War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

N.C.223.3

2024-08-31T22:12:28Z

U162300818: Added the fact that it and F.222 carry the most bombs out of every aircraft in the game.

{{Specs-Card
|code=nc_223_3
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The N.C.223.3, as a derivative of the Farman F.220 plane model, looks strikingly similar to the [[F.222.2]] bomber, yet different as well. The biggest difference in the design was the twin rudder on the tail that helped improve stability and yaw control. The plane's overall design was also made more aerodynamic as part of the improvement, the nose section was made shorter, and the plane introduced improved Hispano-Suiza 12Y-29 engines that replaced the previous Gnome Rhone model engines. Defensive armaments were also improved with two Hispano cannons as the rear ventral and dorsal turret armament. In 1940, with the capitulation of France, these bombers were transferred to North Africa to work as transport aircraft, to later be replaced by other cargo aircraft, such as the C-47 Skytrain.

It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]]. The '''{{Specs|name}}''' works like many other bombers around its BR, being slow and relying on its altitude to stay alive in battles. It has access to a big payload even when compared to other heavy bombers, with 52 x 50 kg bombs it's tied with the F.222 for the most amount of bombs an aircraft can carry. That's enough to destroy a base or even destroy the enemy airfield in coordination with allied bombers. It features a strong airframe, capable of withstanding heavy damage without being destroyed, while also having a strong defensive armament in the rear in the form of 20 mm cannons. However the defensive armament only covers a few areas of the plane, and there are multiple blind spots, especially in the tail and vertical sections.

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

Despite having the appearance of a flying barn, the N.C.223.3 is a surprisingly smooth flyer. While the overall top speed is still low at only 400 km/h, in a level flight, the plane is capable of reaching a speed above 300 km/h relatively quickly and maintain its energy and climb rate quite well. Combined with its high-altitude heavy bomber spawn, this results in the plane being quite hard to catch by most planes it will have to face, even in uptiers, and allows you to travel far enough to drop your payload before the enemy reaches you.

In case some enemy pilot manages to reach your altitude, however, the N.C.223.3 still has a trick up its sleeves; manoeuvrability. Thanks to the redesigned wings and the addition of flaps, the plane has a better turn rate than the other heavy or even some medium bombers at its rank. This will allow you to face your powerful defensive armaments at the enemy and either deter them from pursuing further, or to get your guns on the target easier.

It should be remembered that, while the plane is quite agile for its size, the N.C.223.3 is still a heavy bomber. This means the usual limitations such as poor manoeuvrability at high speed, poor roll rate, and bad sustained energy retention still applies to the plane itself. Keep that in mind and you will be able to push this lumbering plane to its fullest.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 383 || 369 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.8 || 30.4 || 4.4 || 4.4 || rowspan="2" | 520
|-
! Upgraded
| 417 || 400 || 28.3 || 29.0 || 9.0 || 6.4
|-
|}

==== 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}} || 491 || 453 || 260 || ~5 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 250 || < 250 || < 300 || > 340
|-
|}

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


* No armour
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (4 in each wing)

The N.C.223.3 retains its durability from its predecessor. The airframe can take several hits (including some 20 mm rounds) before going down. With the wing redesign and new fuel tank placement, the plane is able to sustain fire damage a bit longer. Despite this, due to the lack of armour plating, the plane is susceptible to pilot snipes, especially from the front.

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

As the stock payload is highly effective, one may start at upgrading the plane's flight performance to improve the plane's manoeuvrability and speed. Then unlock the ammo belt and turret upgrade for the Hispano cannons to increase their effectiveness. The extra bombload is optional but can be considered. Due to its poor firepower, upgrades for the frontal machine gun turret can be skipped.

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

{{main|G.A. MMN. 50 (50 kg)|No.1 (100 kg)|No.1 (200 kg)}}

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

* 52 x 50 kg G.A. MMN. 50 bombs (2,600 kg total)
* 5 x 200 kg No.1 bombs + 7 x 100 kg No.1 bombs (1,700 kg total)
* 15 x 200 kg No.1 bombs + 7 x 100 kg No.1 bombs (3,700 kg total)

As with its predecessor, the N.C.223.3 shares a huge stock payload of 52 x 50 kg bombs. Even at a higher BR, this payload is enough to destroy all base or an airfield (including an uptier match). While the plane loses the 4 x 500 kg payload, it makes up for it with an upgraded payload of 15 x 200 kg and 7 x 100 kg bombs, although this payload is somewhat harder to manage due to its mixed nature, thus requiring the secondary weapon selection to manage the drop.

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

{{main|Hispano 404 (20 mm)|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm Hispano 404 cannon, dorsal turret (240 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm Hispano 404 cannon, ventral turret (240 rpg)
* 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, nose turret (1,000 rpg)

The N.C.223.3 is equipped with two 20 mm Hispano cannons mounted in single turrets at the dorsal and ventral position, and a single 7.5 mm MAC machine gun in the nose. Accurate and hard-hitting, the Hispanos offer a much-needed defensive firepower upgrade from the F.222.2. The turrets cover most of the horizontal positions save for some blind spots around the tail, but leaves some weakspot directly above and below due to the gun's poor vertical elevation. Additionally, the low ammo count and long reload time for the Hispanos will effectively prevent any "spray and pray" usage, so aim carefully.

Meanwhile, the MAC machine guns have a rather poor performance due to the lack of firepower, and will not deter any head-on attacks on the vulnerable crew compartments. Thus, it is always recommended to always face your six at the enemy to provide more deterrence firepower.

== Usage in battles ==

Like its predecessor, the [[F.222.2]], the N.C.223.3 is a heavy hitting bomber with okay manoeuvrability at low altitude and low air speed, and can carry a staggering 52 x 50 kg bombs. Combined with its frequent presence in Ground Strike matches with only light vehicles, it will make short work of any (or even all) groups of armoured cars and AAA it crosses paths with. However, the ability to carry larger bomb loads later in its upgrade tree turns it into an exceptionally capable base killer, often time wiping out bases solo. 5 of the 200 kg No.1 bombs can destroy a base, so with the upgraded bombload you should be able to easily destroy 3 bases, and keep all 7 x 100 kg No.1 bombs for the enemy airfield, or to destroy the fourth base in some maps . However, it is still capable of turning entire columns of medium tanks to flaming scrap if escorted in higher level battles, with Hispano gun turrets available if an enemy tries to attack the plane.

=== 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 Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Huge payload, the stock payload of 52 x 50 kg bombs are highly efficient even in uptiers
* Strong defensive firepower at the rear
* Resilient airframe capable of taking numerous damage
* Surprisingly good energy retention and manoeuvrable at medium speed, despite its size
* Can potentially win games by outright destroying the airfields with good coordination
* Spawn at a very high altitude making it almost impossible for planes to get up to it before it drops the bombs

'''Cons:'''

* Huge size with lack of armour made the plane easy to spot and were prone to pilot snipes
* Low overall top speed, manoeuvrability stiffens at high speeds
* While the plane can do some sharp turns, in doing so will bleed a considerable amount of energy, especially with vertical manoeuvres
* Poor frontal defensive firepower, highly vulnerable in head-on engagements
* Low ammunition count for the 20 mm turrets, with very long reload time
* Several blind spots around the plane's defense, especially the tail and vertical positions

== History ==

Farman Aviation Works began working on the F.220 bomber design in 1925. This aircraft was based on a successful earlier design of the F.211 which was a parasol wing, four-engine monoplane utilizing tractor and pusher engines. While the F.211 never entered production, it served as a base for the F.220 to be designed and built from. The first successful flight of the F.220 happened on 26 May 1932.

The F.220 was a success in of itself, however, Farman made several modifications to improve the design which included a new vertical stabilizer, rebuilding the nose and ventral turret to fully enclose them and upgrading the old V-engines to new radial versions. After these modifications, the new version of the F.220 made its maiden flight in 1933.

In 1936, another variant, the F.222 first flew and this bomber incorporated retractable landing gear which reduced drag and was not available on earlier versions. A total of twenty-four aircraft of this version where produced and began service in Armee de l'Air in 1937 and was tasked with performing night bombings raids over Germany in May and June of 1940.

The F.222.2 bomber which is featured in the game had a redesigned nose and changed out the engines from Gnome-Rhône 14Kdrs engines to Gnome-Rhône 14N-11 engines.

The later F.223 which came after the F.222 saw significant changes, not only to name as it became NC.223 after Farman was absorbed into Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Centre (SNCAC) which was the nationalization of both Farman Aviation Works and Hanriot in 1936. The aircraft's tail section was reworked and went from a single vertical stabilizer to a twin-stabilizer setup and the fuselage was refined to be more aerodynamic. Another upgrade came in the form of changes to the ventral and dorsal turret weapons. The Mle 33 7.5 mm machine guns were replaced with the more powerful H.S. 404 20 mm autocannons.

On 7 June 1940, a variant (NC 223.4) of the French Naval Aviation was the first allied bomber to fly into Germany and bomb Berlin, the flight dropped eight 250 kg and 80 x 10 kg bombs on Germany's capital. While the ordnance was not much, the psychological impact was the goal and the raid was reproduced three days later. NC 223 bombers continued to serve in bombing roles until June 1940 when they were transferred to North Africa to fulfill the role of transport aircraft.

The one in-game was a bomber version with different, weaker engines than the original NC. 223 (910 hp Hispano-Suiza 12Y-29 engines instead of the 1,100 hp engines on the NC. 223). 8 of them were built.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=nc_223_3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|N-EazLEFaFg|'''The Shooting Range #71''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:33 discusses the N.C.223.3.|J9nUjFDdk-E|'''The Shooting Range #131''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:23 discusses the N.C.223.3.}}

== 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/5095-development-nc-223-3-let-nobody-leave-unsatisfied-en|[Devblog] NC.223.3: let nobody leave unsatisfied!]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/385686-nc-2233/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [[wikipedia:Farman_F.220|[Wikipedia] Farman F.220]]

{{AirManufacturer Farman}}
{{France bombers}}

F.222.2

2024-08-31T22:05:52Z

U162300818: Changed it from saying it's the first bomber, to saying it's the second bomber (the first bomber is the Potez 633).

{{Specs-Card
|code=f_222_2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].

The Farman F.222.2 is the second French bomber in the tech tree lineup. Most nations in War Thunder start with small to medium two-engined bombers which can drop a few bombs, though the Italians step it up with the three-engined S.81 bomber; however, this does not come close to the French. Showing up to dominate the early ground-pounding scene, the F.222.2 is the biggest, heaviest, least manoeuvrable, and hardest hitting bomber early in the game, at a low battle rating. This massive bomber's empty weight is more substantial than the Italian S.81's loaded weight.

The F.222.2 features a high wing setup with four radial engines set up in a push-pull configuration. This engine setup allows the pulling engines to turbocharge the wind passing through the pushing engines adding needed horsepower. This also, unfortunately, concentrates the engines into close quarters, making it easier for enemy fighters to hit them. While this aircraft has the potential to soak up a lot of 7.5 mm bullets (even some 20 mm), the wings potentially provide an Achilles heel of the aircraft. Each wing contains eight massive fuel tanks which do not self-seal when hit, and they are prone to catch on fire. A burning F.222.2 will not last long before structural fatigue sets in and the wings buckle.

With a huge target to fend off incoming fighters, the F.222.2 is not without any defences. This bomber is protected by three turrets: one ventral, one dorsal, and one in the nose. All three turrets feature a single [[Mle_33_(7.5_mm)|Darne Mle 33 7.5 mm machine gun]]. It may not seem like much, though against small fighter aircraft which lack any armour, chances are the gunners will rupture the fighter's engine, oil coolers, water coolers, fuel tanks, or even incapacitate the pilot leading to an aerial victory. Fighters looking for a fast and "free-kill" when going after the F.222.2 should think twice before just rumbling up on the bomber's doorstep, as they may find themselves on a one-way trip to the ground in a heap.

The massive F.222.2 has one purpose, and that is to drop bombs, lots of bombs! This massive aircraft initially carries 52 x 50 kg bombs, tied with N.C.223.3 for the most bombs any aircraft in the game can carry. Later upgrades will include 100 kg, 200 kg, and 500 kg bombs, maxing the payload out at 2,700 kg! Payloads this size can take out columns of vehicles and, even in up-tiered situations, can do massive damage against enemy bases. This bomber works best at lower altitudes such as between 100 and 500 m, though this beast is nimble enough to bomb targets from as low as 50 m off of the deck. This huge bomber can be a bit frustrating at first, but as modules are unlocked and added, the aircraft can take more damage. It can be surprising how long it survives even though it is full of holes and is trailing smoke from several of its surfaces.

== 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 3,400 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 348 || 333 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.2 || 35.2 || 4.1 || 4.1 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 383 || 366 || 31.9 || 33.0 || 9.3 || 6.4
|-
|}

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

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 250 || < 250 || < 300 || > 210
|-
|}

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


* No armour plating
* No armour glazing
* Vulnerable fuel tanks in the wings
* Engines highly sensitive to damage
* Huge aircraft, slow and large target

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

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

{{main|G.A. MMN. 50 (50 kg)|No.1 (100 kg)|No.1 (200 kg)|No.2 (500 kg)}}

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

* 52 x 50 kg G.A. MMN. 50 bombs (2,600 kg total)
* 5 x 200 kg No.1 bombs + 7 x 100 kg No.1 bombs (1,700 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg No.2 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 10 x 200 kg No.1 bombs + 7 x 100 kg No.1 bombs (2,700 kg total)

[[File:BomberImage_F222.2_Carpetbombing.jpg|350px|thumb|right|An F.222.2 carpet-bombing AA vehicles with {{PAGENAME}} bombs.]]
The game style will change depending on the type of bomb payload chosen. For usage on early maps without bases, the 52 G.A.M.Mn bombs will be the payload of choice. These small bombs used from a low altitude provide a scatter effect, where they can be dropped in a column, allowing for convoys of vehicles or multiple cluster sites of artillery to be bombed in one run. Utilising the 50 kg bombs from higher altitudes against vehicles is discouraged, as they tend to scatter out of the effective explosive range of the bombs by the time they get to the ground. Low bombing runs against vehicles hits them before they have time to scatter.

Conversely, the larger bombs tend to be less effective against small vehicle targets, especially from higher altitudes which give them time to scatter and move out of the effective explosive range. The 100 kg, 200 kg, and 500 kg bombs are very effective against stationary and hardened targets such as anti-aircraft artillery sites, pillboxes, and bases. Base bombing is very effective from higher altitudes, especially if there is fighter escort which will help provide the bomber time to get to the site and drop its payload.

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

{{main|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, nose turret (1,000 rpg)
* 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, dorsal turret (720 rpg)
* 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, ventral turret (720 rpg)

The F.222.2 has decent turret coverage when it comes to defences. With one turret in the nose of the aircraft and the other two located at the dorsal and ventral positions, the bomber is capable of defending itself from attacks from multiple angles. Early fighters typically do not have any armour protection. As such, if they approach from the rear of the F.222.2, they are likely to take critical damage. Be aware of fighters approaching from the side, since there are more blind spots from this angle. From here, they will be targeting either the engines or the wings which contain huge fuel tanks. Do not be afraid to chase or saddle up next to enemy fighters in order to give the turret gunners a chance to unload on the fighters and potentially score an aerial victory.

== Usage in battles ==


[[File:BomberImage_F222.2_BellyTurret.jpg|350px|thumb|right|A view of the bombing damage as seen from the F.222.2's ventral turret during a bombing run.]]
The F.222.2 is a heavy-hitting bomber with okay manoeuvrability at low altitude and low airspeed and can carry a staggering 52x50 kg bombs while still in stock configuration. Combined with its frequent presence in Ground Strike matches with only light vehicles, it will make short work of any (or even all) groups of armoured cars and SPAA it crosses paths with, in addition to destroying an opposing team's entire complement of AAA and artillery in short order.

Additionally, the ability to carry larger bomb loads later in its upgrade tree turns it into an exceptionally capable base killer, often time wiping out bases solo without sacrificing its heavy-hitting power against armoured columns. With some skill (and an escort from friendly fighters), the F.222.2 can wipe out an entire column of medium tank AI targets in a single pass, with enough firepower left over to seriously cripple another column.

It is important to match the altitude flown with the payload type chosen as lower altitudes (100 - 500 m or even lower) when utilising the 50 kg bombs against moving targets, whereas higher altitudes are preferred when utilising larger ordnance against stationary targets. On maps where controlling an airfield is key, do not be afraid to "carpet bomb" the runway to prevent enemy aircraft from taking over the airfield or out-right destroy those which have landed. Be aware of friendly aircraft which may also be on the runway as the bombs do not discriminate who they damage/destroy.

=== 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 || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Combined || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Impressive bomb load
* Very stable flight in simulator battles
* Different bomb options make this bomber very versatile
* Fuselage can absorb a lot of damage
* Once at altitude, it can be difficult to reach for reserve planes
* Can keep flying even after it loses 2 engines
* Can easily destroy bases and airfields in air RB
* Good visibility in in simulator battles

'''Cons:'''

* Extremely slow and very heavy
* Engines are very vulnerable to enemy weapons
* Slow speed, heavyweight, and no takeoff flaps make taking off when fully loaded very difficult
* Long take-off distance
* Vulnerable to fast climbing, well-armed aircraft like the MiG-3
* Armament is slightly underwhelming for such a large aircraft

== History ==


Farman Aviation Works began working on the F.220 bomber design in 1925. This aircraft was based on a successful earlier design of the F.211 which was a parasol wing, four-engine monoplane utilising tractor and pusher engines. While the F.211 never entered production, it served as a base for the F.220 to be designed and built from. The first successful flight of the F.220 happened on 26 May 1932.

The F.220 was a success in of itself, however, Farman made several modifications to improve the design which included a new vertical stabilizer, rebuilding the nose and ventral turret to fully enclose them and upgrading the old V-engines to new radial versions. After these modifications, the new version of the F.220 made its maiden flight in 1933.

In 1936, another variant, the F.222 first flew and this bomber incorporated retractable landing gear which reduced drag and was not available on earlier versions. A total of twenty-four aircraft of this version where produced and began service in Armee de l'Air in 1937 and was tasked with performing night bombings raids over Germany in May and June of 1940.

The F.222.2 bomber which is featured in the game had a redesigned nose and changed out the engines from Gnome-Rhône 14Kdrs engines to Gnome-Rhône 14N-11 engines.

The later F.223 which came after the F.222 saw significant changes, not only to name as it became NC.223 after Farman was absorbed into Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Centre (SNCAC) which was the nationalisation of both Farman Aviation Works and Hanriot in 1936. The aircraft's tail section was reworked and went from a single vertical stabilizer to a twin-stabilizer setup and the fuselage was refined to be more aerodynamic. Another upgrade came in the form of changes to the ventral and dorsal turret weapons. The Mle 33 7.5 mm machine guns were replaced with the more powerful H.S. 404 20 mm autocannons.

On 7 June 1940, a variant NC 223.4 of the French Naval Aviation was the first allied bomber to fly into Germany and bomb Berlin, the flight dropped eight 250 kg and 80 x 10 kg bombs on Germany's capital. While the ordnance was not much, the psychological impact was the goal and the raid was reproduced three days later. NC 223 bombers continued to serve in bombing roles until June 1940 when they were transferred to North Africa to fulfil the role of transport aircraft.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f_222_2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
Image:f.222.2_WT_poster1.jpg|
Image:f.222.2_WT_poster2.jpg|
Image:f.222.2_WT_poster3.jpg|
Image:f.222.2_WT_poster4.jpg|
Image:f.222.2_WT_poster5.jpg|
</gallery>

== 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/5047-development-farman-f-222-2-big-heavy-yours-en|[News] Farman F.222.2: Big! Heavy! Yours!]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/385716-farman-2222/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Farman}}
{{France bombers}}

F.222.2

2024-08-31T22:02:04Z

U162300818: Added the fact that it and the N.C.223.3 can carry the most bombs out of any aircraft in the game.

{{Specs-Card
|code=f_222_2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].

The Farman F.222.2 is the first French bomber in the tech tree lineup. Most nations in War Thunder start with small to medium two-engined bombers which can drop a few bombs, though the Italians step it up with the three-engined S.81 bomber; however, this does not come close to the French. Showing up to dominate the early ground-pounding scene, the F.222.2 is the biggest, heaviest, least manoeuvrable, and hardest hitting bomber early in the game, at a low battle rating. This massive bomber's empty weight is more substantial than the Italian S.81's loaded weight.

The F.222.2 features a high wing setup with four radial engines set up in a push-pull configuration. This engine setup allows the pulling engines to turbocharge the wind passing through the pushing engines adding needed horsepower. This also, unfortunately, concentrates the engines into close quarters, making it easier for enemy fighters to hit them. While this aircraft has the potential to soak up a lot of 7.5 mm bullets (even some 20 mm), the wings potentially provide an Achilles heel of the aircraft. Each wing contains eight massive fuel tanks which do not self-seal when hit, and they are prone to catch on fire. A burning F.222.2 will not last long before structural fatigue sets in and the wings buckle.

With a huge target to fend off incoming fighters, the F.222.2 is not without any defences. This bomber is protected by three turrets: one ventral, one dorsal, and one in the nose. All three turrets feature a single [[Mle_33_(7.5_mm)|Darne Mle 33 7.5 mm machine gun]]. It may not seem like much, though against small fighter aircraft which lack any armour, chances are the gunners will rupture the fighter's engine, oil coolers, water coolers, fuel tanks, or even incapacitate the pilot leading to an aerial victory. Fighters looking for a fast and "free-kill" when going after the F.222.2 should think twice before just rumbling up on the bomber's doorstep, as they may find themselves on a one-way trip to the ground in a heap.

The massive F.222.2 has one purpose, and that is to drop bombs, lots of bombs! This massive aircraft initially carries 52 x 50 kg bombs, tied with N.C.223.3 for the most bombs any aircraft in the game can carry. Later upgrades will include 100 kg, 200 kg, and 500 kg bombs, maxing the payload out at 2,700 kg! Payloads this size can take out columns of vehicles and, even in up-tiered situations, can do massive damage against enemy bases. This bomber works best at lower altitudes such as between 100 and 500 m, though this beast is nimble enough to bomb targets from as low as 50 m off of the deck. This huge bomber can be a bit frustrating at first, but as modules are unlocked and added, the aircraft can take more damage. It can be surprising how long it survives even though it is full of holes and is trailing smoke from several of its surfaces.

== 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 3,400 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 348 || 333 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.2 || 35.2 || 4.1 || 4.1 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 383 || 366 || 31.9 || 33.0 || 9.3 || 6.4
|-
|}

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

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 250 || < 250 || < 300 || > 210
|-
|}

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


* No armour plating
* No armour glazing
* Vulnerable fuel tanks in the wings
* Engines highly sensitive to damage
* Huge aircraft, slow and large target

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

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

{{main|G.A. MMN. 50 (50 kg)|No.1 (100 kg)|No.1 (200 kg)|No.2 (500 kg)}}

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

* 52 x 50 kg G.A. MMN. 50 bombs (2,600 kg total)
* 5 x 200 kg No.1 bombs + 7 x 100 kg No.1 bombs (1,700 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg No.2 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 10 x 200 kg No.1 bombs + 7 x 100 kg No.1 bombs (2,700 kg total)

[[File:BomberImage_F222.2_Carpetbombing.jpg|350px|thumb|right|An F.222.2 carpet-bombing AA vehicles with {{PAGENAME}} bombs.]]
The game style will change depending on the type of bomb payload chosen. For usage on early maps without bases, the 52 G.A.M.Mn bombs will be the payload of choice. These small bombs used from a low altitude provide a scatter effect, where they can be dropped in a column, allowing for convoys of vehicles or multiple cluster sites of artillery to be bombed in one run. Utilising the 50 kg bombs from higher altitudes against vehicles is discouraged, as they tend to scatter out of the effective explosive range of the bombs by the time they get to the ground. Low bombing runs against vehicles hits them before they have time to scatter.

Conversely, the larger bombs tend to be less effective against small vehicle targets, especially from higher altitudes which give them time to scatter and move out of the effective explosive range. The 100 kg, 200 kg, and 500 kg bombs are very effective against stationary and hardened targets such as anti-aircraft artillery sites, pillboxes, and bases. Base bombing is very effective from higher altitudes, especially if there is fighter escort which will help provide the bomber time to get to the site and drop its payload.

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

{{main|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, nose turret (1,000 rpg)
* 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, dorsal turret (720 rpg)
* 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, ventral turret (720 rpg)

The F.222.2 has decent turret coverage when it comes to defences. With one turret in the nose of the aircraft and the other two located at the dorsal and ventral positions, the bomber is capable of defending itself from attacks from multiple angles. Early fighters typically do not have any armour protection. As such, if they approach from the rear of the F.222.2, they are likely to take critical damage. Be aware of fighters approaching from the side, since there are more blind spots from this angle. From here, they will be targeting either the engines or the wings which contain huge fuel tanks. Do not be afraid to chase or saddle up next to enemy fighters in order to give the turret gunners a chance to unload on the fighters and potentially score an aerial victory.

== Usage in battles ==


[[File:BomberImage_F222.2_BellyTurret.jpg|350px|thumb|right|A view of the bombing damage as seen from the F.222.2's ventral turret during a bombing run.]]
The F.222.2 is a heavy-hitting bomber with okay manoeuvrability at low altitude and low airspeed and can carry a staggering 52x50 kg bombs while still in stock configuration. Combined with its frequent presence in Ground Strike matches with only light vehicles, it will make short work of any (or even all) groups of armoured cars and SPAA it crosses paths with, in addition to destroying an opposing team's entire complement of AAA and artillery in short order.

Additionally, the ability to carry larger bomb loads later in its upgrade tree turns it into an exceptionally capable base killer, often time wiping out bases solo without sacrificing its heavy-hitting power against armoured columns. With some skill (and an escort from friendly fighters), the F.222.2 can wipe out an entire column of medium tank AI targets in a single pass, with enough firepower left over to seriously cripple another column.

It is important to match the altitude flown with the payload type chosen as lower altitudes (100 - 500 m or even lower) when utilising the 50 kg bombs against moving targets, whereas higher altitudes are preferred when utilising larger ordnance against stationary targets. On maps where controlling an airfield is key, do not be afraid to "carpet bomb" the runway to prevent enemy aircraft from taking over the airfield or out-right destroy those which have landed. Be aware of friendly aircraft which may also be on the runway as the bombs do not discriminate who they damage/destroy.

=== 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 || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Combined || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Impressive bomb load
* Very stable flight in simulator battles
* Different bomb options make this bomber very versatile
* Fuselage can absorb a lot of damage
* Once at altitude, it can be difficult to reach for reserve planes
* Can keep flying even after it loses 2 engines
* Can easily destroy bases and airfields in air RB
* Good visibility in in simulator battles

'''Cons:'''

* Extremely slow and very heavy
* Engines are very vulnerable to enemy weapons
* Slow speed, heavyweight, and no takeoff flaps make taking off when fully loaded very difficult
* Long take-off distance
* Vulnerable to fast climbing, well-armed aircraft like the MiG-3
* Armament is slightly underwhelming for such a large aircraft

== History ==


Farman Aviation Works began working on the F.220 bomber design in 1925. This aircraft was based on a successful earlier design of the F.211 which was a parasol wing, four-engine monoplane utilising tractor and pusher engines. While the F.211 never entered production, it served as a base for the F.220 to be designed and built from. The first successful flight of the F.220 happened on 26 May 1932.

The F.220 was a success in of itself, however, Farman made several modifications to improve the design which included a new vertical stabilizer, rebuilding the nose and ventral turret to fully enclose them and upgrading the old V-engines to new radial versions. After these modifications, the new version of the F.220 made its maiden flight in 1933.

In 1936, another variant, the F.222 first flew and this bomber incorporated retractable landing gear which reduced drag and was not available on earlier versions. A total of twenty-four aircraft of this version where produced and began service in Armee de l'Air in 1937 and was tasked with performing night bombings raids over Germany in May and June of 1940.

The F.222.2 bomber which is featured in the game had a redesigned nose and changed out the engines from Gnome-Rhône 14Kdrs engines to Gnome-Rhône 14N-11 engines.

The later F.223 which came after the F.222 saw significant changes, not only to name as it became NC.223 after Farman was absorbed into Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Centre (SNCAC) which was the nationalisation of both Farman Aviation Works and Hanriot in 1936. The aircraft's tail section was reworked and went from a single vertical stabilizer to a twin-stabilizer setup and the fuselage was refined to be more aerodynamic. Another upgrade came in the form of changes to the ventral and dorsal turret weapons. The Mle 33 7.5 mm machine guns were replaced with the more powerful H.S. 404 20 mm autocannons.

On 7 June 1940, a variant NC 223.4 of the French Naval Aviation was the first allied bomber to fly into Germany and bomb Berlin, the flight dropped eight 250 kg and 80 x 10 kg bombs on Germany's capital. While the ordnance was not much, the psychological impact was the goal and the raid was reproduced three days later. NC 223 bombers continued to serve in bombing roles until June 1940 when they were transferred to North Africa to fulfil the role of transport aircraft.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f_222_2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
Image:f.222.2_WT_poster1.jpg|
Image:f.222.2_WT_poster2.jpg|
Image:f.222.2_WT_poster3.jpg|
Image:f.222.2_WT_poster4.jpg|
Image:f.222.2_WT_poster5.jpg|
</gallery>

== 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/5047-development-farman-f-222-2-big-heavy-yours-en|[News] Farman F.222.2: Big! Heavy! Yours!]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/385716-farman-2222/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Farman}}
{{France bombers}}

F-100D

2024-08-31T19:02:04Z

U162300818: Added the fact that the F-100 was America's first supersonic fighter jet.

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-100 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-100d
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f-100d.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]] and was one of the first three jets to feature guided air-to-air missiles, the other two being the [[MiG-19PT]] and the [[Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9]].

The dogfighting days of World War II were over and while there was air-to-air combat during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, it was nowhere the level of previous wars. Jets were becoming faster, electronics and avionics were making them more manoeuvrable and the fighters were able to carry extremely large amounts of ordnance. The {{PAGENAME}} was no exception to this, as it was designed to be a ground attacker first and a fighter/interceptor as a secondary role. One noticeable difference from earlier aircraft is that early on in development the {{PAGENAME}} was known as the ''45-Sabre'' (officially later it was dubbed ''Super Sabre'') due to its wings being swept back at a 45° angle. The fighter's elevators were also swept back to help increase the aerodynamics of the aircraft. This, combined with a strong engine, upgraded avionics and early computer systems made this the first US fighter which was able to fly faster than the speed of sound in level flight.

[[File:F-100 duckmcmallardson001.png|350px|thumb|left|Literally looking down the barrels of an oncoming {{PAGENAME}}.]]

Weapon loadout options allow the pilot to tailor the aircraft to their playstyle or even mix it up depending on the map they are flying. This fighter excels as a ground attack bomber utilizing up to 6,000 lb of bombs, [[AGM-12B Bullpup]] missiles, [[FFAR Mighty Mouse|Mighty Mouse]] rockets or several combinations of the three. Whether you are into dropping and running or firing and forgetting, there are ordnance choices will fit the pilot's style. For those pilots who want to hunt fighters and bombers, the four nose-mounted 20 mm cannons and choice of [[AIM-9B]]/[[AIM-9E Sidewinder|E]] Sidewinder air-to-air missiles will fit the bill. The Sidewinders can also be used an intimidation factor as pilots with one on their tail must focus on outmanoeuvring the missile, providing you with the opportunity to manoeuvre in and line up the kill-shot with your cannons if the missile does not make contact. The speed of the {{PAGENAME}} can come in handy when attacking bomber aircraft as Boom & Zoom tactics will help you avoid any defensive weapons allowing you to wreak havoc during an attacking dive.

With the advent of other faster supersonic aircraft such as MiG-21s, J35As, and F-5s as well as powerful missile wielding A-5Cs, Su-25s and A-10s, aircraft lacking countermeasures such as the {{PAGENAME}} tend to be seen as easy prey. However, if handled correctly, the {{PAGENAME}} can be a formidable aircraft in both the fighter and strike roles.

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


The F-100D's flight performance is adequate. Being supersonic at its BR, the F-100D can outrun many of the subsonic opponents it faces. Despite this, its top speed is slightly below average for a supersonic jet, being able to approach but not quite reach Mach 1 at sea level. However, it isn't the only supersonic jet at this BR; Early MiG-21s and F-104s, and Su-7s are all supersonic jets also found at the same BR which all have a higher sea level top speed than the F-100D.

Although the F-100D is supersonic and equipped with an afterburner, one of its weaknesses is its slow acceleration, especially at lower speeds, compared to other supersonic jets. Many subsonic jets can keep up with your acceleration, while the faster subsonic jets such as Saab 32s, Sea Vixens and Harriers out-accelerate the F-100D.

The F-100D's overall manoeuvrability is decent, having a fairly good turn rate, but its energy retention is poor. These two characteristics combined mean that if the F-100D is forced to dogfight, one-circle dogfights (such as scissors) should be favored as prolonged dogfights will see the its poor energy retention and mediocre acceleration disadvantage it. This poor energy retention, though for the most part a weakness, can occasionally be useful in situations where speed must be bled quickly (such as to get an enemy to overshoot). Of course, as with any high tier jet, dogfighting should generally be avoided as it leaves you slow and vulnerable, and this is especially true for the F-100D due to its slow acceleration.

[[File:F-100 fulzy nyan001.png|350px|thumb|right|Bird's eye view of a {{PAGENAME}} after unloading on ground targets.]]

Flying at speeds close to Mach 1 or past can pose a challenge for pilots utilizing the 3rd-person view as a condensation cloud forms around the aircraft and obscures your view (not an issue for those flying simulator-style from in the cockpit). While this can make targeting enemy aircraft a challenge, it just takes a little more work to line up the shot either with the cannons or air-to-air missiles.

Previously, attack aircraft fly slow to ensure they accurately hit their ground targets with guns, rockets or bombs. However, with poor low-speed manoeuvrability and acceleration, the {{PAGENAME}} becomes difficult to get out of harms way when flying slow, so it requires the pilot to learn how to bomb and fire rockets at targets at higher speeds than what they may be used to ensure anti-aircraft fire nor any trailing fighters gain a targeting solution on you. Speed in and speed out is the key with the {{PAGENAME}}.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,668 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,419 || 1,412 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 40.5 || 41.2 || 88.1 || 78.8 || rowspan="2" | 1,400
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,448 || 1,433 || 39.5 || 40.0 || 123.6 || 105.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
[[File:F-100 rheinberg001.png|500px|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} at cruising altitude on the watch for potential enemy fighters.]]
{| 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}} || 620 || 590 || 435 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

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

==== 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" | Pratt & Whitney J57P21 || 1
| colspan="2" | 9,658 kg || colspan="3" | 354 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 46m fuel
|-
| 2,361 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 10,708 kg || 11,156 kg || 11,905 kg || 13,159 kg || 16,436 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
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 46m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,424 kgf || 5,823 kgf
| 0.54 || 0.52 || 0.49 || 0.45 || 0.35
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,424 kgf (0 km/h) || 8,364 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.78 || 0.75 || 0.70 || 0.64 || 0.51
|-
|}

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


Designers of post-war jet fighters wanted to take advantage of the newer jet technology and maximize both speed and ordnance carried, and to do this, something had to give and that was armour. The idea was that, if you are faster than the enemy, it is difficult for them to hit you, and armour will not be necessary. The {{PAGENAME}} follows this doctrine; though it does have some 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 lighter protection from defensive turret attacks from bombers rather than cannon attacks from other aircraft.

The {{PAGENAME}} 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, the wings are another critical component which you must protect, as hits to the wings can effectively cripple the aircraft. 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.

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

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

For internal guns, the F-100D has four 20 mm M39A1 revolver autocannons mounted under the nose intake. Those familiar with the preceding [[F-86F-2]] and its extremely powerful 20 mm T-160 cannons will be delighted to hear that the F-100D's M39A1 cannons are nearly identical to the F-86F-2's T-160, and in addition, have 50 more rounds of ammo per gun. These cannons are fast-firing, have high velocity, and deal heavy damage. Its only downside is that, with a fast fire rate and 200 rounds per gun, one must be careful of spraying the guns, as ammo will run out quicker than expected.

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="7%" | 1 !! width="7%" | 2 !! width="7%" | 3 !! width="7%" | 4 !! width="7%" | 5 !! width="7%" | 6
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1, 3 || 1, 3 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[BLU-27/B incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| 19 || 19 || || || 19 || 19
|-
! [[AGM-12B Bullpup]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missiles
| || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]] missiles
| || || 2 || 2 || ||
|-
| colspan="7" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 3,220 kg Maximum permissible wing load: 1,610 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,400 kg
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 6 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 6 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 8 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 6 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 8 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

One of the areas where the F-100D shines is its armament options, boasting a variety of different armaments for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

For unguided rockets, the F-100D can carry up to 76 x 70 mm Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket (FFAR) Mighty Mouse rockets. They can be used to attack lighter targets in air RB, as well as armoured targets such as pillboxes and tanks, but due to their inaccuracy the latter is generally not advised. If needed, a small amount of these rockets can be used as makeshift flares to decoy all-aspect missiles in a head-on, but don’t expect them to work on missiles fired at you in the rear aspect. In ground RB, these rockets have decent penetration, but due to their inaccuracy and generally low damage, it is best used against less armoured targets such as SPAAs and light tanks.

For dumb bombs, the F-100D can carry either 500 lb, 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs, as well as BLU-27/B napalm bombs. The F-100D can carry enough bombs to take out one base in air RB. For CAS in ground RB, the lack of ballistics computer means you must manually compute where your bombs will land. For many, this leaves out the 500 lb bombs as the amount of explosive in them may not be large enough to account for the margin of error in a manual bomb drop; the 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs are generally better for this CAS job. Some may prefer to take the 750 lb bombs instead of the 1,000 lb bombs, as the explosive in them is sufficient and the F-100D can carry eight 750 lb bombs in comparison to four 1,000 lb bombs.
[[File:F-100 wp gaming001.jpg|500px|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} peeling away from the flight revealing the suspended ordnance it is carrying.]]

A more reliable CAS option for the F-100D is the AGM-12B Bullpup air-to-ground guided missile. Once fired, this missile can be manoeuvred via your keyboard (keybinds must be set); simply keep the flare light on the missile near the intended target until the missile hits them. The 250 lb warhead in the missile gives a high likelihood of destroying most enemy armoured vehicles in one hit, though its lethality in practice will rely on the player's ability to keep the missile centered on the target. The downside of using these missiles is that, compared to the high volume of unguided bombs or rockets the F-100D can take, it can only take two AGM-12Bs. Due to this, the AGM-12B is most useful in ground RB, where in the presence of radar SPAAGs and SAMs, precision strikes at longer ranges are generally favored over close range high volume unguided bombing.

For the air-to-air role, the F-100D can carry up to four AIM-9B/E Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Though the AIM-9 Sidewinder is a well-known and successful air-to-air weapon, this version, the AIM-9B Sidewinder, is one of its earliest variants and thus is fairly weak. It locks on to targets via their heat signature, but being an early variant, the AIM-9B can only do so from the rear-aspect where the target's hot engine exhaust is. It generally has a 1.8 km range against targets flying straight and at the same speed as the launching aircraft. Its main and significant weakness lies in its inability to turn very hard; oftentimes, the enemy simply turning slightly is enough to dodge the missile kinetically. The upgraded AIM-9E allows the missile to be "lead" a little, that is, it can still keep a lock on an enemy within a small radius of the launching aircraft's nose, but is otherwise similar to the AIM-9B and will still be performing similarly to it. Though the AIM-9B/E is fairly weak, they can be useful in situations. At higher altitudes (>5,000 m), the missile is more effective due to lower air density hampering an aircraft's manoeuvrability and thrust while leaving the missile generally unaffected. The AIM-9B/E is also useful against aircraft in a low energy state (in other words, slow) that don't have the speed to escape the missile.

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:F-100 tio pilin001.png|350px|thumb|right|The {{PAGENAME}} caught in the cross-hairs of a MiG fighter.]]

;Air Realistic Battles

The F-100 is a decent fighter aircraft in air RB.

In a downtier, few aircraft can match the F-100's speed. Thus, boom-and-zoom tactics utilizing its excellent cannons and useful AIM-9s will work well on the slower, subsonic fighters. Generally, do not commit to a turning dogfight as most of these slower subsonic fighters are likely much better turners than the F-100 is.

In an uptier, the plane is much more limited to a support role due to the presence of higher performance fighters such as MiG-19s and MiG-21s. Though one-on-one these planes can be fought to an extent, you will be at a acceleration disadvantage and therefore it is not recommended. The F-100 should continue to be played in a support role, catching these superior enemies while they are already engaged and vulnerable. The F-100's speed is good enough that even these superior enemies cannot pursue while engaged with other allies. If dogfighting these superior enemies cannot be avoided, the F-100's low energy retention and fairly good turn can be used to initially fall on an enemy's tail, but this will only give you a short firing solution for a few turns before you are left out of energy and vulnerable.

A common enemy you will face in uptiers are Su-25s with all-aspect missiles. Due to the lack of countermeasures, F-100 pilots should always be distancing themselves from Su-25s in the area to avoid all-aspect R-60M launches. If a one-on-one with a Su-25 cannot be avoided, you must bait both of its R-60M missiles before you can begin dogfighting them. One option is to keep your distance and trick them into launching a missile at a rather long range. For example, provided you are faster than the Su-25, a tempting 2 km rear-aspect R-60M launch will likely not hit (even more so if you do defensive manoeuvres after its motor has burned out). Another option is to take some FFAR rockets. When an R-60M is launched in a head-on, launch a bunch of rockets towards the missile while disengaging your afterburner and turning out of the way; the missile will be fooled. You can drop the drag-inducing rocket pods once they are not needed. Once the Su-25 has been depleted of its R-60Ms, it can easily be fought. It is a slow aircraft and easily energy-trapped by the F-100's superior speed, and once you are on its tail, there is generally little they can do to shake you off. Just be careful to stay out of its powerful gun.

Full uptiers see aircraft such as the MiG-21SMT/MF, J35D and Mirage III with high-performance air-to-air missiles and supersonic, manoeuvrable performance to back it up, which the F-100D simply has no chance of fighting on its own. F-100 pilots must be much more careful with when to engage these aircraft. Only when they are distracted and slow should they be engaged. Make absolutely sure that one of these aircraft at a similar speed as you doesn't get on your tail, because if they do, they will chase you down and launch difficult to dodge missiles at you. Provided you are actually able to dodge these missiles, they all have substantially superior flight performance and manoeuvrability which the F-100 is simply incapable of matching.

The F-100 is an amalgamation of paradoxical design features that results in an aircraft too heavy to sustain manoeuvring engagements despite its strong slats, slow to accelerate to its surprisingly high rip speeds, and too sluggish at speed to take full advantage of its strong armament. Overall to get this bus to perform, it must be at high speeds. Keep your energy up.

;Ground attack

The {{PAGENAME}} is no stranger to ground attack and can be effectively outfitted with just about anything necessary to destroy ground targets both large and small. While bombers could deliver a massive amount of ordnance, they typically flew slow and high and were not always as precise as hoped for. Therefore, the USAF designed many of their fighter aircraft not only as air-to-air platforms but to additionally excel as low altitude bombers.

A fully researched {{PAGENAME}} can carry an assortment of low-drag general-purpose bombs ranging from 500 lb, 750 lb and 1,000 lb. The F-100D’s maximum bomb payload weight is 6,000 lb, the same amount carried by a single [[B-17E]] bomber, but the {{PAGENAME}} can heft this amount at almost 1,000 km/h faster and at a lower, more accurate altitude. Of course, the bomb size will be determined by which type of target will be in the crosshairs. For smaller targets the 500 and 750 lb bombs will work best. The full 8 x 750 lb is the best load out for base bombing since this load out has the highest total TNT.

Not all targets will require the usage of bombs. You may be fortunate enough to have several strike aircraft working on ground targets, or ground targets may be spread out. this is where rockets begin to shine. The AGM-12B Bullpup is essentially a 250 lb bomb attached to a rocket motor and is spin-stabilized. The Bullpup can be quite precise as long as the pilot can maintain visual of the target as he will need to guide the Bullpup in. However, any break from the target (due to defensive manoeuvring or avoiding incoming enemies) will most likely cause the missile to miss the target. If needed, the {{PAGENAME}} can throttle back and deploy the speed brake to ensure the Bullpup hits the target. Keep in mind that the entire Bullpup guiding process makes you vulnerable, as not only you will be slowed down, but you will also be forced to tunnel-vision on guiding the missile in and won’t be able to see what happening around you for a few seconds. Therefore, if enemy fighters are in the area, it is best to hold back launching one.

On the other hand, the smaller [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] unguided rockets can do a good amount of damage against ground and aerial targets, but the one drawback is that they are unguided. This means that once they are fired, they continue at their trajectory until they either hit something or run out of fuel and crash into the ground. Without a ballistic computer, it can be somewhat difficult to accurately aim these rockets. The main strength of taking these Mighty Mouse rockets is that 76 of them can be carried. Rockets work best when they are fired in groups as this significantly increases chances that one or more rockets will hit their target. In ground RB, these rockets are best used against lighter targets such as light tanks and SPAAs, as usually a rocket striking in the vicinity of their lightly armored vehicle will cause it to simply be destroyed. Rockets are especially useful for taking out SPAAs, as they are more accurate at longer ranges compared to bombs and therefore are the safer option when engaging these anti-air vehicles. While more armored targets can be attacked, this is not fully advised. Direct hits must be achieved to obtain significant damage on armored targets, and the likelyhood of a direct hit with these rockets is not very high. Even so, a direct hit has no guarantee of dealing significant damage to a tank; in the case of more heavily armored targets, there is a chance a direct hit may not even penetrate.

=== Radars ===

The F-100D 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. This can be useful in simulator battles. However, the radar rangefinder lock will set off radar warning receivers, so in air RB pilots may prefer to switch it off to maintain the element of surprise.

{| 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 cannons that has a high muzzle velocity, rate of fire, an adequate amount of ammo (200 rpg), and pack a good punch with high-explosive shells
* Can carry a wide array of suspended armaments including bombs, rockets and missiles
* 4 x AIM-9Es can be useful for air combat
* Above average speed; outruns the subsonic jets it commonly faces
* Good roll rate at lower speeds
* Access to a radar warning receiver

'''Cons:'''

* Thoroughly unmanoeuvrable at low speeds
* Loses lots of energy in turns
* Suffers from significant elevator and aileron (pitch and roll) control stiffening at higher speeds
* Slow acceleration at lower speeds, even with afterburner
* On warmer maps, engine may overheat after extended periods of afterburner usage
* While rather fast, cannot go supersonic at sea level; not nearly fast enough to outrun supersonic jets it commonly faces such as the MiG-21, F-104, and F-5C
* No countermeasures

== History ==

By the mid-50s, jet aircraft had become robust machines which had obtained sufficient combat experience for the next step into a fundamentally new age: the era of supersonic speed. Supersonic fighters were developed by both of the main opposing nations of the Cold War. In parallel with the development of the MIG-19 in the USSR, American aircraft designers were putting the finishing touches on their own design for their first supersonic fighter, the F-100. The F-100 Super Sabre entered serial production somewhat later than its Soviet counterpart, but it needed just as many improvements and upgrades.

The F-100's main problems were its high failure rate and the shortcomings of its control systems. In addition, a fighter-bomber version was also being developed based on the Super Sabre: the F-100D, which featured an increased vertical and horizontal fin area and expanded capabilities with regard to suspended weaponry. In the end, it was the D version that became the most widespread modification of the single-seat Super Sabre thanks to its improved control and excellent combat abilities as either a fighter-bomber or pure fighter. In terms of suspended weaponry, the F-100D was able to carry over twenty extremely varied weapon load-outs, from traditional high-explosive bombs and rockets to air-to-air rockets and nuclear bombs.

''- From [[wt:en/news/5929-development-f-100d-super-sabre-the-new-era-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-100d Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:F_100d_wallpaper_001.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_002.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_003.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_004.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_005.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_006.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_007.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|XFKJSkrgA0w|'''The Shooting Range #133''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the F-100D.|r4iaAbCImj0|'''F-100D Super Sabre [CloudMaker!]''' - Jengar|udBJeO9aMbg|'''How To Grind The F100 In War Thunder''' - ''TheLoganatorz''|fjqlRenNUAs|'''F-100 Super Sabre - Tips and Gameplay''' - ''WhooptieDo''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* North American [[F-86 (Family)|F-86]] Sabre

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Dassault [[Super_Mystere_B2|Super Mystere]]
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-19PT|MiG-19]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5929-development-f-100d-super-sabre-the-new-era-en|[Devblog] F-100D Super Sabre: The New Era]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/436416-f-100d-super-sabre/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

P-40F-5 Lafayette (France)

2024-08-31T18:50:12Z

U162300818: Added the history section

{{About
|about= premium fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage = other versions
|link = P-40 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=p-40f-5_france_ep
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|store=9510
}}

== Description ==

The P-40F differed from earlier P-40 variants by having the Merlin engine. The Allison V-1710 engine made around 1,150 hp but the Merlin engine produced 1,300 hp; a 12% increase. One way to tell a P-40F from earlier variants was the lack of an air scoop on top of the engine. To increase stability, the fuselage was lengthened. The P-40F also brought with it the nickname "Warhawk". A significant portion of all P-40Fs built were sent to the Royal Air Force under the Lend-Lease program. However, many of the P-40Fs sent to the RAF were either returned to the US or lost in shipping. Some P-40Fs were sent to the "Free French" Air Force and saw use in North Africa. The French P-40F was named "Lafayette", which was based on the French squadron (GC 2/4 La Fayette) who used them.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced as a premium fighter in Update [[Update "Raining Fire"]]. Although it features the Packard-Merlin engine, the P-40F is still best suited to low-altitude fighting. Its high speed handling is quite poor and makes it difficult to get guns on target. However, it does have a relatively high structural limit of 819 km/h (509 mph), so players can quickly dive away if needed. The Lafayette comes armed with six 12.7 mm machine guns, a big improvement over earlier P-40 variants. On the other hand, the P-40F was still quite early in the war and doesn't have access to late-war 12.7 mm machine gun belts. Nonetheless, the P-40F Lafayette is a good low-altitude fighter thanks to its weaponry and flight performance.
== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

The P-40F-5 does not climb well so side-climbing is advised. The engine is best performing at low to mid altitudes of about up to 3,000 m. Utilizing WEP causes the engine to overheat very fast. The aircraft does not turn well at speeds under 300 km/h, but has a great energy retention, which makes it very suitable for Boom and Zoom attacks.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,029 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
| 588 || 569 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.1 || 22.0 || 7.7 || 7.7 || rowspan="2" | 350
|-
! Upgraded
| 646 || 615 || 18.9 || 20.0 || 15.9 || 11.2
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 819  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 595 || 530 || 245 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 420 || < 380 || < 420 || > 340
|-
|}

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


;Armour plates

* 3 mm steel between oil cooling system and engine
* 8 mm steel behind pilot
* 38 mm bulletproof glass in front of pilot
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 behind pilot, 1 under pilot, 1 in front of pilot's feet)

;Critical components

The oil and liquid cooling system are both located under the nose of the plane. When hit, both will leak out almost instantly and causes engine failure shortly after.

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

== 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 (281 rpg = 1,686 total)

The most versatile ammunition belt for the machine guns is either the Universal belts that consists of AP/AP/AP/T/I bullets or the Ground targets belt consisting of T/AP/AP/AP rounds. The only difference between those two belts is the missing incendiary bullet in the Ground targets one. Both share the same penetration properties of 20 mm at 500 m at 0° and are capable of destroying or damaging a majority of tanks at this BR while utilizing attack from the top on turret roof or engine deck.

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

{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
* 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (500 lb total)
* 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb + 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (700 lb total)

The single 500 lb bomb can be used in mixed ground battles to destroy enemy armoured vehicles while the 2 x 100 lb bombs can be utilized to destroy soft targets like SPAAs or open-topped vehicles.

== Usage in battles ==


'''Air RB'''

The P-40 is good at low altitude and turn-fights. Compared to planes like Bf-109's that it faces, eg [[Bf 109 E-3|the E-3]], [[Bf 109 G-2|G-2s]] and [[Bf 109 F-4|F-4s]], these aircraft can't keep up in a turn but are overall faster. The speed of this aircraft, 560 km/h makes it pretty fast for its rank and battle rating, however, this is only applied at lower altitudes. An important point to remember is that this aircraft '''cannot''' perform above 5,000 m. While it can eventually reach 9,555 m, it is all but useless at this altitude, since any aircraft it would typically meet at that height would have superior engines that work best at these altitudes.

When you dive on other planes, watch your speed! This aircraft is nearly uncontrollable at a speed of 600 km/h or faster when in dive. It is advised to stay at a perfect combat speed of 400 - 500 km/h. The Kittyhawk's 6 x 12.7 mm makes it very powerful for its rank because other planes have only started utilizing cannons and are typically outfitted with mostly lower calibre guns such as 7.7 mm or the like. The 1686 rounds of the 12.7 mm can be conserved, however spraying will cause the ammo count to reduce very quickly- hitting the target well ( wings and control surfaces )is very effective. An aware and good pilot can make up to 5 kills in a single round against human pilots. Watch your engine temperature when you climb- if you climb- as it will sit at an acceptable level of heating unless damaged. When diving, set the throttle to 0% to reduce temperature and speed when diving- the most embarrassing thing would be to crash into the ground due to control lock-up!

'''Ground RB'''

The P-40 can excel as a fighter as air battles often take place at lower altitudes in order to support allied ground units. The P-40 can out-turn most of its contemporaries and can also boom and zoom on slower, less armoured targets (i.e. a lot of Japanese air vehicles). Below is a list of some air units you will face and should take care in engaging.

'''Air SB'''

The P-40 can be used for BnZ fighting, bomber hunting and ground pounding in Sim. It is a decent plane with distinct pros and cons. Its heavy firepower of 6 x 12.7 mm MGs can critically damage the enemy and rip it apart. It also has great dive speed and decent level speed, capable of outrunning slower opponents like A6M. However, it is a nose-heavy plane so unlike other planes, the P-40 has to trim the elevators upwards. It has extremely limited visibility with lots of canopy frames and a razorback design which obstructs the backwards visibility. The P-40's over-the-nose visibility is one of the worst due to its big, long engine, and the small intake on top of the cowling, making leading very hard. Moreover, its engine tends to overheat frequently even with 95% throttle, meaning you have to cut throttle a lot to avoid damaging the engine.

Before entering a battle, it is recommended to set keybinds for trimming and vertical head movements to improve the forward visibility a bit. Take at least 30 minutes of fuel. Set the convergence between 250-500 m, with vertical targeting on.

The tactics against fighters remain the same as above - BnZ them.

You want to be more careful when hunting bombers, since with the Sim control (whether it be mouse joystick or a real stick) the plane will manoeuvre much more gently, making itself a great target for the bomber's gunners. DO NOT follow behind a bomber's six unless you are sure that its tail gunners are unconscious. Chasing behind a bomber makes yourself pretty much stationary for the tail gunners, and you will be showered with bullets. The engine of the P-40 will usually get damaged. Instead, before launching an attack, get an altitude advantage over the bomber by flying around 2 km above it. The bomber should only fill up about 1/6 of your gunsight. The best position for an attack is at the bomber's high six so you can adjust the lead much easier. Dive at the bomber, but not directly at it, try to predict where you two will crash by imagining yourself as a missile, that's where you should aim at (deflection shooting). To maximise the damage it is better to aim for their wings and engines, as the fuselage usually soaks up quite some bullets. Only fire when the bomber passes in front of your guns. This short window might seems inadequate to do anything, but the six MGs on the P-40 are actually pretty destructive, as sometimes it only takes one bullet to set the target aflame.

'''Ground Attack'''

Since the P-40F can carry bomb payloads of 2 x 100 lb or 1 x 500 lb or 2 x 100 lb + 1 x 500 lb, it is a good attack aircraft for its rank. If you select the Ground targets belt you can destroy most land based units- even pillboxes; ground targets ammunition also works most excellently against aircraft.

In Ground RB, the 500 lb bomb can easily dispatch tanks at higher BRs, as long as you are accurate in dropping the bomb. Taking a leaf from the Stuka's book and diving from altitude is the best way to directly target heavy and medium tanks. You can climb to a higher altitude and look out for cannon flares and flak/machine gun fire. By using the zoom camera (bound to Z on PC by default) you can target and dive on an enemy vehicle. Make sure to drop from a reasonable altitude if the assault fuse is used as the shockwave and shrapnel from the blast will easily shred the P-40's airframe. Using a timed fuse will allow you to drop closer to your target safely but gives the target the chance to move from the bomb into safety.

The Ground targets belt is excellent at attacking open top and lightly/un-armoured vehicles like SPAA but beware that by targeting them you can be easily shot down by SPAA. Normally a quick but accurate burst can easily neutralise even the most stubborn SPAA units at its BR with the Kittyhawks 6 .50 cals.

Using the test-flight arena is a great way to hone your bombing and .50 cal aiming skills, as both the Panzer and Sd.K.Fz offer good targets that reflect in battle targets very well.

Note that in SB, the P-40 will wobble a lot (sideways mainly) so you must get used to smoothing the plane down in order to hit ground targets.

==== Specific enemies worth noting ====
Some concerning fighters the P-40F has to watch out for are the:

* Bf 109s: [[Bf 109 E-3|Emil]], [[Bf 109 F-4|Friedrich]]
* [[A6M2]]
* [[Yak-1B|Yak 1B]]/[[Yak-7B]]
* Spitfires: [[Spitfire Mk IIb|Mk II]], [[Spitfire Mk Vb/trop|Mk Vb]]

'''Against the Bf 109:'''

* Turn-fighting, since the Bf 109s beyond F models can't turn so well, especially at higher speed- if your opponent does lose their energy advantage, you can then catch and destroy them in a turn-fight.

'''Against the A6M:'''

* Boom & Zoom- dive on the target and engage. Due to its lack of armour and large fuel tanks, the A6M is easy to destroy.
* Outrun the A6M- the A6M isn't a really high-speed plane, the P-40E can outrun it flat-out easily, so turn around after 3-4 km and try to head on or start climbing then. The A6M might start to climb to try and gain energy- if you keep running from it, you will put enough space between you and your opponent to climb to an acceptable altitude, or re-group with allies.

'''Against the Yak-1/7:'''

* Turn-fighting is recommended as a last resort, especially with the Yak-1B's superior handling and turn-radius. You will not be able to outrun a Yak and head-ons are not advised due to the Yak's nose weapons. Try and get a friend to assist you, without losing speed- avoid engaging and losing speed, otherwise, the Yak will catch you. If you are in a squad, stick together and use the scissor-baiting method, until an opponent locks onto one of you, then you can destroy it. Boom and zoom should be used, but the circumstances often don't arise.

'''Against Spitfires:'''

* Try to Boom and Zoom, if given the position to do so. In a straight line ,the P-40 will outrun a Spitfire at lower altitudes, but not out-climb it. The performance of the Spitfire makes it a difficult enemy, only turn-fight with it at high speed- wingmen or more teammates is the optimal solution, strength in numbers.

'''Against the [[H6K4]]/[[B18A]]'''

* These bombers all have fairly deadly defensive guns. The H6K has a powerful 20 mm cannon facing backwards, so avoid tailing it from its six unless its gunner is unconscious. Engage from its sides or high six and aim for its wings. Your 6 x 12.7 mm MG will destroy its wing structures easily or set it aflame. For the B18, their 13.2 mm MG will easily snap the P-40's wing off with a short burst so avoid attacking them from behind. Utilise deflection shooting against them, to give their gunners little chance of targeting you.

=== 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 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Fast plane for its BR
* Heavily armed with 6x 0.50 cal machine guns
* Can carry bombs
* Great energy retention

'''Cons:'''

* Engine overheats very quickly
* Abysmal climb rate
* Very slow roll rate
* Slow turn rate when flying under 300 km/h

== History ==
The French P-40F was named “Lafayette” after the famous Lafayette Escadrille, a squadron of American volunteer pilots who flew for France during World War I.

In late 1942, as French forces in North Africa aligned with the Allies, the U.S. transferred P-40Fs to the French squadron GC II/5, which had historical ties to the Lafayette Escadrille. These aircraft played a significant role in the North African campaign, providing air support and engaging in dogfights with Axis aircraft.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-40f-5_france_ep 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/414730-p-40f-10/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Curtiss}}
{{France fighters}}
{{France premium aircraft}}