War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

F-104A (China)

2021-10-07T19:40:12Z

U14047958: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-104 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-104a_china
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

This early interceptor model of the F-104 Starfighter, identical to the [[F-104A|US F-104A]] is a very different aircraft from the [[F-100A (China)|ROCAF F-100A]] that precedes it. The thin and pencil-shaped F-104 has excellent speed, acceleration, and climb for its battle rating but horrid turning capabilities at low speeds. The missile armament of two AIM-9B Sidewinders is disappointing, but it at least has a nifty M61 Vulcan rotary cannon that can dispatch enemies in a quick burst. Pilots who adhere to strict boom-and-zoom tactics can take advantage of the F-104's high performance compared to its contemporaries. Succeeding this aircraft is the improved [[F-104G (China)|ROCAF F-104G]], which boasts further improved performance and vastly superior payload options.

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


The F-104A has a lower top speed than the later Starfighter models but is still capable of reaching about twice the speed of sound. The acceleration and climb are very good and the F-104A should be able to achieve an altitude and speed advantage over its close competitors. Horizontal energy retention and vertical energy retention are both good, allowing the F-104A to escape easily after making a pass. The elephant in the room is the substandard turning ability due to the tiny wings shared by all Starfighters. At low speeds, the turn rate is agonizing and flaps are not of much help. At high speeds, the turn rate becomes more bearable, but still not good. Manoeuvring energy retention is also unimpressive, though the effects may not be immediately obvious due to the low turn rate. The roll rate is very good and is important to utilize when making defensive manoeuvres.

{| 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
| 2,105 || 2,089 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.4 || 33.0 || 190.8 || 182.7 || rowspan="2" | 1,180
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,196 || 2,149 || 31.6 || 32.0 || 251.6 || 220.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 827 || 444 || ~13 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || 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" | General Electric J79-GE-3 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,182 kg || colspan="3" | 513 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel
|-
| 1,615 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 6,985 kg || 7,617 kg || 8,335 kg || 8,859 kg || 24,000 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
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,936 kgf || 6,061 kgf
| 0.87 || 0.80 || 0.73 || 0.68 || 0.25
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 3,936 kgf (0 km/h) || 7,751 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.11 || 1.02 || 0.93 || 0.87 || 0.32
|-
|}

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


The F-104A is not equipped with any armour plating, and is therefore rather vulnerable to enemy fire, especially given the fact that most enemies at this rank sport high-calibre cannons. Since the plane's wings are so small, any damage to them at all drastically reduces stability and manoeuvrability, and may result in a crash. All of the vehicle's fuel tanks are centrally located, so fuel fires are unlikely to occur. However, the engine is very large, so it is very likely that it will sustain heavy damage if the vehicle is fired upon.

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

The pilot should focus first on researching the ''Fuselage'' ''repair'' and the ''AIM-9B'' modifications. After that, it is recommended to research the remaining ''Flight performance'' modules before moving on to the ''Survivability'' modules.

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

{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, fuselage-mounted (750 rpg)

The M61 Vulcan is a powerful gatling cannon. A quick and accurate burst can send targets into flames and the incredible rate of fire allows for some spray-and-pray, which is especially helpful considering how difficult it can be to get guns on target in this aircraft. But it has several drawbacks: first, the gun needs to spool up momentarily before it will fire, and second, the ammunition supply of 750 rounds will be depleted in no time if fired continuously. The former makes tap firing the gun to conserve ammunition a difficult affair but the latter means that holding down the trigger is not optimal either—certainly an awkward situation! New pilots can be afford to be somewhat more trigger-happy as they get used to the gun.

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

{{main|AIM-9B Sidewinder}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles

The F-104A is an interceptor variant, unlike the later multirole models like the [[F-104C]] or [[F-104G]]. In light of this, its only loadout option is a pair of AIM-9B Sidewinders. The AIM-9Bs have worn out their welcome at the F-104A's battle rating and getting kills with them is challenging: they have a limited acquisition cone, cannot be launched under high G-loads, and are prone to losing their target due to evasive manoeuvres, flares, or sometimes plain luck. Poor-quality missiles like these are situational: save them for use against enemies that are not paying attention or who have run out of airspeed and are unable to manoeuvre, but do not rely on them to score a kill and be ready to mop things up with the Vulcan at a moment's notice.

== Usage in battles ==


The F-104A does one thing extremely well: speed. This is the vehicle's greatest advantage and can be used to great effect if the pilot is careful about choosing which engagements to pursue. It is recommended to keep up a high air-speed at all times, which will allow the F-104A to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading enemies. Sometimes, it is even possible to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles. At this battle rating, the F-104A is able to greatly outspeed the vast majority of its opponents.

However, the F-104 struggles with manoeuvrability. With such small wings, it simply can't produce the lift necessary to throw itself around the sky and therefore has a very poor turning circle. This means that any turning engagement is most likely futile, and also reemphasizes the utility of a boom and zoom playstyle. Note that getting guns on target, even in a high speed pass, is difficult and a pilot may find themselves fighting with the controls often. If the target dodges, extend away and gain a comfortable amount of separation before climbing and preparing for another pass. Working with teammates is very helpful to keep an enemy distracted and limit their opportunities to regain energy.

Keep the airspeed up at all costs. A slow F-104A is a sitting duck for guns and missiles due to its horrible turning. If an enemy is tailing the F-104A, the best option is to outrun them, but if they are closing in the only chance of pulling a reversal is to use the roll rate for rolling scissors.

This vehicle also lacks in the weaponry department. Although it has a powerful [[M61 (20 mm)]] Vulcan cannon, the only air-to-air missiles to which the plane has access is the AIM-9B. At this high battle rating, these early missiles are simply not enough to reliably destroy enemy targets, and the best way to use them is to target only slow-moving or inattentive enemies, like those in stall climbs. What's more, this vehicle is only equipped with two of them; the previous F-100A at least had four AIM-9Bs to toss around.

The complete lack of ground attack ordnance makes the F-104A fairly useless for ground pounding. At most, the Vulcan can mop up lightly armored AI ground targets, but the handling characteristics of the aircraft make low-altitude gun runs risky. In combined battles, the Vulcan's AP rounds have decent penetration on paper, but attacking armored targets from the top-down angles required to attack roof armor is borderline suicidal in a Starfighter. Stick to other options for CAS.

===Radars===

The F-104A is equipped with a AN/ASG-14 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/ASG-14 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{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)}}
|-
| 37,000 m || 15,000 m || ±45° || ±46°
|-
! colspan="4" | AN/ASG-14 - 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}}
|-
| 18,500 m || 150 m || ±10° || ±10°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Much faster than most enemies, supported by high acceleration
* Great climb-rate
* Decent high-speed maneuverability, in spite of its tiny wings
* Powerful 20 mm Vulcan gun has absurdly high fire rate, can do some serious damage
* Good roll rate
* Adequate all-round vision in simulator

'''Cons:'''

* Terrible low-speed maneuverability
* Inadequate air-to-air missiles
* No flares to counter AAMs
* Unable to equip bombs or rockets, limited to air-to-air role only
* As with most jets, it tends to bleed off speed quickly in sustained turns
* Relatively low ammo count for the Vulcan; trigger discipline is necessary
* M61 Vulcan doesn't shoot instantly, takes less than a second to rev

== History ==


The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was a supersonic jet fighter known for its distinctive appearance, described as a "missile with a man in it". At the time of its introduction in 1958 with the US Air Force as an interceptor, the F-104 set multiple performance records and was the first production fighter capable of flying at twice the speed of sound. Flaws of the design included engine troubles, limited range, and poor handling characteristics that led to a poor safety record, earning it several morbid nicknames like "Widowmaker".

The F-104's involvement with the Republic of China/Taiwan began soon after it entered service with the US Air Force in 1958. The Second Taiwan Strait Crisis in August of that year was sparked by the People's Liberation Army shelling new ROC military installations on the islands of Kinmen and the Matsu Archipelago. The USAF deployed F-104s to Taiwan and used them to perform supersonic passes into the airspace of the straits and mainland China in order to show off the capabilities of the Mach-2 capable Starfighter and intimidate the PLAAF, which at that time was equipped with [[J-2|MiG-15]]s and [[J-4|MiG-17]]s. No actual shooting engagements occurred and the F-104s were withdrawn after a cease fire in October.

The Republic of China Air Force received its first Starfighters starting in 1960, the first batch of F-104A/Bs being from ex-USAF stock. A number of them were sent to Pakistan in 1965, who received at least two F-104As from Taiwan to replace combat losses in the war with India. The F-104As were retired in the 1980s, with only the later variants like the [[F-104G (China)|F-104G]] remaining in service until the late 1990s with upgrades.

A large number of Starfighters are preserved and on display in Taiwan today. At least four F-104As can be found at Kanshan Air Force Base, Hsinchu Air Force Base, and other locations. A full list can be found [https://www.i-f-s.nl/preserved-f-104s/preserved-in-taiwan/ here].

== Media ==

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

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Lockheed}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

ITP (M-1)

2021-10-07T19:36:41Z

U14047958: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=itp_m1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
|market=items_ITP (M-1) (USSR)
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Hot Tracks"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season II, "Steel Centurion"]].

"ITP" is an acronym in Russian for "heavy cannon fighter", and that is an accurate description of the ITP (M-1). As a prototype fighter from the Polikarpov design bureau, the ITP looks something like a crossing between the [[MiG-3 (Family)|MiG-3]] and [[I-185 (M-82)|I-185]]. Much like the famous [[Yak-9T]], the ITP has a powerful 37 mm cannon mounted in the propeller hub. Two additional nose-mounted 20 mm ShVAK cannons with a generous ammo supply round out its internal armament. The good flight performance allows pilots with sharp aim to swiftly tear their targets apart. The ITP is a great option for both air and mixed battles, suited for punching holes in tanks, shredding bombers, and tangling with enemy fighters. Few Soviet aircraft can boast this versatility.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,100 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
| 658 || 639 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.9 || 22.6 || 12.6 || 12.4 || rowspan="2" | 395
|-
! Upgraded
| 695 || 676 || 20.2 || 21.0 || 17.8 || 15.1
|-
|}

The ITP (M-1) is a fairly good all-rounder but has a number of quirks. The top speed appears impressive on the statcard, with 676 km/h at 6,100 m in Realistic Battles practically matching the [[I-185 (M-71)]] a whole battle rating above it, but most engagements will not occur that high and that speed is not practically achievable. It cannot sustain more than about 520 km/h at sea level, having to rely on its good horizontal energy retention to catch up with its targets at low altitudes. The climb rate is good. The turn rate is decent and the ITP will retain energy in turns quite well at medium speeds but suffer somewhat in low speed engagements. It has noticeable control surface compression above 500-600 km/h IAS in terms of roll rate and rudder control, but the elevator thankfully remains quite responsive; the ITP will have an easier time pulling out of a dive than any [[La-5 (Family)|La-5]].

One of the main sources of annoyance when flying the ITP (M-1) is its temperamental AM-37P engine. Soviet inline engines are not known for being easygoing to begin with, but the AM-37P is particularly prone to overheating, especially at lower altitudes. When using automatic engine control, it will begin overheating when left at 100% throttle and using WEP drives the temperature gauge into orange and often even red zones. The propeller pitch is adjustable but increasing it above 70% will cause overspeed warnings to show up and is generally not recommended. Using MEC is highly recommended to help manage the engine temperatures.

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 365 || 345 || 260 || ~13 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 320 || < 250 || < 500 || > 320
|-
|}

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


* 13 mm steel seat
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 under pilot, 1 under 37 mm cannon breech, 1 in each wing)

Despite being heavily armed, the ITP (M-1) is hardly armoured, which is something of a trend for Polikarpov aircraft. The rear protection protects the pilot from being knocked out by rifle-calibre machine guns but is insufficient against heavy machine guns and cannons. There is no bulletproof glass in the cockpit canopy, so head-on engagements are risky, but the pilot sits rather low in the fuselage and presents a small target. Getting hit anywhere is a bad idea since the cooling systems are distributed throughout the nose and wing roots and the engine cannot tolerate much abuse. The wing-mounted fuel tanks can be ignited by enemy fire during turning engagements.

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

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

{{main|SH-37 (37 mm)|ShVAK (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 37 mm SH-37 cannon, nose-mounted (50 rpg)
* 2 x 20 mm ShVAK cannons, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)

Trigger discipline heavily rewards the ITP, spraying should only be done when in doubt or necessity, as it only can count on 50 rounds for the 37 mm cannon and 2 x 200 rounds for both 20 mm cannons. Still, a burst of its armament will deal significant damage, as the 37 mm is coupled with two 20 mm ShVAK cannons, nose-mounted as well. While it performs best within ranges under 1 km from its target, its nose-mounted armaments will limit the dispersion cone. Taking the Default belt is a compromise allowing to use the cannon for any target and fill a multirole approach on the battlefield.

;SH-37

Only one HEI-T 37 mm round has to land on the enemy plane to cause significant damage, mostly instant fire or even ripping off a wing/the tail. While the Default ammunition belt is armed with both HEI-T (High-explosive Incendiary Tracer, Self Destroying- meant for air targets) and API-T (Armour-Piercing Incendiary Tracer- meant for ground, armoured targets), one can instead choose to focus on one playstyle by changing belts for the cannon: one being composed entirely of HEI-T (meaning that the ITP loses most of its capability to destroy "hard" targets, such as Medium and Light tanks, without taking any ordnance) and the other being composed entirely of API-T, meaning that shots landed on aircraft will not include the firepower of the high-explosive round. The API-T rounds are still good against aircraft, as a good shot can detonate fuel tanks, knock out engines, or tear off flight surfaces, but they might overpenetrate and pass through with minimal damage on occasion.

;ShVAK

Twin ShVAKs are common armaments for the Lavochkin fighters and they do not act any differently on the ITP (M-1). They are accurate and shoot quickly but are not very powerful. They are still important to utilize since the Sh-37 does not have a high volume of fire and smaller aircraft may be able to dodge the shots easily. The Default belt works fine against aircraft, combining an equal mix of AP-I rounds for damaging modules and igniting fuel tanks and FI-T rounds for help with aiming and applying some light explosive damage. For ground pounding, the Armoured Targets belt has a greater proportion of AP-I rounds and is capable of penetrating the turret roofs of certain vehicles. Either will do fine against open-topped vehicles. Avoid belts containing HEF rounds, as they do very little damage.

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

{{main|FAB-50sv (50 kg)|FAB-100sv (100 kg)|RBS-82|RS-82}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (200 kg total)
* 4 x 50 kg FAB-50sv bombs (200 kg total)
* 8 x RS-82 rockets
* 8 x RBS-82 rockets

The ITP (M-1) has a decent selection of suspended ordnance for a Soviet single-engine fighter. The twin 100 kg bombs are generally the best option for Ground RB, as they are dropped individually and are large enough to destroy armoured targets if delivered with good accuracy. Dropping them next to or on top of enemies may require some practice since they are mounted on the wings.

The rockets are more situational. The RS-82 rockets are not very useful against ground targets since they only have small high explosive warheads. The RBS-82 rockets are very similar but have a delayed fuse allowing them to penetrate armour. A successful penetration will usually destroy a tank in one hit, but this can be difficult to accomplish since they have a low velocity and are not very accurate.

== Usage in battles ==

The ITP (M-1) is capable of fulfilling different roles on the battlefield: thanks to its nose-mounted armament, it can perform aircraft interception while also having the potential for ground attack. In aerial combat, the ITP shines at quickly disposing of enemy aircraft, relying on Boom & Run tactics in engagements. Its 37 mm cannon is what makes it so deadly: any shots landed onto any enemy plane will, most of the time, cripple it, if not outright destroy it.

The ITP is not a head-on opportunistic fighter: rather, it relies on planned Boom and Run passes, by attacking enemy fighters that are in a lower energy state, or by swooping in and destroying distracted enemies engaged in turnfight. Use of WEP should, just as its ammunition management, be limited towards maintaining speed after pulling out of a dive or a quick boost, as continuous use will quickly overheat the engine. Avoid turnfighting as the aircraft loses a considerable amount of speed in any sort of vertical manoeuvres. Rather than entering a turnfight, the ITP must maintain a high speed to quickly get away from dedicated turnfighting aircraft such as the Japanese [[Ki-43-III otsu]], a common enemy at its BR, then climb again and plan another Boom and Run pass.

When focusing entirely on a ground attack role, the ITP performs best as a dive-attacker, rather than a low-flying approach, as altitude and speed are the ITP's guarantee to survive enemy fighters tailing it.

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful armament can destroy heavily armored targets with just a quick burst
* Fairly maneuverable at higher speeds
* Versatile 37mm cannon can load armored targets belts, capable of penetrating up to 60mm of armor
* Can carry bombs and rockets making it flexible in ground battles
* Great climb rate, can manage 30 degrees with WEP
* Powerful engine, can outrun most aircraft at its BR (<5,000 m)
* Large ammo load for 37mm (50 rounds at 3.7)

'''Cons:'''

* Catches fire easily if damaged (liquid cooling system and fuel are located in the wings)
* Only one 13mm steel plate protecting the pilot
* Acceleration isn't very good compared to other aircraft of a similar BR
* Engine is prone to overheating
* Minimum fuel load is 30 minutes, weighing down the aircraft and reducing the maneuverability
* 37 mm cannon can be inaccurate if fired in prolonged bursts

== History ==

=== [[wt:en/news/7061-development-battle-pass-vehicles-itp-m-1-en|Devblog]] ===
At the end of 1940, the aircraft designer Nikolai Polikarpov came up with the initiative to create a fundamentally new combat aircraft for Soviet aviation - a fighter with heavy cannon armament, that could fulfill tasks typical for heavy fighters and attack aircraft, while possessing the flight characteristics of a light single-engine monoplane fighter. The military accepted Polikarpov's idea with interest, formulating tasks for the future aircraft, such as effective air combat, including the destruction of bombers, aerial destruction of tanks and armoured vehicles, as well as escort missions. The assembly of the first prototype began in May of 1941, however, due to the rapid offensive from the enemy towards Moscow, production had to be evacuated to Novosibirsk, Siberia, where the test unit was completed.

ITP (M-1) (ITP is for "heavy cannon fighter") was a monoplane fighter with a 1,650 hp M-107P engine, the armament of the aircraft consisted of a 37mm Sh-37 motor-mounted gun and a pair of 20mm ShVAK cannons. Flight tests began in February 1942, but were not fully completed due to engine problems. A little later, versions with the M-107A and the AM-37 engines were tested, on the second prototype, the 37mm cannon was replaced with another ShVAK cannon. Work on the ITP project was interrupted due to the untimely death of the Soviet "king of fighters" in 1944.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=itp_m1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="175">
File:ITP (M-1) WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:ITP (M-1) WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:ITP (M-1) WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|9ffyPCaxp9k|'''Battle Pass Vehicles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 03:20 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|57j2HIxn7qk|ITP's performance review - Dimitri_Rudov|horOgrvIqCE|ITP (M-1) in War Thunder - OddBawZ}}

== 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/7061-development-battle-pass-vehicles-itp-m-1-en|[Devblog] Battle Pass vehicles: ITP (M-1)]]

{{AirManufacturer Polikarpov}}
{{USSR fighters}}
{{USSR premium aircraft}}

F-100A (China)

2021-10-07T00:21:55Z

U14047958: /* Usage in battles */ grammatical changes and numerous changes from "F-100D" to "F-100A"

{{Specs-Card
|code=f-100a_china
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].

The first supersonic jet available in the ROCAF fighter line of the China tree, the F-100A is an early variant of the famous "Super Sabre", though in Taiwanese service it received a number of upgrades to bring it up to par with later models. Compared to the fighter-bomber [[F-100D]], it has a smaller wing with a straight trailing edge, fewer hardpoints, and no flaps. It also has an early J57P7 engine that produces less thrust than the D model's J57P21. The speed and acceleration remain comparable since the F-100A is a few tons lighter.

The F-100A's handling generally feels lighter than the F-100D and it enjoys a better roll rate, though the lack of flaps impacts low speed manoeuvrability. The weapons selection is definitely inferior: while it can still carry goodies like the AGM-12B Bullpup and the AIM-9B Sidewinder, its bomb selection is far more limited, unguided rockets are unavailable, and it lacks access to the more advanced AIM-9E Sidewinder. If flown well the F-100A will only face serious competition from fellow supersonics like the [[F-100D (France)|French F-100D]] and the [[Lightning F.6 | English Electric Lightning]].

== 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 10,671 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,357 || 1,349 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.5 || 30.3 || 104.7 || 93.2 || rowspan="2" | 900
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,387 || 1,370 || 28.5 || 29.0 || 139.1 || 121.0
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 640 || < 540 || < 610 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney J57P7 || 1
| colspan="2" | 9,079 kg || colspan="2" | 315 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel
|-
| 900 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 9,737 kg || 10,489 kg || 11,272 kg || 13,141 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,383 kgf || 5,616 kgf
| 0.58 || 0.54 || 0.50 || 0.43
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,004 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 8,056 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.83 || 0.77 || 0.71 || 0.61
|-
|}

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


* 64 mm bulletproof glass: windscreen
* 12.7 mm steel: behind pilot

For post-war fighter jets wanted to take advantage of the newer jet technology and maximize both speed and ordnance carried. To keep up speed and maximize ordnance, something had to give and that came with pilot survivability. The idea is to be faster than the enemy which would make it really difficult for them to get a targeting solution on you. Though the F-100A does have protection for the pilot, it isn't much and leaves the rest of the critical components virtually unprotected with armour. For the pilot, the back of the seat and headrest maintains a continuous piece of steel at 12.7 mm thick and the windscreen is rated at 64 mm bulletproof windscreen. Typically this type of protection is meant more for protection from defensive turret attacks from bombers rather than gun attacks from other aircraft.

The F-100A is a relatively sturdy aircraft and can take a beating before critical components begin to fail. While the engine and the pilot are important to protect as much as possible (without the engine you don't go and without the pilot…you don't go…) the wings are another critical component which you must protect as hits to the wings can make flying very difficult or send you to the respawn point. If being tailed by another aircraft try to speed away because if you try to pull up, turn to the side or pull-down, you risk exposing increased surface area of the skin, giving the enemy pilot more to shoot at and a greater opportunity of taking out a wing. If possible, increase speed and sway back and forth, even some very shallow elevator dips up and down maybe enough to throw off the sighting of the enemy pilot and spray his bullets all around you without exposing very much surface area of the jet, however, if there is a missile launch, take evasive action to avoid the missile and worry about the guns later.

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

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

{{main|M39A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm M39A1 cannons, chin-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)

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

{{main|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|AN-M65A1 Fin M129 (1,000 lb)|AGM-12B Bullpup|AIM-9B Sidewinder}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles

== Usage in battles ==

The F-100 is absolutely crippled in an up-tier situation. Unlike the F4 Phantom II or the MiG-21, the F-100 is equipped with leading-edge slats. This gives it a much higher angle of attack at low speeds, allowing the F-100 to out-turn both the F4 and the MiG-21. However, pulling high Gs and dropping speed makes you an easy kill for even AIM-9Es. At lower battle ratings, the F-100 is best at [[Boom & Zoom]] tactics. Constantly be aware of your speed, as at low speeds you handle like a bus, and at high speeds you can lock up severely in spite of its all-flying tail and boosted controls, losing most of its control authority (particularly in its rolling axis). It is capable of very high angles of attack, so once you get on someone's tail, it will be very difficult for them to shake you. However, again beware of your speed as floundering around at subsonic speeds leaves you vulnerable to interception. The best way to use the F-100A in the face of constant uptiers is to start climbing away from the battlefield, returning as support once more capable fighters have engaged the enemy. 5,000 meters is usually a good altitude to climb to. In the off chance that you encounter subsonic aircraft, Boom & Zoom tactics should be used to capitalize on your superior climb rate. Climb high, make a pass, then climb away. Be extremely careful to not bleed energy and don't turn when subsonic planes are around as they will be able to outmaneuver you.

The F-100's second biggest foe (with the first being AIM-9Js and R-60s) the MiG-19, turning isn't a bad idea if you keep your energy up. You'll bleed a lot of speed in a turn, so extreme pulls aren't recommended especially considering the MiG-19's superior energy retention in turns. The MiG-19 will rip easily at high speeds, something the F-100 doesn't have a problem with, though reaching those speeds effectively dooms the Super Sabre to degrees of maneuvering lockup similar to that experienced by its foe. However, the MiG-19 accelerates much faster than the F-100 at all speeds and altitudes so it can slip away easily. In the best-case scenario, bait the MiG-19 for a teammate, as the MiG-19 can't do much against two F-100s.

The F-100 is an amalgamation of paradoxical design features that results in an aircraft too heavy to sustain maneuvering engagements despite of its strong slats, too slow to accelerate to its surprisingly high rip speeds, and too sluggish at speed to take advantage of its strong armament, all while being near incapable of matching the performance demands of its BR-peers at 10.3. Overall to get this bus to perform, it must be at high speeds. Keep your energy up.

===Radars===

The F-100A is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - 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}}
|-
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent guns that have both high muzzle velocity, rate of fire, plenty of ammo (200 RPG), and pack a good punch with high-explosive shells
* Can carry a wide array of suspended armaments of bombs, rockets and missiles
* Its air-to-air missiles (AIM-9B) have a longer reach than the missiles on the MiG-19PT
* Fast and out-accelerates both MiG-15s and MiG-17s
* Good maneuverability for a large supersonic jet

'''Cons:'''

* Sluggish at slow speeds
* Afterburner will not provide much acceleration in short time because of the low air intake
* Acceleration with afterburner is slower than the [[J32B]] and [[G.91 YS]]
* Suffers from severe lock-up past the Mach 1 mark
* Loses a lot of energy when trying to turn around at high speed
* While fast, it still accelerates a lot slower than [[MiG-19PT]]
* Performance is lower when compared with most top-rank jets

== History ==


In the early Cold War era, the Republic of China Air Force was equipped with US jet aircraft like the [[F-86F-30 (China) | F-86 Sabre]] and [[F-84G-21-RE_(China) | F-84 Thunderjet]], which were used in clashes with the People's Republic of China over the Taiwan Straits. Amid growing conflict in 1958, a number of assorted F-100 Super Sabres were delivered to Taiwan, including the F-100A, the two-seat F-100F, and the reconnaissance RF-100A. The former were upgraded with a number of features from the latest F-100D, such as a taller vertical tail fin and wiring for Sidewinder missiles. Another batch of F-100s was delivered in the 1970s and the type remained in service until the 1980s.

The F-100 was not an easy aircraft to handle and several were lost in accidents. The details of their combat experiences are unclear. They may have fought with PLAAF jets but it is unknown if any kills or losses were scored. The RF-100As in particular were only used for about two years before being returned to the United States due to unsatisfactory capabilities and maintenance issues. The ROCAF was the only foreign user of the F-100A.

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

== See also ==


* [[F-100D]]
* [[F-100D (France)]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/479186-f-100a-super-sabre/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

F-86F-40 (China)

2021-10-06T20:41:46Z

U14047958: /* Sabre in ROCAF */ major changes, primarily in streamlining phrasing and grammar

{{About
|about=jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=other variants
|link=F-86 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-86f-40_china
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

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


While the F-86F-40's acceleration and top speed are lacking compared to its contemporaries, the F-86F-40's slats allow the plane to have an outstanding manoeuvrability. That said, one must be aware of their speed as pulling high manoeuvres at high and max speed can put the plane under great stress which leads to the wings falling apart. The outstanding manoeuvrability comes at the cost of speed. Pulling hard turns will bleed your air speed.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,095 || 1,088 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.4 || 24.9 || 38.8 || 36.3 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,115 || 1,106 || 22.1 || 23.0 || 55.8 || 46.5
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 590 || 550 || 350 || ~11 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 850 || < 600 || < 650 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J47-GE-27 || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,490 kg || colspan="2" | 232 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel
|-
| 1,150 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 5,848 kg || 6,490 kg || 6,786 kg || 9,530 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 (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 2,626 kgf || N/A
| 0.45 || 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.28
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 2,626 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.45 || 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.28
|-
|}

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


* 6.35 mm - Fore-cockpit steel plates
* 38 mm - Bulletproof windscreen
* 12.7 mm - Steel plate behind pilot's seat
* 20 mm - Steel plate in pilot's headrest

The plane is equipped at the front with 2 steel plates, each 6.35mm thick. The cockpit has a 38mm bullet proof glass that protects the pilot's torso and head. The backseat is made of 12.7mm of steel which protects the pilot's back while his head is further protected by another 20mm steel plate. This protection will help against smaller calibre rounds, however, cannot sustain many direct hits with 20 mm rounds or higher.

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

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

{{main|M3 Browning (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 6 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 1,800 total)

The F-86F-40 (China) offered the same offensive armament of many of its Sabre brethren, namely the 6 x M3 Browning 12.7 mm/.50 calibre machine guns. These machine guns are similar in performance to their predecessor, the M2 Browning; however, they excelled with a significantly higher rate of fire. The total ammunition count for this aircraft is 1,800 rounds, divided up with 300 rounds per gun. Ammunition belts for this aircraft are conventional 12.7 mm belts found on US aircraft, and typically the tracer belts permit for the quickest correction of aim. Other belts may be utilised as necessary and depending on play-style such as the Stealth belts; however, these should be used by skilled pilots who already understand the firing aspects of the M3 Brownings and bullet performance. One challenge with the Stealth belts is the lack of tracers, making it much harder to correct aim when solely relying on visual clues.

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

{{main|AN-M65A1 Fin M129 (1,000 lb)|AIM-9B Sidewinder|HVAR}}

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

* Without load
* 16 x HVAR rockets
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles

The unguided rockets out-fitted on this aircraft are the familiar American HVARs, which can be used against slow-moving bombers or ground target vehicles and anti-aircraft guns. Since the HVARs are a fire-and-forget rocket, they work best against either stationary targets or against slow-moving targets which may not be able to avoid inbound rockets. Another option for suspended ordnances includes bombs, namely the 1,000 lbs AN-M65A1 bombs. Two of these bombs is all that this aircraft can safely carry, but these bombs will do considerable damage against ground units, ships and bases. While performing bombing runs, always be on the lookout for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in and eliminate the F-86F-40 which may be flying slower and lower than typical. For air-to-air combat, using the Aim-9B missiles to complement the M3 Browning machine guns makes for a deadly combination. These missiles are best used in close quarters, anywhere from 600 - 800 m which minimizes the opportunity for the enemy pilot to evade or out-fly the missiles. It is quite possible for the enemy to avoid the in-bound missile; however, this provides the attacking aircraft with the opportunity to manoeuvre in and take out the fighter with its machine guns. Hopefully, the enemy fighter has bled any energy advantage it may have had presenting itself as an ideal target for the machine guns.

== Usage in battles ==


Try to climb up before engaging the enemy to ensure you have enough energy to get out of a sticky situation. Hopefully, there will be a jets fighting underneath you where you would be able to pounce on low-energy fighters with your guns or the AIM-9B. One advantage the F-86 has over the jets of other nations is the large ammo count of its 6 x .50 cals (1,800) although it would be wise to hit most of your shoots. Try staying above 500 km/h as any slower and you would lose a significant amount of energy in a prolonged turn.

=== Air Realistic Battles ===
In air realistic battles, the F-86F-40 (China) is not the fastest jet at its BR when it comes to top speed. The thrust output is below average and without an afterburner, and the jet does not accelerate fast either. It is best to take off and do a slight side climb while paying attention to aircraft like Harriers that could try to fly over the team. It is important to maintain at least 600 km/h IAS because any slower the Sabre will struggle to dodge enemy missiles. Once a furball is started, proceed into it and pick targets that are low on energy. The F-86F-40 should take advantage of its wings and good energy retention. Combined with a good roll rate, no enemy should be able to shake you once you are on their tail. Watch for attempts by enemies to force you to overshoot. In late game air realistic battles, there will be more freedom to how slow a fight can get. If you know where the enemy is, you can afford to stall climb and get a missile off to a climbing enemy F-104A.

=== Ground Realistic Battles - CAS ===
In mixed ground battles, the F-86F-40 (China) is a good all-round aircraft. In ground attack, the HVAR rockets are a good option against lightly armoured SPAAGs or light tanks. The 1,000 lb bombs are good but both drop at the same time only giving chance for one attack round per landing. In an air superiority role, the Sabre is a good helicopter hunter with 1,800 rounds of .50 cal, which is enough to take care of any amount of enemy UHT or Apache helicopters. Enemy fighters should be engaged with care: keep away from the battlefield before climbing to avoid enemy SAMs. It is however the better air-to-air fighter compared to other options for China at this BR, as the Q-5 early has better climb and top speed but no missiles.

=== Air Simulator Battles ===
In air simulator battles, the F-86F-40 (China) is an excellent turn fighter. While the wings with slats do give a lot of angle of attack before stalling, they're also great for turn fights. This Sabre will be able to outturn most jets it can face, at anywhere between 400 and 800 km/h IAS. It is recommended to stay above 600 km/h IAS because any slower the Sabre will struggle to dodge enemy missiles. The AIM-9B should be able to deal with any running/climbing enemy. However, enemies with RWR will get notified if the rangefinding radar is turned on and may drop flares. It is best to keep the radar off when launching a missile attack against aircraft like the German Starfighter or the Mirage III. In battle, stay low and fast and by the time you are up close to your enemy they would not be able to outrun the missiles or outturn the Sabre.

=== Ground Simulator Battles CAS ===
In ground simulator battles, F-86F-40 can be a multirole fighter depending on the task to complete. In ground attack, the HVAR rockets will struggle with most targets at the top simulator bracket, but do offer better accuracy per 100 m when compared to the Bombs. The 1,000 lb bombs are very reliable against all levels of protection but take a higher approach for a accurate drop (lack of bomb sight). In an air superiority role, the Sabre will preform even better than it did in air simulator battles. The 6 x .50 cal MGs will make quick work of any enemy helicopter, even if they try to manoeuvre, the Sabre's roll rate should allow for last second adjustments. Turnfighting enemy fighter also got easier as the chances of them carrying bombs/rockets are up, thus limiting their performance. Tree-top level flying should be practiced to avoid SAMs. -->

===Radars===

The F-86F-40 is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range. Note that this Radar will trigger RWR of enemy helicopters and jets and may lead to them using flares which will defeat the AIM-9B.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - 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}}
|-
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Outstanding manoeuvrability
* Can wield air-to-air missiles
* Good guns: the 12.7 mm MGs have lots of ammo, straight bullet trajectory, and adequate velocity
* Air-to-ground armament, such as bombs and missiles
* Excellent roll rate
* Great dive acceleration makes it a nice diver
* Good energy retention in a climb
* Stable shooting platform during high speeds
* Air brakes and flaps allow for tight manoeuvres and enemy overshoots at the cost of reduced speed

'''Cons:'''

* Mediocre acceleration
* Mediocre top speed
* Weak one-second burst mass of the armament
* High speed manoeuvres can lead to wings breaking apart
* Slower turn rate than many contemporaries

== History ==

In the 1950s, after the Korean War was over, the US government decided to send more modern military equipment to Taiwan to counter the increasing threat of the mainland Chinese Army, especially the PLAAF's MiG-15 Fagot fighter which was supplied by Soviet Union and saw action during the Korean War.

At this time, the straight-wing design version of the F-84 Thunderjet fighters of the ROCAF could no longer effectively counter the MiG-15 fighter with the swept-wing design. As for the solution, the US government had officially decided to supply more than 500 F-86 Sabre fighters to Taiwan in early 1950s (some sources claim that this number is just an estimate, not the actual number of Sabre fighter fleet because many of them were delivered in the mid to late 1950s, and some sources also confirm that Taiwan received 415 F-86F fighters, 18 F-86D interceptors and 7 RF-86F reconnaissance aircraft in total). This Military Assistance Program (MAP) was named 4F343, and started in 1954, about 320 F-86F Sabre fighters and 7 RF-86 Sabre reconnaissance aircraft were delivered to ROCAF. Apart from that, ROCAF also received about 18 F-86D-36 Sabre Dog interceptors from US Air Force in 1960 too.

=== Sabre in ROCAF ===
The first Sabre fighter delivered to the ROCAF was an F-86F-1, series number 51-2893. By June 1956, 171 F-86s had been delivered, including 38 F-86F-1s, 9 F-86F-5s, and 23 F-86F-10s. The 26th Fighter Squadron from the 5th Fighter Wing stationed at Taoyuan Air Base was the first combat unit to receive the new Sabres in late 1954.
[[File:Twin ROCAF F-86F with AIM-9B underwing.png|thumb|360x360px|Twin F-86F Sabre fighters of 5th Fighter Wing of ROCAF armed with two AIM-9B Sidewinder air-to-air missiles underwing.]]
The ROCAF also received some F-86F-30s, but it is unknown whether they received actual F-40 variants because at that time, North American Aviation company not only produced the F-86F-40 , but also produced modification kits for countries that received the F-30 variants to help them upgrade their Sabres to the newest version. One F-86F-30 that was captured by the PLAAF in the 1950s displayed in the Beijing Aviation Museum, has leading-edge slats which was re-added to the Canadian CL-13 Mk.6 and American F-86F-40s, which gives solid evidence to the theory that the ROCAF had upgraded some F-30s to the newest F-40 version.

In the 1950s, the PLAAF often sent aircraft to the Taiwan Strait for provocations in order to intimidate Taiwan. The ROCAF showed no fear, sending fighters to intercept the intruding PLAAF aircraft. The ROCAF also sent aircraft to the mainland for reconnaissance missions as a form of counterattack. The PLAAF scrambled their new MiG-17s, MiG-17Fs, and J-5s against the ROCAF's Sabres, with the latter usually reigning victorious in air combat.

On paper, the F-86F Sabre's maximum level flight speed was less than MiG-17 and MiG-17F "Fresco", with the latter's climb rate at sea level also being slightly higher than F-86F. However, the early versions of F-86F's maximum climb rate was almost the same or even higher than MiG-15bis and MiG-17s.The Sabres could also out-turn MiG-15s and MiG-17s in both instantaneous and sustained turn fights. Apart from that, the F-86Fs had an A-4 gun/rocket/bomb calculating gunsight which can work with the AN/APG-30 ranging-radar, which were more advanced than the avionics equipped on the PLAAF's MiGs. (Note that the J-5 didn't have the ranging radar mounted on the later version of MiG-17F).

From a training point of view, the PLAAF's pilots usually lacked the necessary combat experience compared to the ROCAF pilots at the time, with this being a glaring issue during the Matsu air battle on July 21, 1956. ROCAF pilots even shot down several PLAAF MiG fighters with older F-84s which were loaded with HVAR rockets and had a numbers disadvantage.

=== AIM-9B "Black Magic" ===
[[File:F-86F with AIM-9B underwing.png|left|thumb|396x396px|The F-86F "357" 52-4673, with AIM-9B underwing.]]
On August 18th, 1958, under the secret project Black Magic (codenamed "明星計劃" in Chinese, Operation Bright Star), a C-124 transport plane landed in Taiwan with some American technical officers and the new GAR-8 Sidewinder infrared-guided air-to-air missile, which is better known as AIM-9B. To teach the ROCAF pilots how to operate the new Sidewinder missiles, the US pilots flew F-100 Super Sabres to simulate PLAAF MiGs, while the ROCAF pilots flew F-86s to conduct simulated attacks on the F-100s with their Sidewinder missiles. During this, the technical officers collected data of the Sidewinder missiles in combat to find flaws and areas where they could be improved.

On July 29th, 1958, a PLAAF MiG-17 shot down an ROCAF F-84G and heavily damaged another (the pilot successfully bailed out in Ma gong).A few weeks later, ROCAF F-86s shot down four MiG-17s. At that time, the ROCAF had received 40 Sidewinders and 40 launchers in total, and on September 10th, 1958, two batches of ROCAF pilots returned to their squadron after completing training on the use of the Sidewinder missile.

=== Sidewinder over the Taiwan Strait, Battle Debut ===
On September 24th, 1958, the ROCAF sent nine RF-84F Thunderflash reconnaissance aircraft to the mainland for a surveillance mission. The commander saw it as an opportunity to test the combat effectiveness of the new GAR-8 Sidewinder missiles, so the 11th Fighter Group was ordered to undertake an escort mission for the RF-84s. The initial plan was that the Sabres would be divided into four squadrons, the first squadron had four Sabres equipped with Sidewinders while two more squadrons without missiles were to assist the missile equipped squadron if they were to have trouble with PLAAF MiGs in a close-range battle.

The fourth squadron was ordered to stay to stay at 45,000 feet to act as a decoy, using the condensation trail of the J47 engine at high altitude to attract the attention of the PLAAF MiGs, so that the other squadrons could attack them while they were climbing.

At 10:30am, the attack group led by Lieutenant Colonel Li Shuyuan arrived in the sky over Wenzhou. One minute later, a message came from Shimen Battle Control Center said that PLAAF MiG fighters were taking off from Luqiao Airport to intercept those ROCAF reconnaissance aircraft. As the original plan expected, the MiGs attention was drawn to the Sabres at high altitude. Unfortunately, the first squadron couldn't identify whether the condensation trail was friendly or foe, so Lieutenant Colonel Li Shuyuan ordered the Sabres of the fourth decoy squadron to bank right, which allowed him to identify friend from foe.
[[File:Gun camera of shooting down MiG.png|thumb|352x352px|Gun camera image of shooting down PLAAF MiG. The image shows the tail cloud of the MiG and a flying AIM-9B missile.]]
At the beginning of the battle, Li Shuyuan and Qian Yiqiang each fired one Sidewinder and shot down one MiG-17. One of MiG-17s managed to evade a Sidewinder fired by Qian Yiqiang, but was hit by the other missile fired by another Sabre. The last MiG-17 was shot down by another missile fired by the fourth F-86F Sabre fighter of the first squadron. After suffering severe losses, the remaining MiG-17s decided to withdraw from the battle.

Later, four Sabres from the commander squadron ambushed a MiG-17 formation which was just took off from the airfield and successfully shot down one. After that, the fourth squadron scored two more kills and another squadron led by Ma Dapeng successfully shot down another two.

The ROCAF's F-86s had successfully shot down a total nine PLAAF MiG-17s, four of which were Sidewinder kills and the remaining five by gun.
[[File:Sabre ace pilot Lee.jpg|left|thumb|247x247px|Lieutenant Colonel Li Shuyuan, the first man in history to shoot down aircraft with homing missiles in air combat.]]
From the POV of the PLAAF: At 8:47am, twelve J-5/MiG-17s from the 46th Regiment of the 16th Division took off to intercept eight Sabres. At 9:06am, eight MiG-15bis from the 5th Regiment and eight MiG-17Fs from the 6th Regiment of the 2nd Division spotted four Sabres flying at 13,000m at 9:30am. The enemy then tried to turn to avoid the engagement (which was the same as the description of ROCAF's combat report, but one hour earlier). The commander of the 2nd division ordered the formation of 5th Regiment to pull back in order to attract the enemy aircraft to the mainland, but when they tried to bank right at Wenzhou Bay, the fourth plane suddenly lost control and began to dive steeply. Others saw this and told the pilot to bail out, but no response was received. In general, PLAAF claimed that they only lost one fighter due to a Sidewinder.

The F-86F Sabre remained in ROCAF service until 1977, and was retired when its flight performance and endurance was considered outdated and unsuitable for active service. It was replaced by the more advanced F-100A Super Sabre and F-5A Freedom Fighter.

== Media ==

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

== See also ==


;Related development

* Canadair [[F-86 (Family)|Sabre]] (those Sabres manufactured with the designator "CL")
* North American [[F-86K (France)|F-86D]] Sabre
* North American [[F-100D|F-100]] Super Sabre
* North American [[FJ-4B|FJ-4]] Fury

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Dassault [[Super Mystere B2|Super Mystère]]
* Grumman [[F9F-8|F-9]] Cougar
* Hawker [[Hunter F.1|Hunter]]
* Lavochkin [[La-15]]
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-15]]
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-17]]
* Saab [[J29D|J29]] Tunnan

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/392644-north-american-f-86f-40-sabre/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p86_13.html <nowiki>[joebaugher.com]</nowiki> North American F-86F-40-NA]

{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

F-86F-40 (China)

2021-10-06T19:49:26Z

U14047958: /* Sabre in ROCAF */

{{About
|about=jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=other variants
|link=F-86 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-86f-40_china
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

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


While the F-86F-40's acceleration and top speed are lacking compared to its contemporaries, the F-86F-40's slats allow the plane to have an outstanding manoeuvrability. That said, one must be aware of their speed as pulling high manoeuvres at high and max speed can put the plane under great stress which leads to the wings falling apart. The outstanding manoeuvrability comes at the cost of speed. Pulling hard turns will bleed your air speed.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,095 || 1,088 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.4 || 24.9 || 38.8 || 36.3 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,115 || 1,106 || 22.1 || 23.0 || 55.8 || 46.5
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 590 || 550 || 350 || ~11 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 850 || < 600 || < 650 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J47-GE-27 || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,490 kg || colspan="2" | 232 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel
|-
| 1,150 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 5,848 kg || 6,490 kg || 6,786 kg || 9,530 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 (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 2,626 kgf || N/A
| 0.45 || 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.28
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 2,626 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.45 || 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.28
|-
|}

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


* 6.35 mm - Fore-cockpit steel plates
* 38 mm - Bulletproof windscreen
* 12.7 mm - Steel plate behind pilot's seat
* 20 mm - Steel plate in pilot's headrest

The plane is equipped at the front with 2 steel plates, each 6.35mm thick. The cockpit has a 38mm bullet proof glass that protects the pilot's torso and head. The backseat is made of 12.7mm of steel which protects the pilot's back while his head is further protected by another 20mm steel plate. This protection will help against smaller calibre rounds, however, cannot sustain many direct hits with 20 mm rounds or higher.

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

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

{{main|M3 Browning (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 6 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 1,800 total)

The F-86F-40 (China) offered the same offensive armament of many of its Sabre brethren, namely the 6 x M3 Browning 12.7 mm/.50 calibre machine guns. These machine guns are similar in performance to their predecessor, the M2 Browning; however, they excelled with a significantly higher rate of fire. The total ammunition count for this aircraft is 1,800 rounds, divided up with 300 rounds per gun. Ammunition belts for this aircraft are conventional 12.7 mm belts found on US aircraft, and typically the tracer belts permit for the quickest correction of aim. Other belts may be utilised as necessary and depending on play-style such as the Stealth belts; however, these should be used by skilled pilots who already understand the firing aspects of the M3 Brownings and bullet performance. One challenge with the Stealth belts is the lack of tracers, making it much harder to correct aim when solely relying on visual clues.

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

{{main|AN-M65A1 Fin M129 (1,000 lb)|AIM-9B Sidewinder|HVAR}}

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

* Without load
* 16 x HVAR rockets
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles

The unguided rockets out-fitted on this aircraft are the familiar American HVARs, which can be used against slow-moving bombers or ground target vehicles and anti-aircraft guns. Since the HVARs are a fire-and-forget rocket, they work best against either stationary targets or against slow-moving targets which may not be able to avoid inbound rockets. Another option for suspended ordnances includes bombs, namely the 1,000 lbs AN-M65A1 bombs. Two of these bombs is all that this aircraft can safely carry, but these bombs will do considerable damage against ground units, ships and bases. While performing bombing runs, always be on the lookout for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in and eliminate the F-86F-40 which may be flying slower and lower than typical. For air-to-air combat, using the Aim-9B missiles to complement the M3 Browning machine guns makes for a deadly combination. These missiles are best used in close quarters, anywhere from 600 - 800 m which minimizes the opportunity for the enemy pilot to evade or out-fly the missiles. It is quite possible for the enemy to avoid the in-bound missile; however, this provides the attacking aircraft with the opportunity to manoeuvre in and take out the fighter with its machine guns. Hopefully, the enemy fighter has bled any energy advantage it may have had presenting itself as an ideal target for the machine guns.

== Usage in battles ==


Try to climb up before engaging the enemy to ensure you have enough energy to get out of a sticky situation. Hopefully, there will be a jets fighting underneath you where you would be able to pounce on low-energy fighters with your guns or the AIM-9B. One advantage the F-86 has over the jets of other nations is the large ammo count of its 6 x .50 cals (1,800) although it would be wise to hit most of your shoots. Try staying above 500 km/h as any slower and you would lose a significant amount of energy in a prolonged turn.

=== Air Realistic Battles ===
In air realistic battles, the F-86F-40 (China) is not the fastest jet at its BR when it comes to top speed. The thrust output is below average and without an afterburner, and the jet does not accelerate fast either. It is best to take off and do a slight side climb while paying attention to aircraft like Harriers that could try to fly over the team. It is important to maintain at least 600 km/h IAS because any slower the Sabre will struggle to dodge enemy missiles. Once a furball is started, proceed into it and pick targets that are low on energy. The F-86F-40 should take advantage of its wings and good energy retention. Combined with a good roll rate, no enemy should be able to shake you once you are on their tail. Watch for attempts by enemies to force you to overshoot. In late game air realistic battles, there will be more freedom to how slow a fight can get. If you know where the enemy is, you can afford to stall climb and get a missile off to a climbing enemy F-104A.

=== Ground Realistic Battles - CAS ===
In mixed ground battles, the F-86F-40 (China) is a good all-round aircraft. In ground attack, the HVAR rockets are a good option against lightly armoured SPAAGs or light tanks. The 1,000 lb bombs are good but both drop at the same time only giving chance for one attack round per landing. In an air superiority role, the Sabre is a good helicopter hunter with 1,800 rounds of .50 cal, which is enough to take care of any amount of enemy UHT or Apache helicopters. Enemy fighters should be engaged with care: keep away from the battlefield before climbing to avoid enemy SAMs. It is however the better air-to-air fighter compared to other options for China at this BR, as the Q-5 early has better climb and top speed but no missiles.

=== Air Simulator Battles ===
In air simulator battles, the F-86F-40 (China) is an excellent turn fighter. While the wings with slats do give a lot of angle of attack before stalling, they're also great for turn fights. This Sabre will be able to outturn most jets it can face, at anywhere between 400 and 800 km/h IAS. It is recommended to stay above 600 km/h IAS because any slower the Sabre will struggle to dodge enemy missiles. The AIM-9B should be able to deal with any running/climbing enemy. However, enemies with RWR will get notified if the rangefinding radar is turned on and may drop flares. It is best to keep the radar off when launching a missile attack against aircraft like the German Starfighter or the Mirage III. In battle, stay low and fast and by the time you are up close to your enemy they would not be able to outrun the missiles or outturn the Sabre.

=== Ground Simulator Battles CAS ===
In ground simulator battles, F-86F-40 can be a multirole fighter depending on the task to complete. In ground attack, the HVAR rockets will struggle with most targets at the top simulator bracket, but do offer better accuracy per 100 m when compared to the Bombs. The 1,000 lb bombs are very reliable against all levels of protection but take a higher approach for a accurate drop (lack of bomb sight). In an air superiority role, the Sabre will preform even better than it did in air simulator battles. The 6 x .50 cal MGs will make quick work of any enemy helicopter, even if they try to manoeuvre, the Sabre's roll rate should allow for last second adjustments. Turnfighting enemy fighter also got easier as the chances of them carrying bombs/rockets are up, thus limiting their performance. Tree-top level flying should be practiced to avoid SAMs. -->

===Radars===

The F-86F-40 is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range. Note that this Radar will trigger RWR of enemy helicopters and jets and may lead to them using flares which will defeat the AIM-9B.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - 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}}
|-
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Outstanding manoeuvrability
* Can wield air-to-air missiles
* Good guns: the 12.7 mm MGs have lots of ammo, straight bullet trajectory, and adequate velocity
* Air-to-ground armament, such as bombs and missiles
* Excellent roll rate
* Great dive acceleration makes it a nice diver
* Good energy retention in a climb
* Stable shooting platform during high speeds
* Air brakes and flaps allow for tight manoeuvres and enemy overshoots at the cost of reduced speed

'''Cons:'''

* Mediocre acceleration
* Mediocre top speed
* Weak one-second burst mass of the armament
* High speed manoeuvres can lead to wings breaking apart
* Slower turn rate than many contemporaries

== History ==

In the 1950s, after the Korean War was over, the US government decided to send more modern military equipment to Taiwan to counter the increasing threat of the mainland Chinese Army, especially the PLAAF's MiG-15 Fagot fighter which was supplied by Soviet Union and saw action during the Korean War.

At this time, the straight-wing design version of the F-84 Thunderjet fighters of the ROCAF could no longer effectively counter the MiG-15 fighter with the swept-wing design. As for the solution, the US government had officially decided to supply more than 500 F-86 Sabre fighters to Taiwan in early 1950s (some sources claim that this number is just an estimate, not the actual number of Sabre fighter fleet because many of them were delivered in the mid to late 1950s, and some sources also confirm that Taiwan received 415 F-86F fighters, 18 F-86D interceptors and 7 RF-86F reconnaissance aircraft in total). This Military Assistance Program (MAP) was named 4F343, and started in 1954, about 320 F-86F Sabre fighters and 7 RF-86 Sabre reconnaissance aircraft were delivered to ROCAF. Apart from that, ROCAF also received about 18 F-86D-36 Sabre Dog interceptors from US Air Force in 1960 too.

=== Sabre in ROCAF ===
The first Sabre fighter delivered to the ROCAF was an F-86F-1, series number 51-2893. By June 1956, 171 F-86 fighters had been delivered including 38 F-86F-1, 9 F-86F-5, and 23 F-86F-10, and the 26th Fighter Squadron from 5th Fighter Wing was the first combat unit to receive the new Sabre fighters at Taoyuan Air Base in late 1954.
[[File:Twin ROCAF F-86F with AIM-9B underwing.png|thumb|360x360px|Twin F-86F Sabre fighters of 5th Fighter Wing of ROCAF armed with two AIM-9B Sidewinder air-to-air missiles underwing.]]
The ROCAF also received some F-86F-30 fighters, but it is unknown whether they received actual F-86F-40 fighters, because at that time, the North American Aviation company not only produce the original F-86F-40 version for military sales, but also produce some modification kits for those countries that receive the previous version of F-86F Sabre fighters to help them upgrade their Sabre fighters to the newest version. Actually, one F-86F-30 Sabre fighter captured by the PLAAF in 1950s which is now displayed in the Beijing Aviation Museum was a F-86F-30 with leading-edge slats which was re-added in Canadian CL-13 Mk.6 Sabre fighters and American F-86F-40 Sabre fighters, that is the most important evidence to confirm that ROCAF had upgraded some F-86F Sabre fighters to the newest F-40 version.

In the 1950s, even though the civil war in mainland China had ended, the PLAAF still often sent aircraft to the Taiwan Strait for provocations in order to "liberate" Taiwan. ROCAF showed no fear, except for sending fighters to intercept the invading PLAAF aircraft, they also sent their aircraft to the mainland for reconnaissance missions as payback. At that time, the PLAAF engaged their new MiG-17 and MiG-17F (or its imitation versions, called J-5) fighters against ROCAF's F-86F Sabre fighter from time to time, but the latter usually saw victory in aerial battles.

From a technical point of view, the F-86F Sabre fighter's maximum level flight speed was less than MiG-17 and MiG-17F "Fresco", also the MiG-17F fighter's maximum climb rate at sea level was slightly higher than F-86F Sabre fighter, but the early version of F-86F Sabre fighter's maximum climb rate was almost the same or even higher than MiG-15bis and MiG-17 fighter, while the Sabre fighter could out-turn the MiG-15 and MiG-17 fighter in both instantaneous and sustain turn battle. Apart from that, the F-86F sabre fighter has A-4 gun/rocket/bomb calculating gunsight which can work with the AN/APG-30 ranging-radar, these equipment were more advance than the PLAAF's MiG fighters. (It should note that the J-5 fighter didn't have the ranging radar mounted on the later version of MiG-17F fighter).

From a training point of view, the PLAAF's pilots usually lacked the necessary air combat experience compared to the ROCAF pilots at the same time, especially in the Matsu air battle on July 21, 1956, ROCAF pilots even shot down several PLAAF's MiG fighters with clumsy and outperformed F-84 fighters loaded with HVAR rockets and even with disadvantage in numbers.

=== AIM-9B, the "Black Magic" ===
[[File:F-86F with AIM-9B underwing.png|left|thumb|396x396px|The F-86F "357" 52-4673, with AIM-9B underwing.]]
On August 18th, 1958, under the secret project named Black Magic (codenamed "明星計劃" in Taiwan, Operation Bright Star), a C-124 transport plane landed in Taiwan with some American technical officers and the new GAR-8 Sidewinder infrared-guided air-to-air missile, which is better known as AIM-9B. To help the ROCAF pilots get started with the new Sidewinder missile in air combat, the US pilots flew F-100 Super Sabre fighters to simulate the MiG fighter equipped by the PLAAF at that time, and ROCAF pilots flew F-86 fighters to conduct simulated attacks on these F-100 Super Sabre fighters with their Sidewinder missiles, also those technical officers needed to collect the data of the Sidewinder missiles used in combat to learn how the missiles could be improved.

On July 29th, 1958, the PLAAF's MiG-17 fighter had successfully shot down one F-84G Thunderjet fighter of ROCAF and seriously damaged another (the pilot successfully bailed out in Ma gong) at the same time. In the next few weeks, the ROCAF's F-86F Sabre fighters had successfully shot down four MiG-17 fighters of PLAAF as revenge. At that time, ROCAF had received 40 Sidewinder missiles and 40 launchers in total, and on September 10th, 1958, two batches of ROCAF pilots returned to their squadron after completing training on the use of the Sidewinder missile.

=== Sidewinder over Taiwan Strait, the battle debut ===
On September 24th, 1958, ROCAF decided to send nine RF-84F Thunderflash reconnaissance aircraft to the mainland area for a recon mission, and the commander thought it a wonderful chance to test the combat effectiveness of the GAR-8 Sidewinder missiles, so the 11th Fighter Group was ordered to undertake an escort mission for those RF-84F Thunderflash reconnaissance aircraft. The initial plan was that these F-86F Sabre fighters would be divided into four squadrons, the first squadron had four F-86F Sabre fighters with GAR-8 Sidewinder missiles while the remaining two Sabre fighters without GAR-8 Sidewinder missiles were ordered to escort those four Sabres fighters if they were in trouble with PLAAF's MiG fighters in the close-range battle.

Apart from that, the fourth squadron was ordered to stay to stay at 45,000 feet to act as a decoy because the condensation trail of the J47 engine at high altitude will attract the attention of the PLAAF's MiG fighters, so that the other squadrons could attack those PLAAF's MiG fighters that wanted to climb to attack the fourth squadron at high altitude.

At 10:30 in the morning, the attack group led by Lieutenant Colonel Li Shuyuan arrived in the sky over Wenzhou. One minute later, a message came from Shimen Battle Control Center said that PLAAF's MiG fighters were taking off from Luqiao Airport to intercept those ROCAF's reconnaissance aircraft. As the original plan expected, the PLAAF's MiG fighters paid their attention to those F-86F Sabre fighters at high altitude, which gave a wonderful chance for the first Squadron of ROCAF's F-86F Sabre fighters to attack them, but unfortunately, the first squadron couldn't identify whether the condensation trail was friendly or foe, so Lieutenant Colonel Li Shuyuan called the Sabre fighters of fourth squadron to do a turn-manoeuvre to their right side, therefore successfully locating the PLAAF's MiG fighters formation.
[[File:Gun camera of shooting down MiG.png|thumb|352x352px|Gun camera image of shooting down PLAAF MiG. The image shows the tail cloud of the MiG and a flying AIM-9B missile.]]
At the beginning of the battle, Li Shuyuan and Qian Yiqiang each fired one GAR-8 Sidewinder missile and shot down one PLAAF's MiG-17 fighter. One of MiG-17 fighter successfully evaded a Sidewinder missile fired by Qian Yiqiang's F-86F Sabre fighter, but it was shot down by another Sidewinder missile fired by another ROCAF's F-86F Sabre fighter, the last MiG-17 was shot down by one of the Sidewinder missile fired by the fourth F-86F Sabre fighter of first squadron too. After suffering such severe losses, the remaining MiG-17 fighters of the PLAAF decided to withdraw from the battle.

Later, four Sabre fighters from the commander squadron ambushed a PLAAF's MiG-17 fighters formation which was just took off from the airfield and successfully shot down one of MiG-17 fighter. After that, the fourth squadron score two kills and another squadron led by Ma Dapeng successfully shot down two PLAAF's MiG-17 fighters.

In the end, the ROCAF's F-86F sabre fighters had successfully shot down nine MiG-17 fighters of PLAAF, including four kills by GAR-8 missiles and five kills by AN/M3 12.7 mm machine-gun.
[[File:Sabre ace pilot Lee.jpg|left|thumb|247x247px|Lieutenant Colonel Li Shuyuan, the first man in history to shoot down aircraft with homing missiles in air combat.]]
As for the point of view of PLAAF, at 8:47 in the morning, twelve J-5 or MiG-17 fighters from the 46th Regiment of the 16th Division took off to intercept eight F-86F Sabre fighters, and the 12th plane damaged one Sabre fighter. At 9:06, eight MiG-15bis fighters from the 5th Regiment and eight MiG-17F fighters from the 6th Regiment of the 2nd Division of the PLAN took off to intercept the reconnaissance aircraft of ROCAF, and they spotted four Sabre fighters flying at the altitude of 13,000 m at 9:30, then the enemy tried to turn back to avoid the engagement (which was the same as the description of ROCAF's combat report, but one hour earlier). The commander of the 2nd division ordered the formation of 5th Regiment to retract in order to attract the enemy aircraft to the mainland, but when they tried to turn the right side at Wenzhou Bay, the fourth plane suddenly lost control and began to go down rapidly, others saw this situation and asked the pilot to bail out, but no response was received. In general, PLAAF claimed that they only loss one fighter due to the Sidewinder missile.

The F-86F Sabre fighters remained in ROCAF service until 1977, but for the fact that its flight performance and endurance is outdated and unsuitable for active service, the air-defense mission was taken over by the advanced F-100A Super Sabre and F-5A Freedom fighters.

== Media ==

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

== See also ==


;Related development

* Canadair [[F-86 (Family)|Sabre]] (those Sabres manufactured with the designator "CL")
* North American [[F-86K (France)|F-86D]] Sabre
* North American [[F-100D|F-100]] Super Sabre
* North American [[FJ-4B|FJ-4]] Fury

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Dassault [[Super Mystere B2|Super Mystère]]
* Grumman [[F9F-8|F-9]] Cougar
* Hawker [[Hunter F.1|Hunter]]
* Lavochkin [[La-15]]
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-15]]
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-17]]
* Saab [[J29D|J29]] Tunnan

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/392644-north-american-f-86f-40-sabre/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p86_13.html <nowiki>[joebaugher.com]</nowiki> North American F-86F-40-NA]

{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

F-86F-40 (China)

2021-10-06T19:47:44Z

U14047958: /* History */

{{About
|about=jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=other variants
|link=F-86 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-86f-40_china
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

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


While the F-86F-40's acceleration and top speed are lacking compared to its contemporaries, the F-86F-40's slats allow the plane to have an outstanding manoeuvrability. That said, one must be aware of their speed as pulling high manoeuvres at high and max speed can put the plane under great stress which leads to the wings falling apart. The outstanding manoeuvrability comes at the cost of speed. Pulling hard turns will bleed your air speed.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,095 || 1,088 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.4 || 24.9 || 38.8 || 36.3 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,115 || 1,106 || 22.1 || 23.0 || 55.8 || 46.5
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 590 || 550 || 350 || ~11 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 850 || < 600 || < 650 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J47-GE-27 || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,490 kg || colspan="2" | 232 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel
|-
| 1,150 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 5,848 kg || 6,490 kg || 6,786 kg || 9,530 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 (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 2,626 kgf || N/A
| 0.45 || 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.28
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 2,626 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.45 || 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.28
|-
|}

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


* 6.35 mm - Fore-cockpit steel plates
* 38 mm - Bulletproof windscreen
* 12.7 mm - Steel plate behind pilot's seat
* 20 mm - Steel plate in pilot's headrest

The plane is equipped at the front with 2 steel plates, each 6.35mm thick. The cockpit has a 38mm bullet proof glass that protects the pilot's torso and head. The backseat is made of 12.7mm of steel which protects the pilot's back while his head is further protected by another 20mm steel plate. This protection will help against smaller calibre rounds, however, cannot sustain many direct hits with 20 mm rounds or higher.

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

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

{{main|M3 Browning (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 6 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 1,800 total)

The F-86F-40 (China) offered the same offensive armament of many of its Sabre brethren, namely the 6 x M3 Browning 12.7 mm/.50 calibre machine guns. These machine guns are similar in performance to their predecessor, the M2 Browning; however, they excelled with a significantly higher rate of fire. The total ammunition count for this aircraft is 1,800 rounds, divided up with 300 rounds per gun. Ammunition belts for this aircraft are conventional 12.7 mm belts found on US aircraft, and typically the tracer belts permit for the quickest correction of aim. Other belts may be utilised as necessary and depending on play-style such as the Stealth belts; however, these should be used by skilled pilots who already understand the firing aspects of the M3 Brownings and bullet performance. One challenge with the Stealth belts is the lack of tracers, making it much harder to correct aim when solely relying on visual clues.

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

{{main|AN-M65A1 Fin M129 (1,000 lb)|AIM-9B Sidewinder|HVAR}}

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

* Without load
* 16 x HVAR rockets
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles

The unguided rockets out-fitted on this aircraft are the familiar American HVARs, which can be used against slow-moving bombers or ground target vehicles and anti-aircraft guns. Since the HVARs are a fire-and-forget rocket, they work best against either stationary targets or against slow-moving targets which may not be able to avoid inbound rockets. Another option for suspended ordnances includes bombs, namely the 1,000 lbs AN-M65A1 bombs. Two of these bombs is all that this aircraft can safely carry, but these bombs will do considerable damage against ground units, ships and bases. While performing bombing runs, always be on the lookout for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in and eliminate the F-86F-40 which may be flying slower and lower than typical. For air-to-air combat, using the Aim-9B missiles to complement the M3 Browning machine guns makes for a deadly combination. These missiles are best used in close quarters, anywhere from 600 - 800 m which minimizes the opportunity for the enemy pilot to evade or out-fly the missiles. It is quite possible for the enemy to avoid the in-bound missile; however, this provides the attacking aircraft with the opportunity to manoeuvre in and take out the fighter with its machine guns. Hopefully, the enemy fighter has bled any energy advantage it may have had presenting itself as an ideal target for the machine guns.

== Usage in battles ==


Try to climb up before engaging the enemy to ensure you have enough energy to get out of a sticky situation. Hopefully, there will be a jets fighting underneath you where you would be able to pounce on low-energy fighters with your guns or the AIM-9B. One advantage the F-86 has over the jets of other nations is the large ammo count of its 6 x .50 cals (1,800) although it would be wise to hit most of your shoots. Try staying above 500 km/h as any slower and you would lose a significant amount of energy in a prolonged turn.

=== Air Realistic Battles ===
In air realistic battles, the F-86F-40 (China) is not the fastest jet at its BR when it comes to top speed. The thrust output is below average and without an afterburner, and the jet does not accelerate fast either. It is best to take off and do a slight side climb while paying attention to aircraft like Harriers that could try to fly over the team. It is important to maintain at least 600 km/h IAS because any slower the Sabre will struggle to dodge enemy missiles. Once a furball is started, proceed into it and pick targets that are low on energy. The F-86F-40 should take advantage of its wings and good energy retention. Combined with a good roll rate, no enemy should be able to shake you once you are on their tail. Watch for attempts by enemies to force you to overshoot. In late game air realistic battles, there will be more freedom to how slow a fight can get. If you know where the enemy is, you can afford to stall climb and get a missile off to a climbing enemy F-104A.

=== Ground Realistic Battles - CAS ===
In mixed ground battles, the F-86F-40 (China) is a good all-round aircraft. In ground attack, the HVAR rockets are a good option against lightly armoured SPAAGs or light tanks. The 1,000 lb bombs are good but both drop at the same time only giving chance for one attack round per landing. In an air superiority role, the Sabre is a good helicopter hunter with 1,800 rounds of .50 cal, which is enough to take care of any amount of enemy UHT or Apache helicopters. Enemy fighters should be engaged with care: keep away from the battlefield before climbing to avoid enemy SAMs. It is however the better air-to-air fighter compared to other options for China at this BR, as the Q-5 early has better climb and top speed but no missiles.

=== Air Simulator Battles ===
In air simulator battles, the F-86F-40 (China) is an excellent turn fighter. While the wings with slats do give a lot of angle of attack before stalling, they're also great for turn fights. This Sabre will be able to outturn most jets it can face, at anywhere between 400 and 800 km/h IAS. It is recommended to stay above 600 km/h IAS because any slower the Sabre will struggle to dodge enemy missiles. The AIM-9B should be able to deal with any running/climbing enemy. However, enemies with RWR will get notified if the rangefinding radar is turned on and may drop flares. It is best to keep the radar off when launching a missile attack against aircraft like the German Starfighter or the Mirage III. In battle, stay low and fast and by the time you are up close to your enemy they would not be able to outrun the missiles or outturn the Sabre.

=== Ground Simulator Battles CAS ===
In ground simulator battles, F-86F-40 can be a multirole fighter depending on the task to complete. In ground attack, the HVAR rockets will struggle with most targets at the top simulator bracket, but do offer better accuracy per 100 m when compared to the Bombs. The 1,000 lb bombs are very reliable against all levels of protection but take a higher approach for a accurate drop (lack of bomb sight). In an air superiority role, the Sabre will preform even better than it did in air simulator battles. The 6 x .50 cal MGs will make quick work of any enemy helicopter, even if they try to manoeuvre, the Sabre's roll rate should allow for last second adjustments. Turnfighting enemy fighter also got easier as the chances of them carrying bombs/rockets are up, thus limiting their performance. Tree-top level flying should be practiced to avoid SAMs. -->

===Radars===

The F-86F-40 is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range. Note that this Radar will trigger RWR of enemy helicopters and jets and may lead to them using flares which will defeat the AIM-9B.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - 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}}
|-
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Outstanding manoeuvrability
* Can wield air-to-air missiles
* Good guns: the 12.7 mm MGs have lots of ammo, straight bullet trajectory, and adequate velocity
* Air-to-ground armament, such as bombs and missiles
* Excellent roll rate
* Great dive acceleration makes it a nice diver
* Good energy retention in a climb
* Stable shooting platform during high speeds
* Air brakes and flaps allow for tight manoeuvres and enemy overshoots at the cost of reduced speed

'''Cons:'''

* Mediocre acceleration
* Mediocre top speed
* Weak one-second burst mass of the armament
* High speed manoeuvres can lead to wings breaking apart
* Slower turn rate than many contemporaries

== History ==

In the 1950s, after the Korean War was over, the US government decided to send more modern military equipment to Taiwan to counter the increasing threat of the mainland Chinese Army, especially the PLAAF's MiG-15 Fagot fighter which was supplied by Soviet Union and saw action during the Korean War.

At this time, the straight-wing design version of the F-84 Thunderjet fighters of the ROCAF could no longer effectively counter the MiG-15 fighter with the swept-wing design. As for the solution, the US government had officially decided to supply more than 500 F-86 Sabre fighters to Taiwan in early 1950s (some sources claim that this number is just an estimate, not the actual number of Sabre fighter fleet because many of them were delivered in the mid to late 1950s, and some sources also confirm that Taiwan received 415 F-86F fighters, 18 F-86D interceptors and 7 RF-86F reconnaissance aircraft in total). This Military Assistance Program (MAP) was named 4F343, and started in 1954, about 320 F-86F Sabre fighters and 7 RF-86 Sabre reconnaissance aircraft were delivered to ROCAF. Apart from that, ROCAF also received about 18 F-86D-36 Sabre Dog interceptors from US Air Force in 1960 too.

=== Sabre in ROCAF ===
The first Sabre fighter delivered to the ROCAF was an F-86F-1, series number 51-2893. By June 1956, 171 F-86 fighters had been delivered including 38 F-86F-1, 9 F-86F-5, and 23 F-86F-10, and the 26th Fighter Squadron from 5th Fighter Wing was the first combat unit to receive the new Sabre fighters at Tao yuan Air Base in late 1954.
[[File:Twin ROCAF F-86F with AIM-9B underwing.png|thumb|360x360px|Twin F-86F Sabre fighters of 5th Fighter Wing of ROCAF armed with two AIM-9B Sidewinder air-to-air missiles underwing.]]
The ROCAF also received some F-86F-30 fighters, but it is unknown whether they received actual F-86F-40 fighters, because at that time, the North American Aviation company not only produce the original F-86F-40 version for military sales, but also produce some modification kits for those countries that receive the previous version of F-86F Sabre fighters to help them upgrade their Sabre fighters to the newest version. Actually, one F-86F-30 Sabre fighter captured by the PLAAF in 1950s which is now displayed in the Beijing Aviation Museum was a F-86F-30 with leading-edge slats which was re-added in Canadian CL-13 Mk.6 Sabre fighters and American F-86F-40 Sabre fighters, that is the most important evidence to confirm that ROCAF had upgraded some F-86F Sabre fighters to the newest F-40 version.

In the 1950s, even though the civil war in mainland China had ended, the PLAAF still often sent aircraft to the Taiwan Strait for provocations in order to "liberate" Taiwan. ROCAF showed no fear, except for sending fighters to intercept the invading PLAAF aircraft, they also sent their aircraft to the mainland for reconnaissance missions as payback. At that time, the PLAAF engaged their new MiG-17 and MiG-17F (or its imitation versions, called J-5) fighters against ROCAF's F-86F Sabre fighter from time to time, but the latter usually saw victory in aerial battles.

From a technical point of view, the F-86F Sabre fighter's maximum level flight speed was less than MiG-17 and MiG-17F "Fresco", also the MiG-17F fighter's maximum climb rate at sea level was slightly higher than F-86F Sabre fighter, but the early version of F-86F Sabre fighter's maximum climb rate was almost the same or even higher than MiG-15bis and MiG-17 fighter, while the Sabre fighter could out-turn the MiG-15 and MiG-17 fighter in both instantaneous and sustain turn battle. Apart from that, the F-86F sabre fighter has A-4 gun/rocket/bomb calculating gunsight which can work with the AN/APG-30 ranging-radar, these equipment were more advance than the PLAAF's MiG fighters. (It should note that the J-5 fighter didn't have the ranging radar mounted on the later version of MiG-17F fighter).

From a training point of view, the PLAAF's pilots usually lacked the necessary air combat experience compared to the ROCAF pilots at the same time, especially in the Matsu air battle on July 21, 1956, ROCAF pilots even shot down several PLAAF's MiG fighters with clumsy and outperformed F-84 fighters loaded with HVAR rockets and even with disadvantage in numbers.

=== AIM-9B, the "Black Magic" ===
[[File:F-86F with AIM-9B underwing.png|left|thumb|396x396px|The F-86F "357" 52-4673, with AIM-9B underwing.]]
On August 18th, 1958, under the secret project named Black Magic (codenamed "明星計劃" in Taiwan, Operation Bright Star), a C-124 transport plane landed in Taiwan with some American technical officers and the new GAR-8 Sidewinder infrared-guided air-to-air missile, which is better known as AIM-9B. To help the ROCAF pilots get started with the new Sidewinder missile in air combat, the US pilots flew F-100 Super Sabre fighters to simulate the MiG fighter equipped by the PLAAF at that time, and ROCAF pilots flew F-86 fighters to conduct simulated attacks on these F-100 Super Sabre fighters with their Sidewinder missiles, also those technical officers needed to collect the data of the Sidewinder missiles used in combat to learn how the missiles could be improved.

On July 29th, 1958, the PLAAF's MiG-17 fighter had successfully shot down one F-84G Thunderjet fighter of ROCAF and seriously damaged another (the pilot successfully bailed out in Ma gong) at the same time. In the next few weeks, the ROCAF's F-86F Sabre fighters had successfully shot down four MiG-17 fighters of PLAAF as revenge. At that time, ROCAF had received 40 Sidewinder missiles and 40 launchers in total, and on September 10th, 1958, two batches of ROCAF pilots returned to their squadron after completing training on the use of the Sidewinder missile.

=== Sidewinder over Taiwan Strait, the battle debut ===
On September 24th, 1958, ROCAF decided to send nine RF-84F Thunderflash reconnaissance aircraft to the mainland area for a recon mission, and the commander thought it a wonderful chance to test the combat effectiveness of the GAR-8 Sidewinder missiles, so the 11th Fighter Group was ordered to undertake an escort mission for those RF-84F Thunderflash reconnaissance aircraft. The initial plan was that these F-86F Sabre fighters would be divided into four squadrons, the first squadron had four F-86F Sabre fighters with GAR-8 Sidewinder missiles while the remaining two Sabre fighters without GAR-8 Sidewinder missiles were ordered to escort those four Sabres fighters if they were in trouble with PLAAF's MiG fighters in the close-range battle.

Apart from that, the fourth squadron was ordered to stay to stay at 45,000 feet to act as a decoy because the condensation trail of the J47 engine at high altitude will attract the attention of the PLAAF's MiG fighters, so that the other squadrons could attack those PLAAF's MiG fighters that wanted to climb to attack the fourth squadron at high altitude.

At 10:30 in the morning, the attack group led by Lieutenant Colonel Li Shuyuan arrived in the sky over Wenzhou. One minute later, a message came from Shimen Battle Control Center said that PLAAF's MiG fighters were taking off from Luqiao Airport to intercept those ROCAF's reconnaissance aircraft. As the original plan expected, the PLAAF's MiG fighters paid their attention to those F-86F Sabre fighters at high altitude, which gave a wonderful chance for the first Squadron of ROCAF's F-86F Sabre fighters to attack them, but unfortunately, the first squadron couldn't identify whether the condensation trail was friendly or foe, so Lieutenant Colonel Li Shuyuan called the Sabre fighters of fourth squadron to do a turn-manoeuvre to their right side, therefore successfully locating the PLAAF's MiG fighters formation.
[[File:Gun camera of shooting down MiG.png|thumb|352x352px|Gun camera image of shooting down PLAAF MiG. The image shows the tail cloud of the MiG and a flying AIM-9B missile.]]
At the beginning of the battle, Li Shuyuan and Qian Yiqiang each fired one GAR-8 Sidewinder missile and shot down one PLAAF's MiG-17 fighter. One of MiG-17 fighter successfully evaded a Sidewinder missile fired by Qian Yiqiang's F-86F Sabre fighter, but it was shot down by another Sidewinder missile fired by another ROCAF's F-86F Sabre fighter, the last MiG-17 was shot down by one of the Sidewinder missile fired by the fourth F-86F Sabre fighter of first squadron too. After suffering such severe losses, the remaining MiG-17 fighters of the PLAAF decided to withdraw from the battle.

Later, four Sabre fighters from the commander squadron ambushed a PLAAF's MiG-17 fighters formation which was just took off from the airfield and successfully shot down one of MiG-17 fighter. After that, the fourth squadron score two kills and another squadron led by Ma Dapeng successfully shot down two PLAAF's MiG-17 fighters.

In the end, the ROCAF's F-86F sabre fighters had successfully shot down nine MiG-17 fighters of PLAAF, including four kills by GAR-8 missiles and five kills by AN/M3 12.7 mm machine-gun.
[[File:Sabre ace pilot Lee.jpg|left|thumb|247x247px|Lieutenant Colonel Li Shuyuan, the first man in history to shoot down aircraft with homing missiles in air combat.]]
As for the point of view of PLAAF, at 8:47 in the morning, twelve J-5 or MiG-17 fighters from the 46th Regiment of the 16th Division took off to intercept eight F-86F Sabre fighters, and the 12th plane damaged one Sabre fighter. At 9:06, eight MiG-15bis fighters from the 5th Regiment and eight MiG-17F fighters from the 6th Regiment of the 2nd Division of the PLAN took off to intercept the reconnaissance aircraft of ROCAF, and they spotted four Sabre fighters flying at the altitude of 13,000 m at 9:30, then the enemy tried to turn back to avoid the engagement (which was the same as the description of ROCAF's combat report, but one hour earlier). The commander of the 2nd division ordered the formation of 5th Regiment to retract in order to attract the enemy aircraft to the mainland, but when they tried to turn the right side at Wenzhou Bay, the fourth plane suddenly lost control and began to go down rapidly, others saw this situation and asked the pilot to bail out, but no response was received. In general, PLAAF claimed that they only loss one fighter due to the Sidewinder missile.

The F-86F Sabre fighters remained in ROCAF service until 1977, but for the fact that its flight performance and endurance is outdated and unsuitable for active service, the air-defense mission was taken over by the advanced F-100A Super Sabre and F-5A Freedom fighters.

== Media ==

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

== See also ==


;Related development

* Canadair [[F-86 (Family)|Sabre]] (those Sabres manufactured with the designator "CL")
* North American [[F-86K (France)|F-86D]] Sabre
* North American [[F-100D|F-100]] Super Sabre
* North American [[FJ-4B|FJ-4]] Fury

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Dassault [[Super Mystere B2|Super Mystère]]
* Grumman [[F9F-8|F-9]] Cougar
* Hawker [[Hunter F.1|Hunter]]
* Lavochkin [[La-15]]
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-15]]
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-17]]
* Saab [[J29D|J29]] Tunnan

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/392644-north-american-f-86f-40-sabre/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p86_13.html <nowiki>[joebaugher.com]</nowiki> North American F-86F-40-NA]

{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

F-86F-40 (China)

2021-10-06T19:46:21Z

U14047958: /* History */

{{About
|about=jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=other variants
|link=F-86 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-86f-40_china
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

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


While the F-86F-40's acceleration and top speed are lacking compared to its contemporaries, the F-86F-40's slats allow the plane to have an outstanding manoeuvrability. That said, one must be aware of their speed as pulling high manoeuvres at high and max speed can put the plane under great stress which leads to the wings falling apart. The outstanding manoeuvrability comes at the cost of speed. Pulling hard turns will bleed your air speed.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,095 || 1,088 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.4 || 24.9 || 38.8 || 36.3 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,115 || 1,106 || 22.1 || 23.0 || 55.8 || 46.5
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 590 || 550 || 350 || ~11 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 850 || < 600 || < 650 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J47-GE-27 || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,490 kg || colspan="2" | 232 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel
|-
| 1,150 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 5,848 kg || 6,490 kg || 6,786 kg || 9,530 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 (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 2,626 kgf || N/A
| 0.45 || 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.28
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 2,626 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.45 || 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.28
|-
|}

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


* 6.35 mm - Fore-cockpit steel plates
* 38 mm - Bulletproof windscreen
* 12.7 mm - Steel plate behind pilot's seat
* 20 mm - Steel plate in pilot's headrest

The plane is equipped at the front with 2 steel plates, each 6.35mm thick. The cockpit has a 38mm bullet proof glass that protects the pilot's torso and head. The backseat is made of 12.7mm of steel which protects the pilot's back while his head is further protected by another 20mm steel plate. This protection will help against smaller calibre rounds, however, cannot sustain many direct hits with 20 mm rounds or higher.

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

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

{{main|M3 Browning (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 6 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 1,800 total)

The F-86F-40 (China) offered the same offensive armament of many of its Sabre brethren, namely the 6 x M3 Browning 12.7 mm/.50 calibre machine guns. These machine guns are similar in performance to their predecessor, the M2 Browning; however, they excelled with a significantly higher rate of fire. The total ammunition count for this aircraft is 1,800 rounds, divided up with 300 rounds per gun. Ammunition belts for this aircraft are conventional 12.7 mm belts found on US aircraft, and typically the tracer belts permit for the quickest correction of aim. Other belts may be utilised as necessary and depending on play-style such as the Stealth belts; however, these should be used by skilled pilots who already understand the firing aspects of the M3 Brownings and bullet performance. One challenge with the Stealth belts is the lack of tracers, making it much harder to correct aim when solely relying on visual clues.

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

{{main|AN-M65A1 Fin M129 (1,000 lb)|AIM-9B Sidewinder|HVAR}}

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

* Without load
* 16 x HVAR rockets
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles

The unguided rockets out-fitted on this aircraft are the familiar American HVARs, which can be used against slow-moving bombers or ground target vehicles and anti-aircraft guns. Since the HVARs are a fire-and-forget rocket, they work best against either stationary targets or against slow-moving targets which may not be able to avoid inbound rockets. Another option for suspended ordnances includes bombs, namely the 1,000 lbs AN-M65A1 bombs. Two of these bombs is all that this aircraft can safely carry, but these bombs will do considerable damage against ground units, ships and bases. While performing bombing runs, always be on the lookout for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in and eliminate the F-86F-40 which may be flying slower and lower than typical. For air-to-air combat, using the Aim-9B missiles to complement the M3 Browning machine guns makes for a deadly combination. These missiles are best used in close quarters, anywhere from 600 - 800 m which minimizes the opportunity for the enemy pilot to evade or out-fly the missiles. It is quite possible for the enemy to avoid the in-bound missile; however, this provides the attacking aircraft with the opportunity to manoeuvre in and take out the fighter with its machine guns. Hopefully, the enemy fighter has bled any energy advantage it may have had presenting itself as an ideal target for the machine guns.

== Usage in battles ==


Try to climb up before engaging the enemy to ensure you have enough energy to get out of a sticky situation. Hopefully, there will be a jets fighting underneath you where you would be able to pounce on low-energy fighters with your guns or the AIM-9B. One advantage the F-86 has over the jets of other nations is the large ammo count of its 6 x .50 cals (1,800) although it would be wise to hit most of your shoots. Try staying above 500 km/h as any slower and you would lose a significant amount of energy in a prolonged turn.

=== Air Realistic Battles ===
In air realistic battles, the F-86F-40 (China) is not the fastest jet at its BR when it comes to top speed. The thrust output is below average and without an afterburner, and the jet does not accelerate fast either. It is best to take off and do a slight side climb while paying attention to aircraft like Harriers that could try to fly over the team. It is important to maintain at least 600 km/h IAS because any slower the Sabre will struggle to dodge enemy missiles. Once a furball is started, proceed into it and pick targets that are low on energy. The F-86F-40 should take advantage of its wings and good energy retention. Combined with a good roll rate, no enemy should be able to shake you once you are on their tail. Watch for attempts by enemies to force you to overshoot. In late game air realistic battles, there will be more freedom to how slow a fight can get. If you know where the enemy is, you can afford to stall climb and get a missile off to a climbing enemy F-104A.

=== Ground Realistic Battles - CAS ===
In mixed ground battles, the F-86F-40 (China) is a good all-round aircraft. In ground attack, the HVAR rockets are a good option against lightly armoured SPAAGs or light tanks. The 1,000 lb bombs are good but both drop at the same time only giving chance for one attack round per landing. In an air superiority role, the Sabre is a good helicopter hunter with 1,800 rounds of .50 cal, which is enough to take care of any amount of enemy UHT or Apache helicopters. Enemy fighters should be engaged with care: keep away from the battlefield before climbing to avoid enemy SAMs. It is however the better air-to-air fighter compared to other options for China at this BR, as the Q-5 early has better climb and top speed but no missiles.

=== Air Simulator Battles ===
In air simulator battles, the F-86F-40 (China) is an excellent turn fighter. While the wings with slats do give a lot of angle of attack before stalling, they're also great for turn fights. This Sabre will be able to outturn most jets it can face, at anywhere between 400 and 800 km/h IAS. It is recommended to stay above 600 km/h IAS because any slower the Sabre will struggle to dodge enemy missiles. The AIM-9B should be able to deal with any running/climbing enemy. However, enemies with RWR will get notified if the rangefinding radar is turned on and may drop flares. It is best to keep the radar off when launching a missile attack against aircraft like the German Starfighter or the Mirage III. In battle, stay low and fast and by the time you are up close to your enemy they would not be able to outrun the missiles or outturn the Sabre.

=== Ground Simulator Battles CAS ===
In ground simulator battles, F-86F-40 can be a multirole fighter depending on the task to complete. In ground attack, the HVAR rockets will struggle with most targets at the top simulator bracket, but do offer better accuracy per 100 m when compared to the Bombs. The 1,000 lb bombs are very reliable against all levels of protection but take a higher approach for a accurate drop (lack of bomb sight). In an air superiority role, the Sabre will preform even better than it did in air simulator battles. The 6 x .50 cal MGs will make quick work of any enemy helicopter, even if they try to manoeuvre, the Sabre's roll rate should allow for last second adjustments. Turnfighting enemy fighter also got easier as the chances of them carrying bombs/rockets are up, thus limiting their performance. Tree-top level flying should be practiced to avoid SAMs. -->

===Radars===

The F-86F-40 is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range. Note that this Radar will trigger RWR of enemy helicopters and jets and may lead to them using flares which will defeat the AIM-9B.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - 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}}
|-
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Outstanding manoeuvrability
* Can wield air-to-air missiles
* Good guns: the 12.7 mm MGs have lots of ammo, straight bullet trajectory, and adequate velocity
* Air-to-ground armament, such as bombs and missiles
* Excellent roll rate
* Great dive acceleration makes it a nice diver
* Good energy retention in a climb
* Stable shooting platform during high speeds
* Air brakes and flaps allow for tight manoeuvres and enemy overshoots at the cost of reduced speed

'''Cons:'''

* Mediocre acceleration
* Mediocre top speed
* Weak one-second burst mass of the armament
* High speed manoeuvres can lead to wings breaking apart
* Slower turn rate than many contemporaries

== History ==

In the 1950s, after the Korean War was over, the US government decided to send more modern military equipment to Taiwan to counter the increasing threat of the mainland Chinese Army, especially the PLAAF's MiG-15 Fagot fighter which was supplied by Soviet Union and saw action during the Korean War.

At this time, the straight-wing design version of the F-84 Thunderjet fighters of the ROCAF could no longer effectively counter the MiG-15 fighter with the swept-wing design. As for the solution, the US government had officially decided to supply more than 500 F-86 Sabre fighters to the Taiwan province in early 1950s (some sources claim that this number is just an estimate, not the actual number of Sabre fighter fleet because many of them were delivered in the mid to late 1950s, and some sources also confirm that Taiwan received 415 F-86F fighters, 18 F-86D interceptors and 7 RF-86F reconnaissance aircraft in total). This Military Assistance Program (MAP) was named 4F343, and started in 1954, about 320 F-86F Sabre fighters and 7 RF-86 Sabre reconnaissance aircraft were delivered to ROCAF. Apart from that, ROCAF also received about 18 F-86D-36 Sabre Dog interceptors from US Air Force in 1960 too.

=== Sabre in ROCAF ===
The first Sabre fighter delivered to the ROCAF was an F-86F-1, series number 51-2893. By June 1956, 171 F-86 fighters had been delivered including 38 F-86F-1, 9 F-86F-5, and 23 F-86F-10, and the 26th Fighter Squadron from 5th Fighter Wing was the first combat unit to receive the new Sabre fighters at Tao yuan Air Base in late 1954.
[[File:Twin ROCAF F-86F with AIM-9B underwing.png|thumb|360x360px|Twin F-86F Sabre fighters of 5th Fighter Wing of ROCAF armed with two AIM-9B Sidewinder air-to-air missiles underwing.]]
The ROCAF also received some F-86F-30 fighters, but it is unknown whether they received actual F-86F-40 fighters, because at that time, the North American Aviation company not only produce the original F-86F-40 version for military sales, but also produce some modification kits for those countries that receive the previous version of F-86F Sabre fighters to help them upgrade their Sabre fighters to the newest version. Actually, one F-86F-30 Sabre fighter captured by the PLAAF in 1950s which is now displayed in the Beijing Aviation Museum was a F-86F-30 with leading-edge slats which was re-added in Canadian CL-13 Mk.6 Sabre fighters and American F-86F-40 Sabre fighters, that is the most important evidence to confirm that ROCAF had upgraded some F-86F Sabre fighters to the newest F-40 version.

In the 1950s, even though the civil war in mainland China had ended, the PLAAF still often sent aircraft to the Taiwan Strait for provocations in order to "liberate" Taiwan. ROCAF showed no fear, except for sending fighters to intercept the invading PLAAF aircraft, they also sent their aircraft to the mainland for reconnaissance missions as payback. At that time, the PLAAF engaged their new MiG-17 and MiG-17F (or its imitation versions, called J-5) fighters against ROCAF's F-86F Sabre fighter from time to time, but the latter usually saw victory in aerial battles.

From a technical point of view, the F-86F Sabre fighter's maximum level flight speed was less than MiG-17 and MiG-17F "Fresco", also the MiG-17F fighter's maximum climb rate at sea level was slightly higher than F-86F Sabre fighter, but the early version of F-86F Sabre fighter's maximum climb rate was almost the same or even higher than MiG-15bis and MiG-17 fighter, while the Sabre fighter could out-turn the MiG-15 and MiG-17 fighter in both instantaneous and sustain turn battle. Apart from that, the F-86F sabre fighter has A-4 gun/rocket/bomb calculating gunsight which can work with the AN/APG-30 ranging-radar, these equipment were more advance than the PLAAF's MiG fighters. (It should note that the J-5 fighter didn't have the ranging radar mounted on the later version of MiG-17F fighter).

From a training point of view, the PLAAF's pilots usually lacked the necessary air combat experience compared to the ROCAF pilots at the same time, especially in the Matsu air battle on July 21, 1956, ROCAF pilots even shot down several PLAAF's MiG fighters with clumsy and outperformed F-84 fighters loaded with HVAR rockets and even with disadvantage in numbers.

=== AIM-9B, the "Black Magic" ===
[[File:F-86F with AIM-9B underwing.png|left|thumb|396x396px|The F-86F "357" 52-4673, with AIM-9B underwing.]]
On August 18th, 1958, under the secret project named Black Magic (codenamed "明星計劃" in Taiwan, Operation Bright Star), a C-124 transport plane landed in Taiwan with some American technical officers and the new GAR-8 Sidewinder infrared-guided air-to-air missile, which is better known as AIM-9B. To help the ROCAF pilots get started with the new Sidewinder missile in air combat, the US pilots flew F-100 Super Sabre fighters to simulate the MiG fighter equipped by the PLAAF at that time, and ROCAF pilots flew F-86 fighters to conduct simulated attacks on these F-100 Super Sabre fighters with their Sidewinder missiles, also those technical officers needed to collect the data of the Sidewinder missiles used in combat to learn how the missiles could be improved.

On July 29th, 1958, the PLAAF's MiG-17 fighter had successfully shot down one F-84G Thunderjet fighter of ROCAF and seriously damaged another (the pilot successfully bailed out in Ma gong) at the same time. In the next few weeks, the ROCAF's F-86F Sabre fighters had successfully shot down four MiG-17 fighters of PLAAF as revenge. At that time, ROCAF had received 40 Sidewinder missiles and 40 launchers in total, and on September 10th, 1958, two batches of ROCAF pilots returned to their squadron after completing training on the use of the Sidewinder missile.

=== Sidewinder over Taiwan Strait, the battle debut ===
On September 24th, 1958, ROCAF decided to send nine RF-84F Thunderflash reconnaissance aircraft to the mainland area for a recon mission, and the commander thought it a wonderful chance to test the combat effectiveness of the GAR-8 Sidewinder missiles, so the 11th Fighter Group was ordered to undertake an escort mission for those RF-84F Thunderflash reconnaissance aircraft. The initial plan was that these F-86F Sabre fighters would be divided into four squadrons, the first squadron had four F-86F Sabre fighters with GAR-8 Sidewinder missiles while the remaining two Sabre fighters without GAR-8 Sidewinder missiles were ordered to escort those four Sabres fighters if they were in trouble with PLAAF's MiG fighters in the close-range battle.

Apart from that, the fourth squadron was ordered to stay to stay at 45,000 feet to act as a decoy because the condensation trail of the J47 engine at high altitude will attract the attention of the PLAAF's MiG fighters, so that the other squadrons could attack those PLAAF's MiG fighters that wanted to climb to attack the fourth squadron at high altitude.

At 10:30 in the morning, the attack group led by Lieutenant Colonel Li Shuyuan arrived in the sky over Wenzhou. One minute later, a message came from Shimen Battle Control Center said that PLAAF's MiG fighters were taking off from Luqiao Airport to intercept those ROCAF's reconnaissance aircraft. As the original plan expected, the PLAAF's MiG fighters paid their attention to those F-86F Sabre fighters at high altitude, which gave a wonderful chance for the first Squadron of ROCAF's F-86F Sabre fighters to attack them, but unfortunately, the first squadron couldn't identify whether the condensation trail was friendly or foe, so Lieutenant Colonel Li Shuyuan called the Sabre fighters of fourth squadron to do a turn-manoeuvre to their right side, therefore successfully locating the PLAAF's MiG fighters formation.
[[File:Gun camera of shooting down MiG.png|thumb|352x352px|Gun camera image of shooting down PLAAF MiG. The image shows the tail cloud of the MiG and a flying AIM-9B missile.]]
At the beginning of the battle, Li Shuyuan and Qian Yiqiang each fired one GAR-8 Sidewinder missile and shot down one PLAAF's MiG-17 fighter. One of MiG-17 fighter successfully evaded a Sidewinder missile fired by Qian Yiqiang's F-86F Sabre fighter, but it was shot down by another Sidewinder missile fired by another ROCAF's F-86F Sabre fighter, the last MiG-17 was shot down by one of the Sidewinder missile fired by the fourth F-86F Sabre fighter of first squadron too. After suffering such severe losses, the remaining MiG-17 fighters of the PLAAF decided to withdraw from the battle.

Later, four Sabre fighters from the commander squadron ambushed a PLAAF's MiG-17 fighters formation which was just took off from the airfield and successfully shot down one of MiG-17 fighter. After that, the fourth squadron score two kills and another squadron led by Ma Dapeng successfully shot down two PLAAF's MiG-17 fighters.

In the end, the ROCAF's F-86F sabre fighters had successfully shot down nine MiG-17 fighters of PLAAF, including four kills by GAR-8 missiles and five kills by AN/M3 12.7 mm machine-gun.
[[File:Sabre ace pilot Lee.jpg|left|thumb|247x247px|Lieutenant Colonel Li Shuyuan, the first man in history to shoot down aircraft with homing missiles in air combat.]]
As for the point of view of PLAAF, at 8:47 in the morning, twelve J-5 or MiG-17 fighters from the 46th Regiment of the 16th Division took off to intercept eight F-86F Sabre fighters, and the 12th plane damaged one Sabre fighter. At 9:06, eight MiG-15bis fighters from the 5th Regiment and eight MiG-17F fighters from the 6th Regiment of the 2nd Division of the PLAN took off to intercept the reconnaissance aircraft of ROCAF, and they spotted four Sabre fighters flying at the altitude of 13,000 m at 9:30, then the enemy tried to turn back to avoid the engagement (which was the same as the description of ROCAF's combat report, but one hour earlier). The commander of the 2nd division ordered the formation of 5th Regiment to retract in order to attract the enemy aircraft to the mainland, but when they tried to turn the right side at Wenzhou Bay, the fourth plane suddenly lost control and began to go down rapidly, others saw this situation and asked the pilot to bail out, but no response was received. In general, PLAAF claimed that they only loss one fighter due to the Sidewinder missile.

The F-86F Sabre fighters remained in ROCAF service until 1977, but for the fact that its flight performance and endurance is outdated and unsuitable for active service, the air-defense mission was taken over by the advanced F-100A Super Sabre and F-5A Freedom fighters.

== Media ==

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

== See also ==


;Related development

* Canadair [[F-86 (Family)|Sabre]] (those Sabres manufactured with the designator "CL")
* North American [[F-86K (France)|F-86D]] Sabre
* North American [[F-100D|F-100]] Super Sabre
* North American [[FJ-4B|FJ-4]] Fury

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Dassault [[Super Mystere B2|Super Mystère]]
* Grumman [[F9F-8|F-9]] Cougar
* Hawker [[Hunter F.1|Hunter]]
* Lavochkin [[La-15]]
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-15]]
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-17]]
* Saab [[J29D|J29]] Tunnan

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/392644-north-american-f-86f-40-sabre/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p86_13.html <nowiki>[joebaugher.com]</nowiki> North American F-86F-40-NA]

{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

F-86F-30 (China)

2021-10-06T19:38:33Z

U14047958: /* History */ changed "June 1916" to "June 1961"

{{About
| about = Chinese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-86 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-86f-30_china
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,095 || 1,089 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.7 || 25.9 || 38.8 || 35.9 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,115 || 1,106 || 23.6 || 24.0 || 56.5 || 46.7
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 590 || 550 || 350 || ~11 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 850 || < 600 || < 650 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J47-GE-27 || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,430 kg || colspan="2" | 239 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel
|-
| 900 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 5,787 kg || 6,429 kg || 6,726 kg || 9,530 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 (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 2,626 kgf || N/A
| 0.45 || 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.28
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 2,626 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.45 || 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.28
|-
|}

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


* 6.35 mm steel - in front of cockpit
* 12.7 mm steel - behind pilot
* 38 mm steel - armoured windscreen
* 20 mm steel pilot's headrest

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

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

{{main|M3 Browning (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 6 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 1,800 total)

Six 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns make up the F-86F-30's firepower by the sheer rate of fire rather than the damage potential of a single projectile. The six machine guns altogether can make even a half-second hit on an enemy plane crippling for the enemy's modules.

The 12.7 mm machine gun can also be quite versatile in Air RB, as the M3 Browning has enough penetration power with ''Default'' and ''Ground Target'' belts to destroy light pillboxes.

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

{{main|AN-M65A1 Fin M129 (1,000 lb)|HVAR}}

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

* Without load
* 16 x HVAR rockets
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs (2,000 lb total)

The F-86F-30 can carry a small assortment of payloads. Though not inconsequentially small, the payloads do impact the F-86F-30's flight characteristics enough that it is not suggested to use them in a fighter role at all if equipped with ordnance.

Use rockets on battlefields with many lightly-armoured vehicles, while bombs against hard points like a well dug-in tank.

== Usage in battles ==


While the F-86F-30's acceleration and top speed are lacking compared to its contemporaries, the F-86F-30's slats allow the plane to have an outstanding maneuvrability. That said, one must beware of their speed as pulling high maneuvres at high and max speed can put the plane under great stress which leads to the wings falling apart. The outstanding manoeuvrability comes at the cost of speed. Pulling hard turns will bleed your airspeed. Try to climb up before engaging the enemy to ensure you have enough energy to get out of a sticky situation. Hopefully, there will be a furball underneath you where you would be able to pounce on low-energy fighters with your guns. One advantage the F-86 has over the jets of other nations is the large ammo count of its 6 x 50 cals (1,800) although it would be wise to hit most of your shoots. Try staying above 500 km/h as any slower and you would lose a significant amount of energy in a pro-longed turn.

===Radars===

The F-86F-30 is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - 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}}
|-
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Clear cockpit view for simulator battle
* Decent turn time for jet
* Good acceleration
* Decent armament 12.7mm M3 with a high rate of fire
* Can carry bombs or rockets
* Decent radar

'''Cons:'''

* Easy to rip off the wings with high-speed manoeuvres (realistic and simulator battles)
* This plane fights against jets with afterburners and missiles
* Low ammo count equates to only 15-second burst

== History ==
The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) was one of the many nations to use surplus F-86 Sabre jet-fighters. Between December 1954 to June 1961, the ROCAF received 160 surplus American F-86F-1 to F-86F-30 aircraft, and by 1958, the ROCAF possessed 320 such aircraft. The aircraft would engage in air combat with Chinese MiGs over the Taiwan Strait during the Taiwan Strait crisis of 1958. Additionally, ROCAF Sabres were among the first aircraft to be equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, which were used with devastating effectiveness against Chinese MiGs during the Taiwan Strait Crisis.

Following the end of the Chinese Civil War, the ROCAF received the F-86F series jet fighter from the United States, being surplus USAF airframes. The ROCAF received 160 airframes between December of 1954 to June of 1956, with further aircraft delivered afterwards contributing to a total of 320 F-86F aircraft. These aircraft were mostly upgraded to F-86F-40 standards. ROCAF F-86Fs engaged Communist MiG-15s and MiG-17s during the 1958 Taiwan Strait Crisis. During the crisis, Communist MiGs shot down or damaged 42 ROCAF aircraft but lost 15 of their own.

However, the Taiwanese F-86F introduced a new weapon to the realm of aerial warfare - air-to-air missiles. In 1958, under Operation Black Magic, the United States equipped Taiwanese F-86Fs with the newly-developed AIM-9 Sidewinder. Each aircraft was fitted with two Sidewinders on underwing launch racks, which were used with considerable success against Chinese MiGs over the Taiwan Strait. ROCAF F-86Fs were the first aircraft to fire the missile in combat and achieved the first air-to-air missile kills on September 24th 1958, when multiple MiG-17s were shot down using the new weapon.

The AIM-9 Sidewinder severely undermined the air superiority of the Chinese MiG-17s, which had better thrust-to-weight ratio, vertical performance and climb rate than the ROCAF F-86s. The AIM-9 changed this, as Sabre pilots could engage with Chinese MiGs without needing to reach a similar altitude. However, while the AIM-9’s deployment was a considerable setback for the PLAAF, the situation changed when a Chinese MiG-17 returned to base with an unexploded AIM-9B lodged in its airframe. The missile was given to Soviet technicians, and subsequently reverse-engineered into the R-3 series of missiles.

=== Sabre in ROCAF ===
It's questionable if ROCAF received stock F-86F-40 or actually F-86F-30 with F-40 modification kits. The service history and combat history, including tales of firing Infrared guided air-to-air missiles would be covered in the page of ROCAF F-86F-40:

{{Main|F-86F-40_(China)#History|l1=History of the F-86F-40 (China)}}

===In-game plane details===
The F-86F-30 depicted in-game is an F-86F-30-NA model with the serial number 52-4589.

52-4589 was issued to the 4th Fighter Wing towards the last weeks of the Korean War, flown by 1Lt Edwin Scariff from the 334th Fighter Squadron under the name ''JACKIE'S BOY'' with tail number "FU-589".<ref name="ThompsonF86Aces">Thompson 2006, p.95</ref> In 1954, 52-4589 was given to the Republic of China Air Force (RoCAF) renamed as F-86011 "011".<ref name="ThompsonF86Aces" /><ref name="RoseFJWBR">Rose 2018</ref><ref name="YocumRoCAF">Yocum 2017</ref> 52-4589 served in the No.17 squadron of the 5th Fighter Group,<ref name="YocumRoCAF">Yocum 2017</ref> which transitioned to using the F-86 in January 1955.<ref name="LiRoCAF">Li 2019, p.27</ref>

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-86f-40_china Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Related development

* North American [[F-100D|F-100]] Super Sabre

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Dassault [[Super Mystere B2|Super Mystère]]
* Grumman [[F9F (Family)|F9F]] Cougar
* Hawker [[Hunter (Family)|Hunter]]
* Lavochkin [[La-15]]
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-15 (Family)|MiG-15]]
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-17 (Family)|MiG-17]]
* Saab [[J29D|J29]] Tunnan

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/272062-north-american-f-86f-30/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

;References
<references />

;Bibliography

* Baugher, Joseph F. "F-86F in Foreign Service." ''<nowiki>joebaugher.com</nowiki>'', 05 NOV 1999, [http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p86_12.html Website].
* Li, Jordan. ''Harder Than Climbing to Heaven: Fighter Aviation in the Republic of China Air Force (1928-1994).'' California Polytechnic State University, March 2019.
* Rose, Scott. "North American F-86F Sabre - 52-4305 to 52-5530." ''Forgotten Jets - A Warbirds Resource Group Site'', 2018, [http://www.forgottenjets.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/f86f-sabre_524305-525530.html Website].
* Thompson, Warren. ''F-86 Sabre Aces of the 4th Fighter Wing.'' Osprey Publishing Limited, 2006.
* Yocum, Eric. "RoCAF F-86 Sabres Database" ''Yocum USA - Sweet Rose'', 2017, [http://yocumusa.com/sweetrose//images/2017rocaf/db199.htm Website].

{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

F-84G-21-RE (China)

2021-10-06T19:25:14Z

U14047958: /* History */ changed "21.7mm" to "12.7mm"

{{About
| about = Chinese strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-84 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-84g_china
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

Republic Aircraft Company's jump into the jet fighter market was not as smooth as they would have liked. They experienced severe growing pains as they developed and produced the F-84 series aircraft, especially the B, C, D and E variants. Important upgrades and modifications included a more powerful turbine engine, strengthened wings, aerodynamically secure wing-tip fuel tanks and a strengthened structure. The resultant of these upgrades was the much improved F-84G fighter, which boasted new innovations such as improved avionics, radar, the capability of in-flight refuelling and ability to carry a Mark 7 nuclear bomb. Though the operationally longest lasting of the series with the United States (into the mid-1960s), several other nations continued to use it including France and Italy, however, Greece continued flying their fighters until 1991.<ref name="Burrows" />

Even with the changes from earlier models, even in-game pilots will notice the quirkiness of the F-84G. Noted for its nickname "Lead Sled", the F-84G, like the B version in-game has an extremely long takeoff roll, around 1,500 m, typically due to the heavier payloads afforded to this aircraft. Though, once at altitude and during attack runs, the F-84G is an incredibly stable platform and can be outfitted with a number of various suspended armaments along with its six 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns. Each gun only has 300 rounds of ammunition, therefore trigger control is necessary or else the pilot will be left with empty guns in short order. Considered a multi-role aircraft, the F-84G can be utilised as a fighter-interceptor, bomber interceptor and ground attack fighter. The F-84G can be laden with a variety of bombs ranging from 100 lbs all the way up to two 1,000 lb bombs. [[HVAR]] and [[Tiny Tim]] rockets are a viable option alone or mixed with bombs to expand the options of targets to be attacked depending on the map the pilot is flying in.

Like many jet fighters, flying slowly makes for an easy target and this is no exception for the F-84G. Speed is necessary to ensure manoeuvrability both to engage a target and to shake a tail. Though not the fastest fighter at this rank, the F-84G can hold its own and when pressed, the six centre lined M3 Browning machine guns can punch enough holes in an enemy fighter to bring it down. Don't expect this fighter when laden down with two 1,000 lbs bombs or two Tiny Tim and 24 HVAR rockets to excel in a dog-fight as it won't with all that weight, however, after all that ordnance is released the F-84B can then mix it up, though it is preferable to maintain speed while performing Boom & Zoom manoeuvres.

While dealing with mixed reviews over its positive and negative aspects, the F-84 series aircraft paved the way for a later aircraft which magnified all of the positive qualities of the F-84, being a stable firing platform, loaded to the gills with assorted suspended armaments and a main gun which rained destruction on the enemy, this aircraft would later be know as the Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II.
== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The F-84G is a streamline all-metal jet fighter which was designed to house the upgraded Allison J35-A-29 turbine jet engine. Though an upgraded engine compared to the F-84B, typically this fighter was laden with more ordnance thus still requiring a significant roll-out time of 1,040 m (~3,400 ft) before lift-off. Don't be dismayed as other fighters are taking to the sky while you are still building up speed as once in the air you can climb to bomber altitude or set up for a ground attack run that few others can rival.

Though the take-off and climb characteristics of the Allison jet engine appeared lacklustre, it actually had decent level flight speed and good dive characteristics. Speed is what saves this fighter, in once it has enough built up, it will perform. Though not the fastest at its battle rating, the F-84G is a great boom & zoom aircraft vs. being a dog-fighter. Turning this aircraft will bleed its speed and the roll rate can be affected by the weight of the wing-tip fuel tanks. One negative aspect of the wing-tip fuel tanks of the early F-84s was that high speeds (>1,000 km/h) tended to cause the fuel tanks to twist resulting (mitigated by the addition of fins on the tanks) in the destruction of the wings which does reflect in realistic and simulator battles in-game if exceeded. While turning in this jet is not advised, Immelmann and Split-S manoeuvres will help to conserve energy without compromising the speed of the aircraft.

If ever in danger of risking going faster than maximum rip speed, it is important to throttle back and extend air-brakes to reduce speed enough to keep the aircraft intact and manoeuvre in for the kill.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 976 || 971 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.0 || 30.4 || 30.8 || 29.3 || rowspan="2" | 3,000
|-
! Upgraded
| 993 || 985 || 27.2 || 28.0 || 42.1 || 36.2
|-
|}
[[File:F-84G-21-RE (China) climbing up above the clouds.jpg |450px|thumb|right|A '''{{PAGENAME}}''' ascending above the clouds in search of a target.]]

==== 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 
|-
|}

[[File:F-86G_(China)_successful_HVAR_attack.jpg|450px|thumb|right|A '''{{PAGENAME}}''' after a successful [[HVAR]] attack on a bomber.]]
{| 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}} || 527 || 499 || 350 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 530 || < 600 || < 690 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Allison J35-A-29 || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,450 kg || colspan="2" | 276 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
|-
| 1,050 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 5,868 kg || 6,447 kg || 6,685 kg || 9,979 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 (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 27m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 2,300 kgf || N/A
| 0.39 || 0.36 || 0.34 || 0.23
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 2,300 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.39 || 0.36 || 0.34 || 0.23
|-
|}

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


* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
* 6.35 mm Steel plate in front of pilot.
* 12.7 mm Steel plate in pilot's headrest.
* 8 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.

Like many early jet fighters, the armour was placed around the pilot while not much thought was given to the other critical components of the aircraft mostly due to the weight imposed on the early and weak turbojet engines placed into service. From behind, the pilot is protected by an 8 mm steel plate behind the seat with a 12.7 mm steel plate as a headrest. In front of the pilot, a 38 mm bulletproof windscreen adds protection from head-on's or from defensive bomber weapons. Another 6.35 mm steel plate is placed in front of the pilot and instrument panel for further protection of bullets entering the open-ended air-intake.

Other critical components such as the jet turbine, fuel tanks and coolers are all exposed, only protected by the outer skin of the aircraft which may deflect incoming bullets if at sufficient distance or angle to do so.

When attacking an F-84G, aim for the centre of the aircraft where you have a good chance of getting a critical hit on the engine or in a fuel tank. Due to this aircraft having wing-tip fuel tanks, shots to the wings or wing-tip tanks have a potential of starting a fire or breaking a wing off. If the attacking aircraft has sufficient calibre ammunition then shots taken at the pilot may have a larger chance of success if made from the sides or behind. This aircraft does not have much protection against rockets or missiles, however, given sufficient notice, rockets can be avoided and it is possible that missiles can be outmanoeuvred, however, when playing in realistic or simulator you run the risk of the pilot blacking-out due to G-force manoeuvres or wings snapping while trying to outfly a missile.

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

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

{{main|M3 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
[[File:F-84G-21-RE (China) with HVAR rockets.jpg|450px|thumb|right|A '''{{PAGENAME}}''' manoeuvring toward ground targets with 24 [[HVAR]] unguided rockets.]]
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 4 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine gun, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)

Early fighters had many different configurations of machine guns and cannons mounted in the fuselage and in the wings, sometimes needing to be synced with the propeller to prevent its destruction. With the jet age developing, many factors of the past needed to be reconsidered with gun placement. With jet fighters flying faster and chasing faster targets, trying to find the sweet spot with gun convergence was extremely difficult, jet fighter pilots needed a little extra help with this. Besides implementing newer gun sites and early radar, jet fighter guns tended to be fuselage-mounted, thus eliminating the need to set the convergence and at any point between 0 m and 800 m the ammunition rounds would fly true without a convergence point.

For the F-84G, four of the 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns were mounted in the fuselage with the other two mounted in the wing roots. While they were not all centre mounted, the two in the wing roots were close enough that convergence did not need to be messed with. Two ammunition options provide the most bang-for-the-buck, firstly, the omni-purpose rounds are good all-around ammunition rounds which provide tracers and explosive/incendiary rounds which are effective against aircraft and up to light armoured vehicles. Hardened vehicles and bunkers should be left to bombs and rockets for their destruction. If as a pilot you are looking for the sneak attack, stealth rounds will allow you to get on target fire off rounds and not give away your position, giving you a few seconds to make a second attack if needed before the target realizes where you are coming from.

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

{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|HVAR|Tiny Tim}}
[[File:F-84G-21-RE_(China)_unloading_HVAR_rockets.jpg|450px|thumb|right|A '''{{PAGENAME}}''' descending on ground targets with 24 [[HVAR]] unguided rockets.]]
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
* 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (500 lb total)
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 24 x HVAR rockets
* 32 x HVAR rockets
* 24 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
* 24 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (500 lb total)
* 24 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 24 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 24 x HVAR rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets

The F-84G is one of a small handful of aircraft in War Thunder which offers many different suspended armament options ranging from bombs and rockets depending on the target needing to be destroyed. Due to the more effective engine utilised in the F-84G, it could sport a larger number of suspended armaments compared to its older brother the [[F-84B-26|F-84B]], turning into a truly ground attack workhorse. In comparison, a fully-loaded single-seat {{PAGENAME}} had approximately the same loadout capability as an early 7 crew [[B-25J-1|B-25J]] bomber. The smaller bombs such as the AN-M30A1 and AN-M57 and HVAR rockets are useful against soft targets like anti-aircraft batteries, unarmoured vehicles, ships and some light tanks. The heavier hitters like the AN-M61A1, AN-M65A1 and Tiny Tim rockets are effective (more like overkill) for the softer targets, but also work well with bunkers, heavier armoured tanks, larger ships and can also be utilised against bases.

Sometimes the suspended weapons you start out with doesn't work well later on in the match, therefore you can return to your base and exit the aircraft (default key = 'j') and select a different load-out unless you would like to fly strictly as a fighter where you can select "without load" and rely just on the six Browning M3 machine guns. The wide variety of ordnance options available for this aircraft make it an excellent clean-up ground attacker which can attack just about anything on the map with the right setup.

== Usage in battles ==


The F-84G is a versatile multi-role fighter and can be configured to be used in various types of aerial warfare, namely bomber interceptor, ground attack and fighter-interceptor.

;Bomber Interceptor

Thanks to an upgraded engine compared to the F-84B, the G model has a bit more climbing power and does not need to rely solely on side climbing and reach the necessary altitude to begin hunting bombers or diving onto hapless fighters. As a bomber interceptor, the pilot has two options for weapon load-outs besides the default guns, noting the HVAR and Tiny Tim rockets.

If the F-84G is still stock or in the process of upgrading modules, the best bet will be to not load any suspended armaments and rely on the six 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns to do the work. Just using the machine guns will help save on weight and make it a bit easier to climb on the unmodified engine. For those pilots who have modified engines, they can opt for guns only for a quicker climb or attach HVAR rockets for an additional punch against larger bombers.

Once at altitude, scan and select a bomber target of opportunity. It is best to attain higher altitude than the bomber, giving you options as to which direction to attack from and increase your speed when diving in, speed is key to avoid defensive guns, race out of their range and to gain enough distance to safely turn around and follow up with another attack if needed.

Since the six M3 machine guns are virtually centred on the aircraft, the inbound bullets will be clustered and should be aimed at engines, cockpit, fuel tanks and any other critical areas as the body of the aircraft can sometimes absorb a large amount of smaller calibre ammunition before causing a critical hit or crippling the aircraft. The limitation of only 300 rounds per gun will require trigger discipline by the pilot to ensure enough rounds are available for a secondary or tertiary attack without having to reload or return to base.

Utilizing HVAR rockets at large lumbering bombers can have a great impact, though unguided, they will need to be pointed in the general direction when launched, it may take several practice runs to determine best angle and distance in which to fire from for a successful attack. As with any unguided rocket, the best bet is to launch a volley of rockets to ensure a greater chance of at least one hitting.

;Ground Attack

Jet fighters tend to not make good ground attackers as it typically requires them to fly low and slow making them easy pickings for enemy fighters above or anti-aircraft fire below. Since the F-84G is neither an exceptionally fast fighter nor a lumbering bomber, it has an advantage of being fast enough to be dangerous to ground targets without being a sitting duck for patrolling enemy fighters. Compared to many other fighters which are capable of ground attack, the F-84G can carry a fantastic amount of ground attack ordnance which can seriously put a dent into the enemy teams vehicles, bunkers and bases.

While many aircraft available in War Thunder has a specific role of fighter-interceptor, ground attack or bomber, the F-84G can set itself up with suspended ordnance depending on the targets available on the map. The F-84G has several options depending on the modules unlocked by the pilot which range from outfitting HVAR unguided rockets, massive Tiny Tim unguided rockets, 100 lb, 250 lb, 500 lb and 1,000 lb bombs or a mixture of bombs and rockets.

Smaller bombs and the HVAR rockets are best for going after lighter armoured targets such as aircraft (on the ground or with rockets in the air), anti-aircraft batteries, trucks, some light tanks and ships. The larger Tiny Tim rockets and bombs are best reserved for more hardened targets like pillboxes, medium and large tanks, bunkers, large ships and bases. This fighter is not afraid to get down and dirty taking out ground targets, just be aware of your surroundings and watch for enemy fighters or anti-aircraft guns poised to take you out.

;Fighter Interceptor

While definitely not the fastest nor the most manoeuvrable fighter on the field, the F-84G has enough speed and manoeuvrability to take on fighter jets. The centerline six M3 machine guns concentrate enough lead into one spot to damage or destroy fighter aircraft flying in its path. While turning this fighter is bad due to bleeding airspeed (although maybe an option if you are trying to force an overshoot), Immelmann and Split-S manoeuvres will help you change directions keeping up your speed and allowing for a getaway or a targeting solution.

Boom & Zoom tactics will enable the F-84G to have the speed to manoeuvre and set up their shots and keep them active in the fight. Many enemy fighters may mistake the F-84G as a weak and slow aircraft, however, the machine is not 100% of the solution and many pilots can take lesser aircraft and best faster, more agile and better-gunned aircraft by using their training, skills and the F-84B. The only time to count out the F-84G is when you see the pilot bail out, otherwise, always consider it a threat.

===Radars===

The F-84G is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - 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}}
|-
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Center-line armament of six .50 cal machine guns with a great rate of fire
* Huge payload options, a fantastic ground attacker
* Good acceleration
* Excellent dive speed
* Sturdy wings, nearly unrippable

'''Cons:'''

* Turn rate is not very good, though better than the F-84B
* Manoeuvrability diminished with heavy payloads
* Middle road fighter, not the best or fastest, but capable
* Long takeoff roll out

== History ==


In early 1944, Alexander Kartveli, the chief designer for the Republic Aviation Aircraft Company set out to work on a replacement for the piston-powered P-47 Thunderbolt which instead would be powered by a turbojet.<ref name="Burrows" /> All attempts at trying to use the P-47 frame to accommodate a turbojet failed and Kartveli resorted to designing a brand new aircraft around an axial compressor turbojet engine. Due to the nature of the engine taking up a large majority of the fuselage, fuel tanks were designed to be in the wings of the aircraft, however, the body was streamlined to make the smallest profile possible and retain all necessary critical components.

The USAAF in September 1944 released new requirements for a daytime fighter along with specific characteristics such as the top speed of 600 mph (966 km/h), armament of six 12.7mm machine guns or four 15.2 mm machine guns along with housing a General Electric TG-180 axial turbojet also known as the Allison J35 series turbojet engine.<ref name="Burrows" /> Republic proposed their new aircraft and on paper proposed it would be superior to Lockheed's P-80 Shooting Star. The USAAF noting Republic's already proven experience with single-seat fighters proposed a contract without holding any competition. These initial order fighters were listed as YP-84As and P-84Bs.

These early test aircraft were put to wind tunnel testing and it was found that major flaws developed when subjected to high speeds, notably longitudinal instability in the aircraft's frame and stabilizer skin buckling at high speeds. Also noted was issues with the weight of the aircraft and the problem with early turbojets not producing enough thrust for takeoff and climb outs (a problem which plagued the F-84B aircraft until more robust engines were outfitted). Early J35-GE-7 engines were replaced with J35-A-15 versions which helped with the thrust ratio, however wing-tip fuel tanks were added to the mix prior to proper testing and issues developed which at one point grounded the fleet of aircraft until modifications were made.

In 1947, the USAF changed the pursuit designation of the aircraft to fighter and thus the P-84 became the F-84. The YP-84A and the F-84B only differed when it came to the type of M3 machine guns they carried, as the F-84B had faster-firing machine guns than the YP-84A. Early successes of the F-84B were overshadowed by problem after problem including a speed restriction limiting flight to no more than Mach 0.8 as any faster and the aircraft experienced control reversal where the pilot would input normal commands with the control stick and the opposite manoeuvre would occur (for instance if the pilot pulled back on the control stick to make the aircraft climb, the aircraft would actually begin to dive and vice versa). Even with the speed restrictions, the entire fleet of F-84B fighters was grounded by 1948 due to parts shortages and structural failures.<ref name="Burrows" /> It was also at this time that the F-84C aircraft were also determined to be incapable of performing any of their mission parameters, however since the F-84D was already under production (with all of the B and C variants issues being resolved), the program continued. Funding was allocated to upgrade the B and C variants, however, both were finally withdrawn from active duty service by the end of 1952.

Testing of the F-84D determined that the wings needed to be covered with a thicker aluminium skin to strengthen them which was helpful because the engine was upgraded to the more powerful J35-A-17D. Here it was found that during high-G manoeuvres, the wingtip fuel tanks led to the structural failure of the wings due to twisting motions. A simple fix of adding a small triangular fin to the external portion of the fuel tank alleviated that problem. Despite the fixes introduced with the D variant, it too was withdrawn from active duty in 1952.
The F-84E variant fighter saw modifications specifically with strengthened wings and a larger cockpit which was necessary to equip advanced avionics to include an A-1C gunsight which worked with an APG-30 radar.<ref name="Burrows" /> Folding rocket racks were also developed so that once the HVAR rockets were fired; the racks would fold flush with the wing increasing the aircraft's overall aerodynamics. Unfortunately even with all of the modifications, failure of the aircraft hinged upon the Allison J35-A-17 engines which were only designed to be flown for 25 hours a month and would receive a complete overhaul after 100 hours of flight. Due to the number of sorties flown in the Korean War, engine overhauls were taking place more frequently and quickly exhausted all of the spare parts and new engines produced.

The final variant of F-84 introduced was the G variant which began service in 1951. Utilised for the next nine years, the F-84G had new innovations which became standard on future aircraft to include, a refuelling boom mounted on the left-wing for in-flight refuelling, instrument landing system to allow for landing during inclement weather, a J35-A-29 engine, an autopilot system and the first fighter with the ability to carry a single Mark 7 nuclear bomb. The F-84G was retired from US service in 1960, however, countries such as Portugal continued to use this fighter through 1974 and were flown out of Angola.
The F-84 had a rocky start into the foray of turbine jet fighters, however, challenges and difficulties paved the way for the [[F-100D|F-100]] Super Sabre and the RF-101 Voodoo as their replacements.

At least 13 other countries bought into the F-84 program including China (Taiwan) which purchased 246 F-84G fighters and operated them from 1953 to 1964.

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

== See also ==


;Other versions

* [[F-84B-26|F-84B-26 ''Thunderjet'']]
* [[F-84G-21-RE|F-84G-21-RE]]
* [[F-84G-21-RE (Italy)]]
* [[F-84G-26-RE (France)]]

;Contemporary aircraft

* de Havilland [[Venom_FB.4|Venom]]
* Gloster [[Meteor (Family)|Meteor]]
* Dassault [[M.D.450B_Ouragan|M.D.450B Ouragan]]
* Grumman [[F9F-2|F9F]] Panther (USAF)
* Grumman [[F9F-8|F9F]] Cougar (US Navy)

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/364979-republic-f-84g-thunderjet/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===
<references>
<ref name="Burrows">Burrows, W. E. (2013, August). It had the body of a fighter and a bomber's soul. Retrieved from https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/thunderjet-307269/</ref>
</references>

{{AirManufacturer Republic}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

ITP (M-1)

2021-10-04T19:27:34Z

U14047958:

{{Specs-Card
|code=itp_m1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
|market=items_ITP (M-1) (USSR)
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Hot Tracks"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season II, "Steel Centurion"]].

"ITP" is an acronym in Russian for "heavy cannon fighter", and that is an accurate description of the ITP (M-1). As a prototype fighter from the Polikarpov design bureau, the ITP looks something like a crossing between the [[MiG-3 (Family)|MiG-3]] and [[I-185 (M-82)|I-185]]. Much like the famous [[Yak-9T]], the ITP has a powerful 37 mm cannon mounted in the propeller hub. Two additional nose-mounted 20 mm ShVAK cannons with a generous ammo supply round out its internal armament. The good flight performance allows pilots with sharp aim to swiftly tear their targets apart. The ITP is a great option for both air and mixed battles, suited for punching holes in tanks, shredding bombers, and tangling with enemy fighters. Few Soviet aircraft can boast this versatility.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,100 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
| 658 || 639 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.9 || 22.6 || 12.6 || 12.4 || rowspan="2" | 395
|-
! Upgraded
| 695 || 676 || 20.2 || 21.0 || 17.8 || 15.1
|-
|}

The ITP (M-1) is a fairly good all-rounder but has a number of quirks. The top speed appears impressive on the statcard, with 676 km/h at 6,100 m in Realistic Battles practically matching the [[I-185 (M-71)]] a whole battle rating above it, but most engagements will not occur that high and that speed is not practically achievable. It cannot sustain more than about 520 km/h at sea level, having to rely on its good horizontal energy retention to catch up with its targets at low altitudes. The climb rate is good. The turn rate is decent and the ITP will retain energy in turns quite well at medium speeds but suffer somewhat in low speed engagements. It has noticeable control surface compression above 500-600 km/h IAS in terms of roll rate and rudder control, but the elevator thankfully remains quite responsive; the ITP will have an easier time pulling out of a dive than any [[La-5 (Family)|La-5]].

One of the main sources of annoyance when flying the ITP (M-1) is its temperamental AM-37P engine. Soviet inline engines are not known for being easygoing to begin with, but the AM-37P is particularly prone to overheating, especially at lower altitudes. When using automatic engine control, it will begin overheating when left at 100% throttle and using WEP drives the temperature gauge into orange and often even red zones. The propeller pitch is adjustable but increasing it above 70% will cause overspeed warnings to show up and is generally not recommended. Using MEC is highly recommended to help manage the engine temperatures.

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 365 || 345 || 260 || ~13 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 320 || < 250 || < 500 || > 320
|-
|}

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


* 13 mm steel seat
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 under pilot, 1 under 37 mm cannon breech, 1 in each wing)

Despite being heavily armed, the ITP (M-1) is hardly armoured, which is something of a trend for Polikarpov aircraft. The rear protection protects the pilot from being knocked out by rifle-calibre machine guns but is insufficient against heavy machine guns and cannons. There is no bulletproof glass in the cockpit canopy, so head-on engagements are risky, but the pilot sits rather low in the fuselage and presents a small target. Getting hit anywhere is a bad idea since the cooling systems are distributed throughout the nose and wing roots and the engine cannot tolerate much abuse. The wing-mounted fuel tanks can be ignited by enemy fire during turning engagements.

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

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

{{main|SH-37 (37 mm)|ShVAK (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 37 mm SH-37 cannon, nose-mounted (50 rpg)
* 2 x 20 mm ShVAK cannons, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)

Trigger discipline heavily rewards the ITP, spraying should only be done when in doubt or necessity, as it only can count on 50 rounds for the 37 mm cannon and 2 x 200 rounds for both 20 mm cannons. Still, a burst of its armament will deal significant damage, as the 37 mm is coupled with two 20 mm ShVAK cannons, nose-mounted as well. While it performs best within ranges under 1 km from its target, its nose-mounted armaments will limit the dispersion cone. Taking the Default belt is a compromise allowing to use the cannon for any target and fill a multirole approach on the battlefield.

;SH-37

Only one HEI-T 37 mm round has to land on the enemy plane to cause significant damage, mostly instant fire or even ripping off a wing/the tail. While the Default ammunition belt is armed with both HEI-T (High-explosive Incendiary Tracer, Self Destroying- meant for air targets) and API-T (Armour-Piercing Incendiary Tracer- meant for ground, armoured targets), one can instead choose to focus on one playstyle by changing belts for the cannon: one being composed entirely of HEI-T (meaning that the ITP loses most of its capability to destroy "hard" targets, such as Medium and Light tanks, without taking any ordnance) and the other being composed entirely of API-T, meaning that shots landed on aircraft will not include the firepower of the high-explosive round. The API-T rounds are still good against aircraft, as a good shot can detonate fuel tanks, knock out engines, or tear off flight surfaces, but they might overpenetrate and pass through with minimal damage on occasion.

;ShVAK

Twin ShVAKs are common armaments for the Lavochkin fighters and they do not act any differently on the ITP (M-1). They are accurate and shoot quickly but are not very powerful. They are still important to utilize since the Sh-37 does not have a high volume of fire and smaller aircraft may be able to dodge the shots easily. The Default belt works fine against aircraft, combining an equal mix of AP-I rounds for damaging modules and igniting fuel tanks and FI-T rounds for help with aiming and applying some light explosive damage. For ground pounding, the Armoured Targets belt has a greater proportion of AP-I rounds and is capable of penetrating the turret roofs of certain vehicles. Either will do fine against open-topped vehicles. Avoid belts containing HEF rounds, as they do very little damage.

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

{{main|FAB-50sv (50 kg)|FAB-100sv (100 kg)|RBS-82|RS-82}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (200 kg total)
* 4 x 50 kg FAB-50sv bombs (200 kg total)
* 8 x RS-82 rockets
* 8 x RBS-82 rockets

The ITP (M-1) has a decent selection of suspended ordnance for a Soviet single-engine fighter. The twin 100 kg bombs are generally the best option for Ground RB, as they are dropped individually and are large enough to destroy armoured targets if delivered with good accuracy. Dropping them next to or on top of enemies may require some practice since they are mounted on the wings.

The rockets are more situational. The RS-82 rockets are not very useful against ground targets since they only have small high explosive warheads. The RBS-82 rockets are very similar but have a delayed fuse allowing them to penetrate armour. A successful penetration will usually destroy a tank in one hit, but this can be difficult to accomplish since they have a low velocity and are not very accurate.

== Usage in battles ==

The ITP (M-1) is capable of fulfilling different roles on the battlefield: thanks to its nose-mounted armament, it can perform aircraft interception while also having the potential for ground attack. In aerial combat, the ITP shines at quickly disposing of enemy aircraft, relying on Boom & Run tactics in engagements. Its 37 mm cannon is what makes it so deadly: any shots landed onto any enemy plane will, most of the time, cripple it, if not outright destroy it.

The ITP is not a head-on opportunistic fighter: rather, it relies on planned Boom and Run passes, by attacking enemy fighters that are in a lower energy state, or by swooping in and destroying distracted enemies engaged in turnfight. Use of WEP should, just as its ammunition management, be limited towards maintaining speed after pulling out of a dive or a quick boost, as continuous use will quickly overheat the engine. Avoid turnfighting as the aircraft loses a considerable amount of speed in any sort of vertical manoeuvres. Rather than entering a turnfight, the ITP must maintain a high speed to quickly get away from dedicated turnfighting aircraft such as the Japanese [[Ki-43-III otsu]], a common enemy at its BR, then climb again and plan another Boom and Run pass.

When focusing entirely on a ground attack role, the ITP performs best as a dive-attacker, rather than a low-flying approach, as altitude and speed are the ITP's guarantee to survive enemy fighters tailing it.

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful armaments, can destroy even the most armoured air targets with just a small burst
* Quite maneuverable
* Versatile 37 mm cannon can load armoured targets belts, capable of penetrating up to 60 mm of armour
* Can carry bombs and rockets, allowing to to be useful in ground battles
* Great climb rate, can manage 30 degrees with WEP
* Powerful engine, can outrun most aircraft at its BR (<5,000 m)
* As a premium aircraft, has profitable SL and RP multipliers
* Decent 37mm ammo load for its BR (50 rounds)

'''Cons:'''

* Flammable: Liquid cooling system and fuel are accessibly located in the wings
* Only one 13 mm steel plate protecting the pilot, can easily be pilot sniped
* Forward acceleration isn't very good compared to other aircraft of a similar BR
* Engine overheats constantly
* Minimum fuel load is 30 minutes, weighing down the aircraft
* 37 mm cannon overheats after just 6 shots

== History ==

=== [[wt:en/news/7061-development-battle-pass-vehicles-itp-m-1-en|Devblog]] ===
At the end of 1940, the aircraft designer Nikolai Polikarpov came up with the initiative to create a fundamentally new combat aircraft for Soviet aviation - a fighter with heavy cannon armament, that could fulfill tasks typical for heavy fighters and attack aircraft, while possessing the flight characteristics of a light single-engine monoplane fighter. The military accepted Polikarpov's idea with interest, formulating tasks for the future aircraft, such as effective air combat, including the destruction of bombers, aerial destruction of tanks and armoured vehicles, as well as escort missions. The assembly of the first prototype began in May of 1941, however, due to the rapid offensive from the enemy towards Moscow, production had to be evacuated to Novosibirsk, Siberia, where the test unit was completed.

ITP (M-1) (ITP is for "heavy cannon fighter") was a monoplane fighter with a 1,650 hp M-107P engine, the armament of the aircraft consisted of a 37mm Sh-37 motor-mounted gun and a pair of 20mm ShVAK cannons. Flight tests began in February 1942, but were not fully completed due to engine problems. A little later, versions with the M-107A and the AM-37 engines were tested, on the second prototype, the 37mm cannon was replaced with another ShVAK cannon. Work on the ITP project was interrupted due to the untimely death of the Soviet "king of fighters" in 1944.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=ussr&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=itp_m1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="175">
File:ITP (M-1) WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:ITP (M-1) WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:ITP (M-1) WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|9ffyPCaxp9k|'''Battle Pass Vehicles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 03:20 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|57j2HIxn7qk|ITP's performance review - Dimitri_Rudov|horOgrvIqCE|ITP (M-1) in War Thunder - OddBawZ}}

== 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/7061-development-battle-pass-vehicles-itp-m-1-en|[Devblog] Battle Pass vehicles: ITP (M-1)]]

{{AirManufacturer Polikarpov}}
{{USSR fighters}}
{{USSR premium aircraft}}