War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

B-17G-60-VE

2023-05-24T13:39:58Z

U141186626: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = American bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = B-17 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=b-17g
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

This particular version of the B-17, designated the B-17G, is the main serial production variant of the famous "Flying Fortress". Changes of the G model include a pressurised cabin, the addition of two ventral turrets at the nose and middle section, improved engines, and increased protection for the tail gunner.

The B-17G Flying Fortress, as the name suggests, is intended to be used as a high-altitude level bomber, designed to target enemy airfields and military bases. Despite its large bomb-load, it is not recommended to target moving ground targets such as tank formations. This due to the inaccuracy of bombs being released at high altitude. When using the B-17G, it is always best to group up with others in a wedge-like formation for optimal defence. The higher you climb the harder of a target you will become. A few fighter escorts, such as a squadron of [[P-51D-5|P-51 Mustangs]] would ensure the survival of friendly bombers. Survival is of the utmost importance to be remembered when using this plane. While you may miss one target, you can always make another pass once you reload and repair.

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

As with earlier B-17 models, the B-17G's flight performance is nothing to write home about. The plane is quite slow to move around at higher speeds and suffers from excessive wing loading that prevents it from doing most aerobatic manoeuvres outside of Arcade mode. While the B-17G's top speed is decent for a heavy bomber, it is still quite slow compared to other fighters at its BR, which means the B-17G will not outrun any fighters or interceptors unless it has an altitude advantage.

Speaking about altitude, the B-17G gets a long range bomber spawn. When combined with the plane's improved higher altitude performance, the B-17G can climb up to a safer altitude from most fighters except some dedicated interceptors, thus allowing the B-17G to reach its target and safely drop its payload as long as the plane is not spotted.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 7,680 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
| 492 || 476 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 37.2 || 38.2 || 2.2 || 2.2 || rowspan="2" | 600
|-
! Upgraded
| 535 || 510 || 34.9 || 36.0 || 7.7 || 4.6
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 516  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 383 || 361 || 249 || ~2 || ~1
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 330 || < 310 || < 270 || > 300
|-
|}

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


* 6.35 mm Steel - Lower nose armour plate
* 6.35 mm Steel - Back of pilot and co-pilot's seats
* 6.35 mm Steel - Dorsal turret gunner protective plate
* 6.35 mm Steel - Radio operator protective plate
* 6.35 mm Steel - Beam gunner protective armour x 2
* 6.35 mm Steel - Tail gunner protective plate
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Ball turret
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Tail gunner rear window

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

This slow and lumbering heavy bomber relies entirely on its turrets for defence. Without it, the plane is target practice. Thus "Protective vests" should be the first unlock. Further survivability upgrades will make the fight easier, but do not think it will successfully face-off against enemy fighters. So upgrading the bomb payloads should be second priority. Performance modules can be considered the least necessary.

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

{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)}}

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

* 8 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 12 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 6 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 8 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs (8,000 lb total)

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

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

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

* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, chin turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x cheek turrets (300 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, front dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, rear dorsal turret (500 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (600 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, tail turret (575 rpg = 1,150 total)

== Usage in battles ==

When facing fighters and interceptors in Realistic Battles, it is best to use Omni-purpose or Armour-piercing/Ground Target ammunition belts for the 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns. These ammunition belts are effective at tearing through the engine block and hopefully resulting in an internal engine fire. You may be also able to score a pilot kill on your opponent.

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

B-17s are notoriously hard to kill when compared to similar Soviet and German bombers. However, with the B-17 the best defence is to evade your opponent altogether. Your worst enemies will be almost all fighters due to the high BR (Fw 190 D, Ta-152, BF-109 G-10/K-4, F8F-1B, Tempest, etc.). Most fighters will have 2-4 cannons which can still make short work of the B-17.
[[File:BomberImage_Boeing_B-17G_2_BG_dropping_bombs.jpg|200px|thumb|right|B-17G dropping bombs in Europe]]
The weakest area of approach with the B-17G is the front. Only 1-2 MGs can be focused directly forward if a fighter head-ons you. The crew is also focused at the nose. If there is a fighter at your level, try to turn and expose the tail "barb". Diving may work as well. However, diving can put you into more danger as more fighters may swarm you.

====Counter-tactics====

When climbing to fight the B-17, you will most likely have a lower energy level depending on the plane you use. The F8F-1B, for example, has extremely good acceleration with WEP and can climb ridiculously quickly as well. If in a plane such as an F8F-1B, attempt to head on the B-17 as this is the weakest point. If the B-17 turns away, climb and chase the Flying Fortress at a higher altitude and then dive on it from an angle. Always avoid tailing a B-17, regardless of model. This just warrants a knocked-out pilot or fire.

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Large bomb payload
* Powerful air defence capabilities, with effectively no blindspots
* Multiple powerful engines increase the plane's endurance
* Decent climb rate for a bomber at higher altitudes
* Overall heavily armoured

'''Cons:'''

* Fairly slow compared to other aircraft at its rank
* Big target, its huge wings and tail are vulnerable against 20 mm cannons
* Nose is extremely vulnerable for the pilot and crew
* Prone to fire damage
* Excessive wing loading can cause the wings to rip while turning at higher speed (~400 km/h)

== History ==

Due to direct experience from U.S. bomber crews in 1943, the B-17F revealed inadequate protection from head-on attacks by enemy fighters. To remedy this problem, a remote-controlled chin turret armed with two 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns was introduced on the final production block of Douglas-built B-17Fs, the B-17F-75-DL. This turret became standard on the B-17G, and proved to be more practical than manually operated guns initially fitted to the nose. The B-17G began delivery in September of 1943 and included various upgrades throughout its production. A total of 8,680 aircraft were built from three manufacturers until April of 1945. The B-17G could be considered the cornerstone of U.S. bombing efforts in the European theatre between 1944 and 1945.

{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress was the first American all-metal heavy bomber. The plane was designed in 1934 in response to a design competition for a coastal anti-ship bomber. A year later the Boeing-299 prototype was built, equipped with four 750-HP Pratt & Whitney engines. It was first flown on June 28 of that year. Subsequent variants used the 1,200 HP Wright Cyclone engines. Boeing factories began mass producing B-17 Flying Fortresses for the US Army Air Corps exactly 12 months later. Throughout the production run, Boeing produced 6,981 B-17s of various variants and an additional 5,745 were built by Lockheed and Douglas giving a total of 12,726 aircraft.

The B-17 quickly became legendary due to its ability to withstand battle damage and to bring hole-ridden aircraft home safely. Nine, and later twelve, Browning .50-cal machine guns offered formidable defensive fire coverage. Nevertheless, the aircraft was not without its faults. For example, the tendency to catch fire was never overcome. Another weakness was the lack of protection against head-on attacks; out of 27 pieces of armour, none protected the crew from the front. Firing a cannon or even a machine gun at the cockpit would find the crew completely unprotected. Another famous part of the B-17 was its highly advanced Norden bombsight, which allowed for effective bomb aiming even at high altitudes.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=b-17g Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[B-17 (Family)]]

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Boeing}}
{{USA bombers}}

P-51D-5

2023-05-03T15:50:45Z

U141186626:

{{About
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = P-51 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=p-51d-5
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
|cockpit=cockpit_p-51d-5.jpg
}}

== Description ==

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

The P-51D is, undoubtedly, the shining star of the USAF branch. With its sleek laminar-flow wing, classic American M2 Brownings, high-visibility cockpit, and immensely powerful engine, the P-51 is most definitely a force to be reckoned with. It is endowed with very good high-altitude traits, endurance, and speed. Use it accordingly.

[[File:HistoricImage P51 assembly.jpg|thumbnail|left|P-51D on the Inglewood assembly line, the fully "semi-monocoque" fuselage lowered on the one piece wing. ''From'' -> "[https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/264749-historical-structures-of-aircraft/ Structures of aircraft]" article]]

As standard with the USAAF, the Mustang has six M2 Browning machine guns in the wings. It can load bombs and rockets like most other planes in the USAAF. The armament, though effective, still requires patience to master. The M2s have a great range, but the damage decreases substantially as your proximity from your opponent increases. It is best to shoot for the engines and wings of any plane, because fuselage shots will waste your ammunition.

The armament is pretty versatile; the 12.7 mm M2 machine guns can easily destroy most soft targets: [[:Category:Light tanks|light tanks]], AAA, [[:Category:Anti-aircraft vehicles|SPAA]], soft ground units, artillery, etc. Against bombers and heavy fighters the incendiary rounds will effectively set them alight.

The ground attack capability of the Mustang is notable, as it can carry 2 heavy 1000 lb bombs, as well as 6 rockets. Thus, the Mustang is also an effective attacker/ground attack aircraft.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 7,620 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
| 673 || 652 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.0 || 24.9 || 14.9 || 14.9 || rowspan="2" | 396
|-
! Upgraded
| 724 || 698 || 22.0 || 23.0 || 21.7 || 18.0
|-
|}

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

{| 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}} || 644 || 512 || 265 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 500 || < 300 || < 500 || > 400
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 2,400 m || 1,580 hp || 1,728 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 6,400 m || 1,320 hp || 1,444 hp
|-
|}

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


* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Pilot's windscreen
* 19.05 mm Steel - Fore engine plate
* 6.35 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armour plate
* 8 mm Steel - Plate behind pilot's seat
* 11 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest

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

The stock Mustang has fairly poor performance. Acceleration and climb rate is terrible. This can be rectified by grinding down the performance modifications. The "Offensive 12.7 mm" should be researched immediately for ammo flexibility such as the "Stealth" belt. Avoid researching ground attack modules until you research performance mods first, that includes the very important "G-Suit", as it greatly increases high-speed g-tolerance.

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

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

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

* 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (2 x 270 rpg outer + 500 rpg inner = 2,080 total)

=== 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|M8}}

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

* Without load
* 6 x HVAR rockets
* 6 x M8 rockets
* 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)
* 6 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
* 6 x HVAR rockets + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)

== Usage in battles ==


The {{PAGENAME}} is the breakout fighter from the original [[P-51]] design with some major changes which include the beefier Packard V-1650-7 inline engine, bubble canopy for increased pilot visibility and replacement of four 20 mm cannons for six 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns. While not the refined thoroughbred compared to Mustangs of later in the War, the D-5 comes into its own as a multi-purpose fighter depending on the theatre of operation and mission requirements.

For the D-5 Mustang to work properly as a fighter/interceptor, it needs to maintain its speed to catch enemy aircraft off-guard or to get away when the odds start to look grim. Immediately after spawning, this aircraft should begin its climb to higher altitudes where it can then capitalize on its potential energy, however, side-climbing is recommended otherwise the Mustang will end up in the middle of two layers, lower and slower aircraft which don't climb well and those like the [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfire]], [[J2M (Family)|J2M]] or [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109]] which will easily out-climb the P-51. Side climbing affords the calculating pilot the opportunity to reach a good altitude from which targets can then be selected and taken out. Here, options will include bomber hunting and Boom & Zooming. Keeping the aircraft's airspeed around 400 km/h (248 mph) will allow the pilot to play more on the offensive than running on the defensive.

Unless you are a skilled head-on attacker, this should be avoided as the airframe is fairly fragile, the engine will most likely absorb most of the damage leaking essential fluids or outright quitting, plus the pilot does not have very much protection from the canopy. If forced into a head-on, take evasive manoeuvres and make it difficult for the enemy fighter to get their sights lined up for a firing solution while they waste ammunition.

Again, while this aircraft becomes difficult to handle when flying slow, it is important to refrain from taking this fighter to the stall point unless you are specifically dragging an enemy fighter into a rope-a-dope or other stall-tactic fighting style. The Mustang does not have a very strong rudder (avoid hammerheads or wing-overs), however, when working into a stall manoeuvre, before the aircraft's energy if fully depleted, perform a Split-S manoeuvre and let gravity help the engine get the fighter into a raging dive. Another option with stall-tactics is to work with a wingman, where one aircraft dupes an enemy to follow up in a climb as energy bleeds off, at that point, a wingman with plenty of energy can dive and take out the climbing enemy when they are reaching their apex and are going to be at their slowest, making for an easy target. Wing mates can alternate roles to ensure a continual supply of enemy aircraft to attack.

The P-51D-5 is agile enough to dogfight around larger fighters, attackers and bombers, however, it does lack when going against other single-engine fighters around its rank. To counter this inherent weakness, the Mustang should maintain its speed and concentrate on utilising Boom & Zoom tactics allowing it to flee the scene and set up for another attack on its terms. Even missing the target (or not fully destroying it) should not tempt the pilot to chase it down to finish it as this will ultimately bleed of crucial energy and even though successful in chasing down the enemy aircraft and finishing it off, the P-51 is left in a vulnerably slow position where it then has to scrape back up to altitude as a potential easy pickings for any patrolling enemy aircraft.

While this version of the Mustang is not outfitted with 20 mm cannons, having six [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2 Browning]] heavy machine guns can still result in devastating damage inflicted on the enemy. There are several options of ammunition which can be outfitted with this aircraft and they all have their purpose, however, utilising the "Tracer" belt can be truly effective. The tracer belt is composed entirely of the extremely effective M20 API-T rounds which when concentrated on a bombers engine or fuel tank can produce some spectacular shows of colour as flames erupt out of the defending aircraft. One thing the pilot must keep track of is the amount of ammunition left after firing because two of the six guns have more ammunition than the other four; at one point damage output will decrease, however, the decrease in weight from the firing of the rounds will increase the aircraft's performance until the reload timer resupplies the aircraft or the pilot returns to base for a reload. Alternatively, for an even more effective method of downing enemy aircraft, use the "Stealth" belt.

While a very capable Boom & Zoom fighter, there are several suspended armament options which can be outfitted to the aircraft depending on the mission. While the additional bombs or rockets will increase the damage potential of the aircraft, there is a trade-off, a critical one, more weapons mean increased aircraft weight and therefore less manoeuvrability and engine performance. Rockets and bombs will turn this aircraft into a force multiplier as the rockets can be used against both aircraft (bombers), ground targets and fleet targets. Bombs, on the other hand, are strictly for land-based and fleet targets, however, they will be less effective against bases in compared to softer ground targets like anti-aircraft cannons, trucks, light tanks and some smaller pillboxes. While the armament on the Mustang will be less effective against a base, it will allow the pilot to chip away at it barring any enemy fighters finding their way over to your location.

The P-51D-5 has many strengths and weaknesses compared to other aircraft in which it will face, the key is to know these limitations and to know which ones you can push and be successful and others which will leave you an easy enemy target. The key point to remember is speed is key, staying around 400 km/h (248 mph) will keep many options open to either run or attack and can be the deciding factor when facing an aircraft with superior qualities and still come out the victor and be credited with the title "rank does not matter."

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

The MEC controls on this plane are incredibly simple. Put out both radiators to 100%, and keep it like that for the whole game, as your engine will never overheat. Due to the position of the radiators, it gives a small amount of jet thrust to counteract the little drag it creates.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Outstanding Boom & Zoom capability
* Great performance at altitude
* Very fast at all altitudes, especially with a leveling-out dive
* Due to wing shape, very agile at high speeds
* Good cockpit visibility
* Plenty of ammo
* Large fuel capacity
* Tracers belt consists entirely of API-T rounds, giving the 12.7 mm a significantly bigger punch than other machine guns
* Fantastic top speed and acceleration when spaded
* Very good sustained climb rate when spaded
* Incredibly simple MEC controls

'''Cons:'''

* Relatively prone to catching fire
* Quickly loses energy during turning manoeuvres
* High stall speed
* Only utilises machines guns, no cannons
* Poor performance and climb, relatively low acceleration when stock
* Sluggish when carrying bombs and rockets
* Pilot is prone to being easily hit and knocked out in engagements, even by bombers

== History ==

In April of 1940, the British Purchasing Commission visited the United States in the hope of securing a new fighter to supplement their Spitfire and Hurricane. They approached the North American Aircraft Company with the proposal to build P-40s under license from Curtiss. Instead, North American proposed the idea of building a brand new superior fighter. The BPC accepted the proposal and the first prototype was set to be completed within 120 days. The design team was led by Lee Atwood, Raymond Rice, and Edgar Schmued (a German-born Austrian who was previously employed by Fokker). They quickly set to work on the new prototype designated NA-73X. The original prototype was assembled in 117 days and first flew on October 26, 1940. A majority of the early Mustangs produced were primarily used for testing by the USAAC. Shortly thereafter 320 NA-73s were ordered by the BPC. The first production model destined for the RAF made its maiden flight on May 1, 1941. The Lend-Lease contract was approved later that year on September 25th. These aircraft were designated Mustang I.

The Allison power-plant used on the early Mustangs was not designed for high altitude performance. In August of 1942, Major Thomas Hitchcock approached senior officers in the U.S. Army for a solution. He proposed the Mustang could be easily developed into a high altitude long-range fighter through the conversion to the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. America's World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker also endorsed the idea. Five Mustang Is were delivered to Rolls-Royce for the conversion and Merlin 65 engines were fitted to the airframe. Rolls-Royce would allow the Packard company to build the Merlin engines under license and this would be the answer to the USAAF's long-range fighter problem.

The P-51D was powered by a Packard Merlin V-1650-7 engine. The aircraft was fitted with six 12.7 mm Machine guns, a reflex gunsight, and a bubble canopy. A total of 7.956 D variant Mustangs were built.

The P-51D saw front-line service with the Eight Air-force immediately following D-Day. It quickly excelled as a high-altitude escort fighter.

{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The North-American P-51 Mustang was an American fighter designed in the early 1940s and is considered the best US fighter of WWII. It was widely exported to countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The P-51 participated in the Korean War and other post-WWII conflicts.

The most famous Mustang version was the P-51D with teardrop (or bubble) canopy. The main problem for the pilots of the earlier variants was a huge blind spot at the rear of the aircraft due to the canopy design. An earlier attempt to address the issue was a British-designed Malcolm hood, installed on many P-51Bs. It improved rearward visibility, but the search for a better solution continued. In January 1943, USAAF's Colonel Mark Bradley, while stationed in Britain, was introduced to the then-new "bubble" canopy, designed for use on Spitfires and Typhoons. The canopy had no framework and offered near 360-degree vision. To install the new canopy, the rear fuselage section of the Mustang had to lose some height. However, this change required minimal redesign to the airframe. The inaugural flight of the new P-51D took place at Inglewood, California on 17th November 1943.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-51d-5 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

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

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

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/405630-p-51d/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/12541-p-51d-mustang/ <nowiki>[Forum]</nowiki> P-51D Mustang]

{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
{{USA fighters}}

T1E1

2023-04-13T17:09:58Z

U141186626: /* Usage in battles */

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_t1e1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

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

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

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

'''Armour type:''' 


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

'''Notes:''' 


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

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

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,033|rbMinHp=708}}

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

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

{{main|M7 (76 mm)}}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M7 (76 mm)|76 mm M7]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 75 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+30° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Vertical|up to 24 km/h}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
|-
! ''Realistic''
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:M7 (76 mm)/Ammunition|M62 shell, M42A1 shell, M79 shot}}

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''75''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|M3 (37 mm)}}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[M3 (37 mm)|37 mm M3]] || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
| 202 || - || - || {{Annotation|Vertical|up to 24 km/h}} || _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:M3 (37 mm)/Ammunition|M74B1, M63 shell, M51B1}}

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''202''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|4}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}

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

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

== Usage in battles ==

The T1E1 is able to penetrate the front of most tanks at its BR with the 76 mm gun and can destroy most smaller enemies in a single shot. With the 37 mm cannon, you can still detrack enemy vehicles or damage cannon barrels. You may also bait your enemy out of cover by firing the 37 mm gun and using the 76 mm when they get out of cover. In addition to the 76 mm and 37 mm guns, you get 3 x .50 cal MGs which are very affective against light vehicles and SPAAs. The playstyle is similar to the M6A1, with the main difference being the reverse speed for the T1E1. The reverse gearbox allows for a scoot-and-shoot play-style with the player being able to move backwards and forwards at a impressive speed.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Reverse gearbox allows to quickly pull out a difficult situation
* 37 mm gun is great for destroying tracks
* Large crew (6 total)
* 3 x .50 cal machine guns

'''Cons:'''

* Weak hull side armour
* Hull corners make angling ineffective
* Contains frontal weak spots
* 76 mm main gun struggles to penetrate most enemies it faces

== History ==

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

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_t1e1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|C4P93QnwRlI|'''The Shooting Range #349''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:23 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* T1E3 / [[M6A1]] - Heavy tank production variant
* [[M6A2E1]] - Upgunned and uparmoured {{PAGENAME}}.

== External links ==

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

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

{{TankManufacturer Ordnance Department}}
{{USA heavy tanks}}