capable of dealing with these. Keep a small supply of this shell on hand if planning to flank the enemy and take out their SPAA or artillery, but avoid them for everything else.

{{:KwK36 (88 mm)/Ammunition|PzGr 39, Pzgr., Hl.Gr 39, Sprgr. L/4.5}}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! 7th rack empty
! 8th rack empty
! 9th rack empty
! 10th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''92''' || 76 ''(+16)'' || 60 ''(+32)'' || 44 ''(+48)'' || 28 ''(+64)'' || 24 ''(+68)'' || 20 ''(+72)'' || 16 ''(+76)'' || 12 ''(+80)'' || 6 ''(+86)'' || 0 ''(+92)'' || No
|-
|}
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
'''Notes''':

* As they are modeled by sets of 2, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire both shells in the set
* Large sides empty: 28 ''(+64)'' shells.

=== 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
|-
| Coaxial || 4,350 (150) || 900 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The main role of the Tiger tank was to eliminate enemy tanks at a far range, similar to behaving like a sniping tank, or a Tank Destroyer. Nonetheless, the Tiger can excel at brawling with other tanks at medium, even possibly against two [[Panther D|Panther]] tanks to close range and escape undamaged. It's recommended to not stay in one place for too long or risk getting outflanked, spotted, or bombed.

While guns like the Soviet [[D-5T (85 mm)|85 mm]] cannon can easily penetrate the Tiger at close range, the Tiger can stay nearly invulnerable at long range. The 88 can take out any tank on Rank 3 at any combat range but may have problems with the [[IS-1]]'s 120 mm front armor at some ranges. When having to close in a bit, it is generally advisable to angle the hull to the sides by about 30°, improving the armor rating enough that it can keep away 85 mm shells very well, even at closer ranges. The {{PAGENAME}} is still vulnerable to the [[SU-152|SU-152s]] howitzer and its HE shell at any range. So whenever encountering these high-caliber vehicles, it should be prioritized and eliminated first.

The Tiger's hull has many flat areas that can be easily penetrated. To maximize the angles and thus the protection, the tank should be angled about 40º to either side. An easy way of angling your tank is to make sure the corner of the hull is pointed at the enemy. The side armor is strong enough for such angling, and is flat as well. The turret is more complicated. It features many pieces of armor that overlap and such, and as such will either be exceptionally strong or be penetrated easily. As such, avoid relying on the turret to absorb shells. On the other hand, opponents will also try to avoid hitting the turret, as there is a chance to not penetrate.

Mobility-wise the {{PAGENAME}} is pretty good for a heavy tank. It is much faster than a [[KV-1 (ZiS-5)|KV-1]] and about as equally fast as the [[IS-1]], although medium tanks like the [[T-34-85]] can easily outmaneuver all three at close range. Try to use the Tiger's mobility to keep a distance rather than for closing in on a target. Don't be afraid to use the speed to fall back if necessary as the Tiger cannot survive close range engagements on open terrain vs. mediums, due to the slow turret and the vulnerability to the 85 mm guns on Soviet medium tanks.

The Tiger has a very bad turret traverse, it is recommended to get the "Turret Drive" traverse modification as fast as possible. Even then, the Tiger will have to turn the tank in the direction of the traverse to make the most of the time to quickly engage a target. What makes this worse is the smoke grenade launchers in the hull, which would interfere with the gun depression at certain turret angles. This, together with very exposed ammo racks on both sides (though one side can be emptied by reducing the ammo stowage) means that facing multiple enemies at once is almost a certain end to the Tiger tank. The best option is to take cover from one tank and fire on the other.

As far as ammo is concerned, the PzGr will be the standard shell all players should use. The standard APHE round available, PzGr 39, is something you should throw away as soon as PzGr is unlocked, as it's extra pen is negligible and has much less HE filler. The HEAT rounds offer consistent penetration at all ranges, however, they provide less damage upon penetration, and should not be used. As for spading the tank, unlock parts, PzGr, and then turret/hull traverse, then mobility upgrades. The Tiger's 88 has massive destructive power. Unlike the other German tank of its rank, all armed with 75 mm guns, the Tiger can easily knock out all the mediums like the T-34s, M4 Shermans with a single shot, and still be a threat against heavy tanks like the IS-1s. If it doesn't destroy a tank in one hit, most of the enemy crew will be wounded or incapacitated. Flanking is also viable with the Tiger's great mobility combined with the PzGr's HE filler almost guarantees a one shot kill.

When driving the Tiger, plan ahead on where it will drive. Even with engine and track modifications, the {{PAGENAME}} is still a heavy tank and a 90 degree or more turn will almost always mean an immediate standstill as the tank try to make the change in movement. Even small adjustments can knock the speed down a bit. Thus, knowing the terrain and destination is of the utmost importance to preserve its mobility to its fullest extent.

The {{PAGENAME}} is also best used on the flanks of the current maps, as these are usually more open and allow good use of its armor and excellent gun. The center of the map would seem more logical as there are a lot of enemies, but as has already been established a Tiger taking fire from multiple directions won't last long. Going in a flank and taking down light and medium tanks is an easy task for this beast, and thus a flank can be easily secured if the {{PAGENAME}} is driven carefully. Then, work the {{PAGENAME}} into the enemy sides and rear of the main force in the center, doing much more damage than if the Tiger faced the force head-on because a shot to the side and rear will set most enemies alight if not outright exploding the ammunition. Able to destroy vehicles in one hit, the Tiger can quickly jump from target to target and eliminate a good number of enemies in its lifespan.

The Tiger H1 is very effective at long range, and should be used accordingly. Players should try to avoid point blank fights with other tanks, since this will often result in the vulnerable sides being exposed. As a sniper or flanker, the tank is wonderful and as long as its sides are not exposed, it will last a long time.

There will be many hard eggs to crack such as the IS- Series, T-34 Series, American Jumbos, and several other tanks that will give the {{PAGENAME}} trouble.

* The Russians have many tanks at this BR able to handle the Tiger H1 easily. The main tank at this BR is usually the T-34-85. While it may have very thin armour that is easy to penetrate, it is easy to angle and the T-34 is a flanking machine. It will drive circles around the Tiger so it needs to be destroyed quickly. The IS- Heavy tanks are the second worst nightmare situation, with thick armor and a huge gun. If the IS tank is not destroyed first, it will definitely destroy the Tiger.
* The American Jumbos are similar to the T-34. The 75 mm variant would have trouble to penetrate the Tiger's armor at long ranges, but caution needs to be exercised when they are armed with a 76 mm gun.
* The Japanese tanks all have very thin armor that the 88 mm gun can easily penetrate through with no problem, but their guns at this BR all have enough penetration to deal with the {{PAGENAME}} if it gets a hit on.

'''Against the Tiger H1:'''

'''Light tank''': when dealing with a Tiger I, you must utilise your superior speed and agility to your advantage, to compensate for your weak firepower. If your penetration is less than 100 mm, then manoeuvre to the Tiger's side as that is where you can destroy it. The upper part of the hull side is 80 mm thick, without any angling, meaning that light tanks such as [[M24 (Family)|M24]] can reliably penetrate there. Even the reserve [[BT-5]] can punch through that armour section, though guns with less post-penetration damage will have to shoot several times to ensure that all crew are knocked out. The lower section of the hull side is only 60 mm, meaning that even if the player does not have a high tier light tank and can only use low tier tanks like the M3A3 Stuart, that area can still be penetrated. The Tiger's turret turns slowly, but still be careful to move out of its gun's way. Facing a Tiger I is a hard job because it can penetrate most places on your light tank so a frontal strike against it has a high chance of failing.

'''Medium tank''': with a medium tank, you can more confidently target the Tiger's frontal weak spots. Medium tanks such as [[M4A3 (76) W]], [[T-34-85]], and [[Sherman Firefly]] can all pierce through the Tiger's frontal hull armour when it is not angling. The turret armour is way harder to penetrate as it has some complex bulges, leading to the shells being absorbed. However, an experienced Tiger commander will angle its hull, stacking up the effective thickness to more than ~130 mm thus making it immune to all the above medium tanks. Now, if you cannot flank, aim for the commander's cupola. An explosive-packed shell through there will knock out ~1-3 crew in the turret. If the gunner is knocked out, wait for around 12 seconds for it to replenish a new gunner, then shoot at the cupola again. You can also try breaking the gun barrel, since the muzzle brake is quite large and therefore easier to catch onto shells, damaging the barrel. Note, it is better to avoid shooting at the lower front plate as the transmission behind it will absorb all incoming shells for the crew. Throughout this whole process, the player should be very careful not to get hit as the 88 mm cannon is very potent against most tanks.

'''Heavy tank/tank destroyer''': with a more powerful cannon and perhaps better armour, the player can finally duel the Tiger I with relative ease. For a heavy tank or tank destroyer who sacrifices mobility and/or armour just for superior firepower (e.g. [[IS-2 (Family)|IS-2]], [[ISU-122]]), a Tiger H1 can be penetrated in the hull even if it is angling. Still, do not shoot at the turret and lower front plate where the shells tend to do no damage. Also, try aiming for armour plates that are free of any obstruction, because vehicles who can easily penetrate the Tiger usually have a large calibre gun, their large shells will be bounced or lose penetration should the shell edge impact anything. For example, if you shoot at a Tiger who is facing you, target the dead center of the upper front plate where there is nothing but armour, instead of aiming right next to the driver's port where the armour blocks sticking out will absorb the shell.

'''SPAA''': anti-aircraft guns at this BR cannot really penetrate the Tiger I's armour effectively, but thanks to their fast-firing autocannons SPAAs are great for breaking the Tiger's gun barrel and tracks, assisting your teammates in destroying it. If no supporting fire is near, drop an artillery strike after immobilising the Tiger. Some SPAAs (e.g. [[Phòng không T-34]], [[M42 Duster (Family)|M42]]) have access to AP shells, any shell with more than 60 mm penetration is adequate to penetrate the lower side of the hull. Other than this area, the minimum thickness is 80 mm which is hard for any SPAA. This is an advantage of the Tiger I, although its flat armour performs poorly against heavier cannons, its all-round armour protection is fairly effective against low-penetrating vehicles like SPAAs.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* The gun mantlet, MG port and driver's port are particularly hard to penetrate due to their complex, varying shape and thickness
* Decent cannon with adequate accuracy and a range of shells to choose. Stock shell has great penetration and damage, and can knock out common opponents easily with a single shot (e.g. [[T-34-85]], [[M4A2 (76) W]], [[IS-1]], [[M6A1]]). Has another AP that sacrifices a bit penetration for more TNT
* One of the fastest heavy tanks with its top speed of 45 km/h, meaning it can get to some positions quickly alongside friendly medium tanks.
* The box-like hull shape gives the ability to angle. When angling the hull at around 40° and placing yourself far from the enemies (at least 500 m away) the Tiger H1 can resist common tanks like the 76 mm Shermans, T-34-85s and [[M36 Jackson (Family)|M36]]
* Good reverse speed and hull traverse allows it to quickly angle for deflecting shells
* -8° gun depression works well in most hilly terrain
* The rear is surprisingly hard to penetrate, partially due to the slightly-angled armour and partly due to the large exhaust pipes which seem to deflect shells
* The strong gun makes it easy to destroy most opponents at the its battle rating with a single shot, even M4A3E2 Jumbo, as long as you carefully aim for the machine gun port
* The tank is equipped with smoke grenades, which can help escape an undesirable situation alive

'''Cons:'''

* Weak and vertical armour protection. If not angling the Tiger H1 can get destroyed easily by the T-34-85 or 76 mm Sherman. Even if the {{PAGENAME}} is angling, the [[IS-2 (Family)|IS-2]] can still knock it out with a single shot easily
* The upper front plate is extremely vulnerable if it is not angled. It will be penetrated by any vehicle at its BR
* Struggles to penetrate heavy targets frontally like the [[M4A3E2]], [[M26 (Family)|M26]] and [[IS-2 (1944)]]
* Rather slow acceleration limits its short range manoeuvrability
* Slow turret traverse makes it hard to respond to flankers quickly. The [[M18 GMC]] is very common at this BR
* Ammo storage at the hull sides are very easy to explode when hit
* Commander's cupola is tall and easy to penetrate
* Is a big and tall target, easy to get spotted and shot at
* S-Mine dischargers on the hull limits gun depression in certain areas
* Tracks are rather loud so enemies will most times hear you and will be alert, so surprise attacks will be difficult

== History ==

===Development===
The Tiger I heavy tank was arguably the most infamous tank of World War II. The design for this tank began as early as January 1937 when Henschel & Sohn worked on a large "breakthrough" called the "Durchbruchwagen" that weighed about 30 tons on request by the German military.<ref name="ImagesOfWarTiger">Anthony Tucker-Jones. Images Of War Special: Tiger I & Tiger II Great Britain: Pen & Sword Military, 2013</ref> The request was modified over time for more armour and better gun that increased the weight to 36 tons, but this project was dropped in 1938 in favour of the better prototypes VK 30.01(H) and VK 36.01(H). These new prototypes were the start of the usage of the Schachtellaufwerk wheel arrangements, but these also never passed prototype stages and were both cancelled in 1942.

During the development of the prototypes above, the German invasion of France showed that the Allied tanks such as the Somua, Char B1, and [[Matilda Mk II|Matilda II]] were impervious to their current anti-tank weaponry and a need for better armoured and armed tanks was emphasized. So on May 26, 1941, Henschel and Porsche were asked to submit designs for a 45-ton heavy tank that was to be ready for demonstration by June 1942. During their development in June 1941, Germany initiated Operation Barbarossa against the Soviet Union and was shocked by appearance of the [[T-34 (1941)|T-34]] and [[KV-1 (ZiS-5)|KV-1]] tanks that were invulnerable to all but the most potent anti-tank weapon in German inventory, one of which was the [[KwK36 (88 mm)|88 mm KwK36 cannon]]. The potency of the 88 mm cannon against the heavily armoured tanks that the Germans faced had Hitler ordered that the heavy tank design undertaken by Henschel and Porsche to utilize the 88 mm as its main armament instead of a 75 mm cannon.

The designs of the tank were finalized and ready for demonstration on April 20, 1942, Hitler's birthday, and showed the VK 45.01(H) and the [[VK 45.01 (P)]]. The demonstration and subsequent evaluations on the two designs determined that the Henschel variant was superior to the Porsche variant, proving more reliable, more mobile, and more easily produced than the Porsche. This caused the Henschel variant to be adopted as the Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger and production started in August 1942. The Porsche variant had many chassis produced as Ferdinand Porsche thought the design would win, so the chassis was instead used in the [[Ferdinand]] tank destroyer.

===Design===
What perhaps made the Tiger I so unique in tank development and German doctrine is a change of focus between the three characteristics of the tank; with more emphasis to firepower and armour than to mobility. The Tiger I contained the large 88 mm KwK36 cannon which was very accurate and powerful, being able to penetrate every Allied armour present at its introduction. The armour on the Tiger I was also one of the greatest at the time, with an astounding 102 mm of armour on the front hull armour, 82 mm on the side superstructure and rear, and 120 mm on the gun mantlet. The armour was vertical faced so no sloping benefits were present like on the [[Panther D|Panther]]. All these armour thicknesses proved invulnerable to most Allied anti-tank weaponry at the time, requiring more creative methods in a shot placement to disable the tank. The mobility, while taken with less emphasis in the development, was still respectable at the time as the tank weighed about 57 metric tons, about 20 tons more than other country's main tanks, yet is able to keep up a speed of 38 km/h (Maximum speed was 45 km/h, but an engine governor was installed to preserve the engine life).

The tank utilized a torsion-bar suspension system in a Schachtellaufwerk overlapping pattern, making the Tiger one of the first German tank design to use the pattern. While the design gave the Tiger I great flotation due to the use of a wider track for lower ground pressure, it had disadvantages in environment and maintenance. In the Eastern Front, mud and other foreign objects could be jammed in between the overlapping wheels, which would freeze in the winter and jam the wheels; the overlapping wheels also were a hassle to change out, in order to replace one wheel in the inside of the suspension, it requires the removal of at least nine other wheels in order to access it. The first 250 Tiger tanks used a Maybach V-12 HL210 engine with 650 hp before switching over to the more powerful Maybach V-12 HL230 engine with 700 hp. The engine proved adequate in propelling the tank but was still considered underpowered for the tank weight.

The Tiger I, as innovative as it is to tank warfare, was a strain on German war production. The tank was over-engineered, taking much more man-hour and materials for its worth as a war machine. Cost-wise, two [[Pz.IV G|Panzer IVs]] or four [[StuG III G|StuG IIIs]] can be built for the cost of one Tiger I. The tank was also expensive to maintain and took lots of fuel to run. These attributed to the low number of only 1,354 Tiger Is produced from 1942 to August 1944.<ref name="ImagesOfWarTiger">Anthony Tucker-Jones. Images Of War Special: Tiger I & Tiger II Great Britain: Pen & Sword Military, 2013</ref>

===Variants===
There are three main production Tiger I variants known today, the "early-production", "mid-production", and "late-production" models. The Early-production model, designated as the Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. H, were the first few batches and are distinguished by their drum-style cupola with an over-swinging hatch. The model also had two vehicle lights on the front side of the tank and dished steel wheels with rubber tyres. The Mid-production featured Zimmerit paste and a side-swinging cupola with accommodation for a machine gun mounted on the cupola. The vehicle light was also changed to just one placed right in the front of the hull armour. The mid-production was also redesignated in May 1943 as the [[Tiger E|Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. E]]. Late-production models featured the removal of the Zimmerit paste as there was an assumed flaw with it, and the overlapping wheels were instead made into interleaving with full-steel road wheels as well, in a manner similar to the [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II]].

Other specialized variants of the Tiger I was produced as well. A small number of demolition carrier models were field-made in Italy, where it had its main gun replaced by a crane to carry demolition to clear minefields or destroy obstacles. The demolition carrier version was interpreted by Allied intelligence as a BergeTiger, an armoured recovery vehicle, though it is not known if it ever saw service in this role. Another specialized variant produced in 1944 in some numbers was the [[Sturmtiger]], an heavy assault gun with a 38 cm rocket launcher made from a depth charge. 19 of these were made and saw use in all fronts, though its most noteworthy combat action was in the Warsaw Uprising.

===Combat usage===
In its introduction, Hitler ordered the new Tigers to be used in the Leningrad siege in September 1942. However, as the faults of the tank were still not yet fully ironed out at this stage, the mechanical unreliability and the unsuitable terrain caused one of the Tiger Is to be stuck in the swamps and abandoned by its users. This example was then captured by the Red Army and tipped off the Allies of the development of the new Tiger tanks and so developments in countermeasures began. In North Africa, the Tigers saw the first action against the Western Allies in Tunisia in December 1942. Its impact there left an impression on the Allied armour forces, but its myth as an invulnerable tank was shattered when two Tigers were taken out by the British [[Ordnance QF 6-pounder Mk.III (57 mm)|6-pounder anti-tank guns]]. The total loss in that campaign was seven Tigers by February 1943.

Once mass-numbers of Tiger Is were available, they were employed in heavy tank battalions that were to be deployed in breakthrough operations or counter-attacks. Field experience with the Tiger showed that the Tiger's heavyweight proved a nuisance in operational mobility, an example being that small bridges were unable to support the Tiger tank's weight. An attempt to remedy this was to use a snorkel device so the tank could ford rivers as deep as four metres, however, this system was phased out of later production models for cost-savings. The Tiger suffered reliability problems in all of its service life that impeded its effectiveness and its high fuel usage limited its combat operations. Armour recovery of the vehicle was also terrible as three heavy recovery half-tracks were required to tow the tank away, causing a strain on the German support line to keep the Tiger tanks in running order. Despite that, the Tiger I proved superior in terms of armour and armament against the Allies and created massive losses among their armoured forces, causing many soldiers to keep an eye out for the infamous "Tigers".

The impact the Tiger had on the battlefield as the superior tank at its introduction created fame to the commanders and crew operating this tank, further fueling the Tiger's reputation in the war as a killing machine. Some Tiger units were able to achieve kill ratios up to 10:1, and some even higher. Some notable Tiger aces known were Kurt Knispel (168 tank kills), Otto Carius (150+), Johannes Bölter (139+), and Michael Wittmann (138).

However, as the war progressed and the impact of the Tiger's surprise in Kursk and Italy has dissolved, Allied developments gave forth more capable tanks able to defeat the Tiger I tanks. The Soviets solution was to up-gun their [[T-34 (1942)|T-34s]] with an [[D-5T (85 mm)|85 mm gun]] to make the [[T-34-85]], and the Western Allies with the [[M1 (76 mm)|76 mm]] and [[Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|17-pounders]] on the [[M4A1 (76) W|M4 Sherman]] and [[Sherman Firefly|Firefly]] respectively. The Tiger went as an highly-invulnerable tank design into a simple heavy tank as the war went on, and it was replaced by the more powerful and more heavily armoured [[Tiger II (H)|Tiger II]] in 1944. Despite its replacement, many Tiger I models still saw use up until the end of World War II.

===Survivors===
Due to the low number of Tiger Is created during the war (1,354, compared to [[Pz.IV H|Panzer IV]]'s 8,550 and the [[M4|M4 Sherman]]'s ~50,000), very few intact Tiger I pieces are left in the world. Today, only seven tanks in various conditions are existent in the world. The most famous of these is the Tiger 131, captured by the British in Tunisia in April 1943, when the crew abandoned the tank due to a [[Ordnance QF 6-pounder Mk.III (57 mm)|6-pounder]] shot from a [[Churchill Mk III|Churchill tank]] jamming the gun mantlet and turret ring, causing it to be unable to aim. The intact sample is also famous for being the only fully operational Tiger I in the world due to a reconstruction effort by the Bovington Tank Museum in the 1990s. However, the Tiger 131 does not run on its original Maybach HL210 engine, as it was taken out to be used as a separate display; rather, it uses the HL230, which was mostly used for the Tiger II. It is still there as a display and remains the museum's most popular exhibit.

{{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}}
Work on the creation of a heavy tank began in 1937. Only after the attack on the USSR were the tactical and technical requirements needed for this new war machine met. The tank was designed by the Henschel company, led by Erwin Aders.

Production was handled by Henschel and Weggman factories, which made about 450 tanks from July 1942 to August 1943.

The first 495 vehicles included equipment that enabled the crossing of water obstacles up to 4 metres deep. Beginning with the 251st tank, the Maybach HL 230 P30 engine (600 hp) was replaced with a Maybach HL 230 P45 (700 hp). The Tiger was armed with an 88 mm 8,8 cm KwK36 L/56 gun, which was a tank version of the famous Flak 18/36 anti-aircraft gun. In the spring and summer of 1943, the tank received smoke grenade launchers and mortars for launching anti-personnel mines.

The Pz.Kpfw. VI Tiger entered service with heavy tank battalions. The tanks were first used in the fall of 1942, on the Leningrad front, in the 502nd heavy tank battalion. In December 1942, in North Africa, Tigers entered service with the 501st battalion.

The first tanks which arrived often broke, owing to the haste with which they were put into mass production. The vehicle was very heavy, with low manoeuvrability. It consumed 10 liters of fuel every 1 km. A full fuel tank, 567 liters, was enough for only two and a half hours of combat work, which was one of the tank's major drawbacks. But this was all compensated for by the battle machine's simplicity and ease of operation. Tank operators who served in Tigers were constantly praising its transmission and steering. The tank's armour also gave the crew a high chance of surviving battle, even if the tank was disabled.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_pzkpfw_VI_ausf_h1_tiger Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Sights

* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/675135/en/ RideR2's Realistic gunsight (TZF4a, TZF 5a/b/d/e/f/f2, TZF 9b/b1/c/d, TZF 12/a) for Pzkpfw II, Pzkpfw III, Pzkpfw IV, Pzkpfw V, Pzkpfw VI]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|ryx7Uxo_3X0|'''The Shooting Range #250''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:40 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|tcIeR_s6fp8|'''The Shooting Range #204''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:50 discusses the Tiger I and the VK 45.01 (P).|9_txEPailKc|'''The Shooting Range #92''' - ''Tactics & Strategy'' section at 10:50 discusses the Tiger I.|QEz1MgTjUAw|'''Pz.Kpfw. VI Tiger Ausf. H1''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|kFQd8TYt6Ew|'''Tank Chats #17 Tiger I''' - ''The Tank Museum''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Tiger E]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/4528-profile-pz-kpfw-vi-tiger-ausf-h1-en|[Vehicle Profile] Pz.Kpfw. VI Tiger Ausf. H1]]
* [[wt:en/news/2641--en|[Vehicle Profile] Pzkpfw VI "Tiger" Ausf. H1]]
* [[wikipedia:Tiger_I|[Wikipedia] Tiger I]]
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/nazi_germany/Panzer-VI_Tiger.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf.E (Sd.Kfz.181) Tiger I]
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=72 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> SdKfz 181 Panzer VI / Tiger I]

=== References ===
<references />

{{Germany heavy tanks}}

R-27ER

2024-09-20T04:37:09Z

U136998922: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = semi-active radar homing missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = R-27 (Family)
}}
== Description ==
[[File:WeaponImage R-27ER.png|none|thumb|400x400px|The R-27ER missile]]
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' (and its export version '''R-27ER1''') is a Soviet [[Air-to-air missiles#Semi-Active Radar Homing .28SARH.29 missiles|Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH) missile]] first introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


;R-27ER

* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_13}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29smt_9_19}}
* {{Specs-Link|yak_141}}
* {{Specs-Link|su_27}}

;R-27ER1

* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_12_germany}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_12g}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_12b_hungary}}
* {{Specs-Link|j_11}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 350 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || SARH+IOG+DL
|-
| '''Signal''' || CW
|-
| '''Lock range''' || 25 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 100 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 5.8 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 35 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 60 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 24 kg TNTe
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===

The high-explosive mass usually destroys any aircraft if hit directly. It is hard to dodge as well, since it is very fast, thus the target has very little time to react.

=== Comparison with analogues ===

The R-27ER is considered to be the single best SARH missile in the game. It is incredibly fast especially at higher altitudes and maneuvers really well. The closest SARH equivalent to this missile are AIM-7F/M Sparrows, and this missile outclasses them in pretty much every way. Its practical range is almost comparable to the AIM-54 Phoenix while being much harder to evade.

Thanks to it being much faster than its counterparts, it is possible to win a missile joust against an enemy AIM-7/Super-530 type of missiles even when fired later than them.

== Usage in battles ==

Since the missile is a long-range BVR weapon, it is best used in a range of 20-50 km. Before firing the missile off, the player should also climb to a higher altitude than the target and exceed Mach 1, as this will provide the missile more speed when being fired.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* VERY fast
* Ability to relock a target after firing and losing lock while maneuvering accordingly when the lock is lost
* Very maneuverable
* Large explosive mass
* Very long range especially when fired up at high altitudes

'''Cons:'''

* Requires carrier aircraft to guide it in all the way to impact, giving stable lock tone to the target
* The radars this missile is attached to aren't the best
* Sometimes has a hard time tracking at close ranges since it is too fast

== 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 ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|vmtHVaxxXEY|'''R-27ER is here!!! The best BVR missile in the game?''' - ''MatAWG''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[R-27 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:R-27_(air-to-air_missile)|[Wikipedia] R-27 (air-to-air missile)]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/572009-vympel-r-27-history-design-performance-dissection/ Vympel R-27 - History, Design, Performance & Dissection]

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

T-80UD

2024-09-19T02:13:43Z

U136998922:

{{About
| about = Soviet medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = T-80 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_t_80ud
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''T-80UD "Bereza"''' (Береза, "Birch") is a development of the famous [[T-80U]] main battle tank. The T-80U was intended to be a high-tech, high-performance MBT for the Soviet ground forces, featuring advanced fire control systems, strong protection, and high mobility courtesy of a compact but powerful gas turbine engine. However, the latter proved to have notable flaws in service such as poor fuel efficiency, and Soviet planners were interested in an alternative model with a diesel engine. The T-80UD emerged in 1985 with a 1,000 hp 6TD opposed-piston diesel engine originally designed as an upgrade for the [[T-64B|T-64]] and entered service alongside its turbine sibling before the fall of the Soviet Union. After 1991, as the design bureau and factory responsible for the T-80UD were located in the former Ukrainian SSR, the T-80UD served as the basis for a number of new tank designs in the Ukrainian T-84 family.

Introduced in [[Update "Alpha Strike"]], the T-80UD is effectively a downgraded T-80U. It looks nearly identical from the front aside from minor details such as the mudflaps and the arrangement of the turret roof ERA, but from the rear it's clear that the engine compartment takes after the fellow opposed-piston-engined T-64s. The replacement of the GTD-1250 turbine results in a noticeable drop in mobility from 27 hp/ton to about 22, not even matching the older [[T-80B]], but it's still more mobile than the [[T-72B]]. It also has not been provided thermal optics or the top 3BM46 "Svinets" APFSDS. In other regards it is essentially still a T-80U, and its lower battle rating puts it on par with the T-72B where its strong armour, fast reload, and decent mobility make it a competitive option for the battlefield.

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


The T-80UD's armour scheme is generally quite similar to the original T-80U. The turret has been slightly revised compared to the original T-80U but aside from better coverage of Kontakt-5 on the roof, it is currently modeled in-game with identical composites and armour layout. The turret has strong kinetic protection in general and is virtually immune to contemporary APFSDS. However, note that the space occupied by the IR searchlight to the right of the gun does not have Kontakt-5, and there is no thermal upgrade as on the T-80U that would replace it with an extra section of ERA. Since the composite armour alone doesn't have amazing chemical protection, ATGMs with at least 600 mm of penetration can punch through that spot and knock out the commander.

The frontal hull has few external differences from the T-80U, but a look in the X-Ray viewer shows that the composition of the composite armour is a 50-30-'''35'''-30-50 stackup of alternating HHRA and textolite, compared to the normal T-80U's 50-30-'''50'''-30-50. It provides somewhat less protection as a result, but still holds up well given the decreased battle rating. Just be more cautious during full uptiers or if battle damage has stripped away the Kontakt-5.

Typical Soviet MBT weakspots still apply; LFP, driver's viewport, etc. Fuel tanks are prone to exploding when hit. The small number of crew (3 crew members) drastically reduces the tank's survivability as a shot through the driver's viewport is likely to knock out the driver and one turret crew. The autoloader is located right underneath the turret crew and ammo detonation is very likely when a round penetrates. Side armour is negligible with small pockets of Kontakt-5 near the front offering protection against weaker HEAT rounds and miniscule protection against kinetic rounds.

'''Armour type:''' 


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

'''Notes:''' 


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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,550|rbMinHp=884}}

The T-80UD's mobility is a few steps back from the T-80U, and even the earlier T-80B given the 25% loss in engine horsepower. The new power-to-weight ratio of 21.7 hp/ton (about the same as the [[T-90A]]) is still quite good when compared to the likes of the [[T-72B (1989)]], [[Challenger Mk.2]], and [[ZTZ96A]], but a new drawback is that it also doesn't use the standard T-80 transmission with up to -11 km/h in reverse. Instead, it has a pitiful -5 km/h reverse speed just like the T-72s and T-64s.

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

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

{{main|2A46M-1 (125 mm)}}

The T-80UD still uses the standard 125 mm 2A46M-1 cannon, but a nice perk is that it retains the faster 6.5 second reload of the T-80U as opposed to the 7.2 second reload of the T-72s, T-64s, and T-80B. It also keeps the comfortable optics and commander override, which are nice quality of life and survivability improvements.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[2A46M-1 (125 mm)|125 mm 2A46M-1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Autoloader
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 6.50
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:2A46M-1 (125 mm)/Ammunition|3BK18M, 3OF26, 3BM42, 9M119}}

Besides lacking the top 3BM46 Svinets APFSDS, the T-80UD has access to the remainder of the T-80U's arsenal, putting it on par with the T-72B but enjoying a speedier reload. As a premium vehicle, all ammunition types are unlocked from the start and generally the most worthwhile choices are the standard 3BM42 Mango APFSDS for general anti-armour duties and the 9M119 Refleks gun-launched ATGM for special cases. The single-charge 9M119 can't boast especially high penetration and can often be blocked by NATO composite armour, but its 5.72 kg explosive mass actually exceeds that of the 3OF26 HE shell. It's useful for cleaning up light targets, harassing nearby (within 4 km) helicopters, and splashing enemy MBTs with overpressure damage when the opportunity arises. However, it may not always detonate on CITVs and other peripherals as consistently as the HE shell would and targets might notice the missile in flight.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''45''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|NSVT (12.7 mm)|PKT (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[NSVT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm NSVT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 450 (150) || 700 || -3°/+66° || -40°/+55°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[PKT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm PKT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,250 (250) || 700 || - || -
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The T-80UD loses many of the main selling points of the T-80 family in terms of mobility and access to thermal sights, but it also brings many of the T-80U's strengths down to a lower battle rating. It can be compared and contrasted to its closest stablemate, the [[T-72B (1989)]]. The two Soviet tanks have the same ammunition and are both protected with Kontakt-5 ERA, but the elite T-80UD is advantaged in mobility (~22 hp/ton vs ~19 hp/ton), reload speed (6.5 seconds vs 7.1 seconds), gunner optics (low and high zoom levels versus fixed 8x magnification), and fire control (proper commander sight with override vs a simple periscope). Surprisingly, where the humble T-72 has a slight edge is in hull protection. The T-72B upper glacis design, nearly entirely made of spaced steel plates, offers more kinetic defense than the T-80UD's steel and textolite sandwich, and the horizontal autoloader is less likely to be hit by incoming fire than the T-64/T-80 arrangement. But on both tanks, the combination of Kontakt-5 and composite is enough to stop almost all contemporary darts anyway and it's more likely that damaging hits would have gone through weak points.

With both good forward mobility, solid protection, and good optics, the T-80UD can be used for both rushing attacks and sniping. In either case, keep an eye on the battlefield when leaving cover and be careful not to overextend — the standard T-80 reverse speed of -11 km/h could never have been considered fast and the T-80UD's -5 km/h is less than half of that. T-64 and T-72 veterans will obviously be familiar with this drawback, but the T-80UD's imbalance of forward versus backward mobility normally isn't seen in the tech tree until the [[T-90A]]. In addition, the lack of thermal sights can be a handicap on maps with lots of cover and foliage when most tanks of other nations have them as standard; the [[T-72AV (TURMS-T)]] is a contemporary of the T-80UD despite being grossly inferior in many respects specifically because of its great gunner and commander thermals. The T-80UD's armour allows it to charge straight into combat with less concern than most other tanks but it pays to maintain situational awareness, as there are more than a few vehicles that can send an overconfident or unsuspecting "Bereza" back to the hangar: for all its strengths, Kontakt-5 doesn't mean much to a tandem-warhead ATGM.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Strong Kontakt-5 ERA provides great protection
* Better mobility and reload speed than contemporary Soviet MBTs
* Great gunner and commander optics, with commander override
* Wide variety of ammunition
* Deadly 3BM42 APFSDS round

'''Cons:'''

* Lack of thermal sights
* Weaker hull armour than the original T-80U
* Lowest mobility of all T-80s, although not the worst going forwards

== History ==

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

== Media ==

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

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==

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

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

{{USSR medium tanks}}
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

Orion

2024-09-19T02:10:07Z

U136998922: /* Pros and cons */

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

== Description ==


The Orion family of Russian unmanned aerial vehicles was developed by the Kronstadt Group. Its first flight occurred in 2016 after its development process between 2011 and 2015. The drone was meant to be used in reconnaissance and strike missions, with an endurance of 24 hours and a maximum payload of 250 kg for medium-altitude flights. The strike variant operates small guided bombs or Vikhr-1V laser-guided antitank missiles and has been seen in Syria in 2019 as part of its first deployment in combat. The exact number of Orions in service is unknown, but the total number of units built is estimated at around 48 drones.

Introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]], the Orion is not a researchable vehicle, but is available for players using Russia in high-tier ground battles, costing 750 spawn points to spawn. The Orion is a good option for players in Ground RB who have not researched any suitable close air support aircraft or attack helicopters for use in high-tier lineups. It can be fitted with two [[9M133M-2]] or two [[9M133FM3]] Konkurs-M missiles. Both missiles are supersonic, have good manoeuvrability and can be used to destroy most MBTs. The 9M133M-2 has a tandem warhead, which means that it has high penetration but not so much post-penetration damage and requires aiming at parts of the tank with a higher ammo concentration or more crew members, like the turret. The 9M133FM3 uses a high-explosive warhead, and even though it may not be enough to destroy all tanks, with overpressure it will kill most MBTs with a well-placed shot in the roof of the vehicle, not to mention that most light targets, like IFVs and SPAAs, are extremely vulnerable to these kinds of warheads.

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

The Orion has a low top speed. As a propeller-driven UCAV, its climb rate and manoeuvrability are also sub-par. Despite this, the 9M113M-2 and 9M113FM3 missiles, if equipped, can cover long distances quickly, meaning the Orion doesn't have to fly directly over the battlefield to engage. If flying directly over the battlefield, however, take note of some of the missiles' limited firing angles and the Orion's poor negative pitch control. Players may have to initiate a dive to effectively engage a target.

Returning to base and rearming may be time-consuming to perform, as the airfield will be situated on the outer sections of the map.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 1,000 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
|-
| 220 || 220 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.0 || 22.0 || 2.5 || 2.5 || 250
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 390  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || - || - || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 250 || < 250 || < 250 || >250
|-
|}

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

The Orion is unarmoured, and the drone's structure, including its wings and engine, is very fragile. Because of this, high-explosive weapons like anti-aircraft shells and missiles will do significant damage. One advantage of being a drone is that there is no pilot; thus, it cannot be "pilot sniped" and there is no biological loss of control during high G manoeuvres.

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

{{main|9M133FM3|9M133M-2|KAB-50L (50 kg)|KAB-50TV (50 kg)}}

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

* 2 x 9M133M-2 missiles
* 2 x 9M133FM3 missiles
* 2 x 50 kg KAB-50L bombs (100 kg total)
* 2 x 50 kg KAB-50TV bombs (100 kg total)

The 9M133M-2 Kornet-М is a supersonic tandem warhead missile, good for destroying MBTs that players at this battle rating will commonly face. It has a good flight speed and decent manoeuvrability, so you can, for the most part, reach any target so long as it is within the missile's strike range.

The 9M113FM3 Kornet-М is a supersonic missile with a high explosive warhead. It penetrates as much as 61 mm of armour. The blast is enough to knock out most MBTs when hitting places that can trigger overpressure, such as the turret or hull roof.

The KAB-50L and KAB-50TV have small payloads for bombs, but with guidance they can still cause significant damage if dropped directly onto enemy vehicles. One disadvantage in using these weapons is that they will not travel as fast or as far as missiles.

== Usage in battles ==


The Orion fills a niche as the "everyman's CAS". It is available to all players using Russia at high tiers, which can be very beneficial to those who have not researched appropriate aircraft or helicopters for the battle. You will start off by spawning at an altitude of 4000 meters above the battlefield. Your main priority is SPAA - they are usually found stationary at the enemy spawn. Destroying them will not only help your survival, but also enable your fellow helicopter and aircraft pilots to move in and provide effective, uninterrupted close air support. If there are no SPAA around, your next target would be enemy tanks that are near or on the capture points. Once you use up all of your ordnance, you have three options:

# '''Loiter over the battlefield and provide reconnaissance:''' Just because you can no longer use your missiles doesn't mean you can't help your team! You can fly around the battlefield and scan the area with your amazing optical thermal camera. Once you spot any enemy vehicles that pose a threat to your team, you can quickly mark them on the map and tell your teammates using the in-game chat (alternatively, if you have any squad mates, you can work with them and point out enemies nearby using the squad marker).
# '''Land and rearm:''' Once the two weapons are used, you can return to the airfield by reducing your throttle and gliding back. Once you land, you can begin any repairs necessary and rearming so you can take off again. It should be worth noting that the Orion suffers from a low speed and poor climb rate, making the return to base and return to the battlefield incredibly lengthy. Altitude is also the only saving grace of the Orion, as helicopters and attack aircraft will generally fly at lower altitudes and SPAAs will have no trouble sending a very slow target back to the hangar screen. Consequently, fighting at low altitudes is not advised.
# '''Bail out and spawn in a more capable vehicle:''' While it feels counterintuitive to bail out of a vehicle that cost 750 spawn points, it is the fastest way to get you back into the battle. Using the spawn points you accumulated, you can get enough to spawn another tank, an attack aircraft, or a helicopter. The advantage of this is that you should have cleared the path for you and other pilots to cause damage, as if you have destroyed them then the enemy anti-aircraft threats are no longer present.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Access to two devastating [[9M133M-2]] or [[9M133FM3]] missiles
* Exceptional optical camera with 2nd Gen thermals
* Hard to spot and counter by SPAA at high altitudes
* Long loiter time
* Good vertical maneuverability
* Unmanned, there is no pilot to "black out" during high G maneuvers
* Spawns at altitude (4,000 metres)

'''Cons:'''

* Low maximum speed, returning to the airfield can take a long time
* Poor climb and roll rate, can make it difficult to climb back up to effective altitudes
* Horrendous negative pitch control, be wary of it
* Unarmored and vulnerable to damage
* Small launch window for missiles
* Access to only two weapons for an SP cost higher than most helicopters and attack aircraft (which can usually carry more ordnance)

== History ==

[[File:Orion UCAV- Army-2020-209.jpg|thumb|Strike Version of the Orion in a demonstration]]
The Orion UCAV (also known as '''Kronshtadt Orion''') is a family of unmanned vehicles developed by the Russian company Kronstadt Group. The development of the Orion platform can be traced to 2011 as part of the Russian MoD-funded Inokhodets program. The company later revealed the first layout of the Orion with its first flight being reported to happen in 2016. The Orion was idealized from the start to be a multipurpose weapon, capable of reconnaissance and strike missions.

The armed variant was developed to be able to carry a payload weight of 250 kg with a maximum payload of four missiles or bombs. It was meant to be fitted with the Vikhr-1V laser-guided anti-tank missile for combat operations.

The Orion has other variants and has also been through various upgrade programs. The Orion (Inokhodets) is the base version of the Orion family and the one currently in use by the Russian Armed Forces. This version was also adapted for export, through the Orion-E variant. The Orion-E is based on the reconnaissance version of the Orion and has not currently received any orders for its purchase. The Orion-2 (Helios) is a larger version of the Orion, meant to be used for longer flights at high altitudes, instead of the medium altitude flights of the base Orion. This version is meant to have a flight time of around 30 hours, with a weight of 5 tons and is still in development, with the first flight originally intended to be taken in 2023. Finally, the Inokhodets-RU (Sirius) was an upgraded version of the Orion in a twin-engine configuration. With two engines instead of one, it increased the total payload to 450 kg and attains a cruise speed of 295 km/h, with a flight time of 40 hours. While not currently in mass production, it was successfully tested in 2022 in joint operations with piloted aircraft.

== Media ==

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

== See also ==


'''Other Strike UCAVs'''

* [[Wing Long I]]
* [[MQ-1]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:Kronshtadt_Orion|[Wikipedia] Kronshtadt Orion]]

{{AirManufacturer Kronstadt Group}}
{{Strike UCAVs}}

F-111F

2024-09-19T02:07:11Z

U136998922: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=f_111f
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Dance of Dragons"]].

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

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

* 120 x countermeasures
* 60 x large calibre countermeasures

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

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

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

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon (2,000 rpg) + 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x 600 gal drop tanks
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 24 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (18,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 6 x AGM-65D missiles
* 2 x AGM-65G missiles
* 4 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (1,108 kg total)
* 4 x 957 kg GBU-10 Paveway II bombs (3,828 kg total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-15(V)2/B bombs (8,000 lb total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

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

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarize 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:'''

* The FASTEST plane on the deck, reaches speeds exceeding Mach 1.3 at sea level.
* A decently diverse selection of suspended weaponry for ground and air battles alike.
* [[MAW|MAWS]] (Missile Approach Warning System) is present, making it easier to detect missile launches.
* The [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L]] Sidewinder missile comes stock and is proficient for self-defense.

'''Cons:'''

* Due to its immense size, the F-111F is not maneuverable compared to other planes at its battle rating.
* Similar to its predecessor, it has little energy retention when its wings are swept back.

== History ==

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

== Media ==

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

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/9054-development-f-111c-f-when-pigs-fly-en|[Devblog] F-111C & F: When Pigs Fly!]]

{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-105D

2024-09-19T01:48:38Z

U136998922: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=f-105d
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]]. A nickname often associated with the {{PAGENAME}} was "Thud".

Like its contemporaries in the [[Su-7 (Family)|Su-7 family]], the {{PAGENAME}} is a strike aircraft designed for ordnance delivery at high speeds and low altitude, and its design reflects this, with powerful acceleration, excellent control authority at high speeds, good roll rate, and plentiful choices in bomb options. The {{PAGENAME}} also has a full range of ballistic computer programming, including CCIP for rockets, bombs and cannons, plus a CCRP function that uses its surprisingly capable AN/ASG-19 radar. While it lacks a true "lock" function, the gun has a radar-ranging gunsight as well as a Search and IFF (Identify Friend or Foe) function that allows it to at least see targets in front and above it to a relatively high degree of efficiency at ranges of up to 15 km. This allows it to see enemies to some extent, and plan ahead to avoid them. The F-105 was designed with nuclear strike in mind, and it performs best roaring through valleys and over hills at low altitude, reaching speeds of almost Mach 1.2 when clean, and Mach 1.05 with a full load of sixteen 750-pound M117 bombs. Famous for its use during Operation Rolling Thunder in Vietnam as the United States Air Force's main strike aircraft, the F-105, like the [[P-47 (Family)|P-47]] and [[F-84 (Family)|F-84]] that preceded it, has a reputation for being an aircraft capable of taking heavy punishment. However, it had several fatal flaws, including the lack of any standoff air-to-ground ordnance, the positioning of the fuel tanks directly above control cables and the at-times temperamental engine, the low-altitude, low-speed passes that it was forced to fly, and the doctrines of the time.

This fighter has chaff in pods, but does not have flares. It is vulnerable to the IR-guided air-to-air missiles (AAMs) that are prevalent at the battle rating range that it fights at, as well as the radar-guided anti-aircraft guns and the IR or Beam-riding Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) it faces at its BR. This is offset by the roll rate and control authority, meaning that it can easily outroll or outmanoeuvre any rear-aspect AAM in-game except the [[Matra R550 Magic 1|Matra R.550 Magic]], which can only be outmanoeuvred with range and the assumption that the Magic's booster has shut off. Since it was designed to perform toss-bombing at high speeds on the deck, it also has the capability to pull surprisingly high Gs and turn/loop tighter than expected for an attack aircraft, managing turns of 12-13 Gs with empty bomb racks and 4 Sidewinders, or 13-14 G clean with 12 minutes of fuel left in the tank at around ~1,100 km/h, and still manages 10-11 G sustained turns above and below those speeds. Seeing as these speeds, fuel loads, and payloads are fairly standard conditions when turning away from a base to head home for more ordnance, or while tussling with MiGs over the battlefield, the {{PAGENAME}} makes for a capable dogfighter in its own right. Not many enemy pilots expect the {{PAGENAME}} to be capable of popping a 12 G sustained turn immediately after destroying a base, and even fewer expect it from an attacker glued onto their tail!

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,668 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,129 || 2,102 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 28.5 || 29.5 || 149.3 || 141.5 || rowspan="2" | 1,050
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,206 || 2,167 || 27.5 || 28.0 || 202.8 || 175.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,575  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,575 || 827 || 490 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W || 1
| colspan="2" | 12,675 kg || colspan="2" | 450 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 27m fuel
|-
| 2,699 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 13,701 kg || 15,195 kg || 16,095 kg || 22,911 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 27m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,953 kgf || 9,868 kgf
| 0.72 || 0.65 || 0.61 || 0.43
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 6,953 kgf (0 km/h) || 13,161 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.96 || 0.87 || 0.82 || 0.57
|-
|}

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

{{Notice
|'''IMPORTANT: This aircraft cannot carry flares.''' The countermeasure pods are AN/ALE-38/41 Chaff dispensers, which, unlike modern countermeasure pods or USN countermeasure systems, use neither a common calibre nor dispenser system as flares. The {{PAGENAME}} was never equipped with the AN/ALE-40 combined Chaff/Flare suite used on the [[F-4E Phantom II|F-4E]], nor the AN/ALE-29 chaff/flare dispenser used on the [[A-4 (Family)|A-4 Skyhawks]] and [[A-7 Corsair II (Family)|A-7 Corsairs]].
}}

* 12.7 mm armour plate behind the pilot.

Since the aircraft is so big, and has a considerable amount of interior space, gunfire will often pass through the empty innards of the aircraft. Single hits from 20 mm or 23 mm cannons such as the [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L]], [[Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.V]], and [[Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 0 (20 mm)|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 0]] will likely cause no damage other than slight damage to the wings or fuselage. Longer bursts with more hits will cause more serious damage that is likely to require repair at the airfield as soon as possible. Often, cannon bursts from the rear will destroy the engine and disable the tail control, forcing the pilot to bail out, but the wings, fuselage, and tail assembly will all stay attached to the plane until the aircraft slams into the ground. Theoretically, it is possible to control the aircraft entirely with flap input and throttle control without the elevator, but this requires almost ideal conditions that almost never occur. The {{PAGENAME}}, however, lends itself better to this than most aircraft, thanks to flaps that are large, tough, and durable, with rip speeds in excess of 800 km/h. The F-105's landing gear are also extremely durable, and due to their high height, allow slightly sharper and harder landing approaches than other aircraft, which can come in handy after shepherding a damaged aircraft back to base.

The {{PAGENAME}}'s tail control and elevators are particularly vulnerable to enemy fire, and even single hits that wouldn't even damage the fuselage or wings will likely cripple or seriously impair your tailplane. This is compounded by the fact that the {{PAGENAME}} has control cables for the tail in both the top and the bottom of the aircraft, and therefore is extremely vulnerable to enemy fire. Enemy missiles are almost guaranteed to destroy the tail control, wing control, or ignite the massive fuel tanks in the fuselage. {{PAGENAME}} pilots must take utmost care to dodge missiles or otherwise avoid confrontations where enemy missiles come into play, such as prolonged tail-chases in a target-rich environment.

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

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

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, nose-mounted (1,028 rpg)

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="15" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| 1 || 4 || 6 || 4 || 1
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| 1 || 4 || 6 || 4 || 1
|-
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
| 1 || 4 || 6 || 4 || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| 1 || 2 || 3 || 2 || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 Air (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[M118 (3,000 lb)|3,000 lb M118]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[BLU-27/B incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| 19 || 19 || || 19 || 19
|-
! [[AGM-12B Bullpup]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AGM-12C Bullpup]] missiles
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1, 2 || || || || 1, 2
|-
! [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]] missiles
| 2 || || || || 2
|-
! Chaff
| 192 || || || || 192
|-
| colspan="6" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 5,800 kg
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 16 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 16 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 16 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 9 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 3 x 3,000 lb M118 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 8 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 384 x chaff
{{Navigation-End}}

;Summary & Recommendations

The {{PAGENAME}} carries a range of bombs, but the payloads an {{PAGENAME}} pilot will often use are:

* 16 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (12,000 lb total)

:This payload is best for bombing bases. It takes seven M117 bombs to destroy a base at its BR, and with 16 bombs, dropping in 5 pairs of 2 and 6 individual drops, an {{PAGENAME}} can easily pickle off four pairs of bombs (8 total) before using the remaining ones to destroy another base, lighting the afterburner, and heading for home.

* 14 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (10,500 lb total)

:This payload is one of the best for bombing bases and then switching into an air-to-air role. The AIM-9E missiles are capable against aircraft that are slow, and useful for causing faster aircraft to manoeuvre to avoid them, forcing them to lose speed and giving you a chance to close the gap.

* 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x 3,000 lb M118 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (10,500 lb total)

:One of the single most effective payloads, this may be used as a substitute for the above payload if a pilot dislikes having to pickle off eight bombs individually, as now, with a single push of a button, two M118s come sliding off the rails. These two bombs combined are more than enough for a base, but are also effective in their own right as capture-point clearing bombs, or for destroying aircraft staying on the airfield near the end of a match. Campers beware!

* 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (4,500 lb total)

:Two heavy-duty bullpups and four Sidewinders make for a powerful punch against both ground and air targets. The M117s are there merely as additional ordnance, and may be jettisoned where necessary for a cleaner aircraft, or used against enemy targets.

[[File:F-105 in hangar.png|thumb|524x524px|Loaded for bear — an {{PAGENAME}} in the hangar, loaded with fourteen M117 demolition bombs, and four AIM-9Es on the outboard pylons. Note the size when compared to the ~1.8 metre-tall mechanics.]]
The LDGP Mark 82 500 lb bombs provided stock and the AGM-12B/Sidewinder combinations serve no purpose once spaded. The Mark 82 can quickly be replaced by the extremely effective M117, which bomb-for-bomb provides the most effective bombing option, since it carries the most TNT for its weight. In addition to this, the Thunderchief carries as many M117s as it does Mark 82s, and also has far more available ordnance options that pair M117s together with other weapons, such as Bullpups. The AGM-12B and Sidewinder/Chaff pod combinations allow for a maximum of two AGM-12Bs, a full rack of bombs on the centreline, and four AIM-9B/Es. Once the AGM-12C has been unlocked, carrying these combinations is useless, since the AGM-12C is superior in every metric, and given the limit on how many Bullpups can be carried with AIM-9s, it's more useful to carry the larger missile rather than the smaller one.

Something to consider is that more experienced players may find Mark 83 effectively redundant, as the M117s that precede them in the modifications menu carry nearly 210 kg of TNT equivalent, and the F-105 can carry more of them than Mark 83s. While at first, the Mk 83's additional 66 kg of TNT equivalent (for a total of 276 kg per thousand-pound bomb) may seem like an improvement, the M117 has nearly identical fragment dispersion/vehicle destruction radii, as well as only 7 mm less armour penetration. Coupled with the aircraft's ballistic computer for precision-bombing, experienced pilots shouldn't need the extra explosive mass to destroy a ground target, and since on a single hardpoint, the F-105 carries more M117s than Mark 83s (4-6 as opposed to 3 for the Mark 83), even novice pilots may find it easier to use the M117, since they have more M117s to drop. Pilots will also find it easier to acquire the M117 than the Mark 83 on this aircraft, as M117s are available as a Tier I modification, while Mark 83s are in Tier II, and the Thunderchief has far more Tier II modifications that should take a higher priority over the Mark 83, such as New Boosters or AIM-9Bs.

Chaff is not advisable for the {{PAGENAME}}. At this battle rating, the {{PAGENAME}} faces mostly IR missiles, and given its flight performance, pilots must rely on manoeuvring alone to defeat the [[AIM-9B]]s, [[AIM-9E]]s, [[R-3S]]s, and [[AIM-9G]]s that are typical to planes around its BR, as well as the occasional [[R-60]], [[AIM-9J]]/[[RB24J]], and rare [[AIM-7C Sparrow|AIM-7C]], [[AIM-7D]] and [[AIM-7E]] Sparrows that it can face from time to time. All of these missiles can be defeated with appropriate manoeuvring and avoidance of enemy aircraft, making chaff pods entirely redundant, and just something that takes up more space on a hard point that could be used by a bomb, missile, or rocket pod. However, in Ground RB, chaff may be useful in temporarily spoofing early missile and gun SPAA. That said, no SPAA at that BR is entirely radar-based, and most radar-based SPAAGs use their radar to determine only a target solution rather than guide any sort of weapon. For instance, the most common anti-aircraft missile systems in Ground RB — the [[Roland 1]], [[Type 93]], [[Ozelot]], [[2S6]], and [[XM1069]] — all use either IR guidance or a form of semi-active beam-riding guidance that completely ignores chaff.

Four AGM-12Bs is the maximum amount of guided ordnance that the {{PAGENAME}} can carry, if a pilot requires a lot of guided missiles to take out tanks in Ground RB. Due to the ballistic computer, it is often better to take bombs instead, since you can drop from higher up and on different flight profiles where enemy tanks and SPAAs do not expect air attack.

The Mighty Mouse FFARs that it receives are effective, but slightly underpowered compared to the [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|Zunis]], [[S-8KO|S-8s]], [[S-24]]s, [[S-25O|S-25s]] and [[psrak m/70|13.5 cm m/70]] that other similar aircraft in and around its battle rating receive. The LAU-3s cannot be used with AIM-9Es, bombs, or any other payloads outside of either on their own or with chaff. This makes bringing FFARs a sub-par option compared to other ordnance options already available for the F-105D Thunderchief.

== Usage in battles ==

The F-105 is an extremely versatile aircraft. Used in a bombing role, typically designated by either "A for Attack" or "B for Bomber", the F-105 in fact excels at both air-to-ground and air-to-air roles, though the aircraft is typically less successful in the latter than the former.

=== Against air targets ===
While the F-105 is classified as an attacker, the aircraft lends itself well to air-to-air work. The aircraft, however, requires basic knowledge on how to fly jets in energy-fighting manoeuvres. Its armament, size, and speed lend it well to destroying enemy targets by pressing its sheer advantage in speed — not many aircraft at its battle rating exceed Mach 1.1 in level flight, and even less while still having a sizeable payload onboard.

[[File:F-105 Turning And Burning.mp4|thumb|F-105 in a sustained ~11-12G turn at sea level.]]

'''On the offensive'''

The F-105's best advantage is in its speed and considerably powerful engine. The aircraft has good energy retention and turning performance at speed, thanks to the nuclear toss-bombing flight profile that the aircraft was designed for. The F-105 does not have any issue with using this ability to loop rapidly at high speed in the vertical by turning quickly and at high Gs in the horizontal. Managing around 12Gs in a sustained turn beginning at Mach 1.0, the F-105 has performance entirely unexpected from a single-engined attacker of its size at its battle rating. F-105Ds also possess strengthened wing spars that earlier variants did not, and unlike said earlier variants, will not tear its wings in sustained manoeuvres very easily. Managing up to 13Gs, and up to fourteen Gs in rare cases, the F-105's large, strong wings grant it energy retention in addition to roll rate, and the swept-wing construction makes it one of the faster-accelerating aircraft at its battle rating- more than enough to match more nimble [[MiG-19 (Family)|MiG-19s]] and [[MiG-21 (Family)|MiG-21s]] at certain speeds.

The F-105 has the option to carry four AIM-9s of either the [[AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9B]] or [[AIM-9E]] type. While these missiles are unimpressive in terms of performance when compared to the [[R.550]] or [[R-60]] that this aircraft faces, they are nonetheless useful. The AIM-9E is a direct upgrade to the AIM-9B that includes a wider seeker FOV thanks to the seeker's ability to uncage and track a target slightly before launch, making it more useful than the AIM-9B in a dogfight. However, the most useful air-to-air asset by far is the gun, which has a generous supply of ammunition available to it. Most F-105 air-to-air victories in Vietnam were made with the gun, and the same holds true in-game. You'll find that many enemies don't expect fast opposition coming back at them from the direction that their airfield is in, which is where you'll be after letting off your bombloads and presumably evading detection by the enemy until that point. Since the aircraft can manage above average speed, pilots will find the F-105 attuned to the doctrine of energy fighting. However, they will also find that the F-105 can turn with its enemies where necessary, and accelerate to regain speed rapidly afterwards, meaning that using turns, loops and otherwise engaging in a dogfight may sometimes be more desirable than simple boom-and-zoom methods. However, F-105 pilots should remember that the aircraft is not designed to get into close-in dogfights. Making mistakes, such as bleeding too much energy, will only turn the F-105D into a slow, large target to be easily hit in a furball engagement.

'''On the defensive'''

The {{PAGENAME}} is extremely survivable. The size of the aircraft means that the aircraft can shrug off damage to its airframe and wings easily and keep flying, and it is easy to glide back to base when out of fuel or damaged. The Thud has a chance to put out fires in its spinal fuel tanks, but due to its position above the engine, if the rear fuel tank gets set on fire, the engine will likely burn down with it. However, the {{PAGENAME}} is good at gliding home and back to base even when the engine is down or after sustaining heavy damage. The pilot lacks protection from the front and sides, and the aircraft lacks any sort of protection for fuel tanks, engine, control cables and control surfaces, unlike its well-armoured stablemate, the A-7 Corsair II. The aircraft can lose a wingtip and a tail fin, but still make it home to base and glide in for a landing. The gears are extremely durable and lend themselves well to rough landing, and the high ground clearance allows the aircraft a better chance of avoiding a tail strike in a high-speed landing.

The size of the aircraft is a double-edged sword, as enemy missiles are almost guaranteed to go off when in proximity to the aircraft. Dodging high-G missiles can become a hassle as while rolling the aircraft and jinking are the most effective methods of taking missiles off your tail, they also increase the surface area that is presented to the proxy fuse. Smaller, more manoeuvrable missiles such as [[R-60]]s and [[SRAAM]]s have an extremely slim chance to detonate even after you appear to have "dodged" it since the proximity fuse is still live after the missile loses its lock.

All of these pale in comparison to its speed, roll rate, and acceleration. Few aircraft possess the {{PAGENAME}}'s aptitude for speed. Only higher-BR aircraft it sees in full uptiers, such as the [[MiG-21SMT]] and the [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]], [[F-104 (Family)|F-104 Starfighters]] and [[F-4F Early|F-4F(e)s]] have the ability to keep up with it. Speed is a form of protection in and of itself, since the {{PAGENAME}} can simply jettison its ordnance and run away from whatever it doesn't want to face. However, loading heavy payloads like the bombs required to destroy bases leech away at its speed, and thus speed is only really an option when running the aircraft with AIM-9Es only, or completely clean.

Thanks to the roll rate, the F-105D is able to quickly roll to dodge enemy gunfire, and also enemy missiles. The latter is essential, given the fact that the F-105D never carried any flares, and will never receive flares due to never carrying any such countermeasures in real life. A basic manoeuvre to avoid air-to-air missiles is a snap roll, with or without afterburner, performed by pitching up and rolling/yawing into the same direction. This will cause the aircraft to begin a high-G barrel roll that can reach up to 14Gs, and is effective at losing even the trickiest of opponents. Less advanced air-to-air missiles can be dodged by just turning a little, and given that high-G barrel rolls bleed speed from the aircraft, it's important to know the range and performance envelopes of the enemy aircraft before picking your manoeuvre — turn, high-g barrel roll, or simply levelling off and out-speeding the missile.

=== Against ground targets ===
While the {{PAGENAME}} can carry up to four air-to-ground guided missiles, it can only do this with four AGM-12Bs. This load is hardly optimal, particularly since with the ballistic computer, bombs might be far more effective anyhow. The {{PAGENAME}} does get AGM-12Cs, but only two of them. Keep in mind that with this payload, you cannot carry AIM-9Es for self-defense, nor chaff for spoofing radar. While still able to destroy ground targets, this payload's effectiveness is sometimes questionable in the face of the other payloads this versatile aircraft is capable of carrying. When carrying AIM-9Es or chaff pods, the amount of air-to-ground missiles that the aircraft is able to carry drops to two. The aircraft can only carry two AGM-12s and AIM-9Es with bombs, meaning that using combined loads of AGM-12Bs and missiles/chaff is entirely moot once AGM-12Cs are unlocked and available to the player. The {{PAGENAME}} lacks any fire-and-forget air-to-ground ordnance, as well as any kind of good stand-off ordnance to use against SPAAs. This means that aircraft is vulnerable to enemy SPAA armaments since novice pilots will have to fly low in order to use the bombs, the AGM-12s require constant attention to hit moving targets, and the aircraft lacks any sort of standoff ordnance to use against AAA while staying at an appreciable distance away.

The {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with a full range of ballistic computer functionality. The Constantly Computed Impact Point (CCIP) function helps show the pilot where bombs and rockets will go when released. The Constantly Computed Release Point (CCRP) function that uses the powerful onboard radar system to paint a target on the ground, and it gives the pilot an alert when "release authority" is handed over at a point where if the bomb is dropped, the projectile will hit the target selected. The CCRP system is effective at any altitude, but requires the pilot to have good timing and knowledge of the system being used. The CCIP system is also useable from most altitudes, but is most effective in dives below 1,000 m altitude, meaning that the pilot will have to fly low, exposing themselves to enemy fire as a result. While this is not usually a problem in Air RB, in Ground RB, where ground-based Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) is present, the aircraft is particularly vulnerable to radar-assisted gun AAA, enemy IR/beam-riding SAMs, and main cannons. Despite this vulnerability, the aircraft is extremely tough and survivable. AI anti-aircraft fire will often only be a minor annoyance, and player-launched surface-to-air missiles can be either dodged or avoided with clever tactics and positioning. In addition to that, the aircraft's size means that sometimes, bullets and shells will only hit non-essential components, such as the large, empty bomb bay for nuclear bombs in the centre of the plane.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good acceleration
* High top speed
* Effective control authority at speeds in excess of ~700 km/h
* Takeoff flaps have a high rip speed (~823 km/h)
* Powerful M61 Vulcan cannon with large ammo pool
* Excellent range of ground attack payloads with a ballistic computer
* Can be equipped with 4 x AIM-9E air-to-air missiles
* Has a radar with IFF capabilities and a fast search rate

'''Cons:'''

* High stall speed makes maneuvering and landing at slow speeds difficult
* Countermeasures only include chaff and will replace AAMs if equipped
* Extremely high fuel consumption on afterburner: requires careful management of fuel on minimum or 20 minutes fuel load
* Maneuverability and overall flight performance significantly suffers with a full bombload
* Has no flares, which make this plane very susceptible to IR guided missiles

== History ==
[[File:RF-84F.jpg|thumb|A USAF Thunderflash, somewhere over the continental US.]]
The F-105 Thunderchief is an American supersonic fighter-bomber that served during the Vietnam war. Originally an advanced derivative of the RF-84F, the F-105 was a large attack aircraft designed for both nuclear and conventional strike. F-105s would see extensive service in Vietnam as the USAF's primary attack aircraft until high loss rates forced it to be retired from active service. A total of 833 aircraft were built.

The Thunderchief comes from an illustrious family of aircraft, all developed by Seversky, which later would become Republic Aviation. Starting from the early P-35, the aircraft later evolved into the [[P-43A-1|P-43]], an early propeller aircraft developed into the far larger and more powerful [[P-47 (Family)|P-47 Thunderbolt]]. As the Jet Age approached, the P-47 was converted to Jet Propulson, and the [[F-84 (Family)]] was born out of that conversion, beginning with early models such as [[F-84B-26|F-84Bs]]. These were found to be severely underpowered, and the later extended-fuselage F-84E and [[F-84G-21-RE|F-84G]] added a more powerful and more reliable J-35 turbojet. Soon afterwards, the F-84 would be given swept wings, and a much-improved engine, and this design work was laid out the basis for what would eventually become the F-105 Thunderchief.

[[File:AP-63.jpg|thumb|Concept art by Republic of Advanced Project Nº 63.]]

;A Repurposed Thunderflash: The F-105's Origins

The F-105 originated as an internal project of the RF-84F Thunderflash photo-reconnaissance aircraft, featuring the same wing-mounted engine intake system. First begun in 1951, initial design work resembled an enlarged RF-84 with an integral bomb bay in the middle of the aircraft. [[F-84G-21-RE|F-84Gs]] in Tactical Air Command service had been the first fighter aircraft in the world able to carry nuclear bombs, and the first aircraft able to conduct in-flight refuelling- and one of the scant few aircraft designed to be able to refuel by both probe-and-drogue and boom systems. However, this aircraft had merely only been an interim while TAC waited for the [[F-84F]] to enter production, and as such, it was based on a previous variant- the F-84E, but also incorporated many of the technologies expected to be on the F-variant. While the E/G variants closely resembled the [[F-84B-26|F-84B]] in general shape, the F-84F was a radical departure, incorporating a high sweepback and more hardpoints for increased weapons carriage. The RF-84F was an even more radical departure from the previously established F-84 formula, including wing root intakes and a rounded nose for the cameras that it was required to carry in its photoreconnaissance role. While the F-84G/F enjoyed success in Korea and in peacetime European service, Republic Aviation started a new project for a much-improved aircraft based on the RF-84F's design work. Incorporating the same nose shape but with a radar inside, an enlarged centre-section capable of internally carrying a nuclear bomb, and incorporating the same wing-root intakes, the aircraft design called "Advanced Project Nº 63" (AP-63) resembled a much-enlarged RF-84.

;Teething Problems & Shattering Expectations: The F-105's Early Years

The F-105B entered service with the USAF in August of 1958. The aircraft was also snapped up by the Thunderbirds, who desired a high-speed, high performance aircraft for their team, but tragedy struck in their first live show performed with the Thud when one of their aircraft simply exploded mid-air. Contracts for low-rate initial production were awarded to Republic in 1952 and 1953 for a total of 199 aircraft, with initial delivery scheduled for 1955. However, shifting requirements for the aircraft resulted in the project being delayed and contracts being cancelled until a solid contract was signed in February 1955 for 15 aircraft. These 15 aircraft were for two "YF-105A" evaluation aircraft, three "RF-105B" reconnaissance aircraft, and ten production "F-105Bs". In a testament to the survivability of the aircraft that would be proven later in combat, the first F-105B's landing gear failed to extend during the end of its first flight due to suction that kept the gear bay doors sealed shut. The pilot had to belly in, which he did with considerable skill, and funnily enough, when he walked away from the aircraft, the Thunderchief belatedly popped its landing-gear doors open. The aircraft in question was repaired and back in the air within six weeks. The USAF Tactical Air Command (TAC) had a full squadron of Thunderchiefs in service by mid-1959. On 11 December 1959, Brigadier General Joseph Moore, commander of the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing, set a world speed record of 1,958.53 km/h (1,216 mph) over a 100 km closed course in an F-105B. The F-105D variant began to supplant and replace F-105Bs in frontline units between 1960 and 1965. During testing in June of 1961, the F-105 delivered 7 tons of bombs, the largest bombload ever carried by a single-engine fighter. In the spring of 1964, the Thunderbirds, looking for a new high-performance jet to replace their F-100As, chose the F-105B as their mount. After modifying the aircraft to suit their needs, including strengthening the airframe, the F-105 would go on to perform in only 6 airshows before being pulled out of their service in favour of F-100s. During the final airshow, in a "pitch up" manoeuvre, an F-105 piloted by Cpt. Gene Devlins simply disintegrated mid-air after entering the pitch-up, forcing the Air Force to re-evaluate the Thunderchief's use by the acrobatics team, subsequently replacing their F-105Bs with [[F-100D|F-100D Super Sabres]] once more. F-105Bs would be entirely retired by the end of 1965, and the much-improved F-105D would replace them, which also incorporated strengthened wing spars. Project ''Look Alike'' would endeavour to fix problems with the routing of wires, mechanical cables and hydraulics piping, and would be implemented in 1962-1964 on the Thunderchief fleet, just in time for their combat service in Vietnam.[[File:Thunderbirds-F105-diamond.jpg|thumb|Thud Thunderbirds: F-105Bs in diamond formation in service with the Thunderbirds during its brief stint in their service in '64.]]
[[File:F-105D in flight with bombs.jpg|thumb|An F-105D in flight over Vietnam with a full load of 750 lb bombs.]]

;Rolling into Combat: Operation Rolling Thunder & Vietnam

The F-105 would soon see active combat in the Vietnam war, where it served as the USAF's primary attack aircraft. The F-105s would eventually fly over 20,000 combat missions in Vietnam, and despite its large and unwieldy airframe, shoot down 27 Vietnamese MiGs. 24 of these aircraft were shot down using the F-105's internal Vulcan cannon.

However, F-105s in Vietnam suffered from an extremely high loss rate. The F-105 had the unfortunate distinction of being the only American aircraft to have been removed from combat due to high loss rates, being replaced in its ground attack role by the [[F-4E Phantom II|F-4]] Phantom II and F-111 Aardvark. Of 833 total F-105s produced, 382 aircraft were lost, 17 to enemy fighters, but mostly to ground anti-aircraft fire and maintenance issues. This loss rate, however, is less indicative of the aircraft's ability, but more a testament to doctrine and the aircraft's environment. The F-105 was the most-used aircraft during Operation Rolling Thunder- even more so than the F-4C that had only recently entered service. Given that the aircraft flew the most sorties, it was also the aircraft that would, naturally, take the most loss numbers. Due to the rate at which aircraft were being thrown into the Vietnamese Air Defenses, the aircraft suffered correspondingly high losses to the point that the US Air Force contemplated restarting the F-105 production line in Farmingdale, Long Island, but ultimately decided against it, as there were no export customers for the aircraft, and there were replacements just over the horizon- including the results of the TFX program, the soon-to-be-famous F-111.

Ground anti-aircraft fire was an inevitable part of flying into an air defence system. Designed to fly low and fast attack profiles, with not many provisions for high-altitude bombing, the F-105 needed to dive-bomb its targets with conventional bombs, with the pilot required to keep the target in sight of a depressible mil sight in the cockpit at all times. This resulted in pilots being forced into low, slow, and fatally predictable flight profiles when entering a bomb drop. The arc that the F-105s would fly in order to get close in to the target was an extremely easy target for Vietnamese anti-aircraft gunners. While the "Thunderstick-II" upgrade, developed in the late 60s, would allow the F-105 to bomb its targets from higher up using a set of new avionics that went in a spinal bulge (much like the [[MiG-21SMT|MiG-21SMT's]] spine fuel tank), these aircraft, mostly older D-5 and D-10 models, would never see combat, and the upgrades were deemed too costly to roll out to the entire remaining number of F-105s available, which were all soon to retire.

The most common issues were related to the F-105's J75 engine, which simply had not been designed for missions in the envelopes that the F-105s were expected to fly, burning at full military for extended periods of time without overhaul. Since the F-105 had been designed with the Tactical Nuclear Strike role in mind, with its afterburners on full in what was essentially a one-way suicide mission, it had been designed to be the fastest thing flying with a nuclear bomb inside the ventral bomb bay. The J75 had not been designed with long operating hours in mind, since the expectation had been that it would be used a few times in combat prior to being either shot down, disposed of, or otherwise never used again. This resulted in many issues with the jet blade, including cracks in the compressor blades that turned the inside of the engine into a mess of hot metal where the fragmenting blades would shatter, spreading fragments backwards into the engine as they went, causing what appeared to the pilot as a mere engine fire, but was only the precursor to a violent explosion when the fragmenting blades set fire to the initially completely unprotected fuel tanks.

The fuel tanks had been another oversight in the F-105's design- the initial flight profile of low-altitude tactical nuclear strike did not have high projected survivability rates, and for the sake of speed and also the fact that the F-105 wasn't likely to return anyway, the aircraft's massive fuselage fuel tanks, arranged above the engine and bomb bay, were not self sealing. Many flak and SAM losses due to fires stemmed from the punctured fuel tanks leaking fuel all over the hot J75 engine, resulting in the aircraft burning down in flight. Upgrades to the fuel tank, including the addition of self-sealing liners, managed to somewhat rectify the issue, but never completely- no upgrade save for a complete redesign or an entirely new design would solve the issue that the F-105's entire internal fuel load was carried in tanks that were mounted in the top of the fuselage and above the engine.

Another issue encountered was that the sudden loss of hydraulic oil pressure resulted in the tailplane locking into a "pitch down" position, as well as losing the Stability Augmentation system, a vital component of such a large, heavy aircraft that allowed pilots to keep it under control. A switch was later added to mechanically lock the F-105's tailplane into a stable, "neutral" position, but again, this was only a partial fix- the hydraulics issue would never really be overcome throughout its service life.

;Sunset Service

Aircraft of the F-105G "Wild Weasel" suppression of enemy air defence (SEAD) variant remained in service until the end of the Vietnam war, after which they were replaced by the F-4G Wild Weasel IV. F-105s grew increasingly difficult to maintain in the 1970s, resulting in their accelerated retirement. The last F-105Ds in South-East Asia left by 1970, before Operation Linebacker began, and twin-seat F-105Fs and Gs would soldier on into the 80s before retiring. The final flight of any F-105 was by the Air Force Reserve 466th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in 1984, and afterwards, the F-105 slipped quietly into retirement. Most F-105s had their tails sliced off by guillotine to prevent their use elsewhere. 105 complete F-105 airframes are known to survive into this day, though none remain airworthy, and are mostly in the continental US, though a few remain in places like Nellis, McConnel, Kadena and Spangdahlem as monuments to when Thuds were deployed to those bases. The rest are in museums and other such places to live the rest of their lives out as retired warbirds.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-105d Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|4H9GuHPLOcs|'''The Shooting Range #283''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [https://www.avialogs.com/aircraft-r/republic/item/5054-f-105d-thunderchief-standard-aircraft-characteristics-16-july-1959 <nowiki>[Avialogs]</nowiki> Standard Aircraft Characteristics of the F-105D]

=== References ===

* National Air and Space Museum. (n.d.). "Republic F-105D Thunderchief". Smithsonian. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from <nowiki>https://www.si.edu/object/republic-f-105d-thunderchief%3Anasm_A19820064000</nowiki>
* Swopes, B. (2021, August 10). "10 August 1961". This Day in Aviation. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from <nowiki>https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/10-august-1961/</nowiki>

{{AirManufacturer Republic}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-105D

2024-09-19T01:48:14Z

U136998922: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=f-105d
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]]. A nickname often associated with the {{PAGENAME}} was "Thud".

Like its contemporaries in the [[Su-7 (Family)|Su-7 family]], the {{PAGENAME}} is a strike aircraft designed for ordnance delivery at high speeds and low altitude, and its design reflects this, with powerful acceleration, excellent control authority at high speeds, good roll rate, and plentiful choices in bomb options. The {{PAGENAME}} also has a full range of ballistic computer programming, including CCIP for rockets, bombs and cannons, plus a CCRP function that uses its surprisingly capable AN/ASG-19 radar. While it lacks a true "lock" function, the gun has a radar-ranging gunsight as well as a Search and IFF (Identify Friend or Foe) function that allows it to at least see targets in front and above it to a relatively high degree of efficiency at ranges of up to 15 km. This allows it to see enemies to some extent, and plan ahead to avoid them. The F-105 was designed with nuclear strike in mind, and it performs best roaring through valleys and over hills at low altitude, reaching speeds of almost Mach 1.2 when clean, and Mach 1.05 with a full load of sixteen 750-pound M117 bombs. Famous for its use during Operation Rolling Thunder in Vietnam as the United States Air Force's main strike aircraft, the F-105, like the [[P-47 (Family)|P-47]] and [[F-84 (Family)|F-84]] that preceded it, has a reputation for being an aircraft capable of taking heavy punishment. However, it had several fatal flaws, including the lack of any standoff air-to-ground ordnance, the positioning of the fuel tanks directly above control cables and the at-times temperamental engine, the low-altitude, low-speed passes that it was forced to fly, and the doctrines of the time.

This fighter has chaff in pods, but does not have flares. It is vulnerable to the IR-guided air-to-air missiles (AAMs) that are prevalent at the battle rating range that it fights at, as well as the radar-guided anti-aircraft guns and the IR or Beam-riding Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) it faces at its BR. This is offset by the roll rate and control authority, meaning that it can easily outroll or outmanoeuvre any rear-aspect AAM in-game except the [[Matra R550 Magic 1|Matra R.550 Magic]], which can only be outmanoeuvred with range and the assumption that the Magic's booster has shut off. Since it was designed to perform toss-bombing at high speeds on the deck, it also has the capability to pull surprisingly high Gs and turn/loop tighter than expected for an attack aircraft, managing turns of 12-13 Gs with empty bomb racks and 4 Sidewinders, or 13-14 G clean with 12 minutes of fuel left in the tank at around ~1,100 km/h, and still manages 10-11 G sustained turns above and below those speeds. Seeing as these speeds, fuel loads, and payloads are fairly standard conditions when turning away from a base to head home for more ordnance, or while tussling with MiGs over the battlefield, the {{PAGENAME}} makes for a capable dogfighter in its own right. Not many enemy pilots expect the {{PAGENAME}} to be capable of popping a 12 G sustained turn immediately after destroying a base, and even fewer expect it from an attacker glued onto their tail!

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,668 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,129 || 2,102 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 28.5 || 29.5 || 149.3 || 141.5 || rowspan="2" | 1,050
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,206 || 2,167 || 27.5 || 28.0 || 202.8 || 175.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,575  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,575 || 827 || 490 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W || 1
| colspan="2" | 12,675 kg || colspan="2" | 450 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 27m fuel
|-
| 2,699 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 13,701 kg || 15,195 kg || 16,095 kg || 22,911 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 27m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,953 kgf || 9,868 kgf
| 0.72 || 0.65 || 0.61 || 0.43
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 6,953 kgf (0 km/h) || 13,161 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.96 || 0.87 || 0.82 || 0.57
|-
|}

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

{{Notice
|'''IMPORTANT: This aircraft cannot carry flares.''' The countermeasure pods are AN/ALE-38/41 Chaff dispensers, which, unlike modern countermeasure pods or USN countermeasure systems, use neither a common calibre nor dispenser system as flares. The {{PAGENAME}} was never equipped with the AN/ALE-40 combined Chaff/Flare suite used on the [[F-4E Phantom II|F-4E]], nor the AN/ALE-29 chaff/flare dispenser used on the [[A-4 (Family)|A-4 Skyhawks]] and [[A-7 Corsair II (Family)|A-7 Corsairs]].
}}

* 12.7 mm armour plate behind the pilot.

Since the aircraft is so big, and has a considerable amount of interior space, gunfire will often pass through the empty innards of the aircraft. Single hits from 20 mm or 23 mm cannons such as the [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L]], [[Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.V]], and [[Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 0 (20 mm)|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 0]] will likely cause no damage other than slight damage to the wings or fuselage. Longer bursts with more hits will cause more serious damage that is likely to require repair at the airfield as soon as possible. Often, cannon bursts from the rear will destroy the engine and disable the tail control, forcing the pilot to bail out, but the wings, fuselage, and tail assembly will all stay attached to the plane until the aircraft slams into the ground. Theoretically, it is possible to control the aircraft entirely with flap input and throttle control without the elevator, but this requires almost ideal conditions that almost never occur. The {{PAGENAME}}, however, lends itself better to this than most aircraft, thanks to flaps that are large, tough, and durable, with rip speeds in excess of 800 km/h. The F-105's landing gear are also extremely durable, and due to their high height, allow slightly sharper and harder landing approaches than other aircraft, which can come in handy after shepherding a damaged aircraft back to base.

The {{PAGENAME}}'s tail control and elevators are particularly vulnerable to enemy fire, and even single hits that wouldn't even damage the fuselage or wings will likely cripple or seriously impair your tailplane. This is compounded by the fact that the {{PAGENAME}} has control cables for the tail in both the top and the bottom of the aircraft, and therefore is extremely vulnerable to enemy fire. Enemy missiles are almost guaranteed to destroy the tail control, wing control, or ignite the massive fuel tanks in the fuselage. {{PAGENAME}} pilots must take utmost care to dodge missiles or otherwise avoid confrontations where enemy missiles come into play, such as prolonged tail-chases in a target-rich environment.

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

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

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, nose-mounted (1,028 rpg)

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="15" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| 1 || 4 || 6 || 4 || 1
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| 1 || 4 || 6 || 4 || 1
|-
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
| 1 || 4 || 6 || 4 || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| 1 || 2 || 3 || 2 || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 Air (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[M118 (3,000 lb)|3,000 lb M118]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[BLU-27/B incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| 19 || 19 || || 19 || 19
|-
! [[AGM-12B Bullpup]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AGM-12C Bullpup]] missiles
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1, 2 || || || || 1, 2
|-
! [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]] missiles
| 2 || || || || 2
|-
! Chaff
| 192 || || || || 192
|-
| colspan="6" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 5,800 kg
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 16 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 16 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 16 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 9 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 3 x 3,000 lb M118 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 8 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 384 x chaff
{{Navigation-End}}

;Summary & Recommendations

The {{PAGENAME}} carries a range of bombs, but the payloads an {{PAGENAME}} pilot will often use are:

* 16 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (12,000 lb total)

:This payload is best for bombing bases. It takes seven M117 bombs to destroy a base at its BR, and with 16 bombs, dropping in 5 pairs of 2 and 6 individual drops, an {{PAGENAME}} can easily pickle off four pairs of bombs (8 total) before using the remaining ones to destroy another base, lighting the afterburner, and heading for home.

* 14 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (10,500 lb total)

:This payload is one of the best for bombing bases and then switching into an air-to-air role. The AIM-9E missiles are capable against aircraft that are slow, and useful for causing faster aircraft to manoeuvre to avoid them, forcing them to lose speed and giving you a chance to close the gap.

* 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x 3,000 lb M118 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (10,500 lb total)

:One of the single most effective payloads, this may be used as a substitute for the above payload if a pilot dislikes having to pickle off eight bombs individually, as now, with a single push of a button, two M118s come sliding off the rails. These two bombs combined are more than enough for a base, but are also effective in their own right as capture-point clearing bombs, or for destroying aircraft staying on the airfield near the end of a match. Campers beware!

* 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (4,500 lb total)

:Two heavy-duty bullpups and four Sidewinders make for a powerful punch against both ground and air targets. The M117s are there merely as additional ordnance, and may be jettisoned where necessary for a cleaner aircraft, or used against enemy targets.

[[File:F-105 in hangar.png|thumb|524x524px|Loaded for bear — an {{PAGENAME}} in the hangar, loaded with fourteen M117 demolition bombs, and four AIM-9Es on the outboard pylons. Note the size when compared to the ~1.8 metre-tall mechanics.]]
The LDGP Mark 82 500 lb bombs provided stock and the AGM-12B/Sidewinder combinations serve no purpose once spaded. The Mark 82 can quickly be replaced by the extremely effective M117, which bomb-for-bomb provides the most effective bombing option, since it carries the most TNT for its weight. In addition to this, the Thunderchief carries as many M117s as it does Mark 82s, and also has far more available ordnance options that pair M117s together with other weapons, such as Bullpups. The AGM-12B and Sidewinder/Chaff pod combinations allow for a maximum of two AGM-12Bs, a full rack of bombs on the centreline, and four AIM-9B/Es. Once the AGM-12C has been unlocked, carrying these combinations is useless, since the AGM-12C is superior in every metric, and given the limit on how many Bullpups can be carried with AIM-9s, it's more useful to carry the larger missile rather than the smaller one.

Something to consider is that more experienced players may find Mark 83 effectively redundant, as the M117s that precede them in the modifications menu carry nearly 210 kg of TNT equivalent, and the F-105 can carry more of them than Mark 83s. While at first, the Mk 83's additional 66 kg of TNT equivalent (for a total of 276 kg per thousand-pound bomb) may seem like an improvement, the M117 has nearly identical fragment dispersion/vehicle destruction radii, as well as only 7 mm less armour penetration. Coupled with the aircraft's ballistic computer for precision-bombing, experienced pilots shouldn't need the extra explosive mass to destroy a ground target, and since on a single hardpoint, the F-105 carries more M117s than Mark 83s (4-6 as opposed to 3 for the Mark 83), even novice pilots may find it easier to use the M117, since they have more M117s to drop. Pilots will also find it easier to acquire the M117 than the Mark 83 on this aircraft, as M117s are available as a Tier I modification, while Mark 83s are in Tier II, and the Thunderchief has far more Tier II modifications that should take a higher priority over the Mark 83, such as New Boosters or AIM-9Bs.

Chaff is not advisable for the {{PAGENAME}}. At this battle rating, the {{PAGENAME}} faces mostly IR missiles, and given its flight performance, pilots must rely on manoeuvring alone to defeat the [[AIM-9B]]s, [[AIM-9E]]s, [[R-3S]]s, and [[AIM-9G]]s that are typical to planes around its BR, as well as the occasional [[R-60]], [[AIM-9J]]/[[RB24J]], and rare [[AIM-7C Sparrow|AIM-7C]], [[AIM-7D]] and [[AIM-7E]] Sparrows that it can face from time to time. All of these missiles can be defeated with appropriate manoeuvring and avoidance of enemy aircraft, making chaff pods entirely redundant, and just something that takes up more space on a hard point that could be used by a bomb, missile, or rocket pod. However, in Ground RB, chaff may be useful in temporarily spoofing early missile and gun SPAA. That said, no SPAA at that BR is entirely radar-based, and most radar-based SPAAGs use their radar to determine only a target solution rather than guide any sort of weapon. For instance, the most common anti-aircraft missile systems in Ground RB — the [[Roland 1]], [[Type 93]], [[Ozelot]], [[2S6]], and [[XM1069]] — all use either IR guidance or a form of semi-active beam-riding guidance that completely ignores chaff.

Four AGM-12Bs is the maximum amount of guided ordnance that the {{PAGENAME}} can carry, if a pilot requires a lot of guided missiles to take out tanks in Ground RB. Due to the ballistic computer, it is often better to take bombs instead, since you can drop from higher up and on different flight profiles where enemy tanks and SPAAs do not expect air attack.

The Mighty Mouse FFARs that it receives are effective, but slightly underpowered compared to the [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|Zunis]], [[S-8KO|S-8s]], [[S-24]]s, [[S-25O|S-25s]] and [[psrak m/70|13.5 cm m/70]] that other similar aircraft in and around its battle rating receive. The LAU-3s cannot be used with AIM-9Es, bombs, or any other payloads outside of either on their own or with chaff. This makes bringing FFARs a sub-par option compared to other ordnance options already available for the F-105D Thunderchief.

== Usage in battles ==

The F-105 is an extremely versatile aircraft. Used in a bombing role, typically designated by either "A for Attack" or "B for Bomber", the F-105 in fact excels at both air-to-ground and air-to-air roles, though the aircraft is typically less successful in the latter than the former.

=== Against air targets ===
While the F-105 is classified as an attacker, the aircraft lends itself well to air-to-air work. The aircraft, however, requires basic knowledge on how to fly jets in energy-fighting manoeuvres. Its armament, size, and speed lend it well to destroying enemy targets by pressing its sheer advantage in speed — not many aircraft at its battle rating exceed Mach 1.1 in level flight, and even less while still having a sizeable payload onboard.

[[File:F-105 Turning And Burning.mp4|thumb|F-105 in a sustained ~11-12G turn at sea level.]]

'''On the offensive'''

The F-105's best advantage is in its speed and considerably powerful engine. The aircraft has good energy retention and turning performance at speed, thanks to the nuclear toss-bombing flight profile that the aircraft was designed for. The F-105 does not have any issue with using this ability to loop rapidly at high speed in the vertical by turning quickly and at high Gs in the horizontal. Managing around 12Gs in a sustained turn beginning at Mach 1.0, the F-105 has performance entirely unexpected from a single-engined attacker of its size at its battle rating. F-105Ds also possess strengthened wing spars that earlier variants did not, and unlike said earlier variants, will not tear its wings in sustained manoeuvres very easily. Managing up to 13Gs, and up to fourteen Gs in rare cases, the F-105's large, strong wings grant it energy retention in addition to roll rate, and the swept-wing construction makes it one of the faster-accelerating aircraft at its battle rating- more than enough to match more nimble [[MiG-19 (Family)|MiG-19s]] and [[MiG-21 (Family)|MiG-21s]] at certain speeds.

The F-105 has the option to carry four AIM-9s of either the [[AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9B]] or [[AIM-9E]] type. While these missiles are unimpressive in terms of performance when compared to the [[R.550]] or [[R-60]] that this aircraft faces, they are nonetheless useful. The AIM-9E is a direct upgrade to the AIM-9B that includes a wider seeker FOV thanks to the seeker's ability to uncage and track a target slightly before launch, making it more useful than the AIM-9B in a dogfight. However, the most useful air-to-air asset by far is the gun, which has a generous supply of ammunition available to it. Most F-105 air-to-air victories in Vietnam were made with the gun, and the same holds true in-game. You'll find that many enemies don't expect fast opposition coming back at them from the direction that their airfield is in, which is where you'll be after letting off your bombloads and presumably evading detection by the enemy until that point. Since the aircraft can manage above average speed, pilots will find the F-105 attuned to the doctrine of energy fighting. However, they will also find that the F-105 can turn with its enemies where necessary, and accelerate to regain speed rapidly afterwards, meaning that using turns, loops and otherwise engaging in a dogfight may sometimes be more desirable than simple boom-and-zoom methods. However, F-105 pilots should remember that the aircraft is not designed to get into close-in dogfights. Making mistakes, such as bleeding too much energy, will only turn the F-105D into a slow, large target to be easily hit in a furball engagement.

'''On the defensive'''

The {{PAGENAME}} is extremely survivable. The size of the aircraft means that the aircraft can shrug off damage to its airframe and wings easily and keep flying, and it is easy to glide back to base when out of fuel or damaged. The Thud has a chance to put out fires in its spinal fuel tanks, but due to its position above the engine, if the rear fuel tank gets set on fire, the engine will likely burn down with it. However, the {{PAGENAME}} is good at gliding home and back to base even when the engine is down or after sustaining heavy damage. The pilot lacks protection from the front and sides, and the aircraft lacks any sort of protection for fuel tanks, engine, control cables and control surfaces, unlike its well-armoured stablemate, the A-7 Corsair II. The aircraft can lose a wingtip and a tail fin, but still make it home to base and glide in for a landing. The gears are extremely durable and lend themselves well to rough landing, and the high ground clearance allows the aircraft a better chance of avoiding a tail strike in a high-speed landing.

The size of the aircraft is a double-edged sword, as enemy missiles are almost guaranteed to go off when in proximity to the aircraft. Dodging high-G missiles can become a hassle as while rolling the aircraft and jinking are the most effective methods of taking missiles off your tail, they also increase the surface area that is presented to the proxy fuse. Smaller, more manoeuvrable missiles such as [[R-60]]s and [[SRAAM]]s have an extremely slim chance to detonate even after you appear to have "dodged" it since the proximity fuse is still live after the missile loses its lock.

All of these pale in comparison to its speed, roll rate, and acceleration. Few aircraft possess the {{PAGENAME}}'s aptitude for speed. Only higher-BR aircraft it sees in full uptiers, such as the [[MiG-21SMT]] and the [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]], [[F-104 (Family)|F-104 Starfighters]] and [[F-4F Early|F-4F(e)s]] have the ability to keep up with it. Speed is a form of protection in and of itself, since the {{PAGENAME}} can simply jettison its ordnance and run away from whatever it doesn't want to face. However, loading heavy payloads like the bombs required to destroy bases leech away at its speed, and thus speed is only really an option when running the aircraft with AIM-9Es only, or completely clean.

Thanks to the roll rate, the F-105D is able to quickly roll to dodge enemy gunfire, and also enemy missiles. The latter is essential, given the fact that the F-105D never carried any flares, and will never receive flares due to never carrying any such countermeasures in real life. A basic manoeuvre to avoid air-to-air missiles is a snap roll, with or without afterburner, performed by pitching up and rolling/yawing into the same direction. This will cause the aircraft to begin a high-G barrel roll that can reach up to 14Gs, and is effective at losing even the trickiest of opponents. Less advanced air-to-air missiles can be dodged by just turning a little, and given that high-G barrel rolls bleed speed from the aircraft, it's important to know the range and performance envelopes of the enemy aircraft before picking your manoeuvre — turn, high-g barrel roll, or simply levelling off and out-speeding the missile.

=== Against ground targets ===
While the {{PAGENAME}} can carry up to four air-to-ground guided missiles, it can only do this with four AGM-12Bs. This load is hardly optimal, particularly since with the ballistic computer, bombs might be far more effective anyhow. The {{PAGENAME}} does get AGM-12Cs, but only two of them. Keep in mind that with this payload, you cannot carry AIM-9Es for self-defense, nor chaff for spoofing radar. While still able to destroy ground targets, this payload's effectiveness is sometimes questionable in the face of the other payloads this versatile aircraft is capable of carrying. When carrying AIM-9Es or chaff pods, the amount of air-to-ground missiles that the aircraft is able to carry drops to two. The aircraft can only carry two AGM-12s and AIM-9Es with bombs, meaning that using combined loads of AGM-12Bs and missiles/chaff is entirely moot once AGM-12Cs are unlocked and available to the player. The {{PAGENAME}} lacks any fire-and-forget air-to-ground ordnance, as well as any kind of good stand-off ordnance to use against SPAAs. This means that aircraft is vulnerable to enemy SPAA armaments since novice pilots will have to fly low in order to use the bombs, the AGM-12s require constant attention to hit moving targets, and the aircraft lacks any sort of standoff ordnance to use against AAA while staying at an appreciable distance away.

The {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with a full range of ballistic computer functionality. The Constantly Computed Impact Point (CCIP) function helps show the pilot where bombs and rockets will go when released. The Constantly Computed Release Point (CCRP) function that uses the powerful onboard radar system to paint a target on the ground, and it gives the pilot an alert when "release authority" is handed over at a point where if the bomb is dropped, the projectile will hit the target selected. The CCRP system is effective at any altitude, but requires the pilot to have good timing and knowledge of the system being used. The CCIP system is also useable from most altitudes, but is most effective in dives below 1,000 m altitude, meaning that the pilot will have to fly low, exposing themselves to enemy fire as a result. While this is not usually a problem in Air RB, in Ground RB, where ground-based Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) is present, the aircraft is particularly vulnerable to radar-assisted gun AAA, enemy IR/beam-riding SAMs, and main cannons. Despite this vulnerability, the aircraft is extremely tough and survivable. AI anti-aircraft fire will often only be a minor annoyance, and player-launched surface-to-air missiles can be either dodged or avoided with clever tactics and positioning. In addition to that, the aircraft's size means that sometimes, bullets and shells will only hit non-essential components, such as the large, empty bomb bay for nuclear bombs in the centre of the plane.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good acceleration
* High top speed
* Effective control authority at speeds in excess of ~700 km/h
* Takeoff flaps have a high rip speed (~823 km/h)
* Powerful M61 Vulcan cannon with large ammo pool
* Excellent range of ground attack payloads with a ballistic computer
* Can be equipped with 4 x AIM-9E air-to-air missiles
* Has a radar with IFF capabilities and a fast search rate

'''Cons:'''

* High stall speed makes manoeuvring and landing at slow speeds difficult
* Countermeasures only include chaff and will replace AAMs if equipped
* Extremely high fuel consumption on afterburner: requires careful management of fuel on minimum or 20 minutes fuel load
* Maneuverability and overall flight performance significantly suffers with a full bombload
* Has no flares, which make this plane very susceptible to IR guided missiles

== History ==
[[File:RF-84F.jpg|thumb|A USAF Thunderflash, somewhere over the continental US.]]
The F-105 Thunderchief is an American supersonic fighter-bomber that served during the Vietnam war. Originally an advanced derivative of the RF-84F, the F-105 was a large attack aircraft designed for both nuclear and conventional strike. F-105s would see extensive service in Vietnam as the USAF's primary attack aircraft until high loss rates forced it to be retired from active service. A total of 833 aircraft were built.

The Thunderchief comes from an illustrious family of aircraft, all developed by Seversky, which later would become Republic Aviation. Starting from the early P-35, the aircraft later evolved into the [[P-43A-1|P-43]], an early propeller aircraft developed into the far larger and more powerful [[P-47 (Family)|P-47 Thunderbolt]]. As the Jet Age approached, the P-47 was converted to Jet Propulson, and the [[F-84 (Family)]] was born out of that conversion, beginning with early models such as [[F-84B-26|F-84Bs]]. These were found to be severely underpowered, and the later extended-fuselage F-84E and [[F-84G-21-RE|F-84G]] added a more powerful and more reliable J-35 turbojet. Soon afterwards, the F-84 would be given swept wings, and a much-improved engine, and this design work was laid out the basis for what would eventually become the F-105 Thunderchief.

[[File:AP-63.jpg|thumb|Concept art by Republic of Advanced Project Nº 63.]]

;A Repurposed Thunderflash: The F-105's Origins

The F-105 originated as an internal project of the RF-84F Thunderflash photo-reconnaissance aircraft, featuring the same wing-mounted engine intake system. First begun in 1951, initial design work resembled an enlarged RF-84 with an integral bomb bay in the middle of the aircraft. [[F-84G-21-RE|F-84Gs]] in Tactical Air Command service had been the first fighter aircraft in the world able to carry nuclear bombs, and the first aircraft able to conduct in-flight refuelling- and one of the scant few aircraft designed to be able to refuel by both probe-and-drogue and boom systems. However, this aircraft had merely only been an interim while TAC waited for the [[F-84F]] to enter production, and as such, it was based on a previous variant- the F-84E, but also incorporated many of the technologies expected to be on the F-variant. While the E/G variants closely resembled the [[F-84B-26|F-84B]] in general shape, the F-84F was a radical departure, incorporating a high sweepback and more hardpoints for increased weapons carriage. The RF-84F was an even more radical departure from the previously established F-84 formula, including wing root intakes and a rounded nose for the cameras that it was required to carry in its photoreconnaissance role. While the F-84G/F enjoyed success in Korea and in peacetime European service, Republic Aviation started a new project for a much-improved aircraft based on the RF-84F's design work. Incorporating the same nose shape but with a radar inside, an enlarged centre-section capable of internally carrying a nuclear bomb, and incorporating the same wing-root intakes, the aircraft design called "Advanced Project Nº 63" (AP-63) resembled a much-enlarged RF-84.

;Teething Problems & Shattering Expectations: The F-105's Early Years

The F-105B entered service with the USAF in August of 1958. The aircraft was also snapped up by the Thunderbirds, who desired a high-speed, high performance aircraft for their team, but tragedy struck in their first live show performed with the Thud when one of their aircraft simply exploded mid-air. Contracts for low-rate initial production were awarded to Republic in 1952 and 1953 for a total of 199 aircraft, with initial delivery scheduled for 1955. However, shifting requirements for the aircraft resulted in the project being delayed and contracts being cancelled until a solid contract was signed in February 1955 for 15 aircraft. These 15 aircraft were for two "YF-105A" evaluation aircraft, three "RF-105B" reconnaissance aircraft, and ten production "F-105Bs". In a testament to the survivability of the aircraft that would be proven later in combat, the first F-105B's landing gear failed to extend during the end of its first flight due to suction that kept the gear bay doors sealed shut. The pilot had to belly in, which he did with considerable skill, and funnily enough, when he walked away from the aircraft, the Thunderchief belatedly popped its landing-gear doors open. The aircraft in question was repaired and back in the air within six weeks. The USAF Tactical Air Command (TAC) had a full squadron of Thunderchiefs in service by mid-1959. On 11 December 1959, Brigadier General Joseph Moore, commander of the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing, set a world speed record of 1,958.53 km/h (1,216 mph) over a 100 km closed course in an F-105B. The F-105D variant began to supplant and replace F-105Bs in frontline units between 1960 and 1965. During testing in June of 1961, the F-105 delivered 7 tons of bombs, the largest bombload ever carried by a single-engine fighter. In the spring of 1964, the Thunderbirds, looking for a new high-performance jet to replace their F-100As, chose the F-105B as their mount. After modifying the aircraft to suit their needs, including strengthening the airframe, the F-105 would go on to perform in only 6 airshows before being pulled out of their service in favour of F-100s. During the final airshow, in a "pitch up" manoeuvre, an F-105 piloted by Cpt. Gene Devlins simply disintegrated mid-air after entering the pitch-up, forcing the Air Force to re-evaluate the Thunderchief's use by the acrobatics team, subsequently replacing their F-105Bs with [[F-100D|F-100D Super Sabres]] once more. F-105Bs would be entirely retired by the end of 1965, and the much-improved F-105D would replace them, which also incorporated strengthened wing spars. Project ''Look Alike'' would endeavour to fix problems with the routing of wires, mechanical cables and hydraulics piping, and would be implemented in 1962-1964 on the Thunderchief fleet, just in time for their combat service in Vietnam.[[File:Thunderbirds-F105-diamond.jpg|thumb|Thud Thunderbirds: F-105Bs in diamond formation in service with the Thunderbirds during its brief stint in their service in '64.]]
[[File:F-105D in flight with bombs.jpg|thumb|An F-105D in flight over Vietnam with a full load of 750 lb bombs.]]

;Rolling into Combat: Operation Rolling Thunder & Vietnam

The F-105 would soon see active combat in the Vietnam war, where it served as the USAF's primary attack aircraft. The F-105s would eventually fly over 20,000 combat missions in Vietnam, and despite its large and unwieldy airframe, shoot down 27 Vietnamese MiGs. 24 of these aircraft were shot down using the F-105's internal Vulcan cannon.

However, F-105s in Vietnam suffered from an extremely high loss rate. The F-105 had the unfortunate distinction of being the only American aircraft to have been removed from combat due to high loss rates, being replaced in its ground attack role by the [[F-4E Phantom II|F-4]] Phantom II and F-111 Aardvark. Of 833 total F-105s produced, 382 aircraft were lost, 17 to enemy fighters, but mostly to ground anti-aircraft fire and maintenance issues. This loss rate, however, is less indicative of the aircraft's ability, but more a testament to doctrine and the aircraft's environment. The F-105 was the most-used aircraft during Operation Rolling Thunder- even more so than the F-4C that had only recently entered service. Given that the aircraft flew the most sorties, it was also the aircraft that would, naturally, take the most loss numbers. Due to the rate at which aircraft were being thrown into the Vietnamese Air Defenses, the aircraft suffered correspondingly high losses to the point that the US Air Force contemplated restarting the F-105 production line in Farmingdale, Long Island, but ultimately decided against it, as there were no export customers for the aircraft, and there were replacements just over the horizon- including the results of the TFX program, the soon-to-be-famous F-111.

Ground anti-aircraft fire was an inevitable part of flying into an air defence system. Designed to fly low and fast attack profiles, with not many provisions for high-altitude bombing, the F-105 needed to dive-bomb its targets with conventional bombs, with the pilot required to keep the target in sight of a depressible mil sight in the cockpit at all times. This resulted in pilots being forced into low, slow, and fatally predictable flight profiles when entering a bomb drop. The arc that the F-105s would fly in order to get close in to the target was an extremely easy target for Vietnamese anti-aircraft gunners. While the "Thunderstick-II" upgrade, developed in the late 60s, would allow the F-105 to bomb its targets from higher up using a set of new avionics that went in a spinal bulge (much like the [[MiG-21SMT|MiG-21SMT's]] spine fuel tank), these aircraft, mostly older D-5 and D-10 models, would never see combat, and the upgrades were deemed too costly to roll out to the entire remaining number of F-105s available, which were all soon to retire.

The most common issues were related to the F-105's J75 engine, which simply had not been designed for missions in the envelopes that the F-105s were expected to fly, burning at full military for extended periods of time without overhaul. Since the F-105 had been designed with the Tactical Nuclear Strike role in mind, with its afterburners on full in what was essentially a one-way suicide mission, it had been designed to be the fastest thing flying with a nuclear bomb inside the ventral bomb bay. The J75 had not been designed with long operating hours in mind, since the expectation had been that it would be used a few times in combat prior to being either shot down, disposed of, or otherwise never used again. This resulted in many issues with the jet blade, including cracks in the compressor blades that turned the inside of the engine into a mess of hot metal where the fragmenting blades would shatter, spreading fragments backwards into the engine as they went, causing what appeared to the pilot as a mere engine fire, but was only the precursor to a violent explosion when the fragmenting blades set fire to the initially completely unprotected fuel tanks.

The fuel tanks had been another oversight in the F-105's design- the initial flight profile of low-altitude tactical nuclear strike did not have high projected survivability rates, and for the sake of speed and also the fact that the F-105 wasn't likely to return anyway, the aircraft's massive fuselage fuel tanks, arranged above the engine and bomb bay, were not self sealing. Many flak and SAM losses due to fires stemmed from the punctured fuel tanks leaking fuel all over the hot J75 engine, resulting in the aircraft burning down in flight. Upgrades to the fuel tank, including the addition of self-sealing liners, managed to somewhat rectify the issue, but never completely- no upgrade save for a complete redesign or an entirely new design would solve the issue that the F-105's entire internal fuel load was carried in tanks that were mounted in the top of the fuselage and above the engine.

Another issue encountered was that the sudden loss of hydraulic oil pressure resulted in the tailplane locking into a "pitch down" position, as well as losing the Stability Augmentation system, a vital component of such a large, heavy aircraft that allowed pilots to keep it under control. A switch was later added to mechanically lock the F-105's tailplane into a stable, "neutral" position, but again, this was only a partial fix- the hydraulics issue would never really be overcome throughout its service life.

;Sunset Service

Aircraft of the F-105G "Wild Weasel" suppression of enemy air defence (SEAD) variant remained in service until the end of the Vietnam war, after which they were replaced by the F-4G Wild Weasel IV. F-105s grew increasingly difficult to maintain in the 1970s, resulting in their accelerated retirement. The last F-105Ds in South-East Asia left by 1970, before Operation Linebacker began, and twin-seat F-105Fs and Gs would soldier on into the 80s before retiring. The final flight of any F-105 was by the Air Force Reserve 466th Tactical Fighter Squadron, in 1984, and afterwards, the F-105 slipped quietly into retirement. Most F-105s had their tails sliced off by guillotine to prevent their use elsewhere. 105 complete F-105 airframes are known to survive into this day, though none remain airworthy, and are mostly in the continental US, though a few remain in places like Nellis, McConnel, Kadena and Spangdahlem as monuments to when Thuds were deployed to those bases. The rest are in museums and other such places to live the rest of their lives out as retired warbirds.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-105d Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|4H9GuHPLOcs|'''The Shooting Range #283''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [https://www.avialogs.com/aircraft-r/republic/item/5054-f-105d-thunderchief-standard-aircraft-characteristics-16-july-1959 <nowiki>[Avialogs]</nowiki> Standard Aircraft Characteristics of the F-105D]

=== References ===

* National Air and Space Museum. (n.d.). "Republic F-105D Thunderchief". Smithsonian. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from <nowiki>https://www.si.edu/object/republic-f-105d-thunderchief%3Anasm_A19820064000</nowiki>
* Swopes, B. (2021, August 10). "10 August 1961". This Day in Aviation. Retrieved December 24, 2021, from <nowiki>https://www.thisdayinaviation.com/10-august-1961/</nowiki>

{{AirManufacturer Republic}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

T-80U

2024-09-16T19:08:56Z

U136998922: /* Mobility */

{{About
| about = Soviet medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = T-80 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_t_80u
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}_TVD.jpg|T-80U WebsiteImage 1.jpg|T-80U WebsiteImage 2.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].

The T-80U is an all-round upgrade to the [[T-80B]] and one of the most advanced MBTs fielded by the Soviet Union. With a new turret and Kontakt-5 ERA, it visually distances itself from its T-64 ancestors and boasts hefty protection against both chemical and kinetic rounds. The engine power has been improved by about 14% and the resulting power-to-weight ratio matches contemporary NATO tanks like the [[Leopard 2A4]] and [[IPM1]]. The firepower has also kept up with the times because of its top 3BM46 APFSDS and 9M119 ATGM. The combination of good armour, low profile, high mobility, and a punchy gun make the T-80U a versatile tank that doesn't leave very much to be desired. The post-penetration survivability and reverse speed could still be better, but Soviet tankers will be used to these flaws by now and the latter is still much better than on the T-64s and T-72s.

Fans of the T-80U will be happy with with the succeeding [[T-80BVM]], a upgrade of the [[T-80B]] with even more advanced ERA and ammunition to cap off the T-64/80 tech tree line.

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

The armour protection of the {{PAGENAME}} is adequate, especially if the incoming round hits one of the KONTAKT-5 ERA plates while newer shells such as the DM53 can still frontally penetrate the hull armour at close range. The strongest parts of the tank are the turret front and a majority of the upper front plate. It does, however, have some weaker areas, the most important being the driver's hatch, the immediate areas of the turret surrounding the gun and its breech, and its lower frontal plate. These weak spots are however pretty small targets at range, and thus by hiding them properly, the risk of being hit can be minimized. Owing to its very low profile, a hull-down T-80U is a small target in itself; the weaker parts of its armour are even smaller.

Fuel tanks on either side of the driver cannot soak up some shrapnel as recent changes have added fuel explosions, and these tanks detonate dramatically. As with all Russian auto-loaded MBTs, there are only three crew members so a well-placed shot is capable of causing a crew knock-out. It's also worth noting that the placement of the ammo rack, below the turret in a carousel-style setup, leaves the T-80U particularly vulnerable to side shots causing ammunition detonation. The protection of the T-80U is very similar to the T-64B in terms of the size and placement of the weak areas. The sides of your tank should always be protected, and when engaging an enemy, your front armour should always be aligned directly towards him to reduce the risks of a shot penetrating your weaker side. The tank does, however, have some KONTAKT-5 ERA on its upper front skirts, meaning that you have some extra protection against kinetic penetrators, and a lot against chemical shells, until the ERA bricks are detonated (leaving the area vulnerable for another hit).

As mentioned above, the T-80U also benefits from the typical low silhouette Russian tankers will be accustomed to, with the vehicle being significantly smaller than its competitors. This allows the T-80U to be hidden behind small terrain deformities which other MBTs would otherwise be visible. It's also harder for an enemy tank commander to immediately tell which area is the most vulnerable. But armour cannot be relied on in any circumstance, the tank is no longer new, and weaknesses are well known. Most tankers will have a steady aim at hitting weak spots even on the move.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,937|rbMinHp=1,106}}

The mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} is actually much better than that of the [[T-80B]], despite the U model weighing three tons more. This is thanks to the improved engine mounted in the {{PAGENAME}} which has a stock engine power of 1,106 hp, going up to 1,250 hp once the appropriate modules have been researched. It has a maximum speed of 70 km/h (43 mph) forward and -11 km/h (-6.8 mph) in reverse. The one downside is the traverse in neutral, taking around 19 seconds for a full 360° spin, but this can be greatly reduced if the tank is already in at least in 3rd gear.

As with most Russian MBTs, the reverse speed (-11 km/h (-6.8 mph)) does leave the tank vulnerable in situations where a fast retreat would be preferable. The commander should always be aware of his immediate surroundings and have a plan to get out of the area in case of a debilitating hit.

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

The T-80U has two night vision modifications. The first modification "NVD" grants access to an image intensifier for each crew member. The second modification "NVD Upgrade" replaces the gunner's image intensifier with a thermal imager.

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

[[File:T-80U No.864 in Vietnam.jpg|400px|thumb|right|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' No.864 engaged in combat in Vietnam]]
{{main|2A46M-1 (125 mm)}}

The T-80U is armed with the same 125 mm cannon found in the [[T-80B]], with its 3BM46 "Svinets" round proving adequately competitive against other Rank VII offerings (The 3BM42 round has lost quite a bit of its luster however, and struggles with some of the more heavily armoured opponents at range, and lacks reliable post pen effect). As with previous vehicles of the family, the main gun is auto-loaded, so the loss of a crew member or an engine fire does not affect the loading times and the 6.5-second loading speed is competitive when compared to the 120 mm guns on the Leopard 2A5 and M1A1 Abrams. One notable perk of the auto-loader mechanism is that the gun will be reloaded even if the gunner is knocked out, if you're fighting a fire, or repairing. It does however also come with the drawbacks of a reload time that cannot be improved, the large ammo carousel concentric with the turret, and the chance of a single penetrating shot detonating the ammo racks. Another thing to note, since update 1.97 if the tanks battery runs out of power, the autoloader will not function and the cannon will need to be manually loaded, which is a much slower process.

Like with the T-80B and T-64B, the T-80U can launch missiles out of its gun. Unlike the previous two vehicles though, it gets the upgraded 9M119 which has 700 mm of penetration compared to the previous ATGM's 650 mm penetration. These ATGMs can prove useful for shooting over hills to hit a hiding enemy or to engage helicopters or low-flying aircraft.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[2A46M-1 (125 mm)|125 mm 2A46M-1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
!Autoloader
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 6.50
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
The 3BK18M HEAT shell is the stock ammunition, along the 3OF26 HE shell. The HE can deal overpressure damage even to enemy MBTs if carefully aimed at the turret roof or frontal deck. The researchable 3BM46 APFSDS and 9M119 ATGM prove powerful and can be used against tanks and helicopters alike.

{{:2A46M-1 (125 mm)/Ammunition|3BK18M, 3OF26, 3BM42, 9M119 (T-80), 3BM46}}

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

{| 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
! 7th rack empty
! 8th rack empty
! 9th rack empty
! 10th rack empty*
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''45''' || style="text-align:right" | ''Projectiles'' ''Propellants'' || 45 ''(+0)'' 45 ''(+0)'' || 44 ''(+1)'' 44 ''(+1)'' || 43 ''(+2)'' 43 ''(+2)'' || 38 ''(+7)'' 41 ''(+4)'' || 37 ''(+8)'' 39 ''(+6)'' || 34 ''(+11)'' 38 ''(+7)'' || 31 ''(+14)'' 37 ''(+8)'' || 30 ''(+15)'' 30 ''(+15)'' || 29 ''(+16)'' 29 ''(+16)'' || 1 ''(+44)'' 1 ''(+44)'' || No
|-
|}
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|Ammo racks of the {{PAGENAME}}.]]
The T-80U main ammo rack consists of a mechanized carousel at the bottom of the turret which carries 28 propellants and projectiles.

'''Notes''':

* The {{PAGENAME}} uses two-piece ammunition, composed of projectiles (yellow) and propellant bags (orange). Both have separate racks.
* Projectiles and propellants are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
* The 10th Rack is the carousel at the bottom of the turret; it serves as First-Stage ammo stowage.

==== Optics and night vision ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
|-
! rowspan="3" |Type of optic
! rowspan="3" |Magnification
! colspan="5" |[[Night Vision Devices]]
|-
! colspan="3" |Image Intensifier
! rowspan="2" |{{Annotation|Thermal Imager Resolution|The higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image is}}
! rowspan="2" |Notes
|-
! {{Annotation|Resolution|The higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image is}}
! {{Annotation|Light Mult|By how much the image intensifier amplifies the existing light, primarily useful for comparing image intensifiers}}
! {{Annotation|Noise Level|How much noise is present in the image (how grainy the image is)}}
|-
! Gunner's Sight
| X2.7 - X12 || 1600 x 1200 || 9.0 || High || 500 x 300 || Thermal imager unlocked by "NVD Upgrade" mod (tier 4), replaces image intensifier.
|-
! Commander's View
| X6 || 1600 x 1200 || 9.0 || High || Not Fitted || Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" mod (tier 3)
|-
! Driver's View
| X1 || 1600 x 1200 || 5.0 || High || Not Fitted || Image intensifier unlocked by "NVD" mod (tier 3)
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Night_Vision_Devices#Infrared_Spotlights|IR Searchlight]]
|-
! Max Range
! Beam Width
! Location / Notes
|-
| 1,400 m || 8.2° || Searchlight mounted on turret front, just right of the gun. Light moves up and down with main gun.
|-
|}

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

{{main|NSVT (12.7 mm)|PKT (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[NSVT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm NSVT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 500 (100) || 700 || -5°/+60° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[PKT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm PKT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,250 (250) || 700 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


Learning to use terrain to hide the lower front plate and hull if possible is key to surviving. Like any other tank at the top rank, do not let enemies see your side armour. This is especially true for the T-64/T-80 line since their ammo is stored vertically and makes it very easy to hit. Since the Russian MBTs are relatively small, you can also use teammates as cover.

The {{PAGENAME}} is a fantastic sniper due to the great penetration and thick turret, so that is also a viable option as long as you keep your eyes open on your flanks. The most dangerous enemy to the {{PAGENAME}} are helicopters, although the CONTACT-5 will usually protect against one missile. However, it is still ERA, and will be blown off after it is detonated. Since the interior of the tank is so compact, this makes it easy for good pilots to knock you out in 2-3 rapid missile shots. To avoid helicopters, stay close to buildings or hide next to trees/large bushes and wait for an anti-air vehicle or plane to take it out. Or use the ATGM or range finder to shoot down the enemy yourself.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Effective armour against KE and chemical munitions. The CONTACT-5 ERA mounted to the tank's frontal arc and turret means that even helicopter-launched ATGMs may fail to penetrate
* Varied and powerful ammunition available, from stock HEAT and HE to APFSDS and ATGM.
* Accurate and high muzzle velocity gun combined with the laser rangefinder provides easy long-range gameplay
* Autoloader provider a steady reload time in any situation
* Nimble tank for its size and tonnage - a fully upgraded T-80U is much more responsive than the T-80B.
* Low silhouette, a hull-down T-80U is hard to spot and harder to hit

'''Cons:'''

* Rather "easy to hit" weak spots at close medium ranges - some of them leading to turret kill or ammo detonation
* Vertical gaps between ERA plates are many small weak spots
* The cramped interior, with the crew placed tightly together, means that the tank is easily disabled if a shot penetrates
* Ammo detonation hazard from side shots due to the vertical ammunition carousel in the centre of the hull
* Spare ammunition is distributed around the hull and turret and increases the chance of ammo detonation
* Relatively low reverse speed and lack of neutral steering, makes it hard to fall back when flanked or damaged
* Poor gun depression of -5° due to the low turret height, makes it difficult to shoot over hills and other obstacles, especially on rough terrain

== History ==

Work on improving the existing T-80 MBT begun as early as the mid-1970s with the design bureau in Leningrad. Here, developers were responsible for the production of the T-80 and started working on a joint project to further enhance the T-80's capabilities.

In the early 1980s, the first prototypes were being built and after extensive testing and design tweaking, the new tank was considered ready for production. The resultant tank was accepted by the Soviet military under the designation T-80U.

The T-80U received turret and upper frontal enhancements as part of its new construction along with being equipped with a second generation ERA protection system known as Kontakt-5. In contrast to the previous generation of dynamic protection, Kontakt-5 increased the tank's protection against HEAT ''and'' armour-piercing shells. The modifications also affected the armament of the tank - the T-80U is equipped with a new 1A45 fire control system and Reflex ATGM, which used more advanced 9M119 guided missiles. Subsequently, the tank was equipped with a new, more powerful GTD-1250 gas turbine engine which helped compensate for the increased weight of the vehicle and improved its dynamics.

The T-80U had been factory produced in Leningrad in 1987, but in 1989, its production was moved to Omsk. Work on upgrading the T-80 was carried out in Kharkov, but there, they constructed their own vehicle equipped with a diesel engine, which was designated 'T-80UD'. The latter would evolve into further developed Ukrainian derivatives of the T-80.

T-80Us served with the Soviet military until the collapse of the Soviet Union in the late 1980s and have since continued serving with the Union's successor states to this day. The vehicle also saw service abroad with some other countries as well, primarily with South Korea and Cyprus. Overall, around 700 T-80Us have been produced since 1985, but this vehicle has yet to be put into any actual combat situations.

''- From [[wt:en/news/6051-development-t-80u-making-contact-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_t_80u Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|3BbIiDovPPk|'''The Shooting Range #139''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:35 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|p6cWlyUnJQA|'''Top 7 off-road beasts''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:04 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


* ␙T-80U - ([[wt:en/news/6286-esport-war-thunder-youtube-cup-results-en|YouTube Cup 2019]] prize)

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6051-development-t-80u-making-contact-en|[Devblog] T-80U: Making Contact]]

{{TankManufacturer Kirov}}
{{USSR medium tanks}}
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]